(Words and photos by Doug Gregory) – I will admit I am not a biker. I like bikes and can appreciate the effort that goes into building them and am in complete awe of the courage it takes to ride them. Multiply that by 20x for someone that can urge a two-wheeled wonder to set a new course record of TWO-HUNDRED and FOURTY-THREE stinking MILES-AN-HOUR plus change…!!! I’m thinking that’s either completely brilliant or totally nuts. Just wow.
We make much noise about records and high speeds, but everyone at one of these events is trying for a best and everyone in attendance cheers them on. It really is a rally to support everyone’s goals. Some of the biggest talk of the weekend was about a scooter sidecar making about 8hp and it had nitrous plumbed for insurance. A good headwind kept it from realizing its full potential on Sunday, but on Saturday that thing did 46mph. Everyone had a blast (and a sandwich) watching it go. It’s no different when you consider something like the NotRod Neon that is out there making laps and having fun. It’s a quest and a camaraderie that can’t be beat. One last gem I’d like to mention is the gorgeous BSA. That turbo in there is the smallest one I have ever seen. Wonder if I can plumb one of those on my weed-wacker. The time and craftsmanship poured into each and every one of these is a big reason we enjoy this sport so much.
SCROLL DOWN FOR THIS SAMPLING OF ECTA MOTORCYCLES –
wow…outshined by a freak’n tri-cycle…lmao! how is it that I managed three record setting passes to become the fastest street legal electric motorcycle ever to run this event and get completely un noticed??? I love the ecta and everyone involved with landspeed one mile racing. I’m not in it for the press…but a 49cc side car…really? wtf!
I appreciate your attention to detail. I compiled two stories which included motorcycles. Yours is pictured in the 2nd. We were there to enjoy ourselves and take pictures then report on our observations. We didn’t even know your bike was electric until after the event and you asked if anyone got pictures of it on-course – which we did. And I provided you the best photo we had at that time. I’m sorry we didn’t know about it and document the accomplishments. My son and I are not ‘Bangshift’ – we are merely contributors. Plenty of others were there that were and are capable of reporting on the event. We do the best we can to represent everyone that attends an event, but do not do an extensive accounting of results and never have. We rarely even report who won something at a car show or drag race. For the most part – we consider everyone there a ‘winner’ because they’re involved and doing it – often for no reward other than just that.
…funny. that was exactly what I was thinking, dice.
it’s not all about you
Agree 100%. I understand being proud, esp. after pouring your blood sweat and tears into something, but if your in it for press you’re in for the wrong reasons. I’ve been pulling for years (Diesel Pro-stock, & Super Stock Diesel) and never once got a lick of press or accolades from anyone but my fellow competitors. Not putting you down, I’m just keeping it real.
Doug, great pictures. I appreciate you sharing the coverage with those of us in the interwebs who couldn’t be there.
Thank you SIR. That is EXACTLY why we do it. I’ve taken pictures of events since I was quite young and few people ever got to see them. We’d be doing the same thing now, but thankfully Brian and Chad gave us the opportunity to expose a lot of folks to our labor of love. We don’t charge for our photos when someone asks and generally try to take of picture of everything. If we’ve taken a picture of it before, but now can get a better shot or something has changed we will definitely do it again. Its a bit of a sickness.
I might have been impressed by your accomplishment, but then I read your posting. Meow!