Saturday 31 May 2014

Springfield Mile Report

I like to try get the official AMA Pro Racing photos up earlier than this, but we've been on a road trip around the USA since Springfield and this is the first chance.
Sideburn was out at the track for the first twins race of the season and we were reminded what a great show the AMA organisation and racers put on.
Bryan Smith looked unbeatable all day and ended up winning the Dash and Main on his Crosley Kawasaki, that had a new chassis for this season.
Kenny Coolbeth came in second, racing the XR750 of the Zanotti team for the first time in a GNC round.
Mikey Martin made the main on the Bonneville Performance Triumph, but didn't make it to the end of the race that had numerous restarts.
The Pro Twins, support class for up and comers - formerly called Basic Twins, were out in force. Early in the day it looked like a lot of the riders on Kawasaki framers were having trouble with stability. JR Addison was spat of his at the end of the straight in practice in a terrible looking crash.
17F, Jarod Vanderkooi had no such problems, winning his class by 6.5 secs over a 12-mile race.
Steve Morehead came out to ride in a 'parade' race for the upcoming reboot of the On Any Sunday franchise that is being filmed by Bruce Brown's son, Dana.
Jake Johnson, #5, looked a threat early in the race, but faded as the restarts seemed to take their toll on his Lloyd Brothers Ramspur Ducati.
Shayna Texter was hotly tipped, having won mile races on her 450, but her Latus Triumph had an evil weave on the straights and she parked it before the end of her semi, so didn't make the Pro Twins 18-rider main.
Dash for Cash, for the six best qualifiers, Smith #42, won from Coolbeth and Johnson, with Mees, Robinson and Wiles coming in behind in the bonus -paying four-lapper.
 Can you spot us?
Pretty much sums up the race, but it was exciting, especially as Bonsey crashed twice, once after seeming to get gently nerfed by Brad Baker.

Next race is Knoxville Half-Mile in Iowa on June 15. Get there if you can. G

All photos courtesy of AMA Pro Racing

Friday 30 May 2014

The Fast Of The Forest: Showing at the TT


The Fast of the Forest
01/06/2014 – 07/06/2014
11am –Manx Museum –Free.
Follow Finnish newcomer Juha Kallio as he fulfills his dream of racing in the 2013 Isle of Man TT. Film Premiere and meet the producer: 11am Mad Sunday
Showing by kind permission of Antti Jääskeläinen
Film duration: 70 min.
Admission Free. - See more at: Manx National Heritage

Dirt Quake USA Schedule


Saturday May 31st

12:00 - 5:00pm - Moto Attic Swap Meet -Inside gate right behind corner 1 grandstands.
5:00 - 10:00pm Mt St Helens MC presents Castle Rock Short Track racing.
10:00 - 10:30pm DJ playing some rock 'n' roll while band sets up.
10:30 - 12:00pm Vicious Cycles (the band). Free Beer!

Sunday June 1st
(no engine start until 12:00 pm)

9:00 - 11:00am Dirt Quake sign ups.
11:15am Riders' Meeting.
12:00 - 12:15pm Parade lap (all Dirt Quake bikes).
12:15 - 1:00pm Practice - (each racer gets one practice ticket. 5 laps).
Practice order:
  Lady class
  Inappropriate Street Bike
  Street Tracker
  Chopper
  Kitchen Sink
  250
  450
  
1:30 - 3:30pm Heat Races start
Race order.
1.            Lady class
2.            250
3.            450
4.            Street Tracker
5.            Inappropriate Street Bike
6.            Kitchen Sink
7.            Chopper
           
3:30 - 4:30pm Lunch intermission
Taste of the track: $10 for 10 laps open to all racers and bikes. Must wear proper safety equipment, glass lights taped up. Will provide masking tape.

4:30 - National anthem.
4:35 - Main event
1.            Lady class
2.            250
3.            450
4.            Street Tracker
5.            Inappropriate Street Bike
6.            Kitchen sink
7.            Chopper

6:30pm Awards ceremony.

Thursday 29 May 2014

Dirt Quake USA: FAQs


Dirt Quake FAQ..

Q: Where is Castle Rock race track
A: Located at Castle Rock Fairgrounds. Exit 49 off I-5
Address: 120 Fair Lane , Castle Rock. Washington

Q: When is Dirt Quake?
A: Swap meet and campout start Saturday May 31 at 12:00 noon. Regular races are saturday night starting at 7:00pm, Dirt Quake Exhibition starts 12:00 noon Sunday June 1st.

Q: How Much is it?
A: 10$ to watch.

Q: How much to camp?
A: $10 per car, vehicle.

Q: How do you sign up? and How much? $50, includes goodie bag.
A: Pre registration can be done http://www.sideburnmagazine.com/DIRT_QUAKE_USA.html

Q: Are kids and animals welcome?
A: yes, kids are more than welcome. Kid Friendly Event. Animals on leash only. Loose animals are dangerous with racing and bikes.

Q: will there be food?
A: Snack shack will be open saturday night. Sunday there is a general store ½ mile away. They serve sandwiches and burgers.

Q: Can we bring food, beverages in?
A: You can bring food and drinks to the camp lot. No outside food inside track gates. (sorry) BBQs are fine.

Q: can we bring beer in?
A: beer is allowed in camp lot, no outside beer inside track area.

Q: Can I bring a camper van, trailer tent?
A: Yes big grass lot allows space for vehicles of any size.

Q: Can i make a campfire?
A: Yes, but needs to be inside a metal case.

Q: Where can i watch the event?
A: Grandstands are open seating.

Q: Can I go in the pits?
A: Yes, I believe so. Be respectful of racers and their gear.
Q: When does the event start?
A: Sunday at 12:00 noon practice starts.

Q: Can i go in and out of gated area?
A: Yes with proper payment you are granted in and out access. Please keep on bracelet.

Q: Swap meet?
A: Saturday from 12. noon-5pm

Q: How much is the swap?
A: $10 which covers spectating for the races to follow. (all people going in and out of track area must pay the $10.

 Rider/ Racer FAQ
Q: How much is it to race?
A: $50 dollars pre- registration. Every entry comes with a goodie bag of stuff.

Q: What classes can bikes sign up for?
A: Dirt tracker, Inappropriate road bike, chopper, women, Kitchen sink (for everything else), 250 and 450.

Q: How do I know what class to sign up for?
A: Email a picture of your bike to Dirt@sideburnmagazine.com . We will help you figure it out.

Q: Do you need a licence?
A: Nope, come race!

Q: When do I check in?
A: Sunday morning at the sign up station from 9-11am

Q: What do I need to race?
A: Helmet, gloves, Pants, long sleeve, gear and bike Safety check, (bring bike to sign up)

Q: Is there a safety inspection?
A: yes, Located next to the sign up station. All bikes must be safety inspected.

Q: What time is the Safety meeting?
A: Right before practice starts, all riders must attend.

Q: When is practice?
A: see schedule

Q: How do I practice?
A: you will get two practice tickets allowing you on the track for 5 laps each try. Practice order will be posted on schedule. (please go easy on practice there will be many skill levels on the track and we don't want any injuries.

Q: How will the races go:
A: One heat race to determine your grid position.

Q: How many trophies are there? and when is the ceremony?
A: Each class gets 1st, 2nd,  3rd. We are shooting for 6:30, listen for announcements.

Wednesday 28 May 2014

Tuesday 27 May 2014

Dirt Quake USA Entries: Last Call

Tomorrow is the last day to have your bike approved for entry Dirt Quake. There are some great entries, well, they're all great entries. Send a photo of your bike to dirt @ sideburnmagazine.com

We are currently travelling in the USA, with limited time to check the emails, so be patient, but as long as you get your approval in and then follow it up with payment when we've approved, you'll be in.

Racers: If you have already entered, your final instructions are coming soon (ish...)

Spectators: The weather forecast says it's going to be great, so come out and watch the regular flat track on Saturday; browse The Moto Attic swap meet and then stare, goggle-eyed, at the Dirt Quake mayhem on Sunday. The Vicious Cycles play on Saturday night. Camping is available. 

Massive thanks to See See Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson and all the Dirt Quake sponsors for making it happen.

For a good time. #DQUSA

Brought to you by:
Sideburn Magazine
Harley Davidson 
See See Motorcycles 

With help from:
the Moto Attic 
Roland Sands Designs 
MotoFactory 
Stumptown Coffee
Icon 1000 
Sizzle Pie Pizza 
Burly Brand 
Biltwell Helmets
Zaeta Motorcycles 
Iron And Resin 
Lowbrow Customs 
Poler Stuff 

WHERE Castle Rock, WA – 58 miles north of Portland, OR 117 miles south from Seattle, WA. 

WHEN Saturday, May 31st – Sunday, June 1st, 2014
Poster artwork by Adi Gilbert/99 Seconds

Monday 26 May 2014

Whites

No info on the origins of this photo, but his wardrobe is definitely cutting the mustard. BP

Sunday 25 May 2014

Spot The Mistake

A real Harley advert thanking their dealers from earlier this month. G

Saturday 24 May 2014

Pole Position

And they're still coming in...

Hey, so I won an amateur night at a strip club and used the cash to buy a '79 xr250 last week. Never raced in my life. It's not road legal but the worst you can say is no, right, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Lady class. Thanks, Chris Black

Friday 23 May 2014

Springfield This Weekend!

Remember, Sideburn's Ben, Gary and Dave will be in Peoria on Friday and Springfield on Saturday and Sunday. Hunt us down, buy a mag and/or say hello. G

Thursday 22 May 2014

Desmosedici by DSC

Death Spray Custom's latest is going to be on show at this weekend's Bike Shed Event in London, which sounds like it's going to be an absolute banger. You'd be foolish to miss it.

If we hadn't already booked our flights for the Springfield Mile by the time they'd announced the date, we'd have been all over it.  G

Wednesday 21 May 2014

RSD KTM Tracker


This bike is featured in glorious 2D, printed by Welsh craftsman, in the latest Sideburn.
Now, we know you can see it here for free, but you can't get the insight, from KTM designer and the über-blogger, Piers S-P of derestricted.com, that accompanies the visuals.

If you've never bought a copy Sideburn - happy instead to browse the blog, you don't know how much effort goes into the angles and executions of the stories. Some are written by the owners. Some are written by designers. Others by top journalists, leading racers, engineers, experts, team magaers or even cult film directors.

I feel we need to remind those who consume purely digital info that Instagram and facebook serves up a Tic-Tac of infotainment, blogs deliver between a Jaffa Cake and, in some rare cases, a good bacon sandwich's worth. Sideburn cooks up a Michelin-starred feast with enough left over, after the first sitting, to require a Bull Mastiff-sized doggy bag for your next sitting.

It's that good. Get a copy, for just £5 plus post, at the Sideburn online shop. G

One-Off Wednesday

SOLD OUT

Ex-display leather key fob (with very slight 'patina'). The last one.
Handmade in England by Chester Belter.
100% Italian tanned hide. Debossed with the Sideburn logo on one side and the iconic Dunlop/Goodyear dirt track tyre tread on the other.
1" nickel plated, solid brass D ring.
3-cord Coates Barbour 100% linen thread that is further treat by hand waxing it.
Packaged in cotton drawstring bags which also contain a 25mm nickel-plated split ring incase needed to attach keys. Veg tanned.
£15 plus post.
Get it at the Sideburn Shop.

Tuesday 20 May 2014

Dirt Quake USA Swap Meet

Dirt Quake USA is a two-day affair.
Day 1: Conventional Dirt Track racing, band, beer, carousing, camping and swap meet.
The swap meet is organised by Moto Attic.The pitches are free, but space is limited. If you want one, go to themotoattic.com

Day 2: Dirt Quake racing - chopper dirt track, inappropriate road bike, lady class, motorised food stuffs...

WHO OR WHAT IS THE MOTO ATTIC?
(In their own words) The Moto Attic is a free virtual marketplace specializing in all aspects of buying, selling, trading, and sharing motorcycle related products and events. Whether you are looking for a specific part, used race gear, local event or even that rare motorcycle you've always wanted, we understand that not everyone wants to route through all the things they don't want to possibly find what they do.

Monday 19 May 2014

Mad Max in Sideburn #17

In the latest issue of Sideburn, we run two pieces on the first, the rough and the dirty... Mad Max. We interviewed key players in the film's making, including the director George Miller, cinematographer David Eggby, Hugh Keays-Byrne (bike gang leader The Toecutter) and Bertrand Cadart, who made the fairings for the (mainly) Kawasaki Z1000s. We even managed to talk to Dale Bensch, reputedly killed when the infamous bridge stunt went wrong (see clip below). He seemed remarkably chatty for a bloke 36 years dead.

On top of that, in a separate feature we asked Repo Man and Straight To Hell director Alex Cox for his views on what has become a post-apocalyptic benchmark, shot on a budget, featuring Melbourne bike gang members as stunt men and that only made it to the screen thanks to long nights and hard graft by a couple of blokes with a vision. There you go, just two reasons of many to pick up Sideburn #17. MP

Long Wheelbase

We really don't need yet another vehicle in our household. A 9th bicycle for a family of four is getting excessive. But this Adams Trail-A-Bike (I believe the Canadian firm invented them?) seemed like a good idea. ike is fast on his own micro mini, but he has zero road sense. Bristol is hilly and pedalling our trusty 45kg Dutch Bakfiets is getting more strenuous as the kids get heavier by the week. The combined weight of the new set-up is 21kg less, there is some extra HP on tap and it was only £20 on Gumtree so it's ticking lots of boxes. In theory.
In practice there is a frightening amount of tail-wagging-the-dog effect (even if ike isn't doing ballet plié), and it's 23cm longer over-all. Not good. I've now tightened right up the universal-joint coupling but there is still slack in the connecting pin. I reckon 20cm could be cut out of the main top-tube to bring the the trailer as close as possible to my back wheel. But even with those modifications, the bottom line is, I don't like not being able to see what he's up to, or if other traffic is paying him any attention. BP

OR as Dutch Brothers, Jan-Willem suggests, go for the family tandem designed by Ronald Onderwater. It's wheelbase is 19cm shorter than the Bakfiets.

Sunday 18 May 2014

Red Max snaps

Great turn out, and a very healthy mix of bikes at the Red Max open day yesterday.
This dinosaur was my favourite.
Always good to have a rummage in the workshop too. BP