So long, Homer

Just heard the sad news that Homer Knapp has passed away. I met him a couple of times, visiting his incredible workshop in North Hollywood, after being taken there by his good friend, Andrew Gray. I even got the opportunity to ride his 1928 Harley JD (above) at Perris, a bike we'd worshipped from afar for years.

Andrew wrote a great story about Homer for Sideburn 7. I've just read it again. If you have it, dig out your copy, give it a read and thank the world for folk like Mr Knapp.

'A down to earth, smart interesting gentleman in the best sense of the word, who while proud of his achievements isn't one to brag.'

So long, Homer. G

Randall BSA

Craig Randall is nearly ready to race. I love this photo. Good luck Craig. G

I will race at Lodi

Craig Randall (in the dark shirt) is the subject of one of my all-time favourite Sideburn features (A life Less Ordinary in Sideburn 3). He got in touch to say the dirt track bug had bitten again.

'It is all settled now. I will race at Lodi in California on 21 May 2011 with my BSA B50 framer. I will ride the 60+ (age) class and the vintage class. The roll call of 60+ guys at Lodi is pretty tough. Steve McCants and I will be reincarnating the Hi Hats Motorcycle Club of Martinez, patch included, of which we were members in the 60's. My race bike is being set up now and I will forward a picture when the number plates are on.
Best, Craig'

Homer Knapp Feature

Two-and-a-bit years to put a name to a face in a snap-shot from an unknown photographer and to arrange a photo-story. It was worth the effort. Our sharp shooter Troy Critchlow flew down to LA from Seattle to meet up with Andrew Gray who wrote the story on the legendary Homer Knapp and his legendary JD Harley. SB#7 is at the printers! BP

Catalina Race Results

Dimitri won his Premier Open Twin B Class. Felicitations!
From JC. Hilderbrand:
...."One of the most interesting racers, and certainly the best dressed, was Dimitri Coste. The Frenchman made the trek all the way from Europe to compete on his 1967 Triumph. Apparently something was lost in translation during the planning process and Coste mistakenly had a set of custom white leathers made up with the incorrect number. Considering the effort it took to get across the world for this event, race organizers gladly swapped numbers in order to ease the sting. The slender French rider overcame a few crashes, one that nearly took out two spectators, to win the Premier Open Twin B class."
Read about Dimitri and the Triumph he raced in Catalina in Sideburn 5.

The next sentence of the report then mentions another hero of ours...
"Another special rider is Homer Knapp. This grizzled motocross veteran raced a Harley-Davidson in the original Catalina GPs and he raced again today - on the same bike!" Duuuuuude. BP

King Shed

Thanks for Captain Simon for forwarding these to us.

Burt and his shed. 1970.

Wise words

From Rouserworks

And Birmingham Small Arms via Poppawheelie

A CB750 and a box of ice screws...

From Aaron of Milwaukee Vintage Motorcyclists via Scott at Fuel Cafe. Thanks Guys.
"My parents live on Lake Winnebago, up near Appleton. My Dad was bored last week, so he got some knobbies, a box of Kold Kutter ice screws, and one of the countless CB750 heaps he has lying around and shook, vigorously. I have no comment, really, beyond that."
By the way, Americans should be made aware that the crackers in the labels is British for mad (in a good way), not any references to race or breeding. OK?

When in doubt...

I love this photo. This is Craig Randall, one of the most interesting men I've met in my fairly interesting life. I spent an evening with him for a feature to be published in a forthcoming SB. GI

I love this photo because:
a. Craig is carrying the number 1 plate on, what I think, is his Honda.
b. His style, high on the seat.
c. He's wearing his field jacket with the insignia of the 1st Cavalry Division on the sleeve. This isn't some fashion statement, he flew helicopters for the US Army in the 60s and 70s (not a good time to be flying helicopters for the US military).
d. That helmet. Craig always wore the coolest home-painted helmets.

Craig just sent in some advice.
"The best advice I ever received was from Tommy Andersen, former AMA Expert flat tracker: it was;
"When in doubt, gas it!"
That got me out of way more trouble than it got me in!
Best Regards,
Craig Randall
36Q (RET)

Mr Perfect and his perfect bike

Last month we put out an APB on this guy via our own private dick Chopper Dave. At that point we had no name, no nothing, except that he and his vehicle are Perfect. Lieutenant Dave is good. The name is Homer Knapp. The game, gnarley 1928 JD.
BP

Respect Pop

The late, great Ernie Pico out at El Mirage. A noted Velo Tuner with the only competitive flat track Velo in the golden era of the 60's. His most famous Velo resides in Dan Riouts museum in Fresno, Ca. Respect Pop. Dig the helmet too.