THE MARCH/APRIL ISSUE IS OUT!

You can pick it up for free at your friendly local dealer or shop! Remember, if they do not carry it or run out just let us know and we will get to work on it right away!

This issue is a real treat for all you motocross fans. I landed a deal with Gary Semics to tell his story! It’s  about having a factory sponsorship and going to Europe to race against the absolute legends of the time. He raced against the “Unbeatable” Europeans on their own tracks. And he…well…you’ll just have to get the issues and read the series for yourself.

Yes! This is a series and it’s really interesting. Remember, this is the mid 1970’s. Motocross bikes were nearly 100% two strokes. They were just really getting some long travel suspension going – from a norm of 2.5″ to maybe 4″ travel to an amazing 6″ or 8″ at the time!

There were Maico’s, CZ’s, Husqvarna’s, Suzuki’s, Kawasaki’s, Honda’s, Greeve’s, Montessa’s, Ossa’s, Penton’s, Hodaka’s…even the British were still fielding some bikes…they had Triumph’s in exotic hand built, one-off frames, BSA, Royal Enfield, Norton, Matchless and others all mixed it up on any Sunday!

Powerbands were narrower than your wallet the week between paydays. Engines were temperamental and prone to seizing at the most frustrating moments, seats stopped at the gas tanks, and the tracks were outside in the real weather. It was nearly as hard to be a spectator as a racer.

The tracks were often little more than a “Hey that looks like it would be cool, lets send them down that hill, over that one and then make a blind hairpin where the mud wallow is.” And they put jumps at the ends of straights. Long straights. Then there would be a curve so close to where you landed that you often already had the brakes on before you landed. Your poor old-fashioned drum brakes would get so hot they smelled, or so wet they were useless.

It was amazingly fun.

And we have Gary Semic’s story.

Right now, I’m just going to take a moment to thank our advertisers. They made this possible – as well some other things I’m working on. Please make use of their services as often as you can or need to.

Special thanks to (alphabetical order) :
Apex Cycle Education – mention Motorcycle Times and get a discount
Jay Irwin Block – your Maryland Motorcycle Lawyer
Emanon Riders – a Delaware family and sober riding group
Gary Semic’s Motocross School – learn from the man
Heyser Cycle – Soon to be celebrating 54 years selling and servicing!
Karma Cycles – a great shop, good people, good work in Easton, MD.
The Law Office of Tom McGrath – “The firm that rides” and a columnist when his time permits. Good advice in most every issue.
Motorcyclepedia – a really cool museum in N.Y. State. Day Trip? Yes! Relax and make it two days.
Roger Lyle’s Motorcycle Xcitement! – Learn how to race, or just be a better rider. I can’t say enough good things about this.
Precision Cycle Works – Old School Mechanic that has kept up to date, he fixes things, a good guy
Twigg Cycles – On two or 4 wheels Twigg can fit your needs!
Williamsburg Motor Works – Quietly doing what everyone else says they do.

And special thanks to Jay Irwin Block, Heyser Cycle, Law Offices of Tom McGrath, Roger Lyle’s Motorcycle Xcitement!, Precision Cycle Works and Twigg Cycles for their loyalty these past few months as we rebuilt and renewed the magazine and website. 

Plus the clubs and other businesses and events that advertised with us on an as needed basis. 

THANK YOU!