1957 Death Valley Motorcycle Run 3rd Annual - 4-Page Vintage Article

Description

1957 Death Valley Motorcycle Run 3rd Annual - 4-Page Vintage Article
Original, Vintage Magazine Article
Page Size: Approx. 9" x 12" (22.5 cm x 30 cm) each page
Condition: Good
THIS is the third year for the Death
Valley Motorcycle Run, and it is grow-
bigger each year. Over seven hundred
riders turned out for this two day ride in
the desert. They came from everywhere, as
far away as Texas, Florida, Iowa, North-
ern California and every city in Southern
California was represented.
The Flap Jack Run started from Barstow.
The check points were held by different
motorcycle clubs that are members of the
newly formed Road Riders Assn. The club
holding a check with the most unique idea
representing his club was to be awarded
a trophy. This proved interesting and as we
came into each check we wondered what
the club would have. The run is a combination road map and lime run.
At 6:00 A.M. Saturday, October 19th, the little desert town of Barstow was
huming with motorcycles for it was just three miles east of here that the first check
was held by the Slow Pokes MC of Pomona. They were there about thirty strong, look-
ing real smart in their green and yellow shirts, complete with their mascot, a real live
turtle dressed in a green and yellow shirt and complete with a real safety helmet. At
this check each contestant received a card with a numbered stub attached, also a
souvenir pin of the run. They were instructed to follow the map and the lime and go on
co check two.
Welcome to the/<757
TH/RD Annual
DEATH
VALLEY
Motorcycle
The Slow Pokes' display at the first check. Note turtle with
helmet on saddle.
The morning was beautiful, a bit cool, but everyone was
eager to be on the way. They traveled through Yermo and after
about sixty five miles, the town of Baker could be seen in the
distance. The maps showed this to be a place for gas and refresh-
ments. Coming into town one of the restaurants had a big sign
in the window, MOTORCYCLISTS WELCOME. Baker is where
we leave the main highway and head for Death Valley. A short
distance out of Baker was check number two. Here the Compton
Cubs were stationed. They had a clever club sign with lots of
little cub bears to
greet the riders. Each rider had to check in
here and have their cards stamped. This
was not a timed run, therefor everyone
took time to visit and see things.
From here the riders road on to Sho-
shone, a very historical point in Death
Valley. This is just a small place, a filling
station, grocery store and small cafe with
seating capacity for about fifteen. (Imagine
feeding seven hundred motorcyclists here).
This point was check three, held by the
These are Official Worriers who organized the Death Valley
run three years ago. Left to right: Harley Rathbun, Bea
Rathbun, Lloyd McComb, Bobbie Hutchins and Dick Hutchins.
Not shown was Chuck Arri.
Eight Owls MC of Whittier, and the Santa Ana Cruiser’s MC.
As the riders rode into this check they were greeted with a
huge sign reading, BE WISE, BE ALERT, BE ALIVE TO-
NIGHT, this was very cleverly done and surrounded by eight
very wide eyed cardboard owls.
After having the cards stamped here we headed for BAD-
WATER, fifty-five miles to the next check. This part of the
country is very picturesque, but lonesome, miles and miles
without seeing any habitation and only a little chipmunk once
in awhile. By this time the temperature was nearly ninety and
all the jackets and heavy gear was strapped to the luggage
carriers. Boy, it was getting hot, will we ever get to check four,
where would a fellow find water out here? They rode on and
rounding a big bend was a welcome sight for there was BAD
WATER, 270 feet below sea level, and the Ace of Clubs of
Los Angeles was waiting with gallons of ice cold lemonade,
free, and all we could drink. Thanks to the Ace of Clubs for
being so thoughtful, it sure was appreciated by each and every
rider.
The cards were stamped here and we were on the way again,
someone said it was only a few miles to check five, but those
few miles were hot and dusty, but one never can tell about
Mother Nature as she had decided to send a heavy down pour
between the time the run was layed out and the day of the run
and the flash floods had covered the road with gravel and silt.
No one seemed to mind too much, it added interest to the run.
It was nearing two o’clock and it was hot, but not hoc enough
to think we were seeing things, but as we rode into check five
there was a big brown bear as big as a man, riding a motor-
cycle, could this be true? After investigating we found chat
this was the last check for the Flap Jack Run and it was being
taken care of by the Bear Stare MC of Glendale and this was one
After a hot but enjoyable ride, their destination is at last
in sight.
Bear State MC at check #5.
Compton Cubs at check #2.
Ace of Clubs MC were a welcome sight at check #4 with
their lemonade.
14604-5712-23