Not many readers would argue that in the main, motorcyclists are individually motivated, some going to extraordinary measures to break some existing record or create a new one,
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Who could forget the precision riders risking life and limb in the ‘Wall of Death’, a breathtaking act in a steel sphere.
But wait, there’s more.
Those who compete in track and road races do it constantly but those who seek to create a new record for some extraordinary feat, only to be included in the record books, are something else.
Stand-alone stunt wars creator, Todd Colbert decided to set a record for the longest wheelie (riding the motorcycle on its rear wheel) with nine people aboard on his 1992 GSX-R1100 which he accomplished with a wheelie over a distance of 303 feet in 1998.
Then there was A C Farias from The Netherlands who set the record for the longest wheelie riding no hands at a distance of 292 feet.
Twelve time trial world champion, Dougie Lampkin rode the entire Isle of Mann course on the back wheel of his trials motorcycle, a distance of some 32 miles.
What about riding for 200 miles on the back wheel by Yasukuki Kudo riding a Honda TLM220R for 205 metres at the Japanese Auto Research Institute proving ground in May 1991.
Patrick Furstinhoff, known as the internet sensation Ghost Rider, in 1999 clocked 307.8 kilometres per hour (191.3mph) on the back wheel of his turbo charged Honda Super Blackbird 1100.
He broke his own record a few months a few months later with a wheel stand at the speed of 214mph which wasn’t official and did not count.
Back in 2006, 213 bikes got together to create a “burnout” in unison, only in the USA of course.
Hats off to a totally blind rider, Ben Furton setting a record on the South Australia salt flats when he became, in 2014, the fastest blind man in the world at the speed of 250kph.
I see some young boys doing wheelies on their push bikes at times and I wonder if they are practising for the record books or just showing off.
Taree and District Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club
Calendar of club events
Sunday, September 24: Distinguished gentleman’s ride, leaving 9.30am at the Taree visitor information centre.
Wednesday, September 28: Mid week riders’ choice, three venues, 9.30am respectively.
Saturday, September 30 to Monday, October 2: Walcha Challenge, leaving 9.30am at the Taree visitor information centre.
Saturday, October 1: Stroud Fair for BYO lunch, leaving 9.30am at the Taree visitor information centre.
Wednesday, October 4: Moorland mid week ride, leaving 9.30am at the Taree visitor information centre.
Sunday, October 8: President’s ride, bring your oldest bike to Croki for a club supplied barbecue, note time, 10.30am at the visitor information centre.
Wednesday, October 11: Mid week riders’ choice, three venues, 9.30am respectively.
Sunday, October 15: Port Classic bike show, Settlers Inn, leaving 9.30am at the Taree visitor information centre.
Monday, October 16: Annual general meeting at the Airport Tavern, Cundletown, 7.30pm.
