Great Ride to a Great SpeedWeek

[Eric S]

For the sixth year I rode to Bonneville SpeedWeek. I left Portland, heading south, and rode Hwy 96 through Happy Camp and out to Eureka for the first night. A large fire had been contained, but there was lots of smoke and fire rigs. The next morning, I rode through the Avenue of the Giants and back, and then rode Hwy 36 through Red Bluff and on to Fernley, Nevada for the second night. This was the hottest day of the ride. Third day, I rode across Nevada on Hwy 50 & 722 through Austin to Ely and up to Wendover.

[Eric S]

As always, there were all kinds of bikes going fast at SpeedWeek, including this 50cc Motobecane from France. It set a World's Record in its class of 54.7 mph.

[Eric S]

I was there to crew on a Model A roadster that was trying to regain the record that was at nearly 208 mph. After a spin at over 185, we removed the Posi-traction and replaced the original differential. Owner-driver Jim then went out and ran 210, and followed it up the next morning with another 210 run, giving him the record. I left after this run for Portland, arriving in John Day for the night in the dark and rain. Thursday, I rode to Portland in more cool, wet weather. The ride was wonderful, but a real grind at 2300 miles.

[Nirvana]

Amazing!
Straight from 'The World's Fastest Indian'. LOVED it! Thanks for sharing.

YouTube - The World's Fastest Indian

YouTube - The World's Fastest Indian

And congratulations to the Model A team!

[MacGuy]

I've always wanted to go out there for Speed Week. Do they allow any spectators off to the sides of the course out where the vehicles really go fast?

[Eric S]

Originally Posted by MacGuy

Do they allow any spectators off to the sides of the course out where the vehicles really go fast?

Only as close as the pits. The closest spectators can get is along the north side of the long track, where the pits, inspections, BBQ stand are. This is several hundred feet from the cars. Lots of people park along this line and watch with binoculars. No one except crews with push trucks and CB radios is allowed past the 3 mile marker. All the action is at the start lines and waiting lines. You can sign a waiver, wear a wristband, and get right up to the start, see all the cars and bikes and talk to the racers. Also, you can go through the pits.

[Ally House]

Man, what a good time. I loved your bike on the salt flats!!

[Eric S]

Originally Posted by Ally House

I loved your bike on the salt flats!!

Riding from the paved road out to the action is very interesting. There are wet and dry spots in the salt that are dangerous for a bike. For the record run, I had to ride out in the dark, and went right through a mooshy spot marked by cones that I didn't see, @ 55mph. I always hosed the bike off when I got back to town.

Another Oregonian who was there, Tonya Harding, drove this vintage Model A to a record.

[Nirvana]

From OldPete (Thanks for these!)

YouTube - Burt Munro Offerings To the God of Speed Part 1

YouTube - Burt Munro Offerings To the God of Speed Part 1

YouTube - Offerings To the God of Speed Part 2

YouTube - Offerings To the God of Speed Part 2

YouTube - Burt Munro Offerings to the God of Speed Part 3

YouTube - Burt Munro Offerings to the God of Speed Part 3

[David 1]

For several years now I have been trying to get out there. They have (BUB Speed Trials) a ride what you bring program where anyone can go out on the salt flats for official timing. This year their dates are Sept. 2 to 7, time trials for motorcycles starting at noon on Tuesday.
The website is BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials or speedtrialsbybub.com.
I was unaware that SCTA ran motorcycles also.
dc