The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, June 15, 1972, Page Page 7, Image 7
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6 For the
S4K ) Sunday T.
I-20 on U.
missing it
At 2 p.m
of Richlat
mission fi
compete i
Cycle Cir
During the afternoon fifteen races are held, ti
heats in each of five classes. Classes range fi
100 cc .Jr. to the 301 cc and open category. Althc
cash prizes in excess of $500 are awarded,
majority of riders will never see the green bF
but continually find themselves plagued
breakdowns, wipeouts and dust.
[otocross provides
spectator thrills
By Ben Baggott
sporting enthusiast who is beginning to think the average
V. golf match is losing its thrill, a short trip two miles north of
S. Highway 21, June 25, may provide a little of the excitement
I much Sunday sports fare.
., rain or shine, spectator-sportsmen will gather to witness one
id County's growing activities - Motocross racing. For an ad
e of two dollars ($2) the viewer will watch 50 to 80 riders
n the five classes of competition sponsored by the Columbia
cus, Inc.
tree Cyclists seem to be tenacious by nature,
rom however, and those who are not among the first to
ugh cross the finish line (or who do not make it across
the at all) are back in the competition quickly.
cks The races themselves are lengths of dust, deep
with ruts, challenging jumps, steep hills and hairpin
turns, each waiting to break a driver who isn't up
to standards. Straight-away speeds reach 60+ mph
but abruptly shift as drivers try to maneuver 180
degree turns without wiping out. Although jumps
add to the excitement, most of the action occurs in
the turns.
In recent years the use of safety equipment has
increased, insuring that immediate fun does not
end in injury. To race, each bike must also pass a
safety inspection including a thorough check of the
brakes and suspension system. An approved
helmet with goggles is the only required piece of
equipment although the cyclist who competes
every weekend dons other safety gear including
boots, leather pants, and gloves.
F~or those racers who find rocks between their
teeth annoying, a tooth protector such as the ones
common to football has been adapted to serve the
cyclist. Because of improved safety standards and
equipment regulations, wrecks and wipeouts which
could have causes serious injury in the past, are
RM now minor occurences.
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