So this is it. The new millennium. The new century of motorcycling. Let’s start this new century off right by talking about important and compelling things, like MOTORCYCLES! Hey, what did you expect? Y2K?

O.K., so it didn’t happen. Let’s plan something else now, like starting this year off on the right foot. This is a RoadHouse to remember! We have one that I particularity like, we’re going to do some product testing, review a party and start the year off with an exclusive interview of a true American Champion, Chris Carr, two time Grand National Champion. Bundle up and let’s ride!

Chris Carr wrapped up the old century with a major victory by regaining the coveted number one plate for his motorcycle and becoming the Grand National AMA Champion for 1999. Carr, riding as a privateer, climbed though the gritty, tough ranks of professional race motorcyclists for the hard fought win. The season began in February with the pre-race testing for Daytona and ended in the sun drenched California valley in October. The road to victory was long and tragic for several riders and marked the end of Scott Parker’s career with his last AMA season. "We had a tough season with a couple of deaths and a lot of injuries. We had a couple of people who could have been National Champions, people that had their careers cut short. That was tough on a friendship basis, we saw a lot of our comrades go down with major injuries or pass on as a result of racing. That certainly was the tough part to deal with."

Motorcycle racing, though highly hazardous, is the most exciting spectacle to watch. The seeming impossible speeds and close quarter racing are legendary with a history dating back almost a hundred years. Harley-Davidson effectively became famous through it’s racing alumni that included the ranks of Red Parkhurst, Otto Walker and Joe Petrali. The modern day factory warrior, Scott Parker, nine time world champion, was soundly defeated by the unwavering pressure of Carr throughout the season. The two riders are closely identified with Harley-Davidson, even though the ‘99 season marked Carr’s first season as a privateer sponsored by Sacrameto Harley-Davidson. When asked if the Parker’s farewell season added more pressure to the stressful year, Carr replied, "It got me more pumped up! I wanted to send him out to retirement on a good note and that was to beat him!" Laughing, Carr went on, "It was our last chance to beat Scotty in a regular full season. And we were able to do that."

The dirt track division of the AMA series dates back to the days of cornfields plowed into an oval on a Sunday afternoon with races held after church and dinner. In the 1920’s, ‘Board Track Racing’ became popular on tracks made of wood. Two by fours were placed on edge and stacked together and formed into high banked tracks that allowed speeds of over 100 miles an hour. However, weather and lack of maintenance by promoters proved deadly to racers and spectators. After a few seasons the wood would warp and splinter causing terrible accidents. When a spectator was decapitated, the wood tracks faded into history. Enter the paved high banked oval and clay tracks of modern day.

"I think the riders, sponsors, promoters and the AMA need to step back and take a look at the safety direction of the shows. In my opinion, you’ve got to protect the riders a little bit more. We have been on some race tracks that are suspect as far as safety is concerned. I think if we can all sit down and work together we can come up with a solution that won’t cost everybody a fortune. We have a lot of race tracks that are acceptable, and a lot that aren’t. I think if we put our heads together we can protect our show and improve safety. I think all of the tracks we go to now, be it the Indy Mile or the Daytona Short Track, they could double up on the amount of hay bales or some sort of material that would make a good crash barrier, because crashing is inevitable in this sport."

Carr’s season started strong with a third at Daytona and continued with four more consecutive top three finishes before seizing his first win at Lima, Ohio in June. The highlight was the September 4th win at the Springfield Mile. Standing on the podium with the number one plate proudly held above his head, he secured his second Grand National Championship. The Championship was especially sweet for his team, sponsored by Sacramento Harley, and crew members Kenny Tolvert and Travis Smith. "Mike Shattuck of Sacramento Harley backed us with full support and friendship. We were happy to bring this home for him."

Originally from California, Chris now resides in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, just outside of Redding. His wife Pam and two sons, Camoran (1) and Cale (3) were with him during the season and watched him win the title. Married in 1995, Carr and his wife are a handsome couple and very supportive of each other. The off season, Nov.-Jan., Chris works with Danny Walker and American Super Camp. "American Super Camp is a traveling race school. We teach riders how to dirt track and road race, they come and are instructed by the best on how to be the best, and to watch the best do their business. Right now (December) we’re scheduled for a school in Greeley, CO, Dallas,TX, Daytona and several other places throughout the year. The only criteria for attending is the ability to pick up an RX100, basically. The school is on-line if readers want more information."

If you have never attended a dirt track event, then you have missed a big piece of the motorcycle experience. The motorcycles (of various brands) slide sideways into turns at speeds of over one hundred miles an hour, usually packed together within inches. The sight and sound of the racing is unforgettable. The walkaway victory is rare and the constant lead changes are part of the excitement, and yet all the competitors are bonded together as a family, helping and supporting each other through the bad times as well as the good times. The dangerous sport has claimed many lives and injured many more. That’s why safety is paramount in the riders approach to racing. "You race mostly with peripheral vision, you don’t really look at any one specific point, unless you know an area of the track is a little suspect, as far as traction is concerned, where it may be breaking up or not. For the most part, I don’t look at any one place. I have my eyes set where I’m looking at everything. If you look at one thing, you lose sight of the big picture. Having a feeling of what the guy in front of you is doing or going to do, you have to react in milliseconds. You have a feel for how the guy is going to react and then you respond accordingly. The same technique applies to riders on the street, keeping your head and eyes up and moving, not looking at one place or thing, but really looking everywhere for hazards buys you time to react and gives you control."

Chris is a rarity for a champion. He is approachable, well mannered, soft spoken and is gracious in defeat as well as victory. He doesn’t make excuses for a bad day, extends himself for his fans, gives credit to others and races cleanly and fairly. He is a true American Champion.

Finally I wanted to tell everyone that Chris was very friendly, helpful and kind during this interview. He was also very pleased to became an honorary lifetime member of H.O.G. Chapter 1277, Muncie, Indiana.

This year I will again test several different products for motorcycles and motorcycling. If you’re like me, I want the best for my bike and I hate products that don’t work, or worse yet, products that damage my bike. I’ll keep you updated on the winners and the losers.

This month I’ve got a winner, thanks to Greg Norris and his friends, and Rick Robertson. This item is for all bikes with leather bags. My ‘96 Softail Heritage had the cool concho studded leather bags that quickly deformed just weeks after delivery. When my 2000 Heritage arrived I was determined not to have a repeat performance. Thanks to my fellow members that steered me to Greg. His idea has shown promise.

After talking with him and getting good directions, I received some 1/8" Lexan from Rick Robertson that he had cut into two strips from the interior measurements of the saddle bags that I had provided. I then forced the Lexan into the bags. After tucking the ends of the stiff material into the flaps of leather that was doubled over at the top of the bags and forcing the Lexan into the bags, it popped out the leather and formed an excellent reinforcement for the shape of the bag, yet was easily removable in case I wanted to make a trip and over stuff the bags. I’m now deciding on the best way to attach pieces of Lexan to the under side of the bag lids to give them support. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the tip and help you guys.

In a surprise move by the State, ABATE of Indiana will start taking registrations for the 2000 Rider Courses (including Muncie) on January 24th, 2000. Mail in registrations will be accepted for all locations and all courses. Because of increased demand for the courses, please consult HogPrints for the Muncie schedule and call EARLY to reserve a class. Remember that you can sign up at the Motorcycle Expo at the State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, January 20th -24th.

Evel Knievel is back in the news. He has signed on as a color commentator for UPN’s new show, ‘I Dare You! The Ultimate Challenge’ which premier’s on Tuesday nights at 8 pm starting January 18th. In a separate report, his son, Robbie Knievel, told reporters recently that he wanted to jump over a volcano for his next stunt, however he said he will settle for jumping over a 45 foot sign in Reno, NV on live TV, date to be announced.

Safety Tip of the Month: With January here, several of us have our bikes down for the winter. This is an excellent time to head out to the garage and spend a couple of hours tightening and checking bolts, screws and components. By sitting and just looking and inspecting the bike, you will easily find that annoying rattle and/or leak you had to deal with last season. This time also offers you the chance to apply Loctite to bolts. I had an embarrassing moment last year in Columbus, Ohio. As I was leaving the motel with several other #1277 members, hurrying to get home, my clutch lever assembly suddenly loosen and nearly fell off. Having prided myself on keeping my bike in peak condition, this was very embarrassing. Had I applied Loctite to the torque screws, this situation would have not occurred. The repair took twenty minutes, however the delay for the group leaving on time was my fault. The other benefit of spending time with your bike gives you time to reflect on safety. Did you have any close calls last year? Were you riding to the best of your ability? Could you have done anything different that would have made your trips safer? The time you have with your bike out of service is limited, put the time to good use and improve it’s safety and yours.

I have an announcement. I made a mistake in one of my columns! I know you may have a hard time believing I could possibly make a mistake (Teresa insists I do it all the time!), but I did. When I wrote about the LOH and their great work this past summer, I made it seem that the LOH from the earlier years in the Club had not contributed in the same way. This was wrong.

The Ladies of Harley have a proud history in our Club that dates back to the very beginning in 1989. The original bunch worked the kitchens, 50-50’s, sales and events that made 1277 famous; HogFest, events and rides. They richly deserve credit and recognition for their hard work and loyal support to our Club. If I offended anyone, I’m Sorry.

Finally, let’s close out this session with a look back at our Christmas Party. I must say that everyone appeared to have a good time and that Benson’s did an excellent job with the preparations. Also, nice job to Dean Stringfield and Family for the beautiful centerpiece’s. The dance contest winner at this year’s party was (once again!) Phil Benson. His rendition of ‘YMCA’ was both inspirational and disturbing at the same time. Questions were also raised by ‘Captain Canada’ as to Phil’s sexual identity. What did he mean that!?!?

Until we ride again, dig in, shovel it out and don’t pout!