I believe Ray worked and rode for Donny Emler. He later went on to build tuned exhausts. I do not remember the name of his company, or know what he is doing now.
Fred Hayes is still in buisness as Hayes Diversified Technologies (HDT) Hesperia Ca. They have been involved building motorcycles for the military since i think 1982. They are now building a diesel powered 584cc bike based on the KLR 650.
David Duarte
Dave Duarte, If your who I think you are, your from Loomis California, ex Dirt Digger North Mx club "Plank Owner" One of the ORIGIONAL "Hangtown MX, Plymouth Ca " co-ordinators and a very very fast motorcycle driver. Huskies as I recall. Heard a rumor that you still have an origional 66 or 67 Bolt together 250 Husky.
I remember you from Gene's Automotive, Husqvarna and Penton dealership, early 70/s, welcome aboard. It would be awesome to have you start racing vintage stuff in the Northwest.
Dirk
Dirk, I have been reading my old magazines today and was just looking at Hangtown 75. My friends and I went to a couple of these races to watch the pros go at it. The Plymouth Ca. race was moved after the 1976 Satuday night party and Suday afternoon car crash. Plymouth has changed some over the years and these days I go out there each year for some bicycle rides. Each time I go I try to remember where the track was but I can't find it. It's probably under a new building or something, or maybe it's that we were just sixteen and seventeen year old kids back then and the memories get a little foggy. What a great track that was and the party wasn't bad either. It's nice to hear that some of the people on this site are what would be called locals, even if you have moved north. Dirt bikes have always been one of my passions since my parents used to drive us to Sacrmento during the sixties. Back then all along the highway were people riding bikes along the hills. I just wanted to get a bike so bad, but my dad was against it. Oh well I have seven now . Maybe that makes up for it. G man.
Just reading about foggy memories and I wondered were our brains foggy at seventeen or are they foggy now? I say at seventeen. My brain can't be foggy at 52 can it? Sheriff,say it ain't so.
Lew Mayer
Hello Dirk, I am that person, but while your name sounds familiar, i cannot put your face to it. What were you doing when we met? How did we meet? What are you doing now?
I rode Husqvarna and Penton for Gene's Automotive. In about 1970 i went to work for Penton West. In 1975 i became general manager and worked for JP until 1988 when Hi-Point was sold to Malcom Smith. I was with MS until it was sold in 1990. I than retired.
I am one of the original twelve charter members of the Dirt Diggers North MC. I have enjoyed attending every Hangtown race since 1969.(35 years)
Dirk, email me so we can talk old times. I do not wish to bore the forum with my ramblings. PS: I still have that 1967 Husky
David Duarte
Lew,
No fog for you just making horse power and winning Championships and we are Proud of you and Dennis for putting Pentons at the top of the class.
Dave,
I don't think any of us get bored with the your history and that of Penton West.
Ron Carbaugh
Gavin actually the first Hangtown was not at Plymouth Ca. it was in a farmers field somewhere in the area around Placerville Ca. I seem to remember Turkey Ranch Road, as the road it was on. It rained like crazy and the Dirt Diggers MC member's had to help the racers out by pulling most if not all the racers thru the deep mud behind a jeep.
Dick Mann won that day, along with a guy named Larry Mulock, on Roger Smart's 125 Penton. John Desoto, and Ron Nelson, were also victorious both on Montesa's.
The next year Hangtown went to the sand pits in Plymouth Ca. I was told by Tom Mc Kenny that the old track is still there and that growth hasn't consume the sand pitt.
I was present at every Hangtown until it moved to Mc gills cycle park which was before it became Prarie City as it's known now, in the Sacramento Ca area.
My uncle was a Dirt Digger although not the origional 12 he was a plank owner with Dave, Gene, Unga, Lumps, Honda Bear, Marty DeVeris, Joe and Marion Pile, later came Jim Blagg, and Benny Mc Daniels AKA Bouncing benny.
Dirk
Amen to what Ron said, David. Lay it on us. You gotta understand that you guys were (and still are) looked up to by us fellers who wished to do much more with the bikes, but never had the chance. Your recollections and stories are gold. TED
Morning all. Last night I was referred to the Hangtown Motocross history site. In reviewing that site, it appears I have a couple of things wrong.
The site says David Bailey won the open class, not Dick Mann. Sadly I don't even rememeber Bailey being there. It also dosn't mention John Desoto or Ron Nelson at the event. I was very surprised to see that "Olgoose" is quoted regarding the event.
In reviewing the history of the Dirt Diggers I saw that they left out or forgot some events they ran. One event was at CAL EXPO the state fair location. I do remember Helvicia park and the Scrambles out behind Lincoln Calif.
IN talking with my uncle who was also a Dirt Digger, he dosen't remember Bailey being there either. He confirmed that Dick Mann, Mulock, Desoto, and Nelson were in fact present and the winners of their events.
Anyway I stand corrected. Happy holidays.
Dirk Williams
Quotequote:Originally posted by Bryson Williams
Gavin actually the first Hangtown was not at Plymouth Ca. it was in a farmers field somewhere in the area around Placerville Ca. I seem to remember Turkey Ranch Road, as the road it was on. It rained like crazy and the Dirt Diggers MC member's had to help the racers out by pulling most if not all the racers thru the deep mud behind a jeep.
Dick Mann won that day, along with a guy named Larry Mulock, on Roger Smart's 125 Penton. John Desoto, and Ron Nelson, were also victorious both on Montesa's.
The next year Hangtown went to the sand pits in Plymouth Ca. I was told by Tom Mc Kenny that the old track is still there and that growth hasn't consume the sand pitt.
I was present at every Hangtown until it moved to Mc gills cycle park which was before it became Prarie City as it's known now, in the Sacramento Ca area.
My uncle was a Dirt Digger although not the origional 12 he was a plank owner with Dave, Gene, Unga, Lumps, Honda Bear, Marty DeVeris, Joe and Marion Pile, later came Jim Blagg, and Benny Mc Daniels AKA Bouncing benny.
Dirk
Hey "olgoose" please give me a call. I'm trying to compile an accurate list of Digger members. I talked to Don Fisher and e-mailed him a list of names I have but he is somewhat vague on some of them. I would really like to get in touch with you. My e-mail
[email protected] and home phone 530-333-1122. Glyn Long "digger72x"
HANGTOWN FOREVER!!!
Hangtown brings back some good memories. As a 16 year old (can't believe mom let me) I drove out with Bob Bolenbaugh to compete in the first 125 national of the 1974 series (4 races). I was in awe standing behind Pierre Karsmakers at sign up. I went back in 1991 and found the remnants of the track after opening and driving through a couple gates.
Could actually still find berms and corners after 17 years. Marty Smith won, Eddie Cole took an 8th on a Penton! They ran us 3 motos. Very sandy, I still have the results. I took about 30th place, Yikes!
Jeff