Cycle-liner trivia

[TGTech]

Brian,

   When I said it wasn't luxurious, I was referring to some of today's or even that era's motorhomes and their comforts. It was definitely the hot ticket compared to "vanning" or trailering to the races.

Dane

[TGTech]

I just remembered another rather humorous quirk about driving the Cycleliner that I thought I'd share. Since I suppose you'd have to qualify the 'Liner as a truck, it had a truck air horn on it along with a normal type horn for small anoyances. Unlike most trucks, though, the actuator for the horn, was not a chain hung from the ceiling to the driver's left. The horn itself was mounted under the floor, under the driver's seat, so the plumbing for the horn, was also under there. Instead of the traditional chain, the actuator, was a button on the floor, much like the old style hi/lo switch for the headlights.

I can remember more than once, a rookie driver, at night, looking for the hi/lo beam switch, and seeing the horn button, stomping on it only to get a big surprise. Even if they weren't looking for the headlight switch, at times, just trying to readjust their driving position, and putting their foot on the horn button, would bring about a very quick wake up call.

Paul's story about his speed turn, made me think about this, because I remember people doing the same thing the other direction, and stepping on the button too.

Dane

[Admin]

More images of the Cycleliner!  Images courtesy of Paul Danik.

[Doug Wilford]

These pictures thanks to Paul Danik.  The first one the cycleliner is parked on the wrong side of the 19th Street in Lorain R&D was the brick building where my New 73 Dodge van is parked, you can't quite see the 14' overhead door that we backed in, to park the liner.  It was much easier to back in than drive in and this direction made the driverside the best way.   Great shots!!

[Paul Danik]

The second picture shows the foldable ramp that was used for loading the bikes, ect. The rear of the bus had a garage style door.  I believe that the bus was originally a MX model with a low pipe, but the excessive black exhaust required that it be converted to an Enduro model with a hight pipe, chcek out the stack coming through the roof!! I believe that the tall guy working on the bike in picture 2 is Bob Brooks.

Pictures 3 and 5 were taken as we traveled down the road.  I think the guy on the bunk is Chris Kovach, Mr. Penton's nephew. As you can see the bus was pretty full, I remember that it was tough to pack 20 cases of Coors in there on the way back, that was when Coors wasn't sold east of the Mississippi. In picture 5 Joe Barker and Tom Penton's heads are visable as well as the highway. I remember  climbing through that mass of bikes, parts, toolboxes and people to take those shots.

Picture 4 shows Tom Penton working on his bike under the tarp.  This was taken at the Busted Piston 2 day qualifier held near Potosi, Missouri, 1973.  Tom always had "one more thing" that he wanted to do before checking his bike in.

Hey Doug, is that a fire hydrant in picture one next to your van?

Paul

[Jeff D]

GREAT Cycle Liner tales, Paul, Dane and Doug!  Crown Coach did indeed make fire apparatus, some of the finest of their day.  Los Angelos City and County used them by the dozens as Crown was located on the "left coast".  Crown also made school busses, horse haulers and who knows what else.  They don't make fire apparatus any more, but may still be in the bus biz...but I don't know for sure.  No doubt about it, though, the Cycle Liners were certainly the kings of the hill back "in the day!"

Jeff DeBell

[tmc3c]

Now that is History at it':Ds finest!!!

Thomas Carmichael

[Doug Wilford]

Paul;
That was just a yellow post made to look like a firehydrant for dogs to pee on  

[Kevin Grimes]

Holy Moly! I was leaving churh today heading for the Olive Garden to sample some fine Italian cuisine. As I'm setting at the red light I see a Cycleliner going down the street. Well not a Cycleliner per say
but a Crown Coach bus of the same vintage and style. Some guy had turned into a motorhome. It was brown with red stripes and a Texas license plate. I was so entranced with Cycleliner thoughts I didn't even think to follow this guy and flag him down. So the search is on and Ron, he was heading your way, so head for the border and stop this guy we need a Cycleliner!
             Kevin

[firstturn]

Big K,
  I think that is the same guy that told me he knew where there were two "new" Pentonws in the Carolinas.  I will set up a road block in Texarkana[].

Ron Carbaugh

[Kevin Grimes]

I guess you should always proof read if you add something to the forum after midnight. Sorry about the spelling and grammar.
     Kevin
I meant to say I had just left church when the vision of a Cycleliner appeared.

[Lew Mayer]

Kevin,
are you sure that wasn't Ron Carbaugh drivin' that Cycleliner. He might be holding something back on us.
Ron, if that's you, I want to see RCR (Ron Carbaugh Racing) stencilled on the side. Randy might be able to help you out with that.

Lew Mayer

[firstturn]

Lew,
  I'm not good at correcting people[8], but it is the BRCR(Berkshire Ron Carbaugh Racing).  Now you owe me one correction and it won't be hard to find plenty for you to correct.  And as far (side) as Kevin correcting his detailed schedule?  There is something about those pilots.  Don't you guys keep a log book?  The next  time you see this thing it will have the Randy touch with Knobby tracks and all.

Ron Carbaugh

[Lew Mayer]

Doesn't Berkshire have a "K"?

Lew Mayer

[firstturn]

Lew,
  It has one?[)]now...............Thanks for taking care of the old guy.  I knew that painter made a mistake.

Ron Carbaugh