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First timer Kyle Zinserling during practice before the priceless moment he batteled the Mt. and lost.
Who out there would have thought Hammer & Tongs would have made it to their 5th anniversary. Frank and I decided to leave our bikes at home but made the trip to not only support the vintage races but do some picture taking at the same time. You could not have asked for a better day as the weather goes. The decision was made to run the track backwards which proved to be a challenge. After practice they sent the cat out to cut some jumps back that were pitching the riders. Track was fast in places but you could get all the air you ever wanted on the jumps. Lots and lots of air with lots of jumps. Defiantly a EVO + track set up.
You had the normal long Riverdale start into a left sweeper, cross the track and up a table top jump down then back up Mt. Riverdale and down as fast as you went up. Into a corner section, then to the finish line set of fast smaller jumps and cross the start crossing. Kind of like a figure eight, you just hope no one had a problem on the start and you met in the crossing. Into some switch-backs some more little jumps that lead you into some big burmed corners. Now you head for the first of two large table-tops. Fly up onto the first and launch off as far and fast as you think you can. It was here during the first moto’s while I was taking pictures that Jim Saxton on a Honda CR125 flew of and landed hard. His wheel was cocked just a bit and the force tore out his hub. The bike threw him over the bars and to add insult, as the bike was doing its first end over end planted it’s self on the top of Jim. The fact that Jim got up after this to get his bike to get going again was incredible. I was glad then impressed to see him walk off with friends getting the bike back to the pits. Kudos to you Jim.
 Jim Saxton off the table top just before his wheel gave out on the landing.
After the first table top you race to where the start line enters and up the 2nd table top and off the other side. Now you are into the shadows of Mt. Riverdale. This is where Kyle Zinserling got confused and got his Big, Big Air. This was Kyle’s first Hammer & Tongs race. We will be getting him back out there after he heals up a bit. We may have to work on mom a bit though. Keep your spirits up Kyle and we will be in touch. Saw some great racing all day Jim Anderson going fast & high, Siege doing a great pass on his Montessa, and the list goes on and on. Everyone was full of smiles to be back to racing. It looks to be a great season ahead of us.
What drove the start of VDR and Hammer & Tongs was a family environment where you had the XR 75 with the Schoolboy classes along with a place for the longer travel bikes to race. The evidence of the success was every where. The track was using everything the bikes and riders had to offer. Young riders were out in force and a pleasure to witness. I did have the pleasure to shoot some pictures of one such Family: Madison on #11, Kaeden on #32, Mom Sadie, and Dad Matt. Great to be part of this wonderful extended family we call Vintage Racing
(above)Sadie with Madison & Kaeden
A FAMILY AFFAIR
(Below) Matt gettin' Five from Kaeden
Roberts First Race Matt and Kaeden
And then the big one. Like they say>
First Race ----------------------------------------------$35.00
Bike & Gear Dad buys----------------------------------- ??????
The stories and memories to share----------------PRICELESS
Kyle Zinserling discovering the power of Gravity.
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