FROM THE MEMBER ARCHIVES

Mike Stone - AHRMA #3689

This photo is from Hollister Ca 2002. I was 48. My Richmond Rambler MC Club buddy, Don, took me to Hollister to watch him race his Triumph twin in 2000. I thought, “I want some of this.”

I bought a Triumph 500 in 2000. After getting it AHRMA legal, I raced it a few times as a novice in Sportsman 500. I found it very intimidating. I had never raced anything. Those guys on the big two strokes were serious.

I picked up a BSA 441, just for the motor. I went through the motor and got it installed the day before the Hollister race. I got a second place in my first race in Classic 500. I was ecstatic. My best finish had been a sixth. In the pits my buddy Don Dotson, said “who beat you?” I said I have no idea. Don said get your butt back up to the results and get the number of the guy who won. He said “that is the only guy you are racing.”

We were pitted next to Jimmy Nation, who made the Mike Lightfoot perpetual trophy for the race promoters, The Santa Clara Riders Unlimited MC Club (SCRU). Mike was a special guy, and SCRU member who had passed a few years prior. It was awarded to the Classic 500 novice, Mike’s old class. Jimmy told me I could win it! With much encouragement and anticipation I went to the line and found my competitor. I got off first and went on to win. This was the first race I had ever won. I was hooked.

I’m 68 now, still hooked. I’ve motocross raced my 441 and a 750 Triumph for 20 years now. My fellow Richmond Ramblers club member, Dick Mann, built me 1948 BSA trials bike that I have completed on for 15 years.

The AHRMA addiction is strong. I infected my club. I believe there are seven or eight Richmond Ramblers currently vintage racing today.

We want to hear from you!! Send your racing adventures to media@ahrma.org. We’re looking for images and stores about a close victory, a heartbreaking defeat, last-minute repair, or the glory and romance of life in the paddock. Photos must be at least 15 years old.