Trail Rider Magazine

Flashback! Off-Road Heroes and Living Legends I'm sure you're all familiar with the "Legends and Heroes" travelling display seen over the last several years at most major events. No ques on, cool vintage bikes and equipment sure are a lot of fun to feast your eyes upon. The bikes displayed tell a story of a very different era of motorcycling. What really pulls it all together is when the real legends and heroes of the industry are present to share their experiences with those of us who appreciate the history behind the sport of dirt biking. Last month our good friend, ISDT/E legend, Drew Smith of Works Enduro Rider had men oned that the upcoming AHRMA Mid-Atlan c/ Northeast annual banquet in York, Pennsylvania might be something I'd enjoy. Having a love for all things vintage in the off-road segment of motorcy- cling and the fact that the Potomac Vintage Riders annual swap meet was the same weekend, I thought this might make for a fun getaway. When I later found out that the Professor of Moto- cross, Gary Bailey himself, Super Hunky Rick Sieman, and former Trail Rider Editor Paul Clipper would be on the scene, the deal was sealed. The ride down from Maine was 10 hours, no big deal really. Rolling solo with my Led Zeppelin collec on, and looking forward to the adventure (Drew Smith really sold me on the phone), the trip was a blur. A er a good night's sleep at the host hotel, the first order of business would be ea ng up a big breakfast. Lacking coffee, I shuffled into the breakfast nook only to find a table full of familiar faces. Not so much a personal familiarity, but faces that I recognized from years of reading motorcycle magazines. Once I gulped down the first cup, I did a double-take as at this one table sat my off-road motorcycling heroes in living color. John and Jack Penton, Rick "Super Hunky" Sieman and Team Penton, ISDT member Paul Danik. Somewhat dumbfounded, I extended my hand to Mr. John Penton and the others to say hello. Within seconds, I was invited to sit down and eat with them. As a guy mid-way through his 50's, I don't get star-struck very o en, but being invited to sit with these living legends was a treat. Our conversa on was light with a few stories passed around the table. Within minutes, I felt I had known these men all of my life. In some way I did through print, but actually being in their presence and sharing in conversa on was an en rely different experience. You see, these guys, my childhood heroes, were void of any egos or a tude. A table full of very humble guys just having fun. Me? I felt honored to be in their presence and accepted into their conversa on. Hu- mility is so appreciated when it's natural, and these living legends are the real deal. As the day progressed, we interacted more. Cha ng with John and Jack Penton about an cs in the Penton Cycleliner and the early days of Team Penton successes in ISDT events was a tremendous treat for this guy. The fact that John Penton elected to sit and read January's Trail Rider Magazine meant the world to me. Over the years, I've a ended many banquets. Oh yeah, they're typically a blast but this is one that will never be forgo en. I'll be honest, I'd yet to a end an AHRMA event. These guys are a hoot and the feeling of being welcomed with open arms was greatly appreciated. The fact that JACK PENTON, PAUL DANIK JOHN PENTON, SUPER HUNKY

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