Trail Rider Magazine

94, would be in attendance. The man's a machine, along with his sons Tom, Jack and Jeff and their fam- ilies. Other legends came out of the woodwork day by day. We knew the Penton 50 th was going to be one heck-of-a-celebration, and a memory that most likely would never be recreated. Upon arrival it was clear it was about to explode. At 8 a.m. the parking lot at KTM NA was filling quickly. The event was held in the old warehouse where KTM once stored crated bikes. As I walked in, it was pretty much overload. There were impeccably restored Pentons and well-worn survivors. Some looked frozen in time from their last outing 40-plus years ago. Bikes and gear were everywhere, but what really makes an event like this is the people. The fact that so many of living legends had taken the time to travel and min- gle was incredibly special. As a kid who rode many of the NETRA Jr Enduro events during the 70's, I was familiar with ISDT champ Kevin LaVoie. Hav- ing the opportunity to chat with Kevin and his wife Reena was so fun. Kevin had his impeccably restored (by Trail Rider contributor Kevin Donovan) 1975 400 Mint on display. This is the bike that Kevin won the 1976 Blackwater 100 aboard, along with all the two-day ISDT qualifiers that year. Within minutes, Frank Gallo and Tom Penton had gathered. Unknown to Tom, the LaVoie's had delivered Tom's 1974 250 Penton ISDT bike. Tom hadn't seen the bike since he last raced it 44 years previous and promptly threw a leg over it with a mile-wide grin! Among other never-seen displays were the blueprints sent to KTM for the original 125 Penton. Cutaway Sachs and KTM engine displays were also of great interest. Much time was spent mingling with racers, collectors and restorers. As I've said so many times before, what makes this sport so enjoyable is the quality of the people. As a kid who grew up obsessed with dirt bikes during the 70's, the members of Team Penton were this kid's true heroes. As we grow older we become less star-struck, but there's something to be said about finally meeting those who've you held in such high regard. When you get a chance to chat and connect with them, it's quite a treat. When you do finally meet your childhood heroes and find them so down-to-earth and humble, it's a great experience. This is how we spent the entire day. KTM had graciously offered their spectacular facility to host the Penton 50 th Anniversary. KTM NA Vice April 2018 19 KEVIN LAVOIE, CARL CRANKE GARY YOUNGINS LARRY MAIERS KEVIN LAVOIE FRANK GALLO CARL CRANKE

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