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Why isn't it groomed? 🙃
The Hangtown track was hard pack and rough as hell back then. Nothing like it is now. They have done a real nice job with that track over the las 25 years.
He tells the story in his book "Monkeybutt"... I can't recommend the book enough...
The photo was essentially done during a photoshoot, Rick came up with the idea and strapped on a little bottle so the bike had enough fuel to run. It's just one more example of how great Rick was at telling stories...both written and photographically. He changed the landscape of motorcycling journalism.
Oh yeah here are a couple shots from 81 - 82 time frame at Hangtown just to give you an idea what it was like. Dry, slick and dusty. Not really prepared.
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For those of us who walked uphill in a snowstorm both ways to school 8 days a week those rough tracks sure are missed
Mumbles killing it again with the vintage photos... Respect.
Bob in the black/yellow Scott boots. The blue/red one's somehow looked better
Dude no offence, But you obviously don't know much about Moto history. And that's ok, but don't be so stupid posting something like that. You look like a Bozo. As I mentioned, no offence. LOL
Magoo is a little before my time. But even I can recognize that Magoo is on the Mount Rushmore of being the fastest man ever at certain times. In a way he's a lot like James Stewart or RC. Obviously not the Championships or wins but it was a different era with a lot of fast more consistent guys at that time. Still, he was Just flat out the fastest and most talented rider on the planet with unreal skills and a tad crazy. He also had those moments of Beast mode similar to Tomac or Herling's. Or could dominate with his race craft like Jett and Sexton currently. It's such a shame he had the injury he had at the time of his career. Maybe if that didn't happen more people would show this guy the respect that he EARNED. RIP Danny Chandler
I look like a bozo? You basically described J-Law of the 80s. 5 wins and 12 podiums in 5 seasons doesn't make the Mt Rushmore for me.
Yup!!! And the J Law reply proves it. Good luck to you
What restaurant in Auburn was this pic at?
Ask Roger DeCoster about the most amazing rider he’s ever seen at the MXdN -AND- TdN….
I’m jus’ sayin’…
Danny's massive holeshot at the 1982 MX des Nations. Danny won both motos that day as well as both at the Trophee des Nations (250cc)--the only rider ever to win all four motos against the world's best riders. That accomplishment alone puts him on the MX Mt Rushmore. Photo by the great Sir Jack Burnicle.
The funniest part…
People posting silly comments about that era or “not getting it” as they ride these modern perfectly handling bikes…AND they’ve NEVER raced the truly INSANE stuff…
Early-mid 80s 500s…
Good times.
"These kids today aren't beating Roger in his prime there's no way"! Bob Hannah
This is my favorite photo of Danny and probably my favorite motocross photo of all time. I think this was taken by Michael Stusiak. Good grief, what a perfect moment!
Danny was just incredible, he never gave up even after his accident. What an amazing heart. RIP Magoo.
Love that picture too. Don't know if that was a "first kiss" for either of them....but it sure brings back memories of my "first".
Who the hell is Roger DeCoster?
Pit Row
Shut up boomer!!!!!!
Like I said earlier, if you don't appreciate/get what Magoo brought to this sport....you're not a fan.
I can't even say Magoo was my favorite rider back then. I was a Bailey/RJ guy. I think a better comparison to Magoo would be Pastrana (who never won a single big bike race). He was a guy that everyone followed around the track. He was a working-class hero, pretty much seemed like a normal dude you'd love to have a beer with. Maybe the documentary will give you an idea. If RJ feared you, you were a bad man. I'm just curious about a guy I have read about since I was a kid. And when he ran the table at MXDN and Trophee Des Nations he was considered the fastest guy on the planet.
Local Heroes! Near old town.
This might be the best photo posted on vital this year.
Hahahaha - I have been totally jonesin to go there and try their sweet potato fries! Thanks!
Boy, memories... Was on the start line with Magoo back in the late 70's at Watsonville fairgrounds, rubber band start. Danny went to kick start his bike, his foot slipped off and he tipped over, like dominoes taking out four of us. He was the last to get up, but he still finished 1st, it was the 250 class.
S
I was a huge Magoo (and team Honda) fan in the 80's and took a few pics of him at the '83 RedBud Pro National. My good friend/moto buddy was on the fence after the finish line after he won the first moto and he threw his goggles (the ones you see in the picture) at him. My buddy wore that Scott facemask on his own goggles for many years after at local races and unfortunately has no idea what happened to it. To have that google set now would be an amazing treasure!
One of the checkers at sunrise natural foods on hwy 49 says she used to hang out with Danny and those guys back in the day...I'm sure she has some stories.
Anybody remember the story when Magoo, and I think O'Mara, went to ride Mammoth Bar one day after some heavy rains in the area. The track was somewhat flooded out so Magoo rode his JetSki instead of his Honda.
As Magoofan said, this epic shot was from a photoshoot from Dirt Bike Magazine in either '79 or '80. Maico had come out with a brand new frame design, and rather than just snap a photo of a bike sitting on a stand without the seat and tank on it, Rick had this brilliant idea to tape a baby bottle to the frame and run a fuel line to the carb, then turn Danny loose to jump it for the cameras! Of course, Danny didn't bat an eye, in fact, I think he loved it! There were also shots of him doing 180s in the air on the bike on the side of a jump on the International track at Indian Dunes. We were looking for unique shots, and Danny would see stuff and try stuff no one would ever think of.
And he was always smiling, laughing, joking, the man was a true legend, but it never went to his head. He loved life, and was such a joy to be around. Of course, whenever he was around, you immediately knew who the fastest guy at the track was that day...............
Going from his Maico "breako" to team HRC must've made him feel like he won the lottery
Post a reply to: Was near Foresthill, CA today and thinking about Magoo