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Robgvx
4/4/2021 3:02pm
4/4/2021 3:02pm
Edited Date/Time
4/5/2021 5:57am
Some of you who have read my book ‘The Inside Line: Racing the 500cc World Motocross Championship’ will recall me saying about the awesome rocky hill at Sittendorf when I first raced the 500GP class in 1985.
Well, here’s a good shot of it. It was like this from halfway up the 150 yard steep uphill, all the way to - and over - the top. I couldn’t believe that the 500GP guys raced on stuff like that, and just shrugged it off as normal. Badasses!
If you haven’t got a copy, or maybe have not heard of it, my book is available at theinsidelinebook.com
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Well, here’s a good shot of it. It was like this from halfway up the 150 yard steep uphill, all the way to - and over - the top. I couldn’t believe that the 500GP guys raced on stuff like that, and just shrugged it off as normal. Badasses!
If you haven’t got a copy, or maybe have not heard of it, my book is available at theinsidelinebook.com
.
EDIT: Was just out of diapers but still enjoyed watching them...
The Shop
Sittendorf today...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5MLtft6j8uM&feature=youtu.be
Looks like the hill still exists, according to Google earth. No worries KTM factory is only 150km (100 miles) away. Make some new wheels. I believe Rotax engines is also Close to Vienna. Drink/eat, beer/pretzels while mechanic returns with new wheels.
Postcard from Google Earth
Book looks great.
I’d pay the 40 pounds, (A$80 !!) it’s the 29 pounds shipping to Australia that’s putting me off
Ezza - well, Everyone :
A great set of DVDs is Duke Marketing's 500 GPs boxed set : 5 seasons , from 86 to 90. They've plenty of other seasons, or, did have. DVDs, Blue Rays, and,GPs downloads. For the Aussies, there's Leiskies 2 seasons in 89 / 90. As a side not, I forgotten Leisk had got 4th in the US 500 season, in 88, prior to him going to the World Championships in 89.
As to the picture from Robs book, I remember race reports of that track, and the specific hill shown, where many of the World Best riders would, at times, have to have a couple of tries at getting up to the top of it . Especially when it rained. Or, Snowed.
Could you imagine a wide open swap/high side on this..........I dont think you would be getting back up!!!
Nuts!
Looks like a Millican Valley GP back in the day. Turned bloody when one of your shock's was blown.
I'm really sorry about that, but it's a heavy old thing, and I can't control the postage/shipping costs. It actually costs me £32 to ship it to Australia and New Zealand!
I guarantee that you'll consider it worth every penny though!
Doesn't bear thinking about. They covered it with a sprinkling of dirt from '86, but it was still nasty, as you can see in the recent video posted from last weekend's race above. See the guy crash at 2m 40s while simply riding in a straight line up that hill!
I have to agree, the postage seems overpriced.
1.6kgs. 36 cm x 35cm x 5cm. Find me a cheaper courier from the UK to Australia (with a sensible delivery time) and I’ll be eternally grateful.
👍😁
Email me at book@robandrewsmx.com
Rob, how in the world did you guys not get flats all the time on that hill?
I have your book and it's excellent. I was there in Europe 85 - 87. Didn't get to Sittendorf but got to the hallowed grounds of Namur 85 and 86. Luxembourg in 86.
It was tricky. There were no mousses in those days, so we’d use thicker and/or double tubes. ie an old tube, cut around the inner diameter and fitted around the main, inflated tube.
Riding technique played a part too. Not hitting the sharp rocks on the gas. Backing off and trying to make the rear light rather than hammering at them. Higher tyre pressures helped too.
Thanks for buying a copy. Really pleased you enjoyed it.
Pit Row
In the US, I know books and all "media" ship cheaper via media mail at post office. Not sure if that is an option for you in GB?
Thanks for the photo! Also the satellite photo that was posted. Looks like a cool natural terrain track. That would have been gnarly!
I’m familiar with media mail in the US. However, to the best of my knowledge it’s not tracked or insured, or valid for overseas shipments.
Regardless, we don’t have that in the UK
I’ve tried all couriers (and regularly check again) but it still costs me more for shipment than I actually charge. Surface mail might be cheaper, but who would be happy with weeks for delivery with no way of knowing when, or if it’s going to arrive? My US shipments with UPS generally take seven to ten days. And not a single purchaser has ever said that it wasn’t worth the price.
Trustpilot reviews: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/robandrewsmx.com
What’s the place/track called where they held the last GP? Remember a nice battle between Everts on a 450 and Pichon an a RM250 2 stroke. 02 or 3? That track was amazing!
Wonder why there is never a GP in Austria anymore especially with KTM being so big in the MX scene the last decade.
Schwanenstadt? They used to alternate GPs there, but generally we (500s) mostly raced Sittendorf.
Hey Rob! Got your book a few days ago and i'm halfway through, it's great!! But I miss that foto from the Sittendorf rocky hill from this thread in it. Why that?
I was there quite every year as a young boy from vienna when you and the 500's were there racing! I love these old memories from Sittendorf GP's... and i'm going to watch the austrian championships there now as well! It's good, but it's not nearly as good as it was at your times!!
And, as life plays.... by a lucky coincidence... now i'm building my house in front of the hill where the track is located... and out of my bedroom window i can get a good look at it!
There needs to be a couple sketchy ass tracks like this in the series.
Glad you like the book! and thanks for buying a copy. (Cristoph?)
That's awesome that you are building a house right there! I intend to visit Sittendorf soon for the first time since I was racing. I will come check you out. Please drop me an email so I have your details.
You asked why the picture in this thread isn't also in the book. That's simple. I never saw the photo above until after the book was published. It just popped up on day on Facebook I think. Also, I have no idea whose it is, and I would never use a picture without the owner's permission.
Rob
Hi! Yes it's me, Christoph!
It's awesome that you intend to visit Sittendorf! But take your time, the house isn't finished yet!😆
I sent you a pm here yesterday, but i think you have pm's blocked.
I will send you my email on your site via the "get in touch" section. Ok?
It was a nice, sunny day this year and a very good attendence. About 3000 spectators they said after the event...
Chris
I received your message and I have replied to the email address you included this morning.
(Edit: actually it didn’t send. You should have it now).
It is such a great venue...i'd love to see a MXGP there.
This is a photo from my last laps on that iconic track. It was 2001...
Post a reply to: Awesome old school photo from Sittendorf, Austria.