CL72s and the spirit of adventure
Really enjoyed the latest Motorcycle Classics story titled “Scrambler Summer.” As an owner of multiple CL72s, Drew is my hero, as he actually accomplished such a challenging adventure on a vintage bike. This difficult excursion reminded me of the March 1962 U.S. introduction of Honda’s CL72 Street Scrambler by the upstart American Honda. Experienced off-road riders Dave Ekins and Bill Robinson Jr. were recruited. There was interest from start-up Cycle World magazine and an air support team with fuel for the 952.7 miles of primitive trails on the Baja Peninsula from Tijuana to La Paz. Dave did it in 39 hours and 54 minutes, a record since it was the first time for a motorcycle record run and well before the famous Baja 1000 began in 1967. The Honda CL72 250cc Street Scrambler was up to the challenge then, and again for Drew.
–Barry Schonberger, Indiana
Barry sent us this photo of his tribute to the bikes Ekins and Robinson rode. (I think I’m seeing the short taillight lens and a sandcast hub. Must be a first year CL72.) –Ed.
History of MCM Supply
MCM Supply was founded in the early ’50s by C.B. Clausen, a founding member of the Booze Fighters Motorcycle Club in 1946, and was their first president. He and his partner Bud Hood built a Harley OHV stroker in the early ’50s named the Brute. Many records fell under its wheels at the dry lakes salt flats and drag strips, sometimes with Bud’s wife behind the bars. Jim Hunter, also an original Booze Fighter, was also one of C.B.’s pilots, and later a great So. Cal. desert racer. One of C.B.’s first employees was Ken Howard, aka Von Dutch. When C.B. retired and closed the business, Harry Denune of Dixie Distributing in Columbus, OH, acquired the assets as he had acquired assets of Buco, Beck, Atlas, Superior, and Chicago Motorcycle Supply Co., all Harley big twin aftermarket part suppliers.
–Rich Ostrander AMCA #47 via email
Thanks for this history, Rich. Bittersweet, I was at Dixie Distributing in its final days as inventory and equipment was liquidated. I counted 24 wood cases, 100 cables each, of clutch cables for Harley Shovelheads, one part number. What an inventory! –Ed.
Flashbacks on two wheels
I just got your March/April issue. Flashbacks on my ’52, 55 years ago! I now have a pair of 69s, T120 & TR6C, and a ’66 Mountain Cub. Great magazine.
–Andrew Granovsky, California
