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Oregonia Hillclimbs

I have always heard of hillclimbs, but admit it's something I've never attended or even had on my "want to do" list. As most of you in West Virginia know, the gasline right-of-ways are what the locals use for hillclimbs. Although we ride dirt bikes, I've never had the courage to try the right-of-ways. Even when I'm watching those who do, I tend to hold my breath until they finally make it to the top.

For this trip, we rode to Dayton, Ohio, for the infamous Devil's Staircase Hillclimb at Oregonia. The climb is sponsored by the Dayton M/C who operate an extremely successful event.

With well over 1,000 spectators lining the hillsides the official race began after the Star Spangled Banner was sung by hundreds of bikers. Voices rose in unison as the the Stars and Strips gallantly waved in the breeze.

No picture can justly show the steep layout of the hillclimb. There were actually three different levels and the ride itself was over 300 yards of nearly vertifical terrain.

The motorcycles themselves were unlike any I'd ever seen. They were 'stretched', equipped with chains, burned nitromethane, and had only enough fuel in the tank to reach the top of the climb.

A wrist-band kill switch was standard equipment, as was the multitude of protective gear worn by each rider. The dirt track was slightly muddy at the beginning of the races, and "rooster tails" of mud and rocks would be thrown over 50 feet in the air.

This close-up shows the extended swingarm, chain and guide. Most are also equipped with stronger rear shocks. The tire chains were what amazed me -- and believe me, they were certainly needed for this event!

Two classes were judged, and winner of the 800cc class was Walter "Tiger" Strank of Johnstown, PA with a time of 6.866 seconds on his Yamaha. Taking the 540cc class was Charles Disbennet of Logan, OH with a time of 7.155 on a Triumph.

Although I didn't know it at the time, a West Virginian was also racing -- Greg Thompson of Danville, who finished 10th on his Kawasaki in the 540cc division. I doubt hillclimbing is something I'll ever try (yea, I'm chickenshit), but I'll definately take the chance to watch again!

For complete race details, check out Oregonia Results. To catch next year's race, turn to the Dayton M/C website.

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