Bonneville 2008

I bust my ass all year long with the carrot at the end of my nose. We all know the carrot is symbolic for something to look forward to: For me, this represents another chance to vie for a Land Speed Record at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats!

This being the fifth year of the "Bubs" Speed Trials, which is an all motorcycle event, had a bittersweet tone to it. The bitter part involved the death of a man who was not only a class act, but also one of the most competent motorcycle riders to ever ride the Salt Flats. After a record down run, he readied himself for the return pass on the long course. He was piloting a Streamliner powered by a 500 cc Yamaha motor. With his wife, son, daughter and brother present, Cliff Gullett headed on his Land Speed Record Pass, after going through the timed mile at over 239 MPH, he landed a new Land Speed Record, then there was a malfunction and the record-setting Streamliner slid sideways and went airborne over 20 feet with a violent pencil roll-type spin. Cliff Gullett was the total package: A brilliant, yet humble gentleman who was on target to a 400+ MPH Streamliner that would have elevated him to being the Fastest Motorcycle on Planet Earth. To me, Bonneville will never be quite the same, for it was Cliff and Wink Eller who introduced me to the Mecca of Speed.

Now let's talk about the sweet side of Bonneville. I was able to make thirteen passes and each and every one was different than the last! Of the thirteenth, there were two perfect passes where the bike tracked straight. What a treat! My fastest pass was one of 'em. It was early in the morning, not a bit of air and the sun was still low in the sky. Hitting 6,500 RPM at each shift point, my S&S 124" sounded like a freight train on a mission. I was told my bike left a vapor trail behind it. I was ahead of its thunderous sound when I hit 6th gear on my well-proven Baker Tranny and the tack dropped to 5,000 RPM. As I tucked to my bike like gum on asphalt, my trusty machine had one mile to grunt out 1200 RPMs if I'm going to get close to 180 MPH -- and that's exactly what happened. I about pissed myself with joy as the tach reached and sustained 6,200 RPMs through the mile. Wow, what a pass! I hit 179.823 MPH!

It's funny how our expectations change. I was determined on hitting 200 MPH that week, then there's "Mean ol' Mister Reality". After my immaculate pass, I knew 200 probably wouldn’t happen for Broken Spoke Racing this time. The other passes were somewhat hairy! Winds from all directions taking me all over the course, while in my mind, I'm deciding on whether to get out of the throttle or keep the hammer down and ride it out. With all the body work on my speed machine and its expansive surface area, it violently reacts to the slightest of wind scenarios. I had gone to Cliff's pit area and asked him for advice - as he had piloted the very body on my bike for Win Eller. Cliff assured me the body work wasn't cupping air or causing my bike to act erratic in its movements. Here's one that will make your butt pucker – you're jammin’ along at over 175+ MPH with a NE wind with a 30 degree lean, when all of the sudden in a millisecond, the bike goes more upright and jerks to the left! "Holy shit! What the fuck was that?", I asked Cliff. He laughed and gave me the answer! It was a dead pocket of air. Now, that made sense to me. I was a new man now that I knew what I was dealing with. I had no idea what a precious exchange this was with Cliff, for this was the last time I would ever see my friend and mentor from Bozeman, Montana.

Looking back on the 2008 Bubs speed-trials, it elevated my riding ability immensely. Meanwhile, back in Milwaukee, a bad-ass set of heads sit on the work bench! These special heads are taking this guy over the 200 MPH mark. With the help of S&S Cycle, Baker Drivetrain and the genius behind this amazing set of heads is none other than the "Wonderboy of Milwaukee", Mr. Rob Schopf! As we speak, a Baker 401 DD6, one to one tranny is winging its way to my buddy Jeff Lange at Different Strokes Racing in Arizona to be installed. With Rob's heads and ceramic wheel bearings, I'm feeling pretty cocky. If it all works out, El Mirage in November will be the test.

In conclusion, I've gotta take my hat off to all the Bubs for running the most efficient Speed Trials in their five years. I anxiously await next year and Lord willing, Broken Spoke Racing will be going after its 7th National Land Speed Record!

Keep the Shiny Side Up and the Rubber Side Down!

Jay Allen

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