Motorcycles of the hill
Hundreds of spectators attend Flying Dutchmen event

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- It's a 225-foot dirt track that runs up the side of a hill at roughly a 40-degree angle for much of the way, and motorcyclists from as far away as Kansas come every year to accept the challenge.

It is the annual Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Club Hill Climb, and this year's event, held Sunday, drew 155 contestants from throughout Minnesota, both North and South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kansas and Illinois.

While some 500 spectators relaxed in lawn chairs and on benches at the base of the hill on the club's grounds southeast of New Ulm, competitors ranging in age from "4 to 65" tested their skills -- and their mettle -- against the clock on the club's seemingly unchallengeable slope.

"It's a timed event, and it's really a rush getting to the top of the hill," said Duane Walser of New Ulm.

But, isn't the steepness of the slope a little frightening?

"That's what makes the rush," laughed Matt Gulden of New Ulm, Walser's boss and fellow competitor on the southwestern Minnesota hill-climb circuit.

"We make about seven-to-eight climbs a year around southwestern Minnesota, and this one probably has the best attendance, the best foods, and is probably the steepest and most challenging slope," Walser said.

That's music to the ears of FDMC President Kenny Drexler of New Ulm and Past-President Ron Marquardt, also of New Ulm.

"We're always talking to the competitors on how to make our climb better," said Drexler. "We feel we have a good climb here, and the fact that they come from other states to our climb, I think, supports that."

The FDMC Hill Climb is sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association so competitors earn points toward AMA standings.

"While 225 feet may seem like a long way, 4.2 seconds is the record out here on this hill. They really move out here," Drexler said, proudly.

"I feel entries were a little more this year, but it varies (from year to year) on what else is going on around here," Marquardt said.

"We try to take care of people, too," Drexler explained. "We'll open the grounds Saturday afternoon for those who want to camp and stay close to their bikes."

"But, a lot of them stay in the local motels, too," Marquardt added, "which brings a lot of money into town."

The club first launched its hill-climb in the early '60s when the club had leased quarters in Milford Township on KC Road, Marquardt explained.

"There was a break in there for a few years somewhere along the way when we didn't have the hill climb, but it was revived. Then, in 1994, the club bought 40 acres out here so it will be our 10th year out here in 2004," Marquardt explained.

When the last competitor had had his/her two runs on the hill Sunday afternoon, the hill is shut down to rest and refresh for next year's climb, Drexler said.

Grass is planted on the track to slow erosion from water run-off.

"That's all we do to it," Drexler explained. "Then, when it comes time for the next climb, we have a member who is in construction come out and groom the hillside for the next climb."