Motorcyclists enjoy a romp in the dirt

By SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The crowd was revved up and the dirt was flying when 199 participants took their turn to ride to the top of the hill Sunday competing in this year's Flying Dutchman's Motorcycle hill climb held at the club's grounds southeast of New Ulm.

"It's gone great," said Flying Dutchman Motorcycle Club President Ron Marquardt, "It's a great crowd. It's pretty much a family-oriented deal. There's a lot of kids with their families and they're enjoying the day with their families."

The Flying Dutchmen's Cycle Club was established in 1947 with the AMA -- The American Motorcycle Association. The first hill climbs began in the 1960s, according to Marquardt.

"It's (the hill climb) a good fundraiser," said Marquardt, "It helps pay the electric and heating bills and other operating expenses."

In 1994 the club bought the 40 acres of land they currently have, which is located on the south edge of New Ulm-- and at the junctions of Hwy. 15 and Hwy. 68 drive east a couple of miles. In 1998, they had their first hill climb there.

Approximately 500 people attended the hill climb Sunday. The event involved riders ages three to a senior class, from all over the upper midwest of the United States. This year participation beat last year's entry count by 20 more people.

"When you get it in your blood you can't get it out," said Vice President and Hill Climb Chairman Bryan Clancy, "The passion is unbelievable ­ they really got to want to do this. They live for it ... that's what they do all summer long."

Riders accumulate points traveling the hill climb circuit for a year round "total" in competition with other riders for the fastest time in the upper midwest. The participants came to compete in New Ulm from Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and local people from Mankato and the surrounding area.

"The spectators love it. I think the spectators learn more about motorcyclists, in general," said Marquardt, "The spectators see us as a good club and not the 'outlaw image' portrayed by the media or T.V."

Riders who participate can compete in one of 12 classes and they get to ride the hill twice to try to get the fastest time on the charts. The riders must also belong to the AMA. The record time for the Flying Dutchmen's hill climb is 4.1 seconds. Several members of the club felt that this time may be broken Sunday.

Marquardt said he has had participants who ride the hill comment to him that this is one of the best hill climbs they attend.

"It takes a lot of members to put on an event like this," said Marquardt, "We've got a good group of people who are willing to do what needs to be done to make it a special event for the spectators and the participants. We put these events on for the enjoyment of the spectators and the participants."