XtraPix: Pikes Peak - First Look

Pikes Peak International Hillclimb has a class for every imaginable motorized vehicle—quads, big rigs, sidecars, open-wheelers, trucks and all manner of motorcycles. If it has an engine and wheels, organizers will find a spot for it. Alternatively, they will create one.

BMW provided a perfect example, as CW Contributing Editor Allan Girdler writes in this issue's Race Watch. The Bavarian bike-maker came to PPIH last year with an R1200GS, entered the Exhibition class with Pro flat-track and supermoto rider Casey Yarrow and won. For the 85th edition of the race, the Germans were back in force, a handful of R1200GS HP2 Megamotos serving as the backbone for the newly instituted 1200 class.

The fastest motorcycle up the mountain was a Wood-Rotax Single ridden by semi-retired AMA GNC’er Davey Durelle, a multi-time Pikes winner. Right behind him, however, were the BMWs of Yarrow and two-time AMA 125cc national motocross champ Micky Dymond. Will BMW be joined next year by thundering Open-class Twins from Aprilia, Buell, Ducati and Suzuki? Keep your fingers crossed.

Sound Off! What do you think of supermotos in a hillclimb event?