Racing a CZ Motocrosser for Old Time's Sake

I have a confession to make. Before competing in the 2016 Don Matthews CZ World Championships I had only ever ridden a CZ once, when the U.S. importer brought back the dated, long-travel 400 circa 1991. I remember that day well as I photo-modeled for then-Cycle World Off-Road Editor Ron Griewe at his top-secret practice track. There was a rolling jump that led to a G-out, and on my very first pass I snapped off both footpegs and dented the top of the steel gas tank with two very delicate parts of my anatomy. Fortunately, Ron got a photo of me in mid-flight.

That was 25 years and about that many pounds ago, so I was more than a little concerned about racing Dave Coupé's 1973 CZ 400. If the footpegs had snapped off of a brand-new bike, how strong would they be on a 43-year-old example? Turns out I needn't have worried, because the footpegs survived unscathed. As did I—mostly.

There were a few things I had forgotten. First, a CZ has its kickstarter on the left, and you have to push down to release it. Second, the lever throw on the four-speed gearbox is looong. "Knee to chin," I was advised. Third and last, the upper corners of the coffin-shaped tank bruise your inner thighs.

I was entered in two classes, International Trans-Am 500 and 50+ Expert, and scored 9-6-8-5 finishes in my four motos. That first result isn't entirely representative, however, as my buddy Shawn Culp took us both out while forcing a pass on the last lap. I swear I heard him apologize as he was crashing, which has to be a first!

That collision happened in full view of the spectator area, and as a result I was awarded the Crash & Burn trophy: a coffin tank with a huge dent in a familiar place. It may have taken 25 years, but in the end I got what I deserved.