Tales of a novice sidecar motorcyclist
By Tom AdamsEUGENE, Ore. - They're called hacks, sidecars and tubs -- and are popping up more on Eugene streets. They're sidecar motorcycles, and they aren't just for aging "easy riders." Sidecar motorcycles are still so rare on American roads that many people have never seen one, but that's starting to change. Even hack-hounds are getting in on the fun. What has three wheels, on-demand 2-wheel drive and can go in reverse -- like a car? "This is almost like a station wagon. You can load up the family and go for a picnic," says local resident Anthony St. Clair. A self described website dork, St. Clair purchased his Russian made, 2007 Ural Patrol early this year and hasn't looked back. He adds he's seeing more of the rigs in Eugene. "As far as Urals go, I'm aware of two. As far as sidecar motorcycles in general, I know of 4," says St. Clair. The sidecar is sometimes referred to as the "hack," and when people are not sitting in the "hack," it can be used for a lot of different purposes. St. Clair uses the sidecar to haul fertilizer, plants, groceries, you name it. Fiancee Jodie Danenberg is the navigator and p-r expert. Danenberg says at first she was a little unnerved by the public reaction but, "Now I make sure I try to wave; it's a lot of fun."
We nearly forgot the star of this story... "She ups the eye catching cute factor by about 100 percent," explains St. Clair. It's Ella the hack hound, complete with her set of "doggles." "She's just happy as can be," St. Clair said. "She'll look around, sniff." One trade group in California estimates sales of sidecar motorcycles have doubled in the last 5 years, so chances are you'll be seeing more of Ella and her friends, rolling down the highway. |
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