The Lodi Cycle Club received its American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Charter in November of 1937 but didn't start racing until 1939. However, the wheels of their motorcycles didn't roll onto the dirt track of the Lodi Cycle Bowl until 1954 where they have been racing continuously ever since. The Lodi Cycle Bowl is the oldest dirt continuously run dirt track facility for "motorcycles only" in California and the second oldest in the nation (behind Peoria Illinois).

Join Pam Turse as she talks with the folks whose dedication and heart have kept the Lodi Cycle Bowl alive.

Back in the 50s riders would ride their motorcycles from work straight to the track ready to have a few hours of dirt packed racing fun. According to Lodi Cycle Bowl historian Ralph Lee, the motorcycles were a lot different back then and races days were a family affair. Lee, is a third generation motorcyclist himself and has two daughters and a son that all know how to ride. His own mother was part of the Lodi Comets back in the 50s, an all female motorcycle club established by the wives of the riders. Many of the women had their own motorcycles and would ride the streets and sometimes the track.

Dirt track racing today is alive and well at the Lodi Cycle Bowl. With the addition of lights, night races have created an even more exciting and exhilarating feel to the place.

Over the years, thousands of racers of all ages from four to seniors have come to play in Lodi's dirt. According to Ralph Lee, Lodi Cycle Bowl is a racers dream, "if you can do well here you can do well just about anywhere in the world."

For More Information:
Lodi Motorcycle Club
5801 E. Morse Rd.
Lodi CA 958240
(209) 368-7182
www.lodicyclebowl.com

Pam's Motorcycle Gear courtesy of:
Cycle Gear
5122 Madison Ave
Sacramento, CA 95841
(916) 338-1649
www.cyclegear.com