One thing is very clear: for any motocross fan, the name of Glen Helen It has a special meaning. This legendary Californian venue, located in San Bernardino, has been the scene of countless competitions and historical events. However, beyond its well-known circuits, there is an attraction that attracts much of the attention every year: a brutal climb of about 60 meters of altitude that has become a real challenge for all types of pilots.
As we are telling you, not only modern motocross bikes participate in this unique meeting. Classic models also appear, models prepared for drag racing, huge Harley-Davidsonhigh-performance quads and even tricycles that try to show that they also have something to say against a slope that seems almost vertical in some points.
This is how wild Glen Helen is
At first glance it might seem that everything consists of turning on the gas and trusting in the horsepower. The reality is quite different. Overcoming a climb of these characteristics requires finding an almost perfect balance between traction, speed and inertia. The right rear tire can make the difference between reaching the top or getting stuck mid-ride. In the same way, having a lot of power is of no use if the pilot cannot generate enough momentum during the first meters.
The key is to maintain the exact speed so that the bike continues moving forward when the slope becomes more aggressive. A small error in the choice of line or a momentary loss of traction can end any attempt. Part of the appeal of this event lies in its format. Unlike a conventional acceleration race, here it is not strange to see several motorcycles lined up simultaneously trying to conquer the mountain at the same time.
The result is a show that is as unpredictable as it is fun. Each outing becomes a mix of strategy, power and fortune, as the audience watches as some machines go surprisingly far and others succumb to the tilt of the terrain.
As often happens in this type of career, not all attempts end successfully. Some pilots stay just a few meters from the top, while others quickly discover that the mountain does not forgive mistakes. One of the most striking moments, in the video that we show above, features a small Yamaha YZ85demonstrating that sometimes the size of the motorcycle does not necessarily determine the spectacle it can offer.
Luckily, and despite the inevitable falls and scares typical of a test of this nature, all participants completed the day without major consequences. Something especially positive in an event where the main objective seems to be to enjoy driving and share a day among fans.
Because, in the end, regardless of who reaches the highest or who has the most powerful machine, which makes the rise of Glen Helen something special is precisely its spirit: «a gathering of enthusiasts willing to face a mountain of dirt, raise enormous clouds of dust and give a spectacle that can hardly be seen anywhere else in the world«. And yes, after watching the video, you will understand perfectly why so many pilots want to try it at least once in their lives.
