Now some guy is going out to get themselves an XT 250, throw about ten grand at the motor, spend another few months trying to shave 30 odd kilos from the thing and then claim that it's the best thing since slice bread and back it up by pointing out that some guy in Europe got a first place in one race in a round of the 1977 one legged, type two diabetes, B grade world titles on the very same bike
It was 1980 to be exact.
Dutchman Elmer van der Clog rode a highly modified XT250 to victory in the final round of the one legged, type two diabetes, B grade world titles held near the village of De Cocksdorp in Holland.
The modifications were necessary to Elmer’s XT, as his Slovenian arch rival Ratsak Slabovic rode a Honda XL250S. The 23’ inch front wheel of the Honda was something of an advantage as it had caught Elmer out before when he’d been beaten by those two extra inches in a photo finish at a previous round. He needed to level the playing field.
The exact modifications are a closely guarded secret to this day, though it is believed that many key components were replaced with lightweight alternatives made of wood. The helmet lock was also removed to reduce weight.
In the end the hometown hero and his XT250 were victorious by a satisfying half inch, after a gruelling moto that took a full 72 hours to complete. Third place was eventually taken by wildcard rider Derek Wipple from Guernsey on a BSA Bantam a day later. There is some dispute about this as no-one actually remained at the venue to verify the third and subsequent placings.
I’m building a replica of Elmer’s one of a kind race winner right now. Ok, not right now, but maybe later when I get home from work.
Tex
