The Fergus Factor

[AZJW]

A good, lifelong friend, Neil Fergus , was the cover story on the AMA June 2023 edition and mentioned again in the September Perspectives column by Editor Mitch Boehm. I thought I'd provide a little background to these articles as I've known Neil since being in diapers ( me, not him!).  He was my Dad's best friend in high school and I've been in touch with Neil over the years. Since my Dad passed, Neil and I, along with my son and some friends,  ride with Neil every chance we get. He rides Every day, rides like the wind and is happiest when on a bike, no matter where or what conditions we're in.  He knows every road, back road and goat path within at least a 150 mile radius of his home in Auburn, CA.  No GPS for this guy, doesn't need one as he carries cranial maps of the area and his mind is sharp as ever.

 

Oh, did I mention he's turning 94 next January? 

 

Here's a sampling of how Neil's rides go. Hope you enjoy this video, knowing a number of times during these rides, I'm having to hustle the T7 around corners to keep him in sight!

 

https://youtu.be/WJDouzDtEyI?si=ve-XeR0RvaheOvQK

[Hollybrook]

Great story! 

 

Getting to know the old timers is a real joy.  A couple of months ago, I met one at a boating event. He asked what my AMA number was and I proudly told him I'd been a member for over 50 years and had a 6-digit number. He smiled and told me his was only 3 digits, and he still races MX!

Edited November 10, 2023 by Hollybrook

[AZJW]

Pretty cool!  I'm posting a link to a bio on Neil as his history with 2 wheels is legendary.   He rode, raced and beat the likes of Steve McQueen, Bud Ekins, to name a few.  He won a #1  plate on a Honda 250 for desert racing in 1964, then worked for Yamaha and was the one who developed  the aftermarket Yamaha parts for the venerable DT1-250.  I've submitted an application with the AMA to induct him into the Hall of Fame and certainly hope they see fit to include him. 

 

http://thebannerisup.district37ama.org/alumni/nfergus-bio.htm

[thepointchris]

great stuff to read, I love the reminders of the great ones that came before us. and a reminder from my brother: the older we get, the better we were!