Friday, September 5, 2008

Montana Motorcyclist Dies In 239 mph Crash

I found this in the Seattle Times today. The man had a life-long goal:


A 47-year-old record-setting motorcycle racer from Montana has died when he lost control and crashed while traveling at 239 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

WENDOVER, Utah —
A 47-year-old record-setting motorcycle racer from Montana has died when he lost control and crashed while traveling at 239 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Investigators weren't sure what caused Cliff Gullett, of Bozeman, Mont., to lose control of the motorcycle Wednesday during a time trial.

The American Motorcyclist Association said on its Web site that Gullett was competing in the 500cc Streamliner class at the Salt Flats, where drivers go for speed records every summer on the flat, open space just east of the Nevada state line.

Gullett owned Team Bozeman Motorsports, a motorcycle and snowmobile dealership. He had set a handful of world land-speed records and wanted to eventually become the first to reach 400 mph on a two-wheeled Streamliner, according to an interview last week with The Billings Gazette.

Curt Lance, Team Bozeman's general manager, said "Cliff always told me that if anything happened on the Salt, he wanted it to be quick and not lingering. He died doing the thing he loved to do most - racing at Bonneville."

American Motorcyclist Association: http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com
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6 comments:

FLHX_Dave said...

That sucks. At least he did exactly what he wanted to do. Most people don't get to do exactly what they want to do.

Hitting a giant marshmellow at 239 mph will do you in.

Lady R (Di) said...

I hate to hear this. It seems we are circulating more stories lately of riders and their untimely deaths. I wish it weren't so.

Dean "D-Day" said...

That's too bad but at least he died loving what he was doing. We should all be so lucky.

B.B. said...

It was sad to hear this news this morning, but I agree with Dave and Dean. Cliff obviously loved what he was doing. He knew the danger that came with it, but he didn't let that stop him from pursuing his passion. Good for him. His family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Becky said...

flhx_dave, lady ridesalot, dean "d-day", and b.b.: Thanks for all the comments. I found this story amazing because I can't comprehend going 239mph. He probably died with a smile on his face.

Bikerchickz

Anonymous said...

I guess that is one of the facts we all must face each time we get on our motorcycles. But isn’t that why we ride in the first place. I know that Cliff was aware of the danger, but choose to overcome it and do what he loved. On the salt, the street or off road, if it’s going to happen it will happen. I have to admit I admire Cliff Gullett of Bozeman, Montana; he got to live his dream and die for what he believed in. My prayers are with his family.