Tom Penton needs help please

[admin]

I have just spoken to Tom Penton who is John's eldest son. Tom lives in Oregon and is coming to this years Hodaka Days event.
Tom will hopefully be riding the Bad Rock trailride. The last time he rode the Bad Rock was when it was a qualifier back in the 70's and his brother Jack won the overall in 1973.
Tom asked me if there might be a Hodaka available for him to use on the Bad Rock ride. If I were going to Hodaka Days I would gladly bring Tom a bike to ride but I am not going to this years event. Tom is asking for a bike that he can touch the ground on if one can be sourced.
I am asking anyone that might have a spare 125 Hodaka preferably a Combat Wombat to loan it to Tom for the ride.
I know it is short notice and a long shot but the folks on this forum always seem to come through.
Please email me if you might be able to help Tom and I will put you in touch with him directly.
Thank you
Paul

[RichardMott]

If you look at the "transport to Hodaka Days posting" that Throwchain has been sending, you will see he is headed out there in the next day or so from New York State. I-80 most of the way. If you have a bike that you would like to send for Tom, let Throwchain know before he leaves. At this point he is probably only using his pick up. If he needs to had another bike, he would need to use his trailer. Let him know soon before the opportunity is lost.

[bobwhitman]

Tom & I spoke yesterday before Paul posted this. and plan to have coffee Saturday. Eric Jensen is a mutual friend. I've offered Tom my 'White Bike", an 03 Wombat. It ain't super fast but has been pretty dependable. Be a shame to leave a Penton brother stranded alongside the trail...I doubt I'll be riding the Bad Rock (usually just work it) so I've tentatively arranged for a "riding mechanic" to go along with the loaned bike. Should get the job done.

Bob

[Tom Penton]

Hey guys (and gals)!
I just discovered this forum surfing around.
I'm so grateful for the responses I've gotten from my saying I'm headed to Weston. Thanks to all, and am looking forward to seeing you'all.

Tom

[bchappy]

Hi Tom,
Hope you can stay on through some of the events (especially the Banquet on Saturday evening). Just wanted to chat and see if you remember an 8 hour cross country in Davidson, NC, back in 1972. I think there were 4 of you from the Penton team that kind of "cleaned everyone's plow" (southern term). One of you won overall on a 175. Was that you?

[Tom Penton]

Bill

I got the time off, I'm coming Thursday AM with my son to ride the Poker Run, Friday the reunion ride. My wife Julie has to work Friday but has a bus ticket Eugene to Pendleton 8:00 PM Fri to 3:20AM Saturday. Bless her! So yes will be around for Saturday festivities.

I remember the North Carolina event: Oh yes.... It was one of the only two times I went to the hospital for riding a motorcycle! (other time was a army helicopter ride at Fort Hood 2 day qualifier to base hospital with a broken collarbone). In the NC event I received a torso puncture wound from a branch. Note to all you wonderful trailblazers: when trimming branches, make your cut at branch intersections: don't leave a "spear" exposed, please

Looking forward to seeing you all,

Tom

[bchappy]

I remembered one on your team got speared but didn't know it was you. I was team riding with the Statesville Hodaka dealer's son and we came in third on a 125 Hodaka Combat Wombat (in the 200 class) behind the two 175 Pentons. Was my most memorable race.
See you in Athena.