Author Topic: Mel Stoutsenberger--some pictures and history (Read 2373 times)

reilley1 · « **on:** April 25, 2007, 08:46 PM »

I recently got a hold of another BMX pioneer and former Racer Mel Stoutsenberger. He is most famous for the picture taken of him at Western Sports A Rama and is quite the photographer with some incredible BMX and non-BMX pictures

(This is the same picture taken from a different angle by the Red Baron)

and one taken by Rick Twomey at "the wash" in Simi

(pic property Rick Twomey)

This cat has a whole lot of history behind him as well as a lot of pictures.

Here's a sampling of what he had to say:

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I remember meeting Johnny and Doug (on their hack no less) at the Friday night races at Corral Beach. This family of BMX enthusiasts put together at fun little track under the oak trees for summertime racing. Mostly beach locals from the area came to the races so I don’t know who the others are in this shot although the guy with glasses looks like Bob Endy - not sure. They had an announcer that had a great sense of humor and cracked jokes all night long – It was a blast! Then they moved the whole operation to a Encinal Canyon hilltop and had some serious racing events including a high speed, downhill, all-classes opener and an annual Bicycle and motorcycle two day grand prix. More and more teams started showing up from the bay area and the valley. They gave away prizes for the top racers and even had purse awards for best overall. I found out later that that same family had put together a rock band called the “Surf Punks”…I know you’ve heard of those guys…Same dudes!

He also sent some great pictures to share.

The infamous Thom Lund

Marvin Church and Bobby Encinas

Some additional info:

Quote

One of the first races I ever competed in was at the Indian Dunes with the CCC (Canoga Cycle Center) team. But there was another single event that year that we all raced at Palms Park. It was promoted by Cycle Products West motorcycle shop, owner Al Wertzle. Another early one if you didn’t have that data already. I’m just throwing it out there.

I promoted three races of my own very early on that had many of the locals all racing together. The third race had over 75 entries including (you’ll love this) John George, Butch Baum, Kenny Zhart, Ronnie Haase, Earle Essen, Wayne Cataldi, Bill Ford, Paul Garcia, just to name a few.

and this amazing picture:

That one puts a tear in my eye.

(All pics property of Mel Stoutsenberger, including the ones from Flicker so please do not distribute or link them without his permission. He's sharing some history with us, please respect his wishes)

Dingobmxer · « **Reply #1 on:** April 25, 2007, 08:49 PM »

Sweet os pics Rielley,

DINGO

DR VINOAH · « **Reply #2 on:** April 25, 2007, 10:59 PM »

bang on once more

love the 1st pic,thats just buckaroo wild

ah fack it lol

i love em all

all timeless

selfpreservation · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2007, 11:07 PM »

FOOKIN HELL how those bikes survived that punishment ill never know rad as fook

reilley1 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2007, 03:55 PM »

Too funny. I was pretty beat after wotking a 16 hour shift but I woke up early nevertheless thinking about what sort of picture Mel would send.

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I remember running over to see if they were okay but the second I got to them they were back on their rig and shoving off to finish the race as if they were in first place.

Amazing...

and a picture of Scot Britehaupt

nic968 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2007, 04:34 PM »

I love those B&W shots...Thanks for sharing....

Stodgy · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2007, 07:31 PM »

Fecking sweet as!!!

Awesome pics - loving that colour one of Marvin Church and Bobby Encinas - proper old school.

dirtyvans · « **Reply #7 on:** April 28, 2007, 09:26 AM »

awesome pics

i love the 88 with the banana seat pic

zed4130 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 28, 2007, 09:32 AM »

some great pics as usual mate

i love those old 70's bikes big banana seats

reilley1 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 29, 2007, 06:41 PM »

Here's a few more

Name the track and riders:

A true classic

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Rob Fair's CCC (Canoga Cycle Center) ride (the standard issue). Red Line forks, Motomags and custom hand made Franko Frame.

reilley1 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2007, 05:42 PM »

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Here is an old from around '71, I grew up with both of these guys. They raced during the early days and they were both fast and stylish and they too were innovators to the sport. If you look close, the rider with the yellow shirt is in the crowd in that shot of me you posted at WSA.

(the very first pic on this thread)

and check this one out!!

ronnie360 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 30, 2007, 05:48 PM »

you have got some history there in those pics

reilley1 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 01, 2007, 09:15 PM »

Two more. Name the crazies if you can. Pilot on NBA-1 hack should be easy. I love the expression on the monkey in the second place hack. "Maybe this was not a good idea"

The boys. JP and Lund

kdw712 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 01, 2007, 10:06 PM »

absolutely stunning pics and history

you really need to sort a proper book of all these amazing pics

Flaz · « **Reply #14 on:** May 01, 2007, 10:15 PM »

CLASS

pure 100% CLASS

reilley1 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 02, 2007, 08:04 PM »

Ramo is right. here's a different shot from that race:

How about another cool hack Pic? Langosh/McDowell

and one of my favorites so far:

Flemdog · « **Reply #16 on:** May 02, 2007, 10:17 PM »

Amazing, I am in total awe at these pic's, how far back...? Pheewweeee!

Please keep 'em comin'!!!!

reilley1 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 03, 2007, 06:58 PM »

Two more...

reilley1 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 07, 2007, 02:44 AM »

Here's a couple more. Guess the riders and location. (This one brings back so many memories of going motorcycle riding with my dad and also with my old friend Mike Hardaway and the Derosier family)

and check this one out. Mind you, this is from the mid 70s

RATTY · « **Reply #19 on:** May 07, 2007, 09:53 AM »

Your pics just get better and better!! I used to hate history lessons, but your ones rock

snav69 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 07, 2007, 10:16 AM »

Awesome Pictures

In the first picture , Whats the lad in the red t-shirt doing to the lad with the red & white striped top

whatever he's doing , the girl in the pink don't like it

reilley1 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 07, 2007, 11:55 AM »

Check this out:

Quote

Championship Class
1. Mike Burns Jr./Matt Sidoti (EML-Zabel) (2,2) 50 Points
2. Chris Johnson/Randy Langosh (EML-Honda) (1,4) 48 Points
3. Allen Wenzel/Bryan Wenzel (EML-Zabel) (3,3) 42 Points
4. Victor Palfreyman/Perry Mellilo (EML-Zabel) (7,1) 44 Points

The kid with the surprised look on the sidehack pictures (Randy Langosh and I believe brother of the late Richard Langosh )a few pages back is still racing along with JP's brother.

McDowell is also racing motorcycle sidecars. Check out his web page

DR VINOAH · « **Reply #22 on:** May 07, 2007, 01:31 PM »

im dumbstruck with awe

reilly you n twomey must do a book

it will be a best seller

the last pic ,is it a bike store?
loving the early decoster/gooses

i love all your posts i often go to the 2005 threads you did b4 i joined rad
my fav is the 1 with the bikes racing all on there own

harris · « **Reply #23 on:** May 07, 2007, 01:41 PM »

wow i can just look and look.some crazy lookin rides there,but so bloody great to boot.

me and gem found a crazy looking bike the other day,looked like a motorbike a us made bmx
something 100 banana seat, ladder frame with all the bracing cant remember the model.

reilley1 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 07, 2007, 09:45 PM »

These pics are Mel's. Rick Twomey has some crazy ones too tho..

and back to topic.

Author Topic: Mel Stoutsenberger--some pictures and history (Read 2373 times)

DR VINOAH

selfpreservation

nic968

zed4130

ronnie360

Flaz

Flemdog

snav69

DR VINOAH