Wall Of Death.

After an absence of three or four years, 2010 saw the return of the California Hell Riders—based in Massachusetts(?)—and the Wall of Death, a circular, 14-foot high by 24-foot diameter, all wood “motordrome” designed to house a number of smelly, loud antique Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles--and a single go-cart-- that spin inside the circle until they rise up the wall.

Did I say smelly? Think acrid, nostril-piercing, eye-burning carbon monoxide. And that’s just while you’re waiting in line to go in. What a treat!

Did I say loud? 

       Noisy restaurant: 70dB. 

       Outboard motor: 80 dB. 

       Helicopter: 105 dB. 

       Rock concert: 110-130 dB. 

       Gunshot: 140 dB. Rocket launch: 180 Db. 

       And finally, The Wall Of Death: off the chart.

Here’s Sandi buying a ticket for the four-o’clock show; we were too late for the show at three.

That’s Sandra D. selling tickets in the foreground and her husband with his arm up. Showtime!

Look, Ma! No hands! (and no helmet, either—why do you think it’s called The Wall Of Death?)

The go-cart and the cycle going around together.

The Wall Of Death at night.

And finally, some short videos: