ATDTDA (17): Wall o' Death (476.22)

[Tim Strzechowski]

"[...] soon they were entering Wall o' Death, Missouri, built around the remains of a carnival, one of many inspired by the old Chicago Fair" (p. 476).


The wall of death is a circus sideshow featuring a drum- or barrel-shaped wooden board wall around which stunt motorcyclists drive and carry out tricks.

The audience views from the top of the drum, looking down. The bikes start in the middle, at the bottom of the drum, and drive up an initial ramped section until they gain enough velocity to drive horizontal to the floor, defying gravity. this is a famous act in the United Kingdom, and is often seen at fairs. In the 2000s, there are only a few remaining tours of the wall of death; the most notable of which is "The Wall of Death World Tour", created and run by the Fox family. This touring group uses the original American Indian Motorcycles, which have been used since around the 1920s. For the most of the year, this group is based at Wilburton.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_of_death

http://www.indianmotorbikes.com/features/wallofdeath/toplesjm.jpg


And the domain's for sale, if you're interested ...

http://www.wallofdeath.com/


Motorcycles of the time period:

http://www.sturgismuseum.com/

http://www.sturgismuseum.com/custompage2.asp?pg=1900


Hey kids, save yer pennies!

http://tinyurl.com/rsr2l