The Rhinebeck Grand National Super Meet

The California Hell Riders Wall of Death

The Wall of Death

wallofdeath.jpg

What you see before you, called "The Wall of Death" is also known as a 'Motordrome'.  Motordromes started out in the early 1900's as board track racing, consisting of mile long racetracks all around the country.  The entire race track was made of wood.  The turns went into long steep, almost vertical sweeps around the racetrack.  The steep corners and long straight aways allowed the riders to reach very high speeds.  The riders fought for position as they raced around the board track.  The sport was very dangerous and was eventually outlawed due to a fatal accident involving a few racers as well as spectators.  Although this type of racetrack was banned, the riders still had an undying passion for the sport, so they created thier own board track.  This time they took out the straight aways and made the track 90 degrees perpendicular to the ground and instead of competing against eachother, they worked together to create a show where people and families could come to watch in a much safer environment. 

This Motordrome was built in 1963 by a gentleman named Joe (Pappy) Boudreau. He was out of Swansea, Massachusetts.  In Joe's lifetime he built three dromes.  This particular one is the last of the three he built and continues to tour the Eastcoast today.  Don Daniels Sr. now owns this show and has travelled with it for 20+ years.  Our walls stand 14 feet high and is 24 feet diameter.  We are one of only three who continue to tour in the United States today .  If you went overseas you would see a lot more of these types of shows. 

We are more than a one man operation.  In our show we are a family, we have three different riders and each member completes our circle.  We will be out there for years and years to come.  With the others , we plan to keep it alive.  Opening eyes to this great American sport.

3onthewall.jpg

wod4.jpg

wod3.jpg

wod2.jpg

These Pictures Are Just A Sample Of What You Will See,To Find Out More About This Wonderful Show Vist www.californiahellriders.com

wod1.jpg