A drag race is one thing, but a hill climb, especially when it's around 200 feet up, is quite another. They're both fun to witness in different ways, of course; but the magic part of a hill climb is that it seems a little looser; a little bit more relaxed. Don't get me wrong; adrenaline is still plenty high.
But generally speaking, you aren't usually going to see five bikes line up on the line to go head-to-head at a drag strip, and you absolutely will see that happen in this video.
This event took place at Glen Helen in San Bernardino, California; a place dear to the hearts of motocross fans all over. The event is full of all kinds of people and all kinds of machines; you'll see plenty of dirt bikes, vintage bikes, Harleys, quads, and even a few three wheelers all test their mettle against a hill so steep, it can prove difficult just to hike up (let alone ride up).
There's a special balance you have to hit to get it right, a hill climb like this. First of all, you absolutely need the right tires (particularly on the rear). Horsepower and torque can help, but if you're not going fast enough to build the momentum you need to make it all the way up, that can also be a problem.
Building that momentum to carry yourself up is really key; just ask the kid on the YZ85 who you'll see in this video. I won't spoil what happens there, but I will tell you that everyone you see in this video made it through without injury, because that's definitely what we like to see. We want to see people have fun and not get hurt.
All in all, it looks like an exceedingly fun time, and something you don't see (with machines you also don't see) every day. The dirt is flying, but the vibes are immaculate.
