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By Amy Conway

The motorcycle riding that took place at a local track on Sunday, Aug. 24, sounded a little different this time. Alongside the usual gas-powered motorcycles, there were two electric motorcycles for Southern Humboldt residents to test ride throughout the day. The electric motorcycles, brand name of Quantya, are made in Switzerland and are dual-sport (good for dirt and pavement). They are street-legal with a top speed of 40 mph and a range of about 20 miles on a full charge, which takes about two hours. With only 35 Quantyas having just arrived from overseas a few weeks ago, the electric motorcycles have made their first appearance in the U.S. and in the Garberville/Redway area. People of all ages and skill levels got to test ride the two bikes, and everyone had big smiles after their turns. There were even some Quantyas for sale.

Star Faraon, long-time resident of Southern Humboldt, arranged the electric motorcycle test ride day. A motorcycle rider himself with a growing interest in alternative energy, Star researched the Quantya and felt compelled to share his discovery with the community, especially the motorcycle riding community. For Star, it was the Quantya's no noise, no pollution technology that

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appealed to him most, while at the same time still providing lots of fun. When Star found out that the U.S. rep for Quantya was traveling around the country to promote the product, Star encouraged him to make a stop in Garberville. After numerous emails and phone calls and much planning, the rep and his trailer full of electric motorcycles turned out to join a crowd of about 40 people. Those who tested the Quantya gave their feedback with grins and positive nods.

Included among the test riders were a few guys who often appear on Fuel TV, a sports cable channel, and they put the Quantya to the test by launching huge jumps. The test riders agreed that the electric motorcycle performed well on modest track jumps. Additionally, the bike seemed to get riders thinking about their regular commutes to and from town and the ease and efficiency of getting chores done around the homestead. Everyone thought this was the beginning of a new era and could open up new riding locations due to the lack of noise and pollution.

Star would like to give a big thanks to the local track owner for allowing the event to happen. Contact Star at 707-223-1302 if you'd like to know more about electric motorcycles. The website for Quantya is www.quantya.us.