Chamois 1970

The inaugural gathering in 1965 brought together 205 officially registered participants. By the very next year, that number had more than tripled, surpassing one thousand devoted enthusiasts. Four years later, in 1968, attendance had grown sixfold.

Such extraordinary success in only a few short years inevitably drew attention far beyond the alpine valleys of Val d’Isère, reaching even the upper circles of the F.I.M. In particular, it caught the attention of the late Mr Stienlet, then President of the F.I.M. Touring Commission and one of the highest authorities in motorcycle touring.

Stienlet was personally delegated to travel to Val d’Isère in July 1968 to meet the organisers, congratulate them on their efforts in promoting motorcycling, and encourage them to continue along the same path.

Encouragements that were undoubtedly appreciated, though hardly necessary. The enthusiasm of Jean Murit and Pierre de Seynes — the BMW Club de France secretary and driving force behind the organisation — never wavered… at least not until the summer of 1972.

In 1969, the figures leapt dramatically once again. The organisers themselves were completely overwhelmed by the unexpected arrival of 3,200 motorcyclists — 1,400 more than the previous year.

For the 1970 edition — the 6th International Chamois Rally, held on 11, 12, and 13 July 1970 — the organisers were thinking big, anticipating no fewer than 4,000 rally riders.

They claimed that extensive measures had already been put in place to ensure the event would run smoothly and safely, without confusion, disorder, or chaos. These included specific plans to prevent a repeat of the massive traffic jams that had clogged the ascent to the Col de l’Iseran the previous year.

Many still remember the nearly 2,500 motorcycles that brought the ascent of the Col de l’Iseran to a complete standstill for over two hours.

Eight days before the opening of the rally, the organisers published a detailed information bulletin in the specialist motorcycle press. More than a simple programme, it served both as a practical guide and a code of conduct for the thousands of riders expected to converge on Val d’Isère.

Registrations, cable-car access, camping arrangements, trial demonstrations and the now traditional ascent of the Col de l’Iseran were all carefully laid out, reflecting the increasingly ambitious scale of the gathering.

Faced with the rally’s ever-growing popularity, the organisers were above all determined to preserve the camaraderie and free-spirited atmosphere that defined the Chamois.

At the same time, they sought to minimise any incidents that might disturb the local population or visiting holidaymakers, aware that irresponsible behaviour could tarnish not only the reputation of the rally itself, but also the public image of motorcyclists and the passion they shared.

- Jean-Francois Helias

Motorcyclists from every corner of the world — welcome to the Chamois Rally.

You will have travelled from far and wide to come together and spend a few memorable days in our mountains. The following notes are intended to make your stay in Val d’Isère even more enjoyable by providing a selection of useful information and practical advice.

Registration

Registration will open on Saturday, July 11th from 9:00 a.m. until midnight.

It will resume on Sunday, July 12th at 8:30 a.m. and will close definitively at 11:00 a.m. that same day.

No registrations will be accepted after this deadline, due to the raffle draw scheduled for 12 noon.

The registration office is located along Téléphériques Avenue, inside the Ski School building, specially converted for the occasion into the official reception centre.

Important

The 10 Franc registration fee entitles participants to one ascent to Solaise by cable car, either on Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon, as well as free use of the La Daille gondola on Monday afternoon. Participants will also enjoy access to the evening dance festivities and the Savoy wine tasting.

In addition, registration allows participants to take part in the raffle draw, receive the commemorative 1970 rally plaque, and enjoy all official rally activities.

Please take care not to lose the three-part registration card issued upon signing in. The first stub must be deposited in the ballot box at the reception office on Téléphériques Avenue for the raffle draw. The remaining two stubs, required for access to the Solaise and La Daille lifts, should be kept carefully.

The prize draw will take place publicly and will be conducted by skiing champion Marielle Goitschel.

General Information

Due to the large number of participants expected — approximately 4,000 riders — additional hotel accommodation is also available in Tignes, Super-Tignes, Bonneval, Les Arcs and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

For campers, a large free campsite has been prepared along the Manchet road. Firewood will be provided for campfires so that enthusiastic outdoor cooks will not, as happened last year, transform wooden fences into firewood. Thank you in advance.

You will also find, in the meadow bordering Téléphériques Avenue, display trucks from several motorcycle importers and manufacturers. They have come to present — and in some cases sell — their equipment, and may also be able to assist riders in need of mechanical help.

We must once again insist on the importance of caution and good conduct.

First of all, caution: to reach Val d’Isère from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, riders must pass through several very dangerous tunnels. The road maintenance services will fill potholes and sweep the roadway in these tunnels on the eve of the Chamois (Friday). However, while the road surface will be improved, visibility inside the tunnels will not.

Every year, motorcyclists suffer serious accidents in these tunnels because of careless riding. RIDE SLOWLY and WITH FULL HEADLIGHTS — you will quickly understand why.

Please also note that parking is strictly forbidden along the shop side of the main street. The police will be enforcing this regulation closely. Riders are therefore kindly requested to park their motorcycles on the opposite side of the street, along the banks of the Isère River.

Finally, we must once again insist upon the importance of caution, courtesy and good behaviour.

You are coming to Val d’Isère to relax, to meet fellow riders and to talk motorcycles — NOT TO TERRIFY THE LOCAL POPULATION by racing through the streets or revving engines late into the night beneath residents’ windows.

As responsible motorcyclists, we are counting on you to reason with those who may occasionally forget themselves, for the benefit of everyone. It is always better to settle matters among ourselves than to deal with the authorities in uniform.

And with that, fellow motorcyclists — enjoy the Chamois Rally, and have a wonderful time!

PROGRAMME

Saturday, July 11th

Afternoon: ascent to Solaise by cable car.

Evening: dance party and campfires along Téléphériques avenue.

Sunday, July 12th

Morning: departure at 9:30 a.m. from Téléphériques avenue for the traditional group ascent to the Col de l’Iseran. The road to the pass will be closed to cars from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

To avoid the severe congestion experienced at the summit last year, participants are requested to park on the right-hand side parking area around the hotel and chapel.

12 noon: raffle draw in the meadow bordering Téléphériques avenue, followed by a tasting of Savoy wines.

4:00 p.m.: motorcycle trials demonstration on the slopes of Le Crêt, one kilometre from Val d’Isère towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

Afternoon: further ascent to Solaise by cable car.

Monday, July 13th

From 2:30 p.m.: motorcycle trials demonstration on the slopes of La Daille, organised by the Moto Club of Val d’Isère.

For those wishing to enjoy a better view of the event, rally participants may use the first section of the La Daille gondola free of charge.

Translation: Jean-Francois Helias

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