At the junction of Camino Capistrano and Doheny Park Road, Sunday, April 16, 1916, some 2500 spectators watched 26 men and 26 motorcycles try to ascend steep Capistrano Hill which was considered unclimbable,
Cleared of weeds and obstructions, the 500-foot hill had a 40% to 50% grade incline with a maximum of 72% near the top, the imposing hill was often referred to as the "Gibraltar of the Pacific Coast." This rugged terrain was conquered on March 18, 1917 by a fearless group of motorcycle enthusiasts who were adventurous enough to try. And, it was done one day before the famed "return of the swallows." People came from all over to witness both events. San Juan was a beehive of activity and the streets were alive with happy celebrators.
By 1923, the annual event had 50,000 spectators in attendance, but by 1927 the "Thrill" was over and the race ended. Cutting the I-5 through took most of the hill and developers are removing its last vestiges.
Photo: My cousin, Albert Pryor, jr., circa 1917. Son of Albert and Natalia Pryor, of San Juan Capistrano. The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society is based in Albert Pryor's house in the Rios District.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?