The Wall of Death

Rhett Rotten & Death Riders Inc at The Race of Gentlemen

By Kimberly Maroon

The Wall of Death

For the first time in the history of TROG, the organizers Mel Stultz and Bobby Green brought in The Wall of Death. The Wall is a a wild sideshow attraction that Wildwood hasn‘t seen on the boardwalk since 1938. Who rides the Wall of Death? The legendary Rhett Rotten with the Death Riders. Rhett had a glint of fire in his eye as he talked about the bikes, the show. You have to understand, Rhett IS the wall—it‘s something he lives and breaths and embraces full force, overcoming fear. He feeds off the crowd‘s energy as he goes faster and faster, drifts higher and gets more daring with tricks—riding hands free, side saddle, feet up on the handlebars.

If I had to pick one word to describe The Wall of Death—joy. When Rhett met me he said I looked like joy. That‘s what I saw in Rhett as he rode the wall and on the faces of everyone in the crowd. To watch someone do what they are meant and love to do, and ultimately fulfill their life’s purpose, is beautiful and inspiring.