American Motorcyclist January 2015 Street

AMA MOTORCYCLISTS OF THE YEAR

JAMES WALKER AND BRYAN CARROLL IS THE UNITED NATIONS REDESIGNING MOTORCYCLES FOR AMERICA?

AMA REWARDS

Watch this space for updates about your valuable benefi ts as an AMA member.

AMA Race Center

Your one-stop online source for all your motocross, Arenacross and ATV Motocross results from AMA-sanctioned events. Search by event, date, and even your name! http://results.americanmotorcyclist.com

You’re Among America’s Elite Racers

Only AMA members chase national No. 1 plates.

You’ll find everything you need— from races to rules to advice, at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing. And as an AMA Competition Member, you’ll receive the competition edition of American Motorcyclist magazine.

AMA Roadside Assistance

Available at no extra charge if you choose to automatically renew your AMA membership.

• Coverage for bikes, cars, pickups, motorhomes and trailers (excluding utility trailers) registered to you, your spouse, and dependent children under the age of 24, living at home or away at college.

• Coverage in all 50 states and Canada.

• Towing up to 35 miles, with all dispatch and hook-up fees.

• Flat tire, lockout, battery and minormechanical assistance.

• Emergency fuel, oil, water, fluid delivery.

• No exclusions for older motorcycles.

• Toll-free assistance available 24/7/365.

• AMA Roadside Assistance pays first. No need to pay and wait for reimbursement.

STAYING INFORMED

American Motorcyclist

Each month, you receive the best magazine covering the motorcycle lifestyle with two versions to choose from: street or dirt.

THE ESSENTIALS

AMA Roadside Assistance

The Best Deal In Towing Get peace of mind with AMA Roadside Assistance, which covers all your vehicles, as well as those of your family members living with you. Best of all, you can get this coverage at no additional charge. For details, call (800) 262-5646.

Lodging

Save At Choice Hotels, Motel 6, Red Roof Inn

At Choice hotels, save 15 percent off the best available rates at participating Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Rodeway Inn and Econo Lodge hotels. Use the Member Discount code #00947556.

Special discounts at Motel 6 are also available up to 10 percent off. Use the Member Discount code CP540176.

Plus, get a 20 percent discount off available rates at Red Roof Inn. For discounts, call (800) RED-ROOF and use the code VP+ 503343. You can also make reservations online at www.redroof.com. Just enter the code VP+ 503343 in the field labeled “VP+/ID#” when making reservations. The discount will be automatically applied.

EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals

Arrive And Ride

EagleRider offers a 15 percent discount on Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW and Polaris rentals and tours. Call (888) 900-9901 or book at www.AmericanMotorcyclist. com/Membership/EagleRider.aspx, using discount code AMA014.

Motorcycle Shipping

Ride Where You Want

In the United States, call Federal Companies, an agent for Specialized Transportation, Inc., at (877) 518-7376 for at least $60 off standard rates. For international shipments, call Motorcycle Express at (800) 245-8726. To get your discount, be sure to have your AMA number handy. Motorcycle Express also offers temporary international insurance.

Car Rentals

Save Money When You Drive

Get up to 25 percent off prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency. For Avis, enter discount code: D388100. For Budget, enter code: Z942000. AMA Members save up to 25% on year-round Hertz rentals with discount code CDP# 497193.

AMA Gear

Buy AMA Stuff Online

Find unique patches, pins, posters, T-shirts and books at AmericanMotorcyclist.com and at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio. Details at www.MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Rider Accident Medical Plan

All members of the AMA are eligible to purchase coverage. Benefits are paid when a covered member is injured. See http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Membership/ Members_Only/DiscountCodes for details.

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS

ActionStation/Bohn Body Armor

Save 10 percent on complete product line—plus bonus. Go to www. actionstation.com/ama/ and use coupon code AMAB4U at checkout. AMA Members also receive exclusive discounted pricing on the Bohn Bodyguard System at www.bohnarmor-pants.com/ama/.

AIMExpo

Go to www.

AIMExpoUSA.com and enter code AMAMEM14 to save on tickets.

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame

Save $5 on admission to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame at AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio.

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AMA/Sprocketlist Online

Classifieds

AMA members can place free ads in the AMA member classifieds at AMA.Sprocketlist.com or AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Shop > Classifieds.

AMA Supercross And AMA Arenacross Tickets

Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Supercrossonline. com and use password SXAMA5. AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Arenacross.com and use password AMA5OFF. Certain restrictions apply, call (800) 262-5646 for details.

Anthony’s Leatherworks

Save 10 percent on complete motorcycle garment restoration and repair. You can get your motocross boots fixed from MX Boot Resole and Repair. Use code AMADISCOUNT at checkout.

BikeBandit.com

Get 10 percent off your order at BikeBandit.com by entering your AMA number at checkout. Exclusions apply. See www.BikeBandit.com for details.

Biker Rain Chaps

Save 25 percent. Visit www. bikerrainchaps.com/ama/ and use the code AMA-1214-XMAS at checkout to receive your discount.

Brooks Leather

AMA members receive a 10 percent discount off all jackets, chaps, vests, rain suits, race suits, and gloves. You can shop online at www.brooksleather.com or at any participating Brooks dealer. Just present the code AMABRO when ordering.

Cardo Systems, Inc.

10 percent discount for AMA members when presenting their membership card on Cardo’s scala rider® motorcycle communication products at participating authorized dealers only.

ColorRite

25 years of quality OEM matched paint. Enter code AMA2014 at www. ColorRite.com to save 15 percent.

EVS Sports

AMA Members receive 10 percent off and free shipping on all orders. Simply use the code AMAEVS15 during checkout at www.EVS-Sports.com

Heat Demon

AMA members receive 10 percent off all products. Visit www.heatdemon.com/AMA and use the code AMAheat14 at checkout to receive your discount.

International Motorcycle Shows

AMA members save on advanced adult one-day general admission. The promo code is “AMA15” when you buy your tickets online from www. motorcycleshows.com.

LifeLock Identity Theft Protection

Get 30 free days and 10 percent off. Use promo code AMACYCLE at www.LifeLock.com or by calling (800) 543-3562.

MAD Maps

The best routes made easy. Save 20 percent. Use promo code AMATHXU at www. MADmaps.com.

MYLAPS

AMA chartered organizers receive an exclusive discount from AMA Member Benefit Partner MYLAPS. Visit the Members Only section of www. AmericanMotorcyclist.com for details.

Powertye

Tie-Downs

Save 10 percent. Enter code TYES4AMA at checkout from www.powertye.com/ama.

Rider Magazine

Members pay only $19.99 for 2 years (24 issues) + 2 extra FREE issues. Visit the Members Only section on www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com for the discount link.

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle

Touring & Travel magazine

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine offers a 20 percent subscription discount to AMA members. RoadRUNNER is the touring expert of North America, providing information on the best places to ride. AMA discount code is CRIAMA at www.roadrunner.travel/ promo/ama.

Sam’s Club

As an AMA Member, you can join or renew your Sam’s Club membership and receive a $10 gift card (for a Sam’s Savings membership) or a $25 gift card (for a Plus membership) using a special members-only certificate. Visit the Members Only section on www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com to download the coupon.

Schampa Cold-Weather Gear

Save 15 percent. Enter SCHAMA during checkout at www.Schampa. com.

Shark Kage

A multi-functional ramp which adds the functionality of a bed extender, cargo cover, work table, cargo box and sunshade; all-in-one product! Enter code AMA20 to take advantage of the AMA exclusive 20 percent discount.

Spot LLC

AMA Members receive unprecedented and exclusive service credit on SPOT Spot Trace, Gen 3, and Satellite Phone products in addition to existing device promotions. Visit the Members Only section on www. AmericanMotorcyclist.com to view details.

NAVIGATION

PAGE 28. HALL OF FAME LEGEND WILLIE G. DAVIDSON SPEAKS AT THE 2014 AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2014. Printed in USA.

Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $19.95 covered in membership dues.

Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices.

January 2015

Volume 69, Number 1

Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com

STREET COVER

AMA Motorcyclists of the Year for 2014, Bryan Carroll and James Walker, are inspiring a new generation of riders. Read more about them, starting on page 34.

PAGE 26. HOW WILL HARMONIZATION AFFECT YOU?

DIRT COVER

From road to trail, the 2014 AMA Motorcyclists of the Year Bryan Carroll and James Walker are committed to conveying why we ride. Read more about them, starting on page 34.

PAGE 26. PLANNING 2.0: NEW RULES FOR DESIGNATING TRAILS

To switch the version you receive, call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services. Want to read both versions? Call the above number to get both delivered to your home for just $10 more a year. Members can read both versions online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine for free.

COMMUNICATIONS

American Motorcyclist 13515 Yarmouth Drive Pickerington, OH 43147 (614) 856-1900 submissions@ama-cycle.org

James Holter, Director of Communications/Managing Editor

Jim Witters, Government Affairs Editor

Heather Wilson, Associate Editor

Mark Lapid, Creative Director

Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer Halley Immelt, Graphic Designer

Steve Gotoski, Advertising Director (Western States) (951) 566-5068, sgotoski@ama-cycle.org

Zach Stevens, National Sales Manager (626) 298-3854, zstevens@ama-cycle.org

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Contact any member of the AMA Board of Directors at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ about/board

Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, Chair

Schenectady, N.Y.

Russ Brenan, Vice Chair Irvine, Calif.

Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla.

Perry King, Executive Committee Member

Northern California

John Ulrich, Executive Committee Member

Lake Elsinore, Calif.

Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.

Roger Pattison, Taos Ski Valley, N.M.

Robert Pearce, Murrieta, Calif.

All trademarks used herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned by the AMA and may only be used with the express, written permission of the AMA. American Motorcyclist is the monthly publication of the American Motorcyclist Association, which represents motorcyclists nationwide. For information on AMA membership benefits, call (800) AMA-JOIN or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Manuscripts, photos, drawings and other editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited material. Copyright© American Motorcyclist Association, 2014.

AMA STAFF

EXECUTIVE

Rob Dingman, President/CEO

Rhonda Hixon, Administrative Asst./Litigation Manager

Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer

Jeff Massey, Chief Operations Officer

Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs

Paul Puma, Laguna Beach, Calif.

Stan Simpson, Cibolo, Texas

Jeff Skeen, San Diego, Calif.

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.

(800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) AmericanMotorcyclist.com

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)

Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager

Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS

Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Business Member Programs

ACCOUNTING

Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager

Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator

Ed Madden, System Support Specialist

Peg Tuvell, Member Fulfillment Specialist

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Bob Chaddock, Vice President, Administration

Sean Maher, Director

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES

John Bricker, Mailroom Manager

Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator

Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations

Danielle Fowles, Grassroots Coordinator

Nick Haris, Western States Representative

AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

Jordan Cavallaro, Museum Admissions and Collections Assistant

Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant

Sharon Long, Legislative Affairs Coordinator

Rick Podliska, Deputy Director

Connie Fleming, Manager of Events and AMHF Operations

Beth Owen, Receptionist/Donor Relations Specialist

Paula Schremser, Program Specialist

Katy Wood, Collections Manager

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES

Rob Baughman, Road Riding Coordinator

Kip Bigelow, MX Manager

Joe Bromley, District Relations Manager

Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator

Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations

Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing

Chris Harrison, Road Riding Manager

Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator

Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator

Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager

Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager

Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator

Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway

Marie Wuelleh, Government Affairs Specialist

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Dave Coleman, Network Architect

Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst

Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director

MARKETING

Mark Christian, Director of Marketing

Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Specialist

MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY

Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative

Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative

Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager

Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative

Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative

MEMBER LETTERS

Letter of the Month RIDING WEST

This is the year I felt was right to take a ride across country to visit my son in the land of cactus and prairie dogs: Arizona.

I started out on my 2007 Harley-Davidson Ultra Glide with all necessary gear (foul weather items, too) and room for gifts. The ride out was great. Heading toward Flagstaff, my route would take me through great riding areas. There was a lot of Interstate riding, but it allowed me to relax, make good time and enjoy the country.

I forged through inclement weather, rode across miles of flat terrain (and next to massive windmill farms), experienced some of old Route 66, expansive cattle farms and more.

Letters to the editor are the opinions of the AMA members who write them. Inclusion here does not imply they reflect the positions of the AMA, its staff or board. Agree? Disagree? Let us know! Send your letters to submissions@ama-cycle.org; or mail to 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Reg Pridmore in the December 2014 issue. Reg started teaching aspiring racers and the general public motorcycle riding techniques on racetracks.

Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a BikeBandit.com gift card worth $100. Didn’t win? No worries. You can still take advantage of your 10 percent AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com.

I do want to give a couple shout outs. One, to the HarleyDavidson shop in Cookeville, Tenn., for checking my tire air pressure and oil levels for free when they learned I was riding cross country. Two, to AMA Roadside Assistance. On my way toward Albuquerque on Day 5, I stopped to take pictures of the landscape and rode over some debris, getting a rear flat tire. I made it to a shoulder and called AMA Roadside Assistance. Thanks to my cellphone’s GPS tracking and the helpful operator, who called several times to check on me, I got hauled to a nearby Harley-Davidson shop for a repair.

The tow driver was not only a retired New Mexico state trooper, but a biker, as well. When he told the dealership, Thunderbird Harley-Davidson, that I was riding cross-country, they jumped right on fixing my bike. Here is where things got crazy. Waiting for my bike to get fixed, I looked around the shop. Well, long story short, I went from getting a tire fixed on a paid-off bike to instead purchasing a new 2014 HarleyDavidson Ultra Limited, fully loaded with the 6.5 Infotainment and upgraded Stage 1 kit. I deserve it!

The miles on to Albuquerque and back home were that much nicer with the confidence I got from a new bike and knowing AMA Roadside Assistance had my back—not to mention the amazing and advanced systems on the 2014 Harley.

Best of all, I enjoyed time with my son and experienced the beautiful West, with mesas, vegetation, tumbleweed, rocks, flatlands, gulches (long, wide, narrow), big cattle ranches, countless colors and signs to see petrified tree areas, dinosaur bones, fake dinosaur statues and more.

My cross-country trip was an amazing ride, and if you get a chance, do it!

Reuben Sanchez Orange County, N.Y.

DAYDREAMING

Thanks to Rick Wheaton for a great column about how many bikes a biker needs in the December issue. It gave me a good laugh about all our daydreams. I feel lucky having an old Sportster and a Goldwing, but who doesn’t dream of a garage big enough for a collection? By the way, Rick, just buy a Ural and save

yourself the search for a WW II BMW. There’s plenty of room for the dog in the sidecar.

Len Lipton Via email

SMOOTH OPERATOR

This is in response to the article about

I was at one of his classes at Sears Point Raceway and he offered me a twoup ride with him. We were passing the hot-shot racers, two-up, in the corners. I could not feel when he shifted or adjusted the throttle. He was so smooth. It gave me something to work toward. He was good!

Thank you for reminding me of a very excellent training I experienced with Reg.

Hugh Curley

Berthoud,

Colo.

STORY TIME

Years ago, I worked in a BSA and Suzuki shop. Back then, Suzukis were almost all two strokes. Most of time, you did not need to put oil in the gas tank. They had two-stroke oil and engine oil. The two-stroke oil was poured into a separate tank and the bike mixed it with the fuel. Most of them did, anyway.

I was wrenching back then.

A guy brought in his two-stroke Suzuki twin cylinder model. It was not running right. Back then, you started with basics: plugs, points, condenser, oil, etc. I could see the bottom of the two-stroke oil tank. There was fluid in the tank, but you could see through it. It was not motorcycle oil.

I could tell the tank was almost full with some kind of liquid. I found out it was Wesson cooking oil! The kid who owned the bike was broke and did not have money for oil. So he went into his kitchen, got Wesson oil and put it in the empty oil tank. He figured oil is oil. One of the guys went to lunch and brought back Wesson oil and set it on shelf in the service department. Just looking at bottle made us smile.

My next job was on a BSA that the owner had rewired himself. The electric system was by Lucas, which earned a reputation for not making the most reliable electrics. (Do you know why the British drink warm beer? Because Lucas made refrigerators.) Well, this guy didn’t do much better than Lucas. He rewired his bike with red wire—that is, all red wire. No other colors, just red wires everywhere for everything.

Your turn! What motorcycle stories do you have to tell?

Tim Stephens

Belpre,

Ohio

LOOKING BACK

I want to thank the AMA, AMA families and specifically fellow AMA member Chase Yentzer for standing up to Congress and promising to not eat his dirtbike in opposition of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

A few years have passed, and it’s time to remind ourselves how these efforts fighting for exclusion of youth OHVs from the CPSIA made it possible for young children to enjoy the thrill of riding motorcycles.

Thank you for fighting for my rights, and ensuring my young family can enjoy riding motorcycles together. Our youngest daughter is 4 years old, and she loves riding her 2012 PW50.

Jason Stoffel

Fort Wayne, Ind.

Sound Off!

A roundup of recent comments on Facebook (www.facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist) and Instagram (@AMA_Racing, @AMA_Riding).

On the AMA’s pre-party for the Nov. 7 screening of “On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter”…

Mark Grewell: I enjoyed it and thought it was great. It got me wanting to get out and ride more. I also have an itch to buy a dirt bike again.

John Kreps: Great time. Thanks for the effort to organize this. We drove down from Cleveland for it!

On the AMA LongRider program and a chance to win some free Shinko tires…

Peter James Church: Thanks AMA and Shinko for running this program for those of us who just like wearing the tires off our bikes. Being on my fifth set of tires on my 2012 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, I could use a set of Shinkos.

On the #AMAStrider contest winners, who won an AMA Strider bike from AMA Business Member Strider…

Brent Thomas: Thanks, Strider Bikes and AMA! We’re so excited that our son is one of the winners! He’s definitely a future AMA member and rider. His mommy and dad are both AMA members and avid desert racers in Idaho!

On @ktmusa releasing dates for the 2015 KTM Junior Supercross Challenge…

dhanson_7: Make sure you sign up for this! It was the best experience that I have ever had racing... Thank you @kjsc.

by location. An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old. Fuel charges are extra. Rental must begin by 12/31/12. 12/31/15 12/31/15.

VIEWPOINT

2014 AMA MOTORCYCLISTS OF THE YEAR

Bryan Carroll & James Walker

It has often been said about motorcycling that if it has to be explained to you, you wouldn’t understand. This is one of the challenges we face as a community. It is difficult for non-motorcyclists to understand our passion for motorcycling and why exactly it is that we ride.

Like it or not, many others have can influence our decision to ride motorcycles. This is true whether they be parents, spouses, girlfriends/boyfriends or co-workers whose perception of motorcycles and motorcyclists are shaped by misinformation and stereotypes, or whether they are bureaucrats or elected officials who don’t know the first thing about motorcycling but are suddenly experts when it comes to protecting us from ourselves.

By Rob Dingman

Of course, the most proven way of enlightening people about the fun of motorcycling is to take them out for a ride. But it is not always possible to make that happen.

Two notable individuals have accomplished the next best thing. They have arguably produced the most compelling demonstration for why we ride, short of physically experiencing riding itself. These two people created a full-length movie about motorcycling, aptly titled “Why We Ride.” Their mission was to promote motorcycling to riders and non-riders alike. A year after its debut, their film has become one of the best advertisements for motorcycling available anywhere.

The motorcyclists behind “Why We Ride” are producer/director Bryan Carroll and producer James Walker, and for creating this film, Bryan and James are the 2014 AMA Motorcyclists of the Year.

The AMA Motorcyclist of the Year Award acknowledges the profound impact that an individual or individuals have had on motorcycling over the last year. There is no question that the

Carroll/Walker creation had a most profound impact on motorcycling throughout 2014, and that impact will certainly continue to be felt for years to come.

Not since “On Any Sunday,” which so many motorcyclists credit with igniting their passions for motorcycling, has there been greater promotion of the motorcycling lifestyle through film. “Why We Ride” has been compared to “On Any Sunday” with regard to its ability to paint motorcycling in a positive light and promote motorcycling to the general public. “Why We Ride” has also demonstrated a real potential to reach the non-motorcycling community, while at the same time giving all motorcyclists a film with which we can identify.

The production of “Why We Ride” came at an opportune time. With the motorcycle industry still reeling from the ill effects of the worst economy since the Great Depression, this film provided a much-needed boost in terms of the promotion of motorcycling and the motorcycle lifestyle.

I had the opportunity to visit with James and Bryan in March 2014 at a movie premier event hosted by the AMA in Daytona Beach, Fla. Both are not only passionate motorcyclists themselves but are also eager to share that passion with others, motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists alike.

“Why We Ride” is at once inspirational, educational and celebratory of all things motorcycling. The positive impact of this film on motorcycling will endure well beyond 2014. For their success in this achievement, I congratulate AMA Motorcyclists of the Year James Walker and Bryan Carroll.

Rob Dingman is AMA president and CEO.

GOVERNMENT TO MANDATE V2V COMMUNICATIONS

Connected Vehicles, Phone-App Alerts On The Way By

Jim Witters

The federal government’s announcement that it plans to mandate vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications in cars holds the promise of safer roadways for motorcyclists. But the rapidly developing technology also raises concerns in the motorcycling community about inattentive drivers and the vulnerability of the data this technology transmits and collects.

NHTSA’s Plans

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced in August that it hopes to begin formulating V2V rules in 2016. And automakers already have begun touting their V2V technology, with some planning to market it as early as 2017.

V2V uses dedicated short-range communications, similar to Wi-Fi, that are combined with the Global Positioning System. The integrated system provides a 360-degree view of similarly equipped vehicles within communication range.

Nine indicators are used by a V2V system to help prevent crashes.

The NHTSA says V2V communications can be used when walking, riding bikes or motorcycles, or driving older vehicles with add-on devices, such as smartphones.

A demonstration of this technology from American Honda Motor Co. Inc. shows pedestrians using smartphone apps that alert them to the presence of a V2V-equipped vehicle they may not be able to see.

Likewise, the smartphone emits a signal that the car’s system picks up to alert the driver.

Safer Intersections

For motorcyclists, one of the more promising V2V benefits would be a reduction of crashes in left-turn and

intersection-movement situations.

The NHTSA estimates that in those two applications, V2V could prevent as many as 592,000 vehicle crashes and save 1,083 lives a year.

“The most comprehensive study of motorcycle crashes, the Hurt Report, found that the most frequent type of crash involved an automobile making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “So, this technology holds the promise of safer roadways for motorcycle riders.”

Safety Concerns

While acknowledging the potential benefits of V2V communications, the AMA is also concerned that drivers could come to rely too heavily on the technology and fail to make the proper checks before executing maneuvers in traffic.

“Distracted and inattentive drivers pose a grave danger on America’s roadways, particularly to motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable,” Allard says. “Reliance on V2V alerts is likely to result in an increase in the number of drivers texting, making calls or otherwise reducing their focus on the road.”

Tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation focused on ensuring that V2V alerts themselves “do

not unnecessarily distract motorists.” But the tests did not evaluate the potential of the technology to lull drivers into a false sense of security.

Data Security Questions

Left unresolved in the NHTSA’s plan is control of the data generated and transmitted by V2V-equipped traffic.

Unanswered questions abound: Who owns the data? How will the data be protected? Will anyone collect the data? If so, what will that agency or business be allowed to do with it? Can the data be sold? If so, to whom and for what purposes?

The AMA believes that data generated by V2V technology belongs to the owners of the vehicles involved in the communications process.

Any data collected by government agencies for the purpose of roadway safety research should be collected in a manner that ensures the anonymity of individual drivers and vehicle owners.

Ryan M. Gerdes, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Utah State University, shares the AMA’s concerns.

Gerdes received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study V2V security.

“Any data that is stored electronically, either locally or in the cloud, opens up the possibility that someone could gain unauthorized access to it,” he says. “It is up to consumers to demand that data stored be minimized and anonymized.

“I should note that privacy is of central concern to academics thinking about V2V communication, and that the confidentiality of data is considered

The Honda Medical Emergency Assist feature allows a distressed driver to alert others that his or her car is slowing or stopped. Other drivers may offer assistance, including a virtual tow.

CALIFORNIA STUDY SHOWS LANE SPLITTING SAFE

No More Dangerous Than Everyday Riding

A study that examined crashes involving 1,163 lane-splitting riders between June 2012 and August 2013 concluded that lane splitting is a relatively safe maneuver when both the motorcyclist and nearby drivers know roadway laws and adhere to “safe and prudent” practices.

Guidelines issued in 2013 by the California Highway Patrol called for lane splitting when traffic is moving at 30 mph

or slower and the splitter is traveling no more than 10 mph faster than traffic. And the study showed that riders adhering to those guidelines were less likely to be injured in crashes.

“These findings bolster the position of motorcyclists and traffic-safety officials that responsible lane splitting is a safe and effective tactic for riders, particularly in heavily congested areas,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “The AMA endorses these practices and will assist groups and individuals working to bring legal lane splitting or filtering to their states.”

California is the only U.S. state where lane splitting is permitted.

In many countries, lane splitting and filtering are normal practices for motorcyclists, Allard says. Particularly in the highly urbanized areas of Europe and Asia, motorcycle and scooter operators are expected to pass between conventional vehicles and advance to the front of the group.

Among the findings in the California studies:

• Lane-splitting riders (2.7 percent of crashes) were less likely to be rearended by another vehicle than were other motorcyclists (4.6 percent);

PETITIONER CALLS ON VIRGINIA OFFICIALS TO ALLOW LANE SPLITTING

AMA Backs Grassroots Effort

Virginia resident Laken Schulz has started an online petition asking the Virginia secretary of transportation to make lane splitting legal in that state.

• Lane-splitting motorcyclists involved in crashes were notably less likely than other motorcyclists in crashes to suffer head injury (9.1 percent vs. 16.5 percent), torso injury (18.6 percent vs. 27.3 percent), or fatal injury (1.4 percent vs. 3.1 percent) than other motorcyclists.

• The proportion of motorcyclists with a head injury was 6.3 percent for those lane-splitting in accordance with the “safe and prudent” traffic speed guidelines, 10.7 percent for those lane-splitting in traffic flowing at 30 mph or less but exceeding the traffic speed by more than 10 mph, 9 percent for those lane-splitting in traffic flowing faster than 30 mph but exceeding traffic speed by less than 10 mph, and 20.5 percent for those who were lane-splitting in traffic flowing at more than 30 mph and who were exceeding the traffic speed by more than 10 mph.

“Permitting lane splitting is not the same as requiring it,” Allard says. “So those opposed to the practice should consider the desires of other motorcyclists.”

In 2014, the AMA Board of Directors adopted a formal position statement in support of lane splitting and lane filtering. It can be viewed on the AMA website at www.americanmotorcyclist.com. Riders seeking to introduce lane-splitting legislation in their states can contact the AMA at grassroots@ama-cycle.org.

Schulz cited the recent studies in California that found lane splitting is no more dangerous than riding a motorcycle in general.

He also says that, “Filtering greatly reduces the chances of a motorcyclist being rear ended by another vehicle. Updating the law will allow for safer roadways for motorcyclists and decrease unneeded fatalities.”

The petition can be found at http:// tinyurl.com/VaLaneSplitting.

RECREATION GROUPS SETTLE WILDERNESS LAWSUIT

Allows Motorized Use In Clearwater National Forest

A settlement agreement awaiting court approval would remove restrictions on motorized and mechanical access to the Recommended Wilderness Areas inside Idaho’s Clearwater National Forest, the BlueRibbon Coalition has announced.

The agreement would settle a 2012 lawsuit filed by the Idaho State Snowmobile Association and the BRC, which claimed that the U.S. Forest Service created an internal “recommended wilderness policy” that illegally limited land management options.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Forest Service would issue a new decision governing motorized and over-snow access management. If the new decision is not issued before the 2014-15 winter season, management will revert to its previous standard, which “has authorized snowmobile, motorcycle and mountain bike access to some portions of these remote areas.”

FHWA SAYS SAFETY MESSAGES WORK

Roadway Signs Prompt Driver Action

Dynamic message boards placed along America’s highways that encourage drivers to buckle their seatbelts, drive sober or signal lane changes actually work, if they are repeated often enough, according to a study by the Federal Highway Administration.

In many states, transportation officials also use the signs to alert drivers to watch for motorcycles.

The study of drivers in Chicago, Houston, Orlando and Philadelphia found that drivers saw the signs, read the public service messages and found them useful.

Only 8 percent of the participants responded “strongly disagree” when asked whether they would change their driving patterns or habits based on the public service announcements. The majority of the participants responded that they would “agree” or “strongly agree” when asked the same question.

The study is at www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov.

O U T

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OHV ACCESS AT RISK IN TEANAWAY COMMUNITY FOREST

Group Calls For Input On Washington State Plan

Only one person is representing the interests of motorized recreation among 20 members of the citizen advisory committee for the Teanaway Community Forest in Washington State.

In an alert sent to Washington Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance members and other groups, Tod Petersen, WOHVA political action committee chairman, asks that OHV enthusiasts and supporters submit comments to the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

The Teanaway Community Forest is to be created on land at the headwaters of the Yakima Basin that the state bought in 2013 from a timber company.

“The stated goals include preserving working forest lands and enhancing recreational opportunities,” Petersen says in the alert. “To help guide the state in implementing this plan a citizen advisory committee was formed. There are 20 members on the advisory committee, but the DNR allowed only one person to represent motorized recreation.”

Off-road enthusiasts must make their voices heard through the comment option the DNR has made available at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/K82Q3RP.

An additional step for Washington residents is to contact their state senator and state representatives.

STATEWATCH

MICHIGAN

Senate Bill 1120, introduced Oct. 22 by state Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) would remove the experience and insurance requirements for motorcycle operators and passengers wishing to ride without a helmet in Michigan.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

House Bill 1485-FN has been recommended for legislation by the committee for Criminal Justice and Public Safety. Among other provisions, the bill would define motorcyclists as “vulnerable users” and increase to a Class A misdemeanor or a class B felony the charge against any person who is unlawfully operating a motor vehicle and without intent causes or materially contributes to a collision where the victim is a vulnerable user.

NEW JERSEY

Assembly Bill 3579, sponsored by Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Washington Township) and introduced Sept. 11 would assign the ownership of data on motor vehicle recording devices (“black boxes”) to the owner of the vehicle and restrict the retrieval of such data to the vehicle’s owner or representative, unless written consent is provided. Specific exceptions, including that of responding to a search warrant, are provided.

OHIO

House Bill 637, introduced by state Rep. Rex Damschroder (R-Fremont) on Oct. 14, would make reading, writing or sending text-based communications while driving a primary offense. It also would prohibit the use of any wireless communication device in a construction zone while workers are present or in a school zone anytime children are present.

Rider Profile

LIFELONG RIDER RUNS NIU

University President Started On A Rupp Black Widow Minibike

Doug Baker was riding motorcycles long before he became president of Northern Illinois University.

In fact, the 46-year-old started his two-wheeled adventure in the late 1960s.

“My first motorcycle was a Rupp Black Widow minibike,” says AMA member Baker. “The name did not engender a great deal of confidence in my mother, who had safety worries. The bikes were made in Mansfield, Ohio, near our home, and the owner’s son was in my high school class. It was a great introduction to the sport.”

Through the years, Baker has owned several bikes. Currently, he and his wife share four: 2008 Ducati Multistrada 1100S, 2013 Ducati Hyperstrada 821, 2005 Suzuki DR650 and a 1987 BMW R80.

Baker recently took a few moments to share his views on motorcycling.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: What is your favorite ride?

DOUG BAKER: I was born in Oregon and lived many decades around the Pacific Northwest. There are countless good rides there, but one of my favorites is through Lolo Pass between Lewiston, Idaho, and Missoula, Montana. The ride from Moscow, Idaho (our former home) and Banff, Canada, on Highway 95 also makes for a wonderful day.

AM: What is the general public’s image of motorcyclists?

DB: It seems to vary by audience, but it seems to have become more

positive and accepted in recent years. It seems like almost every place I stop on a touring trip, people reach out and inquire about the ride and seem genuinely interested.

AM: How can motorcyclists improve their image?

DB: Each of us can lead by example and share the story of our adventures.

AM: What practical benefits do you personally get from riding?

DB: Mental health and the joy of riding. When our daughters were growing up, they loved to tour with us. Two-up touring with them during their teenage years was a special family time almost anywhere we rode.

AM: Have you ever taught someone else how to ride? What did you learn from that experience?

DB: Yes, and I learned it is better to have experts at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation do the training.

AM: How can we get more people on motorcycles?

DB: Encourage them to take MSF training.

AM: Talk about a time when you encountered preconceived notions because you ride.

DB: Because I am a university president, some are surprised that I ride. When I moved to my current job at NIU last year, I rode my Multistrada from Idaho. It was a great way to transition and think about the new job. Some were surprised I would do that, but it turned out to be perfect way for me to have time to think about the new job and personally prepare for the wonderful new opportunity.

AMA WELCOMES NEW BOARD

MEMBERS Representatives Join Board At National Convention

The AMA is pleased to announce recent additions to its board of directors.

On Oct. 17 at the AMA National Convention in Orlando, Fla., Jeff Skeen was elected as an at-large individual member representative during the annual AMA member meeting. Skeen is CEO of Affinity Development Group.

“I am thrilled to be part of the AMA,” Skeen says. “I hope to help the AMA continue to build member benefits that will attract and retain members. Every motorcycle and powersports enthusiast should belong.”

During the AMA business member meeting later that day, Robert Pearce was elected to a full term as a business member representative. Earlier in 2014, Pearce was appointed to the board to serve the remainder of departing business member representative Sean Hilbert’s term on the board. Pearce is KTM North America’s vice president of operations.

“I am very pleased to have just been nominated to be on the AMA Board of Directors,” Pearce says. “I look forward to fulfilling the current strategic plan, which has been set forth by the board, and will do my best to help achieve these goals.”

In addition, business member representative Paul Puma was elected to hold the seat being vacated by John Ulrich. Ulrich’s term-limited position on the board expires in February 2015. Puma is vice president of GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance Division.

“It is my pleasure to serve on the AMA Board of Directors and contribute to the association’s goals of protecting and promoting the motorcycle lifestyle,” Puma says. “Motorcycling is an important part of my life, and I understand what it means to others. I’m looking forward to contributing toward the future growth of the AMA.”

MOTORCYCLES & MUSIC

Changing The Face Of Motorcycling

Story and photos by Billy Bartels

“What is the story?”

This is the question I kept asking myself (and others) as I was invited along on a ride with band members of Buckcherry and Seether on Yamaha FZ-09s. Yes, I could tell you that I had a pleasant time riding along a bunch of freeway and a little bit of wide-open canyon on my way to a brief stop at World Famous Cook’s Corner—then dashing back so the Buckcherry guys were in time for their soundcheck.

Want to see all the new bikes from most of the manufacturers? Attend your next rally, race, ride, motorcycle show or other motorcycling event. Want to see a few carefully selected products from just one manufacturer? Just go about your business, they’ll find you. Whether that’s surfing the web with ads that are uncannily focused on your hobbies, or just turning up at the next rock concert near you.

The business of selling motorcycles is escaping the motorcycles-only route. I saw this first hand at the Uproar Festival in Irvine, Calif., where I got to take a ride with some rock stars and enjoy a show. It was a great deal, from my perspective, but I didn’t get the angle from event sponsor Yamaha. I could tell you that the FZ-09 is a heck of a lot of motorcycle for a hair under $8,000. And that the “hellraising” rock stars are real pussycats (at least on borrowed bikes) and totally behaved themselves on the road. I could also tell you that these guys all ride either HarleyDavidsons or Ducatis in their precious spare time. But that’s not the story.

The story is the one I got

from Yamaha marketing execs David Docktor and Martin Vivanco. At Uproar, a yearly festival of hard rock and alternative bands appealing mostly to Gen-Xers and Millennials, Yamaha had a booth promoting its Bolt, FZ-09 and FZ-07 models. While they’ve been doing this sort of outreach for years, recent tracking numbers showed that this sort of thing has about the same conversion rate (people who actually buy bikes as compared to people who fill out contest forms) as a traditional motorcycle event.

The contest, in this case, was for a one-of-a-kind FZ-09 with special Uproar Festival paint and the logos of the main stage acts. There were also two Yamaha acoustic guitars signed by members of those same bands. The event itself selected the age range of the potential rider (under 50) and obviously with some disposable income. This could describe a number of events, but the perks for Uproar were too good to ignore.

At a backstage meet and greet, we shook hands and took photos with the members of Godsmack and Buckcherry, and watched Skillet on an elevated stage. Yamaha also got some of its local dealers involved, letting them add to the display (more Yamaha models) and connect with riders, as well as give away tickets to the event itself to their existing customers.

The ride I’d joined before the show was a low-pressure way to introduce Yamaha to some guys who presumably have sizable social media followings.

Xavier Muriel, the drummer from Buckcherry, related that in a music-gonedigital era, touring is how a band makes its money. His band did 338 shows to promote its last record, pausing only for marriages, births and recording the next album. If you’re a music lover (we already know you like motorcycles), look for more crossover events between hard-working artists and motorcycle companies looking for the next generation of riders.

Ask The MSF

MOTORCYCLE TECHNOLOGY

Q: What does the MSF consider to be the most important safety development over the last three decades?

A: There have been advances in many categories.

Training methods continue to evolve. Online learning is a new development, and combined with classroom instruction creates a more holistic approach. Also, hands-on riding exercises have evolved into more efficient and effective drills to teach riders how to maneuver their motorcycles with more precision.

Regarding technology, almost every component on a motorcycle has been re-designed using stronger, lighter or more durable materials, combined with computer-aided design. Advances in brakes and suspension, lighting, tires and electronic control systems (including traction control and ABS) potentially contribute to safer operation.

Technology applies to how the rider is outfitted, too. Each new generation of helmets features less weight and greater impact protection, and consumer riding apparel now offers protective inserts and other competition-inspired features.

On the laws and regulations front, there is a proliferation of enhanced penalties for motorists who injure motorcyclists and enhanced enforcement of drunken driving. There is also a trend toward requiring motorcycle awareness education.

There also are improved standards for roadway design and construction, but implementation varies widely.

The potential safety benefits from all these advances, however, can be diminished by the human element: riders who may not be fully engaged, and inattentive or distracted drivers who violate riders’ right-of-way.

K&N AIR INTAKE AND AIR FILTER

MSRP: Varies Info:

I ride a 2008 Heritage Softail that is completely stock. I have resisted the urge of customizing, somewhat because of cost, but mostly because I like the stock look and I am not a fan of loud pipes. When I had the opportunity to test the K&N Air Intake and Air Filter, I was curious but also hesitant, as many questions crossed my mind.

Will I need to have my bike tuned or remapped with the new K&N system?

How difficult will this be to install?

I am not someone who regularly wrenches on my street bike, but I was pleased to find easy, step-by-step instructions (complete with pictures) that made installation a snap. Even with my modest skills, it took me less than an hour from start to finish on this project.

What sort of performance enhancement can I expect? Will I notice the difference?

While reading through the instructions, it was stated that the K&N products came with a horsepower increase guarantee. This made sense, with the increase of airflow to the engine, but would I feel or hear the difference? When I first started the bike with the new intake system, the sound wasn’t noticeably louder, but it had a lower, beefier sound that reminded me of my hot rod days as a youth. So far so good!

I was also pleasantly surprised by the responsiveness of the throttle, particularly in low gears, when riding the bike. I have always liked the torque of my Softail, but the power delivery was noticeably enhanced with the K&N system.

I researched this topic, visiting a number of forums, and there were conflicting opinions. After an hour of searching the web, I decided to ask the experts and gave the K&N Customer Service department a call. Within 30 seconds, a friendly and knowledgeable representative on the phone explained that all K&N products were designed and manufactured within the program specifications of my bike and no tuning would be necessary. I only wish I had called K&N first. They made it easy.

How will it change the look of my bike?

I love the stock look of the Softail, so changing to a new style/shape of air cleaner was a tough decision. Do I want to tinker with something that isn’t broken?

Again, I was surprised by the K&N system. The chrome finish on the intake mount and cone-shaped air filter complimented the nostalgic look of the bike and revealed more of the engine, much of which had been hidden behind the oval-shaped, stock air cleaner.

Anyone looking for a quick, relatively inexpensive way to get better performance out of his or her bike should take a look at what K&N has to offer. I am very pleased with the performance and look of the K&N intake system.—Jeff Massey

WET WEATHER RIDING

Staying Safe In Inclement Weather

brake (front and rear brake together) application to slow or stop. A modulated throttle or brake application will greatly reduce the potential for your motorcycle to lose traction.

Sooner or later we find ourselves riding on wet roadways. It may be because we didn’t get out of work on time, and now it’s raining outside or the meteorologist was wrong about the weather again. Whatever the reason, we need to get where we’re going safely. Here are a few tips to help you do that.

By David Kinaan

Daily Care

Performing a daily safety check on your motorcycle is important, but with the potential for wet weather, it can be critical. The two areas that are the most vital are the lights and the tires. You should check both each time you ride.

AMA, NATIONWIDE JOIN FORCES

Member Benefit Deal Includes Insurance, Banking

The AMA has joined with Nationwide to bring members money-saving offers on insurance, credit cards, banking and more.

“This program includes a number of savings for AMA members,” says AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey. “Nationwide also will donate toward AMA rider advocacy efforts as part of this partnership. We’re looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship that will make the AMA stronger and save members money.”

Insurance products for motorcycle/ powersports, auto, property, life and pets are covered by the partnership, as well as banking, financing and a new cashback AMA-themed credit card, which will replace the former Capital One card. For more, see www.nationwide.com/ americanmotorcyclist.

First, be prepared. Have good gloves, boots and a jacket whenever you ride. If you are wearing a full-face helmet, use a defogger on the face shield. Being able to see clearly will allow you to maintain your high visual horizon and make a good surface appraisal.

Rain will loosen contaminants from the road surface and create slick conditions. Knowing this, you need to be diligent in judging your roadway surface. Avoid the center of the lane, especially at intersections where contaminants are heaviest. You may prefer to find a place of cover to wait out the first 15 or 20 minutes of rain. This will give the rain time to wash some of those contaminants off the roadway.

Skills

Many drivers won’t adjust driving habits to meet limited visibility and compromised roadway surfaces. That increases the risk for everyone, but especially for motorcyclists. Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles. By recognizing hazards early, you are able to react safely and in time. Tap your rear brake a couple of times to get the attention of vehicles behind you, then use a controlled and steady combination

Because wet weather reduces visibility for everyone, your best defense—aside from good riding skills— is your ability to be seen. Make sure your headlight, taillight, turn signals and brake light are working properly. You may not be able to control how close the driver behind you is following you, so working tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are essential for your safety.

Tires

Motorcycles are single-track vehicles. For the motorcycle to maintain balance and smooth operation, the rear tire needs to follow, as closely as possible, in the same track as the front tire.

First, especially because motorcycle tires are often replaced individually, take the time to make sure the front and rear tires are a matched set. For your motorcycle to perform properly, you should have the same brand and model of tire on the back as the front.

There are several factors that can negatively affect your tires’ ability to maintain contact with a wet roadway, starting with your riding style. Those who use their motorcycles to commute regularly will usually see flat spots in the center of their tires. When the tire, especially the rear tire, starts to wear,

it can develop a flat spot of shallow tread depth in the center of the tread. In extreme cases, the flat spot creates a ridge where the shallow tread depth meets the deeper tread depth around the circumference of the tire. That ridge can compromise your tire’s contact patch with the roadway, especially when you lean.

Riders who ride a lot of curves may see more tread feathering. The front tire can develop cupping that will negatively affect how the tire sheds water, increasing the chance of hydroplaning.

Improper tire pressure can influence wear. Under-inflated tires will fail to maintain the tire’s contact patch and increase the likelihood of a hydroplane. Over-inflated tires can do the same, by reducing the area of the tire that is able to make contact with the roadway. Check your tire pressure when the tire is cold.

Tire tread depth is a key factor in displacing water. It’s important to check the tread depth across the full span of the tread. You should replace your tires when the tread depth goes below 3/32-inch. You can check your tread depth with a penny. Place the penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head toward the tire. Run the penny along the tread groove. If at any point you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you have less than 3/32-inch of tread depth. Replace the tire. By practicing safe riding techniques and maintaining your motorcycle properly, you will be able to safely travel along wet roadways and may even enjoy the adventure.

Sgt. David Kinaan retired in 2012 as the supervisor of the California Highway Patrol Academy Motorcycle Training Unit. Sgt. Kinaan was an active member of the CHP for nearly 30 years.

THE WRONG ISLAND

Almost all motorcycle trips have a moment when things go wrong. Hopefully, they won’t go too wrong, and if you’re lucky, the mistake will go your way.

By Rick Wheaton

Once I was Greek-island hopping with my girlfriend Eve (now my wife) on our Honda VFR750. We were on an old ferry in rough weather, feeling a bit seasick, en route from the large island of Rhodes to the even larger island of Crete.

The ferry was also a mail boat, stopping at every island. Eager for the episode to end, we kept track of the little harbors and felt sure our next stop was Crete. Half way through the second afternoon we woke from a doze to discover the ship had docked. At last we could get off this old tub and resume our two-wheeled journey.

We dashed down to the car deck, yanked the ropes off the Honda, gratefully rode down the ramp onto the dockside, and set off in search of the main city, Heraklion. Puzzlingly, as we left the dock, the road turned into a stony track that ended by a few small houses.

Our arrival in this hamlet woke a whiskered old gent who’d been asleep in a chair in his garden. Rubbing his eyes at our V4 Honda, resplendent in red white and blue, he came over.

Many Greeks spoke some English, so I tried him with, “Excuse me, can you show me the road to Heraklion?”

“What?” he replied, shaking his head. “This Kasos.”

“OK,” I said. “But can you show me the main road, please?”

The ferry gave a hoot as it left the dock. “Quick!” he shouted, pointing back up the track. “The boat, he going!”

“No thanks,” I said patiently, miming twisting the throttle. “We just got off the

boat. We want to ride to Heraklion.”

“But,” he repeated. “This island Kasos.”

There we were. We’d aimed for Crete, the largest island in the Mediterranean, home to one of the planet’s great civilizations, and instead hit Kasos, a few square kilometers of grey rock.

The word spread, and a small crowd gathered around our magnificent shiny motorcycle. Dogs barked, children ran about, old ladies shook their heads.

The whiskered old gent pushed his way back through the crowd. He was carrying a two-gallon can and politely asked us for gas. The island had run out. Equally politely, we gave him some. We weren’t going to need any—we were at the end of the island’s only road. In return, he let us pitch our tent in his garden.

It was a week before the next ferry, and we grew to love the tranquility of this tiny community. We were infamous as the crazy couple who got off on the wrong island, and we got used to being pointed out wherever we went.

We walked with goats in the hills, swam off the rocks in water as clear as crystal, and enjoyed simple and delicious meals in the only taverna. In years to come, when Kasos got its own airstrip and became overrun with tourists, people would wish they’d seen it when it was un-spoilt. Thanks to a little twist of fate, we had.

Rick Wheaton is an AMA member who writes about lessons learned from riding routes all over the world. Comments?

Email submissions@ama-cycle.org.

U.N. COMMITTEES WRITING U.S. MOTORCYCLE RULES?

‘Harmonization’ Covers Helmets, Emissions, Brakes And More

A worldwide movement toward standardized motor-vehicle rules could soon begin affecting U.S. motorcycles, yet few American riders are aware of the issue and its possible implications for them and their machines.

Global harmonization stems from efforts among United Nations members to ease trade restrictions while increasing vehicle safety and strengthen environmental standards.

So far, U.S. motorcyclists have seen few effects from the initiative. But, under the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations and, specifically, United Nations Working Party 29—which is referred to as WP.29—developments in Europe and Asia could be adopted in the United States in short order.

“At this juncture, the impact is minimal in terms of emissions and equipment, as the U.S. regulatory agencies that have oversight of highway motorcycles have longstanding and developed regulations that pertain to these vehicles,” says Russ Brenan, senior advisor of government relations and public affairs for Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. and an AMA board member.

“There are ongoing discussions with the European Union on things such as emissions that could eventually lead to harmonization,” he explains. “Likewise, more International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) could be harmonized that would make things such as lighting and displays the same for both markets.”

Among the candidates for

standardization: mandatory anti-lock braking systems, stricter exhaust emissions standards, mandatory helmet laws, turn signal visibility standards, sound emissions restrictions and the location and identification of operating controls.

“While it may seem insignificant to be concerned about who decides the proper symbol for your high-beam switch, the long-term goals of these agreements could lead to much more important decisions being taken out of the hands of U.S. voters, motorcyclists and manufacturers,” says Wayne Allard, AMA’s vice president of government relations.

How it works

The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, a branch of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, is charged with formulating rules as part of a 57-year-old agreement among U.N. member nations.

Based on agreements signed in 1958 and 1998, the harmonization effort is aimed at improving road safety and making international trade easier by standardizing vehicle components. The 1958 agreement calls for reciprocal approvals of vehicle systems, parts and equipment.

WP.29 is part of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and provides the regulatory framework for the introduction of new technology and fosters cross-border trade.

WP.29 is organized into groups that study such issues as noise, light and signals, brakes and running gear, pollution and energy, general safety provisions and

By Jim Witters

passive safety.

All proposals for new regulations or amendments to existing regulations are referred by the World Forum to its relevant subsidiary bodies for the development of technical recommendations, according to the WP.29 website.

The World Forum then issues the general technical regulations that member nations are supposed to comply with.

Cross-border trade

The global harmonization movement is similar in some ways to the structure of the European Union.

John Chatterton-Ross, director of European Union public affairs for the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, says that the EU manufacturers go through a “type approval” authority in a single country, which allows them to sell their vehicles throughout the EU.

“So, in the modern world, the British authorities cannot say, ‘This motorcycle was type approved in Germany. Are we sure it is OK to be used on British roads?’ “Chatterton-Ross says. “In the same way, the German authorities cannot prevent a British Triumph motorcycle approved by a type approval authority in the UK being sold in Germany. Or a Harley that was approved in Italy.”

Under the 1958 and 1995 U.N. agreements, this sort of international standardization is to be extended worldwide.

“The idea is to build a set of agreements whereby there will be mutual recognition” Chatterton-Ross says. “So, in the long

term, Harley[-Davidson] could ship a motorcycle for sale in Europe and say, ‘We approved this for sale in the USA,’ and the EU would take the view, ‘Well, that is fine. We can allow this onto our market, too, and we won’t put any more regulatory barriers up,’ and vice versa. This makes complete sense and would be great for consumers.”

In the marketplace, harmonization could reduce manufacturing costs. But it also could have a downside for the consumer.

“Certainly harmonization has benefits to a manufacturer in that it allows for similar/same motorcycles to be sold in various markets, thus reducing costs associated with having to offer different versions of the same model to satisfy varying standards/requirements in different markets,” Brenan says. “This has a benefit to consumers who can realize some of that savings that gets passed down to them.

“The potential downside is that harmonization could result in features added to the motorcycle that have either no value to consumers in one market or are not desired by those consumers.”

U.N. recommendations

The U.N.’s Global Status Report On Road Safety 2013 encompasses information from 182 countries, accounting for almost 99 percent of the world’s population.

The report states that, “Only 28 countries, covering 7 percent of the world’s population, have comprehensive road safety laws on five key risk factors: drinking and driving, speeding, and failing to use motorcycle helmets, seat-belts, and child restraints.”

And the U.N. encourages member states that have not yet done so to consider enacting comprehensive legislation on key risk factors for road traffic injuries, including “non-use of helmets.”

The U.N. report defines “comprehensive” legislation as: “A national motorcycle helmet law that covers all riders, on all roads and all engine types, and requires an international or national helmet standard.”

In April 2014, Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, agreed to cosponsor the non-binding resolution adopting the report called Improving Global Safety.

The resolution contained many desirable goals, including a reduction of distracted driving.

However, the resolution also supports mandatory helmet laws for motorcyclists, which the AMA opposes.

The U.N. also has adopted sound-level

standards for motorcycles at the time they are produced. And regulations soon will be introduced to restrict the manufacture and sale of aftermarket pipes.

“But that is just an agreement on how the bike is produced,” Chatterton-Ross says. “If a rider in the U.S.A. decides after buying a bike to replace the exhaust system, then he will often be free to do so, depending on the law that applies in his city or state.”

In November 2012, the European Parliament approved a proposal to require anti-lock braking systems on all new motorcycles and trikes with engines larger than 125cc, beginning in 2016.

The NHTSA says that, so far, the only global technical regulation (GTR) adopted by the United States affecting motorcycles is embodied in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122.

The new standard, which applies to motorcycles manufactured on or after Sept. 1, 2014, makes U.S. motorcycle braking standards identical to those of the European and Asian nations that adopted GTR No. 3.

Although anti-lock brake systems are not required under the upgraded U.S. regulations, “if the motorcycle is equipped with ABS, it will have to comply with the ABS requirements in FMVSS No. 122,” according to the NHTSA.

A new power-assisted braking system failure test has also been included in FMVSS No. 122 as a result of the GTR.

The NHTSA says no other harmonization-related changes are under consideration at this time.

However, the adoption of mandatory ABS in Europe likely means that ABS will become standard equipment on virtually all motorcycles sold in the United States in the not-too-distant future, ChattertonRoss says.

BMW Motorrad has already announced that all of its motorcycles, including those sold in the United States, will be equipped with ABS.

Lookalike bikes?

One concern among motorcyclists is that adopting international standards will force manufacturers to churn out bikes that look and perform alike, losing much of the individual character seen in the current marketplace.

While predicting the ultimate outcome is difficult, Brenan says, harmonization “could result in more choices for American motorcyclists in the future with the introduction to U.S. of models previously only available in other markets.”

AMA views

The AMA supports efforts by the United Nations and other agencies to improve the safety of the world’s roadways, the vehicles on those roads and the riders and drivers of those vehicles.

However, the idea of forfeiting our voice in decisions that directly affect motorcyclists is troubling.

Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO, says that it is essential that the riders and the manufacturers determine the features offered, without regulatory interference.

“As motorcyclists recognize the advantages of ABS, traction control and other technologies, they will start demanding those features when they buy new bikes,” Dingman says. “This is a matter best left with the manufacturers and the consumers, with no government intervention.

“Society’s role is not to mandate personal safety, but rather to provide the education and experience necessary to aid adults in making these decisions for themselves,” Dingman says.

Bosch has developed a stability control system for motorcycles which helps ensure optimum acceleration and deceleration, even at steep lean angles. The system includes a hydraulic modulator ABS 9M enhanced, and a lean-angle sensor.

Center: Hundreds gathered to go on the adventure ride with AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman that was organized with the help of the Dixie Dual Sport club. Right: AMA Grassroots Coordinator Danielle Fowles speaks with an AIMExpo attendee about the AMA.

Bottom right: Several AMA members enjoy a meal and conversation during an AMA luncheon with AMA Chair Maggie McNally-Bradshaw. Right: AIMExpo attendees viewing the 120 Years of Motorcycling display showcasing how motorcycles have evolved. Below: Riders suit up to leave EagleRider Orlando for a ride prior to the Thursday night kick-off party.

1953 VICTORIA BERGMEISTER

From The George Barber Collection

Recently inducted AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame member George Barber founded the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and is creator of the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. He is arguably the world’s most prolific collector of vintage motorcycles. Today, the world-renowned Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum holds a collection of more 1,400 motorcycles, with more than 700 of them on

public display at any given time.

This 1951 Bergmeister was, in one way, the machine that helped get that all started. It was the first motorcycle donated to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

When introduced in 1951, the Bergmeister (or “mountain master”) was radically different from comparable contemporary models.

The Bergmeister was a 357cc V-twin, but the engine was mounted transversely, with streamlined cases that

enclosed the carburetor. Transmission duties—it was a four speed—were handled by a series of chains, rather than gears, which resulted in exceptionally quiet operation.

Smooth and powerful, the overhead valve engine could handle a sidecar with ease, had a top speed of 80 mph and was considered a quality example of post-war German engineering.

This motorcycle is currently on loan to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame from the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. To see it and other motorcycles celebrating the careers of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers, visit the museum at 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, Ohio.

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Famer

BOB BRAVERMAN Racer, Dreamer

By Craig Vetter

Bob Braverman was a brilliant maverick who followed his own special dreams and inspired a whole generation of motorcyclists.

Braverman was always a racer. In fact, he actually paid his way through college by racing motorcycles. In the late 1950s, in Chicago, his first job was that of a toy designer, where his enthusiasm made him an early pioneer in slot-car racing.

Braverman helped invent the slot car. And, he helped develop the hobby as well, showing thousands of excited kids how to make their slot cars faster. Braverman contributed to such magazines as Model Car Science, Car Model and Rod & Custom’s Model Car Magazine. He even wrote a book on the subject called Here is Your Hobby: Slot Car Racing. In the late 1960s, Braverman moved to California where he returned to his

motorcycling roots, figuring out how to make motorcycles go faster. In 1967, he became the technical editor for the new magazine, Cycle Guide. His “how-to” stories continued to inspire the Baby Boom generation as they, too, moved from slot cars to motorcycles. Like all good motorcycle mechanics, Braverman could—and would—do anything. He showed readers how to turn the new lightweight Japanese motorcycles into fast drag bikes. He put two Yamaha 250cc road-racing engines into a frame he designed and built, then ran a quarter-mile at the drags in 10.52 seconds at 131 mph.

Braverman also introduced Van Tech frames that made it easy to install these same

wonderful new Japanese engines into bigger, “U.S.-rider-sized” frames.

Another noteworthy accomplishment was Braverman’s use of pumper-style carburetors on motorcycles.

He was always ready to cross-pollinate between the various racing disciplines, creating excitement with his readers.

By 1969, Braverman’s skills earned him the title of Cycle Guide editor, and he also became its publisher.

In 1973, Braverman was ready to launch his own magazine, Cycle Rider, which he published until selling it in 1975. He also started Street Rider and Custom Chopper magazines, and was the editor of Modern Cycle magazine for a while. He went on to pursue car racing and specialized in engine building, attracting the rich and famous of Southern California.

Bob Braverman died young, in 1982, at age 52. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.

In Memoriam

AMA LIFE MEMBER

SUPPORTS HALL OF FAME

John Cooney Jr. was an AMA Life Member and a dedicated motorcyclist.

Growing up on the southwest side of Chicago, John Cooney and his brother Mark loved motorcycles from a young age, even though their parents wouldn’t allow them to ride. Still, a highlight of every month for them was running to the local drug store to buy the latest motorcycle magazines and drool over the great bikes of the 1960s and ’70s.

As Cooney got older and moved out on his own, one of his first purchases was a motorcycle. Then he bought another. And another. He preferred sportbikes and he loved riding and hanging out with other motorcyclists.

In the spring of 2012, Cooney called his brother for advice. He wanted to know if he should buy his dream bike. Despite John’s lamentations that at 58 years old the money would probably be best funneled toward his retirement account—

and belying Mark’s professional expertise as an accountant—Mark advised John to buy the bike.

Cooney did, and over the next several months he enjoyed his new 2012 Yamaha FJR1300ABS, squeezing in as many rides and trips as possible around his hectic schedule as an executive sous chef for a major international hotel chain in downtown Chicago.

Sadly, that October Cooney lost his life to a heart attack.

“When I look back, I am so happy that John asked me for my advice about purchasing that motorcycle,” Mark Cooney says. “It was one of the true joys in his life.”

John Cooney also believed in the AMA and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. As part of his legacy, he made a substantial donation to the Hall of Fame so the funds could help foster and sustain its mission to promote motorcycling’s heritage.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR hall of fame—we couldn’t exist without the generous support of our donors. Now there’s a new way for you to show that support in a very visible way: My Hall of Fame. The idea is simple: A $20 charitable donation gets you a 3-inch-square space on the wall in the Hall of Fame entrance foyer that hangs during the campaign year. Want a bigger space? A 6-inch square is an $80 donation, and an 8-inch square is a $180 donation. You also get an official certificate noting that your picture is on display in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Hang your picture, your kid’s picture, your company logo, almost anything. It’s up to you! Get in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame today!

in the picture still aren’t motorcyclists. They love the movie, but they aren’t motorcyclists. That provided us a tremendous amount of creative freedom. We weren’t beholden to any one brand or agenda. We could just explore and give Bryan a lot of freedom.

At its core, “Why We Ride” is about the passion of life, and we challenge audience members from every walk of life to take a look at this community of motorcyclists and look at how they embrace living life on two wheels. If you are so inclined to throw a leg over two wheels, hopefully our film has done motorcycling justice, and you are comfortable going to a local bike night, walking into a local motorcycle shop or exploring a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class and see what all this hoopla is about.

I love everything from the customizers to the vintage historians to the motocrossers to the Harley crowd. We embrace everything on two wheels—and three wheels. We, like the AMA, are in a very fortunate situation in that we can engage all types of motorcyclists.

AM: How do you perceive “Why We Ride” is helping promote motorcycling?

JW: A lot of motorcyclists are sharing our film with family members or non-riders because they find it’s a lot easier to plop them down in front of a TV than to explain verbally why they’re riding around on a piece of metal with a motor.

I think a lot of riders feel as if the movie connected with them, but they also use it as a tool to explain their passion to new riders or to bring new riders into the fold. The fan mail I really like to get is from former riders, guys who say, “I just saw your movie, and I’m on eBay right now

looking for the Harley I sold 15 years ago when my kids were born.”

We really sought out to challenge the misnomers of riding. Yes, there are foolish riders out there, but when you approach motorcycling with safety in mind and you train appropriately, motorcycling is a very safe method of transportation or sport. We get a lot of parents, especially moms, who say after seeing our youth sequence, “Oh, I didn’t realize it was like that.” I think a lot of people who are watching the film, even if they’re already a rider, walk away with a better appreciation of the diversity of the community.

BC: There are, what, 19 million or so of us in this country who ride. How much of that is extreme? Also, most of us ride for very different reasons, but we all enjoy the ride. Most importantly, we go through milestones. When we’re kids, it’s all about getting on a dirt bike and catching air. As we get older, it’s maybe more about seeing the world, touring America, experiencing things a little more. Then later on it might be about getting away or spending time with friends. There’s no other machine out there that I can think of that you can fit with your state of mind and emotion and state of being than a motorcycle.

Film is one of the most powerful art forms. If we use that to get one more rider started, or one more mom getting their kids out there riding safely, we’re doing our job. That’s good for all of us.

AM: What other examples speak to the message of accessibility in “Why We Ride”?

BC: One of the biggest surprises I had was moms and women in general. I was

shocked how many women came up to me after the film and said, “Thank you for including us. We don’t just ride on the back. This is as important to us as it is to anybody.”

Then the other thing is the mom with kids. It’s more than just the motorcycle. It’s spending time with the family. That was the connective tissue that allowed me and my father to be out in the desert. It wasn’t just about the motorcycle. The motorcycle was there. It was about being together. Anything we can do today to spend time with our families is a good thing. I think a lot of moms have been looking for that, and they are finding it in motorcycling.

AM: Were well-known motorcycling personalities a key to the success of “Why We Ride”?

JW: No. It wasn’t the key. It’s just one of the aspects. The message of “Why We Ride” is about “we”—not “he” or “them” or “you” or “her.” It’s about “we,” and though we included Kenny Roberts and Bud Ekins and other notable AMA Hall of Famers, when interviewing them, we didn’t necessarily focus on their accomplishments as differentiating factors, but to show that two wheels is a unifying factors.

For example, we interview Kenny Roberts then cut to a 6-year-old kid who’s talking about one day becoming a MotoGP champion. That kid’s passion is just as valid and as significant as Kenny Roberts’ passion. We wanted to depict the riding community as if there wasn’t a differentiating hierarchy, that it was about “we,” but at the same time including these AMA Hall of Famers added a significant dynamic to what individuals can do when

A lot of motorcyclists are sharing our film with family members or non-riders because they find it’s a lot easier to plop them down in front of a TV than to explain verbally why they’re riding around on a piece of metal with a motor.

– James Walker

they have the talent, perseverance, ability, attitude and drive to go out and race or accomplish other amazing feats.

BC: I was not telling a story about individuals. I was telling a story about all of us. The “we” is very important in “Why We Ride.” That’s why I did something that’s not very traditional and not have the interviewee identified in the lower third of the screen. Kenny Roberts, as important a man as he is, in this film and with respect to the story we were telling, he is just as important as the kid who just wants to go out and ride his dirt bike in the desert with his dad.

Making this movie helped nail down my belief that life is short and every day counts. You just have to enjoy every day and make the most of everything. While we were living this and making this movie, it inspired us. It inspired other people. We always want to educate others on how to be safe riders, how to wear the proper equipment. We want to celebrate, not just adventure but the many good things that motorcycling does and what motorcyclists do. There’s no more generous group of people out there than motorcyclists.

If you see what’s happening with the movie, that’s great, but if you look online at our Facebook page and all of that, people just like to go somewhere and just like to be around other riders where they can celebrate and talk about their experience and get other riders to talk about and help inspire the next generation.

JW: Online, the majority of our fans say they haven’t yet seen the film. They are learning the film through the social media communities that we have built that resonate with three words that are at the

core of our movie: to inspire, to educate and to celebrate all things motorcycling.

AM: What are your thoughts on the increase in motorcycle films today, from feature-length productions to short clips online?

JW: A lot of people are throwing their hats in the ring, whether it be a YouTube video or one of a couple really cool documentaries that we see pop up on Kickstarter—there’s one called “Greasy Hand Preachers” and one called “Sidecar Dogs.” All of that is great. The more creative content that is able to enlighten, educate, celebrate and inspire other people to learn about motorcycling is great. We’re all so different. Not one movie is going to speak to every person or entertain them.

With these films, the motorcycle community may be saying, “we want to be heard,” and those individuals, regardless of their experience, who have the inclination to pick up a movie camera are answering that calling. I’m sure there are conversations happening at bike nights, at HOG chapter meetings, at dinner tables, after rides that are essentially, “we need to document that.”

BC: When we first started this, a lot of people were looking at this like it was just a short, part-time effort. Everyone is out there shooting stuff with a GoPro these days. It wasn’t until we started showing up and talking to people and they saw who we were and how professional we were and experienced of a crew we were, they realized that we were shooting a real motorcycle movie.

It’s interesting, as we were finishing this

movie, how many other people we would run into that had just started doing the same thing we were. The last rendition of On Any Sunday just came out. There’s the Motorcycle Film Festival now. There’s definitely a huge surge now.

It goes back to what’s happening to motorcycling in general. In 2008, the economy and motorcycling just died. Then as the economy started coming back and we started working again, the one thing that the motorcycle is, is it is accessible. If you can’t have the big boats, the motorhomes or the flying toys, maybe the motorcycle is something you can go back to. There’s a lot of joy that comes out of motorcycling without this huge ticket price. You can buy a motorcycle for a grand.

AM: What do you view as the greatest threat to motorcycling?

JW: The misunderstanding of what motorcycling is. My industry, and when I say “my industry,” I don’t mean the YouTube, the independent documentary, but the Hollywood movie making machine. That industry, it uses motorcycling as the de-facto bad guy, the de-facto extreme. It is the X-Games.

The reality is that a motorcycle can provide a great tool for achieving a thrill for extreme athletes who do flips and do X-Games jumps and that kind of stuff, but that’s not 99 percent of what motorcycling is. Yes, racing is there, but whether it’s “Sons of Anarchy” or it’s extreme sports, my industry does not appreciate the accessibility, the diversity or the humanity that is the majority of motorcycling.

I’m hopeful that through this film and our other projects that we can continue

to project motorcycling on a mainstream entertainment scale to general audiences.

BC: The lack of education. People see motorcycles or motorcycle riders as something that they’re not. We, like it is with anything, fear what we don’t know. The more we teach people what a motorcycle is, what they’re like to ride and what are the good things that motorcyclists do, all it can do is help us and help motorcycling. Certain movies out there do well by showing motorcycles as something that they’re not. We experienced this with “Why We Ride.” I can’t tell you how many people came up to us and said, “I didn’t know what motorcycling was. I want to ride now.”

AM: What’s your favorite motorcycle movie?

JW: What I really enjoyed is something I watched recently. It’s a short film, you can watch it for free on Hulu, and it’s called “The Build.” It’s very much about the café scene. These guys are northwesterners. It’s just three builders. They don’t build to make money. They build because their passion is motorcycling, and their passion is creating, and these bikes are extensions of themselves, and they don’t know what to do other than make motorcycles. It’s just 17 minutes long, but it’s a great little film. As I dive headfirst into this world and get exposure to all these different genres, I’d say the one that I connect with most right now are the builders.

BC: That’s a tough one because it changed as I went through my life, you know what

I mean? I don’t know if it’s a motorcycle movie, but as far as movies that have motorcycles in them that inspired me, “Quadrophenia” was a huge inspiration for me, and now that you see the whole café racer trend with the mods and the rockers going on. One of the most memorable ones was when I watched “Take it to the Limit.” That was the first I learned of the Isle of Man and those guys flying through the Isle of Man with the fog. I couldn’t really just pick one. A couple months ago, I watched “The Unrideables 2” and was blown away.

AM: What bikes do you have now?

JW: I have a 2009 Honda Shadow. It’s the first bike I ever bought. I got my license during production of the movie. And I have a ’67 Ducati 100cc bike that my son and I will rebuild one day. It’s a real barn find, and I got it for $75, and he and I are going to learn how to wrench on bikes together.

BC: A 2013 Husqvarna TR650. That’s one bike that I will never get rid of. They made it one year. I rode that bike while I was making this movie. It’s very special to me, and I will never get rid of it. Of course, there’s my son’s PW80 that I restored for him. And I just ordered that new Triumph Thruxton Ace Special.

AM: When you think about getting on a bike and going riding, what is it you look forward to?

JW: I grew up being a car nut, and I like racing, so the sense of speed and

adventure is there, but I never thought of motorcycling outside of being a racing fan until I got into this film. The experience on two wheels that I feel excited about is the sense of stepping out of the craziness that is my world and my life. It’s just me and the bike, and the bike isn’t asking me to answer emails. It’s not asking for decisions, other than how to stay upright and having a fun time.

AM: What is your next motorcyclingthemed project?

JW: We’re on the verge of closing all the deals we need closed to go back and tell the Ed Kretz story the way we want to tell it—it’s called “Full Throttle,” and it will capture a very important period in the history of motorcycling. So, in hindsight, this amazing journey that has taken up three years of my life has gone full circle to where we all started four years ago.

BC: When began making “Why We Ride,” we had literally no budget. Still, when we started raising money, I realized I couldn’t go after any sponsors. I needed complete creative control. Luckily with James working with us, I was able to do that. As we approach the next film, we’re going about it the same way. We want to raise the money we need to produce a feature film about Ed Kretz and the early days of Class C racing. It was such an amazing time. Doing it without sponsorship dollars and with just investor dollars takes a little bit longer.

AM: What’s the target date on the Ed Kretz feature?

BC: We hope to be shooting it within the year. We have a great script and a great crew, and we just hope to get some investors on board who want to help us tell the story of America in the ’30s and the Class C racing community in southern California. It was such a simpler time of stripping down the bike and going racing, but I also think there’s an appreciation of that today—there’s something about that engine, wheels, chain, brake mentality that makes sense.

A few of the hundreds of AMA-sanctioned events this month, detailed on the following pages.

1

Take your family and friends to watch AMA Arenacross at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Pros race on Saturday, Jan. 31. Amateurs race on Sunday, Feb. 1. Event tickets start at $10. Info: www.arenacross.com

5

The Sumter Enduro Riders Motorcycle Association is hosting a national enduro on Feb. 1 in Sumter, S.C. This enduro is part of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Championship Series, presented by Moose Racing. Info: www.sermaclub.com, www.nationalenduro.com

6

In Campbellsport, Wis., the Southeastern Short Trackers, Ltd. will be putting on a three-hour Motorcycle Endurance Ice Race on Jan. 18. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Steel Shoe Fund, a non-profit, tax-deductible organization to assist flat track motorcycle racers who have been seriously injured during competition by providing funds to be used to pay their medical bills or assist in immediate needs. Info: www.steelshoefund.org

2

On Jan. 18, the Square Deal Riders M/C is hosting a Mud & Snow Scrambles for amateurs, youth and ATVs in Port Crane, N.Y. This event is a race in the five-round Square Deal Riders Winter Series. The club was also the AMA 2009 Motorcycle Racing Club of the Year. Info: www.squaredealriders.com

3

The Madison Motorcycle Club is putting on a Poker Run on Jan. 1 in Madison, Wis. The club was the second club to be chartered with the AMA, being chartered in 1924—the founding year of the AMA. Info: www.madisonmotorcycleclub.org

4

The Family Riders Club is hosting a two-day dual sport ride on Jan. 17-18 in Ehrhardt, S.C. This event is part of the Carolina Dual Sport Series. The club says to expect around 100+ miles Saturday and a little shorter ride on Sunday. The ride utilizes sections of dirt and backcountry roads, along with numerous miles of horse trails and endurostyle single-track for the more adventurous rider. Info: www.carolinadualsporters.com, www.broxtonbridge.com/ dualsport.htm

7

The Southern California Motorcycle Club is hosting an amateur and youth grand prix on Jan. 2-4 in Adelanto, Calif. It’s a race in the AMA District 37 Big 6 Grand Prix Series and includes ATVs. Info: www.socalmc.com, www.Big6Racing.com

COMING UP

On Jan. 17, the AMA will honor its 2014 national champions at the AMA Championship Banquet at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus, Ohio. The banquet honors the top three national championship finishers in disciplines ranging from land-speed racing to motocross to woods racing and everything in between. It includes dinner, door prizes, refreshments and a bike show. For more information, see www.americanmotoryclist.com.

JANUARY EVENTS

ARIZONA

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

JAN 3: BUCKEYE: ARIZONA CYCLE PARK/CMC ARIZONA RACING, LLC, (623) 853-0750, ARIZONACYCLEPARK.COM

CALIFORNIA

COMPETITION

CROSS COUNTRY

JAN 17: RANCHO CORDOVA: 2 DAY EVENT, POLKA DOTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, POLKADOTSMC.COM

DESERT SCRAMBLES

JAN 25: (Includes ATVs) EL CENTRO: OVER THE BELT RACING, INC, (951) 760-2333, OTBRACING-D38.NET/ ENDURO

JAN 18: (Includes ATVs) SANTA CLARITA: LOST COYOTES MC, INC., (661) 270-6755, LOSTCOYOTEMC. ORG

GRAND PRIX

JAN 2: (Includes ATVs) ADELANTO: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (760) 2206484, SOCALMC.COM

HARE & HOUND

JAN 24: (Includes ATVs)

2015 EVENTS

MOTOCROSS

Sept. 26-27: Ernee,

Jan. 3: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium (West)

Jan. 10: Phoenix, Ariz.: Chase Field (West)

Jan. 17: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium (West)

Jan. 24: Oakland, Calif.: O.Co Coliseum (West)

Jan. 31: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium (West)

LUCERNE VALLEY: 2 DAY EVENT, DESERT MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (626) 260-2830, NATIONALHAREANDHOUND.COM

SHORT TRACK

JAN 3: (Includes ATVs) STOCKTON: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 368-7182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM

COLORADO

COMPETITION

ARENACROSS

JAN 23: COLORADO SPRINGS: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 2167482, ARENACROSS.COM

JAN 24: COLORADO SPRINGS: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM

FLORIDA

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

JAN 31: (Includes ATVs) BRIGHTON: 2 DAY EVENT, TREASURE COAST TRAIL RIDERS, INC., (772) 473-3801

MICHIGAN

COMPETITION

ARENACROSS

JAN 16: GRAND RAPIDS: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM

Feb. 7: San Diego, Calif.: PETCO Park (West)

Feb. 14: Arlington, Texas: AT&T (East)

Feb. 21: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome (East)

Feb. 28: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome (East)

March 7: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (East)

March 14: Indianapolis, Ind.: Lucas Oil Stadium (East)

March 21: Detroit, Mich.: Ford Field (East)

March 28: St. Louis, Mo.: Edward Jones Dome (East)

April 11: Houston, Texas: NRG Stadium (West)

April 18: San Francisco, Calif.: Levi’s Stadium (West)

April 25: East Rutherford, N.J.: MetLife Stadium (East)

May 2: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boy d Stadium

JAN 17: GRAND RAPIDS: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENCROSS.COM

NEW YORK

COMPETITION

MUD & SNOW SCRAMBLES

JAN 4: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL

RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

JAN 18: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

OHIO

COMPETITION

ARENACROSS

JAN 10: CINCINNATI: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 2167482, ARENACROSS.COM

SOUTH CAROLINA

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE

JAN 17: EHRHARDT: 2 DAY EVENT, FAMILY RIDERS MTC, (843) 7080886, CAROLINADUALSPORTERS. COM

TENNESSEE

COMPETITION

ARENACROSS

MONSTER ENERGY CUP

Oct. 17: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium

LUCAS OIL PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP PROMOTOCROSS.COM

May 16: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic

May 23: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen National

May 30: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National

June 6: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National

June 13: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point National

June 27: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National

July 4: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National

July 18: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National

JAN 31: NASHVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 2167482, ARENACROSS.COM

TEXAS

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

JAN 3: WORTHAM: 2 DAY EVENT, FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY LLC, (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM

UTAH

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

JAN 10: ST. GEORGE: ST. GEORGE MX, (435) 705-4125, STGEORGEMX. COM

WISCONSIN

RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN

JAN 1: MADISON: MADISON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (608) 220-5564, MADISONMOTORCYCLECLUB.ORG

COMPETITION

ICE RACE

JAN 18: CAMPBELLSPORT: SOUTHEASTERN SHORT TRACKERS, LTD, (414) 303-1331, THE STEEL SHOE FUND

July 25: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National

Aug. 8: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla National

Aug. 15: Tooele, Utah: Utah National

Aug. 22: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Indiana National

MTN. DEW AMA ATV NATIONAL

March 21-22: Lizella, Ga.: Echeconnee

April 18-19: Kemp, Texas: Underground

May 2-3: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek

May 16-17: Morris, Pa.: High Point

May 30-31: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman

June 13-14: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge

June 27-28: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek

July 11-12: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla

July 25-26: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud

August 8-9: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn’s

Jan. 10-11: Cincinnati, Ohio: US Bank Arena

Jan. 16-18: Grand Rapids, Mich.: Van Andel Arena

Jan. 23-25: Colorado Springs, Colo.: World Arena

Jan. 31-Feb. 1: Nashville, Tenn.: Bridgestone Arena

Feb. 6-8: Wilkes-Barre, Pa.: Mohegan Sun Arena

Feb. 21-22: Tampa, Fla.: Tampa Bay Times Forum

Feb. 28- March 1: Kansas City, Mo.: Sprint Center

March 6-8: Council Bluffs, Iowa: Mid-America Center

March 13-15: Southaven, Miss.: Landers Center

March 21-22: New Orleans, La.: Smoothie King Center

March 28-29: Austin, Texas: Frank Erwin Center

April 11-12: Spokane, Wash.: Spokane Arena

April 18-19: Tacoma, Wash.: Tacoma Dome

April 25-26: Fresno, Calif.: Save Mart Center

May 1-3: Las Vegas, Nev.: South Point Arena

April 11-12: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek MX: (205) 699-8857

April 11-12: Punta Gorda, Fla.: Florida Track and Trails: (239) 567-0227

April 18-19: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain: (334) 318-8475

May 2-3: Washington, Ga.: Aonia Pass: (706) 678-3737

May 16-17: Henderson, N.C.: North Carolina Motorsports Park: (252) 438-8192

Southeast Regional

June 13-14: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback (Amateur): (407) 453-2056

Northeast Area Qualifier

Feb. 21-22: Elizabeth City, N.C.: Elizabeth City: (757) 754-8008

March 7-8: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek MX: 301-475-2000

March 21-22: Shippensburg, Pa.: Doublin Gap: (717) 249-6036

March 28-29: Englishtown, N.J.: Englishtown: (732) 446-7800

April 11-12: Dillwyn, Va.: Actiontown MX Park: (434) 836-7629

April 18-19: Armagh, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway: (814) 695-2453

May 2-3: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point: (304) 284-0084

May 16-17: Winchester, N.H.: Winchester Speed Park: (603) 239-6406

Northeast Regional

May 30-31: Danville, Va.: Birch Creek MotorsportsYouth: (434) 836-7629

June 20-21: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla Valley Sports Center - Amateur: (607) 965-8450

Southeast Area Qualifier

Feb. 14-15: Reddick, Fla.: MX of Marion Co: (352) 591-2377

March 14-15: Ellerbee, N.C.: Windy Hills MX: (423) 323-5497

March 28-29: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek: (423) 323-5497

May 23-24: Nashport, Ohio: Briarcliff MX: (740) 763-0935

Mid-east Regional

June 6-7: Buchanan, Mich.: Red Bud MX (Amateur): (269) 695-6405

June 27-28: Millfield, Ohio: Sunday Creek Raceway (Youth): (304) 284-0084

North Central Area Qualifier

March 7-8: DeQuoin, Ill.: Paradise MX: (205) 6998857

March 28-29: Maize, Kan.: Bar 2 Bar MX: (620) 7551370

June 20-21: Hamer, S.C.: South of the Border (Youth): (423) 323-5497

Mid-east Area Qualifier

March 21-22: Altamont, Tenn.: Fast Farms MX Park: (931) 235-2776

April 11-12: Waynesburg, Ohio: Malvern MX: (330) 575-0021

April 18-19: Rossville, Ind.: Wild Cat Creek MX: (765) 379-2482

April 25-26: Livingston, Tenn.: Thunder Valley: (423) 323-5497

May 2-3: Millington, Mich.: Baja Acres: (989) 871-3356

May 9-10: London, Ky.: Daniel Boone MX: (606) 231-2313

May 16-17: Newaygo, Mich.: Big Air MX: (231) 652-5225

April 11-12: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX: (815) 379-9534

April 25-26: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports: (217) 932-2041

May 2-3: Tigerton, Wis.: Motozone: (920) 419-2863

May 9-10: Little Falls, Minn.: Little Falls Raceway: (612) 919-3457

May 16-17: Garwin, Iowa: Oak Ridge Motocross: (205) 699-8857

May 23-24: Byron, Ill.: Byron Motosports Park: (815) 234-2271

North Central Regional

June 13-14: DeQuoin, Ill.: Indian Hills (Youth): (205) 699-8857

June 20-21: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek MX Park (Amateur): (507) 753-2779

South Central Area Qualifier

Feb. 21-22: Floresville, Texas: Cycle Ranch: (855) 571-6686

Feb. 28-March 1: Breaux Bridge, La.: Gravity Alley Extreme Park: (337) 3211154

March 7-8: Conroe, Texas: Three Palms: (936) 3218725

March 28-29: Fulton, Miss.: Veteran MX

April 18-19: Alvord, Texas: Oak Hill Raceway: (940) 577-2225

April 25-26: Edgewood, Texas: Buffalo Creek MX: (214) 939-4321

May 2-3: Ponca City, Okla.: Ponca City MX: (580) 762-3635

May 16-17: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley MX: (303) 697-1003

South Central Regional

May 30-31: Wortham, Texas: Freestone MX (Amateur): (713) 962-3386

June 20-21: Prentiss, Miss.: Golden Pines (Youth): (985) 273-1317

Northwest Area Qualifier

Feb. 14-15: Marysville, Calif.: MMX Racing: (740) 297-6686

March 21-22: Richland, Wash.: Horn Rapids MX: (509) 496-2958

May 9-10: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park: (360) 601-5347

May 16-17: Billings, Mont.: Billings MX

May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports

Northwest Regional

June 6-7: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park (Youth/Amateur): (360) 601-5347

Mid-West Area Qualifier

Feb. 21-22: St. George, Utah: St. George MX: (435) 705-4125

Feb. 28 – March 1: Porterville, Calif.: Porterville OHV Park: (740) 297-6686

March 21-22: Turlock, Calif.: Oatfield Raceway: (740) 297-6686

April 18-19: California City, Calif.: Cal City MX Park: (760) 977-9774

May 9-10: Hollister Hills, Calif.: Hollister Hills SVRA: (740) 297-6686

May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park

Mid-West Regional

June 13-14: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City OHV (Youth/Amateur): (740) 297-6686

Southwest Area Qualifier

Feb. 14-15: Litchfield Park, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park: (623) 853-0750

March 7-8: Los Angeles, Calif.: LACR: (740) 2976686

March 14-15: Haleiwa, Hawaii: Kahuku MX: (808) 668-6276

March 28-29: Perris, Calif.: Starwest MX Park: (949) 276-5153

High Adventure. No Hassle. The best routes, roads and twotrack, mapped by local experts. A great challenge with like-minded riders. A full weekend’s activities, with camping, campfires, food and prizes. For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding

2015 EVENTS

April 4-5: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen: (909) 384-9342

May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park

Southwest Area Regional

May 30-31: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen (Youth/Amateur): (909) 384-9342

DIRT TRACK

MONSTER ENERGY FIM SPEEDWAY WORLD CUP FIM-LIVE.COM | SPEEDWAYGP.COM

June 6: Location TBA

June 8: Location TBA

June 11: Location TBA

June 13: Location TBA

FEATURED SERIES: AMA WINTER JAM, SHOWDOWN AT THE CENTER - INDOOR DIRT TRACK SERIES STEVENACERACING.COM

Nov. 29: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

Jan. 10: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

Feb. 7: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

Feb. 21: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

March 28: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

ROAD RACE

FIM ROAD RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND PRIX (MOTOGP) FIM-LIVE.COM MOTOGP.COM

FIM WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP FIM-LIVE.COM | WORLDSBK.COM

July 17-19: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

MOTOAMERICA ROAD RACING SERIES MOTOAMERICA.COM

April 10-12: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the AmericasMotoGP support races

April 17-19: Braselton, Ga.: Road Atlanta

May 15-17: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

May 29-31: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America

June 12-14: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park

July 17-19: Monterey, Calif.: Laguna Seca –WSBK support races

August 7-9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Indianapolis Motor Speedway - MotoGP support races

Sept. 11-13: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

OFF-ROAD

INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS ENDURO (ISDE) FIM-LIVE.COM

Sept. 7-12: Kosice, Slovakia

FIM TRIAL DES NATIONS FIM-LIVE.COM

Sept. 19-20: Tarragona, Spain

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIM-LIVE.COM

July 25-26: West Greenwich, R.I.: Steppingstone Ranch

March 1: Pellon, S.C.: Columbia Enduro Riders

March 22: Bridgeport, Texas: Bridgeport Riders

April 19: West Point, Tenn.: NATRA, NATRA-westpoint. net

May 17: Park Hills, Mo.: Missouri Mudders, MOmudders.com

June 14: Upton, Wyo.: Inyan Kara Riders

July 26: Cross Fork, Pa.: Brandywine Enduro Riders, BER.us

Aug. 23: Moorestown, Mich.: Lansing Motorcycle Club, LansingMotorcycleClub.org

Sept. 27: Lynnville, Ind.: Lynnville Area Dirt Riders Inc., LADirtRiders.com

Oct. 11: Matthews, Ind.: Muddobbers MC, MuddobbersMC.org

GEICO AMA ENDUROCROSS ENDUROCROSS.COM

March 6: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Ocean Center

March 21: SLC, Utah: Energy Solutions Arena

April 25: Sacramento, Calif.: Sleep Train Arena

May 1: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena

May 30: Phoenix, Ariz.: Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Aug. 22: Atlanta, Ga.: Gwinnett Center

Oct. 3: Denver, Colo.: National Western Complex

Oct. 17: Everett, Wash.: XFINITY Arena

Nov. 7: Boise, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center

Nov. 21-22: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena KENDA SRT AMA NATIONAL HARE AND HOUND CHAMPIONSHIP NATIONALHAREANDHOUND.COM

Jan. 24-25: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Desert MC, DesertMC.com

April 10-12: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the Americas

Aug. 7-9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO, PRESENTED BY MOOSE RACING NATIONALENDURO.COM

Feb. 1: Wedgefield, S.C.: SERMA, SERMAclub.com

Feb. 21-22: Barstow, Calif.: Checkers MC, CheckersMC. com

March 21-22: Murphy, Idaho: Dirt Inc., DirtIncRacing.com

April 25-26: Johnson Valley, Calif.: Vikings MC, VikingsMC.com

May 2: Delta, Utah: Sage Riders MC, SageRidersMC. com

June 6-7: Snowville, Utah: Big Nasty Hillclimb LLC, X12Events.com

Aug. 22: Panaca, Nev.: Silver State Trail Blazers

Oct. 24-25: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: 100s MC, 100smc. com

AIRES AMA/NATC MOTOTRIALS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMARACING.COM | MOTOTRIALS.COM

April 11-12: Amarillo, Texas (West)

April 18-19: Kingman, Ariz. (West)

June 13-14: Nehawka, Neb.: mwta-trials.com (East)

June 20-21: Toronto, Ohio: trialsinc.org (East)

Aug. 8-9: Casper, Wyo. (West)

Youth Nationals and Women’s Open

July 3-5: Sequatchie, Tenn.: TrialsTrainingCenter. com (East)

Aug. 11-13: Howard, Colo.: ItsOffroad.com (West)

KENDA SRT AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM

Jan. 3 (Youth, Amateur), Pro: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, ArizonaCyclePark.com

Feb. 14 (Youth) | Feb. 15 (Amateur): Paicines, Calif.: Salinas Ramblers MC, SalinasRamblersMC.org

March 14 (Youth) | Feb. 15 (Amateur): Location TBA: Prospectors MC

April 11 (Amateur) | April 12 (ATV, Youth): Shasta Lake, Calif.: Redding Dirt Riders, ReddingDirtRiders. com

May 16 (Youth, Amateur): Caliente, Nev.: Silver State Trail Blazers

June 20 (Youth) | June 21 (Amateur): Elkton, Ore.: ETRA, Inc., ETRA.net

Oct. 24 (Amateur, ATV, Youth): Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Desert MC

Nov. 7 (ATV, Youth) | Nov. 8 (Amateur): Searchlight, Nev.: Get-Xtr-Eme.com

FEATURED SERIES: BIG 6 AMA WEST COAST GRAND PRIX SERIES BIG6RACING.COM

Jan 2-4: Adelanto, Calif.: So Cal MC

Jan. 31 - Feb. 1: Taft, Calif.: Dirt Diggers MC, Honolulu Hills Raceway

Feb. 28 - March 1: Devore, Calif.: Prairie Dogs MC, Glen Helen Raceway

March 28-29: 29 Palms, Calif.: Hilltoppers MC, Rodeo and Motoplex

May 2-3: Primm, Nev.: Shamrocks MC, Buffalo Bills Casino

Oct. 3-4: Ridgecrest, Calif.: Viewfinders MC, Ridgecrest Fairgrounds

Oct. 31 - Nov. 1: Location TBA: Prospectors MC

Dec. 5-6: Location TBA: Vikings MC

FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) ENDUROS ECEA.ORG

March 15: Greenbank, N.J.: Sandy Lane Enduro, Meteor Motorcycle Club, MeteorMC.com

March 22: Shamong, N.J.: Curly Fern Enduro, South Jersey Enduro Riders, SJER.org

April 12: Chatsworth, N.J.: Pine Barons Clock Run, Pine Barons Enduro Riders, PBER.webs.com

April 19: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Greenbrier Enduro, Tri-County Sportsmen Motorcycle Club, TeamHammer.org

May 3: Delaware City, Del.: Delaware State Enduro, Delaware Enduro Riders, DelawareEnduroRiders.com

May 24: Heckscherville, Pa.: Broad Mountain Enduro, Reading Off Road Riders, RORR.org

June 14: Deposit, N.Y.: Ridge Run Enduro, Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club, RidgeRiders.org

June 28: Blain, Pa.: Foggy Mountain Enduro, Susquehanna Off Road Riders, SORRmc.org

July 12: Gillett, Pa.: Barbed Wire Enduro, Southern Tier Enduro Riders

July 26: Cross Fork, Pa.: Rattlesnake National Enduro, Brandywine Enduro Riders, BER.us

Aug. 9: Three Springs, Pa.: Three Springs Enduro, Green Marble Enduro Riders, GreenMarbleEnduroRiders. org

Aug. 16: Berkshire, N.Y.: Speedsville Enduro, Ithaca Dirt Riders, IthacaDirtRiders. com

Aug. 30: Mauricetown, N.J.: Beehive Enduro, Competition Dirt Riders, CompetitionDirtRiders.org

Sept. 13: Shippensburg, Pa.: Michaux Enduro, South Penn Enduro Riders, SouthPennEnduroRiders. com

Sept. 20: Brandonville, Pa.: Moonshine Enduro, High Mountain Dirt Riders/Valley Forge Trail Riders, vftr.org

Oct. 25: New Lisbon, N.J.: Scrub Pine Enduro, Ocean County Competition Riders, OCCR.net

Nov. 8: Warren Grove, N.J.: Stumpjumper Enduro, Motorcycle Competition Inc., Ride-MCI.com

Nov. 22: New Lisbon, N.J.: Pine Hill Enduro, Central Jersey Competition Riders, CJCRmc.org

FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) HARE SCRAMBLES ECEA.ORG

March 28-29: Tri-County Hare Scrambles, Tri-County Sportsmen MC

May 16-17: Stumpjumper Hare Scrambles, Motorcycle Competition Inc.

May 30-31: Oxbo Hare Scrambles, South Penn Enduro Riders

June 6-7: Dogtown 50 National Hare Scrambles, Green Marble Enduro Riders

June 20-21: Reading Hare Scrambles, Reading Off Road Riders

July 18-19: Mountain Top National Hare Scrambles, Valley Forge Trail Riders

Aug. 1-2: Shotgun National Hare Scrambles, High Mountain Dirt Riders

Aug. 22-23: Hurricane Lane Hare Scrambles, Meteor Motorcycle Club

Sept. 26-27: Big Bass Hare Scrambles, Ridge Riders MC

Oct. 3-4: Sahara Sands Hare Scrambles, Pine Barons Enduro Riders/South Jersey Enduro Riders

Oct. 17-18: Ormond Farms Hare Scrambles, Competition Dirt Riders

Nov. 14-15: Delaware Hare Scrambles, Delaware Enduro Riders

SPECIALTY

2015 EVENTS

RECREATION

Oct. 11: Pine Grove, Pa.: Reading Dual Sport, Reading Off Road Riders, rorr.org

Oct. 24: Tuckerton, N.J.: Ride in the Pines Dual Sport, Meteor Motorcycle Club, MeteorMC.Com

Oct. 31 - Nov. 1: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run Nat’l Dual Sport, TriCounty Sportsmen MC, TeamHammer.Org

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

April 3-5: Riverside, Calif.: Adams Motorsports Park

May 29-30: Plymouth, Wis.: Road America

July 3-4: Denver, Colo.: Colorado National Speedway

Aug. 14-15: Salt Lake City, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park

Sept. 18-20: Sturgis, S.D.: Downtown Sturgis

Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: The main floor of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame celebrates Hall of Fame inductees, the heroes of the track, road, trails and halls of government who have elevated the sport to new heights. Now featuring the 2014 inductees

2 Wheels + Motor, A Fine Art Exhibition: The spirit, excitement and adventure of motorcycling is expressed through fine art.

Feb. 14-15: Edgerton, Wis.: North America Action Sports LLC.

Founder’s Hall: Honoring the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s generous contributors.

GUEST COLUMN

NO WRONG TURNS

A New Season On Tennessee Route 32

By Shawn Schmid

My wife and I moved to North Carolina from California this past summer, and I took the time to ride my motorcycle coast to coast. For me, there is always a common theme on longer rides of more than a couple of hundred miles. I often think about striking that balance between making my day’s mileage goal and enjoying where the road leads, with no schedule.

Whenever the schedule goes out the window, I often find hidden treasure right around the corner, on the road less traveled. After moving to North Carolina, I had an opportunity to take a nice fall ride on the Cherohala Skyway that leads from North Carolina to Tennessee, through the beautiful Appalachian hills. I encountered more red, gold and orange leaves than I had seen in years back in California. That elusive, and rewarding, road less traveled found me again.

The Cherohala Skyway is a beautiful ride through the clouds that I discovered by looking at maps of North Carolina online. The road is a two-lane road leading from Robbinsville, N.C., to Tellico Plains, Tenn. This lovely, twisty road includes heights up to about 5,000 feet. It is the perfect motorcycle road.

For an old guy like me, riding a big, heavy 1,800cc six-cylinder Honda F6B, the Cherohala is more fun than the Tail of the Dragon—another famous local road. There is much less traffic on the Cherohala, but I still met many nice people along the way.

As we’ve all found out, this is common while motorcycling in America. Out on the road, it does not matter what brand of bike you ride, your social circles or political party. Everyone says “hi,” offers to take photos and wants to chat with you about your motorcycle.

Happy that my plan had come together perfectly, I chose a town in which to bed down for the night. After consulting Google Maps at a coffee shop, I picked Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The town was new to me, but it is definitely some place my wife and I will visit sometime soon.

The next morning, I woke up early and began my ride home. I planned to just take the freeway, U.S. 40 East, for most of the way, and arrive home after an easy four hours or so. But it was a beautiful day to ride! I found myself thinking that this big,

four-lane interstate might be as pretty as the Cherohala Skyway, and it was if you judged it by how many orange, red, yellow, green and multicolored trees populated a single hillside. On the spur of the moment, I decided to take an exit and snap a photograph. This is when my trip went to another dimension.

Exiting U.S. 40 East at Waterville Road, I rode around until I pulled up at a hydroelectric power plant with a scenic “Welcome to North Carolina” sign next to the churning water of the Pigeon River. I could have retraced my tracks, but instead I put my camera away, gloved up and starting riding, bearing right since it looked good in that direction.

Soon, I found myself on a gravel road. If the surface conditions had seemed unstable, I would have turned back. But it was dry gravel with some leaves scattered on the shoulders. My bike liked

it fine, and boy was it beautiful. I went around a dozen or more turns, climbing upward, and now I had the sensation that I was riding inside the fall color, instead of viewing it from afar. At the top of the gravel section, I was happy to see a slice of pavement. I snapped a shot of a sign that read “Appalachian Trail.”

The paved road that I had just come to ended up being Tennessee State Route 32, a truly great motorcycle road. My plan to see the Cherohala Skyway was a success, but the best part of the trip was the part that was unplanned. It offered the most beautiful scenes of deep valleys and multicolored hillsides. Once again, I was reminded that many times what appears to be a wrong turn ends up being the right one.

Shawn Schmid is an AMA member from North Carolina.