American Motorcyclist 03 2014 Street Version

A Sidecar And A Prayer: Touring The Southwest

Teaching Kids

The Love Of Riding

AMA REWARDS

Watch this space for updates about your valuable benefits 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 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, save15 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 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 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 MotorcycleMuseum.org.

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.bohn-armorpants.com/ama/.

AIMExpo

Go to AIMExpoUSA.com and enter code AMA2013 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 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 AMA14. 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.

BikeBandit.com

Get 10 percent off your order at BikeBandit.com by entering your AMA number at checkout.

Biker Rain Chaps

Save 25 percent. Visit www. bikerrainchaps.com/ama/ and use the code AMA-0214-VDAY at checkout to receive your discount.

Bill’s Sport Motor RV Parts & Accessories

Bill’s Sport Motor Offers up to 20 percent off to AMA Members. Order your RV Parts & Accessories catalog at www. BillsSportMotor.com or call Bill’s Sport Motor at (518) 487-9569 to order a catalog, or place an order and receive your discount.

ColorRite

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

GiFOR USA/GOLDfren

Save 15 percent on brake pads and 10 percent on brake discs at giforusa.com.

Heat Demon

AMA members receive 10% 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 “NAAMA1410” 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 LifeLock.com or by calling (800) 543-3562.

MAD Maps

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

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 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 info on the best places to ride. AMA discount code is CRIAMA at www. roadrunner.travel/promo/ama.

Sam’s Club

AMA members save $10 or $25 on Sam’s Club membership with a special members-only coupon. Visit the Members Only section on AmericanMotorcyclist.com to download the coupon.

Schampa Cold-Weather Gear

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

NAVIGATION

Navigation Photo

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Craig Vetter is a man of many talents—and motorcycling experiences. You can hear about them from the man himself at this year’s Breakfast at Daytona, a fundraising event for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Ticket information is on page 17 and at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

by Brad Wenner

8. LETTERS

You write, we read.

10.

ROB DINGMAN

Champions among us.

12. RIGHTS

Update on the Johnson Valley compromise, military motorcycle-related deaths decline, Chicago alderman wants crackdown on motorcycle noise, and more.

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 2013. 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.

March 2014

Volume 68, Number 3

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

18. RIDING

The latest news, rides, interviews and more from the world of motorcycling.

30. HALL OF FAME

A 1962 Yamaha Ascot Scrambler, Hall of Famer Randy Mamola and “Foo Rider.”

38. RIDING WITH THE FAMILY

A single father in Southern Ohio wanted a riding buddy for his daughter. So, he bought a bike. Then another. Then another. Before long, he had spread the love of riding throughout his local community.

42.

GO RIDE

What to do, where to go.

50.

JERRY MATTSON

Forty rides in forty years.

COMMUNICATIONS

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

Grant Parsons, Director of Communications

James Holter, Managing Editor

Jim Witters, Government Affairs Editor

Mark Lapid, Creative Director

Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer

Halley Miller, Graphic Designer

Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing/Communications Specialist

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

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

Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations

Bob Chaddock, Vice President, Administration

Jeff Massey, Vice President, Operations

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

Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs

ACCOUNTING

Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager

Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator

Ed Madden, System Support Specialist

Peg Tuvell, Member Fulfillment Specialist

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Sean Maher, Director

AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

Jordan Brannan, Museum Admissions and Collections Assistant

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

Kip Bigelow, Amateur MX Manager

Joe Bromley, District Relations Manager

Jacki Burris, Organizer Services Coordinator

Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator

Lana Cox, Administrative Assistant

Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations

Bill Cumbow, Director of Special Projects

Sandi Dunphy, Road Riding Coordinator

Dave Hembroff, Road Riding Manager

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Maggie McNally, Chair Albany, 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.

Sean Hilbert, Hillsdale, Mich.

Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.

Art More, Sun City West, Ariz.

Stan Simpson, Cibolo, Texas

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill. (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) AmericanMotorcyclist.com

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)

Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator

Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator

D’Andra Myers, Organizer Services Coordinator

Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager

Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager

Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator

Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager

Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES

John Bricker, Mailroom Manager

Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator

Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Marie Esselstein, Government Affairs Assistant

Danielle Fowles, Grassroots Coordinator

Nick Haris, Western States Representative

Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant

Sharon Long, Legislative Coordinator

Rick Podliska, Deputy Director

Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager - Off-Highway

Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager - On-Highway

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Rob Baughman, Network Administrator

John Boker, Developer

Dave Coleman, Network Architect

Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst

Bill Miller, Enterprise Architect

MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY

Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative

Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative

Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative

Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager

Kimberly Jude, Member Services Representative

Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative

Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative

Angela Warren, Member Services Representative

MEMBER LETTERS

LETTER OF THE MONTH IN THE CLUTCH

John Van Stry’s letter in the January issue concerning his reluctance to use his tax dollars for electric vehicle subsidies is a common opinion today.

Send your letters (and a high-resolution photo) to submissions@ama-cycle.org; or mail to 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.

Subsidies are a subject worth examining, but to make sense of it we would have to include why the government today heavily subsidizes milk, ethanol and oil, bread, hamburger, on and on, even to our election funding and its tax write offs.

As for the electric motorcycle, I am a potential customer because I cannot operate a clutch lever for very long any more. Blame that on 30 years of squeezing the clutch lever on an iron barrel Sportster.

William Miller Portland, Ore.

SIGHT CLUES

I just read with delight the January Letter of the Month about headlights on motorcycles (“Enlightened Perspective”). I want to applaud you for printing such life-saving information.

I am currently the city engineer for the City of Omaha in charge of all transportation-related activities and have been a traffic engineer for the last 25 years. After reading the thousands of accident reports I’ve had to review in my career, I can attest that part of the reason people so often “don’t see us” is because of that single headlight.

Did you know that Union Pacific Railroad uses three headlights on their trains because they noticed a measurable difference in crossing crashes when one of their engines was equipped with multiple headlights? Think about that: On a vehicle as large as a locomotive, additional headlights have reduced the frequency of accidents at crossings. Think how it could help us out.

Very simply, the expanding of the headlight pattern from one to two or three as vehicles get closer tells the observer at what rate it is approaching. As drivers, we are creatures of habit and simply can’t tell with a quick glance how far away a vehicle with one point of light is.

I am also a Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor, own four motorcycles and ride three of them on the street. I have multiple headlights on all three. With the advent of modern LED lights, [it’s] easy to put aftermarket running lights almost anywhere on the bike. They are small, bright and don’t use enough additional electricity to have to worry about modifying our charging systems. There is simply

no reason not to do it. I have some mounted up on my handguards on my motard and streetfighter. They look fantastic and make the bike appear so much larger in dim light conditions. I always have them on.

Let’s spread the news and make the streets safer for us!

On another note, my busy life had me fall behind on my reading and I recently noticed that my monthly AMA magazines had piled up for the last nine months. It was frustrating getting up to speed, as the current events I was reading from nine months back were already acted on, so I had missed my opportunity to get involved. So, I read four magazines a week for the last two to three weeks and now want to know if you can print the magazine weekly as I’m more hooked than ever. I have never been more proud to be an AMA Life Member. Thanks for all you do!

Todd Pfitzer Life Member

Omaha, Neb.

VISION QUEST

I really enjoyed reading “Riding Into

Sunlight” in the “Ask the MSF” column in the January 2014 issue. I have a solution to that problem, taught to me by a wonderful racer/buddy named Chip Mead (sadly, he’s gone now, but not forgotten).

Chip once said to me, about a problem I was having driving in the 1989 IMSA Daytona 24 Hour race at night: “Forget about what you can’t see, and concentrate on what you can.” Even though the track was lit for night, the apexes in the infield were gone as far as I could tell, and at 120 miles an hour, that was a problem. When I went out next time in practice, I searched for what I could see, which was the outside of the track. I turned when it turned and—voila!—an apex.

Since then I have used his brilliant advice whenever I lose the vision I want to have. In sudden sunlight, it turns out there’s still lots of visual information, just not what you might choose. Just the calm that comes from knowing you will find something else to focus on let’s you relax and let in what you can see. Actually, that advice has become the mantra of my life, on a motorcycle or off. In every way in life, I “forget about what I can’t see, and concentrate on what I can.” I will be forever grateful to Chip for his wisdom.

Perry King AMA Board Member

TRAINING MATTERS

I am a new member of the AMA and really enjoy your articles and features in American Motorcyclist magazine. I have been riding for over 30 years. I don’t know why it took me so long to join the AMA, but I am glad I finally did. I really liked the Guest Column in your February 2014 issue by Justin Pennella. He makes many great points about all kinds of training and how important it is. I am also a Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor and can relate to the satisfaction he feels when he sees his students gain skills and make progress. We need instructors like him who enjoy helping students learn better riding skills.

The other article in the same magazine, “Ask the MSF: Riding With ABS” was interesting also. I felt like they omitted one very important step while braking hard with ABS. The article does state that the rider “may feel a pulsation through the lever/pedal as the pressure relief valves cycle on and off.” What they didn’t add is that it is important to keep the pressure on the lever and pedal if you feel this pulsation. Many people who are not familiar with ABS may think something is wrong and release the lever or pedal. I

have witnessed people doing this in their vehicles not knowing that they should stay on the brakes until the vehicle stops.

Patricia (Patti) Blaskovic Cleveland, Ohio

Cost of freedom

I am responding to an article printed in the Nov. 22 issue of The Economist magazine concerning the cost to taxpayers of treating and rehabilitating head trauma cases resulting from helmetless motorcycle accidents. It is the elephant in the room. Distilled down to its essence, I believe the government entities at all levels from village to federal will allow us all to

fit mufflers to our machines. I can live with that. How about the rest of you?

Peter Van Deusen Life Member Cobleskill, N.Y.

taCkling sound

I just read your recent article on sound regulations (February 2014) and the possible future changes.

One thing that struck me was a lack of real world policy. When the rubber meets the road, how will these regulations get enforced? With a tape measure and a protractor at the side of the road? Your tachometer or mine?

Two simple solutions:

• Laboratory test results by the manufacturers in a controlled environment should be required by the EPA for certification. Without certification, the product is not legal for use on the street. Certification results in a conformance label or stamp readily legible for law enforcement. I believe this is currently the EPA policy.

BIGGER LI VELI ER FASTER

Cruise down the open scenic highways of Daytona Beach and meet up with thousands of riders in the birthplace of speed for Bike Week 2014. Be here for 10 days of non-stop entertainment including:

• Live music

• Races, bike shows and displays

• Food, great scenic rides and plenty more So, come play a little harder at the World’s Largest Motorcycle Event® Seize the day. Better yet...

7- 16, 2014

and more

enforced to include a dbA rating at a given distance—a sliding scale for distance to dbA. Radar and Lidar can be modified to take a sound reading. The speed detection equipment is already calculating distance. Give the public a standard sound rating at a given distance. The courts will be happy because, like the speed reading, there is little room for discussion.

A lone rider on a given stretch of road is either in sound and speed compliance or he is not. If speed is the issue, he may be subject to additional penalty for sound and vice-versa. No sound compliance label? Same deal. No questions...

Fran Yetso Sunnyvale, Calif.

Thanks for the note, Fran. Unfortunately, many outcomes from the sound roundtable were not grounded in fairness or objectivity, despite objections from the AMA and our partners. We will continue to monitor legislative developments and advocate strongly for motorcyclists’

THE PRESIDENT

CHAMPIONS AMONG US

Honoring AMA Racers

As this issue was being put to bed, we had the honor of welcoming many of America’s most successful amateur racers to the 2013 AMA Championship Banquet. The annual gala event is where we celebrate the seasons of those who excelled in AMA-sanctioned motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle competition the previous year. On Jan. 18, riders from all disciplines sanctioned by the AMA came to Columbus, Ohio, to receive their AMA national No. 1 plates and championship medals.

The AMA Championship Banquet is more than a celebration of speed, endurance and skill. The best competitors stand at the top of the podium because they posses both superior athletic ability as well as humility, dedication and desire to be the best.

This is what makes participating in AMA racing events so signifi cant. The AMA represents the gold standard of amateur motorcycle competition in America. Racing in an AMAsanctioned event means the rules are fair, the rules are the same no matter where you go, you compete with others who are at your skill level, you have opportunities to advance, and every eff ort is made to ensure a safe racing environment.

Of course, this wasn’t built overnight. Our current racers, and the hundreds of thousands of AMA racers who came before them, are the reason that AMA amateur racing has achieved the status it enjoys today. Since 1924, racers of all backgrounds and skill levels have competed in AMA-sanctioned events and have contributed to the collective wisdom that has shaped our sport.

One way those contributions manifest themselves is in AMA Congress. AMA Congress is the elected body that writes the rules in the AMA Amateur Competition Rulebook. They ensure that the rules put in place are consistent, fair and logical across all disciplines.

Another powerful quality of AMA-sanctioned competition was also on full display at the AMA Championship Banquet. The event isn’t just about competitive success. It’s also a celebration of family, good sportsmanship, mutual respect and responsibility.

It’s that last characteristic, responsibility, that is growing ever more important in our sport. We have seen over the decades, and we continue to see today, that if we aren’t responsible, then we fi nd our favorite pastime at risk. In fact, if the AMA did not exist—or have the enduring support of many of our members—I truly doubt motorcycle racing in America would be possible.

The importance of that responsibility is refl ected right there in our slogan: Rights, Riding and Racing.

Of these three, Rights is the most important thing that we do. If we do not fi ght for our right to ride and race motorcycles, that freedom will go away. There are many people and organizations that want to shut down your local racetrack. They want to stop

you and your family from riding on trails in our national forests. Some even want to stop you from riding on your own property.

Some people don’t understand that our sport is a family sport—that it is made up of moms, dads, brothers and sisters enjoying clean, safe fun. Others just think they know what’s best for you and want to tell you what you can and cannot do. Others argue that motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles damage the environment.

Of course, we know that responsibly ridden off -highway vehicles cause no measurable environmental damage and represent a legitimate and viable way to enjoy, explore and travel across our public lands.

This is why one of the best ways we can protect our sport is to always ride and race responsibly, as well as encourage others to do the same.

Our champions would not be where they are—accepting their AMA No. 1 plates in front of hundreds of their peers—if they did not carry themselves responsibly. They do that every time they prepare themselves and their bike for practice or competition. They do that by respecting and following the rules in the AMA Amateur Competition Rulebook.

Even when they are not racing, true champions approach motorcycling in the same way. They are responsible when they ride recreationally, as well as when they are off a bike. The more non-motorcyclists we can win over, the more of them will be on our side when those who hate motorcycles try to take our freedoms away.

As an AMA member, you never ride or race alone. There are hundreds of thousands of AMA members who have your back. They love riding as much as you do. They are committed to improving the sport for today, and saving it for the enjoyment of future generations. Along with all of them, you protect your freedom to ride and race simply by being an AMA member.

Thank you for your support.

Rob Dingman is the president and CEO of the AMA.

COMPROMISE SECURES MUCH OF CALIFORNIA’S JOHNSON VALLEY

Persuasive Arguments Lead To Compromise

While military encroachment will restrict off-highway vehicle access to a portion of the Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area, a significant section has been saved for OHV use, thanks to language included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 that President Obama signed into law on Dec. 26.

Although land was transferred to the military to meet the training requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps, roughly 100,000 acres were saved for OHV recreation and, in a significant move, the OHV area was defined by federal law in a way that protects it from any further incursion.

U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.), a retired USMC colonel, introduced the amendment that protects the interests of the OHV community in Johnson Valley. Cook’s amendment accomplishes three goals: It ensures the safety of the residents in the Johnson Valley area, which is just east of the San Bernardino Mountains near Los Angeles; it provides an adequate training area for the military personnel stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms; it codifies permanent OHV access to tens of thousands of acres.

The victory for OHV riders is significant not only because it preserves off-highway riding in the most popular areas but also because of the difficulty in getting federal lawmakers to deny military requests in this post-9/11 era.

Initial proposals from the military would

MOTORIZED RECREATION PUMPS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO COLORADO ECONOMY

New Study Pegs Enthusiast

Spending At $990 Million

Motorized recreational enthusiasts spent $990 million related to motorized recreation in Colorado during the 2012-13 riding season, according to a report done by The Louis Berger Group of Denver.

The group, which has expertise in economic development, submitted the report to the Trails Preservation Alliance of Colorado Springs, Colo., a group dedicated to preserving motorized, singletrack trail riding.

Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations who is also a former U.S. senator and U.S. representative from Colorado, says the report shows the value

have restricted OHV access to just 30,000 acres. The Cook amendment preserves access to 100,000 acres. Included in the amendment that protects riding is the entire “Hammers” area, both the front and back side. Spooners, Aftershock, Sunbonnet, the Riffle Monument, and the Cal200 Memorial (The Rockpile) are also located within the preserved OHV area.

The majority of the Fry Mountains and full access to Soggy Dry Lake Bed are also guaranteed for OHV use, as well as access to Emerson Dry Lake Bed.

The Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area will continue to be controlled by the

of motorized recreation in Colorado and serves as an example to other areas.

“Colorado offers just one example of the great economic benefits of responsible motorized recreation,” Allard says. “The Hatfield-McCoy Trails in West Virginia are another great example of motorized recreation boosting the local economy.”

In the report, The Louis Berger Group states that almost 150,000 resident households likely participated in some sort of motorized recreation in the 201213 season in Colorado. Another 36,000 non-residents traveled to Colorado to participate in motorized recreation.

“During 2012-13, Louis Berger estimated that motorized recreational enthusiasts spent more than $602 million while taking trips using their motorized vehicle for recreational purposes,” the report says. “On a household basis, residents spent on average $109 to

U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Initial proposals gave the Marines control over a shared-use portion of the area, with live fire allowed. Now, Marine use of that shared-used area is limited to 60 days of military training a year, and dud-producing ordinance will be prohibited.

“Without the Cook amendment, there was a very real possibility of further restrictions on access due to a future Wilderness designation or federal renewable energy project, together with the likelihood that the BLM would change their land-use management plan to restrict or eliminate OHV access use,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.

“It was the strong leadership and exceptional ability of Rep. Cook to work with the Natural Resources Committee SOURCE:

$137 per day trip and $441 to $679 per overnight trip.”

Amounts for non-residential households were even higher, amounting to $131 to $197 per day trip and $926 to $1,660 per overnight trip. More than 90 percent of these expenditures were during the summer OHV recreational season.

The report notes that households also spent money on new vehicles, maintenance, repairs, accessories, storage and miscellaneous items associated with their vehicles.

“Louis Berger estimated that motorized recreational enthusiasts spent more than $387.6 million annually on various items to support and enhance their experiences in Colorado, including $133 million in new vehicle purchases,” the report says.

and Armed Services Committees in the U.S. House and Senate that protected the popular off-highway area in Johnson Valley,” Allard says.

Of even greater significance is that the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area is the first federal landuse designation for off-highway use and becomes a precedent for future motorized recreation.

The AMA joined with the California Motorized Recreation Council, a non-profit represented in Washington, D.C., by The Livingston Group, to work with Cook to develop the amendment that preserves access to the Johnson Valley OHV riding area.

CMRC members and partners include the Off-Road Business Association, California Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs, California Off-Road Vehicle Association, American Sand Association, California-Nevada Snowmobile Association, AMA District 36 (Northern California, Northwestern Nevada), AMA District 37 Off-Road (Southern California), The Partnership for Johnson Valley and countless individuals and businesses. The Specialty Equipment Market Association, the Motorcycle Industry Council and Americans for Responsible Recreational Access also provided valuable support.

The U.S. Navy’s/Marine Corps’ original proposal to take over vast acreage in the Johnson Valley area, if left unchallenged, would have eliminated the majority of public access year round to the Johnson Valley OffHighway Vehicle Riding Area and resulted in the end of most major recreational and competition events in the area.

In addition, without intervention, local economies that depend on OHV and recreational tourism would have been devastated.

OUTSIDE VIEW

Th ere ’ s noth ing be er than cruising with the guys on the weekend. Been doing the same for years and it never gets old - there’s always something going on or a place to go. And this is how we ride, jeans and denim jacket - unless it’s winter anyway.

But now we wear this Bohn gear underneath. Yes it’s underneath! You can’t see it, and we can’t feel it.

I just feel happier when I have some protection these days, though I’m sure we’re not going to have a spill.

They are very comfortable, I forget I even have them on, t great, and it's great knowing I have the protection under my jeans. Thanks so much.

Check it out - read their testimonials - that’s what I did. And they give you a 90 Day Trial too. Riding seems much more stressfull these days and with this gear we can Relax and Ride, with Peace of Mind!

...your product has made a believer out of me and the select few who ..saw my kamikaze ight through the air. I can only.imagine the numerous injuries that luckily avoided by wearing the armor.

...the road li ered with gravel...I walked away without a scratch, the bike was not so lucky. I just wanted to say thank you and let you know that your product saved me a lot of pain

STUDY SHOWS DECLINE IN MILITARY MOTORCYCLE-RELATED DEATHS Yet Numbers Remain High

The number of motorcycle-related fatalities is declining, but bike crashes continue to be a leading cause of death among service members, according to a new study.

In 2012, there were 184 motor vehiclerelated deaths among service members, according to the study published in the Medical Surveillance Monthly Report, a

A Marine practices hard braking during a Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic Dec. 12 at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

peer-reviewed journal on illnesses and injuries affecting service members from the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center. Deaths in 2012 declined nearly 57.8 percent from a peak of 436 in 2004.

For the study period of Jan. 1, 1999 to Dec. 31, 2012, slightly more than 25 percent of all motor vehicle-related deaths were due to motorcycle accidents among active and reserve service members. As a result of a decline in non-motorcycle-related deaths, motorcycle-related deaths have become an increasingly higher proportion of all fatal motor vehicle accidents.

“The annual number of deaths related to motor vehicle accidents among members of the U.S. Armed Forces declined in 2012 to their lowest level during a 14-year surveillance period,” says Army Col. William Corr, deputy director of the AFHSC’s division of epidemiology and analysis. “However, during that period, deaths from motorcycle accidents have not diminished.”

The study included those who served as members of the active or reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the surveillance period.

For some time, the Department of Defense has required service members who intend to own a motorcycle to participate in motorcycle safety courses.

CHICAGO ALDERMAN WANTS CRACKDOWN ON MOTORCYCLE NOISE

Suggests $1,000 Fines

Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) on Dec. 11 introduced a proposal to crack down on excessive motorcycle sound that could result in fines of up to $1,000.

“Unfortunately, [the] current Municipal Ordinance limits the Chicago Police Department’s efforts in enforcing the motorcycle noise regulations as it requires coordination and cooperation with the Illinois State Police to issue citations,” Alderman Reilly says. His proposed amendment would allow the Chicago Police Department to enforce the law with a simple visual inspection of the muffler. The amendment also would increase the fines for operating a motorcycle without a muffler from $100 to $1,000 per incident.

AMA WARNS OF PRESIDENTIAL NATIONAL MONUMENTS DECLARATIONS

Anti-OHV Action May Be Taken Without Public Debate

In a letter to key members of Congress, the AMA late last year urged representatives to oppose any attempts by President Obama’s administration to unilaterally designate public land as national monuments without public debate.

“On Oct. 31, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Secretary Sally Jewell spoke at the National Press Club and stated ‘there’s no question that if Congress doesn’t act, we will act,’ she said when asked if the president would use his authority under the Antiquities Act to designate national monuments,” wrote Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.

“This action will limit recreational opportunities on public lands and represents an overreach by the executive branch,” he wrote.

The letter was sent to Chairman Doc Hastings of the House Natural Resources Committee, Chairman Rob Bishop of the House Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Protection, Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Ranking Member John Barrasso of the Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests.

The Antiquities Act of 1906 allows the president to declare national monuments.

The federal law was initially passed to protect Native American artifacts such as pottery from being taken from small tracts of federal land in the West.

But presidents haven’t interpreted the law to apply to small areas. President Clinton fueled uproar in 1996 when he

designated 1.9 million acres in southern Utah as the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

In 2006, President George Bush used the Antiquities Act to circumvent Congress and set aside 140,000 square miles of ocean and 10 islands and coral atolls in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands as a U.S. national monument.

National monuments don’t automatically ban off-highway vehicle use but a national monument designation makes it much easier to ban their use without input from the public.

CAFÉ COOL AT AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL

OF FAME

Custom Motorcycles On Display

Bike builders are doing very cool things with old standards these days. The stripped-down, purposeful designs are taking the café racer motif in new directions, and two of the leaders in this area are Analog Motorcycles’ Tony Prust and Cliff Meyer of Meyerbuilt Metalworks.

The latest showcase for their original top-of-the-line work is the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum on the AMA campus in Pickerington.

While the core mission of the museum is to showcase the lives and careers of members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the facility also rotates specialized exhibits designed to expose visitors to

Clockwise from left: The Meyerbuilt CB550 Café Racer, Analog Motorcycles’ 1972 Triumph Bonneville 650 Bobber “El Matador” and 1966 Montgomery Wards’ Riverside 450ss “Riverside Racer”

diff

erent areas of motorcycling. Current exhibits that supplement the Hall of Fame are “Dirt Track! All American Motorcycle Racing” and “2 Wheels + Motor: A Fine Art Exhibition.” Prust’s

and Meyer’s bikes are part of a display highlighting some of America’s newest talent in custom bike designs.

“It is an honor to be selected to display a few of the custom motorcycles I have created,” Prust says. “I would encourage fans of custom motorcycles, art and two-wheeled goodness to come out to the museum and check out this unique exhibit celebrating two-wheeled art.”

Meyer’s work, as you would guess from the name of his company, shows off his always-evolving metalwork.

“I like to build bikes that are practical yet unique,” he says. “I strive to develop my metalworking skills to a higher level with each build, and try to accomplish something I haven’t done before each time as well.”

Meyer hopes visitors get a taste for the amount of work he’s put into his bikes.

“Overall, I want people to look at the bikes and see how much I love to work with metal and the passion I have for motorcycles,” he says.

To learn more about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, see www.motorcyclemuseum.org. Even better, stop by. It’s at 13515 Yarmouth Dr. in Pickerington, Ohio.

Life Lessons from Taiwan

The Grand Riders: Forever Young

After 35 years of living in America, I have gotten accustomed to the fact that, as a culture, we worship youth. But aging and wisdom is not a punishment. It’s a reward for a lifetime of perseverance.

I can still ride as aggressively as my accumulated wisdom sees fit. Mistakes do take longer to recover from, but I do not accept that it is time to hang up my helmet

and strap a seatbelt onto a rocking chair.

In 2011, when I saw a short video on YouTube about Taiwan’s Grand Riders it brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat. I realized that I had made an emotional connection with the motorcyclists in the video. I shook my head in recognition and said to myself, “I have to ride with those guys.”

“I didn’t stop riding because I got old, I got old because I stopped riding.”

Among those men—who had been dubbed The Grand Riders (grandfathers who ride) by their Taiwanese peers—were cancer survivors, congestive heart failure recoverees, chronic arthritics and sufferers of various geriatric health conditions. But in spite of conditions that would have, and indeed do, keep seniors from enjoying the rewards of conquering their own personal bucket list, these octogenarians from Taiwan went out and did it.

Jhong Tian Wang said that for him life started at 70 years old. Jhong Tian, a grandfather, started to learn to drive and to master good penmanship at age 70. At age 83, he learned to ride a motorcycle. Miao Guei Jhu, a grandfather and the oldest at 94 recounted, “Riding around the country is the best present to myself.” The quotes from all 17 who adventured around the Island in 2007 are moving.

Since I was shocked into the realization that life is indeed finite, each summer I have been riding around countries that theretofore I had only dreamed about visiting. Although prior to 2011 Taiwan was not on that list, all of a sudden this small Asian country found itself in my immediate future.

I tracked the Grand Riders down and made my first visit to Taiwan to ride with them in October 2011. I was so impressed with their group, their nowannual commemorative ride event, and the Taiwanese culture, that in a closing speech to them I promised to bring some Americans back in 2012 to experience what had just been shared with me.

Fast-forward to September 2012, when 10 of us headed to Taiwan to participate

in the Grand Riders Event. Since the original ride in 2007, the event and the riders’ following had grown exponentially. By 2012, many of the original 17 were no longer able to ride more than a short

distance and some had passed away. The remaining 11 welcomed us with amazing hospitality that has bonded us in spirit for our lifetime.

None of us spoke Chinese and none of them spoke English, but through a number of young volunteer translators and a certain kind of mutual understanding, we realized that we were life passengers on the same boat. Riding did much for them, as it does for us. They recognized that it kept their bodies active, engaged and gave longevity to useful hand/eye coordination and balance. It also gave them confidence that they could, no matter their age, follow their dream.

As far as we were concerned, who would have thought that our group consisting of a retired Air Force Major General (who celebrated his 80th birthday during our trip), the president of a motorcycle parts manufacturer, the owner of a major motorcycle dealership, two scooter dealers, a motorcycle designer/ engineer (with girlfriend), a motorcycle accessory manufacturer and me would integrate into a cohesive and compatible group of 11 Taiwanese — whose only common bond was our age and our love of motorcycling and the freedom it provided?

Our 2012 four-day ride through the mountains of central Taiwan ended at a gala event in the east coast city of Hualien before we rode north back to Taipei and headed home. To say that this ride was a success would be a gross understatement. One of my group said that, for her, it was a life-changing experience.

The sponsors of the ride and in many respects our hosts made a video of our trip that can be see at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AVJtwDL0nus. Once again, I promised to bring more Americans back the following year.

For the 2013 ride, Harley Davidson Taiwan stepped up and provided a variety of motorcycles during the 10-day event that ended in the biggest celebration (and surprise) of all, “Bikertopia,” which was a celebration of Harley Davidson’s 110th Anniversary, Taiwan style.

After arriving in Taipei, the island’s capital, and taking the high-speed (bullet) train to Kaohsiung at the south end of the island, we picked up our bikes at the Harley dealer and rode south for a couple of hours to the very tip of the island in Pintung County.

Unlike previous years where our entire trip was centered around a “Grand

Rider” celebration and interaction that was attended by all of the surviving original Grand Riders, this year, the “Grand Rider” concept took a back seat to a more universal event, organized by a local supporting charity. It included many events at Baisha Bay beach where, incidentally, sequences of the movie “Life of Pi” were shot.

Accompanied by four volunteers from the Taipei HOG Chapter, we took a twoday ride north to Taichung in the center of the island where another senior citizen celebration was held and we Americans were honored on stage by the local Taichung government. It was pretty heady stuff since most of what was happening was culturally beyond our purview. We witnessed yet more examples of the affectionate hospitality of the Taiwanese social workers. Being of advanced age in Taiwan is considered a position of honor rather than a burden for the younger generation to carry.

When the Grand Riders undertook their original adventure, they circumnavigated the island along coast roads, which carry most of the traffic. The mountains offer a quieter traffic experience with many places to stop and contemplate the fauna and flora. It is not unusual to be sitting at a road stop on the way to Alishan Mountain and see a community of macaque monkeys, hoping for some food handouts.

Following our passage through Taroko Gorge and a quick run down the east coast, we made it back to Kaohsiung to hand back our motorcycles and to attend “Bikertopia,” the great Taiwan celebration of their biker community. Taiwanese bikers tend to be younger than their American equivalent, which is interesting since their bikes are considerably more expensive than they are in the United States. The Taiwanese biker tends to be upwardly mobile and often a successful entrepreneur, but like their counterparts in other countries of the world, they dress the part.

Taiwan may be a diplomatically isolated country recognized by only 23 allies, but when it comes to taking care of their aging citizens and the culture of their motorcycling community, they are world leaders. If there is a “Bikertopia” in 2014, I will be there to again ride around the Island and celebrate with the Taiwanese HOG chapter, the Cruiser Riders Club and other motorcycling groups the global spirit of freedom that motorcycling represents to so many.

With our official duties behind us, we turned our attention to the ride ahead. East of Taichung is the Zhongyang mountain range that runs north-south down the center of Taiwan. It is the spine of the country. There are four roads through from the west to the east coast that are open to motorcycles, the most beautiful being Taroko Gorge. Any of the roads through the mountains, whether to Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge or from Sun Moon Lake south to Alishan Mountain and then east to Taitung, are marvelous motorcycle roads. The scenery is stunning and the country’s deep and colorful history lies waiting for one to discover.

The tourism industry is a major part of Taiwan’s economy, with many books and movies being authored and produced about where to go and what to see. But if you intend to tour Taiwan by motorcycle, then Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge must be near the top of your list. The high-tech and industrial side of Taiwan is all on the west coast, the more spiritual and aesthetic natural beauty lies in the comparative wilderness of the Central Mountain Range and the coast to the east.

Peter Starr directed the motorcycle film “Take It To The

DATE CHANGE FOR AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS

New Weekend For Vintage Extravaganza:

July 11-13

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the country’s grandest celebration of vintage bikes and the people who love them, is moving up a weekend from the originally announced date. The new dates are July 11-13.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, held at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, features bike shows, national championship vintage motorcycle racing, seminars by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers, the country’s biggest motorcycle swap meet, and more. The event is a fundraiser for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the 501(c)(3) whose job it is to raise money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

“Providing a date for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is never easy, given that it often can only be set after many other dominoes get lined up, including schedules for MotoGP racing in this country, World Superbike races here, and AMA Pro Racing events,” said Jeff Massey, AMA vice president of operations. “Although it appeared the originally announced date was our only option, we were able to work with other groups to find a new spot on the calendar for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days that makes the most sense for the fans.”

Another benefit of the date change is the avoidance of a conflict with another vintage motorcycling event held in Wauseon, Ohio.

AMA members can purchase advance tickets to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at an exclusive discount. To purchase tickets, call (800) 262-5646.

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. 12/31/13.

To

ANDROID, iOS APP PROVIDES USED BIKE VALUES

Price It Right

We’ve all been there, wondering what a particular bike is worth, whether it’s already in our garage or is a prospective purchase in the AMA classifieds at ama. sprocketlist.com.

Now, the AMA Motorcycle Value Guide powered by Black Book lets you find out right from your smart phone.

The app is easy-to-use and works from iOS and Android devices. It leverages the full power of the Black Book Motorcycle and Powersports Value Guide. You can find it in the iTunes App Store and Android Marketplace for $1.99.

The AMA Motorcycle Value Guide powered by Black Book includes comprehensive value information on

virtually all motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, dirtbikes, scooters, personal watercraft, jet boats and snowmobiles produced since 1981. The guide, updated monthly, includes the current retail values, a conditionbased trade-in value, as well as the original MSRP.

Prices reported by the app are based on actual sales data reported to Black Book.

RUNNING A RIDE? GET YOUR FORMS IN NOW

Download 2014 Sanctioning, Insurance Forms

If you haven’t yet submitted the paperwork for your 2014 AMA-sanctioned event, the time to do so is now. Clubs and promoters can access sanctioning and insurance forms on the AMA website at www.americanmotorcyclist.com > Clubs & Promoters > Resources & Forms.

The AMA has renewed with K&K Insurance as its preferred insurance provider. The insurance program features industry-leading event liability coverage options at great rates for AMA-chartered clubs and promoters.

K&K Insurance offers high-quality base insurance that meets all AMA-sanctioned event requirements, as well as an optional coverage plan that provides a higher level of coverage beyond the base level. Camping, setup and teardown coverages are included at no additional cost.

“The AMA is the premier motorcycling event sanctioning body because it provides organization, rules and logistical support that are unmatched,” says K&K Senior Vice President Matt Sackett. “K&K is proud to do our part to offer AMA organizers industry-leading coverage at great rates.”

K&K Insurance, headquartered in Fort Wayne, Ind., has been recognized as a leading provider of sports, leisure and

AMA WELCOMES NEW RIGHTS EDITOR

Jim Witters Reporting

The AMA welcomes a new staffer tasked with covering the issues that affect your freedom to ride and race motorcycles. New government affairs editor, Jim Witters, brings 30 years of journalism experience and a lifetime of

entertainment insurance products for 60 years.

AMA-chartered clubs and promoters who need assistance with their paperwork for 2014 are encouraged to contact the association at (800) 262-5646. Ask for AMA Organizer Services.

motorcycle riding to the job.

Witters came to work in the AMA’s Pickerinton, Ohio, office on Jan. 6. He has a bachelor’s in Leadership and Administration from the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Md.

As a journalist, Witters has covered motorcycle issues for the Daytona Beach News-Journal and served as its designated Bike Week and Biketoberfest reporter. A longtime AMA member, he is a life member of Florida ABATE and is a past member of Pennsylvania ABATE and Delaware ABATE.

From The Road

IN PRAISE OF THE FLIP UP

A couple of years ago I bought a new helmet, and on the strong recommendation of my mad-keen biker nephew, I changed my full-face for a flip-up. The style had been around for a while and Iʼd seen a few, but I was never tempted. They looked a bit heavy, and Iʼd always prized low weight in a helmet.

By Rick Wheaton

Improved materials and slicker designs, however, have brought weights down, and all the flip-ups I tried felt so comfortable I was pretty much spoiled for choice. Now two years and 20,000 miles later, I wish I had bought one sooner. Here are a halfdozen reasons why.

1. CONVERSATION: I grew up wearing open-faced helmets, but as soon as I owned a bike that could do more than 40 mph in fourth gear, I moved to a fullface for extra protection and the extra insulation. But while I felt safer at speed and warmer most of the time, I missed not being able to converse with my fellow bikers, taxi drivers, patrol officers, clerks in gas stations and attractive ladies in convertibles. The flip-up gives me back this conversation option, and if Iʼm in a good mood, other road users get the full benefit of the dreadful noise (a.k.a., singing) coming from my head.

2. VISIBILITY: When Iʼm out on a ride, there are many occasions when I donʼt want to be hidden away behind a fullface helmet. With the flip up extended,

everyone can see your face, and youʼre accepted as just another road user. In Hollywood, whether we’re talking about motorcyclists or Stormtroopers, helmeted baddies are common—and often they lose the distinction in a big helmet-off moment (accompanied by a head-shaking waterfall of blond hair if the would-be protagonist is female—how often do we see that scene?). By riding with your flip up, when it makes sense to do so, you can eliminate the “baddie” connotation.

3. VENTILATION: If I ride into a town and the temperature is up in the sweaty zone, my flip up instantly gives me the option of a lovely cool breeze on my face and neck. Furthermore, because the manufacturer certifies my helmet for use even when the hinge is unlocked—not all flip ups are—I can lift the lower section a fraction to improve ventilation while riding a quicker pace. This also works when starting out on a cold morning to combat misting up.

4. GADGETRY: Iʼm a self-confessed gadget freak, and my flip-up has the plus of a built-in adjustable tinted screen. These have almost become standard issue, and itʼs hard to overstate their convenience along with their contribution to comfort and safety. By the way, if youʼre riding into a low setting sun at a pace that will permit, the lower section of your flip-up can be hinged in the open position to act as a solid sun visor. This is probably an accidental feature, but there are times when itʼs most welcome.

putting on my helmet first was met with limited success as my helmet is a proper tight fit. Either way, thanks to my flip up, any awkwardness is history.

Helmet on, flip it up. Glasses on, flip it down. Job done. Wonderful.

Rick Wheaton is an AMA member who writes about lessons learned from riding routes the world over. Comments? Email submissions@ama-cycle.org.

5. SNACKS/DRINKS: If I have the time, and want a snack or drink, Iʼll stop and take my helmet off, but if Iʼm in a hurry and need a quick swig of water and a hunk of chocolate, my flip-up helmet means I can have a quick re-fuel while still wearing it.

6. SUNGLASSES/SPECTACLES, ETC.: Along with every biker on the planet, I wear sunglasses if the sun is shining. The rest of the time I wear plain glasses, the zero prescription sort. A few bucks in any drug store, plain glass or plastic lenses help shield my eyes from the inevitable helmet draft, which in winter is usually a freezing cold one. So, if Iʼm riding, Iʼm wearing glasses. Two years ago, this meant that every time I pulled my full-face helmet on, or lifted it off, I ran the risk of a near ear amputation by glasses. An attempt to avoid this by

AMA Member Tested ARAI DEFIANT

MSRP: Solids, $619.95$629.95; graphics, $749.95

Sizes: XXS-XXXL

Info: www.araiamericas.com

The main things I look for in a helmet are safety, fit, comfort, distinguishing features, looks and price point.

Let’s start with safety. The Arai brand already has an established reputation for the safety aspect of design. The Arai Defiant that I received for testing has the emergency cheek pad release system from the RX-Q line that enables medics to slide the helmet off a crashed rider’s head more easily.

It also has the R75 shape that, according to Arai, is “rounder, smoother and stronger.” The logic is that a rounder and smoother surface slides more easily, disperses more of the impact energy and reduces the potential for excessive rotational force. With most of the kinetic energy dispersed, the helmet’s inherent impact absorption abilities could be enough to absorb the remaining energy, better protecting the rider’s head.

By Rashmi Tambe

have been due to the less-thanperfect fit. I also found myself fumbling to open and close the vents with my gloved hand.

The stronger material ostensibly prevents deformation on impact, which could otherwise concentrate the impact energy or catch on obstacles during a crash. While I did not crash test the helmet for the sake of this review, two of my previous Arais have protected my head adequately in high-speed crashes in the past.

As for fit, the Defiant is available in a range of sizes, and the head type it is made for is “intermediate oval.” I reviewed a small, which is what I generally wear, but my head better matches Arai’s “round oval” shape, which fits better into my Quantum 2. While the overall fit of the Defiant was OK, it was slightly looser in the front and back than I like for optimal safety.

When it comes to overall comfort while riding, key factors to consider are weight, venting and noise. Arai helmets in general are some of the lightest available. This significantly reduces fatigue on those long rides. The Arai Defiant, in particular, is optimized for riders of non-faired naked bikes. The front chin vents, the chimney vents on top and the exhaust vent at the back all have three settings. This allows the rider to have a significant amount of control over the volume of air flowing from the front to the back.

The level of noise is its only failing. During my test ride, I thought it was noisier than my Quantum 2, although this could

One of the Defiant’s noteworthy features is the built-in PinLock, which in my experience is the industry’s only solution that works 100 percent against fogging. The helmet I reviewed came installed with a smoky black face shield, which I thought was a little optimistic for a Seattle winter test ride. As it turns out, it was a bright sunny day and the face shield effectively cut out most of the glare and made for a pleasant riding experience.

Some of the helmet’s other features are the removable neck roll and cheek pads, which are water-resistant material to prevent them from getting soaked in a downpour. The inner lining is a removable one piece made of a wicking, anti-microbial material. The helmet has a chin spoiler that can be pulled out to deflect air into your chest when it’s cold out. The bottom of the helmet has a “HyperRidge” bumper to strengthen the shell and lower its center of gravity, which enables it to sit lower on your head.

When it comes to overall looks, the Defiant is available in five solid colors and 11 graphic versions. Several are very aesthetically pleasing, although that is obviously a personal preference. It is not available in a high-visibility color.

A helmet’s price point is the last thing I consider, but it is a factor. The Defiant is not inexpensive, at nearly $750 for graphic versions. When it comes to choice of helmet, though, I strongly recommend purchasing the best that you can afford.

If you have the right head shape and budget for the Arai Defiant, this is an outstanding helmet with a lot of great features.— Rashmi Tambe

2013 Yamaha Super Ténéré

As the proud sponsor of the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Touring Series, Yamaha is awarding one lucky member a new 2013 Super Ténéré! Riders participating in the series will also be automatically entered.

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.

TOP 10 WANTED BIKE FEATURES

What You Want In A New Bike

What makes a good motorcycle? Simple question. Very personal answer. We recently asked our roughly 70,000 Facebook fans to name the top 10 things they want out of a new (or new-to-them) bike. A lot of you gave your two cents and more. Here are the extremely unscientific results.

10. AFFORDABILITY

If the price point isn’t right, it’s just a pipe dream, right?

“You need to be able to afford your bike without breaking the bank,” says Timothy Adkins. “This includes insurance, fuel, upkeep and accessories.”

9. SIMPLICITY

Many of you said you don’t put a lot of value on the latest and greatest technology (maybe because of No. 10).

“I like my bikes old,” says Roger Farrier. “They stop, start and ride great and are an absolute blast to ride, which to me is why I ride [and] not so I can have a bike that is a rolling display of the latest gadgets.”

8. TECHNOLOGY

However, slightly more of you said you do like technology—if it has a clear purpose, such as ABS or fuel injection. However, you also appreciate control over that technology. “I want it when I want it and I don’t when I don’t,” says David Grey about ABS.

7. UPGRADABILITY

Many of you get a bike with plans to change the bike. “How costly or inexpensive is it to fit my needs?” asks Mike Hartman.

6. MANEUVERABILITY/ HANDLING/ LIGHT-WEIGHT FEEL

Bikes should be fun, and poor handling or excessive effort can sap a lot of fun out of a ride. Paul May Yetman, like many of you, is concerned about the “ease of riding twisties at a decent speed.”

5. QUALITY ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION

Not all of you mentioned suspension, but those who did put it high on the list, if not at the top. “If the suspension doesn’t work, none of that power will get to the ground, and you won’t have much fun riding,” says John Vending.

4. PURPOSE

Although you aren’t afraid to modify your bikes, you want to start with something designed with the ultimate purpose in mind. Adkins again: “Whether it’s touring, cruising, off roading or just sitting in the parking lot looking all shiny, it should meet its purpose.”

3. POWER!

Not surprisingly, a lot of folks appreciate some kick in the horsepower department. Jamie Frazier puts it best: “power, power, power, power, power, power, power, power, power, power.”

2. RELIABILITY

You want to work the engine, not work on it—“something that [doesn’t] have to be worked on after every ride,” says Rex McCreery.

1. COMFORT

Not a rip-roaring engine. Not razor-like handling. The top quality most of you look for in a new bike? Comfort. It wasn’t at the top of everyone’s list, but it ranked consistently high on more lists than anything else.

As Mike Calix says, “if it’s not comfortable, you won’t ride it.”

America’sMorethoughtsonmost-wanted knowbikequalities?Letus at ama-cycle.org.submissions@

Of course, we got a lot of outliers, too. Maybe the best was from Neil Robert Pille who wants to buy from a “busy previous owner who bought the bike, parked it in his garage and never rode it.”

www.facebook.com/AmericanMotorcyclist

1962 YAMAHA ASCOT SCRAMBLER

A Functional And Updated Norm McDonald Replica, Built To Race

the opportunity came to race in the revival, I just knew I had to do it.”

When the historic Catalina Grand Prix was revived in 2010, plenty of people scrambled to be part of an event that would once again bring motorcycle racing to the roads of Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California.

One of them was John Stein. Only problem was he didn’t have a bike worthy of the race. So he found a forlorn Yamaha YDS2, and with the help of friends rebuilt it in just 90 days, ultimately turning it into a replica of the type of scrambler racebike that AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Norm McDonald raced as an amateur at Ascot Raceway in Southern California.

“The original Catalina Grand Prix was legendary in California,” he says. “So when

The event was popular for eight years after WWII, from 1951-58, and the 2010 Red Bull Catalina Grand Prix was a modern version of the same, with classes for vintage and modern bikes.

To transform the YDS2 into race-ready form, Stein had engine work and expansion chambers done by Scott Clough Racing, shock and fork work by Race Tech, and he added plenty of other new bits. Ultimately, the bike won the Premier Lightweight Expert class and finished with the 22nd fastest time out of 104 entries.

“I was astonished at how fast that bike

was during the race—it would nearly match the 650 Triumphs on the straights,” Stein says. “In a way, racing the Yamaha at Catalina was like witnessing the changing of the guard between British and Japanese technology that was just beginning to take place in 1962.”

The motorcycle’s adventures have appeared in articles in Motorcyclist magazine, Autoweek, Classic Bike and elsewhere. You can find on-board video footage from the Catalina race shot from this bike on YouTube. Search “Catalina Lightweight Expert 1962

Yamaha YDS2.”

Fitted with a period-style number plate bearing the 233 race number of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Norm McDonald—a racer, engineer and motorcycle dealer who was the founding “N” of “K&N Racing”—the bike appeared onstage at the 2013 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Las Vegas to honor McDonald at his induction. The machine is now on display at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, features the people and machines that have defined the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling in America. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that receives support from the AMA and from the motorcycling community. For info and directions, visit www. motorcyclemuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.

Hall of Famer

A FAST FAN FAVORITE

AMA and World 500 Grand Prix Roadracer

Randy Mamola was widely regarded as one of the most exciting and charismatic Grand Prix motorcycle racers of his generation. Mamola was a consistent challenger for the 500cc world championship title throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. After winning the AMA 250 Grand Prix Championship in 1978, he went on to win 13 500cc Grands Prix and finished runner-up in the championship four times and ultimately ranked in the top 10 a remarkable 11 times during his 13-season world championship career.

at Pocono and Laguna Seca en route to earning the AMA 250 Grand Prix Championship.

With Kenny Roberts exploding onto the world championship scene, Mamola was already being considered the next big thing to come out of America, and in 1979 he got an opportunity to go to the world championships racing a Bimota, and later Yamahas, in the 250cc class, and a privateer Suzuki in the 500cc class. He made an immediate splash in both classes, earning podium finishes and scoring fourth in the 250cc championships (first privateer) and eighth in the 500cc Road Racing World Championships, despite racing in only half of the 500cc GPs. Mamola was so impressive that he earned a factory ride with Herron-Texaco

Suzuki in 1980.

In July 1980, Mamola broke through to win his first 500cc World Championship Grand Prix race in Zolder, Belgium. It was also early in his career that Mamola became a favorite of the fans and his fellow riders. Mamola was one of the first GP riders to acknowledge the crowd on the cool-down lap of the race. He would throw gloves, boots and even his T-shirt into the crowd.

After racing, Mamola became a founder of Riders for Health, making him one of the leading philanthropists to come out of motorcycle racing.

Mamola was born in San Jose, California in 1959. At the age of 12, he learned to ride on a Hodaka Steens and was quickly racing. At 14, Mamola was sponsored by Yamaha, and he wore the yellow-andblack Yamaha racing leathers of his idol, Kenny Roberts. He raced flat track and began road racing. Mamola traveled to contest the New Zealand road racing series during the winter and won that country’s 125cc title. In America, he began winning AFM road races.

Mamola turned pro at 16 and by 1977, when he graduated from high school, he began competing in the AMA 250 Grand Prix Championship. He scored three podium finishes in his rookie season and finished runner up in the championship. In 1978, he returned and scored wins

“I would wave to the fans, give them applause back and things like that,” Mamola said. “Before long, I noticed the fans were making signs with my name and wearing my team’s colors. I know how great I felt when I stood as a young fan if a rider acknowledged me. I just wanted to give something back to them.”

After starting his GP career in 1979, Mamola continued to be competitive

YOU CAN HAVE IT BOTH WAYS.

AMA members do it all—long-distance rides, offroad races, cruising main street, vintage dirt track... To better serve our broad membership base, American Motorcyclist magazine is now published in two versions. The dirt version includes more off-highway and racing content. The street version includes more articles for road riders.

To switch, call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services and tell them which version you want. 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 online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine for free.

through the early 1990s. He earned a total of 57 podium finishes in three decades and was a championship contender nearly his entire career.

Mamola’s career hit its pinnacle in 1986 and 1987, when he rode for Roberts’ Lucky Strike Yamaha squad. During that period, he won four GPs, took a slew of podium fi nishes and fi nished third and second respectively in the 500cc World Championship. He then was hired by Cagiva to help launch that company’s entry into GP racing. He gave Cagiva its fi rst podium result in Belgium in 1988.

Mamola retired from racing in 1992. He felt an obligation to give back to society and began doing so from an early age. During his GP racing days, Mamola got involved in raising money for African relief, ultimately helping fund Riders For Health. Over the years, Mamola visited Africa and deepened his involvement in charity work. Mamola’s passion for this work led to several motorcycle manufacturers becoming involved. Riders for Health has raised millions for African relief.

Randy Mamola was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000. He was not only one of the best riders of his era, but he remains one of the all-time fan favorites in the history of Motorcycle Grand Prix racing.

On Display At The AMA Motorcycle Hall of

Fame

“FOO RIDER,” BY JEFF GAITHER

What it is: Artist Jeff Gaither invented the idea of a “Foo Rider” based on the WWII fighter pilot term “Foo Fighter,” which these days would be called a UFO. Gaither’s Foo Rider is conceived to take that idea and flip it. The helmeted creature is imagined to be a fanciful gremlin-chasher, traveling along with the motorcyclist, chasing away mechanical snafus and generally bringing good luck.

How it works: Though primarily a work of art that displays as a sculpture, the piece also employs a removable helmet that can be worn on a motorcycle journey. Removing the helmet reveals another eye underneath that is part of the base.

How it was made: Gaither started with a Bell 500, painted it with acrylics, built the base using a wire armature covered with foil and polymer clay.

See it: “Foo Rider” is currently on display at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame as part of the exhibit “2 Wheels + Motor: an international Fine Arts Exhibition.”

Put yourself in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

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!

LIGHTNING AT FULL THROTTLE

BY JON GOSCH

CHASING STORMS ACROSS AMERICA’S SOUTHWEST

Like anyone who has ridden for years, I’ve had my share of close calls. Most of these incidents have been the result of inattentive drivers, but there have been other hazards that nearly brought me down. Gravel, dogs, deer. A tool set spilling sockets across the highway in front of me. A trucker blowing a tire. Weather, of course, has been another major threat. Sudden rainstorms that diminished traction. Wind that howled and bullied me around my lane. Fog concealing the road. I’ve dealt with all these perils and more, yet the one thing I had avoided, until recently, was lightning. That was all about to change dramatically.

It took a few minutes but I stopped shaking and then I felt embarrassed to have shown my fear to a stranger.

“What a wuss,” I said.

“Don’t be hard on yourself,” he replied.

“I’m overreacting because of this story my dad told me the other day. Getting hit by lightning is a rare thing, right?”

The man scoffed.

“What?” I asked.

“Hasn’t been rare for me. I’ve been struck by lightning three different times.”

“Three times? For real?”

“Honest truth.”

“Any of them on a motorcycle?”

“Nah. Once I was on a ski lift. The other two times, I was just sort of walking around. Guess if you’re going to get struck by lightning, it may as well happen while you’re doing something you love.”

Jon Gosch is an AMA member from Seattle, Wash. His motorcycle adventure novel If We Get There can be found at www.amazon.com.

Riding With The Family

Ohio Couple Plants Seeds Of Motorcycling Among Community

By James Holter

Five years ago, AMA member Neil Bouchillon bought what could have been the last kids’ bike sold by Huntington, W.Va.’s East End Cycle.

“It was Dec. 24. It was the last dirt bike sold out of that shop before they stopped because of the lead law,” he says.

The “lead law,” known formally as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, was an overarching attempt by Congress to protect children from lead exposure. The broad measure ensnared youth off-highway vehicles. Sales of bikes for kids 12 and under were being banned because of the lead in parts like batteries, engine cases, control cables and footpegs. Understandably, an uproar ensued in the OHV community. Neil was a single father and a lifelong

dirt biker who dreamed of riding with his 7-year-old daughter, Grace. He didn’t want to miss out on that opportunity.

Thankfully, members like Neil responded to the call to action from the AMA and its partners, and the lead-law ban was defeated for kid-sized OHVs. Little did Neil know then, but over time he would become one of the greatest beneficiaries of that victory.

“Had I not bought that bike when I did, and had the AMA not done what they had

done to defeat the lead law, where would we be?” Neil asks.

Spreading The Love

The significance of the lead-law win for Neil is clear when you fast-forward five years. Grace’s Suzuki DR-Z has been joined by “at least” 14 other kids’ bikes. Neil has added bikes for his wife Susan (they married last fall) and her son Jesse Lewis, 10, as well as a number of additional dirt bikes that he uses to spread the love of motorcycling among the Bouchillon’s southern Ohio community of Proctorville.

“It started with just another dirt bike so Grace’s friend, GiGi, could ride with us,” says Neil, who works as an attorney in private practice in Huntington. “But as soon as I saw the self esteem that these

big part of the success of their loosely organized riding club, which the kids refer to as “the Bouchillon Mud Bugs.”

“It’s not about making these kids into the world’s best off-road racers,” she says. “It’s about realizing the positive benefits of accomplishment. We do have some who race hare scrambles, but we have some kids who are reluctant to go up hills or down hills. It’s about spending time with them to help them overcome their fears.”

Susan refers to their group as a “real social network” and is proud that it includes kids from all economic backgrounds and across social circles.

“Gunner [Short, 15], who rides with us, is on the local basketball team, and they are phenomenal players,” she says. “He rides with the younger kids and is so accepting of them and helpful regardless of whether they are athletes or not.”

Family Affair

Neil says that he’s inspired by memories of dirt bikes breaking social barriers among his friends when he was young.

“I started riding in 1973 on a Honda QA 50,” Neil says. “We’d go to the De Soto National Forest in Mississippi and ride. Everybody in the neighborhood had dirt bikes. We rode together. We ate together. We had fun get-togethers. But that died down. I don’t know if it was the price of gas or whatever, but everybody in our area just got out of doing it.”

Neil’s family remembers those good times on the trails fondly.

“Many years later, I was having dinner

with my dad and he said to me that the closest we ever were as a family was when we were riding dirt bikes together,” Neil says. “He recognized the importance of riding together, not just to our relationship, but in strengthening the community.”

Although Neil never quit riding himself (he currently has a KTM 200 XCW and competes in Southern Ohio hare scrambles), the benefits of recreational trail riding were just a memory until Grace and her friends started riding.

“The parents come over and watch, and in many ways it’s like it was when I was a kid,” Neil says. “The kids are outside and playing. They’re getting exercise. They’re making decisions. They’re having experiences. Then, one thing we always do whether we’re at our house or at a trail, is we sit down and eat together. All the other parents say that this is some of the best quality time they have with their kids, and these are parents who otherwise might not be involved in dirt biking.”

Neil admits that he can’t do it alone. In addition to Susan, who he calls their “lead social coordinator,” and the kids, who help wash the bikes and gear, his friends Tim Shephard, Greg Shephard and Ron Mallory help maintain the bikes. In addition to East End Cycle (“Susan and I got engaged in that shop,” Neil shares), Huntington’s Cycle Center and Lancaster Sport Cycle in Lancaster, Ohio, support Neil and Susan’s efforts to introduce new riders to the sport.

“Our neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are also very generous with their property,” Susan adds. “Mr. Chapman really enjoys sitting on his front porch and just watching the kids ride, and if we ever miss a

weekend, they call and ask when we’ll be riding again. They are wonderful people.”

Responsibility

Neil is an attorney. Susan is an insurance claims adjuster. They understand risk and take a careful approach to any riding that happens on their watch.

“Everybody understands where the dangers are,” Neil says. “We show them where to ride. Everybody rides in the same direction. There are ground rules. It’s obviously non-negotiable that everyone wears safety gear and that parents are involved. We don’t do double or triple jumps. There’s a time and a place for more aggressive riding, and it’s not in the backyard. It’s at the racetrack.”

In addition to safety, Neil says they teach the kids to respect the rights of others.

“We live in a neighborhood, so we’re very conscious about noise,” he says. “I have FMF Q2 silencers on all of the two strokes, and I keep the packing in the fourstroke exhausts fresh. We don’t ride during church hours, and we don’t ride late at night, and if I see that we’re creating too much dust, we quit riding for the evening.”

Both Neil and Susan feel that any risk concerns are properly managed and that the kids have just as much fun as they would in a less safe environment. The most important thing, Susan says, isn’t the risk of riding. It’s the benefits that come with it.

“I never had anything to do with dirt bike riding before I met Neil,” Susan says. “Now I can’t imagine living without it.”

ALABAMA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAR 22: PELL CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM

ARIZONA

RECREATIONAL

ADVENTURE RIDE

MAR 29: TUCSON: 2 DAY EVENT, TUCSON DUAL SPORT, LLC, (520) 979-8398, TUCSONDUALSPORT.COM

DUAL SPORT RIDE

MAR 29: TUCSON : 2 DAY EVENT, TUCSON DUAL SPORT, LLC, (520) 979-8398, TUCSONDUALSPORT.COM

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAR 23: PEORIA: OFF CAMBER MOTORCYCLE CLUB

CALIFORNIA

COMPETITION

DESERT SCRAMBLES

MAR 23: (Includes ATVs) RIDGECREST : SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIRT DIGGERS, (562) 432-5215, DIRTDIGGERSMC.COM

ENDURO

MAR 1: HOLLISTER: TIMEKEEPERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (408) 739-5762

GRAND PRIX

MAR 1: (Includes ATVs) SAN BERNARDINO: 2 DAY EVENT, PRAIRIE DOGS MC, (714) 231-6718, PRAIRIEDOGSMC.COM

HARE & HOUND

MAR 9: (Includes ATVs) LUCERNE VALLEY: HUNTINGTON BEACH MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (661) 510-3245, HUNTINGTONBEACHMC.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAR 1: (Includes ATVs) SAN BERNARDINO: 2 DAY EVENT, PRAIRIE DOGS MC, (714) 231-6718, PRAIRIEDOGSMC.COM

MAR 15: HOLLISTER: 2 DAY EVENT, GHOSTRIDERS MC, (408) 265-2122, GHOSTRIDERSMC.NET

MAR 15: (Includes ATVs) ANZA: 2 DAY EVENT, GET-XTR-EME, (805) 236-5866, GET-XTR-EME.COM

SHORT TRACK

MAR 29: SAN JOSE: P & D PROMOTIONS INC., (408) 249-4336, SANJOSEINDOOR.COM

COLORADO

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAR 2: BERTHOUD: ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROMOTIONS, INC.,

MARCH EVENTS

(720) 220-4698, RMPEVENT.COM

ENDURO

MAR 9: ORMOND BEACH: DAYTONA DIRT RIDERS, (386) 615-0722, DAYTONADIRTRIDERS.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAR 1: CITRA: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOCROSS OF MARION COUNTY, INC., (352) 591-2377, MXMARIONCOUNTY.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAR 8: OCALA: FLORIDA TRAILS ASSOCIATION MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (352) 732-9574, FLORIDATRIALS.NET

MAR 9: OCALA: FLORIDA TRAILS ASSOCIATION MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (352) 732-9574, FLORIDATRIALS.NET

MAR 15: HALEIWA: HAWAII MOTORSPORTS ASSOCIATION, (808) 668-6276, RIDEHMA.COM

MAR 16: HALEIWA: HAWAII MOTORSPORTS ASSOCIATION, (808) 668-6276, RIDEHMA.COM

IDAHO

COMPETITION

HARE & HOUND

MAR 22: CALDWELL: 2 DAY EVENT, DIRT INC, (208) 459-6871

ILLINOIS

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAR 8: DUQUOIN : INDIAN HILLS MX, LLC, (618) 542-6203, INDIANHILLSMX.COM

MAR 9: DUQUOIN: INDIAN HILLS MX, LLC, (618) 542-6203, INDIANHILLSMX.COM

INDIANA

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAR 23: (Includes ATVs) CULVER: PLYMOUTH BLACKHAWKS MC, INC., (574) 259-0103, PLYMOUTHBLACKHAWKSMC.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAR 29: (Includes ATVs) ROSSVILLE: WILDCAT CREEK MX, (765) 379-2482, WILDCATCREEKMX.COM COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAR 30: (Includes ATVs) ROSSVILLE: WILDCAT CREEK MX, (765) 379-2482, WILDCATCREEKMX.COM

LOUISIANA

COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAR 29: FOREST HILL: 2 DAY EVENT, ACADIANA DIRT RIDERS, INC., (337) 519-2520, ACADIANADIRTRIDERS.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAR 9: NEW IBERIA: DOWN SOUTH MOTO CROSS, (337) 380-1551

MARYLAND

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAR 9: (ATV only) LEONARDTOWN: BUDDS CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM

MAR 16: LEONARDTOWN: BUDDS CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM

MAR 22: MECHANICSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM

MISSOURI

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAR 22: (Includes ATVs) PARK HILLS: 2 DAY EVENT, MISSOURI DIRT RIDERS, (314) 504-7287

MOTOCROSS

MAR 22: RICHWOOD: 2 DAY EVENT, LACHANCE RACING, (573) 701-8674, HTTP://SITE.ROMPMX.COM/HOME

NEVADA

COMPETITION

DESERT SCRAMBLES

MAR 1: LAS VEGAS: WILD BUNCH, (702) 610-7364, MRANRACING.ORG

NEW JERSEY

COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAR 16: GREENBANK: METEOR MC, (856) 889-2300, METEORMC.COM

MAR 23: SHAMONG: SOUTH JERSEY ENDURO RIDERS, (609) 268-9272, SJER.ORG

NEW MEXICO

COMPETITION

ARENACROSS

MAR 7: ALBUQUERQUE: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, AREANACROSS.COM

MAR 8: ALBUQUERQUE: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM

NORTH CAROLINA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAR 30: (Includes ATVs) RAEFORD: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 3235497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

OKLAHOMA

COMPETITION

ARENACROSS

MAR 1: TULSA: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM

PENNSYLVANIA

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAR 29: PAXINOS: 2 DAY EVENT, SOUTH PENN ENDURO RIDERS, (717) 938-0690, SOUTHPENNENDURORIDERS.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAR 2: SHIPPENSBURG: DOUBLIN GAP MX PARK INC, (717) 249-6036, DOULINGAP.COM

MAR 9: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 582-3717, PAGODAMC.ORG

MAR 29: SHIPPENSBURG: DOUBLIN GAP MX PARK INC, (717) 249-6036

MAR 30: SHIPPENSBURG: DOUBLIN GAP MX PARK INC, (717) 249-6036

SHORT TRACK

MAR 23: (Includes ATVs) HANOVER:

TRAIL-WAY SPEEDWAY, (717) 3594310, TRAIL-WAYSPEEDWAY.COM

SOuTH cArOLINA

cOMPETITION

MOTOcrOSS

MAR 9: (Includes ATVs) GASTON: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 3235497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

MAR 15: (Includes ATVs) HAMER: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 3235497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

MAR 16: (Includes ATVs) HAMER: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 3235497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

TENNESSEE

cOMPETITION

MOTOcrOSS

MAR 2: (Includes ATVs) BLOUNTVILLE: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

MAR 29: (Includes ATVs) ALTAMONT: 2 DAY EVENT, MID SOUTH RACE

HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

AMA M OTO rcycLE H A LL OF FAME

M otorcycleMuseu M 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 and New Year’s Day.

Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Recognizing those who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling.

Dirt-Track! All-American Motorcycle r ac ing: Celebrating the storied history of the dirt oval.

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

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

July 11-13, Lexington, Ohio: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Information: www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com.

AMA PrO r AcI N g

2 014 AMA PrO FLAT Tr Ack a M a proracing.c o M

Mar. 13: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona Flat Track I

Mar. 14: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona Flat Track II

May 25: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile

June 15: k n oxville, Ia.: Knoxville Half Mile

PRODUCTIONS, (931) 692-7223, MIDSOUTHRACE PRODUCTIONS.COM

TEXAS

cOMPETITION

ArENAcrOSS

MAR 14: HIDALGO: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, AREANCROSS.COM

MAR 15: HIDALGO: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 2167482, ARENACROSS.COM

ENDurO

MAR 23: BLACKWELL: ROSS CREEK TRAIL RIDERS, (325) 669-8866, ROSSCREEKTRAILRIDERS.COM

MOTOcrOSS

MAR 1: WORTHAM: 2 DAY EVENT, FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY, LLC., (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM

MAR 9: CROSBY: SCOREKEEPERS INK, (281) 843-6686,

BNCMPARK.COM

MAR 18: WORTHAM: FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY, LLC., (713) 9623386, FREESTONEMX.COM

MAR 23: HOUSTON: SCOREKEEPERS INK, (281) 4544440, RIOBRAVOMX.COM

uTAH

cOMPETITION

ArENAcrOSS

MAR 29: SALT LAKE CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM

MOTOcrOSS

MAR 5: ST. GEORGE: ST GEORGE MX, (435) 705-4125, STGEORGEMX.COM

VIrgINIA

cOMPETITION

grAND PrIX

MAR 16: DAHLGREN: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE

2014 eVents

June 28: Lima, Oh.: Lima Half Mile

July 5: Hagerstown, Md.: Hagerstown Half Mile

July 19: Elma, Wa.: Grays Harbor Raceway

July 26: Sacramento, c a lif.: Sacramento Mile

Aug. 2: ca stle ro ck, Wa.: Castle Rock TT

Aug. 5: r a pid c i ty, S.D.: Sturgis Half Mile

Aug. 8: Indianapolis, Ind.: Indy Mile

Aug. 17: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria TT

Aug. 23: New ke nt, Va.: Colonia Downs MIle

Aug. 31: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile II

Sept. 28: Santa ro sa, ca lif.: Santa Rosa Mile

Oct. 11: Pomona, ca lif.: Flat Track Season Finale

2014 AMA PrO H ILLcLIMB a M a proracing.c o M

June 1: Spring g r ove, Pa.: White Rose MC

June 8: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC

June 18: can aan, N.H.: Ridge Runner/ Laconia Bike Week

July 13: West Branch, Mich.: Ogemaw Hills Bike Week

Aug. 3: Muskegon, Mich.: Muskegon MC *All Star Challenge

Sept. 21: Spring g r ove, Pa.: White Rose MC

SERVICES, (540) 623-3426, VCHSS.ORG

MOTOcrOSS

MAR 23: (Includes ATVs) SUTHERLIN: BIRCH CREEK PROMOTIONS, LLC, (434) 489-2992, BIRCHCREEKMXPARK.COM

WASHINgTON

cOMPETITION

MOTOcrOSS

MAR 22: WEST RICHLAND: 2 DAY EVENT, HRMC, INC., (509) 496-2958, HORNRAPIDSMX.COM

WEST VIrgINIA

cOMPETITION

MOTOcrOSS

MAR 8: HEDGESVILLE: TOMAHAWK MX, LLC, (304) 229-6682, TOMAHAWKMX.COM

MAR 9: HEDGESVILLE: TOMAHAWK MX, LLC, (304) 229-6682, TOMAHAWKMX.COM

Sept. 28: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC

Oct. 12: Oregonia, Oh.: Dayton MC 2014 LucAS O I L AMA PrO M OTO crO SS pro M otocross.co M

May 24: San Bernardino, c a lif.: Glen Helen National

May 31: Sacramento, c a lif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic

June 7: Lakewood, c o lo.: Thunder Valley National

June 14: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point National

June 28: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National

Jul. 5: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National

Jul. 12: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National

Jul. 19: Millville, Minn: Spring Creek National

Jul. 26: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National

Aug. 9: New Berlin, N.y : Unadila National

Aug. 16: c r awfordsville, Ind.: Indiana National

Aug. 23: Tooele, u t ah: Utah National 2014 AMA PrO rOAD r AcI N g a M a proracing.c o M

Mar. 13-15: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

May 30: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America

June 21-22: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber

Motorsports Park

July 19-20: Lexington, Oh.: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Sept. 13-14: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

2014 M ONSTE r E N E rgy AMA Su PE rcrOSS a M asupercross c o M

Feb. 15: Arlington, Texas: Cowboys Stadium

Feb. 22: Atlanta: Georgia Dome

Mar. 1: Indianapolis: Lucas Oil Stadium

Mar. 8: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

Mar. 15: Detroit: Ford Field

Mar. 22: Toronto: Rogers Centre

Mar. 29: St. Louis: Edward Jones Dome

Apr. 5: Houston: Reliant Stadium

Apr. 12: Seattle: Century Link Field

Apr. 26: East r t herford, N.J.: MetLife Stadium

May 3: Las Vegas: Sam Boyd Stadium AMA PrO -AM cOMPETITION

Feb. 15-16: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, AMA Amateur Naional Area Qualifier; www.arizonacyclepark.com

Feb. 27-Mar. 2: Pell city, Ala.: Mill Creek Motocross Park, Spring Classic; www. rpmsportsonline.com

March 2: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway, The United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com

March 2: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway, Texas Winter Series; www.freestonemx.com

March 1-2: Hollister Hills, Calif.: Hollister Hills, AMA AMateur National Area Qualifier; www.2xpromotions.com

March 15-16: Hamer, S.C.: South of the Border, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.victory-sports.com

March 16: Porterville, Calif.: Porterville OHV Park, Road to Mammoth-King of the West Rnd 3; www.2xpromotions.com

March 18-22: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway, James Stewart Spring Championship; www. freestonemx.com

March 22-23: Richland, Wash.: Horn Rapids MX, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.hornrapidsmx.com

March 30: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park; www.racewaypark.com

March 30: Turlock, Calif.: Oatfield Raceway, Road to Mammoth-King of the West Rnd 4; www.2xpromotions.com

April 6: Birdsboro, Pa.: Pagoda Motorcycle Club; www.pagodamc.com

April 6: Sanford, N.C.: Devil’s Ridge Motocross; www.devilsridgemotox.com

April 5-6: St. George, Utah.: St. George MX, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.stgeorgemx.com

April 9-13: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway, California Classic; www.2xpromotions.com

April 12-13: Manheim, Pa.: Sleepy Hollow MX Park, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.sleepymx.com

April 13: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com

April 20: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trails Motosports, JM Racing Suspension Spring-Shootout; www. lincolntrailmotosports.com

April 26-27: Livingston, Tenn.: Thunder Valley, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.victory-sports.com

May 4: Berwick, Pa.: Evansville Motocross Park; www. evansvillemxpark.com

May 3-4: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Dutch Sport Park, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.dutchsportsparkmx.com

May 11: Hedgeville, W.Va.: Tomahawk MX, MAMA MX Series; www.mamamx.com

May 11: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge; www.sunsetridgemx.com

May 10-11: Little Falls, Minn.: MotoCity Raceway, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.motocityraceway.com

May 11: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway, Road to Mammoth-King of the West Rnd 6; www.2xpromotions.com

May 18: Kellogg, Minn.: Motokazie Motocross; www.motokazie.com

May 18: Wallkill, N.Y.: Walden MX, Walden MX Spring Pro-AM; www.waldenmx.com

May 24-25: Southwick, Mass.: Moto 338, Motocross

2014 EVENTS

League of American; www. motocrossleagueofamerica.com

May 25: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; www.pineridgeraceway.com

May 26: Brush, Colo.: Sweney Cycle Park; www.sweneycyclepark.com

May 29-30: Rancho Cordova: Hangtown Motocross, Pro National Amateur Day; www.hangtownmx.com

May 31: Pecatonica, Ill.: Stateline MX; www.statelinemx.com

June 1: Mt. Carroll, Ill.: MC Motopark; www.mcmotopark.com

June 28-29: Mammoth Lakes, Calif.: Mammoth Moutain, Monster Energy Mammoth Motocross; www.2xpromotions.com

June 29: Blountville, Tenn: Muddy Creek Raceway, Thor United States Mega Series-Pro National Amateur Day; www.victory-sports.com

July 6: Clifford, Pa.: Hurrican Hills MX; www.hhmotocross.com

July 6: Altamont, Tenn.: Fast Farms MX; www.midsouthraceproductions.com

July 6: Buchanan, Mich.: Red Bud Motocross, Pro National Amateur Day; www.redbudmx.com

July 13: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com

July 19-24: Ponca, Okla.: Ponca City MX, Ponca City Amateur Championship (MLA); www. motocrossleagueofamerica.com

Aug. 10: Crystal Falls, Mich.: Valley Raceway MX; www.valleyracewaymx.com

Aug. 10: Malvern, Oh.: Malven Motocross, Battle of Ohio; www.omxa.net

Aug. 24: Nashport, Oh.: Briarclif MX, Battle of Ohio; www.omxa.net

Aug. 24: Edgewood, Tex.: Buffalo Creek; www.buffalocreekmx.com

Aug. 24: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek, Viking Clash; www.springcreekmx.com

Aug. 30-31: Millington, Mich.: Baja

Acres, Baja Brawl; www.bajaacres.com

Aug. 31: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; www.pineridgeraceway.com

Sept. 7: Seward, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway; www.pvrmx.com

Sept. 7: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; www.pineridgeraceway.com

Sept. 7: Mason, Ill.: Crossroads MX, World of Powersports Crossroads Cup; www.crossroadsmx.com

Sept. 13-14: Reynolds, Ga.: Silver Dollar MX, Vurb Classic (MLA); www. motocrossleagueofamerica.com

Sept. 21: New Castle, Del.: Blue DIamond MX, Delaware State Championship; www.bdmxpark.com

Sept. 21: Tigerton, Wis.: Fantasy Moto, Midwest Mega Series; www.fantasymoto.com

Sept. 20-21: Garwin, Ia.: Oak Ridge MX, Motocross League of America (MLA); www. motocrossleagueofamerica.com

Sept. 28: Dalton, Ga.: Lazy River MX, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com

Oct. 5: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park; www.racewaypark.com

Oct. 12: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain MX Park; www.monstermx.com

Oct. 11-12: Duquoin, Ill.: Indian Hills Motocross, Motocross League of America (MLA); www. motocrossleagueofamerica.com

Oct. 19: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com

Oct. 26: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, Western Pro-Am; www. arizonacyclepark.com

Nov. 1-2: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek MX, Motocross League of America (MLA); www.motocrossleagueofamerica.com

Nov. 23-26: Gainsville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, Mini Olympics-Supercross; www.unlimitedsportsmx.com

Nov. 27-29: Gainsville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, Mini Olympics-Motocross;

www.unlimitedsportsmx.com

Nov. 30: St. George, Utah: St. George MX; www.stgeorgemxw.com

AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

2 014 AMSOIL AMA A RENACROSS A RENACROSS.C O m

Feb. 14-16: Nampa, Idaho: Idaho Center

Feb. 21-23: Reno, Nev.: Livestock Events Center

Mar. 1-2: Tulsa, Okla.: BOK Center

Mar. 7-9: Albuquerque, N.M.: Tingley Coliseum

Mar. 14-16: Hidalgo, Texas: State Farm Arena

Mar. 29-30: Salt Lake City : EnergySolutions Arena

AMA I N DOOR D I RT TR ACK N ATIONAL CHAM PIONSHIP STEVENACERACING.CO m

Feb. 22: Duquoin, Ill.

2014 G E ICO AMA E NDUROCROSS CH AMPIONSHIP ENd uROCROSS C O m

May 2: Las Vegas: The Orleans Arena

May 15: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the America’s

June 21: Sacramento, Calif.: Sleep Train Arena

Aug. 23: Atlanta: Gwinnett Center

Oct. 4: Denver, Colo.: National Western Complex

Oct. 11: Salt Lake City, Utah: Energy Solutions Arena

Oct. 18: Everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena

Nov. 15: Boise, Idaho.: Idaho Center

Nov. 22: Ontario, Calif.: Citizen Business Bank Arena

2014 K ENDA AMA N ATIONAL E NDURO CH AMPIONSHIP NATIONA l ENd uRO CO m

Mar. 2: Pelion, S.C.: Rhonda Dennis, Columbia Enduro Riders; (788) 422-0329

June 8: Deposit, N.Y.: Ridge Run Enduro, Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club; (973) 919-4780, ridgeriders.org

June 29: Blain, Pa.: Foggy Mountain Enduro, Susquehanna Off Road Riders; (717) 533-2242, sorrmc.com

July 13: Gillett, Pa.: Barbed Wire Enduro, Southern Tier Enduro Riders; (607) 382-8534, ster-mc.org

July 27: Cross Fork, Pa.: Rattlesnake National Enduro, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 368-7332, ber.us

Aug. 10: Three Springs, Pa.: Green Marble Enduro, Green Marble Enduro Riders; (410) 6389367, greenmarbleenduroriders.org

Aug. 17: Berkshire, N.Y.: Speedsville Enduro, Ithaca Dirt Riders; (607) 6578248, ithacadirtriders.com

Aug. 24: Mauricetown, N.J.: Beehive Enduro, Competition Dirt Riders; (609) 319-7496, competitiondirtriders.org

Sept. 7: Shippensburg, Pa.: Michaux Enduro, South Penn Enduro Riders; (717) 265-6055, southpennenduroriders.com

Sept. 21: Brandonville, Pa.: Moonshine Enduro, Valley Forge Trail Riders; (484) 948-5361, vftr.org

Nov. 9: Warren Grove, N.J.: Stump Jumper Enduro, Motorcycle Compeition Inc.; (609) 575-7820, ride-mci.com

Nov. 23: New Lisbon, N.J.: Pine Hill Enduro, Central Jersey Competition Riders; (732) 558-6475, cjcrmc.org

2014 E AST CoAST ENDu Ro R i DERS H A RE SCRAMBLES

S E R i ES EcE a .org

Mar. 1-2: Tri-County Hare Scrambles, Tri-County Sportsmen MC; (888) 274-4469

Mar. 29-30: oX Bo Hare Scrambles, South Penn Enduro Riders, (717) 938-0690

May 17-18: MC i Hare Scrambles, Motorcycle Competition Inc., (609) 575-7820

June 14-15: GMEW @ Rocket Hare Scrambles, Green Marble Enduro Riders; (410) 683-9367

June 21-22: Reading Hare Scrambles, Reading Off Road Riders; (610) 921-3592

Jul. 19-20: Anthracite Hare Scrambles, Valley Forge Trail Riders; (610) 476-3747

Aug. 2-3: Shotgun Hare Scrambles, High Mountain Dirt Riders; (570) 954-7799

Sept. 13-14: MMC Hare Scrambles, Meteor Motorcycle Club; (856) 889-7300

Sept. 27-28: Ridge Hare Scrambles, Ridge Riders MC; (973) 919-4780

o c t. 4-5: Sahara Sands Hare Scrambles, Pine Barons Enduro Riders; (609) 654-6300

o c t. 25-26: o r mond Farms Hare Scrambles, Competition Dirt Riders;

2014 EVENTS

(609) 319-7496

Nov. 15-16: Delaware Hare Scrambles, Delaware Enduro Riders; (302) 834-4411

2014 E AST CoAST ENDuRo RiDERS DuAL SPoRT SERiES EcE a .org

Feb. 23: Warren Grove, N.J.: Restore Our Shore Dual Sport, Motorcycle Competition Inc.; (609) 575-7820, ride-mci.org

o c t 12: Pine Grove, Pa.: Rorr Dual Sport, Reading Off Road Riders; (610) 921-3592, rorr.org

o c t. 25-26: Chatsworth, N.J.: Meteor Dual Sport, Meteor Motorcycle Club; (856) 889-7300, meteormc.com

Nov. 1-2: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: TCSMC National Dual Sport, Tri-County Sportsmen MC; 1 (888) 274-4469, teamhammer.org

2014 WoMEN’S MoToCRoSS m xSporTS com

Mar. 9-10: Daytona Beach, Fla.: RCSX Daytona; (304) 284-0101

Mar. 22: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Spring Championship; (713) 962-3386

Apr. 13: San Bernardino, Calif.: California Classic; (559) 761-0887

June 29: Mammoth Lakes, Calif.: Mammoth Mountain; (559) 761-0887

Aug. 31: Millington, Mich.: Baja Brawl; (989) 871-3356

o c t. 5: Englishtown, N.J.: KROC Raceway Park; (732) 446-7800

o c t. 19: Blountville, Tenn.: Top Gun Showdown; (423) 323-5497

Nov. 29: Gainesville, Fla.: Winter Olympics; (312) 689-3461

AMA AMATEu R CHAMPi o N SH i PS

RoCk Y M ou NTA i N AT v/ M C

AMA A MATEu R N ATi o NAL

M oToCRo S S CH AMPi o N SH i P mxSporTS.com

N orT hE aST r Egio N a l champio NShip

June 21-22: Armagh, Pa: Pleasure Valley Raceway (Youth)

June 28-29: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point (Amateur)

Sou T hE aST r Egio N a l champio NShip

June 7-8: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway (Youth)

June 14-15: Chatsworth, Ga.: Lazy River (Youth)

mid-E aST r Egio N a l champio NShip

May 31-June 1: Crawfordsville, i n d.: Ironman (Amateur)

June 7-8: Buchanan, Mich.: Redbud (Youth)

NorT h cENT ral r Egio N al champio NShip

June 14-15: Mt. Carroll, i l l.: MC Motopark (Amateur)

June 21-22: Walnut, i l l.: Sunset Ridge MX (Youth)

So u T h cENT ral r Egio N al champio NShip

June 14-15: Wortham, Texas: Freestone MX (Youth)

June 14-15: Houston, Texas: Three Palms (Amateur)

N orT hwEST r Egio N a l champio NShip

June 7-8: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City MX (Youth, Amateur)

Sou T hwEST rEgio N a l champio NShipS

May 31-June 1: Hesperia, Calif.: Competitive Edge (Youth, Amateur)

N aT i o N al champio NShip

July 27-Aug. 2: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: National Championship, Loretta Lynn’s Ranch

AMA Di RT TR ACk G R AND CH AMPi o N SH i P STEVEN acEr aciNg c om

June 23-26: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds

AMA Hi LLCLi MB G R AND CH AMPi o N SH i P Va ll E ySpriNg hillclimb.com

Aug. 15-17: Bay City, Wis.: Mike Bronk, Valley Springs Motorcycle Club; (715) 594-3726

AMA iCE R ACE G R AND CH AMPi o N SH i P N a acT io NSporTS c om

Feb. 8-9: Cadillac, Mich.: Mitchell State Park

AMS o i L AMA AMATEu R NATi o NAL ARENACRo S S a r EN acroSS.c om

May 3-4: Las ve gas: South Point Arena kENDA A MA TE NNESSEE k N oCkouT G R AND CH AMPi o N SH i P TENNESSEEk N o ckou T EN duro.com

Aug. 17: Sequatchie, Tennessee

iNTERNATioNAL CoMPETiTioN: u. S. Rou N DS/WoRLD CHAMPi o N SH i PS

Fi M RoA D RACi N G WoRLD CHAMPi o N SH i P GRAND PR i X Fim-li VE.com

April 13: Austin, Texas: Circuit of The Americas

Aug. 10: i ndia napolis: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Fi M RoA D RACi NG S u PERB ik E WoRLD CHAMPi o N SH i P Fim-li VE.com

July 13: Monterey, Calif: Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca

Fi M M oToCRo S S oF N ATi o N S Fim-li VE.com

Sept. 28: ke gums, Latvia

Fi M J u N i o R MoToCRo S S

WoRLD CH AMPi o N SH i P Fim-li VE.com

Aug. 10: Bastogne, Belgium

Fi M iNTERNATi o N AL S i X DAYS oF ENDu Ro Fim-li VE.com

May 31-June1: i d aho City, i d ., West Qualifier: Peter Reynolds, Boise Ridge Riders; (208) 384-5141, BoiseRidgeIdaho.org

June 14-15: Wellston, o h io, East Qualifier: William Depue Jr., Appalachian Dirt Riders; (740) 384-6379, ADROhio.org

Nov. 3-8: 2014 i S DE: San Juan, Argentina

Fi M TR i A L DES N ATi o N S Fim-li VE.com

Sept. 13-14: St. Julia., Andorra

AMA DuAL-SPoRT/ADv ENTu RE SER i ES

AMA Hu S qvARNA N ATi o NAL

DuA L-S P oRT S E R i E S a mErica NmoTo rcycliST.com

Mar 15-16: Bartow, Fla.: CrossFlorida Adventure Ride, Dixie Dual Sport, Inc, Robert Frey; 727-919-8299; www.dixiedualsport.com

Mar 29-30: Tuscon, Ariz.: 2 Sun Adventure, Tuscon Dual Sport, LLC, Chris Dodds; 520-979-8398; www.tuscondualsport.com

Apr 26-27: Brooksville, Fla.: Devil’s Creek DS/ADV Ride, Dixie Dual Sport, Inc, Robert Frey; 727-919-8299; www.dixiedualsport.com

May 17-18: McArthur, o h io: Hanging Rock 200 , Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www.kaeppnerswoods.com

Jun 7-8: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Great Adventure, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343; www.durtydabbers.com

Jun 7-8: Bixby, Mo.: Show Me 200, Midwest Trail Riders Assoc., Robert Kaufman; (314) 434-5095; www.ridemtra.com

Jun 14-15: o d ell, o r e.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com

Jun 7-8: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride For Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; www.widualsportriders.org

Jun 28-29: Fort Rock, o r e.: Fort Rock National Dual Sport, Lobos MC, Billy Toman; (503) 656-5801; www.lobosmc.com/

Aug 2-3: Walden, Colo.: Moose Run Dual Sport Rally, Front Range Riders, Deborah Nielsen; none; www.frontrangeriders.com

Aug 10-11: Columbus, Ind.: Buffaloe 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772; www.stoneylonesomemc.com

Aug 16-17: Tillamook, Ore.: Rat Dog Dual Sport, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com

Sep 6-7: Golden Pond, Ky.: Land Between the Lakes 200, KT Riders, Jesse Thomas; (270) 522-3703; www.lbl200.com

Sep 27-28: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Dual Sport , Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 649-3633; www.familyoff roadadventures.com

Sep 27-28: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; www. widualsportriders.org

Oct 11-12: McArthur, Ohio: Baby Burr National Dual Sport, Enduro Riders Association, Steve Barber; (614) 5827821; www.enduroriders.com

Oct 26-27: Chatsworth, N.J.: Meteor Ride in the Pines, Meteor MC, Jeff Fitzpatrick; (609) 654-5015; www.meteormc.com

2014 EVENTS

Nov 8-9: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrailriders.org

Nov 1-2: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 (856) 7852754; www.teamhammer.org

Nov 28-29: Palmdale, Calif.: LABarstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.district37ama.org

AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ NATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Mar 15-16: Bartow, Fla.: CrossFlorida Adventure Ride, Dixie Dual Sport, Inc, Robert Frey; 727-919-8299; www.dixiedualsport.com

Mar 29-30: Tucson, Ariz.: 2 Sun Adventure, Tucson Dual Sport, LLC, Chris Dodds; 520-979-8398; www.tuscondualsport.com

Apr 26-27: Brooksville, Fla.: Devil’s

Creek DS/ADV Ride, Dixie Dual Sport, Inc, Robert Frey; 727-919-8299; www.dixiedualsport.com

May 3-4: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Adventure Tour, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 649-3633; www.familyoff roadadventures.com

May 17-18: McArthur, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200 , Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www.kaeppnerswoods.com

May 17-18: Tolland, Mass.: Berkshire Big Adventure, Berkshire, Ross Mauri; 845-729-1715; www.mudslinger.org

Jun 7-8: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Great Adventure, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343; www.durtydabbers.com

Jun 8: Atlanta, N.Y.: Thrills in the Hills, Wayne County MC Club, John Albanese; 315-946-3082; www. waynecountymc.com

Jun 14-15: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com

Aug 10-11: Columbus, Ind.: Buffaloe 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772; www.stoneylonesomemc.com

Sep 20-21: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker

200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www.kaeppnerswoods.com

Nov 8-9: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrailriders.org

Nov 1-2: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 (856) 7852754; www.teamhammer.org

Nov 15-16: Hammonton, N.J.: Pine Barrens 500, Cross Country Cycles, Jack O’Connor; 732-714-8874; pinebarrens500.org

Nov 28-29: Palmdale, Calif.: LABarstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.district37ama.org

AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

March of Dimes Bikers For Babies Rides: Nationwide: www.bikersforbabies.org

Rides For Kids Events: Nationwide: www.rideforkids.org

No matter what or how you ride, the AMA has a special card for you. Want one? Just let us know by renewing early, or telling us when you renew via our online signup form at AmericanMotorcyclist.com, or calling (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646).

GUEST COLUMN

FORTY RIDES IN FORTY YEARS

Coming Back For More

By Jerry Mattson

In 1974, a rag-tag group of eight motorcycle riders got together in Utica, Mich., for a 900-mile round trip heading north to Marquette. Many of these guys were meeting for the first time. For some, this would be the only long-distance run they would ever make with this group. For others, it was the beginning of a tradition.

In August 2013, two of those riders, myself and Randy Spangler, along with six others, met for the 40th annual ride. Spangler had been on 39 rides (missing 2001 with a stator failure) and others had ridden on more than 25. Marquette was the destination again and accommodations still consisted of camping out, but many changes had taken place over those 40 years.

For this trip, there were no 350 Hondas with pup tents and sleeping bags strapped on. For the 40th, four of the full-dressed bikes pulled trailers. The additional storage space that once held a supply of adult beverages was now taken up by c-pap machines, electric tent heaters, air mattresses and pumps to inflate them.

On some of the early trips, Marion Sheppard, then in his mid-40s, was “the old guy.” Now, a whole group of old guys—some nearing the age of 70—were making the latest run.

The first trip took place after Spangler talked to a couple of his friends about taking a ride to see an old college buddy, Larry Gould, and his wife, Pauline, in the Upper Peninsula. Word spread and guys showed up at the appointed time and place.

The group in 1982, L-R: Bryan Schuette, Doug McKinney, Larry Moore, Marion Shepherd, Joe Rangel, Rick Schuette, Randy Spangler and Jerry Mattson.

At least one terrified rider approached the Mackinaw Bridge that day. Earlier, with straight faces, some of his “friends” told him to make sure he watched out for the expansion joints on the bridge, as they thought his front tire might be too narrow and drop through. They knew better, he didn’t.

The first nine runs were all made to Marquette. Maybe it was the temperature of the first year, which was exceptionally hot, but it became a yearly event that everyone had to take a “bath” in the creek that ran behind the Gould home. Guys soaped up near the bank, then rinsed off by jumping into the ice-cold water. The second part could take a person’s breath away. It wasn’t fun, but one way or another, everyone was destined to take a dip.

In 1982, the trip to Marquette was longer, as the group took the S. S. Badger across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin and did some touring along the way. This included a trip to Copper Harbor, north of Houghton.

These four-day weekend ventures were growing longer. The longest one lasted 14 days.

Over the years, the group rode to several states including New Jersey, Maine (via Quebec), Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Colorado, Georgia, Wyoming and South Dakota for two trips to Sturgis.

A total of 24 guys have been on the runs. For eight riders, once was enough. The lowest number of riders was six and the highest 12. The core eight “regular” riders are almost all retired now. They worked, or are still working, as policemen, engineers, manufacturing managers, a construction equipment operator, a banker and an auto repair technician. Several are military veterans. As a biker, having some mechanical ability is always a plus. Woe to the rider who has a bike problem on the road. You then became the focal point of ribbing for the rest of the trip, and maybe longer. My turn came in 1997 in central Ohio when an awful racket came from

the engine in my R90/6 BMW. I limped about five miles to the campground. The end of the needle-bearing cage for one of the rocker arms had broken and bearings were found loose inside the rocker cover. After some thought on the subject, a thin metal washer was fashioned from a beer can. The bearings were put back in the cage and the washer installed to keep them in place. The temporary fix got me home.

Potential mechanical malfunctions were not the only thing to make some riders nervous. Climbing New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington in 1997 and again in 2012 proved to be less than enjoyable for a few of the guys. One trip up the road that started as two-lane blacktop and ended as a narrow dirt and gravel combination at the top was enough for some. The second visit had several guys waiting at the bottom while three others took a trip up the mountain.

The only major accident to occur in the 40 years happened on the second run. A non-bike owner had gotten to Marquette by riding double with a friend. The former passenger borrowed a bike and lost control during a ride into town. The single-vehicle accident resulted in him staying an extra week in Marquette, in the hospital. The bike was patched up and ridden back downstate by the unhappy owner.

In 2009, on the ride to Pennsylvania to see the Hershey factory, Lancaster and Gettysburg, a side trip was made to Washington, D.C. This resulted in one of the highlights of all the trips taken. A brother of one of the riders provided a private, guided tour of the Pentagon. This left a positive impression on all the bikers.

The run to Traverse City, Michigan, in 1987 was the shortest at 400 miles, while the 5,200-mile trip to Montana’s Glacier National Park in 2007 was the longest.

Now in his 80s, Marion is still riding his Gold Wing in Arizona where he spends the winters. The rest of us seem to be riding a little less each year, but like they say, “It’s been a good run.”

In 2014, the trip will be to Georgia and points in the southeast United States. The annual rides will continue for a while.

Jerry Mattson is an AMA member from Whitehall, Mich.