American Motorcyclist April 2015 Street

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2015 AMA MEMBER

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NAVIGATION

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 2015. 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.

April 2015

Volume 69, Number 4

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

STREET COVER

Pro mechanic Curtis Smith offers tips on how to get ready for spring.

PAGE 24. A crosscountry trip is more fun on a motorcycle.

DIRT COVER

Nick Fahringer says his pedal bike makes him faster on his motor bike.

PAGE 24. Mountain bikes are a fun way to stay in shape.

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

WE KNOW CABLES

American V-Twin, Metric Cruiser, Street/Sport, MX/Off-Road and ATV

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COMMUNICATIONS

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

James Holter, Director of Communications/Managing Editor

Jim Witters, Government Affairs Editor

Heather Wilson, Associate Editor

Mark Lapid, Creative Director

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

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

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

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, Chair

Schenectady, N.Y.

Perry King, Vice Chair, Northern California

Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla.

Paul Puma, Executive Committee Member, Laguna Beach, Calif.

Jeff Skeen, Executive Committee Member, San Diego, Calif.

Russ Brenan, Irvine, Calif.

Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.

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REPLACEMENT & CUSTOM CABLES Can’t find cables for your special project bike or custom motorcycle?

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, 2015.

AMA StAff

Roger Pattison, Taos Ski Valley, N.M.

Robert Pearce, Murrieta, Calif.

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.

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

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EXECUTIVE

Rob Dingman, President/CEO

Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer

Jeff Massey, Chief Operations Officer

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

Bob Chaddock, Vice President, Administration

Sean Maher, Director

AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

Jordan Cavallaro, 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

Rob Baughman, Road Riding Coordinator

Kip Bigelow, MX Manager

Joe Bromley, District Relations Manager

Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator

Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations

Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing

Marcy Day, Racing Administrative Assistant

Chris Harrison, Road Riding Manager

Alex Hunter, MX Assistant Manager

Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator

Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager

Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager

Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)

Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager

Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS

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

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES

John Bricker, Mailroom Manager

Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator

Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations

Joshua Habursky, Grassroots Coordinator

Nick Haris, Western States Representative

Sean Hutson, Government Affairs Manager, On-Highway

Sharon Long, Legislative Affairs Coordinator

Rick Podliska, Deputy Director

Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway

Marie Wuelleh, Government Affairs Specialist

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director

Dave Coleman, Network Architect

MARKETING

Mark Christian, Director of Marketing

Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Specialist

MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY

Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative

Christina Dolin, Member Services Representative

Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative

Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager

Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative

Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative

Product Comparo:

Bohn Armor Pants vs Kevlar Jeans

Ac�onSta�ons Boss Paul English talks about the differences in lower body protec�on op�ons.

Kevlar reinforced jeans are popular with riders of all kinds of bikes.

Draggin Jeans were among the first on the market, and there are now many similar versions available. Many riders are interested in how these compare to the Bohn Pants.

Q: Paul, please explain the differences between Kevlar riding Jeans and the Bohn Pants.

PE: In short kevlar has great abrasion resistance and is excellent for gravel rash when you’re sliding down the road. With the Bohn System we’re focusing more on Impact Protec�on ­ the vulnerable ‘corners’ you land on and damage ­ knees, hips, and elbows and shoulders with the shirts. An unprotected impact in these places can put you in the ER and off work. And hurts!

Q: But won’t your armor grind through in a wreck?

PE: Actually in over 15 years, we’ve never seen our armor significantly damaged at all! This is because in a crash, we tend to bounce and slide, scrubbing the speed off.

Q:The Bohn System has to be worn under jeans as an extra layer, isn’t that hot and a hassle?

PE: Posi�oning armor snugly against your body is the best way of providing comfortable and discrete protec�on so that it’s in the right place if you have a fall. Yes, it’s definitely an extra step compared to jeans ­ but on the other hand you can then wear your own jeans, or whatever pants you choose. It gives you a lot more op�ons.

Q: But isn’t it hot?

PE: The only �me you no�ce the Bohn Pants being hot is in the heat of the summer when you’re a stands�ll, say si�ng on your bike at a light.

At that �me of year eveything’s hot! Otherwise they breathe really well in all seasons; and we do have op�ons of a mesh shell material and also a winter thermal solu�on.

Q: What about pu�ng armor into kevlar jeans?

PE: Some companies do have this op�on, which on first impressions is a good idea. But what actually happens is the armor ‘flops’ around the outside of your leg as it’s a�ached to the jeans ­ so you can imagine that it won’t be in the right place if you actually do hit the ground.

Q: So do I need to upsize your jeans for the Bohn Pants?

PE: Surprisingly most people find that their exis�ng regular­fit, or relaxed jeans fit perfectly over the Adventure Pants ­ that’s because the armor mainly fits where your jeans are loose.

Q: Don’t the Bohn Pants make your jeans look bulky?

PE: No one can see you have anything but your jeans on!

Q: And you make armored shirts too?

PE: We think of the pants and shirts as ‘A System’ that protects you ithout having to wear full armored gear ­ specially in the heat.

Q: So what’s the best choice?

PE: As a lifelong rider myself ­ I love to have choices in bikes, accessories and gear. Many riders are happy with kevlar jeans, and most are very well made. We’re proud of the Bohn Adventure Pants and the amazing customer reports we get, but everyone has different priori My sugges�on is to give us a trywe’ve a great Can’t­Lose 90 DayTrial Offer! And they’re made in the USA too.

There’s nothing better 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. 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!

.... terrific product. I crashed at 70mph last weekend and I was barely injured. Your knee pads worked perfectly to cushion the impact. I have some swelling and road rash but not a single fracture. Thank you most sincerely.

They are very comfortable, I forget I even have them on, fit great, and it's great knowing I have the protection under my jeans. Thanks so much.

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

I am happy to report my bohn armored pants helped save my butt in a crash this past Thanks,week-end. great product consider this a testimonial to their effectiveness

...the road littered 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

MEMBER LETTERS

Letter of the Month FOR THE LOVE OF VINTAGE

I first was introduced to motorcycling at Quality Cycle Sales in Toledo, Ohio, in 1959. They specialized in German motorcycles including BMW, NSU and Horex. (Ever hear of the latter two?)

At the time, Ohio had what we called the “14-year-old law” that permitted anyone of that age to operate a motorcycle producing less than 5 horsepower. The most common eligible rides were Vespa and Cushman scooters.

Toledo’s Macomber High School even had reserved parking for motorbikes next to the building. Parked next to the scooters were JBKs, which had 5 horsepower Sachs engines. A friend and I had Horex rebel bikes. They also had 5 horsepower Sachs engines [as well as] Earles fork front suspensions. Older riders stepped up to Zundapp Charger 250cc two-cycle bikes, 200cc Ducatis, NSU 250cc Supermaxes or 250cc BMW pushrod-powered R-26s.

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

A non-observant motorist pulled out in front of my Horex [in] my freshman year in high school and that was the demise of my Rebel. My next bike was a NSU Superfox. That bike had a 125cc overhead cam engine rated for 8.8 horsepower. Quality Cycle affixed a 5 horsepower certification sticker to the bike, and I was in business! Before long, I purchased a 15 horsepower BMW R-26 and alternated riding the NSU and the BMW to school.

Since then, I have owned many Japanese bikes, a Ducati short-track racer, a BSA Road Rocket, and several BMWs and Harley-Davidsons. I currently own a BMW K1200GT and a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.

I have attended two “Art of The Motorcycle” shows in the past but have never heard of the bike David Nelson at one time owned, the Victoria Bergmeister, featured in the January issue. Please consider publishing more vintage bike articles. Who knows what may be rediscovered!

Fred Schindler Kettering, Ohio

Thanks for the note, Fred. If you want to see your fill of vintage motorcycles, please come visit us at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington this July 10-12. It’s heaven on Earth!

MIND CHANGED

As a fierce opponent of lane splitting, I read Fred C. Reed’s letter “Responsible Lane Splitting” in the March issue with great interest. And then I changed my mind about the practice. Thanks, Fred, for reminding me that there is a time and a place for everything.

Then I read Jascha Lee’s letter (“Lane Splitting Helps Everyone”), which got me thinking about a situation I’ve encountered literally hundreds of times. I’m driving my car on I-75 where it’s two lanes in each

direction. There are two cars ahead of me, side by side, doing 5 mph under the speed limit and the guy on the left absolutely refuses to speed up or move over. Oh, how I wish I was on my bike so I could just slip past that idiot!

Mark Fink

Huntington Woods, Mich.

LIVING THE DREAM

“Renting the American Dream” (February issue) was very interesting,

getting to know how EagleRider got started and the story behind the owners.

In reading the article about their start-up and the first rental customers, I wanted to share my story of my first EagleRider rental because it truly was the American Dream coming true.

I’m 28 years old, and three years ago got the itch to finally get my motorcycle license, and so did my twin brother. We had a great mentor in getting us started in motorcycle riding who recommended the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course at a local community college. We learned a lot but did not yet have our own bikes. We did a little looking, but still wanted to test our abilities and see how the open road would feel. Being on a small-displacement bike in a parking lot is a lot different than riding down the freeway next to semi trucks. Our first stop was L.A. EagleRider. My rental was a DynaLow, and my brother got a Fatboy. The customer service at the L.A. store was amazing. The woman who completed our rental agreement was so helpful. We mentioned it was our first time riding a Harley, so she gave us a few pointers on handling and some tips on shifting. She also suggested a route to take just to be able to get the feel for the motorcycle.

From the second we picked up the bikes to the minute we returned them, we had big smiles. Later on that weekend we met up with our friend and motorcycling mentor and went for a little ride. It was such a fun experience being out with other Harleys.

When it came time to buy, Harleys were just a little out of our price range. We’ve had our Kawasaki Vulcan’s since 2010 and have enjoyed every moment. EagleRider does help make dreams come true.

Anthony Santoro Lakewood, Calif.

SPREADING THE CURE

One irrefutable certainty in life is that regardless of the time of day you schedule an appointment with your doctor, you will undoubtedly be asked to have a seat in the waiting room.

Knowing this, doctors frequently provide magazines to help impatient

patients pass the time. The majority of magazines provided cater to those with different interests than mine. My interests are travel and motorcycles, so I bring my own magazines to read.

Today, I brought two recent issues of American Motorcyclist. It was a long wait before my name was called, which gave me plenty of time to read both issues. After reading, I placed both issues in the waiting room’s magazine wall rack, amid all the celebrity gossip and home décor magazines.

About 10 minutes later, both magazines were being taken out of the rack by someone who, upon seeing all the other magazine choices, was most intrigued and drawn to American Motorcyclist

The stories, bike reviews, discussions of rights issues and camaraderie presented in each issue have now been passed on for a new reader to enjoy. I smiled as he sat down to read. At that moment, I believe both of us were feeling just a little bit better about our day.

Mission accomplished!

David Valo Burnsville, Minn.

Sound Off!

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

In response to a #WhereRidersBelong callout…

Corey Williams: These boys love to race! Thanks, AMA, for sharing it!

Responding to a question about 2015’s can’t-miss events…

B.J. Keller: Hillclimbs at White Rose MC in Jefferson, Pa. Get the fish sandwich.

Dani Jennings: 75th Annual Sturgis!

Vicki Booser-Rogers: Daytona and Americade. May hit up Roar on the Shore in Erie, Pa., this July.

Cindy Meeks Bateman: Lost in Lodi Sox Brookhart Memorial Enduro in Shade, Ohio, on March 29.

Rebecca Harbour: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days in July!

VIEWPOINT

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Planning 2015’s Rides And Destinations

While April is deemed AMA Go Ride! Month, we recognize that many of our warm climate members have the enviable luxury of riding year ’round. Salt, black ice, freezing temperatures, blowing snow are all someone else’s problems.

I wish I were so lucky.

Like so many of our other cold-climate members during these winter months, I have often looked longingly at my stored bike, waiting for spring and the opportunity to get back on two wheels. The non-riding season is also the time that I, like many AMA members, start making plans for which motorcycle events I will attend and what other riding opportunities I will take advantage of when warmer weather returns. There are infinite possibilities, from short rides close to home to longer excursions to thousand-mile trips.

Here at the AMA, our riding department, along with an army of dedicated AMA clubs and promoters around the country, has put together an impressive calendar. Since our formation in 1924, the AMA has wholeheartedly embraced the recreational rider, providing a framework, procedures and a communication network for riders and clubs to create truly engaging motorcycling events.

Looking for something cool and different this riding season? The AMA has you covered.

Many are familiar with AMA Grand Tours. The AMA, or one of our chartered organizers, brainstorms a number of fun riding goals or destinations—usually corresponding to some common theme— and asks AMA members to complete them by a certain date.

For 2015, the AMA has combined the grand tour concept with events on our vintage racing schedule to create the AMA Vintage Grand Tour. The idea is simple. Road riders are asked to attend as many AMA-sanctioned vintage racing events as possible. Take a photo of you and your bike at the event. Then send that photo to the AMA Road Riding Department at roadriding@ama-cycle.org. Riders who attend the most events are eligible for cool prizes.

But even if you don’t win, this is an awesome challenge. Vintage racing is as fun to watch as it is to compete in. For the full schedule of eligible vintage races, see page 44 of this magazine. To register for the AMA Vintage Grand Tour (it’s free), see www. americanmotorcyclist.com/amavintagegrandtour.

While the AMA Vintage Grand Tour may be new, there are a number of well-established recreational rides that are part of the AMA Premier Touring Series.

Americade is one of the largest road-riding rallies on the planet. It will be held June 1-6 in picturesque Lake George, N.Y. Americade’s best feature is arguably the legendary roads in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park. Besides the great riding and camaraderie, the event offers a variety of activities including boat cruises, poker runs, fireworks, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, bike judging, a light parade and more.

Later in the year is the equally impressive Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally on Sept. 16-20 in Ruidoso, N.M. This event, held high in New Mexico’s Rocky Mountains, features a number of great activities as well. If you’ve never been riding in the Rocky Mountains, this is a perfect introduction.

AMA National Touring Rallies this year include AspenCash on May 14-17, STAR 2015 on June 21-25, the RoadRUNNER Touring Weekend on July 16-19, and the Rally in the Gorge on Aug. 26-30.

AspenCash, in Ruidoso, N.M., draws a dedicated group of touring riders who enjoy the poker run, trade show, prizes, live music and more.

STAR 2015 is hosted by The Motorcycle Sport Touring Association. This year, the event will go to Springdale, Ark. Participants will enjoy outstanding riding, seminars, vendors and camaraderie at a rally that is all about the ride.

The RoadRUNNER Touring Weekend this year is based in Winston-Salem, N.C., which is home to some of the best riding in the country. Come ready to spend some quality time on your bike!

The 2015 Rally in the Gorge will be in Hood River, Ore. The focus is on sport bike, sport touring, dual sport and adventure riders, and there will be clinics on each. Known as “the biggest little rally in America,” this event always delivers a good time.

Charity rides also deserve a spot on your calendar. You feel good riding a motorcycle. You feel even better riding a motorcycle for a good cause—and sharing the experience with others. Held in cities throughout the country, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Ride For Kids events feature phenomenal planning, great scenery and the opportunity to help families struggling with the diagnosis and treatment of a child’s brain tumor.

Two of our most popular recreational riding series are the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series and the Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series. While the dual sport series attracts serious dirt riders who enjoy challenging trail, the adventure series includes routes that most can enjoy. Designed for large adventure-style motorcycles, such as the impressive Yamaha Super Ténéré, the adventure routes are planned by America’s best and most knowledgeable organizers. Learn more at www. americanmotorcyclist.com > Riding > Adventure Riding Series.

This is a small sampling of the thousands of sanctioned activities available for AMA members. We encourage you to add them to your riding calendar for 2015. To find more, see the “Go Ride!” feature in this magazine, starting on page 38, and the calendar section on page 46.

We’d also like to hear from you. What are your favorite riding events? What should we plan on attending this year? Let us know at roadriding@ama-cycle.org, and maybe I’ll see you on the road!

Jeff Massey is the chief operations officer of the AMA.

AMA SUPPORTS TEXAS RIDERS

Motorcyclists Rally At Capitol, Lobby Legislators

AMA On-Highway Government Aff airs Manager Sean Hutson, joined hundreds of Texas motorcyclists on Jan. 26 for Texas Legislative Day 2015: Ride to the Capitol.

The event, organized by Texas ABATE Confederation Inc., the Texas Confederation of Clubs and Independents and the U.S. Defenders, drew a range of participants, including riders of cruisers, baggers, sport bikes and dual-sports motorcycles, Hutson says.

During the rally on the capitol steps, Hutson presented a legislative update and voiced AMA

LOGOS GETS

DARPA OK FOR HYBRID-ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE

Second Award To Take Project Through Prototype Phase

Logos Technologies has received a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research award from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to continue development of its SilentHawk electric military motorcycle.

Logos, based in Fairfax, Va., is working with California’s Alta Motors on the project. The Phase I award was $150,000, and the Phase II award is $1 million.

SilentHawk is intended to allow small, distributed military teams to move long distances quickly and stealthily across

support for the rights of all motorcyclists.

“After my speech, everyone went into the statehouse and lobbied their elected offi cials on issues such as lane splitting, motorcyclist profi ling and adding protections for vulnerable road users,” he says.

Specifi c bills addressed by participants included: S.B. 334 and H.B. 864, the “Dead” Red Light bills; 84R 3595, the Motorcycle Safety Fund bill; H.B. 813, the lane-splitting/ land-sharing bill; H.B. 383 for unprotected road users; and H.B. 401 dealing with fee increases for motorcycles and mopeds.

harsh enemy terrain. The prototype would combine Alta’s existing RedShift MX electric motocross bike with Logos Technologies’ quiet, multi-fueled hybridelectric power system, which was developed for a separate unmanned aerial vehicle program.

“Quiet, all-wheel drive capability at extended range in a lightweight, rugged, single-track vehicle would support the successful operations in extreme terrain conditions and contested environments,” says Wade Pulliam, manager of advanced concepts for Logos Technologies. “This award enables us to continue to execute a fast-paced development effort that takes advantage of our team’s prior work, superior technical approach, and extensive experience.”

Phase I of the program,

BRITISH POLICE, MOTORCYCLE MAKERS TO PROMOTE RIDING

More Motorcycles Could Increase Safety

The Motorcycle Industry Association and the Association of Chief Police

Officers in Great Britain launched a campaign to increase the number of motorcyclists.

The joint position announced in December is titled Realising the Motorcycling Opportunity; A motorcycle safety and transport policy framework, and calls for the integration of motorcycles into mainstream transportation policy.

The groups promote twowheeled vehicles as a way to ease traffic congestion.

“There is a growing body of evidence which shows that if more people started their road careers on a motorcycle, scooter or moped, this would lead to improvements in driver behavior towards all vulnerable road users,” the Motorcycle Industry Association says.

begun in February 2014, included extensive testing to understand the requirements for an off-road military motorcycle.

The result of Phase I was a preliminary design, backed by significant testing and modeling, which Logos intends to turn into a prototype during Phase II. The prototype could be operational in 18 months.

IOWA DOT OKS RECREATIONAL TRAILS MONEY

OHV Park, Trail Acquisition Among Projects Funded

Six projects in Iowa will divide $1.3 million in funding from the state Department of Transportation.

Included is $450,599 for acquisition of land in Jasper County for the Mitchellville to Prairie City Rails-to-Trails project and $195,559 for Phase 3 construction of the

GROVELAND TWP., MICH., GETS $2.9 MILLION FOR ORV PARK

Natural Resources Trust Fund Votes for Money To Buy Land

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board voted in January to provide $2.9 million to Groveland Twp. in Oakland County for the purchase of 312 acres of gravel pits and unused public land.

The site will be used as an all-purpose adventure park, with off-road vehicle trails, a motocross course and hiking and biking trails.

The Michigan legislature must approve the funding before local officials can move forward.

The state Department of Natural Resources is appraising adjacent land, hoping to expand the park to 450 acres.

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park. Remaining funds will go to the AmeriCorps trail crew serving the Iowa Department of National Resources, as well as for snowmobile trail grooming, work on the Raccoon River Valley Trail and a bicycle trails summit.

FEDERAL BILL WOULD REQUIRE MORE ANALYSIS OF E15 FUEL

Scientific Study Would Measure E ects On Engines,

Fuel Systems

U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) is calling for more independent scientific analysis of the effects of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15). His bill, H.R. 21, would repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s waiver decision related to E15 fuel and the authority of the agency to grant further decisions on the matter until the new analysis is complete.

Under the bill, the EPA would be required to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to provide scientific research on the use of mid-level ethanol blends. Findings would be shared with lawmakers.

The AMA shares Sensenbrenner’s concerns about the EPA using the results of only one U.S. Department of Energy test before rushing E15 into the marketplace.

That test was limited in scope and ignored a plethora of evidence that shows E15 gasoline has a negative effect on engines and fuel systems not designed for its use.

The AMA asked Sensenbrenner to include motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in any scientific study examining the effects of E15 because inadvertent misfueling can cause significant damage to them, as well as void manufacturer’s warranties.

Because of the EPA’s actions requiring E15 gasoline, many refineries, distributors and fueling stations may eventually offer primarily E15 gasoline. This concerns all motorcyclists and off-highway enthusiasts, since this may affect the availability of gasoline with less ethanol (E10) or none at all (E0).

STATEWATCH

COLORADO

H.B. 1054, sponsored by state Rep. J. Paul Brown (R-Ignacio), would allow offhighway vehicles on certain roadways and authorize the registration of OHVs with the state Department of Revenue. The OHV rider must have a driver’s license, obey the rules of the road and observe a 40 mph speed limit. In addition, counties would be able to authorize and regulate the use of OHVs, authorize people to drive on roads without a driver’s license, and enter into cooperative agreements with the federal government to enforce off-highway vehicle ordinances.

FLORIDA

H.B. 419, sponsored by state Rep. Dwayne L. Taylor (D-Daytona Beach), would provide for the use of roads and trails within the Tiger Bay State Forest by certain motor vehicles, would require the Florida Forest Service to designate an area of the forest for exclusive use of off-highway vehicles, and would direct the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to set fees for access.

MINNESOTA

H.F. 59, introduced by state Rep. Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa), would prohibit law enforcement agencies and personnel from profiling motorcyclists. The bill calls for state law enforcement organizations to develop a model training policy by Oct. 1, 2015, designed to eliminate motorcyclist profiling. By Nov. 1, 2016, the chief officer of each law enforcement agency must establish a written anti-profiling policy.

MISSISSIPPI

S.B. 2343, introduced by state Sen. Robert L. Jackson (D-Marks), would require gas stations to sell gasoline blended without ethanol. The bill also would require the fuel to have a minimum octane rating of 87.

Also, three bills have been introduced that would permit motorcyclists to proceed through red lights after a stop, if the traffic detection device failed to trigger the light. S.B. 2167, introduced by state Sen. Chris Massey (R-Nesbit), would permit motorcyclists to proceed through a red light using due caution after coming to a complete stop at a signal that is controlled by a vehicle detection device that failed to recognize the motorcycle. H.B. 1359, introduced by state Rep. Brad A. Oberhousen (D-Jackson), and H.B. 1360, introduced by state Reps. Reecy L. Dickson (D-Macon), Larry Bird (R-Petal) and John Read (R-Gautier) would allow the motorcyclist to proceed with caution after a stop or turn left or right unless a sign is posted stating “No Turn On Red.”

NEBRASKA

L.B. 31, introduced by state Sen. Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins, Neb., would eliminate the state’s motorcycle and moped helmet requirements. The law currently requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet while the vehicle is in operation.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

S.B. 80, introduced by state Sen. Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry), would require the state Department of Transportation to update the state trails plan and would establish a committee to study and make recommendations for legislation regarding rail trails. The bill contains a provision that the committee consult with various interest groups, including the New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association.

OREGON

S. 172, introduced by state Sen. Brian Boquist (R-Dallas), would permit motorcyclists and moped riders to pass in a lane with traffic, if traffic is stopped or has slowed to less than 10 mph and the lane-splitting rider is traveling at a speed of 20 mph or less.

S. 420, introduced by state Sen. Jeff Kruse (R-Roseburg), would allow lane splitting if traffic is stopped or slowed to 25 mph or less and the motorcycle operator is traveling at 35 mph or slower.

TEXAS

H.B. 813, introduced by state Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. (D-Palmview), would allow motorcycle riders to ride between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, if traffic is traveling 20 mph or slower, and if the motorcyclist is not traveling more than 5 mph faster than other traffic. Lane splitting would be prohibited in school zones and in areas where the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less.

S.B. 442, introduced by state Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin), omits the helmet provision, and it restricts lane splitting to limited-access or controlled-access highways.

WASHINGTON

H.B. 1515, co-sponsored by state Reps. Drew MacEwen (R–Union), Dan Griffey (R-Allyn), Brian Blake (D-Aberdeen), and Cary Condotta (R-East Wenatchee), would permit motorcyclists to operate between adjacent lanes of traffic when the motorcycle’s speed is no more than 10 mph faster than the speed of other traffic and the speed of traffic is 35 mph or less.

To an unidentified police officer in Cobb County, Ga., who spotted an Alabama man eating a cheeseburger while driving and cited him under the Georgia’s distracteddriving statute. “You can’t just go down the road eating a hamburger,” the officer reportedly told the driver, Madison Turner.

To Yosemite National Park for bowing to public comment and reducing its proposed entrance fee hikes for motorcycles.

The park originally intended to charge $25 per motorcycle instead of the 2014 rate of $10 per person aged 16 and older. The proposed fee hike was far out of proportion to the fee increases for cars.

The AMA urged its members to contact the National Park Service, parks in their area and elected officials to highlight the unfairness of this plan.

During its civic engagement period, the park received 2,430 e-mails in response to the proposal, 1,222 comments on the park’s Facebook page, and 16 mailed letters.

The fees at Yosemite now will be $15 per motorcycle in 2015 and $20 per motorcycle in 2016.

To the U.S. Congress for eliminating funding for “voluntary” checkpoints to survey drug and alcohol use among drivers. Lawmakers had privacy concerns and feared many drivers didn’t know the surveys were voluntary.

KNOW YOUR POLICY

Privacy Placed At Risk By Insurance Requirements

Dairyland Cycle insurance policies require motorcycle owners to allow the company to “inspect your damaged motorcycle and retrieve information from its electronic data recorder” after a crash.

Marie Wuelleh, AMA’s government affairs specialist, spotted the phrase in her motorcycle insurance policy.

Electronic data recorders, event data recorders, GPS systems and other manufacturer-installed devices collect information about a driver’s speed, location and driving habits in addition to tracking vehicle performance.

Motorcyclists should examine their policies to ensure that their privacy is protected. Talk with an agent about any objectionable requirements. Consider the ramifications of granting access to vehicle data before signing a policy.

A Virginia law bars auto insurers from requiring their customers to release eventrecorder data from their cars.

The federal definition for an EDR requires that some information be collected, but it does not restrict how much information the box can retain.

Current federal law requires EDRs in passenger vehicles. EDRs aren’t currently mandated for motorcycles, but some manufacturers include them.

The AMA believes that all data collected by these devices belong to the vehicle owner or lessee. Only the owner of the data should have access, unless the owner grants specific permission for someone, such as an auto mechanic or state inspection station, to examine the information for legitimate and limited use.

Dairyland Cycle says the EDR provision has been in its motorcycle policies since 2008 and in its auto policies since 2007.

“This provision was included as a way to assist us in the investigation of losses, defense of our customers and settlement of both first- and third-party claims,” the company says. “The inclusion of this provision was prompted by manufacturers including electronic data recorders. The more information we have, the better decisions we are able to make for our customers Additionally, we have run into

situations where customers were not willing or able to cooperate with us in claims situations, which puts all parties in a difficult position. By outlining clear expectations, all parties are on the same page.”

Dairyland says it does not keep data for aggregating purposes, only to settle individual claims. And the EDRs do not gather personal information.

“Unlike a GPS, it does not track location,” the company says. “EDR data can provide information such as speed and events (traffic accidents), which assists us in our claim investigation. The EDR data can be useful to determine the sequence of events leading up to a traffic accident, specifically with regard to engine telemetry, braking/deceleration, its speed at the time of a collision, how long it had been travelling, etc.”

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ROCK STAR JORMA KAUKONEN FINDS PEACE ON TWO WHEELS

Barry Barenson

before starting their guitar instruction.

It’s called the Pick-N-Putt Weekend. This year’s event is scheduled for Sept. 18–21 (www.furpeaceranch.com/ workshops.html).

Kaukonen recently took a few minutes to chat as he prepared to teach a songwriting workshop at The Dana on Mission Bay in San Diego.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: So, how long have you been an AMA member?

JORMA KAUKONEN: Consistently now for about 13 or 14 years. But I have been a member on and off for a lot longer. I first joined the AMA in 1959 when I wanted to compete in a hillclimb event.

AM: What keeps you riding?

AM: Tell us about the Pick-NPutt ride.

JK: We started that ride in 2001, I think. Some of the students who were taking the workshops were also motorcyclists. So, we thought, “What could be better than combining music and motorcycles?” We go on several rides during the year and plot a course for the Pick-N-Putt. We generally try to keep it to about 130 miles or less, so we don’t cut into their workshop time.

AM: How many days a year are you currently touring?

JK: I am playing about 200 gigs in 2015. You know, in a normal world, I would be retired by now. But I get to keep doing what I love to do. Someone asked me one time why I wasn’t retired, and I said, “Why retire? So I can have more time to play my guitar?”

AM: How did you end up in Meigs County?

Je erson Airplane, Hot Tuna Founder Still Recording, Touring by Jim

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the iconic rock-n-roll band Jefferson Airplane, and original member Jorma Kaukonen continues to play about 200 gigs a year.

Kaukonen, 74, released a new album, “Ain’t In No Hurry,” in February and is touring to support it. He also plays dates as Hot Tuna with longtime friend and musical collaborator, bassist Jack Casady.

Since 1998, Kaukonen has operated the Fur Peace Ranch,

Witters

where he and other musical luminaries, such as G.E. Smith, conduct guitar workshops and stage concerts.

But the famous guitarist also takes time out of his hectic schedule to throw a leg over his Harley-Davidson Ultra and hit the twisties near his home in Meigs County, Ohio.

Each year, Kaukonen combines his love of guitar with his affinity for two-wheeled recreation by leading about 30 riders on a 130-mile motorcycle tour of southeastern Ohio

JK: My friend, G.E. Smith, asked me recently what it was I liked about riding motorcycles, and I turned him on to the “Why We Ride” movie. That pretty much says it. I started riding motorcycles in 1953 or 1954, when a boy I knew asked me if I wanted to ride his BSA. I fell in love with it, and motorcycling has been a part of my life ever since.

AM: What is your current bike?

JK: I have a Harley-Davidson Ultra. And my wife rides a Dyna. My son has a Honda CBR250R. I’m not a snob. If it’s got two wheels and a motor, I’ll ride it. There was a guy in Athens, Ohio, near where I live who had a Honda 50 that I wanted bad, but he just wouldn’t sell it. But I like long rides, so the bigger bike suits me. But it is a heavy bike, so eventually I may have to move to something a little smaller.

JK: I have a family history in Ohio. We were living in upstate New York in 1989 when a friend of mine told me he had this land in Ohio that he wanted to sell. And it was so cheap, I couldn’t pass it up. I bought 119 acres for $32,000, and then added another farm. We moved there in 1991, and I would be happy if I never moved again. There are some great riding roads around there.

AM: What else would you like our readers to know?

JK: I’m just a huge fan of this beautiful country we live in. Come visit us—on two wheels, of course, or three, if you absolutely have to. Get out and ride. And buy my records.

IT’S IN THE DETAILS.

You know every inch of your bike. Not just the engine size, or the color code of the paint. It’s the special details that only you know about. Like the way the exhaust opens up just right at 3,200rpm. Or that scuff on the footpeg you picked up while riding through Deal’s Gap.

It’s the details that make your bike unique, and no one knows this more than GEICO. With GEICO Motorcycle insurance, you’ll get coverage specific to your bike, and a team of people who love motorcycles as much as you do.

When it comes to insurance, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Trust the details to GEICO Motorcycle.

Six questions with…

HORACE LUKE

Co-Founder And CEO Of Gogoro Inc. by Jim

The market for electric motorcycles is developing in interesting new ways. Many companies are targeting current non-riders. One of them is Gogoro.

Gogoro’s Smartscooter is an electric two-wheeler aimed at young urbanites. Scheduled for launch in 2015, the scooter will feature swappable battery packs the company plans to make available through the Gogoro Energy Network.

The scooters are rated at about 8.6 horsepower, with 18.4 foot-pounds of torque. The cruising range is about 60 miles. Top speed is 60 mph.

Company CEO Horace Luke and Matt Taylor, both tech veterans, founded Gogoro in 2011.

Luke took a few moments to explain his company’s philosophy.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: Why would I choose a scooter over an electric motorcycle?

HORACE LUKE: There are a variety of criteria riders use when choosing a two-wheeled electric vehicle from cost, intended use, ease of use, commuting needs, price and several other factors. Gogoro customers will choose the Gogoro Smartscooter because it provides a complete package of price, performance, ease of use, size, storage capacity, connectivity and swappable battery capability.

AM: Why two-wheeled vehicles?

HL: There are more than 200 million scooters in the world, and two-wheeled vehicles are an easier and quicker way to zip around a city.

AM: What is your target market?

HL: Gogoro is targeting young adults ages 18 to 28—young urbanites who are part

Witters

of a generation that cares about design and performance, while being socially responsible with the environment. It’s also the age when young adults are making their first vehicle purchase. Much like when you make the decision to be a Coke or Pepsi person, Gogoro wants to ensure electric is the chosen option for these first-time riders.

AM: Where has your financing come from?

HL: Gogoro started in 2011, securing $50 million in Series A funding from influential Asian investors, Dr. Samuel Yin of Ruentex Group and others. The company is currently finalizing $100 million in Series B funding, which will be used for product and market rollout in 2015.

AM: Could you also comment on the environmental aspects of the product?

HL: Citizens in developed nations like the United States spend 12 percent of their annual income on energy, with 40 percent of that on gasoline alone. With 200 million scooters on the roads globally, reducing tailpipe emissions can be the first step in improving the quality of health and living in megacities. [The Gogoro Smartscooter] can be a catalyst for more powerful, efficient and cleaner cities.

AM: What else would you like to share with AMA members?

HL: From the drivetrain to the dashboard, the Smartscooter utilizes the precision, processes and materials used for supercars to offer top-level performance that is user-friendly and accessible to the mass market. Gogoro reimagined the ride experience and then created a powertrain, chassis, suspension and electronics to deliver the best efficiency, handling, acceleration and riding range possible.

25TH TIME IS THE CHARM Final Renewal Wins Life Member A Yamaha Super Ténéré

When Bob J. Loguidice of Ramona, Calif., renewed his AMA membership last February, it earned him the status of AMA Life Member and qualified him for the 2014 AMA Membership Sweepstakes.

In mid-January, Loguidice won the sweepstakes grand prize, a 2014 Yamaha Super Ténéré motorcycle, courtesy of Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A.

“I’m kind of stunned,” says Loguidice, who picked up the bike from Yamaha dealership MotoWorld in El Cajon, Calif. “This just shows what can happen when you keep up your AMA membership.”

AMA members who joined or renewed in 2014 got a chance to win the Super Ténéré. In addition, riders participating in the 2014 Yamaha Super Ténéré AMA National Adventure Riding Series earned additional entries in the sweepstakes.

“We are very excited that Bob has won the Yamaha Super Ténéré,” says Yamaha Motor Corp. USA Retail Sales Promotion Manager Martin Vivanco. “The Super Ténéré was built for the adventurous rider who wants to explore the open road and the path less taken, and Bob will have the opportunity to do both this year at a round of the AMA Super Ténéré Adventure Riding Series.”

Designed to ride for extended periods across just about any kind of terrain in comfort and style, the Yamaha Super Ténéré serves as the perfect inspiration for the AMA National Adventure Riding Series.

The bike, known as the ultimate transcontinental adventure machine, was improved for 2014 with a more powerful engine, electronic cruise control and heated grips as standard equipment. It also has sport and touring drive modes, traction control and anti-lock brakes.

While Loguidice was elated to win the bike, he also was enthusiastic about protecting motorcyclists’ rights through his AMA membership.

“It’s extremely important to maintain your membership,” he says of belonging to the AMA. “If you don’t protect your rights, then you’re going to lose them.”

NO EXCUSES TOUR

From California To Missouri, A Father- And Son-In-Law

Find A Better Way To Travel by

When the motorcycle gods have everything in alignment, there is no excuse to not ride. Such was the case last October when a family reunion in Missouri was planned. Even though it would be a long airplane ride for all of us from San Diego to St. Louis, my wife and our daughters’ families were excited to attend.

I’m retired now, but over the years I’ve earned enough frequent flier miles visiting customers to know that the saddle on my Gold Wing is a heck of a lot more comfortable than the economy seats.

Even better, my son-in-law, Cory, was due home just one week before the reunion for his month off from his job in Iraq as a remote paramedic.

Best of all, the weather in mid-October can be delightfully “in-between”—too late for the summer monsoon-like rain coming up from the Gulf of Mexico and too soon for the massive winter storms cycling in from the Pacific Ocean.

There was no excuse and the choice was obvious: It was time for a road trip!

Jim Huneke

Through The Southwest

Since Cory’s usual ride is a sportbike, he decided a 2015 Harley-Davidson Street Glide would be a more comfortable alternative. He secured one from the rental department at Bigg’s HarleyDavidson in San Marcos, Calif. Their rental department manager, Brian, set everything up efficiently, including luggage and a backrest.

Cory’s flight from Iraq landed in California on Saturday. We picked up the Street Glide on Sunday. We left for St. Louis on Monday morning.

The ride on I-8 out of San Diego took us through mountains with very scenic but windy sections before descending onto the desert floor.

In Arizona we jumped on Highway 60 and stayed on it all the way into New Mexico. We rode through canyons and vast open, flatlands on this two-lane road that goes through the heart of the Southwest. The ride down into and up out of the deep gorge where the Salt River

separates the San Carlos and Fort Apache Reservation lands was spectacular.

We stayed the first night in Globe, Ariz., and the second night in Santa Rosa, N.M. We were on the road before 8 a.m. and off before sunset, riding over 470 miles each day. The weather was perfect with no clouds over all three states we traversed.

We avoided fast food chains and sought out old-time diners or cafes. The Space Age in Gila Bend, Ariz., Irene’s in Globe, Ariz., and Joseph’s in Santa Rosa, N.M., are great examples where good food is served with friendly service. Our favorite was breakfast at the Sweetheart Café in Show Low, Ariz., where the clientele included a cowboy with a 10-gallon hat and an 8-inch-wide mustache.

Before the ride, I reviewed the various safety signals with Cory, and we used them frequently while on the road. We waved, of course, to other motorcyclists. It amazes me how a small gesture produces such a great feeling of camaraderie.

We waved to the railroad operators, too. Where the terrain was flat and straight, the rails and the road usually ran parallel for a long way. We saw many magnificent trains with three, sometimes four, massive locomotives pulling rolling stock of more than a hundred cars. Whenever we encountered one of these trains, we would raise our arm and give the engineer a double pump with our fist. He would respond with several wonderful notes from his high-pressure horn.

Across The Plains

Day three we were back on the interstate under another cloudless, blue sky and riding 557 miles to Tulsa, Okla., for the night. This section of I-40 parallels the historic Route 66, making for very interesting stops during the day.

The Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Okla., was a real treat. This redesigned museum neatly displays the history of the iconic road using old road signs, vehicles, photos and music. Plus it has a replica of a 1950s

diner. Route 66 museums can be found in many of the states along the route, but this one in Clinton is well worth the stop. It is a matter of preference to stay on the old route or to jump on the interstate, but one spot to avoid, especially at rush hour, is the eastbound transition ramp from I-40 to I-44 in Oklahoma City. There were many big, long-haul trucks on both of these interstate highways. In California, highway speed limits for trucks are usually 10 to 15 mph lower than for the rest of the traffic. On many of our routes, we found that the posted limit for all vehicles was 75 mph. Lane positioning skills were critical to maintain visibility and avoid wind blasts.

The next day, after having breakfast at a great place called Clancy’s in Vinita, Okla., we rumbled down the interstate and into Missouri, on the edge of the Mississippi River Valley. We jumped on twisty, twolane Highway 8 to enjoy the last leg of the trip through the Ozark Mountain foothills under a fabulous canopy of fall colors. We arrived in St. Louis having ridden a total 1,947 miles in four days.

The family reunion turned out to be a great success. Reconnecting face-to-face

with relatives when we live so far away is special. There was even time to do 158 miles of riding on the back roads of beautiful St. Genevieve County during our extended weekend in Missouri. The roads were traffic free with smooth pavement, rolling hills and gentle sweeping curves.

Heading Home

Our return ride to California was even better. We used our extra time to visit more sites along the way. After getting my brother’s advice on his favorite local roads and saying our goodbyes, we headed out.

My brother was right on target. We were riding beautiful country roads through hilly farmland all afternoon: Highway 94 along the Missouri River, then Highways 50, 28 and 42, eventually picking up Highway 54 at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Even with a late start, we made it all the way to Nevada by evening—Nevada, Mo., that is, close to the Kansas border and 263 miles from St. Louis. Highway 54 stretches diagonally across the heartland of the country and in the next day and half we would ride it across Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and into New Mexico.

During lunch on day two at Dick’s in Pratt, Kan., we decided to pull on our rain gear and continue our ride straight into a slow-moving storm coming across Kansas from the west. It was wet for several miles, but we cruised into Liberal later that afternoon under dry and sunny skies. Despite the rain plus strong, gusty winds, we made 401 miles.

The next morning our progress was slowed until the rising sun burned the fog off the prairie. Once clear, though, visibility over the grasslands extended for miles in every direction. This was definitely cattle country. We passed several, enormous holding corrals built next to massive beefprocessing factories.

At Tucumcari, N.M., we ate lunch sitting at the counter of the famous Kix on Historic Route 66. From here we took I-40 to Gallup, having dinner at Jerry’s Mexican-American Café, also on Route 66. Our total for day three was 529 miles.

The next morning we rode out in 37-degree temperatures after scraping the frozen dew off the bikes. Staying on the interstate allowed us to make side trips through the painted desert, the Petrified Forest National Park and the Meteor Crater site. This was becoming the best day of the entire trip. We even had time for

a leisurely lunch at the famous Turquoise Room at the landmark La Posada Hotel on Route 66 in Winslow, Ariz.

Late afternoon of day four found us on more challenging mountain two-lane twisties as we headed southwest on Highway 89 through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona and Jerome, Ariz. This is a terrific road. Riding it when the sun is low in the sky made the red sandstone canyon walls blaze against the clear blue sky.

Sedona is quaint and worth exploring, but was full of tourists and traffic on this day. Jerome is an old mining town high on the mountain with very narrow, twisting streets that reward those riders who have diligently practiced their slow maneuvers during parking lot drills. When we pulled into Prescott for the night, we had logged 344 miles on the day.

Our final day began on Highway 89 along South Montezuma Street, which passes through the historic Whiskey Row. This colorful part of town hosted more than 40 saloons in the 1870s.

Less than a mile out of town, Highway 89 regains its curvy, mountain road character. A few miles farther, the ride became more challenging with cliff-side, hairpin curves as we descended 3,200 feet in elevation coming down Arizona’s

Mogollon Rim. Once on the desert floor, we enjoyed some fast and straight running on desolate sections of Highway 60.

We took I-10 to Indio, Calif., where we connected with San Diego’s mountainous backcountry Highways 74, 79 and 78 taking us back home. Day five was 398 miles for a total return trip of 1,935 miles.

With our riding around St. Louis, we logged 4,040 miles, but the accumulation of great memories was countless. There was zero drama. Our preparation had been sufficient, but not tedious. We carried tools and first-aid kits, a cycle pump, plus we had AMA Roadside Assistance coverage. Eating, sleeping and route planning were decided on the road.

The chance to share my touring experience with my son-in-law was priceless. Seeing family in Missouri was made even more special in that many of them got to meet Cory and our young grandson for the first time. Traveling by motorcycle made for an epic road trip.

But really, is there ever an excuse not to ride?

Jim Huneke is a 15-year member of the AMA. He holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and has been retired since 2013. He rides a 2008 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing.

AMA RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING MOTORCYCLISTS WITH 2015 AMA AWARDS

Honorees Nominated By Members, Selected By AMA Board

The six motorcyclists selected by the AMA Board of Directors to receive the 2015 AMA Awards have made outstanding contributions to the motorcycling community, and their efforts support the AMA mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.

The AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious of the awards and is presented to Charles Umbenhauer of Dover, Pa., for 2015. Umbenhauer has been the state legislative coordinator and lobbyist for ABATE of Pennsylvania for more than 30 years and has played a key role in securing and protecting funding of the

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program. Other 2015 award recipients include:

• AMA Bessie Stringfield Award: Delvene Manning, event manager of the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials

• AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award: Peter Cline, founder of VETMotorsports

• AMA Outstanding Road Rider Award: Staff Sgt. William Pendleton II, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager of the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

• AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider Award: Desiree Bates, campaign organizer of the Fight For Ocotillo Wells SVRA

• Friend of the AMA Award: Ken Wahlster, founder of BikeBandit.com

AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award

AMA Life Member Charles Umbenhauer received the 2015 AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of advocacy on behalf of motorcyclists in the Pennsylvania legislature, with victories that safeguarded funding for rider education, voluntary adult helmet use, reduced tolls for motorcycles and motorcycle parking.

“For a long time now, I felt that being featured in the September 2008 issue of American Motorcyclist was the high water mark of my 47 years in motorcycling, but after receiving the 2015 AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award, I am truly humbled,” says Umbenhauer, a recipient of the AMA Motorcycling Advocate Award in 2004. “In Pennsylvania, we have changed the face of motorcycling and made it a motorcycle-friendly state and a great place to ride. That would not have happened without the support of the AMA and my many friends in ABATE of Pennsylvania.”

AMA Bessie Stringfield Award

The AMA Bessie Stringfield Award recognizes efforts to introduce motorcycling to new or underserved markets in memory of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bessie Stringfield.

The 2015 award recipient, Delvene Manning, has dedicated her life to promoting land-speed racing, which does

not differentiate between male and female competitors. In so doing, she fostered an environment that introduced many women and men to the challenge, thrill and camaraderie of two- and three-wheel top-speed record attainment.

“The AMA has been fundamental in their support, and we have grown in participants and increased international exposure,” Manning says. “We strive to provide our participants with the best opportunity to set records, to compete against their peers of all ages, genders and range of motorcycles, and to race against history.”

AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award

AMA racer Peter Cline, recipient of the 2015 AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award, started VETMotorsports as a non-clinical outreach program to empower disabled combat veterans and support them in their continued healing.

Cline, from Columbus, Ohio, and VETMotorsports have generated significant positive publicity for motorcycling, honoring the award’s namesake, Hall of Famer Hazel Kolb.

“This award means so much to us, because VETMotorsports’ partnership with the AMA has allowed the program to reach over 45 veterans, plus caregivers, in 2014,” Cline says.

AMA Outstanding Road Rider Award

The AMA Outstanding Road Rider Award is presented annually to recognize those who have contributed to the promotion of the motorcycle lifestyle and the protection of on-highway motorcycling.

Staff Sgt. William Pendleton II, the recipient of the 2015 award, was instrumental in helping the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Ga., win the 2014 U.S. Army Forces Command Exceptional Organization Safety Award (Division Level) for superior performance in reducing fatalities in both on- and off-duty activities.

has trained more than 2,500 motorcycle riders in 3rd Infantry Division and helped reduce motorcycle-related fatalities from 12 to zero in two years.

AMA Outstanding O -Road Rider Award

The AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider Award highlights the achievements of those who have contributed to the protection of off-highway motorcycling.

For 2014, the award is presented to AMA member Desiree Bates, who has fought for off-highway vehicle access rights in one of California’s most popular state vehicular recreation areas.

“It makes me so incredibly proud to receive this award from the AMA,” Bates says. “This lets me know that people are not only noticing that I am working hard, but that they trust me in what I do and appreciate what we’ve been doing to preserve riding rights at Ocotillo Wells.”

Friend of the AMA Award

Ken Wahlster, founder of BikeBandit. com, has been a strong supporter of the AMA for years and is the recipient of the 2015 Friend of the AMA Award.

The award recognizes one or more in the motorcycling community, including clubs, companies, sponsors or partners that have strongly supported the AMA mission and programs.

“As a life-long rider with over 20 years of experience working in the industry, it is a great honor to be selected for an award by an organization that has done so much for motorcyclists and their rights,” Wahlster says. “The AMA has been a constant source for information and activism, and I can say with 100 percent confidence that the tireless efforts of the AMA have made significant contributions to racing, safety, land usage, etc., and that I have personally benefited from them all.”

To learn more about the AMA Awards Program and to nominated an individual, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ about/amaawardsprogram.

“Motorcycling is important to me, but nothing is more important than the lives of my fellow soldiers,” says Pendleton, who

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 www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing. And as an AMA Competition Member, you’ll receive the competition edition of American Motorcyclist magazine.

AMA Roadside Assistance

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

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

• Coverage in all 50 states and Canada.

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

• Flat tire, lockout, battery and minormechanical assistance.

• Emergency fuel, oil, water, fluid delivery.

• No exclusions for older motorcycles.

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

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

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AMA

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

Lodging

Save At Choice

Hotels, Motel 6, Red Roof Inn

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

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

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

EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals

Arrive And Ride

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

Motorcycle Shipping

Ride Where You Want

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

Car Rentals

Save Money When You Drive

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

AMA Gear

Buy AMA Stuff Online

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

Rider Accident Medical Plan

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

Insurance, Credit Card, Finance and Banking

The AMA has joined with Nationwide to bring members-only money-saving offers on insurance, a cash-back AMA-themed credit card, finance and banking. For more details see, www.nationwide.com/ americanmotorcyclist.

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/.

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame

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

AMA/Sprocketlist Online

Classifieds

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

AMA Supercross And AMA Arenacross Tickets

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

Anthony’s Leatherworks

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

BikeBandit.com

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

Biker Rain Chaps

Save 25 percent. Visit www.bikerrainchaps. com/ama/ and use the code AMA-0315SPATTY at checkout to receive your discount.

Brooks Leather

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

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

EVS Sports

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

Gear Brake

GEARBRAKE detects when you decelerate, even in instances of downshifting and engine braking where the brake is not applied, and automatically lights your taillight with a flashing alert! AMA members receive a 15 percent discount at gearbrake.com with the promo code: AMASAFE.

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle

Touring & Travel magazine

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

Sam’s Club

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

Schampa Cold-Weather Gear Save 15 percent. Enter SCHAMA during checkout at www.Schampa.com.

Heat Demon AMA members receive 10 percent off all products. Visit www.heatdemon.com/AMA and use the code AMAheat15 at checkout to receive your discount.

International Motorcycle Shows

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

LifeLock Identity Theft Protection

Get 30 free days and 10 percent off. Use promo code AMACYCLE at www. LifeLock.com or by calling (800) 5433562.

MAD Maps

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

MYLAPS

MYLAPS provides a 20 percent discount

off MSRP or any current sales price on web-orders or orders coordinated by the AMA for all Motorized Products to AMA members. To receive the discount, enter code AMA-789HJK at checkout.

Powertye

Tie-Downs

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

Rider Magazine

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

Sena

The Global Leader in Bluetooth and ‘Audio Action Camera’ Innovation for Powersports, Motorsports and Outdoor Sports – is now offering AMA members an EXCLUSIVE 15 percent discount on its product lineup. Log into the ‘Members Only’ section on the AMA website to get the code and #RideConnected.

Shark Kage

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

Shock Sox Street ~ Dirt ~ Off-Road ~ SHOCK SOX, “The 10-Second Removable Fork Seal Protector.” Get 10 percent off your order by entering your AMA number during checkout at ShockSox.com. For colors, sizes and model-applications, visit www. ShockSox.com

Spot LLC

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

TomTom

TomTom would like to offer you a 10 percent discount on any TomTom Product (excluding accessories). Visit www. tomtom.com to place your order and enter AMA10_TT2015 at check out to receive your discount. US

BROOKS LEATHER ROAD WARRIOR JACKET

MSRP: $479.90

Sizing: 36–56

Info: www.brooksleather.com

Brooks Leather started making motorcycle jackets in 1959, and it is obvious they know what they are doing when it comes to the Road Warrior jacket.

wearing the jacket. But, this is a trivial complaint when you consider the plethora of outstanding features and the overall superb quality of this jacket.

One nice feature is the full action back panel. The extra bit of leather on the back provides ample room for movement. A Thinsulate liner zips in and even has small buttons along the bottom hem to ensure it doesn’t roll or bunch up.

The jacket’s leather is thin but is pliable with zero break-in time needed. This is a very comfortable motorcycle jacket. I found the zippered and webbed cuffs to be another nice touch, as they kept the cold air out during my test but could be opened to let a little air in on a warm day.

The jacket fit perfectly in my standard jacket size, but there isn’t a lot of extra room for layering. I would recommend going up a size if you layer much. However, I did not feel the need to on my 42-degree South Dakota ride since the liner was more than adequate.

makes video recorded from cameras mounted directly to the bike unstable. The VIRB Elite’s digital stabilization performed beautifully, however, even off-road. Most action cameras need to be mounted to the rider to smooth out the video capture. Not so with the VIRB. This really expands the mounting options for the camera.

Camera Specs

We installed a 64 GB micro SD card (purchased separately for $75). The VIRB Elite has 1080p HD video resolution and takes photos as high as 16 megapixels. It also has a 1.4-inch display built into the camera. The viewfinder, as Garmin calls it, lets you see where your camera is angled, taking the guesswork out of positioning. The dashboard is not backlit, however, so it’s difficult to see in low-light conditions.

The Road Warrior’s quality, fit and finish make it a great choice for anyone in the market for a classically styled leather jacket. The attention to detail is excellent. It will provide the protection that only leather can and should last a lifetime. It could be the best and last leather riding jacket you purchase.

The Road Warrior is constructed of 1.4mm full grain naked cowhide held together with heavy-duty, double-stitched seams. The zippers work smoothly and precisely. The two zippered breast pockets on the front and one button-secured inside pocket proved adequate. The front pockets, however, are difficult to access while

GARMIN VIRB ELITE ACTION CAMERA

MSRP: $399.99

Info: sites.garmin.com/en-us/virb/

There are a lot of action sports cameras on the market today. While we both have lots of experience with another popular brand, we were interested to see how the Garmin VIRB Elite compares.

Heather put the VIRB Elite through the paces on her KTM 250 XCF-W in the woods, while Chris tested it on the street on his Buell XB12S. He also connected the VIRB Elite to his Garmin 590 LM GPS and used the Garmin Smartphone Link and Garmin Connect applications.

Mounting The Camera

We both attached the camera using the Large Tube Mount (retail: $24.99) to our handlebars. It was a simple process. A common problem with sports cameras is vibration

Altogether, the rugged, waterproof camera with battery installed weighs only 6.26 ounces and sits in a small cradle, which is attached to the mount on the bike. The fact that the camera has a sliding switch, rather than a button to start the recording process is a huge plus. It’s really riding-glove friendly!

Functions

Clearly, Garmin knows GPS. Because of this, the VIRB Elite goes beyond just being an action camera. The dashboard can display a compass and tell you the time, distance traveled, speed, elevation and even g-force acceleration.

While the VIRB Elite has the capability to take photos while recording video, it’s really not advisable to take a hand off the handlebars to push the button while riding. Before you depart, however, you can set the camera to capture photos repeatedly at a selected interval.

By Heather Wilson

Figuring out this function was tricky due to the confusing instructions and a non-intuitive interface. However, after some fiddling and trial and error, we figured it out. Once we got the feature to work, the photos were excellent—very clear and no blurriness whatsoever.

Smartphone Interface

The Garmin products also have a few smartphone applications that you can use with your device, or you can control it remotely by using the Garmin 590LM. The beauty of this camera is that while you are riding you can use your phone or your GPS unit to switch it from standby to record video mode or to snap a few photos.

The play back, in conjunction with the data supplied by the Garmin 590 LM GPS, allows you to watch the video with the actual street map overlaid on the screen. If the system is synchronized with your smart phone via Garmin Smartphone Link or Garmin Connect, you will experience a playback with data from your trip such as speed, time and cardinal direction. You will able to access the map on the computer and rewind the footage based on when you were on the map. If you’re a techy who likes to relive your rides, or share them with others, this is an incredible feature.

Color Capture

One downside: The video captured by the camera came through a bit “washed out” compared to other action cameras. While this may be a matter of personal preference (you might consider the competition’s footage “over saturated”), the VIRB’s video did have a less-vibrant appearance. Of course, depending on your video editing software, this can be adjusted in post production.

Battery Life

While, the lithium-ion battery allows you to record up to three hours at 1080p, most people are usually out riding longer than that. It might be worth the money to invest in a second battery pack (retail: $29.99) and swap out the batteries before one dies during your ride.

A Worthy Alternative

The VIRB Elite is packed with functions and performs as expected. It may not be the easiest camera to use out of the box, but once you master the robust GPS syncing features, it’s a blast. Although the slightly washed-out video appearance is a negative, the camera’s built-in stabilization capabilities are impressive. All in all, the VIRB is a solid choice when it comes to shooting action sports, whether you’re road riding or dirt biking.

To view a sample video and photos taken using the Garmin VIRB Elite, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com and search for “Garmin VIRB.”

MOTORCYCLE SALES UP 3.8 PERCENT FOR 2014

ATV Sales Also Rise; Scooter Sales Decline

The Motorcycle Industry Council reports motorcycle sales increased 3.8 percent in 2014. A total of 483,526 motorcycles were sold during the calendar year, an increase of 17,743 units over 2013.

Off-highway motorcycles registered the highest percentage year-over-year growth at 10.9 percent, with the on-highway and dualsport segments tallying gains of 3 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively.

Scooter sales were the only two-wheeled segment to decline year over year, down 3.5 percent.

Meanwhile, allterrain-vehicle sales showed a steady 0.5 percent rate of growth.

NEW CONSUMER SHOWS COMING IN 2016

Marketplace Events Shows To Focus On New Riders

The producers of the innovative American International Motorcycle Expo, for which Larry Little earned 2013 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year recognition, will produce a new series of consumer events.

Marketplace Events says the shows will be timed to promote 2016 model year products.

Mike Webster, president of Marketplace Events’ motorcycle division, says that the company is planning a number of “experiential elements” that they say will welcome both traditionalists and attract new riders.

The company says that locations and dates are to be announced soon.

1956 BMW R67/3 Built For Style And Function

After the post-war ban on German motorcycle production was lifted, BMW based its new motorcycle designs on surviving pre-war models. Slowly but surely, though, the German marque engineered new bikes that would exhibit the poise and presence of the brand’s former glory.

The BMW R67, sold in 1951-56 and available with a sidecar option, reached its zenith with the R67/3. Its 594cc overhead-valve engine produced 28 horsepower and had a reported top speed of 93 mph. Power was transferred to the rear wheel through a four-speed transmission, shifted with a foot lever or an auxiliary control on the gearbox.

A six-volt Noris magneto ignition supplied power to the Bosch spark plugs.

The BMW R67/3 was a gorgeous machine, weighing in at around 420 pounds. It boasted clean lines, deep black paint and glistening white and silver highlights.

Only about 700 of these machines were sold. This particular BMW R67/3 is even more rare, as it was used to demonstrate the functionality and feasibility of the attached prototype hardbags.

This bike was donated to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame permanent collection by Sherman Williams. See it and other historic machines at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio. For hours and directions, see www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

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

RAY PRICE Creator Of The Funnybike

Ray Price is widely recognized as the “Father of the Funnybike.” He is also credited with developing the two-speed automatic racing transmission and the first wheelie bar for drag race motorcycles. Born in 1937, Price grew up on a tobacco farm in Johnston County, N.C.

After attending college, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he spent four years as a radar specialist in aircraft armament control.

Price bought his first motorcycle in 1963. In 1967, at the age of 30, he started his motorcycle drag racing career with a

2015 RAFFLE BIKE

RESTORATION IN PROGRE S S

1966 Harley-Davidson Sportster. Since then, Price and his Ray Price HarleyDavidson drag racing team have collected numerous racing victories, records and championships in AMA-sanctioned drag racing competition, the All Harley Drag Racing Association and the International Hot Rod Association.

Price’s racing career came to an end in Las Vegas in May 2003. The day after setting a new class record of 216 mph, Price had trouble stopping after an even faster run. He dove off the bike into safety netting alongside the track. Although Price survived, the incident left him with nerve damage in his arm.

Despite being unable to keep racing, Price continued to assist his team, which continues to compete today.

Price was also a motorcycle dealer. In 1973, he and his wife Jean opened Precision Cycle in Raleigh, N.C., which later became Ray Price Harley-Davidson. Ray Price Harley-Davidson is one of the largest dealerships in the southeastern United States and hosts several annual charitable events, including the Toys for Tots toy run and the Ray Price Easter Basket Ride, among others.

Ray Price was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1993.

Melbourne J. ‘Mike’ Wilson, 1920-2015

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Passes

One of motorcycling’s greatest advocates, Melbourne J. “Mike” Wilson, passed away Feb. 2. He was 94.

Mr. Wilson, an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and longtime patron of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, was preceded in passing by his wife and fellow Hall of Famer Margaret Wilson last July. The couple was awarded the AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.

“As American motorcycling’s first couple and two of the sport’s greatest benefactors, Mike and Margaret Wilson were without peer,” says AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Mike, along with Margaret, not only lived life on two wheels to the fullest, but he gave back to the sport in many ways, which included their lasting contributions to the Hall of Fame, where their story will live on in perpetuity.

“On behalf of AMA staff, our members, the AMA Board of Directors and the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, I express our deepest condolences to Mike’s family and friends,” Dingman adds.

Born on March 2, 1920, Wilson started

racing dirt track as a novice in 1939. Following his service in World War II as a fighter pilot, he and Margaret opened Wilson’s Motorcycle Sales, a HarleyDavidson and later a Honda dealership, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Wilson returned to competition and won the Iowa TT State Championship in 1956 as an expert-licensed dirt tracker. He was the last racer to enter the Peoria TT on a 74-cubic-inch Harley-Davidson in 1958.

As a sponsor, Wilson backed the careers of many great racers, including fellow Hall of Famers John Tibben and Leo Payne.

Following a quarter-century running a successful business, the Wilsons began focusing their efforts on preserving the heritage of motorcycling and were instrumental in the creation and promotion of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, including commissioning the timeless bronze sculpture “Glory Days” that serves as the centerpiece of the Hall of Fame itself.

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!

Cory Parris

GO RIDE!

Here’s Everything You Need To Know To Get Ready For The Riding Season

Three things go into a great year of motorcycling: you, your bike and fun places to ride.

In our annual kick-off to the heart of the riding season, we provide the advice, tips and event information to help you prepare for many fun days in the saddle.

This year, we’ve rounded up a group of experts to off er advice on trip planning, bike preparation, refreshing your skills and riding with your friends. Plus, we provide an overview of the year’s best rides and rallies.

Trip Planning 101

A Great Ride Starts With A Great Plan

By Anthony Arbicor

I can hardly wait. Sunrise is in an hour and my bike is in the garage with a full tank of gas. My sleeping bag is strapped firmly to the top of the T-bag. Nothing is in front of me but open highway—no phone, no computer, no reservations, no plan.

Then the alarm goes off. I wake up to realize that the reality of modern touring is much different than the carefree, zero responsibility days of yesteryear. Yes, both baggers are in the garage with full tanks. But the GPS is pre-programmed with the route out (and back) and loaded with all the music it can carry. All reservations are in place and my wife and I are ready for anything.

The process we follow to arrive at this moment is, however, worthy of discussion. It has been a long road of discovery and learning, trial and error, smiles and frowns, but worth every inch.

My wife and I live in the Seattle area—the great Pacific Northwest. Planning rides around here, and to and from here, has its own challenges. We have a different geography, and a climate that can be unpredictable.

We start off our planning process by deciding what we want to do. It might be a rally, such as Sturgis or Laughlin, or a state or local rally. Or, it might just be a destination to go and sight see around.

Wherever it is, the destination is the starting point. Then, I always snap down a rough draft of the route on the laptop or a map and then we start breaking it up into manageable riding days. We look at the route and the terrain and analyze the time it will take (adding in ample time for our gas stops) to make our usual 350-mile days. I try to stay off the main freeways and route onto the most scenic roads as much as possible. This often means that the hours in the saddle rather than the miles may dictate the length of a particular riding day.

We also check the Department of Transportation sites of all the states we are planning to travel in, just in case there is some huge road construction project that we can route around.

A key element in planning a fun trip is to not overplan your days. Try not to wear yourself out on one

April Is AMA Go Ride! Month

Win Cool Stu , Support Your Freedoms

The AMA celebrates the riding season every April with AMA Go Ride! Month. It’s our reminder that motorcycling is the best way to experience this great country.

This year, the AMA is partnering with CycleGear and its 112 brick-and-mortar stores in 34 states to promote riding, boost membership and reward members and clubs.

During April, members are invited to AMA Bike Nights at CycleGear stores. The events will include food, drink and fun, as well as special discounts and gifts for showing your AMA card.

Have a buddy who isn’t a member? If they sign up at the event, CycleGear will give you a free Stockton 15-in-one tool.

More info: www.american motorcyclist.com/amabikenight.

long hot (or cold) day. Doing so can hurt your enjoyment of the following days.

Once we have our travel legs identified, my wife begins to look for hotels at the stopping points. We have found some interesting places as we’ve explored our five-state region (including Canada). Always keep in mind that lodging quality varies greatly. One little motel in Butte, Mont., was a perfect example. It was a 1950s motor lodge with doors so short my buddy and I, both over 6-feet tall, had to duck going in and out. But it was quaint, clean, affordable and for a quick night’s stay, just perfect. These kinds of places make for great stories after the trip is done.

After the lodging reservations are in place, I re-adjust the route if necessary and call it a trip. Nothing left to do now but meet up with the group and head out!

Not quite. Next, you need to pack. Anyone you see on the road who has his or her touring act together didn’t start that way. Believe me. Every trip we took resulted in an adjustment of some sort when we got home. Post-ride discussions have included the following comments…

“I’ll never get caught without that again.”

“That particular piece of gear has to go!”

“We need more waterproofing!”

You get the idea. Trial and error is almost a given here. But you can learn from others. Talk to your fellow two-wheeled travelers, and listen to their advice. They have a wealth of experience to share about how they got to that point.

Much of the advice you get will differ by region. In the Northwest, even in the dead of summer, you can reach elevations and temperatures that will freeze you in your seat. And at these elevations, a quick storm can soak you to the bone. It is nearly impossible to predict these conditions, so the only thing you can do is plan for the worst and hope for the best.

We have adapted our gear to fit every condition without having to change it out every

time the weather or temperature changes. We start by putting on what we would wear on the hottest of days and pack everything else on the bike. This creates the worst-case packing scenario right up front. Stuff sacks and compression bags that are popular with backcountry hikers work great for carrying gear while conserving space.

We both wear full-face helmets, as well, and take advantage of our on-board communication systems and inhelmet music. Full-face helmets are a great way to go for touring riders. They protect you from the sun as well as the cold and the rain, which greatly reduces riding fatigue at the end of the day.

After our ride plan and lodgings are set, and our gear is chosen and we’re all packed, we spend some time thinking about safety. We check the bikes over completely and are sure to have our first aid, tool kit and emergency compressor loaded. The compressor is one of those things we didn’t think about carrying until we were in a group with a flat on a holiday and had to make a roadside valve stem repair. We also pack gel-type super glue in our tool kit for the same reason.

Of course, this is a great time to make sure you’re set with AMA Roadside Assistance. If you don’t have it, get it. It’s free as long as you sign up for automatic renewal of your AMA membership, and it will set your mind at ease while your out exploring your world.

Finally, we’re ready to go.

Touring on your motorcycle is lots of fun and our planning process helps make our trips trouble free. After all, you are doing this to relax.

Having an adventure does not always mean having no plan. An adventure can be any new, novel or remarkable experience, including getting to your destination and back home having nothing to remember but good times, smiles and many stories to tell.

Anthony Arbicor is an AMA member from Auburn, Wash. Cory

GO RIDE

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

1

On April 18, the Golden Eagles Motorcycle Club is staging a poker run in Tampa, Fla. It’s also the 65th Anniversary Open House Party for the club. Info: www.goldeneagles motorcycleclub.com

3

Check out the swap meet hosted by MidWest Motorcycle Club in Indianapolis, Ind., April 18. It’s from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is only $7. Info: www.midwestmc.com

2

Monster Action Sports LLC is hosting a motocross race in Tallassee, Ala., April 18-19. The event is an AMA Area Qualifier for the Southeast Region for the 2015 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. Info: www.monstermx.com

4

Mid Rocky Mountain Adventure Riders are hosting a recreational trail ride, taking place April 16-18 in Moab, Utah. The “Moab Rendezvous” will test your skills and your mental toughness out in the lonely landscape, but will include rides for all skill levels. Info: www. rmariders.org

COMING UP

5

The American Sportbike Racing Association is holding a road race on April 12 in Kershaw, S.C. The event is the second round in the ASRA Team Challenge Series. Info: www. asraracing.com

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. Be sure to share safety messages on social media using #MotorcycleAwareness to encourage drivers to look out for motorcyclists as the prime riding season for most areas of the country kicks off.

COMING UP

6

Don’t miss the enduro on April 12 in Camp Wood, Ariz., that the Arizona Trail Riders are sponsoring. It’s the final round of the 2015 Arizona Motorcycle Riders Association MotoCity Off-Road Championship Series. Info: www. arizonatrailriders.org

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will be here before you know it! Join thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts July 10-12 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Participate in demo bike rides from major manufacturers, a giant swap meet or compete in vintage racing. Info: www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com

APRIL EVENTS

ALABAMA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

APR 11: PELL CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE. COM

APR 18: TALLASSEE: 2 DAY EVENT, MONSTER ACTION SPORTS, LLC, (334) 318-8475, MONSTERMX.COM

ARIZONA

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RUN

APR 17: YUMA: 2 DAY EVENT, NORWALK MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (661) 245-3932, YUMAPRISONRUN.COM

COMPETITION

ENDURO

APR 12: CAMP WOOD: ARIZONA TRAIL RIDERS, (602) 692-9382, ARIZONATRAILRIDERS. ORG

OBSERVED TRIALS

APR 18: KINGMAN: 2 DAY EVENT, CENTRAL ARIZONA TRIALS INC., (602) 370-7546, CENTRALARIZONA TRIALS.ORG

CALIFORNIA

RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN - OFFROAD

APR 11: POZO: CENTRAL COAST MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, (805) 8018829, POZORIDERS.COM

POKER RUN

APR 19: SACRAMENTO: CAPITAL CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (916) 822-4170, CAPITALCITYMC.COM

TRAIL RIDERECREATIONAL

APR 25: MARIPOSA: RACERS UNDER THE SON- CENTRAL COAST, (408) 807-7293, RUTSCENTRALCOAST.

ORG

COMPETITION ARENACROSS

APR 25: FRESNO: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM

ENDURO

APR 18: LAKEPORT: 2 DAY EVENT, NORTH BAY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, NORHTBAYMC.ORG

APR 19: (Includes ATVs) LUCERNE VALLEY: UNITED MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (562) 773-6697, UNITED-MC.ORG

ENDUROCROSS

APR 25: SACRAMENTO: TEN: THE ENTHUSIAST NETWORK, INC., (916) 928-3600, ENDUROCROSS.COM

HARE & HOUND

APR 11: (Includes ATVs) JOHNSON VALLEY: 2 DAY EVENT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (760) 220-6484, SOCALMC.COM

APR 26: (Includes ATVs) : VIKINGS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (760) 333-7043, VIKINGSMC.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

APR 11: SHASTA LAKE CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, NORTH VALLEY MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION INC., (530) 424-8818, REDDINGDIRTRIDERS. COM

SCRAMBLES

APR 12: (Includes ATVs) EL CENTRO: OVER THE BELT RACING INC., (951) 760-2333, AMAD38.COM

DELAWARE

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

APR 11: SEAFORD: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (443) 359-1089

FLORIDA

RECREATIONAL POKER RUN

APR 12: UMATILLA: CENTRAL FLORIDA CRUISERS, INC., (352) 396-3239, CENTRALFLORIDA CRUISERS.ORG

APR 12: FORT WALTON BEACH: SAND DOLLAR MC, INC., (850) 244-0376

APR 18: TAMPA: GOLDEN EAGLES MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (813) 469-3926, GOLDENEAGLES MOTORCYCLECLUB. COM

ILLINOIS

COMPETITION MOTOCROSS

APR 5: (Includes ATVs) BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD., (815) 234-2271

APR 11: WALNUT: 2 DAY EVENT, 4P PROMOTIONS INC, (815) 379-9534, SUNSETRIDGEMX.COM

APR 25: CASEY: 2 DAY EVENT, LINCOLN TRAIL MOTOSPORTS, (217) 932-2041, LINCOLNTRAIL MOTOSPORTS.COM

APR 26: (Includes ATVs) BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD., (815) 234-2271

INDIANA

RECREATIONAL SWAP MEETS

APR 18: INDIANAPOLIS: MID-WEST MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (317) 997-8729, MIDWESTMC.COM

COMPETITION

CROSS COUNTRY

APR 25: (Includes ATVs) SPRINGVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC., (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM

ENDURO

APR 19: ROSELAWN: GRAND KANKAKEE TRAIL RIDERS, (708) 946-0999, WW.GKTRAILRIDERS. COM

MOTOCROSS

APR 12: (Includes ATVs) PIERCTON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM

APR 18: ROSSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, WILDCAT CREEK MX, (765) 379-2482, WILDCATCREEKMX.COM

APR 19: (Includes ATVs) AKRON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM

APR 26: (Includes ATVs) PIERCETON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM

MICHIGAN

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

APR 25: (Includes ATVs) LAKE ODESSA: I-96 SPEEDWAY LLC, (616) 642-0555, I96SPEEDWAY. COM

MOTOCROSS

APR 19: MILLINGTON: BULLDOG RIDERS MC, INC., (810) 241-7740, BULLDOGSMX.COM

MINNESOTA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

APR 19: KELLOGG: MOTOKAZIE INC., (952) 601-1169, MOTOKAZIE. COM

APR 26: BROOK PARK: BERM BENDERS RACEWAY, (320) 9802680, BERMBENDERS RACEWAY.COM

NEVADA

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

APR 11: SNDRSOUTHERN NEVADA DESERT RACERS, (702) 293-0480, MRANRACING.COM

NEW JERSEY

RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE

APR 25: HAMMONTON: 2 DAY EVENT, BMW OF MANHATTAN, INC., (732) 714-8874

COMPETITION

ENDURO

APR 11: CHATSWORTH: PINE BARONS ENDURO RIDERS, (609) 226-8591, PBER.ORG

HARE SCRAMBLES

APR 18: CARLSBAD: 2 DAY EVENT, AERODYNE PROMOTIONS, LLC/ GAS-IT OFF ROAD RACING, (575) 887-2346, GASITOFFROAD.COM

BIKE BLESSING

APR 18: BROOKLYN: BIKERS OF BROOKLYN, (917) 385-0867, BIKERSOFBROOKLYN. COM

POKER RUN

APR 26: BRONX: CELTIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (914) 924-2170, CELTICMCC.COM

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

APR 12: (Includes ATVs) WALLKILL: WALDEN MX, (845) 895-2537, MXWALDEN.COM

APR 19: (Includes ATVs) AUBURN: FROZEN OCEAN MOTOCROSS INC, (315) 784-5466, FROZEN-OCEAN.COM

NORTH CAROLINA RECREATIONAL

SCHOOLS - ROAD

APR 11: BURLINGTON: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 637-0947, MOTOMARK1. COM

Get comeit

High Adventure. No Hassle.

The best routes, roads and two-track, 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 Facebook.com/AMAAdventureRiding @ama_riding, #AMAadv

APRIL EVENTS

APR 11: WILKESBORO: MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 637-0947, MOTOMARK1. COM

APR 17: BURLINGTON: MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 637-0947, MOTOMARK1. COM

APR 25: BURLINGTON: MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 637-0947, MOTOMARK1. COM

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

VELOCITYCYCLES.NET

POKER RUN

APR 11: OLEY: READING MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (610) 987-6422, READINGMC.COM

APR 12: MARIETTA: AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS PA POST CHAPTER #466, (717) 898-0871

APR 12: SCHUYLKILL HAVEN: SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 385-1460

CANDYTOWN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (717) 507-1661

SHORT TRACK

APR 4: (Includes ATVs) SPRING RUN: PATH VALLEY SPEEDWAY, PATHVALLEY. COM

SOUTH CAROLINA

COMPETITION

CROSS COUNTRY

APR 26: (Includes ATVs) ELLERBE: WINDY HILL SPORTS, (910) 895-4387, WINDYHILLSPORTSMX. COM

OHIO

COMPETITION

ENDURO

APR 12: HAMDEN: APPALACHIAN DIRT RIDERS, INC., (740) 3846379, WW.ADROHIO.ORG

HARE SCRAMBLES

APR 19: (Includes ATVs) LOGAN: HOCKING VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 385-7695, WW.HOCKINGVALLEYMC. COM

MOTOCROSS

APR 11: WAYNESBURG: 2 DAY EVENT, OHIO MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (330) 5750021, RACEMALVERN.COM

OREGON

RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN

APR 12: TIGARD: ROSE CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (503) 706-3969, ROSE-CITYMC.ORG

PENNSYLVANIA BIKE SHOW

APR 19: WASHINGTON CROSSING: DELAWARE VALLEY NORTON RIDERS, DVNR.ORG

DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD

APR 4: MECHANICSBURG: ADVENTURE RIDERS, (717) 766-2523,

APR 26: LEBANON: LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (717) 270-9797, LEBANONVALLEYMC.COM

APR 26: SPRING CITY: FREEDOM RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (215) 262-0578, FREEDOMRIDERSPA.COM

ROAD RUN

APR 19: YORK: YORK MOTORCYCLE CLUB, YORKMOTORCYCLE.COM

COMPETITION

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

APR 18: (Includes ATVs) GRATZ: SHIPPENSBURG MC, (717) 796-0294, BAERMOTORSPORTS.COM

MOTOCROSS

APR 4: FREDERICKSBURG: SLEEPY HOLLOW MOTO CROSS, (717) 639-5988, SLEEPYMX.COM

APR 12: (ATV only) FREDERICKSBURG: SLEEPY HOLLOW MOTO CROSS, (717) 639-5988, SLEEPYMX.COM

APR 18: SEWARD: 2 DAY EVENT, PLEASURE VALLEY RACEWAY, (814) 317-6686, PVRMX.COM

APR 19: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 582-3717, PAGODAMC.ORG

OBSERVED TRIALS

APR 26: ELIZABETHTOWN: CANDYTOWN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (717) 507-1661, CANDYTOWNMC.ORG

APR 26: ELIZABETHTOWN:

APR 11: (Includes ATVs) UNION: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM

MOTOCROSS

APR 12: (Includes ATVs) HAMER: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

ROAD RACE

APR 12: KERSHAW: AMERICAN SPORTBIKE RACING ASSOCIATION, (817) 246-1127, ASRARACING.COM

TENNESSEE

RECREATIONAL

ADVENTURE RIDE

APR 11: BYBEE: 2 DAY EVENT, APPALACHIAN TRAIL RIDERS, (865) 3220193, VOLUNTEERRIDERS. COM

COMPETITION

ENDURO

APR 19: WESTPOINT: NORTH ALABAMA TRAIL RIDERS ASSN, (972) 9774112, NATRA-WESTPOINT. NET

MOTOCROSS

APR 25: LIVINGSTON: 2 DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

TEXAS

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

APR 18: ALVORD: 2 DAY EVENT, RTW RACE PROMOTIONS, (940) 5772225, OAKHILLMX.COM APR 25: EDGEWOOD: 2

DAY EVENT, KINGDOM MOTORSPORTS LLC, (214) 939-4321, BUFFALOCREEKMX. COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

APR 11: AMARILLO : 2 DAY EVENT, CENTRAL TEXAS TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (602) 999-5395

UTAH

RECREATIONAL

TRAIL RIDERECREATIONAL

APR 16: MOAB: ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE RIDERS, RMARIDERS. ORG

VIRGINIA COMPETITION

GRAND PRIX

APR 19: DILLWYN: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (434) 2458599, VCHSS.ORG

MOTOCROSS

APR 11: DILLWYN: 2 DAY

Motocross

MOTOCROSS Of NATIONS

FIM-lIve.coM

Sept. 26-27: Ernee, France

fIM JUNIOR MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

FIM-lIve.coM

July 19: El Molar, Spain

MONSTER ENERGy AMA SUPERCROSS AMAsupercross.coM

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

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

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

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

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

EVENT, MOTOPROMO, LLC, (434) 548-6043, ACTIONTOWNMX.COM

WASHINGTON

COMPETITION

ARENACROSS

APR 11: SPOKANE: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM

APR 18: TACOMA: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 2167482, ARENACROSS.

COM

WISCONSIN

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

APR 12: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 790-6211, AZTALANMX.COM

APR 12: (Includes ATVs) GRANTSBURG: STRAIGHT ARROW ENDURO RIDERS, (651) 587-4435, STRAIGHTARROWS. ORG

APRIL EVENTS

APR 19: (Includes ATVs) HILLPOINT: SUGAR MAPLE MX LLC, (608) 393-8812, SUGARMAPLEMX.COM

APR 26: NEKOOSA: RAPID ANGELS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (715) 451-1168, RAPIDANGELS.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

APR 19: MAUSTON: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (920) 229-5365, WISONSINTRIALS.ORG

2015 EVENTS

May 2: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium

MONSTER ENERGy CUP

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

LUCAS OIL PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP proMotocross.coM

May 16: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic

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

May 30: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National

June 6: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National

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

June 27: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National

July 4: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National

July 18: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National

July 25: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National

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

Aug. 15: Tooele, Utah: Utah National

Aug. 22: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Indiana National

WOMEN’S MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP rAcewMx.coM

March 21: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Spring Championship

April 12: San Bernardino, Calif.: California Classic

May 15: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic

June 7: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National

June 12: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point National

July 5: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National

Aug. 21: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman National

MTN. DEW AMA ATV NATIONAL MOTOCROSS AtvMotocross.coM

March 21-22: Lizella, Ga.: Echeconnee

April 18-19: Kemp, Texas: Underground

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

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

May 30-31: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman

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

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

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

July 25-26: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud

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

AMSOIL

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

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

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

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

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

May 1-3: Las Vegas, Nev.: South Point Arena AMA PROAM MOTOCROSS EVENTS AMARACING.COM

March 29: Sanford, N.C.: North Carolina State ChampionshipDevil’s Ridge Motocross, DevilsRidgeMotoX.com, (919) 776-1767

April 9-12: San Bernardino, Calif.: California ClassicGlen Helen Raceway, 2xPromotions.com, (559) 761-0897

April 12: Hamer, S.C.: The United States Mega Series - South of the Border, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497

April 19: Mount Carroll, Ill.: MC Motopark, MCmotopark.com, (815) 238-1614

April 25-26: Livingston, Tenn.: The United States Mega Series - Thunder Valley, Victory-Sports. com, (423) 323-5497

April 26: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: King of the West - Prairie City, 2xPromotions.com, (559) 761-0897

May 10: Tar Heel, N.C.: Tar Heel Speedway, Short Track

June 12: Harpursville, N.Y.: Short Track

June 13: Harpursville, N.Y.: Short Track

July 11: Ashland, Ohio: Ashland County Fairgrounds, Half Mile

Aug. 8: Indianapolis, Ind.: Marion County Fairgrounds, Short Track

Aug. 29: Oshkosh, Wis.: Oshkosh Speedzone, 3/8 Mile

Sept. 5: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Short Track

Sept. 26: Cuddebackville, N.Y.: Short Track

Sept. 27: Cuddebackville, N.Y.: Short Track

FeATured SerIeS: AMA All-STAr NATIONAl FlAT TrACk SerIeS SteveNaceRaciNg.com

May 22: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria Speedway, Short Track

May 23: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds, TT

June 13: Bucyrus, Ohio: Crawford County Fairgrounds, Half Mile

June 19: Ashland, Ohio: Ashland County Fairgrounds, Half Mile

July 4: Frederick, Md.: Frederick Fairgrounds, Half Mile

Aug. 5: Sturgis, S.d.: Sturgis Fairgrounds, Half Mile

Aug. 15: lewistown, Ill.: Spoon River Speedway, Short Track

Sept. 5: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Short Track

Sept. 26: York, Pa.: York Expo Center, Half Mile

FeATured SerIeS: AMA WINTer JAM, SHOWdOWN AT THe CeNTer - INdOOr dIrT TrACk SerIeS SteveNaceRaciNg.com

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

ROAD RACE

FIM rOAd rACINg WOrld CHAMPIONSHIP grANd PrIx (MOTOgP) Fim-live.com motogP.com

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

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

FIM WOrld SuPerBIke CHAMPIONSHIP Fim-live.com | WoRldSBK.com

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

MOTOAMerICA rOAd rACINg SerIeS motoameRica.com

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

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

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

2015 EVENTS

May 29-31: Wis.:

June 12-14: Birmingham, Ala.: Park

June 26-28: Toole, Miller Motorsports Park

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

August 7-9: Indianapolis, Ind.:

Speedway - MotoGP support races

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

OFF-ROAD

INTerNATIONAl SIx dAYS eNdurO (ISde) Fim-live.com

Sept. 7-12: Kosice, Slovakia

FIM TrIAl deS NATIONS Fim-live.com

Sept. 19-20: Tarragona, Spain

FIM TrIAl WOrld CHAMPIONSHIP Fim-live.com

July 25-26: West greenwich, r.I.: Steppingstone Ranch

keNdA AMA NATIONAl eNdurO, PreSeNTed BY MOOSe rACINg NATIONAleNdur COM

March 22: gainesville, Texas: Gainesville Riders

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

The AMA Beta National Dual-Sport Series features the country’s best organized dual-sport rides. Events include miles of well marked, challenging trail connected by scenic backcountry roads. The challenging, national caliber terrain is designed to bring out the best in each rider.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

2015 EVENTS

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

June 14: Upton, Wyo.: Inyan Kara Riders

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

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

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

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

GeICO AMA endUrOCrOSS EnduroCross.Com

March 21: SLC, Utah: Energy Solutions Arena

May 1: Las Vegas, nev.: Orleans Arena

UPdATed: June 5: Austin, Texas: X Games, Circuit of the Americas

UPdATed: Sept. 26: Sacramento, Calif.: Sleep Train Arena

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

Oct. 17: everett, Wash.: XFINITY Arena

nov. 7: Boise, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center

nov. 21-22: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena

AMSOIL AMA GrAnd nATIOnAL CrOSS COUnTry SerIeS gnCCraCing.Com

March 7-8: Palatka, Fla.: Wild Boar

March 14-15: Washington, Ga.: The General

UPdATed: March 28-29: Morganton, N.C.: Steele Creek

April 11-12: Union, S.C.: Big Buck

April 25-26: Springville, Ind.: Limestone 100

May 9-10: Odessa, n.y.: The Tomahawk

May 23-24: Masontown, W. Va.: Mountaineer Run

June 6-7: Millfield, Ohio: John Penton

June 20-21: Snowshoe, W. Va.: Snowshoe

Sept. 19-20: new Berlin, n y.: Unadilla

Oct. 3-4: Somerset, Pa.: Moutain Ridge

Oct. 17-18: St. Clairsville, Ohio: Powerline Park

Oct. 31-nov. 1: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman

KendA SrT AMA nATIOnAL HAre And HOUnd CHAMPIOnSHIP nationalHarEandHound.Com

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

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

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

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

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

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

AIreS AMA/nATC MOTOTrIALS nATIOnAL CHAMPIOnSHIP SerIeS amaraCing.Com | mototrials.Com

April 11-12: Amarillo, Texas (West)

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

June 13-14: nehawka, neb.: mwta-trials.com (East)

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

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

youth nationals and Women’s Open

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

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

KendA AMA TenneSSee KnOCKOUT exTreMe endUrO tEnnEssEEKnoCKoutEnduro Com

Aug. 15-16: Sequatchie, Tenn.

AMA eAST HAre SCrAMBLeS SerIeS AMArACInG.COM

May 31 (Amateur, youth): Battle Creek, Mich.: Battle Creek Motorcycle Club, BattleCreekMotorcycle Club.com

July 11 (youth Bikes) | July 12 (Amateur Bikes & ATV): Berwick, Pa., Evansville MX Park, EvansvilleMXpark.com

July 19 (Amateur, youth): Mahoney City, Pa.: Valley Forge Trail Riders, VFTR. org

Aug. 2 (Amateur, youth): Catawissa, Pa.: High Mountain Dirt Riders, HMDR.com

nov. 7 (ATV) | nov. 8 (Amateur, youth): Kohoka, Mo.: Midwest Motorsports

KendA SrT AMA WeST HAre SCrAMBLeS SerIeS amaraCing.Com

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

May 16 (youth, Amateur): Caliente, nev.: Silver State Trail Blazers

June 20 (youth) | June 21 (Amateur): elkton, Ore.: ETRA, Inc., ETRA.net

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

nov. 7 (ATV, youth) | nov. 8 (Amateur): Searchlight, nev.: Get-Xtr-Eme.com

FeATUred SerIeS: APPALACHIAn CHAMPIOnSHIP endUrO SerIeS aCEs-raCEs.Com

March 29: Shade, Ohio: Lost in Lodi Enduro, Lodi Community/Volunteer Fire Dept.

April 12: Wellston, Ohio: Little Raccoon Classic Enduro, Appalachian Dirt Riders

May 3: Chandersville, Ohio: Grassman Enduro, Ohio Woods Riders

June 28: Athens, Ohio: Milk Run Enduro, Athens Motorcycle Club

July 19: Bergholz, Ohio: Lumberjack 100 Enduro

Aug. 2: Logan, Ohio: Jake-Tom Enduro, Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club

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

Aug. 30: McArthur, Ohio: Little Burr Enduro, Enduro Riders Association

Sept. 13: Londonderry, Ohio: Art Mitchell Memorial Enduro, Chillicothe Enduro Riders Association

Oct. 11: Matthews, Indiana: Muddobbers Enduro, Muddobbers Motorcycle Club

nov. 8: Greenville, Ohio: Peace Pipe Enduro, Treaty City Motorcycle Club

FeATUred SerIeS: BIG 6 AMA WeST COAST GrAnd PrIx SerIeS Big6raCing.Com

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

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

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

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

dec. 5-6: Location TBA: Vikings MC

FeATUred SerIeS: eAST COAST endUrO ASSOCIATIOn (eCeA) - endUrOS ECEa.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nov. 8: Warren Grove, N.J.: Stumpjumper Enduro, Motorcycle Competition Inc., RideMCI.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEATURED SERIES: VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP HARE SCRAMBLES SERIES VCHSS.ORG

March 29: Dahlgren, Va.: Race for Vision

April 12: Arlington, Va.: April Fools at Oak Ridge

April 19: Dillwyn, Va.: Central Virginia

May 3: Martinsville, Va.: Blue Ridge

May 24: Surry, Va.: Reddy Hole

June 7: Location TBA: Tidewater

June 21: Bristol, Va.: Harleywood

Aug. 16: Martinsville, Va.: Blue Ridge II

Aug. 30: Rural Retreat, Va.: Coyote Run

Sept. 13: Spring Grove, Va.: Peninsula at Southwark

Sept. 27: Chatham, Va.: Joe Lloyd Memorial

Oct. 11: Rural Retreat, Va.: Rattlesnake

Nov. 1: Spring Grove, Va.: Pipsico

Nov. 8: Rural Retreat, Va.: The Hillbilly Hare Scramble

FEATURED SERIES: WESTERN CHECKPOINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP RIDECHEC.COM

April 12: Camp Wood, Ariz.: AZ Trail Riders

April 19: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: United MC

June 6: Upton, Wyo.: Inyan Kara Riders

Oct. 3: Chimney Rock, Utah: Sageriders MC

Oct. 18: Red Mountain, Calif.: Training Wheels MC

Oct. 25: Elkins Flat, Calif.: Polka Dots MC

Nov. 15: Stoneyford, Calif.: Valley Climbers MC

FEATURED SERIES: WESTERN NEW YORK OFF-ROAD ASSOCIATION WNYOA.NET

May 3: Newfield, N.Y.: Dream Riders

May 10: Odessa, N.Y.: GNCC

May 24: Richford, N.Y.: Broome-Tioga Sports Center

May 31: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Victory Mountain Dirt Riders

June 7: Palermo, N.Y.: Arcadia Bark Busters

June 14: Lowman, N.Y.: Full Action Cycles

June 28: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Valley View Dirt Riders

July 12: Fassett, Pa.: Barbed Wire (STER)

July 19: Odessa, N.Y.: Seneca Highland

July 26: Homer, N.Y.: Knobby Acres

Aug. 2: Location TBA: Scooters

Aug. 23: South Edmeston, N.Y.: Thunder Ridge

Aug. 30: Speedsville, N.Y.: Cross Country Customs

Sept. 13: Moravia, N.Y.: Twisted Fence

Sept. 19-20: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla

Sept. 27: Jasper, N.Y.: STER

Oct. 11: Location TBD: The Finale

2015 EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES

March 21-22: Tucson, Ariz.: Tucson Dual Sport LLC

April 11-12: Bybee, Tenn.: Appalachian Trail Riders

May 2-3: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Family Off-Road Adventures

May 16-17: McArthur, Ohio: Buckeye Dual Sporters

2015 EVENTS

May 31: Atlanta, N.Y.: Wayne County Motorcycle Club

June 6-7: Odell, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail

June 6-7: Lock Haven, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club

June 6-7: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders

Aug. 15-16: Tillamook, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail

Sept. 12-13: Pineola, N.C.: Appalachian Trail Riders

UPDATED: Sept. 19-20: Logan, Ohio: Buckeye Dual Sporters

Sept. 26-27: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders

Oct. 24-25: Payson, Ariz.: Arizona Trail Riders

Oct. 31: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Tri-County Sportsmen MC Inc.

Nov. 13-15: Hammonton, N.J.: BMW of Manhattan Motorcycles

Nov. 27-28: Palmdale, Calif.: AMA District 37 Dual Sport

March 21-22: Tucson, Ariz.: Tucson Dual Sport LLC

June 6-7: Bixby, Mo.: Midwest Trail Riders Association

June 6-7: Odell, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail

June 6-7: Lock Haven, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club

June 6-7: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders

June 27-28: Big Bear City, Calif.: Big Bear Trail Riders, Inc.

Aug. 15-16: Columbus, ind.: Stoney Lonesome M/C

Aug. 15-16: Tillamook, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail

UPDATED: Sept. 19-20: Logan, Ohio: Buckeye Dual Sporters

Sept. 26-27: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Family Off-Road Adventures

Sept. 26-27: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders

UPDATED: Oct. 3-4: McArthur, Ohio: Enduro Riders Association

Oct. 3-4: Mount Solon, Va.: Washington Area Trail Riders, Inc.

Oct. 24-25: Payson, Ariz.: Arizona Trail Riders

Oct. 31: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Tri-County Sportsmen MC Inc.

Nov. 27-28: Palmdale, Calif.: AMA District 37 Dual Sport

AMA NATiONAL CONVENTiONS AmericAnmotorcyclist.com

Americade

June 1-6: Lake George, N.Y.: Americade.com

The Golden Aspen Motorcycle rally Sept. 16-20: ruidoso, N.M.: MotorcycleRally. com

AMA NATiONAL GYPSY TOUrS AmericAnmotorcyclist.com

Laughlin river run April 22-26: Laughlin, Nev.: LaughlinRiverRun. com

republic of Texas (r.O.T.) rally

June 11-14: Austin, Texas: ROTrally.com

Laconia Motorcycle Week

June 13-21: Laconia, N.H.: LaconiaMCweek. com

Thunder in the Valley

June 25-28: Johnstown, P.a.: VisitJohnstownPA. com/thunderinthevalley/

37th Annual National Bikers roundup

Aug. 5-9: Hartsville, S.C.: nbrkcmo.com

Sturgis Aug. 3-9: Sturgis, S.D.: SturgisMotorcycleRally. com

Killington Classic

Aug. 27-30: Killington, Vt.: KillingtonClassic.com

AMA NATiONAL rALLiES AmericAnmotorcyclist.com

July 10-12: Lexington, Ohio: The largest annual fund-raiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. See AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event for more details.

AMA NATiONAL TOUriNG rALLiES AmericAnmotorcyclist.com

AspenCash rally

May 14-17: ruidoso, N.M.: MotorcycleRally. com

STAr 2015

June 21-25: Springdale, Ark.: RideMSTA.com/ srblog/star/

roadrUNNEr Motorcycle Touring & Travel Annual Touring Weekend

July 16-19: WinstonSalem, N.C.: RoadRUNNER.travel/ events/touring-weekend/

rally in The Gorge Aug. 26-30: Hood river, Ore.: soundrider.com/rally

AMA SiGNATUrE EVENTS AmericAnmotorcyclist.com

March of DimesBikers for Babies (events nationwide): BikerForBabies.org

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation - ride for Kids (events nationwide): RideForKids.org

AMA ViNTAGE GrAND TOUr AmericAnmotorcyclist.com

road riders can earn points by attending events that are part of the AMA Vintage Grand Tour.

Visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com

> Riding > AMA Vintage Grand Tour to view elligible events, download the registration form, and get more information.

HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

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

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

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

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

July 10-12: Lexington, Ohio: Demo. bikes from manufacturers, visit the swap meet, watch or compete in vintage racing, meet AMA Hall of Famers, attend seminars and more.

GUEST COLUMN

DREAMING AND BELIEVING

Never Letting Go Of The Love Of Motorcycling

My two brothers, Phil and Warren, and I caught the motorcycling bug in 1971 after seeing the classic motorcycling documentary, “On Any Sunday.” From that moment on, our dreams were made of anything with two wheels and a motor.

Our first bike was a Honda S50. By the time we got it, it was in pitiful condition. It would barely run on a good day. We learned a lot about trying to repair a broken bike—as well as how to retrieve one. We spent many hours pushing it home from the trails in the woods and old strip mines near our home south of Pittsburgh. The little street Honda wasn’t ideal for riding our trails and we had trouble with the three of us “sharing” it, but it proved to be an excellent start to our lifelong love of motorcycles.

By Bryan Halsey

years old. He declared his desperate need for a mini-bike. (He was inspired in part by a buddy who gave him the motorcycling bug.) His pleading reached my sympathetic ear, and we bought a nearly basket-case Honda QA50 that he and I rebuilt to running condition. Some serious mechanical ingenuity was involved as we even resorted to scavenging the carburetor from my string trimmer and adapting it to the QA50 intake manifold.

We had lots of laughs and fun fooling around with the QA50, but it wasn’t long until the 50 was too little. So I graduated him to a bike that he could learn to ride (and crash) responsibly, a Honda TL125.

Before long, Dad took pity on us and bought a Honda CT90 from a colleague. We sold the S50 to another home (where it hopefully kickstarted another motorcycling habit). The day we got the CT90, it was 10 degrees above zero, but we had to ride it anyway. It was everything we hoped for and more. The CT90 served us well.

Over the next couple of years we added and traded bikes until we had assembled a nice collection: the CT90, a Honda SL100 and a Harley-Davidson 125. We spent most afternoons and evenings and virtually all day every day in the summer riding the nearby trails. In addition to honing our riding skills, we also became experts at getting home on a semi-broken bike. We learned to make a towrope out of our belts so the push home wasn’t so much of a chore.

We loved the adventure of bushwhacking new trail into some impossible looking places and then figuring out how to ride through those places. Our hillclimb competitions typically ended with someone either making it over the top or someone returning to the bottom, endover-end. I had my share of the end-over-end return trips to the bottom of the hill.

In 1974, two things happened to change my situation: I got a driver’s license and we moved to Illinois. My primary mode of transportation involved four wheels and a road (although there still was a little off-roading mixed in). Next came college, a career and a loving wife. Soon children entered the picture and I put motorcycling on the backburner.

Nevertheless, my love of two-wheeled motoring always kindled deep in my heart, waiting for a chance to make its move.

That moment came when my son turned 10

Some of my brother Phil’s connections with vintage motocross racing in Houston, Texas, netted me a Honda XR350 and I was back to riding! Only after I bought the 350 and got it home did I find out that the prior owner had to sell it after he broke his leg for the second time. Fortunately, I didn’t break a leg while I owned the XR, but it did skin my shins regularly.

Eventually the TL125 trials bike got me connected to the observed trials community via my good friend and local motorcycling guru, Jim Zuroske. Thanks to Jim, I graduated to a modern trials bike in 2006 and I began trials competition on a used Sherco 290 (on which both Jim and his son Chris scored wins in trials competition).

The motorcycling camaraderie and family atmosphere is such a treat for our weekend trials events. Though the competition at times gets serious, everyone has a great time and pitches in to help when someone has trouble either in the woods, around the campfire or on the road home. (If you follow this path, however, be forewarned that a trials bike on a trailer will attract other trials aficionados like a magnet.)

I don’t imagine that I will ever lose the two-wheel motoring bug, and I expect to ride until I am just not able. It is now a part of me. As I think back to 1971, I realize that dreams certainly do come true.

Bryan Halsey is a 12year AMA member from Brownsburg, Ind.