American Motorcyclist 08 2014 Street (preview version)
Safety First: States Mandating Testing Before Licensing
Do You Live In The Best City To Be A Motorcyclist?
Photo Katy Weaver
YOUR JOURNEY IS ABOUT STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE.
INNOVATIONS FOR MILES. Equal parts cruiser and sport-tourer, the CTX1300 has a 1261cc V-4 that delivers endless torque for the city and top-end power and comfort for longer rides. Plus, it’s loaded with advanced features like available ABS, traction control and Bluetooth® audio. The CTX1300 is different for all the right reasons.
American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2014. Printed in USA.
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August 2014
Volume 68, Number 8
Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com
STREET EDITION
States adopt mandatory safety training requirements, and clubs sound off on sound testing.
DIRT EDITION
Families that race together stay together, and off-highway groups work to expand access.
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.
PAGE 26. TEAM MALISKA
PAGE 26. GET TRAINED
PAGE 20. AMERICA’S BEST CITIES FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
Sometimes, the best way of saying something is also the simplest. The Battlax Sport Touring T30.
Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations
Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing
Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator
AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)
Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator
D’Andra Myers, Organizer Services Coordinator
Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager
Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager
Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator
Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager
Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager
DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES
John Bricker, Mailroom Manager
Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator
Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Marie Wuelleh, Government Affairs Assistant
Danielle Fowles, Grassroots Coordinator
Nick Haris, Western States Representative
Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant
Sharon Long, Legislative Coordinator
Rick Podliska, Deputy Director
Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager - Off-Highway
Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager - On-Highway
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Rob Baughman, Network Administrator
Dave Coleman, Network Architect
Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst
MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY
Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative
Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative
Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative
Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager
Kimberly Jude, Member Services Representative
Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative
Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative
VIEWPOINT
ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
Motorized Recreation Excluded From Great Outdoors Month
In proclaiming June Great Outdoors Month, President Obama noted: Our natural landscapes provide refuge for those seeking solitude. They attract tourism, create jobs, and honor our history and cultural heritage. They are family campgrounds, arenas for recreation, and backdrops for countless adventures.
By Steve Salisbury
Of course, the AMA endorses all manner of outdoor recreation for their many benefits. I know of very few powersports enthusiasts who don’t also visit parks to sightsee, hike, camp or mountain bike and certainly don’t see a need to curtail the activities of those who choose only automobile or humanpowered activities. It is hard to argue that outdoor recreation doesn’t positively affect both the participating individual and the communities in which he or she does so.
The state of Colorado supported those assertions. The 2014 Colorado Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan included the following: “Colorado’s economy and quality of life are integrally connected to the abundant and diverse array of outdoor recreation opportunities found within our state. Outdoor recreation contributes more than $34.5 billion statewide in annual economic activity and generates over $4.9 million in annual federal, state and local tax revenue while creating 313,000 jobs. Equally important is the fact that outdoor recreation plays an important role in promoting public health, tourism, environmental stewardship and efforts to connect more Coloradans to the outdoors.”
However, current policies seemingly serve only the hale and hearty and ignore those who are less-abled and need assistance to enjoy America’s natural beauty.
In fact, the Great Outdoors Month proclamation ignored the millions of responsible OHV users who contribute hundreds of millions of dollars (not to mention volunteer hours) annually to the economy through their purchases of vehicles, trailers, fuel, food and lodging. And the president failed to note the financial support for local, state and federal programs made by motorcyclists and all-terrain-vehicle operators who buy permits, pay gas taxes and pay fees to use our public lands.
Study after study shows that OHV users provide more economic benefits to the areas in which they ride than those who visit OHVrestricted Wilderness areas.
Among the more notable, an August 2012 report by Southwick Associates for the Outdoor Industry Association lists more than $47.5 billion in spending on vehicles, parts, maintenance, insurance, registration, apparel and storage related to motorcycling and off-road riding.
Also, a June 2011 issue brief published by the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University concludes, “Specifically, we find a significant negative relationship between the presence of Wilderness and county total payroll, county tax receipts and county average household income.”
In proclaiming June Great Outdoors Month, the president went on to say: “Together, let us ensure our children and grandchildren will be able to look upon our lands with the same sense of wonder as all the generations that came before.”
We’re afraid that is just about all that today’s children and future generations will be able to do: view America’s natural wonders from afar, on a video screen or in a photograph. Instead of developing the next generation of environmental stewards,
current policies are locking up millions of acres of public land from taxpayers. Lost will be the experience of recreating responsibly on—and appreciating the conservation of—America’s public lands.
The Great Outdoors Month proclamation also referenced First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Outside! Initiative, encouraging “children to get active while getting to know the great outdoors.”
Yet his message ignored the health benefits and bonding that occur when families and friends gather to enjoy a day or a weekend of off-road adventures astride their off-road motorcycles, ATVs or other OHVs of choice.
A common comment we hear in Washington from AMA members is that public lands are our lands. Policies that unnecessarily increase designated Wilderness to disallow motorized recreation hardly encourage everyone to enjoy what is theirs. And that applies especially to decisions that circumvent Congress and dismiss the accomplishments of advocates of motorized- and non-motorized recreation who collaborate on effective and acceptable travel management plans.
The off-highway motorcycle community has proven itself to be made up of responsible stewards who volunteer innumerable hours to build and maintain sustainable trails. We’ve demonstrated that by taking part in our sport and providing enormous economic benefits to local and state economies.
Enlightened anti-OHV activists know they have to be careful not to curtail motorized recreation too much, since our community is the goose that lays the golden trail-funding egg through our gasoline taxes, which support the Recreational Trails Program.
As off-road enthusiasts talking to off-road enthusiasts, we hope you had a great month of outdoor recreation in June, as the riding season got into full swing for many. Whether you choose to visit public lands on or off your motorcycle or ATV, we also hope that you keep our hard-earned legacy in mind.
Remember this, and remind your riding friends: There is a very real need for everyone in the motorized community to be involved in increased stewardship and access-to-public-lands advocacy. As our user numbers increase and the positive economic impact we have on our communities expands, our commitment to the AMA needs to grow as well to help ensure our voice is heard in future designations, such as Great Outdoors Month.
Steve Salisbury is the AMA off-highway government affairs manager.
Off-Highway Issue Survey 2014
Every two years, the AMA’s Government Relations Department surveys association members to assist in establishing government relations policies and priorities. It is important for us to know how you ride and what you consider to be the important issues in motorcycling so that we can do the best job of setting AMA government relations priorities. This month, members are asked to share their views regarding offhighway motorcycling issues. Off-highway riding enthusiasts have done a great job of supporting this survey in past years. We hope you’ll continue that support by taking a few minutes to complete and return this survey by Sept. 30. If you don’t want to deface your copy of American Motorcyclist, please feel free to make a photocopy of the survey, complete the survey online, or download a PDF copy from www.americanmotorcyclist.com/offhighwaysurvey.aspx.
1. Are you an AMA member?
1.1 Yes 1.2 No
2. What is your ZIP code?
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5
3. What is your age?
3.1
4. What is the last grade or class you completed in school? (Check one box only.)
4.1 Grade 8 or less
4.2 Some high school
4.3 High school graduate
4.4 Some college
4.5 College graduate
4.6 Post-graduate
5. What was your total household income last year? (Check one box only.)
5.1 Under $20,000
5.2 $20,000-$24,999
5.3 $25,000-$34,999
5.4 $35,000-$49,999
5.5 $50,000-$74,999
5.6 $75,000-$99,999
5.7 $100,000-$124,999
5.8 $125,000-$149,999
5.9 More than $150,000
6. What is your political party affiliation? (Check one box only.)
6.1 Democratic
6.2 Republican
6.4 Other (minor party, independent, etc.)
6.5 Not registered to vote
7. How many of the following motorized vehicles do you currently own?
7.1 ___ Street motorcycles
7.2 ___ Off-highway motorcycles
7.3 ___ ATVs
7.4 ___ Dual-sport motorcycles
7.5 ___ ROHVs (side-by-sides)
8. If you included a dual-sport motorcycle in your response to question 7, did you modify it to make it street legal in your state? (If you, or a previous owner, added lights, and/or other accessories to an off-highway motorcycle to make it street legal answer “Yes.” If your dual-sport motorcycle was originally manufactured for on-highway use, answer “No.”)
8.1 Yes
8.2 No
9. How many total miles did you ride your dual-sport motorcycles, off-highway motorcycles and/or ATVs in the last 12 months? (Check one box only.)
9.1 0-499
9.2 500-999
9.3
9.5
Mail in, or complete online at
10. Are your off-highway motorcycles or ATVs registered in your state as part of an off-highway vehicle program?
10.1 Yes
10.2 No
11. Your off-highway vehicles or dual-sport motorcycles are primarily used for: (Check one box only.)
11.1 Organized competition events
11.2 Organized Recreational events
11.3 Recreational riding, one day or less (not part of an organized event)
11.4 Backcountry touring (overnight or longer)
12. How many competitive or organized events did you participate in during 2013?
12.1 ___ Off-highway motorcycle events
12.2 ___ Dual-sport events
12.3 ___ ATV events
12.4 ___ Adventure tour events
12.5 ___ ROHV (side-by-side) events
13. In what type of competition do you most frequently participate? (Check ONLY one box.)
13.1 Enduro
13.2 Motocross
13.3 Hare & hound/harescrambles
13.4 Observed trials
13.5 Flat track
13.6 Other ________________________________
13.7 Don’t compete
14. How would you divide your recreational off-highway mileage among these five areas? (Your answers should total 100%.)
14.1 ___% National forest
14.2 ___% Federal Bureau of Land Management
14.3 ___% State land
14.4 ___% County/city/local public facility
14.5 ___% Private land
15. How far do you travel one way to the place you ride most often?
15.1 Less than 50 miles
15.2 50-100 miles
15.3 More than 100 miles
16. How many people, including yourself, are usually in your group when offhighway riding?
16.1 1 or 2
16.2 3 or 4
16.3 5 or more
17. How much do you and your group usually spend for food, accommodations and fuel on one of these trips?
17.1 $0-$99
17.2 $100-$199
17.3 $200-$299
17.4 $300 or more
18. How many gallons of fuel did you use for riding off-highway last year?
18.1 Less than 50
18.2 50 to 74
18.3 75 to 100
18.4 More than 100
19. Do you feel that special fees are an acceptable method for funding construction, operation and maintenance of recreational riding opportunities?
19.1 Yes
19.2 No
20. If your answer to question 19 is “yes,” which method do you prefer? (Check one box only.)
20.1 Annual registration fee
20.2 Per site, day-use fee
20.3 Other
Off-Highway Issue Survey 2014 (continued)
21. What do you feel is an acceptable annual registration fee per off-highway vehicle (motorcycle or ATV)? (Check one box only.)
21.1 $1-$15
21.2 $16-$30
21.3 $31-$50
21.4 More than $50
22. What do you feel is an acceptable day-use admission fee per person? (Check one box only.)
22.1 $1-$15
22.2 $16-$30
22.3 More than $30
23. Of the following issues, check the box on the left of that which you feel was the most important issue that motorcycle and ATV enthusiasts faced during the past two years. (Check one box only.)
23.1
23.5
23.6
24. In question 23 above, please check the box to the right for each issue with which you are not familiar.
25. Of the following issues, check the box on the left of that on which you think the AMA spent the most time. (Check one box only.) 25.1
31. If yes, with which of these groups did you volunteer? (Check all that apply.)
31.1 U.S. Forest Service
31.2 Federal Bureau of Land Management
31.3 Other federal agencies
31.4 State agency
31.5 County/local agency
31.6 Private property
32. Did you contribute financially to the AMA’s government relations efforts (Defender membership, AMPAC, etc.)? (Check all that apply.)
32.1 2012
32.2 2013
32.3 Didn’t contribute
33. Of the issues listed below, which do you believe has contributed the most to the loss of riding areas? (Check one box only.)
33.1 Excessive sound
33.2 Endangered species habitat
33.3 Irresponsible riders
33.4 Wilderness designation
33.5 Resource damage
33.6 Trespass
33.7 Land development
34. Check all of the motorized recreation advocacy activities in which you participated during the past year. (Check all that apply.)
34.1 Testified at a public hearing
34.2 Attended a public hearing but didn’t testify
34.3 Sent a letter to a politician or a government agency
34.4 Made a phone call to a politician or government agency
34.5 Wrote a letter to the editor or otherwise commented through the press
34.6 Attended a public land land-management meeting
34.7 Used e-mail to communicate with riders or to send messages to a politician or a government agency
34.8 Involvement in party politics or a campaign
34.9 Applied for a trails grant
34.10 Participated in party politics or a campaign
34.11 Used an AMA alert to contact a politician or government agency
34.12 Used social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to communicate with riders or to contact a politician or government agency
34.13 Didn’t participate in any of these activities
35. Under what age are governmental bans on the operation of off-highway motorcycles and ATVs appropriate? (Check one box only.)
35.1 4 years and younger
35.2 8 years and younger
35.3 12 years and younger
35.4 16 years and younger
35.5 No mandated age bans are acceptable
26. In question 25 above, please check the box to the right for the one issue on which you feel the AMA should have spent the most time. (Check one box only.)
27. Which of the following terms best describes your opinion of the AMA’s Government Relations Department?
27.1
27.3
27.4 Ineffective
28. In your opinion, where should the AMA’s Government Relations Department be concentrating its off-highway vehicle efforts? (Check one box only.)
28.1 Federal agencies (Forest Service, BLM, EPA)
28.2 U.S. Congress
28.3 State legislatures
28.4 State agencies (DNR, DEP, state park dept.)
28.5 County/local agencies (including riding opportunities on private property)
29. Are you a member of a formal or informal riding club or organization?
29.1 Yes, and it is AMA chartered
29.2 Yes, but it is not AMA chartered
29.3 Yes, but I don’t know if it is AMA chartered
29.4 Not a member of any club
30. Have you participated in any volunteer trail maintenance or riding area cleanup projects in the past 12 months?
30.1 Yes
30.2 No
36. Which methods of addressing youth OHV safety concerns do you feel are appropriate? (Check all that apply.)
36.1 Rider fit (must demonstrate ability to reach all controls, etc.)
Government Relations alerts can be sent to the following email address
YOUR JOURNEY COULD LEAD YOU AROUND THE CORNER OR 300 MILES AWAY.
2014 GOLD WING F6B®
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Top 10 CiTies For MoTorCyClisTs
metropolis? No Problem. These urban Centers Offer motorcycling Respite
There are benefits—twisty roads outside your front door, garage space, low living expenses—to living in the middle of nowhere if you ride. But the reality for many of us is much more urban—traffic, stoplights, on-street parking, public transportation…
While motorcycles offer a lot of practical benefits to city dwellers, dwelling in the city can put some of the more fun parts of riding out of easy reach.
But some cities are less inconvenient than others, and a few are downright havens.
Focusing on major urban areas—only one on our list dips below 200,000 inhabitants—and taking advice from you, our members, we considered factors such as traffic and weather, as well as real estate’s three most-important qualities (location, location, location) to come up with this very unscientific list of the top 10 U.S. cities for motorcyclists.
There may be better places to live and ride, but if you have to live in the big city, these locales have a lot to offer.
No. 10: Boston, Mass.
Population: 645,966
We admit some handicapping for this jewel of the Northeast, but if you’re going to live with serious winters, Boston is a decent big city for motorcyclists.
First, Boston is a major city, with the conveniences you’d expect. There are world-class restaurants, great neighborhoods and plenty of opportunity.
While the great riding around Boston might not be obvious, it’s there if you look. Sweeping backroad rides take you north into New Hampshire and west toward Amherst. There’s the expected traffic, but a ride around Cape Cod is always a good time, and the old-country feel that permeates the New England area is something that you just can’t get out West.
No. 9: Cincinnati, Ohio
Population: 297,517
Cincinnati is a city of balance and compromise. It offers a big-city reputation with a small-town feel. With amenities such as great urban dining and professional sports teams, as well as defined neighborhoods with their own atmospheres, there’s a lot to like about this old Ohio River town.
While Cincinnati has milder weather than most of Ohio, there are definitely four seasons, with plenty of cold and snow in the winter months to keep most motorcyclists off the roads.
The appeal of Cincinnati is its proximity
to a variety of riding. There are the undiscovered curves of southern Ohio, the rolling hills of Kentucky and the incredible
routes that twist their way through West Virginia coal country.
No. 8: Albuquerque, N.M. Population: 556,495
The negative qualities portrayed in AMC’s hit “Breaking Bad” aside, the reality of living in Albuquerque is far more normal. For sure, there are great neighborhoods to call home in this cosmopolitan, if a bit isolated, desert community.
Once you’ve settled down, there’s a long list of roads to explore, most extending from the Interstate 40 and
25 corridors that cross through the city. But they all have one thing in common: breathtaking desert backdrops. Meteorologically speaking, all weather, from so-called “walking rain” to brilliant sunsets to lighting storms (best enjoyed off the bike), can be stunning.
Above all, Albuquerque captures the essence of the Wild West. Everything feels just a little less planned and a bit more free, whether you’re enjoying the open roads or relaxing in your own backyard desert oasis afterward.
No. 7: Reno, Nev.
Population: 233,294
Although Reno’s downtown is dominated by the casino scene, there’s wide variety in the neighborhoods, which are clean, safe and easy to get around.
The surrounding area offers numerous options for riding, from the the Tahoe Basin to Yosemite National Park. You can ride north on Nevada Route 447, skirting Pyramid Lake for some laid-back curves, or south toward Las Vegas and the backdrop of red rock desert.
Reno also serves as a gateway between the lushness of northern California and the more barren landscapes east. (The so-called Loneliest Road in America is the stretch of U.S. 50 across the state.) It’s not the greatest for twisties, but there’s plenty to explore and endless horizons to chase.
No. 6: Birmingham, Ala.
Population: 212,113
Although Birmingham’s nightlife may be a bit muted, The Magic City serves up a more refined slate of festivals, art shows, culinary options and cultural experiences.
Speaking of the finer things, the suburb of Leeds, Ala., is home to the world-class Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Situated on the grounds of the Barber Motorsports Park—a 700-plus-acre
motorsports facility that includes a 16turn, 2.38-mile road course—the museum offers a grandiose display of pristine motorcycles from all over the world.
The summer weather is humid, hot and a bit rainy, but riding seasons are long, winters are mild and the surrounding roads are excellent.
West of the city is the sprawling Bankhead Lake and great routes with names like Groundhog Road, Goodwater Road and Smith Camp Road. Lay Lake and even more tight twisties are south, while east is the Talladega National Forest and Cheaha State Park, which boast a number of great scenic byways.
If you hanker for the long summers, lush backdrops and ample curves of the South, Birmingham has you covered.
No.
5: Salt Lake City, Utah Population: 191,180
Salt Lake City seems bigger than its population suggests. It offers a bustling downtown area and a vibrant cultural community, and like most cities, there’s a neighborhood for every lifestyle.
Although Salt Lake City winters can be tough, and snowfall at times significant, the summers are dry and sunny. When the weather cooperates, the riding around Salt Lake City is amazing.
East, there’s Utah Routes 150 and 35 through the Uinta-Wasatch Cache National Forest. North, there’s a great twisty loop that runs from I-80 to the East Canyon Reservoir, while even farther north are some amazing rides toward Bear Lake.
The wide-open playground south of the city is arguably better, with Moab, Canyonlands National Park, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and more offering more paved bliss and glorious eye candy than you can imagine.
For race fans, there’s Miller Motorsports Park straight west on Interstate 80 and, just a little bit farther, the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats.
No. 4: Winston-Salem, N.C. Population:
236,411
Any one of the so-called Piedmont Triad of cities, which also includes Greensboro and High Point, could have made this list, but Winston-Salem gets the nod due to its proximity to the amazing routes found amid the convergence of three states.
Some of America’s best-known motorcycling roads are less than a day’s ride away, from Virginia’s Crooked Road to North Carolina’s Tail of the Dragon to Tennessee’s Cherohala Skyway, as well as a number of other black-top attractions that are among the most-accessible great riding roads the world has to offer.
The entire area is very motorcycle friendly, with an attitude that doesn’t just accept bikers, but embraces what twowheeled tourists bring to the economy.
As for Winston-Salem itself—perhaps the most affordable city on our list—the town is a haven for the arts, with a number of institutions of higher learning that offer a diversity of experiences.
No. 3: Portland,
Ore.
Population: 609,456
The top three cities on our list are big— more than half a million people big. After all, we not looking for great places just to live and ride, but great cities—period.
Portland is undoutedly one of them. The city caters to mobility, and the restaurants and coffee shops are among America’s best. After-ride libations? Perhaps no American town has more microbreweries.
Winters are relatively mild, and while there is a long rainy season, summer riding months are dry.
If you’re into the café racer or retroscooter subcultures, you may never want to leave the city limits, but if you do, west is the undulating Pacific coast, and east is the Columbia River Gorge—home to the must-attend Rally in the Gorge. There are amazing roads and scenery, including the
eye-popping Mount Hood. The majestic Cascade Mountain Range runs along the spine of Oregon and nearby Washington State. Beyond is wonderful high-desert openness with plentiful two-lane twisties and small towns to explore.
No. 2: Austin, Texas
Population: 885,400
With a great nightlife, bolstered by an amazing live music scene, a vibrant tech industry and cutting-edge coolness,
“third-coast” Austin boasts some of the best big-city selling points.
Although temperatures can get toasty in July and August, weather can’t be beat 10 months of the year, with sunshine and just enough rain to keep things green.
The public transportation system may be lacking, but that only means the freedom and maneuverability of a bike pay even bigger dividends. As for the riding
outside of the city, it’s some of the best.
Nearby, there are some great routes northwest (Lime Creek Road toward Marble Falls), southwest toward Canyon Lake, and west toward Johnson City.
Farther west, Texas Hill Country boasts some of the best year-round riding in America, with minimal traffic, great curves, smooth pavement and gorgeous backdrops. The two-lane twisties offer an enormous smorgasbord of motorcycling adventure, as far as you are willing to ride.
No. 1: San Francisco Population: 837,442
What San Francisco gives up in cost and congestion, it earns back with uniqueness and diversity, whether you are looking for that perfect condo or a
special night out. And the food? World class.
As for riding, even city routes are interesting, whether it’s the hills that twist between the urban canyons or the aweinspiring rides over the bay.
But what makes San Francisco the best motorcycle city in America is simple. If you venture outside the city limits—a ride no doubt facilitated by the freedom of legal lane splitting in the Golden State— you’re rewarded with some of the best motorcycle roads in the world.
The Pacific Coast Highway goes south, its coast-hugging curves delivering you to the motorcycling mecca of Monterey— home to Laguna Seca—and beyond.
North is more PCH, not to mention the picturesque Napa and Sonoma Valleys and some of the finest national forest riding in the country.
Head east and curve your way around California Route 130 or longer routes that lead you to the seemingly endless backroads of Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
San Francisco has it all—unparalleled big-city living with amazing motorcycling a short ride away. What more could an urbanbound American motorcyclist want?
Runner-ups
They may not have made it into the top 10, but these cities are among the standouts that were nominated for our list: Charleston, W.Va., Charlotte, N.C., Denver, Colo., Little Rock, Ark., Los Angeles, Calif., Milwaukee, Wis., Nashville, Tenn., Richmond, Va., Sacramento, Calif., St. Louis, Mo., San Antonio, Texas, San Diego, Calif., and Tucson, Ariz.
What big cities did we miss? Let us know at submissions@ama-cycle.org.
Honda’s Gold Wing
A few of the hundreds of AMA-sanctioned events this month, detailed on the following pages.
2
The fastest racers on the planet will be at it once again at the AMA Land Speed Grand Championships— Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials Aug. 23-28 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Info: www. bonnevillespeedtrials.com.
1
There’s a full slate of dual-sport rides on the schedule for August in the AMA Husqvarna National DualSport Series. Catch the dualsport ride in Walden, Colo., on Aug. 2-3; the Rat Dog Dual Sport Aug. 16-17 in Tillamook, Ore., and the Dual Sport Northwest ride Aug. 29-Sept. 1 in Hood River, Ore. For the full schedule, see page 51.
4
It’s one of the biggest and most storied motorcycling events on the planet. Just say the name—Sturgis—and every biker knows what you’re talking about. This AMA National Gypsy Tour happens Aug. 4-10 in Sturgis, S.D. Info: www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com.
3
The all-American sport of AMA Pro Racing Flat Track features competitors battling on the dirt oval this month in TT action in Castle Rock, Wash., on Aug. 2, at the Sturgis Half Mile in Rapid City, S.D. on Aug. 5, at the famous Indy Mile in Indianapolis on Aug. 8 and at the famed Peoria TT in Peoria Ill., on Aug. 17. For the full schedule, see page 49.
5
The high-flying racers in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Series will be at Unadilla in New Berlin, N.Y., on Aug. 9, at Indiana National in Crawfordsville, Ind., on Aug 16 and in Tooele, Utah, on Aug. 23. For the full schedule, see page 49.
Mark your calendars now!
The 2014 AMA National Convention is coming together for Oct. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla. Taking place amid the grand hoopla of the AIMExpo, which will reveal a smorgasbord of motorcyclerelated product, the AMA National Convention will include the annual AMA member meeting and business member meeting, motorcycling-related seminars and the 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
ARIZONA
RECREATIONAL
GRAND TOUR
AUG 28: TUCSON: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLING ASSN, (562) 298-6236, SC-MA.COM CALIFORNIA
RECREATIONAL
DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD
AUG 9: BIG BEAR CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, BIG BEAR TRAIL RIDERS, INC., (818) 391-3031, BIGBEARTRAILRIDERS.COM
AUG 16: PIONEER: 2 DAY EVENT, RACERS UNDER THE SON NORTH (RUTS-NORTH), (916) 276-7226, RUTSNORTH.ORG
POKER RUN
AUG 16: (Includes ATVs) POINT RICHMOND: RICHMOND RAMBLERS MC, (510) 620-0762, RICHMONDRAMBLERSMC.ORG COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
AUG 10: (Includes ATVs) SAN BERNARDINO: UNITED MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (562) 319-3409, UEAMC.COM
AUG 22: SNELLING: A.M.P. RACING, LLC, (209) 656-9682, AMPGFIMOTOCROSS.COM
RECORD TRIALS
AUG 24: CEDAR RIDGE: DELICIATE PROMOTIONS LLC, (530) 263-7276, BONNEVILLESPEEDTRIALS.COM
SPEEDWAY
AUG 1: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM
AUG 8: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM
AUG 9: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM
AUG 10: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM
AUG 15: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM
AUG 20: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM
AUG 22: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM
AUG 27: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM
AUG 29: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM
n ov. 30: s t g e orge, u t ah: St. George MX; www.stgeorgemxw.com
ama national championship se R ies
a m soil ama gR a nd n ational cRo ss countRy
s e R ies
gNCCR aCiNg.COM
s e pt. 6-7: n ew b erlin, n .y.: Can-Am Unadilla
s e pt. 20-21: tba , pa .: CarMate TBA
o c t. 4-5: s t . c la irsville, o h io: ITP Powerline Park
o c t. 25-26: c r awfordsville, i nd.: AMSOIL Ironman
g ei co ama e ndu RocRoss ch ampionship
ENduROCROSS COM
au g. 23: at lanta: Gwinnett Center
o c t. 4: d e nver, co lo.: National Western Complex
o c t. 11: s a lt l a ke c i ty, u t ah: Energy Solutions Arena
o c t. 18: everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena
n ov. 15: b o ise, i d aho.: Idaho Center
n ov. 22: o n tario, ca lif.: Citizen Business Bank Arena k enda ama n ational endu Ro ch ampionship
NaTiONalENduRO COM
July 27: c r oss Fork, pa .: Peter Burnett, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 8837607, BER.us
au g. 10: g r and Junction, c olo.: Thomas Jundtoft, Bookcliff Rattlers MC; (970) 250-9942, bookcliffrattlersmc.com
au g. 31: u n ion, s .c. : Duane Wellington, Greenville Enduro Riders; (864) 908-6109, GreenvilleEnduroRiders.com
s ep t. 14: m a tthews, i nd .: Doug Spence, Muddobbers; (765) 998-2236, MuddobbersMC.com
ama e ast h a R e s cR a mbles championship
aMaR aCiNg COM
2014 EVENTS
July 13, yo uth & a m ateur:
b a ttle c r eek, m i ch.: Byron Kibby, Battle Creek Motorcycle Club; (269) 2098184, BattleCreekMotorcycle Club.com
au g. 16, yo uth; au g. 17, a m ateur: at hens, o h io: Kevin Brown, Athens Motorcycle Club; (740) 5903490, AthensMotorcycleClub. com
s e pt. 20, yo uth; s e pt. 21, a m ateur: b a rtow, Fla.: Keith Finnerty, Central Florida Trail Riders; (407) 774-9090, CFTRiders.com
o c t. 12, a m ateur & yo uth: pla inview, i l l.: Ron Whipple, WFO Promotions; (309) 3143343, WFOPromotions.com
ama s u pe R m oto national championship se R ies
aMaR aCiNg COM
July 26-27: s a lt l a ke c i ty, u t ah: During Bike Jam at Miller Motorsports Park
s e pt. 13-14: s t urgis, s d : Downtown street race
ama W est h a R e s cR a mbles championship
aMaR aCiNg COM
s e pt. 6, yo uth; s e pt. 7, a m ateur: a n za, ca lif.: Justin Shultz, SoCal MC/Big 6 GP; (949) 981-6776, SoCalMC.com
o c t. 4, yo uth; o c t. 5, a ma teur: Ridgecrest, ca lif.: Chris Cory, Viewfinders MC/Big 6 GP; (661) 450-8150, ViewfindersMC.com
s Rt ama ha R e & hound national championship
aMaR aCiNg COM
au g. 23, a m ateur and yo uth: ca liente, n ev.: Zack Livreri, Silver State Trailblazers; (702) 994-6823, http://sites.google.com/site/ silverstatetrail blazers/
s e pt. 20, yo uth; s e pt. 21, a m ateur: ye rington, n ev.: Erek Kudla, Get-Xtr-Eme; (805) 236-5866, Get-Xtr-Eme.com
o c t. 11, yo uth; o c t. 12, a m ateur: l u cerne va lley,
Rocky mountain atv/mc ama a mateu R n ational m otoc R o ss c ham pionship MXSPORTS.COM
National Championship
July 27- a u g. 2: h u rricane m i lls, te nn.: National Championship, Loretta Lynn’s Ranch
ca lif.: Darren Moen, 100s MC; (714) 863-7170, www.100sMC.org
ama/natc West youth mototR i als
aMaR aCiNg COM
July 18-20: h oward, c o lo.: Bill Markham, ITS Offroad; (719) 942-3372, ITSOffroad. com
ama s peedWay n ational championship
aMaR aCiNg COM
au g. 9: c i ty of i n dustry, ca lif.
s e pt. 19: a u burn, ca lif.
ama v i ntage d i Rt tR ack
aMaR aCiNg COM
July 12: a s hland, o h io: Half Mile; AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days; Ken Saillant, (800) 262-5646; ksaillant@ama-cycle.org; AmericanMotorcyclist.com
au g. 9: i ndia napolis: Short Track; Mid-America Speedway; (317) 871-4392; info@midamspeedway.com; MidAmSpeedway.com
Aug. 29: Springfield, Ill.: Short Track; Illinois State Fairgrounds; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing, (270) 442-7532; www.stevenace racing.com
s ep t. 20: c u ddebackville, n .y. : Short Track; Tri-Sate M/C Ltd.; (845) 5664956; TriStateClub.com
s ep t. 21: c u ddebackville, n .y. : Short Track; Tri-Sate M/C Ltd.; (845) 566-4956; TriStateClub.com
ama v intage
h a R e s cR a mbles
aMaR aCiNg COM
July 11: l exington, o h .: American Motorcyclist Association, Chuck Weir; (614) 856-1900; American Motorcyclist.com
ama v intage m oto cRo ss aMaR aCiNg COM
July 11-13: l exington, o h io: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
au g. 3: Walnut, i l l.: Sunset Ridge Motocross, www. sunsetridgemx.com
au g. 24: ca sey, i l l.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports, www. lincolntrailmotorsports.com
s e pt. 14: c o ldwater, m i ch.: Log Road Motocross, www.logroadmx.com
o c t. 4: g r eensburg, ky.: Russell Creek Motocross
o c t. 18: pa oli pe aks, i n d.: Mammoth East, www. podium1motoplex.com
ama atv h a R e s cR a mbles championship aMaR aCiNg COM
July 13: b a ttle c r eek, m i ch.: Joe Wathen, Battle Creek Motorcycle Club; (269) 729-9691, BattleCreek MotorcycleClub.com
au g. 16: at hens, o h io: Kevin Brown, Athens Motorcycle Club; (740) 5903490, AthensMotorcycle Club.com
s e pt. 20: b a rtow, Fla.: Keith Finnerty, Central Florida Trail Riders; (407) 774-9090, CFTRiders.com
o c t. 4: pl ainview, i l l.: Ron Whipple, WFO Promotions; (309) 314-3343, WFOPromotions.com
mtn. de W atv motocRo ss national championship aT VMOTOCROSS COM
July 12-13: n ew b e rlin, n .y. : Northeastern ATV National, Unadilla Valley Sports Center
July 26-27: b u chanan, m i ch.: RedBud ATV National, RedBud MX
au g. 9-10: h u rricane m ills, te nn.: ATV Dirt Days, Loretta Lynn’s ama Featu Re d se R ies
a ll sta R national Fl at tR ack se R i es STEVENaCER aCiNg COM
au g. 4: b illi ngs, m ont .: Billings Motorsports Park, Half Mile
au g. 6: s t urgis, s d : Mead Co. Fairgrounds, Half Mile
aug . 15: l ewistown, i l l.: Spoon River Speedway, Short Track
Aug. 30: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Short Track
s e pt. 20: yo rk, pa .: York Expo Center Randy Texter Memorial, Half Mile
ama m R a n n i ght Race dese Rt s cR a mble se R ies
MR aNR aCiNg.COM
June 28: pa bco Rd., n ev.: Gamblers
July 12: Jean, n ev.: Jackrabbits
July 25-26: s e archlight, n ev.: Bushwackers
b i g 6 ama West coast
gR a nd pR i x s e R ies
Big6RaCiNg COM
s e pt. 6-7: a n za, ca lif.: The Ranch, SoCal GP
o c t. 4-5: Ridgecrest, ca lif.: Ridgecrest Fairgrounds, Viewfinders GP
n ov. 1-2: g o ran, ca lif.: Quail Valley, Prospectors GP
d e c. 6-7: pa la, ca lif.: Pala Raceway, Vikings GP e ast coast endu Ro Ri de R s e n du Ro s e R ies ECE a ORg
July 13: g i llett, pa .: b a rbed Wire e n duro, Southern Tier Enduro Riders; (607) 3828534
July 27: c r oss Fork, pa .: Rattlesnake n a tional e n duro, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 368-7332, www.ber.us
au g. 10: t h ree s p rings, pa .: g r een m a rble e n duro, Green Marble Enduro Riders; (410) 638-9367, greenmarbleenduroriders.org
au g. 17: b e rkshire, n y : s pe edsville e n duro, Ithaca Dirt Riders; (607) 657-8248, www.ithacadirtriders.com
au g. 24: m a uricetown, n .J.: b e ehive e nd uro, Competition Dirt Riders; (609) 319-7496, competitiondirtriders.org
s e pt. 7: s h ippensburg, pa .: m i chaux e n duro, South Penn Enduro Riders; (717) 265-6055, southpenn enduroriders.com
s e pt. 21: b r andonville, pa .: m o onshine e nd uro, Valley Forge Trail Riders; (484) 9485361, vftr.org
n ov. 9: Warren g r ove, n J.: s t ump Jumper e nd uro, Motorcycle Competition Inc.; (609) 575-7820, ride-mci. com
n ov. 23: n ew l i sbon, n J.: pi ne h i ll e n duro, Central Jersey Competition Riders; (732) 558-6475, www.cjcrmc.org
e ast coast endu Ro
Ri de R s h a R e scR a mbles
s e R ies
ECE a ORg
Jul. 19-20: a n thracite h arescrambles, Valley Forge Trail Riders; (610) 4763747
au g. 2-3: s h otgun h arescrambles, High Mountain Dirt Riders; (570) 954-7799
s e pt. 13-14: mmc
Employm E nt opportuniti Es
Ever think you might like to work for the AMA? This could be just the opportunity you have been waiting for as the AMA seeks to fill the following positions:
Software Developer – The AMA is looking for a versatile .Net developer with the ability to project manage as well as develop technology solutions. Based at the Pickerington, Ohio, office, the .Net developer will participate in the development, testing and support of web- and mobile-based applications. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, experience with DotNetNuke’s Evoq Content CMS and Personify or similar association management software, five-plus years’ experience in product development in web and mobile, and database management and maintenance.
Government Affairs Manager – The AMA is seeking an experienced government relations professional to focus on on-road issues. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Legislative and/or regulatory experience strongly desired. This position is based in the AMA’s Government Relations Office in Washington, DC.
Please email cover letter, resume and salary requirements to rchaddock@ ama-cycle.org. Equal Opportunity Employer.
No matter what or how you ride, the AMA has a special card for you. Want one? Just let us know by renewing early, or telling us when you renew via our online signup form at AmericanMotorcyclist.com, or calling (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646).
