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.
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.
September 2014
Volume 68, Number 9
Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com
STREET COVER
Carol Ann Schmidt is not what many think of as a “typical motorcyclist,” but she’s as hardcore as they come. Learn more about her and others starting on page 38.
PAGE 31. IS ‘VISION ZERO’ COMING SOON TO A CITY NEAR YOU?
DIRT COVER
How many university administrators ride dirt? Amanda Marie Knapp does. Read about her and others who represent today’s motorcycling starting on page 38.
PAGE 20. BUILD TRAILS BETTER.
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American Motorcyclist 13515 Yarmouth Drive Pickerington, OH 43147 (614) 856-1900 submissions@ama-cycle.org
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All trademarks used herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned by the AMA and may only be used with the express, written permission of the AMA. American Motorcyclist is the monthly publication of the American Motorcyclist Association, which represents motorcyclists nationwide. For information on AMA membership benefits, call (800) AMA-JOIN or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Manuscripts, photos, drawings and other editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited material. Copyright© American Motorcyclist Association, 2014.
Contact any member of the AMA Board of Directors at www.AmericanMotorcyclist. com/about/board
Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, Chair Schenectady, N.Y.
Russ Brenan, Vice Chair Irvine, Calif.
Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla.
Perry King, Executive Committee Member Northern California
John Ulrich, Executive Committee Member Lake Elsinore, Calif.
Sean Hilbert, Hillsdale, Mich.
Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.
Roger Pattison, Taos Ski Valley, N.M.
Stan Simpson, Cibolo, Texas
Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill. (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) AmericanMotorcyclist.com
EXECUTIVE
Rob Dingman, President/CEO
Rhonda Hixon, Administrative Asst./Litigation Manager
Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer
Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations
Bob Chaddock, Vice President, Administration
Jeff Massey, Vice President, Operations
Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Business Member Programs
Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs
ACCOUNTING
Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager
Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator
Ed Madden, System Support Specialist
Peg Tuvell, Member Fulfillment Specialist
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Sean Maher, Director
AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME
Jordan 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
Jacki Burris, Organizer Services Coordinator
Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator
Lana Cox, Administrative Assistant
Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations
Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing
Chris Harrison, Road Riding Manager
AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)
Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator
Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator
D’Andra Myers, Organizer Services Coordinator
Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager
Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager
Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator
Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager
Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager
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John Bricker, Mailroom Manager
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Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Danielle Fowles, Grassroots Coordinator
Nick Haris, Western States Representative
Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant
Rick Podliska, Deputy Director
Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway
Marie Wuelleh, Government Affairs Assistant
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Dave Coleman, Network Architect
Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst
MARKETING
Mark Christian, Director of Marketing
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
I’m a recent AMA member and new motorcycle rider at large and wanted to share some of my joy in the picturesque State of Ohio.
Send your letters (and a high-resolution photo) to submissions@ama-cycle.org; or mail to 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.
I love exploring parks and experiencing the ride. Seeing parks via motorcycle adds a whole new pleasure to my life. My 2012 Suzuki Boulevard S40 (affectionately named “Firefly”) is doing wonderfully as my first motorcycle, and I love finding places to blend nature and her together.
No worries. You can still take advantage of your 10% AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com.
Here are two pictures from June 2014 when I visited Cox Arboretum in Dayton, Ohio, a very pleasant run from my home in West Chester.
Ohio is filled with parks, backroads and pristine farmlands that make riding extremely enjoyable, and I can’t believe it took me so long to finally get my motorcycle endorsement.
Thank you AMA for advocating our rights as motorcycle riders.
Katrine (“Katy”) Austin West Chester, Ohio
Interesting article by Jim Witters in the July issue (“We Don’t Want You Here”). I have learned at my current stage of life that if one community does not want motorcycle riders, simply go somewhere else. That is never more relevant than when spending one’s money on vacation. I recently returned from an eight-day ride around eastern Quebec where I found motorcycles to be universally accepted. In the Charlevoix region in particular, the Department of Tourism has gone one step further. Wherever motorcyclists are
welcome in hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants or other places of interest, they have placed a “motorcycle” sign. If you plan on riding in Charlevoix, and I can personally recommend it highly, look out for this sign.
We have used the phrase in racing for decades, “support those that support the sport.” Now it is time to have a similar level of support in other areas of motorcycling for communities that want us and our business.
Peter Starr Santa Monica,
Calif.
During the Friday of Bike Week, my wife and I joined a Gypsy Tour out of Weirs Beach that traveled around the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. It was the first time in many years that we made it up to Bike Week. This ride was wonderful. I did not get the name of the leader, but hopefully somewhere in the records you have it, because he needs a pat on the
back. There was a police escort getting us out to the back roads and then he was on his own and did a great job. We covered some wonderful roads and will be back next year.
Spencer Riley, Tyngsboro, Mass.
Thanks for the note, Spencer. According to the always-helpful Jennifer at the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, that would be Laconia resident Fred McVey. For more information on one of the best road-riding events in motorcycling, see www.laconiamcweek.com and start making those plans for June 13-21, 2015.
I’d like to respond to the letter of the month in the August American Motorcyclist magazine by Cambell Whitford (“Be Careful Out There”).
I don’t totally disagree with what he is saying about “crotch rockets,” but I think he is seriously downplaying the effects “slightly loud” pipes have on the nonriding public.
A crotch rocket flies by and is never seen again, usually, and they are only experienced by the people that see them directly. Loud pipes can be heard for a long way, which is part of the “loud pipes saves lives” mind set. The kids who ride crotch rockets usually only ride for a few years and move on. Guys who ride cruisers ride them for the rest of their lives. A kid on a crotch rocket takes some pride in his ability to handle his bike and although this seems to be changing for the better, most of the guys who ride bikes with loud pipes seem to be more into the image and party that goes with the bike.
I read that only 10 percent of the population old enough to have one has a motorcycle endorsement on their license. This 10 percent of the population can’t keep [ticking] off the other 90 percent and believe that there aren’t going to be any repercussions.
Rodney Aiken Vernon, Conn.
Thanks for your thoughts, Rodney. No matter what we ride, if riders flaunt traffic laws and noise ordinances, that sets a bad example for all motorcyclists in the eyes of the public.
Evidently, the guy driving the pick-up didn’t see my bright yellow motorcycle, nor the twin headlights, nor the matching bright yellow helmet as he pulled out right
in front of me. After three surgeries, two weeks in the hospital and more weeks at home recuperating, the decision of whether or not to ride again is likely months away.
However, it occurred to me that an in-depth article on how to re-enter motorcycling after an accident would be useful to the motorcycling community. During this inactive time, muscles lose their strength. Flexibility of movement deteriorates. Although in my case there will be physical therapy rehabilitation, it will be general in nature aimed at accomplishing daily living activities. But what motorcycle-specific exercises/ conditioning suggestions exist?
Perhaps someone from the medical profession or top road race or motocross teams could pen such an article for American Motorcyclist magazine geared toward road riders. How do their riders recover after an accident?
Thanks for the great magazine. I look forward to its arrival each month.
Doug Bottomley Kalamazoo, Mich.
Sound Off!
A roundup of recent comments on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist
On ethanol…
Scott Davis: They must be on the corn lobby’s payroll. Even the USDA says that E10 is a failure and only puts money in the pockets of the corn lobby and gas companies.
On advice for new riders… Roadtrash Byrd: Join the AMA and get involved! There will be plenty of others to help you become the best rider you can be. And you will help to guarantee that there will be motorcycling for future generations.
Mike Iriarte: Just wear your gear. It’s not worth your life just to show off some muscle.
Chelle Thumper Don: Ride with your eyes. Look where you want to go. Your bike will follow.
On lane-splitting detractors… Ivan Downdat Roadbefore: Car drivers being distracted is no excuse for eliminating lane splitting. Punish and shame distracted drivers. Leave good drivers and legal lane splitters alone.
Charlotte Dawn: If you haven’t been lane splitting in California, you should. It is far safer than you think and much better than illegally riding on the shoulder when you are experiencing heat stroke.
Get ready for Daytona Beach’s Biketoberfest® 2014. Four days of sun, sand, concerts, bike races and so much more. Don’t miss the time of your life. Come seize the day. Better yet...
OCTOBER 16 - 19, 2014
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Now that we’ve finished up with another successful AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, it is a good time to reflect on the history of the event as it has evolved into a consistently performing fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
If you’ve ever attended the event or read the articles in this magazine, you often encounter the phrase “the proceeds of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days support the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.” But what does that mean, exactly? And how much money are we talking about?
By Bruce Moffat
Before we dig into the numbers, the short answer is that the event is vital to the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation and the Hall of Fame. The funds raised by the AMA are a significant portion of the Hall of Fame’s operational budget. It’s also important to recognize that the Hall of Fame itself is staffed by the AMA and that the event is mostly supported by the efforts of dozens of AMA staffers, whose time and effort is donated by the AMA to make AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days run efficiently.
The event started in 1990 as Heritage Homecoming and was held on the Ohio University campus in Athens, Ohio. Attendance that year was about 3,500. By 1995, it was known as AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days and had moved to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. This allowed vintage racing to be added. By the end of the 1990s, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days had become a must-attend destination for tens of thousands of motorcyclists. The event also was responsible for a big part of the $1.8 million that the AMA had contributed to the AMHF in the decade since the museum’s opening in 1990.
In the next decade, those contributions grew significantly, with most of that growth occuring after 2007, according to financial reports audited by the accounting firm Plante Moran. Since 2008, this biggest annual fundraiser for the Hall of Fame has raised an average of $246,586 a year vs. an average of $106,141 from 2000 through 2007. From 2000 through 2013, contributions to the Hall of Fame from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days topped $2.3 million. This is in addition to other financial support that the AMA has provided to the AMHF.
As for staff hours, these accumulate all year long because as soon as we wrap up one AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, we start planning the next one. Thousands of staff hours are invested operationally to plan throughout the year leading up to the event. On the six days before, during and after the 2014 event, 46 AMA staff, 31 volunteers and 98 contracted workers logged more than 2,100 hours. This does not include the operational staff provided by Mid-Ohio or the track’s contracted help.
In addition, numerous AMA clubs and partners pitch in. For 2014, this included event announcer Tom White, who donates his time; manufacturer demo fleets; bike show participants; hundreds of swap meet vendors; WERA for organizing the road-racing activities; Don May and Trials Inc., for supporting the trials; Mandi Mastin and her family for laying out and scoring the harescrambles; Baja MX, Log Road MX, Action Sports Promotions, Christian M/C and Dayton M/C in motocross; and the Roadracing World Action Fund and AMA Pro Racing for providing air modules for track safety—to name just a few.
And of course, there are the event’s biggest sponsors: BikeBandit.com, Indian Motorcycle, Federal Motorcycle Transport, Smarter Fuel Future, AIMExpo, Moto Armory and Sam’s Club.
There are other Hall of Fame events and programs that the AMA sponsors and manages, as well. Numerous hours are donated from the communications, creative, public relations and accounting departments that support the annual Hall of Fame raffle bike fundraiser, the Breakfast At Daytona event and, of course, the annual induction ceremony. Without the contributions of time from the AMA, the AMHF would need to hire additional staff or outsource these functions, which would be unsunstainable given the Hall of Fame’s existing contributions and sponsorships.
Since moving to Pickerington, Ohio, the Hall of Fame has experienced up and down years. This has resulted in an operational shortfall of more than $1.2 million. Without financial contributions and donated staff time from the AMA, plus the support from the motorcycling community, the situation for the Hall of Fame would be precarious. That said, the future is looking bright the last four years, with revenue increasing over $100,000. We have done this by restructuring staffing, more efficient management and increasing the contributions from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days as detailed above.
We’ve also significantly improved the Hall of Fame induction ceremony itself, moving it from a tent in the AMA parking lot. For a first-hand look at this gala event, we invite you to attend this Oct. 17 in Orlando, Fla. For details, see www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
Earlier this year, the AMA Board of Directors made a strategic commitment to the long-term success of the Hall of Fame. Going forward, we continue to research ways of increasing donations as well as creating more funding programs.
The AMA, as the parent of the AMHF, has played a vital role in the history as well as the financial wellbeing of the AMHF and Hall of Fame. Celebrating and perpetuating motorcycling’s heritage by honoring the careers of those who have defined what we are today is critical to our mission to protect and promote motorcycling for this and future generations.
Bruce Moffat is the CFO of the AMA.
A single complaint from a Sacramento man has forced the California Highway Patrol and other state government agencies to remove information from their websites that was intended to help motorcyclists safely execute the allowed lane-splitting maneuver.
Kenneth Mandler, a longtime state employee who now conducts training sessions on how to get a state job, petitioned the California Office of Administrative Law in 2013, claiming the CHP created an “underground regulation” by formulating and distributing guidelines for safe lane splitting.
Lane splitting, also called lane filtering, is the practice of riding a motorcycle or scooter between lanes of stopped or slowly moving traffic.
The practice has been permitted in California for decades and no statute prohibits it. No other state allows the maneuver.
The CHP posted its guidelines with the intention of helping motorcyclists and motorists understand safe practices and to discourage unsafe lane splitting.
“Some have interpreted the recently published Motorcycle Lane Splitting Guidelines as rules, laws or regulations that could or would be enforced by the department,” according to a CHP statement. “The guidelines were never intended for this purpose and were prepared simply as common sense traffic safety tips and to raise public awareness.”
The Office of Administrative Law noted that CHP Commissioner J. A. Farrow certified that his department would not “issue, use, enforce, or attempt to enforce the public education information.”
The OAL determined that posting the guidelines on the website was “issuing” them.
“By forcing the California Highway Patrol to remove its guidelines, Mr. Mandler and the Office of Administrative Law are denying the public vital safety information,” says Nick Haris, AMA western states representative and a member of the California Motorcyclist Safety Program Advisory Committee, which reviewed the guidelines.
“Lane splitting is still allowed, and motorcyclists are still using this longrecognized riding technique to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety,”
Haris says. “But now, neither riders nor motorists have a place to turn for authoritative guidelines on the practice.
“The AMA is asking the OAL to reverse this decision and permit the CHP to continue offering these important safety guidelines.”
The AMA supports the continued use of safe lane splitting in California and the implementation of lane-splitting laws in other states, coupled with extensive rider and driver education programs.
Denny Kobza, of the Bay Area Riders’ Forum and a member of the CMSP and
The AMA has posted the CHP’s guidelines at www.americanmotorcyclist.com. You can find them linked in the online version of this article by searching “CHP” on the AMA website.
the CA Mission 12 Committee, says he is extremely disappointed that the CHP was forced to take down the guidelines.
“It is very disturbing that one person can affect three years of hard work,”
Kobza says. “We put a lot of hard work into those guidelines, because lane splitting is a safer way to go than waiting for a motorist to make a mistake.”
Kobza says he has full faith in the California Highway Patrol’s continued advocacy for motorcycle safety, and he hopes the guidelines can be reposted to state government websites soon.
The Community Preventive Services Task Force of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended universal mandatory motorcycle helmet laws.
Task force members made the recommendation after observing that
states with universal helmet requirements for motorcyclists reported fewer fatalities than states without universal helmet laws.
Simply reviewing those numbers does not provide a solid basis for such a sweeping recommendation, says Wayne Allard, AMA’s vice president for government relations.
To assess the role of helmet laws in preventing serious injury or death in crashes, CDC task force members should have first identified the fatal injury in each crash, then determined whether use of a helmet would have prevented that injury or reduced its effect, thereby saving the life of the motorcyclist.
The task force cites no such analysis and offers no evidence that the use of a helmet would
“Correlation does not imply causation. Instead of trying to draw conclusions from this type of observation, the CDC task force could have better spent its time and resources searching for cures for infectious diseases.”
— Wayne Allard, AMA’s vice president for government relations.
have lessened or eliminated the fatal injuries in a significant number of crashes.
“Correlation does not imply causation,” Allard says. “Instead of drawing conclusions from these observations, the CDC should spend its resources searching for cures for infectious diseases.”
The AMA contends that the safety community can better use its resources on rider education and motorist awareness/ distracted-driver programs.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management Monticello (Utah) Field Office announced its decision in June to approve motorized use of five travel routes under the Monticello Travel Management Plan.
The five approved routes—Blanding to Bulldog, Jacob’s Chair, Nokai Dome, River House and Woodenshoe—add to more than 2,800 miles of trail currently open and available for OHV use on lands managed by the Monticello Field Office in southeastern Utah.
For more than a year, a team of BLM specialists in the Monticello Field
Office worked with San Juan County representatives to further support motorized recreation and tourism in the area.
The travel plan amendments will enhance motorized recreation opportunities and visitor experiences in San Juan County by reducing highway safety conflicts and improving access and parking at popular cultural sites, according to a statement from the BLM. Wildlife needs also were considered, with planned construction timed to avoid nesting and breeding periods for migratory birds and other animals.
County Commission, Gubernatorial Candidates Support Change
An effort to open Florida’s Tiger Bay State Forest to off-highway-vehicle activities has gained renewed momentum with the election of OHV advocate Greg Gimbert to the Volusia County Soil and Water Conservation District and the pledged support of two other candidates for elected office.
For more than a year, Gimbert has led the loosely organized group of motorcyclists, ATV riders and Jeep drivers who want to use some of the 27,000-acre forest tract situated between Daytona Beach and DeLand, Fla.
His election to the Soil & Water board puts Gimbert in line for a seat on the statewide Tiger Bay State Forest Policy Advisory Board, where he hopes to win support from hunters, equestrians and other potential trail users.
Gimbert has received pledges of
Adrian Wyllie, left, and Greg Gimbert hope to open Tiger Bay State Forest to family recreation.
support for opening Tiger Bay from Adrian Wyllie, who is the Libertarian candidate for Florida governor, and from Volusia County Council candidate Webster Barnaby.
Two of seven current county commissioners voted in favor of a resolution asking the state to open Tiger Bay to motorized use. The city of Daytona Beach also supports the move.
Most of the forest is closed to vehicular traffic of any kind.
Massachusetts Cases Serve As Reminder To Read, Understand Coverage
An ongoing investigation in Massachusetts has resulted in settlements with the state and $57.4 million in refunds to more than 150,000 policyholders from companies that were overcharging for motorcycle insurance.
Attorney General Martha Coakley says the companies were charging insurance rates based on the new value of the motorcycles, rather than the depreciated value.
premiums for his motorcycle as if it were brand new, resulting in more than $1,500 in overcharges, Coakley’s office says in a press release.
Up to the Carolina Thunder of Gaston County (S.C.) Motorcycle Club for its support of the Webb Street School. Club members visit the school for children with intellectual disabilities, eat lunch with the students, play basketball with them and give them a chance to sit on a motorcycle. The club has raised about $15,000 for the school during the past three years.
The Attorney General’s office found the practice to be widespread. So far, the state has reached settlements with 19 insurance companies.
The investigation began when the owner of a 1999 Harley Davidson Road King Classic filed a complaint. In each year from 2003 to 2008, the motorcyclist’s insurance company had calculated
The most recent settlement is with Commerce Insurance Co., which agreed to refund $14.6 million to more than 40,000 policyholders. The refunds will average about $365.
Commerce also agreed to pay $325,000 to the commonwealth.
The Massachusetts investigation focuses on policies that include comprehensive, collision, and/or limited collision coverage for a motorcycle during certain time periods, typically between 2002 and 2010.
Law Would Address $500 Million Maintenance Backlog
A bipartisan bill in the U.S. House of Representatives would require the U.S. Forest Service to publish a strategy to significantly increase the role of volunteers and partners in trail maintenance.
U.S. Reps. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Tim Walz (D-Minn.) introduced the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act of 2014 (H.R. 4886) in June.
“During a time of shrinking budgets, it is important that federal agencies and the constituents they serve work together to ensure that all Americans can access public lands for diverse uses,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “This bill would urge the Forest Service to partner with off-highway-vehicle enthusiasts to help reduce the $500 million maintenance backlog on USFS land.”
In addition to increasing the use of volunteers, the act would require the
Down to the San Francisco motorcyclist who stopped to quarrel with a TV reporter who recorded the rider exiting the freeway via an entrance ramp. Not only was the rider’s illegal riding broadcast to millions, so was the fact that he was riding without insurance and he had his bike impounded.
Secretary of Agriculture to examine ways to effectively use fire crews for maintenance operations when the crews are not needed elsewhere.
H.R. 4886 has broad support among trail users, including the American Horse Council, the American Outdoor Association, and the Wilderness Society.
The bill was referred to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees.
Up to the Colorado Department of Transportation for its “Ride Wise” program that encourages older motorcyclists to take safety courses. The campaign showcases real Colorado riders, each with more than 30 years of experience on their saddles, who rely on safety training to hone the skills needed to ride safely. The “Ride Wise” campaign targets older, male riders who have hundreds of miles on their bikes, yet little to no hours of formal training in their riding histories.
Down to Siri, the voice in Apple’s iPhone, for issuing a warning to users searching for motorcycle dealerships. Jensen Beeler of Oakland, Calif., posted a screenshot, which showed his inquiry and Siri’s response: “Now, you be careful on that thing.”
Senate Bill 2808, known as the Freedom from Location Surveillance Act, would prohibit law enforcement agencies from obtaining location information pertaining to a person or his or her effects without first obtaining a court order based on probable cause to believe that the person whose location information is sought has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime or the effect is evidence of a crime. Any probable cause order would be limited to 60 days, unless renewed by a judge. Sponsored by Sen. Daniel K. Biss (D-Skokie), the bill passed the state House and Senate unanimously and was sent to Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature.
Gov. Jay Nixon signed into law H.B. 1735, which allows Missouri dealers, distributors and manufacturers to sell on Sunday motorcycles, trikes, and motorized vehicles customarily sold by power sport dealers. Such sales had been prohibited by state law.
The East Coast Enduro Association is trying to convince the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to reopen user-made trails in the state’s forests and allow motorized recreation.
The AMA is helping the enduro club gather and present evidence that the DEP once recognized the trails and issued permits for enduro events that used them.
DEP’s current policy restricts enduro and other events to blacktop, gravel and sand and woods roads, with off-road travel limited to existing fire cuts.
“There are science-based processes used in national and other states’ forests to differentiate sustainable from non-sustainable historic trails,” says Steve Salisbury, AMA’s off-road government affairs manager. “They are relevant in New Jersey and should have been part of the discussion all along.”
Danielle Fowles, AMA’s grassroots coordinator, is also assisting the ECEA.
The General Assembly voted 78-0 in favor of A. 2316, which would prohibit establishing checkpoints limited to certain types of vehicles. The measure moved to the state Senate, where it was referred to the Transportation Committee.
State lawmakers passed a measure in June that allows the city of New York to lower its default speed limit to 25 mph from 30 mph as part of an overall
plan to reduce traffi c crashes, injuries and fatalities. Gov. Andrew Cuomo was expected to sign the bill. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said the speed limit reduction is an integral part of the city’s Vision Zero traffi c safety plan.
Also, Assembly Bill 9883, sponsored by Assemblyman Thomas J. Abinanti (D-Tarrytown), would allow individuals to pursue damages from the state for defects in state roads year round. Currently, individuals may pursue damages only if an incident occurred from May 1 to Nov. 15.
Watch this space for updates about your valuable benefits as an AMA member.
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
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.
Available at no extra charge if you choose to automatically renew your AMA membership.
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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.
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-armor-pants.com/ama/.
AIMExpo
Go to www.AIMExpoUSA.com and enter code AMAMEM14 to save on tickets.
AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame
Save $5 on admission to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame at AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio.
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AMA members can place free ads in the AMA member classifieds at AMA.Sprocketlist.com or AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Shop > Classifieds.
AMA Supercross And AMA Arenacross Tickets
Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Supercrossonline.com and use password AMA15. AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Arenacross.com and use password AMA5OFF. Certain restrictions apply, call (800) 2625646 for details.
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-0814-RIDEDRY at checkout to receive your discount.
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25 years of quality OEM matched paint. Enter code AMA2014 at www. ColorRite.com to save 15 percent.
Heat Demon
AMA members receive 10 percent off all products. Visit www.heatdemon.com/AMA and use the code AMAheat14 at checkout to receive your discount.
International Motorcycle Shows
AMA members save on advanced adult one-day general admission. The promo code is “NAAMA1410” when you buy your tickets online from www.motorcycleshows.com.
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Get 30 free days and 10 percent off. Use promo code AMACYCLE at www.LifeLock.com or by calling (800) 543-3562.
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MYLAPS
AMA chartered organizers receive an exclusive discount from AMA Member Benefit Partner MYLAPS. Visit the Members Only section of www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com for details.
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Rider Magazine
Members pay only $19.99 for 2 years (24 issues) + 2 extra FREE issues. Visit the Members Only section on www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com for the discount link.
RoadRUNNER Motorcycle
Touring & Travel magazine
RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine offers a 20 percent subscription discount to AMA members. RoadRUNNER is the touring expert of North America, providing info on the best places to ride. AMA discount code is CRIAMA at www.roadrunner.travel/promo/ ama.
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
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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.
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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.
And Now, 50 Years Later…
Motorcycle history buffs have a sincere appreciation for Ariel.
Popular in the mid-20th century, the British brand saw success on everything from the Bonneville Salt Flats to the Greenhorn Enduro. The year 1952 was a particularly good one. Sam Parriott broke AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Marty Dickerson’s Class C land speed record of 129 mph, while another Hall of Famer, John McLaughlin, rode an Ariel to a Greenhorn overall victory.
Sold to the company that made BSAs, the Ariel brand persevered through the 1960s before it was officially mothballed in 1967.
Not unlike other classic marques that have faded away only to be temporarily resurrected in fits and starts over the years, the Ariel name has come and gone on various motorized vehicles. But now, Ariel appears to be officially making a comeback as a motorcycle brand.
In late June, Ariel Motor Co. said the Ariel Ace motorcycle would join the four-wheeled two-seater racecar, the Atom, in the Ariel lineup. The company says the Ace is the first new Ariel motorcycle in five decades.
But “new” shouldn’t mean unproven. Like the Atom, the Ace is the product of a partnership with Honda. The Ace is powered by a Honda 1,237cc V-four engine and has other Honda tech built in. According to Ariel, this lets them leverage the benefits of a mass-engineered drivetrain while taking a more custom approach to chassis and fit.
The Ace will be made at Ariel’s factory near Crewkerne, Somerset. The company says it plans to make between
100 to 150 motorcycles per year and that they should hit the streets by 2015. Will one try to honor the achievements of Parriott on the Salt Flats with a commemorative run? Maybe. But we’re pretty sure one of these new Aces won’t bring home an enduro trophy anytime soon.
MSRP: MSRP: $85-$95
Info: www.adaptivtechnologies.com
The ADAPTIV Motorcycle Accessory Mount by Adaptiv Technologies is a solid piece of equipment if you are looking to mount any device to your ride.
By Kimberly Harvey
I tested the AdaptivMount on a BMW F650 GS Dakar. I can’t imagine a better vibration test than on a thumper! The single-cylinder engine creates quite a bit of vibration, and even more so off road and in the woods.
The AdaptivMount on the BMW was a shocking improvement on another mount I used on my Triumph Tiger, even though the Tiger produces noticeably less vibration from its multi-cylinder powerplant.
I used the AdaptivMount with my GPS unit, and my eyes were thankful for the limited movement of the screen. Devices are mounted to the top plate, which ensures the dampers absorb any vibration.
Installation on the cross bar was simple and was facilitated by an ample supply of spacers. Once installed, the mount provided a great range of motion with the double ball-joint design, and it was simple to make adjustments. The mount also was compact for tight spaces.
I did have to make my own spacer to mount my Garmin Zumo. The cradle for this device was not completely flatbacked. To have flush contact, I had to adapt with a piece of closed-cell foam to fill the gap. Check the design of your own cradle with this in mind.
Finally, the AdaptivMount is a tough unit. With the use of high-strength steel and aircraft aluminum components, you can be confident this piece of equipment will protect your gadgets and withstand even the hardiest rides.—Kimberly Harvey
Some Tips For Helping Ensure Your Next Ride Is A Good One
“What a day for a ride,” you think to yourself.
What you should also be thinking, though, is “Is my ride ready for the day?”
It’s a valid question, no matter how often or infrequently you ride. Either on-the-road usage or in-the-garage inactivity can take a toll on your bike, potentially degrading safety, control, performance and comfort.
That’s why the AMA recommends a short pre-ride check of your bike before every ride. To help you remember, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has come up with the acronym T-CLOCS, which stands for Tires (and wheels), Controls, Lights, Oil (and other fluids), Chassis and Stand (side and center).
Despite the length of the MSF’s list, you can probably check everything in about three minutes. Depending on what you find, that could be the best three minutes of your ride.
Since these are where you and the road meet, they’re probably the most important things to look over. A problem can affect handling—sometimes severely.
Are your rims free of dings or cracks? Are your spokes tight and straight? Check pressures in both tires. Since most manufacturers specify pressures for cold tires, this is the only time to accurately check them. Consult your owner’s manual or call your tire manufacturer’s hotline for the proper pressures for your particular motorcycle.
While you’re down there checking the tires, make sure you’ve got plenty of tread. You should have more than 1/16 of an inch, roughly the distance between the edge of a penny and Lincoln’s head. Remove foreign objects that may have lodged in the treads, and make sure there aren’t any cuts in the tire.
A snapped cable can leave you on the side of the road. Operate anything connected to a cable and make sure that levers and cables feel smooth and don’t bind. Apply the front brake and push the bike forward. The brake should feel firm, and the front wheel should not move. Check the rear as well.
Seeing and being seen are two great ways to avoid unwanted incidents on the road, so make sure your lights work.
Start by turning on your ignition. Are the headlight’s high beam and low beam working? Does the taillight come on? Does the brake light come on when you operate the brakes? Check the turn signals. Remember that the cause
of a malfunction here could be a fuse or a blown bulb.
Running out of gas is not cool, but since many motorcycles don’t have gas gauges, it’s a real possibility. Check the gas level in the tank, and be sure your fuel petcock isn’t on “reserve,” which could leave you with a nasty surprise if you roll to a stop. Don’t forget to reset the trip meter every time you fill up.
Running out of gas can be inconvenient, but running out of oil can turn your bike into a display of public art. Even some new bikes can use enough oil to be down a quart between oil changes, so check it before every ride and replace oil following the directions in your owner’s manual.
Though an improperly adjusted suspension may not seem critical, imagine your surprise as your bike behaves differently in the middle of a curve because you forgot to reset it after making adjustments to carry your friend last night. Sit on the bike and rock it, making sure that everything moves smoothly and relatively slowly. If the front or rear end behaves like a pogo stick, a trip to your trusty mechanic should be in your immediate future.
If you have an adjustable suspension, remember to adjust it properly for the load you’ll be carrying.
The side stand is a handy little item— it’s what keeps your motorcycle off the ground. Make sure its mounting is not cracked or bent. Check the spring or springs. Are they in place, and do they have enough tension to keep the side stand safely up?
Don’t forget to check the sidestand switch that prevents the bike from starting if the sidestand is down, if so equipped. If everything’s in place and operating properly you’re done, and you’re ready to enjoy the day.
Custom Harleys Donated To Charity
Participants in the Harley Time Program at the Community High School of Vermont build custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles, donate them to charities, then start work on a new bike.
The Community High School of Vermont is a fully accredited high school that operates 17 campus sites, one in each Vermont correctional facility and nine in community probation and parole offices.
So far, 75 students have participated in the course, some for a short period, others for the duration of the program, says Wilhelmina Picard, superintendent of educational services.
“Currently, two former participants are employed full time at Green Mountain HarleyDavidson,” she says. “Two other former students have been employed with GMHD over the years, but went on to other places of employment. Additionally, several other former students are employed in [the] small engine repair business and several run their own businesses.”
Picard took a few moments recently to discuss the program.
Americ A n m otorcyclist: What is the Harley Time Program?
WP: Harley Time is a small vehicle mechanics course designed to equip students at CHSVT with the knowledge and skill to repair and maintain engines in small vehicles. Topics include (but are not limited to) maintaining frames and suspension, wheels and brakes, and drivetrains; servicing fuel, exhaust, and electrical systems; performing tune-ups; and maintaining and repairing engines. Students also learn safety on the job, employability skills, and entrepreneurship.
Students engage in workbased learning through the rebuild of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in partnership with Green Mountain Harley-Davidson of Essex Junction, Vt.
Students who are enrolled in Harley Time work a minimum of 20 hours a week in the auto shop to complete a minimum of 300 internship hours of work-based learning in the automotive shop.
AM: When did the program begin?
WP: The program began in 2009 as part of a U.S. Department of Labor Grant called “Beyond Books.”
AM: What are the benefits to the community?
WP: A bike is donated to a non-profit organization that, in turn, raffles the bike to raise money for the organization. The organizations are chosen by the students participating in the program. Past bikes have been donated to charities benefiting children, substance abuse treatment and veterans groups.
In addition, educated and skilled offenders are being reintegrated into communities where they become tax-paying citizens.
AM: How much does this program cost each year? How is the cost covered?
WP: The program costs approximately $15,000 per year. There are additional costs associated with the running of the school; however, they are treated as an in-kind contribution.
The costs are covered by a grant from the Department of Labor and education funding that supports technical education programs.
Picard provided comments from the students regarding the ways the program benefits them:
• “The Community High School of Vermont Harley Time Program offers its students countless opportunities; on top of being provided with a certified Harley-Davidson technician to instruct its students in all aspects of motorcycle mechanics, the program further allows its students the opportunity to grow mentally, emotionally, intellectually and to learn to work together as part of a team with common goals. This attribute of the CHSVT/Harley Time Program shows potential future employers what awesome students CHSVT has molded, and that all employers should perhaps consider hiring them upon their release.”
• “The well-structured classroom instruction and actual hands-on work is extremely informative, and it provides the basis of a solid foundation to build upon if you want to pursue a career as a motorcycle technician. Most importantly though, the CHSVT Harley Time Program offers its students the opportunity to give something positive and meaningful back to society and stay connected with fellow Vermonters from the inside; this feeling is priceless.”
STRIPPED
Here is the students’ description of their most recent project:
This year’s motorcycle started out as a 1991 883 Plain Jane Harley-Davidson Sportster; it didn’t look any different than thousands of others. Within hours of arriving, the Sportster was stripped down to its bare frame and a pile of parts.
During the first Harley Time class, it was decided that we were going to build an Indian Larry tribute bike; once this was decided, our instructor, Keith Champine, pulled up a bunch of catalogs on our Smart Board so we could begin picking out the parts we would use to construct our creation. Keith brought the majority of the parts we ordered to our next class, and this is where we began to create our bike.
Through the Harley Time Program, a bike is donated to a non-profit organization that, in turn, raffles the bike to raise money for the organization. The organizations are chosen by the students participating in the programs. Past bikes have been donated to charities benefiting children, substance abuse treatment and veterans groups.
fenders were fabricated and the rest of the body parts prepped, the tedious custom painting process began. First, three coats of fine PPG Oldsmobile gold basecoat were applied over the PPG epoxy sealer; this was followed by 4 ounces of House of Kolors large gold metal flake. Fourteen coats of House of Kolors Candy Root Beer were applied over the gold metal flake, the graphics laid out, and then 1 gallon of PPG 2002 Clearcoat finished out the chemical process. Once the clearcoat hardened, it was wet blocksanded with 1200grit, 1500-grit and 2000-grit 3M wet/ dry sandpaper; the parts were then buffed with Meguiar’s #2 Fine Cut Cleaner and finished off with Meguiar’s #3 Machine Glaze.
The first week of class, all the parts needed to construct our rolling chassis were bead-blasted, painted and assembled; while the rolling chassis was being worked on, other students began to turn the Plain Jane 883 into a BigBore 1250. This consisted of removing the tired top end, along with the undersized carb and outdated ignition system, making way for the Revolution Big-Bore kit, installing the jugs, Screaming Eagle heads, rocker boxes and valve assembly, which proved to be very interesting and informative. During this process we learned the delicate balance of intake and exhaust gases necessary to ensure peak performance.
Once the custom front and rear
Under the expert tutelage of our instructors, John Cross, Scott Tomlinson, Dana Scofield and Keith Champine, we were able to successfully create a wellrounded and easily maintained riderfriendly custom motorcycle. With amazing custom paint that turns heads, partnered with loads of roll-on power by the fist full, our bike turned out just as we had expected: awesome!
Furthermore, knowing our efforts and individual talents went into something so positive has been a great feeling, making this negative time in our lives very positive, productive and gratifying; all of us here at CHSVT greatly appreciate the interest and acknowledgement we have been shown throughout this project.
AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Class Of 2014 Announced
Details of the AMA National Convention and the 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and are coming together, with everything shaping up for an amazing time in Orlando October 16-19.
On tap at the convention on Friday, Oct. 17, will be a number of informative seminars. The schedule is still coming
Ceremony on Friday evening will uphold its tradition as one of motorcycling’s most impressive, gala events.
This year seven inductees will officially join the ranks of motorcycling’s greatest advocates and champions when they are enshrined and honored.
This event is your opportunity to witness motorcycling history first hand as the Hall of Fame spotlights the achievements of these amazing motorcyclists.
The Class of 2014 includes:
•Motocross pioneer Pierre Karsmakers
• Racer, motorcycle industry stalwart and advocate Tom White
•Museum and racetrack founder George Barber
•Off-road racing champion Scott Summers
•National motocross champion Mike LaRocco
• Tuner and race team manager Rob Muzzy
• Engine builder and entrepreneur Byron Hines
together, but those on tap include “Riding the Motorcycle Cannonball, Merging the Past and the Present,” hosted by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Cris SommerSimmons; “Sound Off: How Bike Noise Impacts Every Motorcyclist,” hosted by sound expert Chris Real; “Advances in Braking and Stabilization,” hosted by the Bosch Corp.; “The Women’s Defense Talk,” hosted by Chris Oklevitch; and many more.
Held in conjunction with the 2014 AMA National Convention and the American International Motorcycle Expo, the 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction
For more on these motorcycling heroes, as well as details on scheduling and tickets for the induction ceremony and convention, check out www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
By Jim Witters
Three major U.S. cities have joined as many as 30 states in adopting the goal of reducing road deaths to zero, using a concept enacted in Sweden in 1997.
The programs—known as Vision Zero, Target Zero or Toward Zero Deaths—at first appear quite radical. Supporters say the idea is sound, however. They want others to stop blaming people for crashes and start making transportation professionals responsible for designing safer systems.
Washington State and Minnesota were the first two states to adopt the zero-fatality goal in 2000 and 2003, according to a 2012 analysis by the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety at the University of Minnesota.
Among major U.S. cities, Chicago, New York and San Francisco have begun to structure their transportation plans around the new concept.
While both Minnesota and Washington
built programs that focus on all aspects of transportation safety, the plans adopted by the three cities do not.
The published plans of Chicago, New York and San Francisco share at least two things:
• A set of initiatives in planning and legislation intended to make the streets and sidewalks safer for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists; and
• No mention of motorcyclists or motorcyclist safety.
City officials say the omission of
by location. An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old. Fuel charges are extra. Rental must begin by 12/31/12. 12/31/13.
motorcycles should not be interpreted as an anti-motorcycle stance or a lack of concern about motorcyclist safety.
“There is nothing anti-motorcycle in San Francisco’s Vision Zero plans,” says Ben Jose, public relations officer for the Livable Streets program of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. “Motorcycles are involved in so far as our Vision Zero goal is to eliminate all trafficrelated fatalities by 2024.”
Inquiries to the New York and Chicago departments of transportation remained unanswered at publication time.
Much of the concern about Vision Zero in the motorcycling community stems from an oft-repeated 1995 quote from Claes Tingvall, who fathered the concept.
“We must prevent the recruiting of new motorcyclists. In long-term thinking, I regret to say that motorcycles must go,” Tingvall said then.
That statement, which has been repeated for 19 years across the motorcycle press, blogs, forums and message boards, leaves motorcycle activists wary when their local government starts talking about Vision Zero.
Jesse Erlbaum, an AMA member and the vice president of the volunteer-staffed New York Motorcycle & Scooter Task Force, fears that the city government wants to further erode motorcyclists’ freedoms and may use Vision Zero as justification.
Erlbaum explains that motorcyclists’ fears are exacerbated when governments
fail to call on them for input in assembling a safety plan, or even to address their chosen form of transportation in the plans that are adopted.
“The new, 42-page ‘Vision Zero Action Plan’ had plenty of ideas about what to do for everybody else, but nothing about motorcycle safety,” Erlbaum says.
“Despite the fact that motorcyclists in NYC are the only road users whose fatalities and serious injuries are actually increasing, I didn’t expect this new plan would be any better than the last plan,” he says. “My heart sunk even further when I realized that we didn’t even make it into the logo.”
J. Ryan Hubbard, state coordinator for ABATE of Illinois Inc., says that his organization was not asked to provide input on the Chicago plan.
the most challenging of all, left things
situation vs. the motorcycle community,” Tingvall says. “In Sweden, it took years to slowly get to a meaningful dialogue, but today I feel that we really have one.”
Tingvall, now the director of traffic safety for the Swedish Transport Administration, says he is “much more positive today” about motorcycle safety.
“The findings on ABS (anti-lock braking systems), barriers and other technologies are, in fact, revolutionary,” he says.
Sweden, in fact, drafted an entire safety program geared specifically for motorcycles and scooters.
The plan carries the endorsement of Sveriges MotorCyklister (the Swedish Motorcycle Association) and Moped- och Motorcykelbranschens Riksförbund, the trade association for Swedish suppliers of mopeds, motorcycles and accessories.
The plan’s emphasis is on preventing crashes, and the principal recommendations are installation of ABS and reducing the number of speed limit violations.
“I am now more optimistic than ever,” says Tingvall. “Of course, the motorcycle community must be involved. The motorcyclists must demand higher safety, and the professionals take on their responsibility.”
The states of Minnesota and Washington made
versions of Vision Zero,
that “motorcycles
• Conduct free safety clinics organized by motorcycle dealerships and law enforcement agencies.
vehicles, but account for 14.7
Washington convened “a multi-agency Motorcycle Strategy Group.” No rider organizations were invited to join, although there was participation by the motorcycle dealers association.
Washington reports a 6.6 percent decline in fatal motorcycle crashes between 2008 and 2013, from 76 to 71, as motorcycle registrations remained stable, with a 0.7 percent decline.
Motorcyclist injuries fell 30 percent during that time, from 476 in 2008 to 333 in 2013.
10-year trend shows fatalities rising, taking us further from our goal of zero deaths and injuries by
Minnesota created a Motorcycle Safety Advisory Task Force that helped draft the State Highway Safety Plan. The plan includes many recommendations for motorcycle safety, including motorist and rider education, law enforcement and mandatory helmets.
motorcycle task force began to research
Among the recommendations in the Washington program:
• Keep the mandatory helmet law;
• Pass legislation to make lane splitting and traffic filtering legal;
• Enforce the law that allows authorities to impound vehicles of riders with no motorcycle endorsement;
• Implement a “Look Twice—Save a Life” media campaign with billboards, messaging on buses, and radio ads;
• Enforce laws prohibiting impaired and reckless operation; and
“Vision Zero is the Swedish approach to road safety thinking. It can be summarized in one sentence: No loss of life is acceptable,” according to the Vision Zero Initiative website.
About 1.2 million people die annually on the world’s roads.
Society seems to be more tolerant of death when it happens on a road.
Most traffic systems were designed for maximum capacity at maximum speed.
The Vision Zero approach is based on the fact that humans make mistakes.
In 2013, 264 people died in traffic mishaps in Sweden, less than half the number who died in 1997. And those results were achieved while traffic volume steadily increased.
Sweden’s national fatality rate of 2.7 deaths per 100,000 of population is among the lowest in the world. The U.S. rate was 10.39 in 2011, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In Minnesota, motorcyclist fatalities fell 10 percent and motorcyclist injuries fell 3 percent between 2007 and 2012, even as motorcycle registrations climbed 13.2 percent.
“The road system needs to keep us moving. But it must also be designed to protect us at every turn,” according to the Vision Zero statement.
Safety becomes a precondition for mobility.
With Vision Zero and its many adaptations, those designing the transportation systems are responsible for making them as safe as they can be for all users.
The professionals take into account human biomechanical limits and human behavior before beginning to map a strategy.
In addition, each crash is analyzed
The University of Minnesota analysis concludes that, “The future success of [Toward Zero Death] efforts within states will depend on policy-driven countermeasures, e.g. primary seat belt laws, graduated drivers licenses for teens, motorcycle helmet laws, automated speed enforcement, in-vehicle DUI enforcement.
“These countermeasures have been proven to be effective, but face political challenges from organized opposition, even though public opinion shows high level of support for these countermeasures,” the study says.
Tingvall says motorcyclists will benefit along with the rest of the highway users.
“Vision Zero is about all road users and their lives,” he says. “The policy does not differentiate between different vehicle types, travel purposes, guilty or not, age, drunk or sober, etc. The policy is about making sure that people stay alive.”
from the perspective of making the roadway safer in the future.
Vision Zero Initiative sums it up this way: “In every situation, a person might fail. The road system should not.”
The late Rod Bush helped establish and grow KTM North America and served as company president from 1987 until his death in 2005.
This 2005 KTM 950 Adventure was a gift to Bush from the company on Bush’s 50th birthday. It illustrates just how important Bush was to the KTM family. It was personally presented to him by KTM CEO and Managing Director Stefan Pierer, who flew from Austria to KTM America in Ohio for the occasion.
The bike represents the commitment that KTM—traditionally a dirt-oriented brand—was making to the street market. Its introduction also helped accelerate the growth of the adventure bike concept in America, which was perfectly suited to the mix of long days in the saddle,
rugged terrain and occasional two-track trail that defined the genre.
The KTM 950 Adventure features a twin-cylinder, four-stroke, 942cc engine, a six-speed transmission and a 5.81-gallon fuel tank. The bike weighs 436.5 pounds dry and retailed for $13,898 in 2005.
This particular machine is emblazoned with the words “Spirits of Leadership” in tribute to Bush’s integrity and leadership skills.
Bush’s history with the KTM brand dates to 1976, when he started working for Penton Imports as a sales representative. Penton motorcycles ultimately became the bikes known as KTMs today.
In 1978, Bush left Penton Imports to
help form KTM America (later KTM North America) with Jack Lehto. In 1987, Bush took the position of KTM North America president when the company was selling about 2,500 motorcycles a year.
KTM North America sold approximately 28,000 units annually and had 140 employees in 2005, when Bush passed away. By that time, Bush also had been elected as a partner and one of three managing directors of KTM Group.
Rod Bush was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2012.
This bike is on loan to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame from Bush’s wife Cherie. You can see it, along with many of the other machines that have shaped the history of American motorcycling, at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, features the people and machines that have defined the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling in America. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that receives support from the AMA and from the motorcycling community. For info and directions, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.
Steve Wise will go down in history as one of the most multi-talented riders in the history of motorcycle racing. Wise earned the distinction of becoming the only rider in history to win AMA Motocross, AMA Supercross and AMA Superbike nationals. The Texan further proved his all-around talent by earning a podium result in the AMA Grand National Championship when he took third, in his very first Grand National Dirt Track appearance, at the Houston Astrodome TT National in 1982.
In addition, Wise twice won the popular ABC Wide World of Sports Superbikers competition in the early 1980s, an event that featured the top motorcycle racers in the world from all disciplines. ABC’s Superbikers was a predecessor to supermoto, which flourished in Europe and later attained AMA national status in 2003. Wise’s versatility helped him earn the prestigious AMA Pro Athlete of the Year Award in 1982.
Gary Steven Wise was born in McAllen, Texas, on June 2, 1957. Steve’s father, Gary, was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and took young Steve to local races from an early age. In the late 1960s, Wise was a spectator at one of the first motocross races in America, held in Conroe, Texas.
“I remember as a young kid sitting by this jump and watching Sylvan Geboers and John DeSoto flying over this jump. I was thrilled,” Wise recalls. His father bought Steve a Honda SL90 and he began tearing up the hills surrounding McAllen. Wise’s father, a successful real estate broker, loved the sport so much that he opened a Honda dealership.
Wise became the Texas State Motocross Champion in 1974 and beat national stars such as Gary Jones and Jimmy Weinert en route to the title. Victories over such top-notch talent
suggested that young Wise was ready to tackle the nationals. When he turned 17, Wise traveled with his father to a few nationals and earned top-10 finishes.
Wise got a big break in 1975 when Steve Stackable recommended the young Texan to Kawasaki. In 1975, Wise tallied two top-10 finishes in the four-race AMA Supercross Series and went on to score a handful of top-10 finishes in the 125 nationals, including a second in San Antonio, his first AMA national podium appearance.
Wise began the 1976 season with Kawasaki, but unhappy with the bike, he decided to leave the team mid-season. A few weeks after leaving Kawasaki, Wise took his first AMA national victory aboard a Jim Strait-tuned Honda CR125 at the national in Keysers Ridge, Md. Wise ended the 1976 season ranked fourth in AMA 125 Motocross.
Wise did well enough on a privateer Honda in 1977 that Honda signed him to a factory ride in 1978.
With Honda, Wise earned his highest national motocross ranking of third in the AMA 250 National Motocross Championship in 1980, along the way winning the Red Bud 250cc National in Buchanan, Mich.
Ultimately, Wise proved to be a leading contender in both motocross and Supercross, but injury and untimely bike failures kept him from winning the national championship he coveted. However, a special made-for-television race would dramatically change Wise’s racing career.
In the late 1970s, ABC’s Wide World of Sports was the highest-rated sports show in America. Racing promoter Gavin Trippe pitched ABC the idea of a motorcycle competition bringing together the best riders from all forms of racing and the Superbikers was born.
Wise raced in the first Wide World of Sports Superbikers competition in 1979, but the bike he rode was not competitive.
“Honda asked me if I wanted to race in the Superbikers again in 1980 and I told them ‘Sure, but give me a competitive bike,’” Wise recalls. “And boy did they ever. The bike had a special factory engine. It could run 140 mph and had powerful disc brakes. It was great.”
Wise won the Superbikers race in 1980 and 1981 against two of the most talented fields of riders ever assembled and he instantly became one of the best-known motorcycle racers in America and in Europe, where Superbikers was also aired.
Honda was so impressed by Wise’s ability on Superbikers, he was asked if he would like to try road racing a Superbike.
Wise made a spectacular debut. He led the AMA Formula One point standings for most of the season and was nipped by veteran Mike Baldwin by just three points for the championship.
Wise was recognized for his success in all forms of AMA competition when he was named 1982 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year.
In 1983, Wise would earn a permanent place in American motorcycle racing lore by winning the Mid-Ohio round of the AMA Superbike Series. He became the only motocross winner to cross over to road racing and win a national. Earlier that season, Wise earned a podium finish in the Daytona 200.
Just when things seemed to be falling into place, Wise was injured in a highspeed crash at Road America. He returned from the injury a month and a half later and crashed hard again at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif. He was badly hurt once again. The injuries were taking a toll and while he was in the hospital after the Laguna crash, Wise decided to retire.
Steve Wise was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2001.
Rarely does 20 bucks buy so much bike.
Bob Hines of Piggot, Ark., bought five raffle tickets for the annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame raffle bike earlier this year. On Sunday, July 13, at BikeBandit.com AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring Indian Motorcycle, it paid off big time.
Hines’ winning ticket for the 1947 Indian Chief was drawn by Grand Marshal Bill Tuman, a member of the legendary Indian Motorcycles Wrecking Crew. Grand Marshal Bobby Hill, the other surviving member of the crew, also attended the drawing.
Hines wasn’t able to attend this event this year, but he and his wife Sharon were excited to see the bike in person the following week at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio.
“I always get tickets for the bike,” he says. “I see the ads in the magazine, and I get a guilt complex, I guess.”
Hines, who joined the AMA at Americade in 2008, says he didn’t expect to win.
“It came as a complete shock when we won,” he says. “I was reading some papers in the den, and Sharon heard the message,” he adds. “When she came back into the room and I saw the look on her face, I thought somebody died. I was pretty relieved when I heard we won the bike.”
The Indian isn’t completely out of reach, however. Hines opted for the cash option rather than the bike, so it remains in the Hall of Fame’s collection and may return as a future raffle bike.
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!
RETAIL MANAGEMENT
By Jim Witters
UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATOR
Negative motorcyclist stereotypes range from the image of a leather-clad hoodlum in a Hollywood film to an unlicensed teen doing wheelies in rushhour traffic to guys on dirt bikes blasting through the woods with no regard for staying on the trail.
As with most stereotypes, many negative portrayals of motorcyclists are based on a single bad actor—or even outright fiction. As we know, the vast majority of riders are responsible, safe and productive members of society. After all, those bikes (unfortunately) don’t purchase themselves.
For many whose views are shaped by unfounded stereotypes, these “unlikely riders” draw gasps of surprise and raised eyebrows. Let’s meet a few true representatives of the motorcycle lifestyle.
San Jose, Calif.
• Years riding a motorcycle: 1.5
• First motorcycle: BMW F650CS—great bike, but uses belt drive, which doesn’t work in the dirt/ gravel
• Current motorcycle: BMW G650GS, basically the same as my first bike, but with chain drive and spoke wheels
AM What got you started riding motorcycles?
MG I’m a 45-year-old, 100-percent single mom to one lovely elementary-schoolaged daughter. My boyfriend of 18 months is an avid motorcyclist who introduced me to the concept of adventure motorcycling. Very quickly, I started feeling the tug— riding pillion just didn’t seem nearly as fun as getting my own bike! But I always had an excuse. Bob, my boyfriend, asked me one day: “What’s stopping you from getting your license?” I started making noises about the cost of classes ... and wondered if I was coordinated enough. Bob crossed his arms, looked at me, smiling, and systematically let me negate every one of my own objections. He let me come to my own conclusion—and literally the next day I enrolled in classes!
AM What is your favorite ride?
MG Anything paved, if it’s twisty; and anything dirt, so long as it has lots of whoops!
AM What is the best memory you associate with motorcycling?
MG As a kid, my dad rode a Honda 350, often with me or my brother riding pillion. He was a staid engineer, and didn’t fit the image of a guy who rides motorcycles. We wore safety yellow, open-faced Bell helmets, and I can still remember how I loved the smell of it while I strapped it on. As a kid, riding pillion was the closest I could imagine coming to flying, and I really loved the feel of the wind in my hair, even
if it led to painful tangles! I learned to shift gears riding in front of my dad, wearing flip-flops in the ’70s—skinned the top of my left foot! He did all his own mechanical work, and sometimes we worked together, like bleeding brakes or changing oil. I didn’t always get along with my father, so these are some of my only warm memories of him.
AM What is the image of motorcyclists among the general public?
MG I think the old stereotype is that a motorcyclist is a rebel. I believe this has softened into people who ride bikes are “adventurous.” But definitely there is a streak of prejudice, that bikers can be reckless.
AM How can motorcyclists improve their image?
MG In the relatively short time I’ve been riding, I’ve been impressed with the caliber of people who choose to ride bikes. It’s a great community.
AM What practical benefits do you personally get from riding?
MG My bike gets roughly 60 mpg, so I can argue I’m being ecologically correct. But, to be perfectly candid, I just enjoy feeling fully connected to my environment and the movement of riding. It’s a different set of skills than driving a car, for sure. I also love that my daughter sees me taking part in an activity that currently still leans toward being male
dominated. She sees me being strong, skilled, taking time for something that genuinely gives me pleasure, bucking the idea that someone told me I couldn’t do something—and am doing it anyway!
AM Have you ever taught someone else how to ride? What did you learn from that experience?
MG No! I took a fabulous course, and learned too much from it. I highly recommend taking the time, effort and expending the money on a real class.
AM How can we get more people on motorcycles?
MG My perception is that the trend is growing already. I see bikers all over Silicon Valley—fuel efficiency, the ability to ride in carpool lanes, and the fun are all obvious influencing factors locally. I’d never heard of adventure riding before I met my boyfriend, and now that I’m in tune to enduro bikes, I’m seeing them everywhere. Another thing I’ve noticed at the OHV parks is a large number of parents taking their kids out in the dirt. This is solid, high-quality time for parents to spend with their kids, imparting skills and knowledge, and giving those kids confidence that will serve them the rest of their lives.
AM Talk about a time when you encountered pre-conceived notions because you ride.
MG I work in human resources at a tech company and generally show up in a skirt, heels and manicured nails. Folks are really surprised when they see my dusty adventure boots and enduro helmet in my cubicle. I had one fairly senior level manager get very excited having seen my riding gear at the office. He was tickled when I showed him pictures of me riding in the Rockies. He’s always been cordial with me, but I actually think he’s more interested in me as a person now that he has a fuller idea of who I am.
Shaun “noodle” Pryor Regional DistRibution CenteR ManageR Moore, Okla.
• Years riding a motorcycle: 18
• First motorcycle: Kawasaki KX 250
• Current motorcycle: 2003 Honda Shadow Sabre
AM What got you started riding motorcycles?
SP My grandmother rode bikes in the ’60s in Chicago and taught me to ride when I was young. She told me it was all about freedom—and was she ever right!
AM What is your favorite ride?
SP State Route 66 from Edmond to Tulsa, Okla.
AM What is the best memory you associate with motorcycling?
SP Shortly after the tornado in Moore, Okla., last year, several of my friends who are also residents in Moore got on our bikes and rode through the streets when they were clear. We all rode with American flags and just rode, waving, honking our horns, and offering help to others in town. The kids sitting on the bikes, taking pictures, smiling and forgetting for just those few minutes we all lost everything. I just wanted to show everyone we were all still here and Moore would go on. I spent most of that ride with tears in my eyes, but it meant a lot to me. There wasn`t much left of it, but it was home. It was very special.
AM What is the image of motorcyclists among the general public?
SP We’re loud and obnoxiousriders, who make noise and trouble everywhere we go.
AM How can motorcyclists improve their image?
SP It’s tough to say. The stigma of bikers has been the same so long in the general public. I think the best thing we can do is stay active in our communities and work with local charities to show the softer side of bikers. We bikers have to keep in mind as we go through towns, or pass a car on the highway with kids going on vacation, that kids love to see us—a pack of 30 to 50 bikes, riding in formation, thevibration, the sound, the look. We change those kids. That’s how bikers are born. It moves their souls. As such, we’re role models in a way and don`t even know it sometimes. So making sure we give them something to look up to, sometimes just that wave, or head nod, or honk of the horn—you share the gift with one more child and open the world of bikes to them!
AM What practical benefits do you personally get from riding?
SP I save tons of money on gas. My favorite thing about my bike though, is the ability to stop anyplace, like near a river, near a bridge, and take a picture, or soak in the smells, feel the warm sun—things never possible inside your “cage!”
AM Have you ever taught someone else how to ride? What did you learn from that experience?
SP Yes. I learned that we, as bikers, have a responsibility to each other to a degree. When someone wants to be imparted with the knowledge on how to ride, you feel compelled to teach [him or her]. You find you’re sharing something bigger than yourself when you see them shift for the first time, or make their first turn at speed. The face they make in that moment reminds you why you ride. Sharing that feeling with someone else who’s never felt it before really means a lot! It’s humbling.
AM How can we get more people on motorcycles?
SP We have to change the perception people have about bikes. So many times, you hear people give the speech that bikes are dangerous, and, more often than not, they have a story of someone they knew that was killed or badly injured in a crash. It’s [about] changing the culture, the negative connotation that so often comes with motorcycles. And getting more people speaking about the feeling of being free, and loving the ride.
AM Talk about a time when you encountered pre-conceived notions because you ride.
SP I find myself spending more time explaining why I ride, why I wear patches,
and what kind of things I do on the weekends, more than I do talking about my bike and where I ride to. I had a younger male customer I`ve known for years who saw my bike sitting outside the facility and came inside and mentioned how nice the bike was, and asked who it belonged to. At the same time, I walked around the corner in my leathers, heading out, and, with a gasp he said, “I never took you for one of those guys!”
Which of course was the segue into a 20-minute conversation about me being a biker, and whether everything he saw on [the TV show] “Sons of Anarchy” was true. When I have surprise visits from the higher-ups at the corporate office, and they see the bike and see my gear sitting in my office, they have a million questions, all from what they see on TV. My employees, to this day, part the seas when I walk out to talk to them and haven’t had a chance to get all my gear off. In some ways, it’s almost like living a double life. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ridgefield, Conn.
• Years riding a motorcycle: 10
• First motorcycle: Yamaha TTR90
• Current motorcycles: 2014 CRF250L, 2007 KTM 144SX, 2011 Honda Ruckus, 2003 CRF150F, 1978 Honda Z50, 1972 Honda Trail 70
AM What got you started riding motorcycles?
CAS My father. He bought that TTR90 in spring 2004, and I was hooked. I rode every day in my backyard.
AM What is your favorite ride?
CAS I started in the dirt, and my true love is still motocross, but I love the street—my supermoto is too much fun!
AM What is the best memory you associate with motorcycling?
CAS Spending time with friends and family and meeting new people. It’s taken me to some amazing places. I’ve ridden with (multi-time AMA championshipwinning motocross racers) Doug Henry and John Dowd, which was pretty awesome. I’ve been racing the Stimilon Motocross Challenge for several years, which is always a good time, and my favorite event of the year. I also love attending the AMA outdoor rounds. I’ve been to Unadilla, Southwick and Broome Tioga. Watching the races, being with my dad, and smelling the race gas.
AM What is the image of motorcyclists
among the general public?
CAS In the Northeast, I think that motorcycling is accepted. There’s a large amount of riders, and when we ride, people ask us about our bikes. Our Ruckuses really draw a crowd—they are pretty modified and look kind of wild. Although, one time when I was out on my Ruckus, I had a lady follow me back to my neighborhood and got pretty upset that I was riding an “unregistered” motorcycle (scooters under 49 cc’s don’t need to be registered in Connecticut).
AM How can motorcyclists improve their image?
CAS We need to continue to support the people who support our sport, such as the AMA and members of Congress who support riding rights. More people need to realize that motorcycling is a great familyoriented sport.
AM What practical benefits do you personally get from riding?
CAS What’s not to love? Besides the fact that I completely love being on two wheels, it’s also a great way to make new friends, unwind from a crazy day, and not to mention it’s much more fun to ride somewhere than drive my car. Working and restoring bikes is also another aspect
of motorcycles that I enjoy. I’m always on the lookout for a basket case bike that needs a restoration. My favorites are old Honda mini bikes.
AM How can we get more people on motorcycles?
CAS For starters, we need to save our open space. A lot of legal riding areas are being shut down, and, when those close, there’s nowhere to ride. Dirt bikes are a great way to get into riding—they are small, cheap and easy to maintain. If we save our riding areas, more people will want to pick up a dirt bike, and they’re going to want to scratch that itch and get on the road.
AM Talk about a time when you encountered pre-conceived notions because you ride.
CAS Pretty much everyone I meet is surprised to learn that I have seven motorcycles and ride almost every day. My work nametag has “Moto” written on it, as it’s a nickname a coworker gave me. More than once, I’ve had a customer ask me about the name behind “Moto.” It always turns into a 15-minute conversation about motorcycling, which is pretty fantastic.
AmAndA mArie KnApp, ph.d.
AssistAnt Vice ProVost, Academic standards and Policy Administration — University of Maryland, Baltimore county Columbia, Md.
• Years riding a motorcycle: nearly 30
• First motorcycle: Honda 70
• Current motorcycle: KTM 300 XCW
AM What got you started riding motorcycles?
AK From the time I can remember, I was surrounded by motorcycles and fourwheelers. When I was about 6 years old, my dad bought me a Honda 70, and I remember spending hours making figure eights in a big field behind our house. As the years quickly passed, I moved up to
a YZ125, then a CR250. In middle school and high school, I would spend every free hour getting lost in the woods, slugging through thick coalmine mud, climbing hills, battling rocks and holding on for dear life to keep up with my dad and his buddies.
I was an only child growing up, and my dad never took it easy on me, especially when it came to riding—he always challenged me to face fear head on and never let me use the fact that I was a girl as an excuse, even though I was usually the only girl out there. Learning to ride and keep up with the guys taught me lifelong lessons that I still value today and truly believe have helped me to become successful in both my professional and personal life.
AM What is your favorite ride?
A K In many ways, I was very fortunate to grow up in the foothills of the Appalachian
Mountains in a rural town called Mount Storm, W.Va.—population less than 900. Just up the road a bit in Davis, off State Route 93, is where the Grand National Cross Country Series got its start—home of the Blackwater 100. This is where I grew up riding and without question was one of my favorite places to ride—a dirt bike rider’s dream. While laws prevent us from riding there now, I will never forget the experience I had riding some of the toughest terrain nestled within the most breathtaking landscapes you can imagine.
AM What is the best memory you associate with motorcycling?
A K The incredible thing about motorcycling is that it can bring communities of people together. Some of my best memories began early on a Sunday morning, not at church, but gathering down at the “holler” with anywhere between 10 and 50 locals, all revved up and ready to hit the dirt. We would head out with no real plan or destination in mind, but, wherever we went, it would take all day until the sun went down. Other than having some good old-fashioned fun, the only certainty was that we would come back covered in mud from head-to-toe, exhausted but happy. The greatest thing about these ventures was that everyone helped each other out and many good friendships were forged.
AM What is the image of motorcyclists among the general public?
A K In my opinion, this is a very difficult question to answer, because it really depends on the region or area where you live. As I mentioned before, I grew up in a rural town where the motorcycle and four-wheeler population just might have outnumbered the people. However, where I live now, in Howard County, Md., “frequently cited for its affluence, quality of life, and excellent schools,” the perception of motorcyclists is not positive. While I agree that Howard County is “One of the Best Places to Live,” according to CNN/Money Magazine, it is lacking in motorcycle friendliness. Sadly, the image of motorcyclists in places like Howard County has been tainted by things like unsanctioned and illegal street racing that readily gain news media coverage, painting an unbalanced picture of the motorcycling culture.
AM How can motorcyclists improve their image?
A K As a dirt bike rider, we tend to tell our wildest and craziest stories with little thought about the image that we might be portraying—I know I am guilty of this myself. However, one of the things that I think we could do a better job at is talking
more about the positive aspects such as the time and effort we invested in being a responsible rider, making sure we had the right equipment and safest gear. What made me think of this is that I recently read an outstanding article on the Rocky Mountain ATV Blog that described 33 Reasons Your Kids Should Do Motocross. Topping the list of reasons are things like providing non-violent entertainment, reinforcing good health and positive relationships, teaching the value of a strong work ethic, playing fair, working as a team, obeying the rules and taking personal responsibility. While the article was geared for why kids should ride, the information was applicable to all ages. These are the kinds of stories that we should be sharing if we truly want to impact the motorcycling image in a positive way.
AM What practical benefits do you personally get from riding?
Ak Stress release, health and fitness, family time, sense of self.
As a mother of three, a busy professional who has a full-time and parttime career, [and one who] volunteers in the community, serves as a Girl Scout Leader and just finished a Ph.D. program, there is nothing more rewarding and stressrelieving than hitting the trails and/or a track. When I am riding, it is the only time that I can block out the chaos around me and focus on myself.
who races together, stays together,” but all joking aside there is something quite special about spending an entire weekend together on two wheels—not sitting in the house, not playing video games or watching TV—just having fun together!
AM How can we get more people on motorcycles?
Ak Work with our local government to create more opportunities and manage costs.
This is an interesting question with lots of opportunities. As someone who has made a career out of working with policy, this is an area where we must focus our attention.
For instance, we must continue to push for legislation that is based on facts and not misperceptions. We must be advocates for our sport who demonstrate
encountered pre-conceived notions because you ride.
Ak One of my favorite stories is about an encounter I had with a neighbor a few blocks away. For years, I have passed the same set of houses on my way home, but one day after work I noticed that the neighbor had a dirt bike loaded in a trailer on the back of the car. I was in a bit of shock since I had never seen a dirt bike in the entire town of Columbia, Md., before, let alone one just up the street from me. So, I slowed down as I passed by the house, but didn’t see anyone outside. So I went to the end of the street, and, still in amazement, decided to turn around and drive by the house again.
I admittedly did this a few times, until I finally spotted someone. I stopped my car, and, in a full business suit and high heels, walked up to the neighbor, who I had never met before, and asked if that was his bike. He reluctantly answered me but seemed annoyed.
AM Have you ever taught someone else how to ride? What did you learn from that experience?
Ak At 34, when I restarted my motocross career after a nearly 15-year break, I was presented with the challenge/opportunity of teaching my husband, who had never ridden motocross a day in his life, and my three children, Gracie, 10, Riley, 7, and Mason, 5. If I wanted to ride, it would have to be a family activity—it’s not like I could just leave them behind!
In any case, now that our garage is filled with two-wheeled, two-stroke machines, I find that teaching my family to ride brings back a lot of great memories from my dad teaching me. I also find that working as a family team (we call ourselves the KTM Knapps) has brought a great deal of joy and bonded us in ways that we didn’t anticipate. My father-in-law always jokes with us saying, “a family
respect for the environment and take motorcycling safety seriously.
On a different note, I would like to see more girls and women in the sport. I recently went to an event and joined my mother, who is in her 50s and also a motocross rider. It was organized by Kelsey Green from Happy Ramblers called “Girls Just Wanna Ride” and I thought it was just exceptional! There were about 70 girls and women of all ages, all backgrounds and all skill levels who went from station to station learning everything from bike maintenance to starting gates to fitness drills to agility training. The format provided a great opportunity to get out and ride in an encouraging environment where building confidence and having fun was the first priority.
AM Talk about a time when you
The conversation was a bit awkward in the beginning. But after I explained my interest in his dirt bike, and we talked for about 45 minutes he laughed and said, “Heck, I thought you were someone from the community association and were going to give me a ticket or something.”
Now that I know my neighbor, Jim, and we have joked about this day on many occasions, I realize that this was a situation based on a pre-conceived notion. Because of the way I dressed and the type of community we live in, Jim was surprised by my story to say the least!
Of course, that neighbor that I didn’t know for years is now someone I call my friend. Isn’t that what motocross is all about anyway?
Regarding my professional life, not many people knew about my outside hobby of racing until I came to work with a broken toe after clocking a tree with my foot on a tight turn during an ECEA harescrambles.
Now that the story is out, I hear the same thing over and over each time that someone learns that I race: “No way. I can’t picture that!” When I ask them why, it almost always has something to do with the way that I dress or the position I am in, my title or that I have a Ph.D., as if these things define who I am or put me in a box of who I can be.
D. SCOTT BARBER ATTORNEY
San Diego, Calif.
• Years riding a motorcycle: 25
• First motorcycle: 1982 Suzuki GS550 Katana
• Current motorcycle: 2004 BMW R1150GS Adventure; 2004 KTM 625 SXC “Adventure”
AM What got you started riding motorcycles?
DSB My dad was a member of the San Diego Mountain Rescue Team and would take my brother and me along to their training [sessions]. He had a little Honda Trail 90 that he would always bring along, and I would ride it around the campground and around a vacant lot in our neighborhood.
AM What is your favorite ride?
DSB My favorite road is CalienteBodfish Road up near Kernville, Calif. It’s super twisty and narrow, like a guy in a helicopter with a giant roll of asphalt underneath flew along the hills and valleys and laid out a rollercoaster of a road.
My favorite trail is the trail to Mike’s Sky Ranch in Baja, because I know that fun, beer and camaraderie are at the end of the trail.
AM What is the best memory you associate with motorcycling?
DSB There are so many, it’s really tough. Overall, it is a 10-day trip I took with my friend Devin. We rode throughout the desert Southwest—Scottsdale, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, through the wilderness to Bullhead City, Ariz., to Death Valley and then to Kernville, Calif. It was an amazing ride with a great friend, and we got to see some of the most amazing scenery the Southwest has to offer.
AM What is the image of motorcyclists among the general public?
DSB Unfortunately, I think the general image is either of riders flying through traffic or riders with straight pipes creating a racket. Those of us who ride (relatively) conservatively don’t really get noticed in a bad way.
AM How can motorcyclists improve their image?
DSB By not riding like clowns on public roads. Save it for the track. And by not using overly loud exhausts. Also, by talking to people. I love taking the time to talk with people about riding and doing my best to correct misconceptions and stereotypes about riders. I do anything I
can to positively raise people’s awareness of riders.
AM What practical benefits do you personally get from riding?
DSB Obviously, free parking and reduced fuel consumption are nice, as is lane splitting [in California]. However, the best benefit of riding is meeting other riders. In general, people who ride motorcycles tend to be more interesting and full of life than those who don’t ride. I have met many interesting people and seen so many new perspectives on the world through meeting other riders, particularly those from other countries.
AM Have you ever taught someone else how to ride? What did you learn from that experience?
DSB Not yet. I will teach my daughter to ride, along with taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, when the time is right. I can’t wait! That said, a lot of my friends are newer riders, and I offer them pointers now and then.
AM How can we get more people on motorcycles?
DSB By highlighting all of the practical benefits as well as the “spiritual.”
Shattering preconceived negative images will get more people on bikes. It’s all about raising positive awareness.
AM Talk about a time when you encountered pre-conceived notions because you ride.
DSB Almost every week, I hear someone exclaim, “What? You rode here? In a suit? Where’s your gear?”
My job takes me throughout Southern California. Generally speaking, if I am going anywhere Fresno or south, I ride. When I get where I’m going, I pull out my briefcase, fix my hair and stuff my riding gear in my panniers. Unless I’m going to court, I take my helmet with me. That’s what usually starts the conversation.
One time, I had an 8:30 a.m. appearance in Ventura, which is about a three-hour ride, so I left home at 5:15 a.m. When I got to court, I realized I had left my dress shoes at home, so I had to appear in my riding boots! That turned out to be a fun conversation with the judge in front of a packed courtroom. He admired the fact that I had ridden all the way to court. Now I wear BMW boots that look enough like dress shoes that I don’t have to change them.
A few of the hundreds of AMA-sanctioned events this month, detailed on the following pages.
1
One of the top events on the riding schedule in the AMA Premier Touring Series is the Golden Aspen Rally in Mescalero, N.M., Sept. 17-21. Ideal fall temperatures, great roads and good company combine to make this rally a standout. Info: www.motorcyclerally.com.
6
2
The next exciting round of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Championship Series, is Sept. 14 in Matthews, Ind., hosted by the Muddobbers.
5
Check out one of the wildest sports on two wheels when the Amsoil AMA Grand National Cross Country Series arrives in New Berlin, N.Y., on Sept. 6-7 and Central City, Pa. on Sept. 2021. For the full schedule, see page 49.
3 Catch the last round of the AMA Pro Road Racing Championship, Sept. 13-14, at the New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, N.J. Info: www.amaproracing.com.
4
The steel-shoe crowd heads to Calistoga, Calif., for the Calistoga Half Mile on Sept. 27 as part of the AMA Pro Flat Track Championship. Info: amaproracing.com. in
Want some fast-moving excitement? Check out the action in the AMA Pro Hillclimb Championship Sept. 21 in Spring Grove, Pa., Sept. 28 in Freemansburg, Pa., and Oct. 12 at the Devil’s Staircase in Oregonia, Ohio. Info: www.amaproracing.com.
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 motorcycle-related product, the AMA National Convention will include the AMA member meeting and business member meeting, motorcyclerelated seminars, the 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and much more! Follow along with us at #AIMExpo_AMA to get the latest updates on activities, contests, and promotions. Info: www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
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RECREATIONAL
DUAL SPORT RIDE
SEP 27: BUCK MEADOWS: 2 DAY EVENT, FAMILY OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES, (209) 649-3633, FAMILYOFFROADADVENTURES. COM
SEP 27: DOWNIEVILLE: NEVADA COUNTY WOODS RIDERS, INC., WOODSRIDERS.ORG
ROAD RUN
SEP 21: CARDIFF: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 6656891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG
COMPETITION
DESERT SCRAMBLES
SEP 27: (Includes ATVs) BARSTOW: 2 DAY EVENT, SUNLAND SHAMROCKS, (818) 767-4594
GRAND PRIX
SEP 6: (Includes ATVs) ANZA: 2 DAY EVENT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (949) 9816776, SOCALMC.COM
HARESCRAMBLES
SEP 6: (Includes ATVs) ANZA: 2 DAY EVENT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (949) 9816776, SOCALMC.COM
SPEEDWAY
SEP 12: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM
SEP 19: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM
TTS
SEP 13: (Includes ATVs) LODI: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 3687182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM
SEP 20: (Includes ATVs) LODI: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 3687182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM COLORADO
RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE
SEP 5: BUENA VISTA: EXIT TOURS M/C, (719) 207-1189, COLORADO2DAY.COM
DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD
SEP 7: SOUTH FORK: SIDEWINDERS M/C, (210) 861-4993, COLORADO600.ORG ROAD RUN
SEP 5: BOULDER: MOTOMARATHON ASSOCIATION, (303) 641-1062, MOTOMARATHON.COM
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
SEP 14: DACONO: IMI MOTORSPORTS INC, (303) 833-4949, IMIMOTORSPORTS.COM
OBSERVED TRIALS
SEP 14: CANON CITY: ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRIALS ASSN, (719) 395-8505, ROCKYMOUNTAINTRIALS. ORG
FLORIDA
HARESCRAMBLES
SEP 27: (Includes ATVs) BARTOW: 2 DAY EVENT, CENTRAL FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS, (407) 774-9090, CFTRIDERS.ORG
MOTOCROSS
SEP 21: NEWBERRY: UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX.COM
SEP 28: REDDICK: UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX.COM
GEORGIA
RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY
SEP 20: TUCKER: TEAM STRANGE AIRHEADS, TEAMSTRANGE.COM
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
SEP 13: RAYNOLDS: RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM
SEP 14: REYNOLDS: RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM
ILLINOIS
RECREATIONAL
TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL
SEP 14: (Includes ATVs) OTTAWA: VARIETY RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 434-3669, VARIETYRIDERS.COM
COMPETITION
1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK
SEP 7: (Includes ATVs) JERSEYVILLE: SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC, (618) 372-4355, SPLINTERCREEK. COM
GRAND PRIX
SEP 28: OTTAWA: VARIETY RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 4343669, VARIETYRIDERS.COM
HILLCLIMB
SEP 13: (Includes ATVs) MT. VERNON: KING CITY DIRT RIDERS INC., (618) 316-4764
HARESCRAMBLES
SEP 7: (Includes ATVs) COLCHESTER: WFO PROMOTIONS, (309) 314-3343, WFOPROMOTIONS. COM
MOTOCROSS
SEP 6: (Includes ATVs) PECATONICA: PRO SHOW INC, (815) 275-6686, STATELINEMX.COM
SEP 7: MASON: CROSSROADS MX AND OFF-ROAD PARK, LLC, (618) 686-2769, CROSSROADSMX.COM
SEP 12: WOODSTOCK: WOODSTOCK RACING LLC, (815) 337-3511, WOODSTOCKMX.COM
SEP 13: (ATV only) ALTON: SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC, (618) 3724355, SPLINTERCREEK.COM
SEP 14: ALTON: SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC, (618) 372-4355, SPLINTERCREEK.COM
SEP 14: (Includes ATVs) GALESBURG: GALESBURG MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (309) 3441714, GALESBURGMC.COM
SEP 14: CASEY: LINCOLN TRAIL MOTOSPORTS, (217) 932-2041, LINCOLNTRAILMOTOSPORTS.COM
SEP 21: (Includes ATVs) BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM
ROAD RACE
SEP 28: SOUTH BELOIT: AMERICAN
SPORTBIKE RACING ASSOCIATION, (817) 246-1127, ASRARACING.COM
TTS
SEP 1: (Includes ATVs) NEOGA: CENTRAL ILLINOIS M/C, (217) 2467154, AMADISTRICT17.COM
INDIANA
RECREATIONAL
ADVENTURE RIDE
SEP 13: COLUMBUS: 2 DAY EVENT, STONEY LONESOME M/C, (317) 3715530, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM
DUAL SPORT RIDE
SEP 13: COLUMBUS: 2 DAY EVENT, STONEY LONESOME M/C, (317) 3715530, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM
ROAD RUN
SEP 14: COLUMBIA CITY: OLD FORT MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (260) 248-8061
COMPETITION
HILLCLIMB
SEP 6: (Includes ATVs) CAYUGA: PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (217) 2472216, PLEASURERIDERS.NET
SEP 7: (Includes ATVs) CAYUGA: PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (217) 2472216, PLEASURERIDERS.NET
HARESCRAMBLES
SEP 13: (Includes ATVs) TBA: MID AMERICA XC RACING, (317) 418-6084
SEP 28: COLUMBUS: STONEY
LONESOME M/C, (812) 342-4411, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM
MOTOCROSS
SEP 7: (Includes ATVs) PARIS
CROSSING: HOOSIER HILLTOPPERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (812) 8731178, HOOSIERHILLTOPPERSMX. COM
SEP 20: (Includes ATVs) LAOTTO: G & S RACING, (260) 637-5416, GANDSRACING.COM
OBSERVED TRIALS
SEP 20: COLUMBUS: STONEY
LONESOME M/C, (812) 342-4411, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM
SEP 21: COLUMBUS: STONEY
LONESOME M/C, (812) 342-4411, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM
IOWA
COMPETITION
HILLCLIMB
SEP 14: ANAMOSA: MIDWEST HILLCLIMBERS ASSOCIATION, (319) 489-2361, ANAMOSAHILLCLIMB. COM
HARESCRAMBLES
SEP 7: SHELLROCK : NEW HARTFORD RACING INC, (319) 8856469, NEWHARTFORDRACING.COM
MOTOCROSS
SEP 14: SHELLROCK: NEW HARTFORD RACING INC, (319) 8856469, NEWHARTFORDRACING.COM
SEP 28: (Includes ATVs) MONTEZUMA: FV MOTO X, (641) 623-3456, FVMOTOX.COM KANSAS
RECREATIONAL
ROAD RUN
SEP 21: KANSAS CITY: MARCH OF DIMES-KS, (913) 469-3611, BIKERSFORBABIESKC.ORG
SEP 27: BENTON: MARCH OF DIMES-KS, (316) 559-4864,
BIKERSFORBABIES.ORG/WICHITA KENTUCKY
RECREATIONAL
BIKE SHOW
SEP 6: BURLINGTON: 2 DAY EVENT, CLASSIC BRITISH MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (513) 378-2959
DUAL SPORT RIDE
SEP 6: CADIZ: 2 DAY EVENT, K T RIDERS, (270) 350-1325, LBL200.COM
ROAD RALLY
SEP 12: FRANKFORT: BLUEGRASS BEEMERS, (859) 583-0205, BLUEGRASSBEEMERS.ORG
COMPETITION
HARESCRAMBLES
SEP 27: (Includes ATVs) CLAY CITY: MID AMERICA XC RACING, (317) 418-6084, THEMAXC.COM MARYLAND
RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN
SEP 21: WEST FRIENDSHIP: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
SEP 13: MECHANICSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM
SEP 27: MECHANICSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM
MASSACHUSETTS
RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE
SEP 14: TOLLAND: BERKSHIRE TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (860) 993-4462, MUDSLIGNER.ORG
COMPETITION HILLCLIMB
SEP 28: (Includes ATVs) MONSON: QUABOAG RIDERS INC, (413) 2670332, MONSONMONSTER.COM MICHIGAN
RECREATIONAL BIKE SHOW
SEP 14: MILFORD: METRO TRIUMPH RIDERS, (586) 944-7456, METROTRIUMPHRIDERS.COM
POKER RUN
SEP 20: WATERFORD: PORTLAND TRAIL RIDERS, (248) 674-3175
SEP 28: CRUMP: TRI-CITY TRAVELERS MC ROAD RUN
SEP 7: MARTIN: MARCH OF DIMESMI, (800) 968-3463
COMPETITION
DRAG RACES
SEP 19: (Includes ATVs) BRIDGTON: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 733-9856, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM
SEP 20: (Includes ATVs) BRIDGTON: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 733-9856, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM
1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK
SEP 6: (Includes ATVs) LAKE ODESSA: I-96 SPEEDWAY LLC, (616) 642-0555, I96SPEEDWAY.COM
ENDURO
SEP 7: FAIRVIEW: S.O.R.E. (SINGLETRACK OFF-ROAD EVENTS), (989) 619-7713
HILLCLIMB
SEP 20: BRIDGTON: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 733-9856, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM
SEP 21: BRIDGTON: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 733-9856, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM
MOTOCROSS
SEP 6: NEWAYGO: BIG AIR MOTOCROSS, (231) 652-5225, BIGAIRMOTOCROSS.COM
SEP 7: NEWAYGO: BIG AIR MOTOCROSS, (231) 652-5225, BIGAIRMOTOCROSS.COM
SEP 14: (Includes ATVs) CADILLAC: CADILLAC MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (231) 884-3729, CADILLACMC. COM
SEP 14: (Includes ATVs) PORTLAND: PORTLAND TRAIL RIDERS, (517) 647-7045, PORTLANDTRAILRIDERS. COM
SEP 14: BRONSON: LOG ROAD MX, (419) 212-0838, LOGROADMX.COM
SEP 20: (Includes ATVs) BUCHANAN: REDBUD RECREATION, INC., (269) 695-6405, REDBUDMX.COM
SEP 21: (Includes ATVs) BUCHANAN: REDBUD RECREATION, INC., (269) 695-6405, REDBUDMX.COM
SEP 21: MIDLAND: POLKA DOTS M/C, (989) 832-8284, POLKADOTSMC.NET
SEP 27: NEWAYGO: BIG AIR MOTOCROSS, (231) 652-5225, BIGAIRMOTOCROSS.COM
SEP 28: NEWAYGO: BIG AIR MOTOCROSS, (231) 652-5225, BIGAIRMOTOCROSS.COM
OBSERVED TRIALS
SEP 7: METAMORA: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (248) 634-2184, MOTATRIALS.COM
SEP 14: WHITMORE LAKE: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (517) 849-9231, MOTATRIALS.COM
SEP 27: VERMONTVILLE: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (616) 821-6920, MOTATRIALS.COM
SEP 28: VERMONTVILLE: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (616) 821-6920, MOTATRIALS.COM SHORT TRACK
SEP 13: OWOSSO: 2 DAY EVENT, OWOSSO KART SPEEDWAY, (810) 691-5781, OWOSSOKARTSPEEDWAY.COM
MINNESOTA
RECREATIONAL
ADVENTURE RIDE
SEP 27: DANBURY: NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (612) 5541083, NORSEMANMC.ORG
TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL
SEP 6: THEILMAN: 2 DAY EVENT, GOLDEN EAGLES CYCLE CLUB, GOLDENEAGLES.ORG
SEP 27: MENAHGA: 2 DAY
EVENT, TWIN CITIES TRAIL RIDERS, TCTRAILRIDERS.ORG
ASSOCIATION, (775) 750-1923
HARE & HOUND
COMPETITION
1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK
SEP 14: (Includes ATVs) CAMBRIDGE: NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (612) 616-9053
SEP 20: (Includes ATVs) NEW ULM: FLYING DUTCHMEN CYCLE CLUB, (507) 354-2306, FLYINGDUTCHMEN MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM
SEP 21: (Includes ATVs) NEW ULM: FLYING DUTCHMEN CYCLE CLUB, (507) 354-2306, FLYINGDUTCHMEN MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM
HARESCRAMBLES
SEP 14: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM
MOTOCROSS
SEP 1: KELLOGG: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 244-9996, MOTOKAZIE.COM
SEP 1: BROOK PARK: BERM BENDERS RACEWAY, (320) 679-2582, BERMBENDERS.COM
SEP 7: BROOKSTON: ECHO VALLEY MOTOCROSS PARK, (218) 348-4754, ECHOVALLEYMOTOCROSS.COM
SEP 7: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM
SEP 21: KELLOGG: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 244-9996, MOTOKAZIE.COM
SEP 28: (Includes ATVs) CAMBRIDGE: RTW RACE PROMOTIONS, (218) 8942826, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM
SEP 28: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM
OBSERVED TRIALS
SEP 6: NEW ULM: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG
SEP 7: NEW ULM: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG
MISSOURI
RECREATIONAL
ROAD RALLY
SEP 3: BRANSON: ROAD RIDERS FOR JESUS, (417) 335-4700, ROADRIDERFORJESUS.ORG
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
SEP 28: OLD APPLETON: SKY HIGH MX LLC, (573) 768-9289, SKYHIGHMX.COM NEVADA
RECREATIONAL
ADVENTURE RIDE
SEP 12: RENO: DUST DEVILS MC/ CHAPTER 36, (775) 224-0361, DUSTDEVILSMC.COM
SEP 21: WELLS: WE RIDE LLC, (775) 934-5060
DUAL SPORT RIDE
SEP 12: RENO: DUST DEVILS MC/ CHAPTER 36, (775) 224-0361, DUSTDEVILSMC.COM
DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD
SEP 4: (Includes ATVs) WELLS : WE RIDE LLC, (775) 934-5060, GNATSASS.NET ROAD RUN
SEP 28: LAS VEGAS: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG
COMPETITION
ENDURO
SEP 27: TOULON: 2 DAY EVENT, WESTERN STATES RACING
SEP 20: (Includes ATVs) YERINGTON: 2 DAY EVENT, GET-XTR-EME, (805) 2365866, GET-XTR-EME.COM
NEW HAMPSHIRE
COMPETITION
HILLCLIMB
SEP 14: (Includes ATVs) ROXBURY: NEW ENGLAND HILLCLIMB ASSOCIATION, (508) 254-2961, NEWENGLANDHILLCLIMBERS.COM
ROAD RACE
SEP 1: LOUDON: UNITED STATES CLASSIC RACING ASSOCIATION, (413) 498-4433, RACE-USCRA.COM
NEW JERSEY
COMPETITION
ROAD RACE
SEP 6: MILLVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, AMERICAN SPORTBIKE RACING ASSOCIATION, (817) 246-1127, ASARACING.COM
NEW MEXICO
RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY
SEP 17: MESCALERO: CP6 SOLUTIONS, LLC., (575) 973-4977, MOTORCYCLERALLY.COM
COMPETITION
HARESCRAMBLES
SEP 20: (Includes ATVs) GALLUP: 2 DAY EVENT, AERODYNE PROMOTIONS, LLC/ GAS-IT OFF ROAD RACING, (505) 250-7270, NMDRC.COM
ROAD RACE
SEP 21: ALBUQUERQUE: SANDIA MOTORCYCLE ROADRACING, INC., (800) 647-5028, SMRI-RACING.ORG
NEW YORK
RECREATIONAL
DICE RUN
SEP 20: (Includes ATVs) KNAPP CREEK: KNAPP CREEK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, (715) 372-4523, KNAPPCREEKFIRE.COM
DUAL SPORT RIDE
SEP 14: FAIRVILLE: WAYNE COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (315) 331-4764, WAYNECOUNTYMC.COM
FIELD MEET
SEP 20: BALDWIN: 2 DAY EVENT, QUEENSBORO MC, (646) 789-5750, QUEENSBOROMC.COM
POKER RUN
SEP 7: CARMEL: LOST WHEELS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, LOSTWHEELS. COM
ROAD RUN
SEP 13: BROOKLYN: BIKERS OF BROOKLYN, (917) 385-0867, BIKERSOFBROOKLYN.COM
ROAD RALLY
SEP 12: FINGER LAKES: 2 DAY EVENT, AMERICADE, (518) 798-7888, ROLLINGTHRUAMERICADE.COM
TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL
SEP 7: EAST QUOGUE: LONG ISLAND
RECREATIONAL TRAILS CONSERVANCY, (631) 928-1153, LIRTC.ORG
SEP 13: WARWICK: TRI-STATE MC LTD, (845) 783-3557
COMPETITION
CROSS COUNTRY
SEP 6: (Includes ATVs) NEW BERLIN: 2
DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM
MOTOCROSS
SEP 7: (Includes ATVs) AUBURN: FROZEN OCEAN MOTOCROSS INC, (315) 784-5466, FROZEN-OCEAN.COM
SEP 14: (Includes ATVs) MODENA: AK FARMS, (845) 549-3992, AKMXFARMS. COM
SEP 14: (Includes ATVs) MAPLEVIEW: SMX ASSOCIATES LLC, (315) 480-7733, MOTOMASTERS.COM
SEP 21: RICHFORD: BROOME TIOGA SPORTS CENTER INC, (607) 849-4438, BROOME-TIOGA.COM
SEP 21: (Includes ATVs) WALLKILL: WALDEN MX, (845) 895-2537, WALDENMX.COM
SEP 28: RICHFORD: BROOME TIOGA SPORTS CENTER INC, (607) 849-4438, BROOME-TIOGA.COM
OBSERVED TRIALS
SEP 7: ALMA: DISTRICT 4 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (716) 372-4576, DISTRICT4TRIALS.COM
SUPERMOTO
SEP 13: CUDDEBACKVILLE: SUPER MOTO EAST COAST, (646) 670-1103, FIMNASMC.COM
SHORT TRACK
SEP 13: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 6932634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM
SEP 27: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 6932634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM
NORTH CAROLINA
RECREATIONAL
SCHOOLS - ROAD
SEP 8: PISGAH FOREST: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 637-0947, MOTOMARK1.COM
SEP 20: WILKESBORO: MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 637-0947, MOTOMARK1.COM
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
SEP 7: (Includes ATVs) SANFORD: DEVILS RIDGE MX, (919) 776-1767, DEVILSRIDGEMOTOX.COM
SEP 14: ELIZABETH CITY: ELIZABETH CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (757) 7548008, ECMX.COM OHIO
RECREATIONAL
ROAD RUN
SEP 13: NAPOLEON: OHIO CHAPTER MARCH OF DIMES FOUNDATION, (419) 534-3600, MARCHOFDIMES.COM/OHIO ROAD RALLY
SEP 20: LOGAN : 2 DAY EVENT, BUCKEYE DUAL SPORTERS COMPETITION
HILLCLIMB
SEP 13: (Includes ATVs) WATERFORD: PIONEER MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (740) 678-0082, PIONEERMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM
SEP 14: (Includes ATVs) WATERFORD: PIONEER MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (740) 678-0082, PIONEERMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM
MOTOCROSS
SEP 7: (Includes ATVs) SUGAR GROVE: CENTRAL OHIO COMPETITION RIDERS INC., (740) 983-3937, COCR MX
SEP 14: GREENVILLE: TREATY CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (937) 459-
0508, TREATYCITYMC.COM
SEP 21: (Includes ATVs) SUGAR
GROVE: CENTRAL OHIO COMPETITION RIDERS INC., (740) 983-3937, COCR MX
SEP 28: BLANCHESTER: DIRT COUNTRY, (513) 625-7350, DIRTCOUNTRYMX.COM
OBSERVED TRIALS
SEP 6: LITTLE HOCKING: 2 DAY EVENT, TRIALS INC, (502) 515-6514, TRIALSINC.ORG
OKLAHOMA COMPETITION TTS
SEP 5: (ATV only) MUSKOGEE: 2 DAY EVENT, SD RACING, (918) 781-3762
OREGON
RECREATIONAL
DUAL SPORT RIDE
SEP 27: DIAMOND LAKE: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTORCYCLE RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (541) 773-7433, OREGONMOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES.COM
PENNSYLVANIA
RECREATIONAL
BIKE SHOW
SEP 6: LANSDALE: BLUE COMET MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (267) 2613580, BLUECOMETMC.COM
CARNIVAL RUN
SEP 7: COLUMBIA: THUNDERBIRD MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (717) 898-0871
FIELD MEET
SEP 1: SCHUYLKILL HAVEN: SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 3851460, SCHUYLKILLCOUNTY MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM
POKER RUN - OFF-ROAD
SEP 6: (Includes ATVs) FAIRMOUNT CITY: REDBANK VALLEY PARK ASSOCIATION, (814) 365-5924, REDBANKPARK.NET
SEP 20: TBA: RAUSCH CREEK POWERSPORTS, (570) 682-4600, RAUSCHCREEKRACING.COM
POKER RUN
SEP 1: SCHUYLKILL HAVEN: SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 3851460, SCHUYLKILLCOUNTY MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM
SEP 14: MARIETTA: AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS PA POST CHAPTER
#466, (717) 898-0871
SEP 28: KRESGEVILLE: ZINC CITY MC, (570) 992-4214, ZINCCITYMC.ORG
SEP 28: LEBANON: LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (717) 270-9797
ROAD RUN
SEP 6: LEESPORT: CLASSIC HARLEY-DAVIDSON, (610) 916-7777, CLASSICHARLEY.COM
SEP 14: PHOENIXVILLE: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG
SEP 21: LINE LEXINGTON: MOTORCYCLISTS FOR JESUS MINISTRIES, PA CHAPTER, (215) 234-8611, BIKERSUNDAY.COM
ROAD RALLY
SEP 5: WILLLOW GROVE: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTORCYCLISTS FOR JESUS MINISTRIES, PA CHAPTER, (215) 234-8611, GO2MJM.COM
SEP 26: 2 DAY EVENT, AMERICADE, (518) 798-7888, ROLLINGTHRUAMERICADE.COM
COMPETITION
CROSS COUNTRY
SEP 20: (Includes ATVs) CENTRAL CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM
ENDURO
SEP 7: BIGLERVILLE: SOUTH PENN ENDURO RIDERS, (717) 265-6055, SOUTHPENNENDURORIDERS.COM
SEP 21: MAHONY: VALLEY FORGE TRAIL RIDERS, (610) 476-3747, VFTR.ORG
HARESCRAMBLES
SEP 13: CLIFFORD: 2 DAY EVENT, METEOR MC, (856) 297-5674, METEORMC.COM
SEP 21: (Includes ATVs) TBA: BP PROMOTIONS, (267) 261-0186
SEP 27: JEFFERSON TWP: 2 DAY EVENT, RIDGE RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (201) 4565519, ECEA.ORG
MOTOCROSS
SEP 7: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 5823717, PAGODAMC.ORG
SEP 7: SEWARD : PLEASURE VALLEY RACEWAY, (814) 539-4114, PVRMX.COM
SEP 13: DELMONT: BELLCO INC., (304) 284-0084, RACERPRODUCTIONS.COM
SEP 14: DELMONT: BELLCO INC., (304) 284-0084, RACERPRODUCTIONS.COM
SEP 21: THREE SPRINGS: ROCKET RACEWAY, (717) 574-6590, ROCKETRACEWAY.COM
SEP 28: DELMONT: BELLCO INC., (304) 284-0084, RACERPRODUCTIONS.COM
OBSERVED TRIALS
SEP 14: FARRANDSVILLE: DURTY DABBERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 748-9456, DURTYDABBERS. COM
SEP 21: MILLERTON: DISTRICT 4 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (570) 549-2297, DISTRICT4TRIALS.COM
SHORT TRACK
SEP 13: (Includes ATVs) HANOVER: TRAIL-WAY SPEEDWAY, (717) 3594310, TRAILWAYSPEEDWAY.COM TTS
SEP 7: (Includes ATVs) PARKESBURG: E PA PISTON POPPERS MC INC, (484) 336-9160
RHODE ISLAND
COMPETITION
OBSERVED TRIALS
SEP 28: EXETER: RHODE ISLAND TRAILS CLUB, (508) 285-6074, RITRIALSCLUB.COM
SOUTH CAROLINA
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
SEP 21: (Includes ATVs) HAMER: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 3235497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM
TENNESSEE
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
SEP 7: (Includes ATVs) BLOUNTVILLE: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORYSPORTS.COM
TEXAS
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
SEP 7: AMARILLO: BOWERS MX, (806) 671-7010, BOWERSMX.COM
SEP 7: ALVORD: RTW RACE PROMOTIONS, (940) 577-2225, OAKHILLMX.COM
SEP 14: TYLER: KINGDOM MOTORSPORTS LLC, (903) 8824215, SWANMX.COM
SEP 21: MIDLAND: KINGDOM
MOTORSPORTS LLC, WTMXP.COM
SEP 21: FT WORTH : KINGDOM MOTORSPORTS LLC, (817) 5727713, VILLAGECREEKMX.COM
VIRGINIA
RECREATIONAL
ROAD RALLY
SEP 6: LOUISA: NATION’S CAPITOL NORTON OWNERS GROUP, (540) 309-6668, SMALLCOUNTRY.COM
COMPETITION
GRAND PRIX
SEP 21: SPRING GROVE: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (757) 365-0347, VCHSS.ORG
SEP 28: SANDY LEVEL: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (434) 509-9363, VCHSS. ORG
MOTOCROSS
SEP 14: (Includes ATVs) WYTHEVILLE: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM
ROAD RACE
SEP 21: ALTON: AMERICAN SPORTBIKE RACING ASSOCIATION, (817) 246-1127, ASRARACING.COM
SUPERMOTO
SEP 27: ALTON: 2 DAY EVENT, SUPER MOTO EAST COAST, (646) 670-1103, FIMNASMC.COM WASHINGTON
RECREATIONAL POKER RUN - OFF-ROAD
SEP 27: (Includes ATVs) BELFAIR: TACOMA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (253) 606-0171, TACOMAMC.COM
ROAD RUN
SEP 7: CARNATION: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG WEST VIRGINIA
RECREATIONAL
TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL
SEP 13: SLANESVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, ROAD AND TRAIL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (301) 865-0779, RANDTCLUB. COM
WISCONSIN
RECREATIONAL
DUAL SPORT RIDE
SEP 27: WABENO: 2 DAY EVENT, WISCONSIN DUAL SPORT RIDERS, (920) 350-2030,
WIDUALSPORTRIDERS.ORG
COMPETITION
ENDURO
SEP 7: ADAMS: SOUTH EASTERN WISCONSIN ENDURO RIDERS, (262) 930-0358, SEWERMC.ORG
HARESCRAMBLES
SEP 21: DRESSER: NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (952) 2004978, NORESEMENMC.ORG
SEP 21: NEKOOSA: RAPID ANGELS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (715) 4511168, RAPIDSANGELS.COM MOTOCROSS
SEP 7: ARKANSAW: ARKANSAW CREEK CYCLE CLUB INC, (715) 2855679, ARKANSAWMX.COM
SEP 13: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 265-1582, AZTALANMX.COM
SEP 14: GRANTSBURG: STRAIGHT ARROW ENDURO RIDERS, (651) 7387433, STRAIGHTARROWS.ORG
SEP 14: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 265-1582, AZTALANMX.COM
SEP 21: TIGERTON: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-2863, FANTASYMOTO.COM
SEP 27: (Includes ATVs) HILLPOINT: SUGAR MAPLE MX LLC, (608) 3938812, SUGARMAPLEMX.COM
SEP 28: (Includes ATVs) HILLPOINT: SUGAR MAPLE MX LLC, (608) 3938812, SUGARMAPLEMX.COM
OBSERVED TRIALS
SEP 6: MAUSTON: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (319) 624-2003, WISCONSINTRIALS. ORG
SEP 7: MAUSTON: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (319) 624-2003, WISCONSINTRIALS. ORG
SEP 20: BLACK RIVER FALLS: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (319) 624-2003, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG
SEP 21: BLACK RIVER FALLS: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (319) 624-2003, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG SHORT TRACK
SEP 6: (Includes ATVs) OSHKOSH: SOUTHEASTERN SHORT TRACKERS, LTD, (414) 303-1331, OSHKOSHSPEEDZONE.NET
SEP 13: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 319-6889, BEAVERCYCLECLUB. COM
SEP 20: (Includes ATVs) LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 265-1582, AZTALANMX.COM
SEP 21: (Includes ATVs) LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 265-1582, AZTALANMX.COM TTS
SEP 14: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 319-6889, BEAVERCYCLECLUB. COM
WYOMING
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
SEP 6: (Includes ATVs) ROCKSPRINGS: 2 DAY EVENT, RSMX LLC., (307) 389-1477, RSMXLLC.NET
AMA MOTO rcycLE H ALL OF FAME MoTorcycl EMuSEuM.org
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Recognizing those who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling.
Bike craft: New-world craftmanship meets old-school motorcycles.
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.
AMA PrO rAcINg
AMA PrO FLAT TrAck
aM aproraciNg.co M
Aug. 17: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria TT
Aug. 23: New kent, Va.: Virginia Mega MIle
Aug. 31: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile II
Sept. 27: c alistoga, calif.: Calistoga Half-Mile
Oct. 11: Pomona, calif.: Flat Track Season Finale
AMA PrO H ILLcLIMB aM aproraciNg.co M
Sept. 21: Spring grove, Pa.: White Rose MC
Sept. 28: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC
Oct. 12: Oregonia, OH: Dayton MC
LucAS O IL AMA PrO M OTO crOSS pro MoTocroSS co M
Aug. 16: c rawfordsville, Ind.: Indiana National
Aug. 23: Tooele, utah: Utah National
AMA PrO rOAD rAcIN g
aM aproraciNg.co M
Sept. 13-14: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park
MTN DEW ATV AMA PrO
M OTO crOSS NATIONAL cHAMPIONSHIP
aTVM oTocroSS co M
Aug. 9-10: Hurricane Mills,
Tenn.: Can-Am ATV Dirt Days, Loretta Lynn’s AMA PrO-AM cOMPETITION
Aug. 24: Nashport, Ohio: Briarclif MX, Battle of Ohio; www.omxa.net
Aug. 24: Edgewood, Texas: Buffalo Creek; www.buffalocreekmx.com
Aug. 24: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek, Viking Clash; www.springcreekmx.com
Aug. 30-31: Millington, Mich.: Baja Acres, Baja Brawl; www.bajaacres.com
Aug. 31: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; www. pineridgeraceway.com
Sept. 7: Seward, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway; www.pvrmx.com
Sept. 7: Mason, Ill.: Crossroads MX, World of Powersports Crossroads Cup; www. crossroadsmx.com
Sept. 13-14: reynolds, ga.: Silver Dollar MX, Vurb Classic; www. motocrossleagueofamerica.com
Sept. 21: New castle, Del.: Blue DIamond MX, Delaware State Championship; www.bdmxpark.com
Sept. 21: Tigerton, Wis.: Fantasy Moto, Midwest Mega Series; www.fantasymoto.com
Sept. 20-21: garwin, Iowa: Oak Ridge MX, Motocross League of America; motocrossleague ofamerica.com
Sept. 28: Dalton, ga.: Lazy River MX, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victorysports.com
Oct. 5: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park; www.racewaypark.com
Oct. 12: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain MX Park; www.monstermx.com
Oct. 11-12: Duquoin, Ill.: Indian Hills Motocross, Motocross League of America (MLA); motocrossleague ofamerica.com
Oct. 19: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com
Oct. 26: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, Western Pro-Am; www.arizonacyclepark.com
Nov. 1-2: Pell city, Ala.: Mill Creek MX, Motocross League of America (MLA); motocross leagueofamerica.com
Nov. 23-26: g ainsville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, Mini Olympics-Supercross; www.unlimitedsportsmx.com
Nov. 27-29: g ainsville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, Mini Olympics-Motocross; www.unlimitedsportsmx.com
Nov. 30: St. g eorge, utah: St. George MX; www.stgeorgemxw.com
AMA NATIONAL cHAMPIONSHIP SE r IES
A MSOIL AMA gr AND N ATIONAL crOSS cOu NTry SEr IES
gNccraciNg.co M
Sept. 6-7: New Berlin, N.y.: Can-Am Unadilla
Sept. 20-21: TBA, Pa.: Car-Mate TBA
Oct. 4-5: St. clairsville, Ohio: ITP Powerline Park
Oct. 25-26: c rawfordsville, Ind.: AMSOIL Ironman
gEI cO AMA ENDurO crOSS cHAMPIONSHIP
ENdurocroSS.co M
Aug. 23: Atlanta: Gwinnett Center
Oct. 4: Denver, c olo.: National Western Complex
Oct. 11: Salt Lake c ity, utah: Energy Solutions Arena
Oct. 18: Everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena
Nov. 15: Boise, Idaho.: Idaho Center
Nov. 22: Ontario, calif.: Citizen Business Bank Arena
kENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDurO cHAMPIONSHIP
NaT io N al ENduro.co M
Aug. 31: union, S.c.: Duane Wellington, Greenville Enduro Riders; (864) 908-6109, GreenvilleEnduroRiders.com
Sept. 14: Matthews, Ind.: Doug Spence, Muddobbers; (765) 9982236, MuddobbersMC.com
AMA E AST HArE Scr AMBLES cHAMPIONSHIP
aM araciNg.co M
Aug. 16, youth; Aug. 17, Amateur: Athens, Ohio: Kevin Brown, Athens Motorcycle Club; (740) 590-3490, AthensMotorcycleClub.com
Sept. 27, youth; Sept. 28, Amateur: Bartow, Fla.: Keith Finnerty, Central Florida Trail Riders; (407) 774-9090, CFTRiders.com
Oct. 12, Amateur & youth: Plainview, Ill.: Ron Whipple, WFO Promotions; (309) 314-
High Adventure. No Hassle. The best routes, roads and twotrack, mapped by local experts. A great challenge with like-minded riders. A full weekend’s activities, with camping, campfires, food and prizes. For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding
3343, WFOPromotions.com
AMA Super M oto nAtion Al ch AM pion S hip S erie S amaraciNg.com
Sept. 13-14: Sturgis, S.D.: Downtown street race
AMA We St hA re Scr AM ble S ch AM pion S hip amaraciNg.com
Sept. 6, Youth; Sept. 7, Amateur: Anza, calif.: Justin Shultz, SoCal MC/Big 6 GP; (949) 981-6776, SoCalMC.com
oct. 4, Youth; oct. 5, Amateur: r idgecrest, calif.: Chris Cory, Viewfinders MC/Big 6 GP; (661) 450-8150, ViewfindersMC.com
S rt AMA hA re & houn D nAtion Al ch AM pion S hip amaraciNg.com
Aug. 23, Amateur and Youth: caliente, n ev.: Zack Livreri, Silver State Trailblazers; (702) 994-6823, http://sites.google.com/site/ silverstatetrail blazers/
Sept. 20, Youth; Sept. 21, Amateur: Yerington, n ev.: Erek Kudla, Get-Xtr-Eme; (805) 236-5866, Get-Xtr-Eme.com
oct. 11, Youth; oct. 12, Amateur: l ucerne Valley, calif.: Darren Moen, 100s MC; (714) 863-7170, www.100sMC.org
AMA Spee DWAY nAtion Al ch AM pion S hip amaraciNg.com
Sept. 19: Auburn, calif.
AMA VintAge Dirt trAck amaraciNg.com
Aug. 29: Springfield, Ill.: Short Track; Illinois State Fairgrounds; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing, (270) 442-7532; www.stevenace racing.com
Sept. 20: c uddebackville, n .Y.: Short Track; Tri-State M/C Ltd.; (845) 2191193; TriStateClub.com
Sept. 21: c uddebackville, n .Y.: Short Track; Tri-Sate M/C Ltd.; (845) 219-1193; TriStateClub.com
AMA VintAge Motocro SS amaraciNg.com
Aug. 24: casey, ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports, www. lincolntrailmotorsports.com
Sept. 14: coldwater, Mich.:
Log Road Motocross, www.logroadmx.com
oct. 4: g reensburg, ky.: Russell Creek Motocross
oct. 18: paoli peaks, ind.: Mammoth East, www. podium1motoplex.com
AMA AtV hA re Scr AM ble S ch AM pion S hip amaraciNg.com
Aug. 16: Athens, ohio: Kevin Brown, Athens Motorcycle Club; (740) 590-3490, AthensMotorcycle Club.com
Sept. 20: bartow, Fla.: Keith Finnerty, Central Florida Trail Riders; (407) 774-9090, CFTRiders.com
oct. 4: plainview, ill.: Ron Whipple, WFO Promotions; (309) 314-3343, WFOPromotions.com
AMA AtV e xtre Me Dirt tr Ack nAtion Al ch AM pion S hip amaraciNg.com
Aug. 23: busco beach, n.c.: Busco Beach
Sept. 5: Muskogee, okla.: Hatbox Field
Sept. 6: Muskogee, okla.: Hatbox Field
AMA Fe Ature D S erie S
All StAr nAtion Al FlAt trAck S erie S STEVEN acEraciNg.com
Aug. 15: lewistown, i ll.: Spoon River Speedway, Short Track
Aug. 30: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Short Track
Sept. 20: York, pa.: York Expo Center Randy Texter Memorial, Half Mile
big 6 AMA WeSt coAS t grAnD prix Serie S Big6 r aciNg.com
Sept. 6-7: Anza, calif.: The Ranch, SoCal GP
oct. 4-5: r idgecrest, calif.: Ridgecrest Fairgrounds, Viewfinders GP
nov. 1-2: goran, calif.: Quail Valley, Prospectors GP
Dec. 6-7: pala, calif.: Pala Raceway, Vikings GP
eAS t coAS t enDuro riDer S enDuro Serie S EcE a.org
Aug. 17: b erkshire, n .Y.: Speedsville e nduro, Ithaca Dirt Riders; (607) 657-8248,
www.ithacadirtriders.com
Aug. 24: Mauricetown, n.J.: b eehive e nduro, Competition Dirt Riders; (609) 319-7496, competitiondirtriders.org
Sept. 7: Shippensburg, pa.: Michaux e nduro, South Penn Enduro Riders; (717) 265-6055, southpenn enduroriders.com
Sept. 21: b randonville, pa.: Moonshine e nduro, Valley Forge Trail Riders; (484) 9485361, vftr.org
nov. 9: Warren grove, n.J.: Stump Jumper e nduro, Motorcycle Competition Inc.; (609) 575-7820, ride-mci.com
nov. 23: new lisbon, n.J.: pine h ill e nduro, Central Jersey Competition Riders; (732) 558-6475, www.cjcrmc.org
eAS t coAS t enDuro riDer S hA re S cr AM ble S Serie S EcE a.org
Sept. 13-14: MMc h arescrambles, Meteor Motorcycle Club; (856) 889-7300
Sept. 27-28: ridge h arescrambles, Ridge Riders MC; (973) 919-4780
oct. 4-5: Sahara Sands h arescrambles, Pine Barons Enduro Riders; (609) 654-6300
oct. 25-26: o rmond Farms h arescrambles, Competition Dirt Riders; (609) 319-7496
nov. 15-16: Delaware h arescrambles, Delaware Enduro Riders; (302) 834-4411
eAS t coAS t enDuro riDer S DuAl Sport Serie S EcE a.org
oct 12: pine grove, pa.: Rorr Dual Sport, Reading Off Road Riders; (610) 921-3592, rorr.org
oct. 25-26: chatsworth, n.J.: Meteor Dual Sport, Meteor Motorcycle Club; (856) 889-7300, www.meteormc.com
nov. 1-2: port e lizabeth, n.J.: TCSMC National Dual Sport, Tri-County Sportsmen MC; (888) 274-4469, teamhammer.org
Wo M en’S Motocro SS mxSporTS.com
Aug. 31: Millington, Mich.: Baja Brawl; (989) 871-3356
oct. 5: e nglishtown, n .J.: KROC Raceway Park; (732) 446-7800
oct. 19: b lountville, tenn.: Top Gun Showdown; (423) 323-5497
nov. 29: g ainesville, Fla.: Winter Olympics; (312) 689-3461
AMA AMAteur ch AM pion S hipS
AMA h illcli Mb grAnD ch AM pion S hip Vall EySpriNghillclimB.com
Aug. 15-17: bay c ity, Wis.: Mike Bronk, Valley Springs Motorcycle Club; (715) 594-3726
AMA roAD rAce grAnD ch AM pion S hip cc Sr aciNg.uS
Sept. 6-7: Millville, n .J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park, Kevin Elliott, American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA); (817) 246-1127
k en DA AMA tenne SS ee k nockout grAnD ch AM pion S hip TENNESSEEkN ockou T ENduro.com
Aug. 17: Sequatchie, tenn.
AMA lA nD S pee D grAnD ch AM pion S hip Bo NNEV ill ESpEEdT rialS.com
Aug. 23-28: Wendover, utah: Bonneville Salt Flats
intern Ation Al co M petition
Fi M Motocro SS oF nAtion S Fim-li VE.com
Sept. 28: kegums, l atvia
FiM i ntern Ation Al Six DAYS oF en Duro Fim-li VE.com
nov. 3-8: 2014 i SDe: San Juan, Argentina
FiM tri Al DeS nAtion S Fim-li VE.com
Sept. 13-14: St. Julia., Andorra
FiM north AM ericAn
SuperM oto ch AM pion S hip S FimNaSmc.com
Aug. 10: new castle, Del.: Blue Diamond MX Park
Sept. 13: c uddebackville, n .Y.: Oakland Valley Race Park
Sept. 27: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway
AMA/FiM north AM ericA Youth SilVer cup ch AM pion S hip iNduST ryraciNg.com
Aug. 10: i ndustry, calif.: Industry Hills Expo Center
AMA DuAl-S port/ ADV enture S erie S
AMA huSqVA rn A nAtion Al DuAl-Sport Serie S a mErica NmoTorcycliST.com
Aug. 16-17: t illamook, o re.: Rat Dog Dual Sport, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; blackdogdualsport.com
Aug. 29-Sept. 1: hood r iver, o re.: Dual Sport Northwest, Sound Rider!, Tom Mehren; (206) 650-9102; www.soundrider.com
Sept. 6-7: g olden pond, ky.: Land Between the Lakes 200, KT Riders, Jesse Thomas; (270) 522-3703; www.lbl200. com
Sept. 13-14: c olumbus, ind.: Buffaloe 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772; stoneylonesomemc.com
Sept. 13-15: reno, n ev.: Ride Reno 200, Dust Devils MC, Gary Lambert; (775) 224-0361; www.dustdevilsmc.com
Sept. 27-28: buck Meadows, calif.: Yosemite Dual Sport , Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 649-3633; www.familyoffroad adventures.com
Sep 27-28: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; widualsportriders.org
oct. 11-12: McArthur, o hio: Baby Burr National Dual Sport, Enduro Riders Association, Steve Barber; (614) 582-7821; www.enduroriders.com
oct. 25-26: tuckerton, n .J.: Meteor Ride in the Pines, Meteor MC, Jeff Fitzpatrick; (609) 654-5015; www. meteormc.com
Nov. 1-2: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, TriCounty Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 (856) 785-2754; www.teamhammer.org
Nov. 8-9: Wickenburg, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrailriders.org
Nov. 28-29: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.district37ama.org
AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ NATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Aug. 16-17: Tillamook, Ore.:
Rat Dog Dual Sport, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; blackdogdualsport.com
Sept. 5-9: Buena Vista, Colo.: Continental Divide Adv Tour, Exit Tours, Michael Brown; (719) 207-1189; www. coloradodual sport.com
Sept. 13-14: Columbus, Ind.: Buffaloe 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772; stoneylonesomemc.com
Sept. 13-15: Reno, Nev.: Ride Reno 200, Dust Devils MC, Gary Lambert; (775) 224-0361; www.dustdevilsmc.com
Sept. 20-21: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www. kaeppnerswoods.com
Oct. 11-12: McArthur, Ohio: Baby Burr, Enduro Riders Assn., Leslie Hamrichlutz, (614) 871-3471, leslie250@
columbus.rr.com, www. enduroriders.com
Oct. 25-26: Chatsworth, N.J.: Meteor Ride in the Pines, Meteor MC, Jeff Fitzpatrick; (609) 654-5015; www.meteormc.com
Nov. 1-2: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, TriCounty Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 (856) 785-2754; www.teamhammer.org
Nov. 8-9: Wickenburg, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrailriders.org
Nov. 14-16: Hammonton, N.J.: Pine Barrens 500, BMW of Manhattan Motorcycles, Jack O’Connor; 732-7148874; pinebarrens500.org; info@pinebarrens500.org
Nov. 28-29: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.district37ama.org
AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
NATIONAL CONVENTIONS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Sept. 17-21: Ruidoso, N.M.: Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally; MotorcycleRally.com
NATIONAL TOURING
RALLIES
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Aug. 29-Sept. 1: Hood River, Ore.: Rally in the Gorge; soundrider.com/rally
NATIONAL GYPSY TOURS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Aug. 28-31: Killington, Vt.: Killington Classic; killington classic.com
AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
March of Dimes Bikers For Babies Rides: Nationwide: www.bikersforbabies.org
Rides For Kids Events: Nationwide: www. rideforkids.org
2 Years of Rider Magazine for $19.99
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AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Jan. 1-May 24: Big Money Rally Grand Tour: bigmoneyrally.com; bigmoneyrally@hotmail.com
April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor Grand Tour: tourofhonor.com; regis@ tourofhonor.com
March 1-Oct. 31: Team
Strange Airheads 30th Anniversary Memory Lane Grand Tour: teamstrange.com/2014/ grandtours; bigmoneyrally@hotmail.com
AMA NATIONAL EXTREME GRAND TOURS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Feb. 2-Dec. 15: USA Four Corners Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycle Association
TBA: SCMA Three Flags Classic Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycle Association
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).
smaher@ama-cycle.org
By Adam Schrader
It’s not uncommon for one type of motorcyclist to point the finger at other types, blaming them when the non-riding public expresses a negative view about all motorcyclists.
One example is the complaint that sportbike riders and their hoodlum-like behavior give us all a bad name.
No question, the reckless conduct of riders is harmful to our sport’s image and reputation. Many of us have witnessed dangerous behaviors and a variety of other cringe-worthy antics.
However, my opinion diverges from the finger-wagging crowd’s when it comes to singling out a group of problem riders by what they ride—saying those who ride “crotch rockets,” for example, are the problem. Such divisive statements only prevent the support for, and protection of, our sport from reaching its full potential.
The motorcycles in this case are called sportbikes. They are not “crotch rockets,” and the riders who ride them are not “wannabe racers.” The majority of these bikes are ridden with skill and respect by responsible riders, including AMA members. Singling out irresponsible riders by using dismissive terms for their class of bike only casts guilt by association upon the many responsible riders who ride that style of motorcycle.
It is prejudicial, and it misses the larger problem: They are certainly in the minority.
There are dangerous and obnoxious riders on every type of motorcycle—Vtwin cruisers, standards, dirt bikes, trikes,
scooters and, yes, sportbikes. I enjoy taking my adventure-tourer down remote seasonal roads away from the public eye, but I know there will be riders on similar bikes who act as poor ambassadors for motorcycling.
When it comes to loud exhausts, I don’t have a problem with anyone’s “slightly tooloud mufflers.” But I do have a problem with riders who can’t use them with restraint.
We can’t afford to throw our hands up in disgust and cast aside all such riders as lost causes. Truly, there will be some individuals who are beyond hope, and who shouldn’t be driving any kind of vehicle on public roads. But most of the rest can get set on the right track.
These riders ride like they do because of immaturity, or because they don’t have the training and knowledge to comprehend the risks they are taking. Or, quite often, because their buddies ride like that.
Maybe they are trying to impress someone, or maintain or achieve a certain image that they have in mind. In a sport that prides itself on freedom and individuality, there are many who will blindly follow a misbehaving crowd right off the cliff.
As a public school teacher, I cannot do my job if I just look at the challenging students and give up on them by complaining about “kids these days.” I don’t have the luxury of hand picking the perfect class. I figure out my audience and adjust my teaching to reach as many of the students as possible in whatever way works best for their learning style.
If we want to reach the problem riders, we
need to reach them by whatever means are necessary, and keep trying.
Here are a few ideas. Ask motorcycle manufacturers to offer complementary oneyear memberships in the AMA or vouchers for MSF courses whenever someone buys a new bike—both would be in the industry’s best interests. Create a program helping dealerships do the same with used motorcycle sales. Offer discounts on safety courses in partnership with state motor vehicle departments when riders register their bikes. Work with professional racers and stunt riders to endorse and appear in a public service advertising campaign about responsible riding in magazines, on retailers’ websites, and on any television networks that cover racing and extreme sports.
Of course, make the government and the general public aware of these efforts to publicize that the majority of riders, the industry and our association are not only respected, upstanding citizens but are actively working to change the bad behavior of a very small minority.
Ideally, getting the irresponsible riders, of all different types of bikes, to join the AMA and become politically aware, responsible advocates for motorcycling would be the best of all possible outcomes. Where others may see lost causes, I see future members. To do this, we cannot afford to lay blame and divide. Walk over to these riders at the gas station and start a conversation that could bring them on board.
The clock is always ticking down on the next attack on motorcycling. It’s time to focus on the solutions and move forward as one.
Adam Schrader is an AMA member from North Bangor, N.Y.
As the proud sponsor of the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Touring Series, Yamaha is awarding one lucky member a new 2013 Super Ténéré! Riders participating in the series will also be automatically entered.
