American Motorcyclist August 2021

MONTHLY DRAWINGS

Members who join or renew their AMA membership from Jan. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2021 are automatically entered to win one of these awesome motorcycling prizes!

MEET THE NEW GUY

We have a new Art Director at American Motorcyclist, and his name is Todd Westover. Todd’s not only a longtime magazine Art Director (Hot Rod and Motorcyclist, to name just two), he’s also an accomplished fine artist and rock musician. Even better, he grew up racing motocross in the ’70s, so he knows our sport intimately. He’ll be making some design upgrades in the coming months, so please welcome him!

SURVIVORS ’R’ US

By Mitch Boehm

Having worked in motorcycleindustry editorial since 1985, and having ridden and raced motorcycles since 1971, I have been around a bit, and seen a lot of motorcycle stuff. It happens when you’re on the cusp of becoming an “old-timer.” And I am there.

I tend to reflect a lot these days…on how much fun I’ve had over the years, and how fortunate I’ve been to land in these positions — with this one at the AMA being the best yet in some ways.

So while reflecting during the production of this issue, a couple of things stood out, the most prominent of which was Miss Brittany Morrow, the young lady gracing this issue’s cover.

I have broken more than fifteen bones in my motorcycling life (eight ribs, both collarbones, a femur, a fibula, a radius, both wrists, a thumb and a few others) and have seen the results of some mighty ugly crashes involving friends and racers, so I’m pretty aware of the ugly side of motorcycling. It’s there, crouching in the darkness, and it’s the devil we all have to live with when we make the decision to be motorcyclists.

But I have to tell you, I have never been exposed to a more brutal accident — and a more inspiring, gritty recovery — than Miss Morrow’s. From the moment Joy Burgess told me about Britt a year ago I’ve been continuously moved; gutted one minute acknowledging the severity of what happened to her, and inspired the next seeing how bravely she recovered and what she’s done in the aftermath to help others not share her fate.

A couple times I’ve tried to put myself in her position — laying in a hospital bed with much of my body’s skin torn off, and looking at the prospect of painful skin grafts and many, many months of painful rehab — and, despite all the painful injuries I’ve had (including the broken ribs and

chest tube, which you do not ever want to experience), I literally cannot imagine what this young lady went through.

What’s even more amazing about Britt, of course, is the positive attitude and energy she carried with her during that rehab…and even more important, the body- and life-saving advice and activism about riding skills and proper gear she’s spread throughout the industry over the last decade or so. That’s more than just talk or good intentions; that’s dealing directly with the issue with real riders, many of whom are new and not at all ready for the exposure to the dark side they’ll be dealing with out there on the mean streets.

I’ve dealt with those “mean streets” — ugly LA traffic (with even uglier commuters), scary-fast backroads during testing, or the racetracks of America, Europe and Asia — for the better part of 40 years, and when I consider all that I’m stunned at the level of exposure I’ve had to death and dismemberment over the years.

Luck plays a part in staying alive, for sure, because if you’re in the wrong place at the right time, no skill set is gonna save you. But growing up on dirtbikes, and having literally hundreds and hundreds of thousands of miles of experience on the streets, has been a godsend for me.

But I’m an outlier here. A freak. Few of us have had the opportunity to work with motorcycles as their 9 to 5 for nearly four decades as I have. So I wonder about all those other folks, the newbies and re-entry riders who don’t have the benefit of my experience. Will they stick around and continue to be motorcyclists in three or five years? And will they survive?

If the Brittany Morrows, ChampSchools and STACYCs (and Striders) of the world have their way, more will. And that’s a great thing. Ride safely out there, eh?

ILONE RIDERS

By Joy Burgess

ride alone most of the time, and I thought maybe I was unusual in appreciating all that solitary wind therapy. But turns out a lot of women are just like me.

Some time back I saw survey data asking women about their riding habits. The results showed that 67% of women ride alone “often, most of the time, or always.” Honestly, I was pretty shocked to find out that so many women are taking to the road (or dirt) on their own.

So, I asked myself, why do so many women ride alone? Is it a conscious choice? Is it a lack of other women to ride with? Or do women face enough stress and pressure in their personal lives that a chance to ride alone with their own thoughts is appealing?

To dig into that question I started surveying women. If you ride alone, why? The answers were enlightening, and very similar to many of the reasons I often take off on my own.

from the pressures of life. “Riding is my thing,” said a long-time rider from Oregon. “It’s my chance to take some time for myself. No one is demanding anything of me…it’s a chance to just be in the moment.”

“Having the chance to explore places on your own leads to creating your own adventure on your own time,” a friend told me. “There is no one else to worry about; you set the standard for how the ride is going to be and you only.”

Of course, while a huge percentage of women like to hit the road alone, that’s not to say that many don’t enjoy riding with buddies. But as AMA On-Highway Government Affairs Manager Tiffany Cipoletti reminded me recently, “When riding in a group, you’re only as good as the leastskilled rider.” And other drivers come into the mix, too, as AMA Grassroots coordinator Erin Reda found out when she and other women in her group were run off the road and crashed.

As much as we love sharing the thrill of riding with friends, for many of us, riding alone is our church, our freedom and, sometimes, our saving grace.

For newer riders, the chance to go at their own pace and learn new skills made lone riding appealing. “It’s nice to go out at your own pace,” one woman from California said, “working on my skills without worrying about anyone else.”

“I don’t have to worry about trying to keep up with someone else,” added another newer rider, “so I can go at what feels comfortable for me instead of feeling like I have to push myself beyond my capabilities to keep up to others.”

Ride your own ride…I get that! Pushing yourself to build new skills is great, but pushing beyond your limits can be deadly.

Other women find lone riding offers them a chance to get away

Working to improve her own skills, Tiffany took the Yamaha Champions Riding School’s ChampStreet course (see p. 34 for her story) and passed along a lot of the valuable lessons she learned.

Tiffany also mentioned that an all-girl riding group called the Sirens from New York took the class at the same time. Smart! Learn together, build skills together and then ride together.

Of course, as much as we love sharing the thrill of riding with friends, for many of us, riding alone is our church, our freedom and, sometimes, our saving grace.

Joy Burgess is the Managing Editor of the AMA

LETTER OF THE MONTH

For The Love of Moto!

Impressive issue once again. Black and white photography somehow always eclipses color, and that was an amazing array of photos from long ago in the June edition. And remember, those shots were printed on paper in a place once called a “darkroom,” where chemicals were used and a red light was the only one allowed so as to not fog the prints. And before digital there was stuff called “film” that came in little plastic canisters containing either 24 or 36 exposures, and that roll better be rewound before you opened the back of that 35mm SLR… otherwise you’d have shite!

I was an Army reporter and combat photographer in Vietnam in the year 1966. Got a medal for my photos, in fact. What today’s generation might find interesting and yet hard to believe is that when I returned from the Mekong Delta to Saigon with my film I thought I might have some good shots — but never really knew for sure until they were developed. Assuming I got the shutter speed correct and the light meter dialed and, most importantly, was my 35mm lens in focus and not covered in slime? (This was Vietnam, after all). Had to be sure the canisters were clamped tight, as I was many times up to my waist in rice paddy water.

Will never forget waiting with my Editor for the contact sheets to return and looking at his face as he smiled, a smile that said I’d nailed it. I am sure Bill Petro did the same thing when anticipating his Jim Pomeroy shots. And he, too, must have smiled when he saw that contact sheet, because he nailed it, too.

Brian Halton | San Francisco, CA

RedLightBlues

Joy Burgess’ Red Light Blues article really hit home. Like most motorcyclists I have struggled with traffic signals not recognizing me and my motorcycle. It is annoying and in a

way can create a dangerous situation. Here in California, many intersections are now controlled by, I believe, video devices, which do not always “see” motorcycles. These devices also change the signal timing to better regulate the flow of traffic. At times,

I have approached one of the two of these in my town where I am the only vehicle approaching the intersection from my direction. If there is another vehicle in the opposing left-turn lane I am given a quick yellow and then red while giving the other vehicle the green to go ahead. This sometimes causes me to brake quite hard approaching the intersection, which could almost be considered a panic stop. This is definitely a hazardous situation for motorcyclists, as it could possibly cause a fall, or worse, running a red light and possibly resulting in a collision. Motorcycling is hazardous enough without DOTs throwing up additional hazards.

PomeroyandDeCoster

Great photo of the late, great Jimmy Pomeroy. The cross-up photo I have is similar and my all-time favorite. Not sure who photographer was (Codiva?) but I’m fairly certain it precedes the one of Pomeroy. (Check out the helmet.)

I was sent this image from Mr. Roger DeCoster after my mother wrote him a letter for me. We got a wonderful letter and this photo of him in return. My

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

parents took my brother and I all over the Midwest to see the European riders when they came to visit during those Inter-AM races. Cherished memories!

Gary Duden

More Moto Love

I just received the June issue of American Motorcyclist and have to say that this is the absolute best issue of any magazine I have ever received. Putting the Jim Pomeroy photo on the cover was an absolute stroke of genius. Your focus on the roots of American motocross was extremely well presented, and the photos were fantastic. As a young boy growing up in Iowa I was infected with the motocross virus that, thankfully, there is no cure for. Growing up far away from the West Coast scene I could only read the magazines that documented the stories of these motocross gods. I could only dream of someday being as good as these members of MX royalty. And your closing photo of Marty Smith was perfect. Again, thank you for the great issue!

Dan Ackart

CallingSuperHunky!

Not since the early ’70s reading Rick “Super Hunky” Sieman’s writings in Dirt Bike magazine have I been as entertained as I was reading your June issue and the articles recalling the early days of American motocross!

Those who grew up — like me — during arguably the most exciting days of American motocross surely had numerous memories ignited by the issue. As a young teen addicted to everything moto, I was fortunate to grow up just 12 miles from Red Bud. To have the opportunity to attend those early Trans-AMA and AMA Nationals was a thrill I’ll never forget. Thanks, Mitch and Co., for printing the history, the photos and your memories for moto nuts of all ages to enjoy!

Doug Duschek | AMA#2862303

MoreOnMay!

Here is a picture of our 9-month old granddaughter reading the Girls On Fire! issue. She picked it up by herself and was looking at it when her Grandma took the pictures. She’s a little young, but a balance bike and other two-wheeled powered devices are in her future.

Dennis

Harvey | AMA Life Member #670053

The Shot

The Jim Pomeroy cross-up photo is not arguably but undoubtedly the most iconic motocross image ever. When the print issue arrived — and may I add to the chorus, thank you for printing this magazine! — I jumped up, showed my wife and told her my story about this picture. I first saw this photograph when I was 15 and proceeded to trace it onto a t-shirt, then ink it in. That became my “motocross” t-shirt because of the gloriously elegant and dynamic photo that Bill Petro took. Naturally, my best friend and I jumped our Schwinn Sting Rays to pieces trying

to master the “Cross-Up.” I had never hung a magazine on the wall until the April issue of American Motorcyclist. To make a long story short, my Malcolm Smith shrine overflowed to another wall, so I mounted the whole magazine. Now I’ve had to do the same for the June issue. How are we looking for July? P.S. That’s me in the middle picture.

Neil Winnemore | AMA#847782

Looking good, Neil! July is all about On Any Sunday, so we’re thinking you’re gonna need even more wall space! — Ed.

Even More Moto Love

Whoa! My heart skipped a beat when I finished reading the latest copy of American Motorcyclist magazine. With “For The Love Of Moto” emblazoned on the cover next to an almost biggerthan-life picture of Jimmy “Bimbo” Pomeroy, one of my first racing heroes, doing that fabulous cross-up, I just had to dig in. And I enjoyed it all. I just wanted to thank the editorial staff for this wonderful trip down memory lane, with pictures and stories of such a wonderful time in motorcycling! As a lifelong motocrosser I’ve sometimes felt a bit neglected in these pages, seeing all the articles on touring and road racing (all good stuff, of course), but this issue makes up for it. Thanks again.

Bob Krus | Evergreen, CO

THE (LANE-SHARING) BATTLE CONTINUES

Oregon’s Motorcycle Advocacy groups got Lane Sharing passed in the House and Senate only to be stonewalled by the Governor’s veto, but sights are set on 2023

By Kali Kotoski

The votes had been counted in Oregon’s House of Representatives and it was time to break out the champagne and celebrate. A six-year effort to pass lane-sharing legislation finally appeared to be on the path of victory. With overwhelming bipartisan support, the Oregon Senate and House passed Senate Bill 574, which would

have permitted motorcyclists to filter between lanes, on multilane highways, when traffic had slowed.

It was already reason for celebration as previous versions of the bill had failed to advance to a vote in 2015, 2017 and 2019.

Then, on the night of May 27, the messages and emails started pouring in announcing that the unthinkable

had happened. Despite overwhelming lawmaker and rider support, Governor Kate Brown (D) vetoed the bill, citing concerns over noncompliance and public safety.

“We knew it was intellectually possible that Brown could veto the bill, but it still really set us back when it actually sunk in,” said Patrick Leyshock, co-founder of the Sang-

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Amazingly, mom, dad and son qualify for the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s

By Joy Burgess

Justin and Tressa Rau had big dreams for their son Jett this year — helping him qualify for the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Aug. 2-7.

“We originally were focusing on helping Jett qualify,” Tressa told American Motorcyclist. “Then Justin and I were back at it and decided to see if we could do it again this year [both Justin and Tressa have qualified in the past —Ed].”

“I was bouncing back from a list of injuries,” Justin said, “and I’d considered never racing again. But something about the sport keeps dragging me back. I raced an area qualifier at Horn Rapids, Washington and barely made it in…then another in Delta, Utah. Once word got out that all three of us were shooting for tickets in, they said it’d be the first time a dad, mom and son would qualify. Well, then it was game on!”

And game won, too, as all three qualified and got their tickets to the AMA Amateur National Motocross

Championship at Loretta Lynn’s. Justin and Tressa both qualified in the Senior (40+) class at the Midwest Regional in Porterville, Calif, and Jett qualified in the Mini-E (4-6) Jr. class at Washougal.

“All of us standing together with our tickets is probably the proudest moment we’ve had to this point as a family,” Tressa told us.

“So many emotions,” Justin continued. “Happy, accomplished, choked up, proud!”

What’s the plan for the family going into the Championship?

“We plan to train our butts off since we made it this far,” Tressa told us. “I’m a trainer, so I’ll be putting our butts to work between races.”

It’ll be the first time racing at Loretta Lynn’s for all three of them, and young Jett already has predictions for how he’ll finish.

“It was pretty awesome when I got the ticket,” Jett said, “and I think I’ll get ninth!”

Good luck, Rau family!

RIDING TRACK RESCUE

AMA helps landowner push back against local zoning office

By Joy Burgess

In April 2021, Brandon and Tiffany Hughett of Dublin, Va. received a Notice of Violation from the County of Pulaski’s Planning and Zoning Office asking them to discontinue the use of the small dirt bike track the family had constructed for their son, daughter and their friends. An upset neighbor had reported the family to the county, working against them to get their tiny track shut down.

“It was frustrating,” Brandon Hughett told American Motorcyclist. “We’ve been riding here since 2008, and my kids and their friends have always enjoyed being able to ride here. To receive a notice of violation was a complete surprise.”

When Hughett contacted the AMA,

Off-Highway Government Relations

Manager Peter Stockus was there to help, submitting a letter to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Board of Zoning Appeals ruled in the Hughett’s favor, effectively rescuing the family riding track.

“Help from the AMA increased my confidence,” Hughett said. “It reassured me there was hope for a positive outcome. And that’s what we got!”

“Every local fight is different,” Stockus said, “and all issues don’t break our way, but the AMA is here to provide members with expertise and support. The Government Relations Department is only an email or phone call away, and we’re always here to help.”

2020 Motorcycle Fatalities Up 9 Percent

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) total projected motorcyclist fatalities for 2020 increased by 9 percent compared to 2019, according to a recent preliminary report. Overall fatalities across all vehicle categories increased by about 7.2 percent compared to 2019, despite pandemic-related lockdowns greatly reducing the amount of vehicle miles traveled, which decreased by 13.2 percent compared to the previous year. The surge in fatalities reveal the largest increase of deaths since 2007. A total of 5,458 motorcyclists died in 2020 while an estimated 38,680 people died in all motor vehicle traffic crashes. The data shows that the deadliest months came in the second half of the year after states began reopening following earlier shutdowns and stay at home orders in the first half of 2020.

Virginia Kicks Off LaneFiltering Legislative Study

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is moving forward with a study to understand the issue of motorcycle safety as it relates to lane filtering. The working group in charge of the study, which includes stakeholders like the AMA, the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists, and others, is scheduled to have its first in-person meeting in early July to hammer out the language of the study. The study comes after House Bill 1236 was introduced into Virginia’s 2020 General Assembly. The bill would have allowed lane filtering under certain conditions but failed to move after a tied subcommittee vote. David Marsden, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, commissioned the study and has set a deadline for conclusions and recommendations to be submitted by December to help guide 2022 legislation.

UP TO SPEED

JENNIFER FINN

Editor’s Note: In our May edition we highlighted many amazing women who are a part of the AMA staff. Unfortunately, we missed two important and talented lady staffers, an error we’ve (hopefully) made up for here with these two mini features. You go, Ladies!

Jennifer Finn has been around motorcycles since her early 20s, and she’s worked within the event industry in Columbus for the past several years. Not only did she work at AmeriCorps and Ohio State University, she later moved on to help handle events for the City of Columbus and the Mayor’s office.

“I enjoyed working with the people under the mayor,” Jennifer said, “but most of all I loved that I got to know my city and completely fell in love with it.”

For some time she ran her own business successfully, until COVID — and the economic impact that came with it — left her looking for a new opportunity.

“I saw the opportunity at the AMA,” she said, “and I thought it would be a great fit for me.” And it has been.

Working as the AMA Member Activity Coordinator, a position that’s part of the AMA’s Marketing and Advertising department, she enjoys interacting with members and finding new, innovative ways to handle events for the organization.

“I love spending time talking with members,” she said, “and I’m excited to work with the team to help expand the events we’re doing at the AMA in new ways we haven’t done before. I enjoy finding ways we can get involved with our community of members.”

LAKOTA ASHWORTH

AMA Racing Coordinator

Lakota Ashworth began riding dirt bikes at age 9, starting on a PW80 she thought was the coolest bike ever…until her dad introduced her to a YZ85. Her father, AMA Life Member Mark Peters, told her, “There’s a hillclimb tonight. If you can learn to use that clutch, you can race.”

She made it to that hillclimb, and despite not making it up the hill, she came off the hillside with an adrenaline rush and plenty of two-wheel fascination.

After being gifted a KDX200 she got serious, racing in the 200cc class in the District 17 Hillclimb Series — the only woman competing against all men for some time. Lakota won the District 17 Women’s Championship several times, even going to Nationals at the Devil’s Staircase, Flying Dutchmen and

Thunder Valley.

“My love for the sport didn’t stop there,” she said. “I started working at a motocross track in 2016, spending as much time there as possible, riding and working. I raced my first MX race in 2017, and got third place.”

Each year her crew got invited to the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship event hosted at Loretta Lynn’s, and she’d volunteer to help with registration.

“Now I’m the Motocross Coordinator for the AMA,” she continued, “and that’s what years of hard work, dedication and never giving up looks like. I moved from Illinois to Ohio in 2020 to a huge city where I knew no one to chase my dreams of working in this industry. Sometimes I have to pinch myself, because it feels like this job is living a dream.”

By Joy Burgess

Acouple years ago, MSF instructor, safety advocate and motivational speaker Brittany Morrow crashed her motorcycle during morning practice on race day. And after a bit of a slide and a few tumbles, she picked herself up, walked to the edge of the track and, an hour — and a bit of bike repair — later, got back on the track, raced successfully in front of her parents for the first time, all while turning in personal-best lap times.

Thirteen years earlier, Brittany experienced a radically different type of crash and outcome — and one that would alter her life forever.

SOUL SURVIVOR

Brittany

Morrow nearly died in a horrific accident that changed her life forever, but has leveraged her experiences to champion safety and help save others from her fate

“A couple of weeks after being in a hospital bed, I got on the back of a motorcycle again with a friend and we rode through a parking lot. I was terrified, shaking, my heart pounding, but I did it because I knew the next time I got back on it would be easier.”

While riding on the back of a sport bike with a friend on a freeway at a speed quite higher than the posted limit, Brittany was literally blown off the back of the bike — which stayed upright with the rider in the saddle. Had she been wearing the same gear she’d been wearing at the track two years ago, she would have slid and tumbled for quite a distance — but might have walked way reasonably unscathed, as many roadracers do.

But Brittany was not wearing protective gear that day other than a helmet (thank God). She was wearing lightweight Capri jeans, a cotton sweatshirt and tennis shoes — all of which were basically ripped off her body during a hellish, 522-foot slide on asphalt that tore off more than 50 percent of her skin and nearly killed her from blood loss as she was lifeflighted to a nearby hospital.

In the flurry of doctors and nurses

trying to save her life, her morphineblurred memory, blessedly, only recalls bits and pieces. “I remember hearing a doctor saying I had lost my entire left breast,” she remembered. “And when it was time to clean off my skin, the doctors decided that surgical debridement of the dead tissue was necessary, along with invasive repair to my pinky finger, right big toe and my left side from hip to armpit… the rest is lost in the six-hour surgery that followed.”

After that first surgery, her recovery had only just begun. The pain was intense, and the only way to escape the pain was to sleep. But every time she slept she relived the accident in suffocating nightmares. Awake or asleep, she couldn’t escape what had happened.

With road rash so severe her skin wouldn’t ever grow back on its own, she required full-thickness skin grafts.

“The doctors had only two places on my body to harvest healthy skin,” she said. “My [inner] thighs were the only two places that had not received any abrasions.”

The two months in the hospital receiving skin grafts, enduring screaminducing dressing changes, and grueling physical therapy took a toll on her mentally, too. All she wanted was to get back to her life.

After the final (of nine) skin graft surgery she begged the doctors to let her go home. “I couldn’t stand the thought of returning to a physical rehabilitation hospital,” she told us. “So with fresh donor sites on my left thigh and throbbing pain worse than most I had felt, I walked down the hall three days after surgery so I could go home, [crying] with relief when they signed my release paperwork.”

She still had open wounds, and walking a few steps down a hall-

Brittany’s childhood friend and boyfriend visiting her in the hospital (left). Two weeks after the crash, they’d just completed fresh surgical debridement of the road rash on Brittany’s leg before skin graft surgery (right).

way still made her break a sweat, but she was happy to be home. And in spite of what she’d been through, she wasn’t going to give up on the dream she’d had since she was in eighth grade and saw the sportbikes featured in The Fast and the Furious — riding motorcycles.

“A couple of weeks after being in a hospital bed,” she told American Motorcyclist, “I got on the back of a motorcycle again with a friend and we rode through a parking lot. I was terrified, shaking, my heart pounding, but I did it because I knew the next time I got back on it would be easier. After about 100 feet, I had to jump off. But next time we went through the neighborhood at about 20 mph. I knew I wanted to get my own bike, but I needed to get over my fear.

Every time I rode on the back it got a bit better, and I started feeling that feeling I used to get — that adrenaline mixed with freedom.”

“Eventually,” she continued, “I got back on the same motorcycle with the same person and we went for a ride. I had to do it. I had to tell myself that it doesn’t always end badly. I felt like maybe deep down I knew that if I didn’t do it, it would control me for

Brittany at age 5 with her cousin Chad, who later took her for her first motorcycle ride.

the rest of my life. That I would always be afraid, and I didn’t want to be that person. I was never the girl who was afraid of things, and I was never the girl who wouldn’t take on a challenge.”

And so, just nine months after her accident — and despite always riding pillion in the past — she walked into a Yamaha dealership and bought her first bike, a 2006 Yamaha YZF-R6S.

“Honestly, I wasn’t making great decisions at that point based on research and wisdom,” she remembers, “I didn’t have that yet. I just had the desire to be who I’d always been… to be the person I knew was still in there. So I just went and bought a motorcycle.”

“My parents looked at me like I

“Nearly every second for two months was spent in a hospital bed,” Brittany said. “Physical therapy while in the hospital consisted of barely sitting up on the edge of the bed, with a belt to hold all the protective padding to my body while the skin grafts were healing and sensitive.”

broke their hearts all over again,” she says. “My PTSD was so strong back then and was kind of controlling me at that stage. I’m sure I hurt them by buying a motorcycle. But I just wanted to take all the chances and I wanted things to go back to the way they’d been. I didn’t know how to get there except by acting like this didn’t happen. I’m fine; everything is great. I’m gonna go buy a motorcycle and I’m gonna ride really fast, but I’m gonna wear gear and take classes and attend a race school before I ride on the street, because there was this little voice in my head saying, ‘Don’t forget, you almost died and it really sucked.’”

“Looking back,” Brittany continued, “I wonder what I was thinking. How did I survive my first two years of riding around on a 600cc sportbike? I’d hear that little voice in my head saying, ‘Have fun, but not too much.

Have fun, but don’t go crazy.’ I feel like there was this constant battle going on in my head. And I listened to that little voice enough to stay upright, take classes, and started sharing my story.”

Just after the one-year anniversary of her accident, she began sharing her story. “Sometimes our culture glorifies the ‘you only live once, take chances’ idea,” she told us, “but I wanted to

“I took this shot at my favorite mural in downtown Albuquerque, N.M.,” Brittany said, “mainly because it makes me feel like a superhero!”

There’s a significance to the pendant Brittany’s holding here. “Teal is for PTSD,” she told us, “and this was taken on the 15th anniversary of my accident. This pendant symbolizes all the injuries I can’t take photos of — the mental injuries — as they sit side by side with my physical ones. I’ll battle with both for the rest of my life.”

“I specialize in connecting with people, and what better way to launch a safety campaign than to ask riders to go out and talk to drivers and say, ‘Can you help us? Because we’re dying out here!’”

share my story as a cautionary tale. To say here’s what happens when things go wrong. Here are the consequences you don’t want. Please learn from my story.”

Brittany didn’t just learn to ride after the accident, or share her cautionary tale. She also went on to become an MSF RiderCoach and Total Control Instructor, and is certified to facilitate the Basic RiderCourse, Experienced RiderCourse, Advanced RiderCourse and the Military Sportbike RiderCourse.

“Becoming an instructor changed everything for me,” she said. “I realized there was so much more to riding a motorcycle than I thought. There’s more you can do than just tell people to wear gear. That was the point where this really turned into a lifestyle of wanting to learn more, wanting to become an expert, and not just sharing my story, but sharing how to do things better and safer so that people are never in the position I was in.”

As an MSF Rider Coach and U.S. Military Motorcycle Safety Instructor — she trained riders at military bases in Southern California full time and served as site administrator at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach through 2014 — one of the biggest things she works to communicate to new riders is that nothing can replace experience on a motorcycle.

“One of the most important things I explain to newer riders,” she mentioned, “is that once you’re on a motorcycle and moving forward, the bike does most the work for you, so it seems like you’re a lot better than you really are in the beginning. And the only way for you to become

Top: Brittany at the Sportbike Track Time’s “Ladies First” Track Day back in 2014. Bottom Left: “This was my daily parking spot,” Brittany mentioned, “when I was a full-time motorcycle safety contractor for the Navy working on Coronado Island. We did our classes next to the aircraft carriers and our range was next to the flight line!”

a well-seasoned and skilled rider is to have seat time. No matter how good you think you are in the beginning, you cannot let that dictate the decisions you make, because nothing, absolutely nothing, can replace experience.”

“Take all the training you can possibly take. Read all the books you can read. Watch all the videos you can watch – and obviously consider the source when you do. But there is never a time when you are too good to learn more,” she added.

According to Brittany, it’s a process of learning and growing as a rider.

“I feel like I can’t express enough to

new riders how important it is to just have respect for the whole process of learning and growing. Your life depends on it. Nothing can overcome the fact that you need to put in the time, the practice and the training.

Having the right attitude will save your life. The right attitude and respect for the process will help you choose the right way of learning; it’ll help you choose the right gear, and it’ll help you make the right decisions when you’re on a motorcycle. I think that every other lesson in riding comes from that — your life is on the line here, and you have to respect the learning process.”

Over the past 15 years, Brittany has been an International Motorcycle Shows Special Presenter, Motorcycle Safety Presenter, and became a

“Becoming an instructor changed everything for me. I realized there was so much more to riding a motorcycle than I thought.”

Brittany poses for a safety video for the USMC’s 101 Days of Summer in 2020 at Rust is Gold Coffee and Garage in Albuquerque. Inset: Putting a knee down at the Harris Hill club track in Texas. Far left: Riding Tail of the Dragon. Left: Brittany has worked with Can-Am for a couple of years. “Many people with disabilities find three wheelers to be the best option, and I’m definitely an advocate for that,” she says.”

“No matter how great my life is now, I absolutely would have never chosen to go through what I went through or put my family what they went through. I would have never volunteered for it.”

motorcycle safety apparel expert. In 2008 she started the Rock The Gear safety campaign with her personal experience and the knowledge she’d gained through training by the Motorcycle Industry Council.

Thirteen years after starting Rock The Gear — in May 2021 — Brittany launched the Look For Riders safety campaign.

“Being an instructor and going all over the world giving special presentations at big motorcycle safety events,” she said, “one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned outside my expertise is about the phenomenon of riders not being easily seen on the road and drivers pulling out in front of them. I have to give a shout out to Kevin Williams — author of the book The Science of Being Seen — who devoted his entire career to this aspect of rider safety.”

nect with humans on a personal level. We need to flip the script and come to drivers as friends and fellow humans.”

“There have been safety campaigns on this aspect of rider safety since the 1970s,” she added, “and nothing has helped. Nothing has changed the data. Nothing has made drivers look for

“Part of what Williams talks about is something called inattentional blindness, the idea that you only see what you’re actually looking for. Even if there’s a motorcycle out there on the road in front of you, if you have no interest in motorcycles, you’re probably not going to see that rider because they’re small and it doesn’t interest you, so your brain isn’t thinking about motorcycles.”

How to overcome that? Start putting drivers in a position that they’re interested in motorcycles. “I know you can’t get every driver interested in motorcycles,” Brittany acknowledged, “so the only way to connect with drivers that don’t ride is to con-

think this has to start on a human level,” she told us. “Drivers don’t care unless they know a rider.” And one way to do that is to give drivers a graphic reminder of motorcyclists on their windshield or mirror.

Her Look For Me kit gives riders a set of 10 large motorcycle profile

motorcycles. We’re still being killed by drivers pulling out in front of us on a regular basis. The number one fatality in in-town crashes is the right of way being violated by a driver.”

“Since the ’70s,” she added, “we’ve been asking drivers to look for motorcycles, but they don’t care about motorcycles. We also haven’t shown them what having a rider coming towards them actually looks like. It’s not the side angle they see on TV or in all the marketing campaigns. The shape is completely different — a little headlight, the triangle shape of the arms coming down from the shoulders, and the skinny little tire on the bottom.”

Her goal is to change all that. “I

stickers, 10 small profile stickers and 10 business cards. “I ask riders to go to a driver they know and say, ‘I’m a motorcyclist, my life depends on you seeing me on the road. I hope you’ll make a commitment to start looking for motorcycles out on the road. Can I show you how small we really are, and can I install these stickers — one on your windshield and one on your mirror — to remind you of what we really look like when we’re riding toward you? That might be me on the road, and I could die if someone pulls out in front of me. Will you make this commitment to put these on your car, and will you care enough to have it remind you of this conversation?’”

“I specialize in connecting with

people,” Brittany said, “and what better way to launch a safety campaign than to ask riders to go out and talk to drivers and say, ‘Can you help us? Because we’re dying out here!’”

It’s been 15 years since Brittany’s life-altering accident, and in that decade-and-a-half she’s created

national safety campaigns — receiving three Grants from the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety in direct response for her efforts — become an MSF RiderCoach, held an AMA racing license, was the Director of the Women’s Sportbike Rally, currently runs the new Revvolution Rally, and is a motivational keynote speaker, writer, and photographer in the industry.

She’s overcome a lot, inspired thousands of people with her courage and determination, and become a positive voice for motorcycle safety. Life is good, but does she ever wish she could change the past?

“Yes and no,” she told me, her voice turning sober. “I love my life.

Far left: The small profile sticker from Brittany’s Look For Me kit placed on a mirror shows the actual profile of a motorcyclist on the road. “It’s shape,” she says, “a little headlight, the triangle shape of the arms… and the skinny little tire on the bottom.” Above: Sandia Crest at sunset in Brittany’s hometown of Albuquerque, N.M. Above left: Brittany at the Shiny Side Up annual safety event in New Zealand.

I love my career. I love motorcycling. But I struggle with my injuries, and will for the rest of my life. No matter how great my life is now, I absolutely would have never chosen to go through what I went through or put my family what they went through. I would have never volunteered for it. I don’t want to say that everything is fantastic and my life is great and that I have no regrets. That’s not the truth.”

“That’s one of the reasons why I feel responsible to talk about my accident. If someone would have told me my story before I got on that motorcycle, I would have made better decisions. I absolutely would have done things differently. Today, I feel like I need to be that person for others. Regardless of their age, if they’re a passenger or they’re getting on their own motorcycle, I can say, ‘Hey! Take a step back. Your decisions can absolutely change your life forever.’”

“Sometimes our culture glorifies the ‘you only live once, take chances’ idea, but I wanted to share my story as a cautionary tale. To say here’s what happens when things go wrong. Here are the consequences you don’t want.”

“Not all of my life is great today. That’s the truth…the real answer. And that’s why I’m never going to stop telling my story!”

Her story…it’s extraordinary! Brittany knows what it’s like to stare death in the face. She suffered agonizing pain as a result of her accident, fought through the darkness of depression and PTSD, and yet she still chose to kick her fears to the curb and learn to ride — after knowing how it felt to tumble and slide over 522 feet of

pavement.

Instead of hiding her scars, she shared them with the world in the hope that she could help save others from what she endured.

She has always been the girl who wanted to do what people said couldn’t be done. “This has been me all my life,” she said. “This is who I am!”

Grit. Determination. Courage. Brittany Morrow. A true survivor. With soul.

Stopping to enjoy the stunning view at Bruce Jackson Lookout over the Clutha River while riding in New Zealand in 2016. Be sure to check out brittanymorrow.com for more of Brittany’s heroic story and survivaloriented activism.

Tiffany Epiphany The

The AMA’s intrepid On-Highway Government Affairs Manager gets schooled on the finer points of front brake and cornering technique

By Tiffany Cipoletti

Hi. My name is Tiffany Cipoletti and, until last week, I was a true-blue Never Front Braker. Okay, maybe not a never front braker, but let’s just say I was not confident using it, and it was probably the last thing I’d think of in an emergency situation. Not good, I know. But all that changed recently for me and my trusty 2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster when I took the Yamaha Champions Riding School’s ChampStreet course headed by founder Nick Ienatsch and his team at New Jersey Motorsports Park. I’m pretty sure I learned skills there that could likely save my life one day. Plenty good, right?

Like many of you, I’m not much of a risk taker on the bike, mostly because I’m reasonably aware of my limits and realize things can go badly if you aren’t on top of things. Am I typically pulling up at the rear on group rides? You betcha. It’s all a part of my calculated risk taking, and knowing exactly the distance I need to stop my motorcycle.

When I began riding six years ago I was reminded by more seasoned riders that there are two types of riders: those that have been down and those that will go down. And of course it wasn’t long — just six months — before I ended up in the latter group thanks to my less-than-capable front-braking technique. I wasn’t hurt

“When I began riding six years ago I was reminded by more seasoned riders that there are two types of riders: those that have been down and those that will go down.”

badly, but I was lucky.

I was therefore excited to take the ChampStreet course, so let’s dive right into the curriculum, which takes many of the same track-riding techniques taught in the school’s twoday ChampSchool and applies them to street riding. Basically, it’s a street rider’s chance to live out his or her MotoAmerica fantasy of being on a

real racetrack without all the barriers; lessons are taught at highway speeds on your street motorcycle in your street gear, and no leathers required.

We spent the morning with the coaches going over the basics of 100 points of grip; how properly loading the tire improves traction; trail braking; smooth braking and throttle application; learning how to ef-

“Motorcycling has always been thrilling and something that I’ve been passionate about,” Tiffany said, “but this course opened me up to a whole new level.”

fectively tighten and decrease your radius while corning; and emergency braking.

The first takeaway I had from the coaching, demonstrations and onrange exercises is how hard I was making cornering by not properly loading my front end before leaning my bike. The second was how radius equals MPH, which means I could potentially eliminate lean-angle risks by being consistent with neutral throttle and accelerating when I could see my exit.

All this conflicted with the “skills” I’d used previously, which, for cornering, was rolling off the throttle and coming into a corner at a turtle’s pace, and using my 130-pound body

to lean my almost 600-pound motorcycle over — and hoping for the best. I knew of the general ideas of using throttle position to affect lean angle and “trail braking,” which means braking as you lean your bike into the corner. But my low-risk mentality kept me from ever actually doing them — especially on unfamiliar roads.

Lucky for me, I had a chance to put these skills to the test on track without fear of the dangerous interactions of real street-riding conditions. I work in motorcycle advocacy, and I know what the statistics say…that we motorcyclists are taking ourselves out at an alarming rate for failing to navigate a curve. According to the Nation-

al Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than half of motorcycle fatalities are single-vehicle accidents, and motorcycles are more frequently involved in fatal collisions with fixed objects than any other vehicle type. How, I asked myself, was I going to convince my brain to keep up a modicum of speed approaching a corner, or start applying pressure on the front brake to begin to lean in? The cursed front brake had cruelly taught me a lesson when abruptly grabbing it in my early-career crash, so none of this seemed natural to me.

Riding with the Champ School instructors helped — a lot. On lap number one I nervously followed my instructor, watching his brake light

intently to see where he was starting to brake, what line he was on, his neutral throttle speed and at what point he started to accelerate from the apex and stand his bike up.

In the next corner I told myself I was going to try it while repeating a phrase from coach Nick that you have to “load the tire before you work the tire.” But as soon as I saw the instructor’s brake light I chickened out, rolled off, and bumbled my way through the corner virtually upright. At one of the coaching stops I pulled over and watched someone run through the techniques one more time, and tried to convince my brain that we could do this.

“What’s the worst that’s going to happen today?” I asked myself. “That I might actually learn how to ride my motorcycle properly?” And off I went, following the coach again, but this

“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than half of motorcycle fatalities are single-vehicle accidents. ”

before. In the space of just a few hours I’d gone full circle in my attitude about riding and riding a motorcycle the way it was designed to be ridden. Going in, I had so many doubts that I was never going to be this type of rider, but something clicked and my fear went away. Motorcycling has always been thrilling and something that I have been passionate about, but

time telling my brain we’d keep our speed up and carry a bit more momentum. And it worked! I studied the coach in front of me, watched where his light illuminated and held my throttle to that point, and then gently squeezed the lever. The first time wasn’t perfect, but nothing bad happened, and we did it again and again, and things got better and better until I was doing it without even thinking about it. Call it an epiphany of sorts. By the time lunch rolled around I realized that my front brake was no longer the devil, and I began feeling like I wanted to go faster, which is something I never, ever wanted to do

As a motorcycling advocate I’ve made it a point that if I’m going to “talk the talk” I need to “walk the walk” about rider training — and I have tried to fulfill that mission, taking six rider-training courses during my six years of riding. What I’ve learned above and beyond all the skills the various coaches have taught me, though, is that rider training should be an ongoing and continuing education.

Keep it shiny side up, and I hope to catch you all out there on the road one day soon.

The ChampStreet course costs $495, with the curriculum derived from the company’s popular 2-Day ChampSchool program, but scaled down to a more affordable price point. The same techniques apply to

this course opened me up to a whole new level, and by late afternoon I was already kicking around the idea that maybe one day I would return to YCRS to participate in a two-day track school.

I cannot say enough good things about Nick Ienatsch, Chris Peris, Keith Culver, Chip Spalding and the rest of the coaches that worked with our class that day. My only regret is that I did not have access to this type of intense and specific training earlier in my riding career, as I’m confident I learned critical skills that’ll keep me safer on the road for the long haul. I no longer have to live on a wing and a prayer.

all students, whether they’re commuters, tourers or weekend backroad riders, with differing degrees of application. The ChampStreet school is part of a larger curriculum of offerings that include a one-day ChampSchool racetrack school ($1249) and the aforementioned two-day version ($2495). It’s worth noting that not all states have subsidized entry-level new-rider courses, and private trainers run $300-$400 per day — so the ChampStreet price is plenty reasonable. A good helmet is more than $500 these days, as are quality jacketand-pant combos, so the investment in riding skills makes even more sense.

And Finally…

Tiff tries a different bike, and quickly gets out of her element

At the end of the day the ChampSchool guys offered to let me ride one of their bikes to try out my new skills, and with my confidence at an all-time high I decided to give it a shot...and swung a leg over one of their Yamaha MT-03 naked bikes. I was a bit nervous about being on something other than my Sportster, even if it was smaller and lighter, so the MT made a bunch of sense. Of course, it only took a few moments in the MT’s saddle for that feeling of being totally out of my element to come

rushing back, as the inputs on this motorcycle were wildly different than those of my Harley. After thrashing through the gears and accidently getting the front wheel off the ground (something that never happens on my 883), I got frazzled and ended up running off the track in a puff of dust and sand. It was a graceful exit to the asphalt, and no harm came of it, but I did immediately make my way back to the garage and parked the MT. Maybe next time! Tiffany Cippoletti

STACYC GENERATION NEXT

AMA member passes his love of riding to the next generation with a little help from STACYC

By Mark Lapid

My path to motorcycling is much like other riders my age (almost 50), except it took place 8,000 miles away in the Philippines. When I was 12 or 13 I started hanging around kids from my church group who rode various small minis...Honda CT70s and Mini Trail Z50s, Yamaha QT50 Hoppers, and the like.

I typically rode pillion, eventually scraping up enough money to buy a clapped-out QT50. There was plenty of youthful stupidity involved, and a pretty big crash that led to my parents saying enough — and that bike got sold.

I returned to riding in my late 20s, starting with a dirt bike and then taking an MSF course. Today I ride with a little more skill and a lot more confidence. Part of that is time and experience, but most of that is having opportunities to ride and push the limits at the right time and place.

My early days of motorcycling weren’t the recipe for success. My parents were indifferent to the sport. “Just don’t die,” they said, until I almost did. But what of the next generation for whom my siblings and I are responsible?

For my daughter, it was tooling around the grounds of the AMA campus and cruising at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days on her Yamaha TTR110.

Nowadays, my nephews and niece are quite a bit younger than my daughter, so I have this whole new opportunity to pass my love for motorcycling to the next generation. Armed with two STACYC 16eDrive Brushless push bikes, I set out to see how my niece and nephews would take to them.

Gabriel

Gabriel, the oldest son of my brother Jedd (a 13-year AMA member), is 8 and already really comfortable on a bicycle. He took to the STACYC right away. Just a quick check that he knew to close the throttle on command and he was off — weaving around trees, standing on the pegs and challenging me to races on my mountain bike. There was one critical moment. Gabriel rode over to his mom for a quick chat. While sitting and fidgeting around he absentmindedly grabbed a handful of throttle. The bike, which was pointed into the garage, took off and tossed Gabriel onto the concrete.

Next came the tears and then the words I feared, “I hate this thing!” A quick kiss and a hug from mom and he was, thankfully, back on the bike. Lesson learned: respect the throttle! A few days later he was ripping on the bike’s high setting, laughing out loud at the speed and torque. Hearing him laugh when he gave it a big handful reminded me of my first

Above left: Bennett rocks his gear with a grin. Far right: Gabriel at speed on the STACYC. “He was off,” Lapid said, “weaving around trees, standing on the pegs and challenging me to races.”

“Hearing him laugh when he gave it a big handful reminded me of my first ride...a mixture of disbelief and joy that a motorcycle can move me faster than I thought possible.”

ride...a mixture of disbelief and joy that a motorcycle can move me faster than I thought possible.

Bennett

Gabriel’s brother Bennett is 5, and quite timid compared to his older brother.

He can’t ride a pedal bike yet and had, up to that point, refused to practice on his balance bike. Maybe it was seeing his brother riding around, or maybe he wanted to impress his favorite Uncle, but Bennett diligently went through the steps with me. At first using the STACYC like a balance bike and then duck walking with just a little bit of throttle. Within a few days

he was putting his feet up on the pegs for longer and longer periods. About a week later he graduated to the medium setting and spends more time riding than Gabriel. In addition to building his confidence with balance in a way that a bicycle could not, Bennett uses the STACYC on family walks. “It keeps him engaged and he doesn’t get tired after just a mile or two,” my brother reports.

Sage

Sage, the daughter of my older sister, is 7 and already good on a bicycle. But she was reluctant to try the STACYC. For the first few minutes I would stand at the opposite end of

“At

first she’d ride a couple hundred feet then stop to stretch her hands, which were cramping from her death grip. But by the end of that ride she was having a blast. She was in control now.”

the yard and have her ride towards me. When she twisted the throttle the bike leapt forward and snapped her head back, and you could tell she was scared. She was also frustrated that she hadn’t instantly mastered the machine and set it aside after a few more minutes.

The next day, she and I rode our bicycles around the neighborhood and down a gravel path when I said, “hey Sage, let’s do that exact route but using your STACYC this time.” She reluctantly agreed.

At first she’d ride a couple hundred feet then stop to stretch her hands, which were cramping from her death grip. But by the end of that ride she was

having a blast. She was in control now.

A month later, Sage rides every day. “Riding the STACYC unlocked her enthusiasm for getting physical, going outside and exploring the outdoors,” my sister reports. “It’s also been such a happy thing for us as parents to see Sage develop this confidence and want to be outside, away from screens.”

Just the Beginning…

The STACYC delivered on the vision I had…kids learning how to ride motorcycles in backyards, sidewalks, neighborhood streets and bike paths. Learning throttle control, correct body position and with the low penalty for making a mistake, it’s a great way to

From Strider Bikes to STACYC

Bintroduce the next generation to our sport.

What’s next for the Lapid gang? The first to move on up will be Gabriel and I think he’d do well at the motocross track. He likes going fast; kind of competitive. He will be outgrowing the STACYC pretty soon, though, so I’ve been looking at the KTM SX-E5.

If the bug bites hard enough into their adulthood I’m glad there are laws, processes and training in place for becoming a motorcyclist. While I value my introduction to riding, my experience with STACYC has me convinced: For kids today, options like the STACYC are the better way.

Trish (Lapid’s sister) and 7-year-old Sage. Left: Bennett and Gabriel with their STACYC and Uncle Mark’s Triumph.

ack in April I wrote about Strider Bikes in our Striding to Riding story, not only as a pathway to riding for all kids but as the gateway to riding for my son Ty. He faces challenges as a result of Down Syndrome that made it tough to ride a traditional bicycle, and his Strider got him moving on two wheels. Happy Ty…happy Mom!

Now he’s moved up to a STACYC, the next step towards his dream to ride a dirt bike. Geared up and ready to ride, his first moments aboard the STACYC were epic…because now he gets to twist the throttle! The best part of that first day on the STACYC was me trying to help him, and him grabbing a handful of throttle, taking off and nearly running me over. That right-now throttle response makes him feel like he’s a “real” rider. Soon, buddy! Next step…dirt bike! —Joy Burgess

by Joy Burgess

The Little 50 That Could

Honda’s legendary Z50 Mini Trail… quite possibly the most ridden (and revered) minibike — and learner-bike — in history

By Mitch Boehm

For untold thousands of motorcyclists here in America, there is only one minibike in the motorcycle universe, and its name is Honda Mini Trail, or Z50. Not only has the original Z50 of 1968 (and its many variants over the years) been the best-selling and mostpopular of all minis, it’s taught more people to ride than any other motorcycle on earth. If there’s a short list of truly foundational motorcycles, the Mini Trail has gotta be on it.

Developed in the early 1960s as an amusement park ride at Honda’s Motopia and Suzuka Circuit parks, the early versions of what would become the ’68 Mini Trail we all know and love caught fire with the public — and the rest is history.

“The Z50 pretty much dominated our lives,” says Honda minibike aficionado Mike Maciejko, who restored and owns the bike pictured here, “and still does!”

Look for a more in-depth piece on the iconic Z50 in a future issue of American Motorcyclist.

By 1971 the Z50 had gained refinements and lights, which expanded its popularity and desirability to even higher levels. And along with the other minis in Honda’s lineup – the QA50, CT70, SL70, ATC90 and others – Big Red was well on its way to “you meet the nicest people” market domination. Good times.

ABOUT ALL FUN

The Nevada 200 Trail Ride has always been fun. This year it’s also about breaking free from 2020

By Mitch Boehm

Group, industry and charity trail rides are nothing new in the offroad segment of our wonderful sport, and they’re typically some of the most entertaining and memorable events you’ll find.

No surprise, really, as any time you gather enthusiasts, motorcycles, good food, spicy banter (aka lies) and (probably) a little post-ride beer in an epic

off-road environment, you’re likely to generate a whole bunch of grins, camaraderie and memories.

Such is the case with the nowlegendary Nevada 200 Trail Ride, which began as a small invitational endeavor put on by two men near Las Vegas nearly 40 years ago — and has grown in both size and stature in the

decades since.

Those two men would be AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Scot Harden and the late Casey Folks, who grew up riding together in the hills surrounding Las Vegas. Life, racing and business separated Harden and Folks as they got older (Folks stayed in Vegas while Harden moved to So

Cal to start his career in the motorcycle industry). Starting in 1985, the duo decided to set aside a weekend each year to get together and do the riding they’d enjoyed as kids — and they began by inviting twenty of their closest friends, as well.

“We selected the remote eastern Nevada community of Caliente as

our base,” Hall of Famer Harden told American Motorcyclist. “The area around Caliente provides a very unique combination of high desert and mountain terrain that’s perfectly suited to the tight, technical riding we enjoy. And there’s the rich history of the area, as well.”

Originally a two-day event, the ride

expanded to three days to celebrate its tenth anniversary in 1995, and has remained three days since. Riders experience every type of terrain imaginable: high desert, sage, mountains, Juniper and Ponderosa pine, sand washes, single track through the trees, and more. When Casey passed on in 2017, son Daryl and his company

Trac-On stepped in as co-promoter of the event. The ride’s popularity among friends and industry colleagues grew to the point where, in the mid-’90s, a rider limit of 200 was instituted.

“It’s become really popular,” Harden added, “and we have a blast. Events like the Nevada 200, which became AMA-sanctioned in 2019, have a spe-

“It’s great that motorcyclists are starting to come together in groups again, and enjoy the fun and camaraderie group rides generate.”

cial place in our sport right now as we emerge from COVID lockdowns. It’s great that motorcyclists are starting to come together in groups again, and enjoy the fun and camaraderie group rides generate.”

The Nevada 200 has also provided substantial economic support — nearly $700,000 over the years — to the community and businesses of Calien-

te. Additionally, the ride has donated over $65,000 to local schools, sports programs and recreation projects. This community support, and the positive PR it generates, sheds a favorable light on all motorcycling.

The ride attracts plenty of star power, too. “Four AMA Hall of Famers attended the 2021 event,” Harden said, “including Kevin Schwantz, Rodney

Far left: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and desert legend Jack Johnson doing some last-minute prep work. Left (and from left): Daryl Folks, Scot Harden, Kevin Schwantz, Grant Langston, Rodney Smith, Jack Johnson and Max Switzer. Below left: Grant Langston navigates the Moon Rocks. Here: Harden, cooling off in Clover Creek on day two.

Smith, Jack Johnson, and myself. World Motocross and U.S. AMA Supercross/Outdoor Motocross Champion Grant Langston also attended, as did desert legend Max Switzer.”

“This year’s event was outstanding,” added Harden, “one of our best ever, and the camaraderie has never been higher. At the end of the day, the ride is just an excuse for everyone to get together and hang out and have fun, and it really helps when you have a lot of really quality people join us. And having heroes and legends like Kevin, Grant, Rod-

ney, Jack and Max along certainly doesn’t hurt.”

“The story Grant told about meeting Kevin for the first time at our awards dinner on Saturday night was deeply moving. It really emphasized the whole idea of paying it forward, reaching out and inspiring others as Kevin did to a wide-eyed Grant by inviting him into his motorhome for a few minutes at a GP race when Grant was still a young boy. That’s the kind of impact we all should be striving for.”

Impact, yes. But fun, too. Big fun!

FEATURED EVENTS:

Racer X Maine Event: Aug. 28-29. Lyman, Maine. (781) 831-2207 mx207.com

Baja Brawl: Sept. 4-6. Millingon, Mich. Baja Acres. (989) 871-3356 bajaacres.com

Yamaha All-Star Pro-Am: Sept. 12. Shippensburg, Pa. Doublin Gap MX Park. (717) 249-6036 doublingap.com

45th Annual Kawasaki

Race of Champions: Oct. 1-3. Englishtown, N.J. Raceway Park. (732) 446-7800 etownraceway.com

Top Gun Showdown: Oct. 10. Blountville, Tenn. Muddy Creek Raceway. (423) 323-5497 victorysports.com

The Motoplayground Race: Oct. 15-17. Ponca City, Okla. Ponca City MX (816) 582-4113 poncamx.com

California Classic: Oct. 28-31. Pala, Calif. Fox Raceway. (559) 500-2276 2xpromotions.com

Cash for Class Scholarship Race: Nov. 13-14. Cairo, Ga. GPF. (810) 569-2606 gpfmx.com

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS:

AMA North Carolina State Championship: Aug. 8. Sanford, N.C. Devils Ridge Motocross. (919) 776-1767 devilsridgemotox.com

AMA Montana State Championship: Aug. 15. Helena, Mont. Last Chance Raceway. (406) 465-4725. lastchancemx.com

AMA Georgia State Championship: Sept. 26. Dalton, Ga. Lazy River MX (706) 278-2868 lazyrivermx.com

AMA South Carolina State Championship

Nov. 14. South of the Border MX. Hamer, S.C. (423) 323-5497 victory-sports.com

Pro-Am Motocross

Best of the Midwest Series: Aug. 8. Garwin, Iowa. Oak Ridge MX (641) 844-4849 oakridgemx.com

AMA North Carolina State Championship: Aug. 8. Sanford, N.C. Devils Ridge Motocross. (919) 776-1767 devilsridgemotox.com

Battle of Wisconsin: Aug. 21-22. Tigerton, Wis. Tigerton MX. (920) 419-2863 fantasymoto.com

Best of the Midwest Series: Aug. 28-29. Garwin, Iowa. Oak Ridge MX. (641) 844-4849 oakridge.com

Be sure to check the event website or call the organizer for the latest information, including postponements or cancellations.

COMING EVENTS

Racer X Maine Event: Aug. 28-29. Lyman, Maine. MX 207. (781) 831-2207 mx207.com

Baja Brawl:

Sept. 4-6. Millingon, Mich. Baja Acres. (989) 871-3356 bajaacres.com

Hangtown Motocross Classic: Sept. 9-10. Rancho Cordova, Calif. Prairie City OHV Park. 1-800-Hangtown hangtownmx.com

Yamaha Pro-Am: Sept. 12. Shippensburg, Pa.

Doublin Gap MX Park. (717) 249-6036 doublingap.com

Travis Pastrana Pro-Am Challenge: Sept. 25-26. Seward, Pa. Pleasure Valley Raceway. (814) 317-6686 pvrmx.com

Fall Classic Rip and Grip: Sept. 25-26. Snelling, Calif. Oatfield Raceway. (559) 500-2276 2xpromotions.com

AMA Georgia State Championship: Sept. 26. Dalton, Ga. Lazy River MX. (706) 278-2868 lazyrivermx.com

45th Annual Kawasaki Race of Champions: Oct. 1-3. Englishtown, N.J. Raceway Park. (732) 446-7800 etownraceway.com

Big Bucks Pro-Am: Oct. 10. Birdsboro, Pa. Pagoda Motorcycle Club. (610) 582-3717 pagodamc.org

Top Gun Showdown: Oct. 10. Blountville, Tenn. Muddy Creek Raceway. (423) 323-5497 victory-sports.com

The Motoplayground Race: Oct. 15-17. Ponca City, Okla. Ponca City MX. (816) 582-4113 poncamx.com

MSC Championship Series: Oct. 17. Middletown, N.Y. Orange County Fair Motocross. (845) 554-8717 mscmotocross.com

California Classic: Oct. 28-31. Pala, Calif. Fox Raceway (559) 500-2276 2xpromotions.com

TRACK RACING:

FIM Grand Prix World Championship. motogp.com

TBD. Austin, Texas. Circuit of The Americas. (512) 301-6600 circuitoftheamericas.com

National Championship: MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Road Racing Championship. motoamerica.com

Round 7: Aug. 13-15. Wampum, Pa. Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Round 8: Sept. 10-12. Millville, N.J. New Jersey Motorsports Park

Round 9: Sept. 17-19. Birmingham, Ala. Barber Motorsports Park 2021 American Flat Track. americanflattrack.com

Round 11: Aug. 14. Weedsport, N.Y. Weedsport Speedway

Round 12: Aug. 21. Peoria, Ill. Peoria Motorcycle Club

Round 13: Sept. 4. Springfield, Ill. Illinois State Fairgrounds

Round 14: Sept. 5. Springfield, Ill. Illinois State Fairgrounds

Round 15-16: Sept. 11&12. Sacramento, Calif. Cal Expo Fair

Round 17: Oct. 8. Charlotte, N.C. Charlotte Motor Speedway

2021 AMA Pro Hillclimb amaprohillclimb.com

Round 4: Aug. 28. Scottsburg, Ind. High Fly MX Park

Round 5: Sept. 18. Jefferson, Pa. White Rose Motorcycle Club

Round 6: Sept. 26. Freemansburg, Pa. Bushkill Valley Motorcycle Club

Round 7: Oct. 10. Oregonia, Ohio. Dayton MC Club/Devil’s Staircase

National Championship. AMA Vintage Flat Track National Championship Series. americanmotorcyclist.com

Round 11: Sept. 2. Springfield, Ill. Illinois State Fairgrounds Multi-Purpose Arena (Short Track). (270) 442-7532 stevenaceracing.com

Round 12: Sept. 18. Cuddebackville, N.Y. Oakland Valley Race Park (Short Track). (845) 219-1193 tristateclub.net

Round 13: Sept. 19. Cuddebackville, N.Y. Oakland Valley Race Park (Short Track). (845) 219-1193 tristateclub.net

Round 14: Sept. 24. Schenectady, N.Y. Electric City Raceway (Short Track). (518) 727-0311 facebook.com/echo.valleymx

Round 15: Sept. 25. Schenectady, N.Y. Electric City Raceway (Short Track). (518) 727-0311 facebook.com/echo.valleymx

2021 Hillclimb Grand Championship valleyspringshillclimb.com

Aug. 7-8. Bay City, Wis. Valley Springs Motorcycle Club, Inc. (612) 308-1977

2021 Extreme Speedway Sidecar National Championship fastfridays.com

Aug. 28. Auburn, Calif. Fast Fridays Speedway. (530) 878-7223

National Championship.

AMA Land Speed Grand Championship: Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. bonnevillemst.com

Aug. 29-Sept. 2. Wendover, Utah. Bonneville Salt Flats. (530) 263-7276

FEATURED EVENTS:

AMA All-Star National Flat Track Series. stevenaceracing.com

Half Mile: Aug. 28. Woodstock, Va. Shenandoah County Fairgrounds

Short Track: Sept. 3. Springfield, Ill. Illinois State Fairgrounds

OFF-ROAD:

FIM International Six Days Enduro. fim-live.com

Aug. 30-Sept. 4. Rivanazzano Terme, Italy

National Championship: AMA Grand National Cross Country Championship. gnccracing.com

eMTB: Aug. 31. Hurricane Mills, Tenn. Loretta Lynn’s eMTB

Round 10: Sept. 11-12. Beckley, W.Va. The Mountaineer

Round 11: Sept. 25-26. Millfield, Ohio. Burr Oak

Round 12: Oct. 9-10. Newburg, W.Va. Buckwheat 100

Round 13: Oct. 23-24. Crawfordsville, Ind. Ironman

National Championship:

AMA National Enduro Championship. nationalenduro.com

Round 6: Aug. 22. Burgholz, Ohio. Lumberjack National Enduro. (216) 513-1297 aces-races.com

Round 7: Oct. 3. Matthews, Ind. Muddobbers National Enduro. (765) 998-2236 muddobbermc.org

Round 8: Oct. 17. Sand Springs, Okla. Zink Ranch National Enduro. tulsatrailriders.com

Round 9: Nov. 7. Stanton, Ala. Gobbler Getter National Enduro. (205) 340-4298 perrymountainmotorcycleclub.com

National Championship: AMA National Hare and Hound Championship. nationalhareandhound.com

Round 6: Sept. 11. Panaca, Nev. Silver State Trail Blazers. google.com/site/silverstatetrailblazers

Round 7: Sept. 25-26. Lucerne Valley, Calif.

Be sure to check the event website or call the organizer for

COMING EVENTS

Round 8: Oct. 9-10. Lovelock, Nev. Rimbenders MC. (909) 953-1200 rimbendersmc.com

Round 9: Oct. 23-24. Lucerne Valley, Calif. 100’s MC. (760) 573-3191 100smc.org

National Championship:

AMA National Grand Prix Championship ngpcseries.com

Round 7: Aug. 21-22. Preston, Idaho

Round 8: Oct. 2-3. Ridgecrest, Calif.

Round 9: Oct. 30-21. Blythe, Calif.

Round 10: Nov. 12-14. Havasu, Ariz.

National Championship. AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series. endurocross.com

Round 1: Sept. 18. Tulsa, Okla.

Round 2: Oct. 2. Amarillo, Texas

Round 3: Oct. 9. Reno, Nev.

Round 4: Oct. 23. Prescott Valley, Ariz.

Round 5: Oct. 29. Denver, Colo.

Round 6: Oct. 30. Denver, Colo.

National Championship: AMA/NATC MotoTrials National Championship. mototrials.com

Round 4: Oct. 2-3. Tillamook, Ore. Columbia Observed Trials Association. observedtrials.com

National Championship: AMA/NATC Western Youth MotoTrials National Championship. mototrials.com

Aug. 6-8. Turkey Rock, Colo. Rocky Mountain Trials Association. (719) 239-1234 rockymountaintrials.org

AMA Extreme Off-Road Grand Championship tennesseeknockoutenduro.com

Aug. 13-15. Sequatchie, Tenn.

FEATURED EVENTS

AMA Sprint Cross Country Championship. sprintcrosscountryseries.com

Round 7: Oct. 16-17

Round 8: Oct. 30-31

Round 9: Nov. 20-21

AMA Mid East Racing Championship. mideastracing.com

Round 9: Aug. 21-22. Yadkinville, N.C.

Round 10: Sept. 4-5. Union, S.C.

Round 11: Sept. 18-19. Woodruff, S.C.

Round 12: Oct. 2-3. TBA

Round 13: Oct. 15-17. Shelby, N.C.

Round 14: Oct. 30-31. Hickory, N.C.

Kenda NY X-Country Championship. nyoa.net

Round 8: Aug. 1. TBA. Ditch Banger

Round 9: Aug. 15. Harpursville, N.Y. Black Sky

Round 10: Aug. 22. Lowman, N.Y. Baldwin Trail Riders

Round 11: Sept. 5. Moravia, N.Y. Twisted Fence

REGIONAL SERIES

AMA East Hare Scramble Championship. amaeastharescrambles.com

Round 6: Aug. 14. Harpursville, N.Y. Black Sky. (518) 598-4532

Round 7: Sept. 19. Westfield, Mass. Knox Trail Riders Association Inc. knoxtrailriders.com

Rounds 8-9: Nov. 6-7. Stillwater , OK

AMA West Hare Scramble Championship. westharescramble.com

Round 5: Oct. 16-17. Boise, Idaho. OMC

Round 6: Nov. 6. Stillwater, Okla.

Round 7: Nov. 7. Stillwater, Okla.

Round 8: Nov 20-21. Wilseyville, Calif. North Bay MC

AMA East Extreme Off-Road Regional Championship. amaextremechampionship.com

Enduro: Aug. 7-8. Taylorsville, N.C. Battle of the Goats Extreme. Brushy Mountain. Motor Sports Park. (828) 635-7766 bmmspark.com

State Championship:

AMA Arizona Off-Road Championship. amraracing.com

Round 6: Oct. 9. Kirkland, Ariz. Prescott Trail Riders. Hare Scramble

Round 7: Oct. 23-24. Globe, Ariz. Rock Stars Motorcycle Club. Hare Scramble

Round 8: Nov. 14. Oracle, Ariz. Xtreme Motorcycle Club. Hare Scramble

Round 9: Dec. 12. Peoria, Ariz. Canyon Raceway MX Park in FAST’R Motorcycle Club. Hare Scramble

RECREATIONAL:

AMA National Adventure Riding Series. americanmotorcyclist.com/nationaladventure-riding

Sept. 1-12. Blue Ridge. Pineola, N.C. Appalachian Trail Riders. (704) 309-3271 carolinadualsporters.com

Sept. 18-19. Buffaloe 500. Columbus, Ind. Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club. (812) 342-4411, ext. 4. stoneylonesomemc.com

Sept. 25-26. Show Me 500. Bixby, Mo. Midwest Trail Riders Association (314) 434-5095 ridemtra.com

Sept. 25-26. Big Woods 200. Wabeno, Wis. Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders. (920) 3502030 widualsportriders.org

Oct. 2-3. Perry Mountain Tower Run. Stanton, Ala.Perry Mountain Motorcycle Club. (334) 327-5086 perrymountainmotorcycleclub.com

Oct. 2-3. Shenandoah 500. Natural Chimneys, Va. Washington Area Trail Riders. (703) 596-2675 watr.us

Oct. 15-17. Pine Barrens 500. Cookstown, N.J. Pine Barrens Adventures LLC. (732) 9954343 pinebarrensadventures.com

Oct. 23-24. Cross-Florida Adventure. Bartow, Fla. Dixie Dual Sport. (727) 919-8299 dixiedualsport.com

Nov. 26-27. L.A. - Barstow to Vegas. Palmdale, Calif. District 37 Dual Sport. (626) 446-7386 labarstowvegas.com

Beta AMA National Dual-Sport Series. americanmotorcyclist.com/ national-dual-sport

Aug. 28-29. Baby Burr. New Plymouth, Ohio. Enduro Riders of Ohio. (740) 972-4214 enduroriders.com

Sept. 11-12. LBL 200. Dover, Tenn. KT Riders. (270) 350-6324 lbl200.com

Sept. 18-19. Yosemite Dual Sport Adventure. Buck Meadows, Calif. Family Off-Road Adventures. (209) 993-7306 familyoffroadadventures.com

Sept. 18-19. Buffaloe 500. Columbus, Ind. Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club. (812) 342-4411, ext. 4 stoneylonesomemc.com

Sept. 25-26. Show Me 200. Bixby, Mo. Midwest Trail Riders Association (314) 434-5095 ridemtra.com

Sept. 25-26. Big Woods 200. Wabeno, Wis. Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders. (920) 3502030 widualsportriders.org

Oct. 2-3. Perry Mountain Tower Run. Stanton, Ala. Perry Mountain Motorcycle Club. (334) 327-5086 perrymountainmotorcycleclub.com

Oct. 2-3. Shenandoah 500. Natural Chimneys, Va. Washington Area Trail Riders. (703) 596-2675

Nov. 6-7. Hammer Run. Port Elizabeth, N.J. Tri-County Sportsmen MC. teamhammer.org

Nov. 6-7. Howlin’ at the Moon. Prescott Valley, Ariz. Arizona Trail Riders. (602) 692-9382 arizonatrailriders.com

Nov. 26-27. L.A. Barstow to Vegas. Palmdale, Calif.

AMA District 37 Dual Sport. (626) 446-7386 labarstowvegas.com

HALL OF FAME EVENTS AND EXHIBITS

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

americanmotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame

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

Main Hall: Now featuring the 2019 Hall of Fame inductees, the main floor celebrates the heroes of the track, road, trails and halls of government who have elevated the sport, business and lifestyle of motorcycling to new heights.

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

The Birth of a Hurricane: How Hall of Famer Craig Vetter reimagined BSA for an American market.

Sam Swope: Motorcycles that represent the generous, charitable giving of motorcyclist and philanthropist Sam Swope.

COMING EVENTS

Lords of the Board Track: Board-track racing was one of the earliest formal motorcycleracing disciplines. It featured man and machine speeding around a simple wooden track while huge crowds cheered them on.

Be

AMA National Gypsy Tour. americanmotorcyclist.com/gypsytour

Laconia Motorcycle Week. June 12-20. Laconia, N.H.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. July 23-25. Lexington, Ohio

AMA Grand Tours. americanmotorcyclist.com/ grandtours

March 15 - November 15. Texas. Motorcycle Grand Tour Of Texas. (210) 777-1434 mcgttx.com

January 15 - November 30. California. California Adventure Series

Southern California Motorcycle Association. (818) 397-5738 sc-ma.com

January 15 - November 30. USA Four Corners Tour. Southern California Motorcycle Association. (805) 889-5220 sc-ma.com

January 15 - November 30.

USA Best 15 US Roads Challenge. Southern California Motorcycle Association. sc-ma.com

AMA Trademarks

The following represents active, registered trademarks, trademarks and service marks of American Motorcyclist Association, Inc. (AMA). Usage of any AMA trademark or registered trademark without our permission is prohibited. Please contact jholter@ ama-cycle.org for more information or assistance.

(800) AMA-JOIN® • AMA Dragbike® • AMA Endurocross®

AMA Motorhead® • AMA Pro Grand National Championship® AMA Pro Racing® • AMA Race Center™ • AMA Racer®

AMA Racing® • AMA Racing Land Speed Grand Championships® AMA Supermoto® • AMA Supercross® • AMA SX Lites®

AMA U.S. ISDE Team™ • AMA U.S. Jr. Motocross Team™

AMA U.S. Motocross Team™ • Amateur National Motocross Championships® • American Motorcyclist Association® Arenacross® • ATV Hare Scrambles National Championship Series® • ATV Motocross National Championship Series® Flat Track Grand Championships™ • Grand National Enduro Championship® • Gypsy Tour® Hare & Hound National Championship Series® • Hare Scrambles Championship Series® Hare Scrambles National Championship Series® • Kids Just Want To Ride® • Motorcycle Hall of Fame® • Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum® • Motorcyclist of the Year® • Motostars® • National Adventure Riding Series® • National Dual-Sport Series® National Enduro Championship Series® • Protect Your Right to Ride® • Protecting Your Right to Ride® • Ride Straight® Rights. Riding. Racing.® • Road Race Grand Championships® Vintage Grand Championships® • Vintage Motorcycle Days® Vote Like A Motorcyclist®

Carlsbad: Then and Now

Where the ghosts of motocross races past still swoop…

By Mitch Boehm

Photos by Joe Bonnello

It is perhaps America’s most legendary motocross venue; a scrub-filled and sun-baked hillside and valley just north of San Diego, Calif., that tested locals and the world’s best motocrossers in the severest ways for decades before being closed in the early 2000s to make room for the offices and commercial space that occupy much of the area nowadays.

Several years ago I wandered down into Carlsbad’s gulch to see what was left of the old track, as the commercial stuff was pretty much limited to the upper area along the hillside. And I found quite a lot, including the starting area, the starting straight and turn-one area, the legendary drop off and, in

The author, comparing photos of the Carlsbad USGP track and spectator bridges to the actual item just a few years ago.

a thickly wooded section just adjacent to the drop off, the remains of one of the old spectator bridges, which you can see in the middle of the 1977 USGP image below.

Standing there on a section of the racetrack, looking up at the massive timbers that formed the framework of that bridge, I could see and hear the crowds and motorcycles I’d watched so many times on ABC’s Wide World of Sports coverage on TV each summer; I could hear Jim Lampley’s voice; and I could see Marty Moates winning both motos so magically in 1980.

Those old motocross ghosts may have been silenced, but they are still there, ripping silently down the Carlsbad Freeway and leaping off the drop off.