American Motorcyclist 10 2013 Street Version

AMA REWARDS

AMA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

The Best Deal In Towing For All Your Vehicles

Maximize your riding time and minimize the inconvenience of a mechanical breakdown with AMA Roadside Assistance, which offers peace of mind for you and all your family members.

AMA Roadside Assistance

Offers:

Watch this space for updates about your valuable benefits as an AMA member.

At No Extra Charge! if you choose to automatically renew your AMA membership—call (800) AMA-JOIN today to add it to membership!your

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

• Coverage in all 50 states and Canada.

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

• Flat tire, lockout, battery and minormechanical assistance.

• Emergency fuel, oil, water, fluid delivery.

• No exclusions for older motorcycles.

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

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

Government Relations A full-time staff in Washington D.C., California and Ohio protects your right to ride.

STAYING INFORMED

American Motorcyclist

Each month, you receive the best magazine covering the motorcycle lifestyle with two versions to choose from: street or dirt.

THE ESSENTIALS

AMA Roadside Assistance

The Best Deal In Towing

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

Lodging

Save At Choice Hotels, Motel 6, Red Roof Inn

At Choice hotels, save15 percent off the best available rates at participating Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Rodeway Inn and Econo Lodge hotels. Use the Member Discount code #00947556.

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

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

EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals

Arrive And Ride

EagleRider offers a 15 percent discount on Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW and Polaris rentals and tours. Call (888) 9009901 or book at AmericanMotorcyclist.

com/Membership/EagleRider.aspx, using discount code AMA014.

Motorcycle Shipping

Ride Where You Want

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

Car Rentals

Save Money When You Drive

Get up to 25 percent off prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency. For Avis, enter discount code: D388100. For Budget, enter code: Z942000.

AMA Gear

Buy AMA Stuff Online

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

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS

ActionStation/Bohn Body Armor

Save 10 percent. Go to www. actionstation.com/ama/ and use coupon code AMAB4U at checkout.

AIMExpo Go to AIMExpoUSA.com and enter code AMA2013 to save on tickets.

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame

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

AMA/Sprocketlist Online Classifieds

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. Call (800) 2625646 for details.

Biker Rain Chaps

Save 25 percent. Visit www. bikerrainchaps.com/ama/. BikeBandit.com

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

Bill’s Sport Motor RV Parts & Accessories

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

GiFOR USA/GOLDfren

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

Heat Demon AMA members receive 10% off all products. Visit www.heatdemon.com/ AMA and use the code AMAheat13 at checkout to receive your discount.

LifeLock Identity Theft Protection Get 30 free days and 10 percent off. Use promo code AMACYCLE at LifeLock.com or by calling (800) 543-3562

MAD Maps

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

Powertye Tie-Downs

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

Race Tech

Get 15 percent off your order at www. racetech.com by calling Race Tech directly at (951) 279-6655 and providing your AMA number.

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.

Schampa Cold-Weather Gear

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

JOIN OR RENEW your AMA membership in 2013 and you could win!

YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ

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

TUCKER ROCKY CUSTOM ROAD GLIDE Or a

One lucky winner will take home this Tucker Rocky Custom Road Glide with high-end components from S&S, Progressive Suspension, Arlen Ness, PIAA and many other Tucker Rocky partner companies.

Every month, everyone who joins or renews a membership in the AMA is automatically entered in a drawing for a

The best part? You’re automatically entered when you join or renew between Jan. 30, 2013 and Dec. 31, 2013.

NAVIGATION

Navigation Photo BikeBandit.com AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring the riders and champions of Husqvarna, took riders on a trip back through time this July 19-21. Nowhere was that more obvious than at the Ashland County Fairgrounds where vintage dirt-track racers competed under the lights and in the shadow of a classic grandstand. Read more about the event starting on page 38.

by Jen Muecke

10. LETTERS

You write, we read.

12. WAYNE ALLARD

Fighting motorcyclist discrimination.

14. RIGHTS

Explaining the ethanol problem, off-highway access and understanding looming exhaust regulations for California.

American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2013. Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $10 covered in membership dues; $15 a year for non-members.

Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices.

October 2013

Volume 67, Number 10

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

20. RIDING

Dual-sport riders have fun in Colusa County, Calif., AMA award nominations, sanctioning news, and rides and tours.

34. HALL OF FAME

Craig Vetter’s “High Mileage Luxury Touring Bike,” Hall of Famer Bob Hansen.

38. REAL LIFE VINTAGE

They just don’t make memories like they used to, unless you’re making them at BikeBandit.com AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

43. GO RIDE

What to do, where to go.

50. LISA HATCH

Remembering the trip of a lifetime.

RIDE AND DISCOVER

Engineered to master all terrain and conquer any distance, the all-new KTM 1190 Adventure offers innovative ride technology, unmatched performance and a truly authentic experience. RIDE ONE AND DISCOVER YOUR NEW ADVENTURE TODAY.

KTM POWERPARTS AND POWERWEAR LUGGAGE, ACCESSORIES AND RIDING APPAREL AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL KTM DEALER

THE KTM 1190 ADVENTURE STANDARD EQUIPMENT:

1,195 CC V-TWIN, RIDE-BY-WIRE THROTTLE CONTROL, 150 HORSEPOWER, 92 LB-FT TORQUE

REVOLUTIONARY BOSCH ABS PACKAGE AND THREE-MODE COMBINED ABS

FOUR-MODE RIDE CONTROL POWER MANAGEMENT

ELECTRONIC DAMPING SYSTEM (EDS) SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT

FOUR-MODE TRACTION CONTROL

EDITORIAL OFFICES

American Motorcyclist

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

James Holter, Managing Editor

Mark Lapid, Creative Director

Jen Muecke, Designer

Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer

Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing/Communications Specialist

ADVERTISING

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

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

All trademarks used herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned by the AMA and may only be used with the express, written permission of the AMA. American Motorcyclist is the monthly publication of the American Motorcyclist Association, which represents motorcyclists nationwide. For information on AMA membership benefits, call (800) AMA-JOIN or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Manuscripts, photos, drawings and other editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited material. Copyright© American Motorcyclist Association, 2013.

AMA STAFF

EXECUTIVE

Rob Dingman, President/CEO

Rhonda Hixon, Administrative Asst./Litigation Manager

Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer

Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations

Bob Chaddock, Vice President, Administration

Jeff Massey, Vice President, Operations

Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Corporate 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

Renee Bock, Receptionist

AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

Connie Fleming, Manager of Events and AMHF

Operations

Beth Myers, Donor Relations Specialist

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

Maggie McNally, Chair Albany, N.Y.

Russ Brenan, Vice Chair Irvine, Calif.

Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla.

Perry King, Executive Committee Member Northern California

John Ulrich, Executive Committee Member

Lake Elsinore, Calif.

Sean Hilbert, Hillsdale, Mich.

Scott Miller, Milwaukee

Art More, Sun City West, Ariz.

Stan Simpson, Cibolo, Texas

Jim Viverito, Chicago

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

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)

Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager

Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager

D’Andra Schwabel, Organizer Services Coordinator

Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator

Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager

Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

COMMUNICATIONS

Grant Parsons, Director of Communications

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES

John Bricker, Mailroom Manager

Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator

Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Marie Esselstein, Government Affairs Assistant

Danielle Fowles, Grassroots Coordinator

Nick Haris, Western States Representative

Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant

Sharon Long, Legislative Coordinator

Rick Podliska, Deputy Director

Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager - On-Highway

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Paula Schremser, Program Specialist

Katy Wood, Collections Manager

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES

Kip Bigelow, Amateur MX Manager

Joe Bromley, District Relations Manager

Jacki Burris, Organizer Services Coordinator

Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator

Lana Cox, Administrative Assistant

Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations

Bill Cumbow, Director of Special Projects

Sandi Dunphy, Road Riding Coordinator

Dave Hembroff, Road Riding Manager

Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator

Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator

Rob Baughman, Network Administrator

John Boker, Developer

Dave Coleman, Network Architect

Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst

Bill Miller, Enterprise Architect

MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY

Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative

Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative

Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative

Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager

Kimberly Jude, Member Services Representative

Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative

Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative

Angela Warren, Member Services Representative

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MEMBER LETTERS

LETTER OF THE MONTH USING YOUR HEAD

I noticed your letter and comment about helmet disposal in the September issue.

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

One day, for no explainable reason, I made a birdhouse from my helmet. It was quick, easy and makes a great birdhouse with good insulation. Actually I’ve made two. I kept one and donated the other to a local charity auction. (I have no idea if it sold.)

THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT

On behalf of myself and the other volunteers at Lost for a Reason Inc., I cannot thank you enough for helping us to get the word out about our cause! Since you published the article (“Adventure With A Purpose,” August issue), our incoming donations have reached over $3,000!

The article came out at a perfect time. We were just about to depart for our work trip in Kayenta, Ariz., to assist a family of seven living in a one-room house, as well as the fantastic staff at the Tohdenassai Shelter Home. We had originally planned to just build a floor and get the ball rolling on the work at the family’s home, but then with the increase in donations, we were able to purchase new roofing and also do much more in the way of paint and landscaping, and carpentry repairs on the shelter home than we had planned.

The staff at the shelter home was really happy, as was the family who really needed more space. Even more important,

Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a Bike Bandit gift card worth $100. Didn’t win? No worries. You can still take advantage of your 10% AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com.

Chuck Foster Yountville, Calif.

they needed to know that there were people out there who cared, people in the adventure and motorcycle community in general.

I just really appreciate the help. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to do nearly as much for the children and families who need us.

Ron Grace Lost for a Reason

A TECHNOLOGY CRUTCH

I just finished reading your article on V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) technology (September issue). I share your concerns with privacy and security, but I think you barely touched on the most dangerous part: drivers just assuming they don’t have to look around anymore because a computer system is doing it for them.

For an example, try asking anybody who depends on GPS exclusively for driving directions. They are absolutely clueless on the lay of the land. They have no clue where one city lies in relation to another. They are unable to even read a map. They are incapable of studying the best way to get anywhere.

One can only imagine how dangerously these types of people will drive when they assume the V2V will “drive” their doorslammer for them.

Keith F. Lutz Sinking Spring, Pa.

RIDING WITH FAMILY

When I read Rob Dingman’s recent

column about riding with his family (“A Family Affair,” August issue), I was on the way home from a weekend dirtbiking trip with my family. As usual, I had myself comfortable in the passenger seat with some reading material, while my husband handled the task of towing the off-road vehicles for our family of four on our flatbed trailer.

Though my husband reads your magazine cover to cover every month, I have to admit, I usually can’t seem to fi nd the time. But sitting in the car with over an hour drive, I settled in and got to reading. Fresh from the trail, the title of Rob’s article “A Family Aff air” caught my eyes.

Our family’s off-road story came along in a bit different way, but it also had many similarities. Starting slowly and gaining momentum with experience was one of them. I have to admit I got a real chuckle reading the last part of Rob’s article about his good-natured wife taking a spin and getting “banged up pretty bad.” It brought back memories of my first few rides... throttling when I shouldn’t and braking when I couldn’t! It was a bumpy road to say the least (especially where we ride in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado), and after the first few rides I had to ask myself what I was thinking to take up this sport now.

But I couldn’t deny the adrenaline rush I got when I was riding, or the feeling of accomplishment when I got off the bike— with or without bruises. I decided to live by the slogan “do something that scares you every day” and then set my sights on simply getting better with every ride.

Our story started with our six-year-old daughter Erin, who since the age of three would say, “I want a ‘dort’ bike.” So when a friend of ours told us he was selling his son’s Yamaha 50, we couldn’t resist. Erin was thrilled and took to it like a fish to water. Not long after that, my husband ran into another friend of his who also had a dirtbike. He offered up his KTM 450 for Keith to ride “anytime,” and of course my husband, who has been riding road bikes since the 1990s, could not resist. He found a used KTM 525 the following spring. Interestingly enough, the heavens must have been in alignment because when the guy arrived to show Keith the KTM, he also had a Yamaha TTR 230 in tow. Yes, it too was for sale. Uh oh. I’m in! That left my oldest daughter Britt, who preferred to have four wheels on the ground, so we later purchased a used Polaris 500 ATV for her. A visit to the cycle shop and we were all suited up and ready to go.

That was several years ago. Now we go every chance we get. While I, my

husband, and our oldest daughter, Britt, have stayed put with our trusty steeds, Erin is now on her fourth dirt bike, moving from her Yamaha 50 to a Honda 70, and then a Honda 80 to her now current ride, a Yamaha TTR 125.

Riding is a passion we share, as it allows us to have fun together as a family, while challenging ourselves as individuals. The Colorado terrain

provides many opportunities for us to drive home important concepts, like “Where there’s a will there’s a way” and “You can if you think you can!” We continue to improve with every outing. It doesn’t hurt that our bikes take us to some of the most magnifi cent scenery in the country, either!

As Dr. Seuss says, “Oh, the places you’ll go!” | “You’re off to Great Places!” | “Today is your day!” | “Your mountain is waiting,” | “So... get on your way!”

This is one family that fully supports the AMA’s efforts to stay on top of the burning issues and fight to preserve our freedom to ride. Hopefully the hard work we do today will ensure riding access for generations to come.

Families that play together, stay together!

Karen M. Boyle Pine, Colo.

SOUNDS FAMILIAR

Your August issue column, “A Family Affair,” reminded me of my own experiences with the kids. Our youngest daughter was the best rider of our kids when they were small, and she still rides her dirtbike and has had to teach her

husband to ride. Our son, our oldest, was a timid rider when he was small, but then got really good on the trails in his teen years. It got to where he sometimes had to ride my bike through particularly challenging spots on the trail. It was great watching him develop those skills.

Don’t give up on the wife just yet. It took me a while to get my wife riding, and then she got pretty darn good at it. We ride ATVs now, and last summer she put over 1,200 miles on her ATV on a month-long Utah camping and riding trip with friends.

Mom, 90 years old, is still riding her own ATV, and I hope she can for years to come.

Clark Collins Pocatello, Idaho

YOU GOT MY BACK

This is a short note of thanks for offering the AMA Roadside Assistance program. A tow brought me home, and I fixed my flat. I don’t know who I would have called. I have been commuting for more than 10 years. A flat is bound to happen. Thanks for being there.

I’ve been a loyal member since 2002.

Bill Fong Sacramento, Calif.

Fighting Discrimination against motorcyclists

Bike Bans, Health Insurance And More

By Wayne Allard

Motorcyclists face discrimination. It’s a fact of life, and something we encounter every day.

To be effective in fighting for motorcyclists’ rights, we want to know when you are discriminated against, and we need help from motorcyclists at the local, state or national level, depending on the issue.

Consider bike bans, for example, or healthinsurance discrimination.

When motorcyclists are banned from high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, public beachside parks, gated communities or public land, we want to know about it so we can fight back. Many times motorcyclists win, such as in the case of HOV lanes and public roads, but sometimes we aren’t successful, such as the case of bans on private property. We have decades of experience fighting these forms of discrimination and certainly can provide valuable help to our members.

City officials at one time considered banning motorcycles from Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive. Motorcycles initially were banned from HOV lanes. One of the most famous battles the AMA fought involved D.W. Field Park in Brockton, Mass.

The Park Commission there banned motorcycles from the public streets of the 700-acre scenic park around a natural lake in 1987. The AMA, with the support of its members, went to court to overturn the ban.

The Park Commission banned motorcycles because of perceived excessive sound and speeding. But the AMA argued that those issues should be dealt with through police enforcement covering all park visitors, rather than simply banning motorcycles The AMA also said that the state recognized motorcycles as a legal means of transportation, so they couldn’t be banned from the park’s public roads.

At first a local court disagreed, but AMA members fueled a legal fund that helped the AMA take the case to the state supreme court on behalf of Massachusetts resident Jim Slade. The AMA won, five years after the ban was put in place.

This was a tremendous victory for all motorcyclists. As a result of that decision, other communities could no longer use the Brockton case as a legal precedent for banning motorcycles from public places.

Right now, the AMA is fighting health-insurance discrimination against motorcyclists and needs your help with specific examples of motorcyclists being targeted as a result. We want to show lawmakers that the discrimination is very real, and affects real people. Health-insurance discrimination—excluding coverage for motorcycle-related injuries in health insurance plans— is discrimination that has been going on for decades.

The AMA and other motorcycle rights organizations fought for the inclusion of language that clarified that the legislative intent of

Congress was to eliminate such discrimination when it passed the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act in 1996.

However, the federal agencies charged with implementing the law told employers they could refuse to cover injuries related to riding a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, horse, etc. The AMA is lobbying Congress now to try to end this discrimination.

While the AMA is hard at work on Capitol Hill, it’s important that you look at your health insurance policy to be sure that you are covered if you are involved in a motorcycle crash. Check your policy under “Exclusions” to see if it excludes coverage for motorcycle-related injuries.

The wording can be ambiguous, with language that denies coverage for injuries suffered while participating in “extreme” activities, without defining what those activities are.

If you learn that motorcycle-related injuries aren’t covered in your company’s or organization’s health-insurance policy, we want to know. Contact us at grassroots@ama-cycle.org. Your confidentiality will be protected.

The AMA needs your help to fight insurance discrimination and other threats to motorcycling. You can also act individually to protect riding freedoms. The AMA provides many valuable tools to help you fight for your right to ride.

Sign up to receive AMA News & Notes at http://capwiz.com/ amacycle/mlm/signup/ to keep informed on hot topics, news affecting the motorcycling community and opportunities to communicate with your elected officials.

You can also opt in to receive AMA Action Alert emails by signing up at the same link. When you receive AMA Action Alerts, you will be notified how and when you can make a difference on important issues.

Each of us can do our part to protect our riding freedoms by being AMA members and inviting our family and friends to join the AMA. More members mean more political clout, and with more clout we will have a better chance of ending health-insurance discrimination against motorcyclists and other threats to our riding freedoms.

Wayne Allard is AMA vice president for government relations.

AMA Responds To CongRessionAl QuesTions RelATed To eThAnol

U.S. Sen. David Vitter Asked AMA For Information

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency used only one test to determine whether the new E15 fuel blend is safe for vehicles before allowing it into the marketplace, the AMA told a key federal lawmaker.

That’s one of the reasons the AMA has urged the agency to allow for an independent scientific study by the National Academy of Sciences on the effects of E15 on vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.

Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, provided written comments in response to a letter sent to AMA Board Chair Maggie McNally from Ranking Member David Vitter (R-La.) of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

“In October 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of E15, a blended fuel that includes up to 15 percent ethanol by volume, in model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). Then, in January 2011, the EPA added model year 2001-2006 light-duty vehicles to the approved list. No motorcycles or ATVs are currently on the list,” Allard wrote.

“The AMA has expressed concerns about E15 being mistakenly used and possibly damaging engines in motorcycles and ATVs, and about the continued

availability of gasoline that has no ethanol, or gasoline with only a 10 percent blend, for use in motorcycles and ATVs,” he wrote.

“Moreover, the EPA used only one test to determine if E15 is safe for vehicles before granting a waiver. The AMA has urged the agency to allow for an independent scientific study by the National Academy of Sciences into the effects of E15 on vehicles. We also request that motorcycles and ATVs be included in such a study,” Allard added.

Allard went on to say recent studies show that the majority of motorists don’t know the difference between E10 and regular gasoline, and he believes the problem is potentially worse with E15.

“Additionally, a National Marine Manufacturers Association study has shown that mislabeling is already occurring where E15 is sold, which may lead to inadvertent misfueling,” Allard wrote.

Allard went on to detail the AMA’s misfueling concerns.

“On Feb. 7, the EPA posted a new option for retailers on its website...to try to avoid misfueling by consumers. Under the new option, retailers who use a blender pump to sell E15 and E10 fuel through the same hose must also have a separate E10/E0 fuel pump,” Allard wrote.

“Those retailers would be required to have a label on the blender pump that

reads: ‘Passenger Vehicles Only. Use in Other Vehicles, Engines and Equipment May Violate Federal Law.’ Retailers would also be required to have signs indicating the location of the dedicated E10-or-lower fuel pump. There would be no minimumfuel-purchase requirement at that pump,” Allard explained.

“The AMA can only imagine how many motorists and motorcyclists will be lining up at that single pump to get E10-or-lower fuel,” he added.

“Another label on a blender pump that already has many labels will not suffice to avoid misfueling and could be easily overlooked,” he told Sen. Vitter. “The misfueling mitigation plan calls for no physical barriers in the fueling nozzle/ receptacle as was provided for when the nation went from leaded to unleaded fuel. History tells us that, even with these physical barriers in place, misfueling still occurred.

“Retailers who want to sell E15 also have the option of having a dedicated E15 pump or hose, or a pump that dispenses E15 and higher ethanol blends through a single hose,” he wrote.

Allard concluded by saying: “The AMA wants access to safe fuels for motorcycles and ATVs. Given marketplace realities, wherever E15 is sold, there will very likely be inadvertent misfueling issues. Motorcycles are not approved for E15 use, and inadvertently misfueling a motorcycle has the potential to void a manufacturer’s warranty.

“The loser of any inadvertent misfueling is the motorcyclist,” he added. “The AMA stands behind not only its member motorcyclists, but all riders, in calling for more extensive testing for E15, and more thorough misfueling safeguards.”

AMA MeMber Killed by driver Who WAs

Allegedly TexTing Driver Faces Multiple Charges

Motorcyclists honored the late Dan Gallatin at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in New Castle, Pa., on July 11, celebrating the life of a motorcyclist killed by a driver who was allegedly texting at the time of the crash.

Gallatin, 68, a 20-year AMA member who lived in Scott Township in Pennsylvania, was riding his motorcycle in New Castle on May 7 at about 1:30 p.m. when he was struck from behind and killed by an SUV driven by 43-year-old Laura Gargiulo of Volant.

Gargiulo allegedly told police that she was texting at the time of the crash. A police search of her cellphone allegedly revealed Gargiulo had received, and opened, a text message when her SUV hit Gallatin.

She faces a variety of charges including homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, prohibition of text-based communication, careless driving and reckless driving.

Distracted driving is a major concern for the AMA and its members. While the AMA believes that banning cellphone use and texting while driving is a positive step, that action alone is not enough. The association maintains that all vehicle operators must be held accountable.

“The AMA advocates for enhanced penalties for violations resulting in injury or death to other roadway users,” says Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager. “We commend Pennsylvania for having laws with penalties to fit the seriousness of distracted driving-related deaths.”

To read the AMA’s official position on the distracted driving issue, go to www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/PositionStatements/ DistractedAndInattentiveVehicleOperation.aspx.

Industry Group Warns manufacturers may stop sellInG certaIn motorcyles In calIfornIa Blames New California Air Resources

Certain motorcycles may not be sold in the future in California because of new California Air Resources Board rules, the Motorcycle Industry Council warned on July 25.

The dire prediction could affect both on- and off-highway motorcycles, and maybe even allterrain vehicles.

The Motorcycle Industry Council, based in Irvine, Calif., notes that the California Air Resources Board on July 25 adopted regulations related to controlling evaporative emissions of off-highway recreational vehicles that could mean the end of the sales of certain machines in that state.

Specifically, the MIC says the regulations, to be phased in from 2018-2021, establish emission standards to reduce evaporative emissions produced by off-highway recreational vehicles due to permeation of gasoline through plastic tanks and rubber fuel lines, tank venting, liquid leakage, and spillage.

“To meet the new regulations, vehicles will need to be equipped with activated carbon canisters or a pressure relief valve on the vent of the fuel tank,” the MIC says. “Low permeation materials will need to be used for fuel tanks and fuel lines. Newly designed ATV fuel tanks greater than 3.5 gallons will also be required to meet the filler pipe sealing surface requirements.”

The MIC adds that it expects similar evaporative emissions regulations to

Regulations

be proposed for on-highway motorcycles in the state of California within the next two years.

“The reduction in OHRV sales due to the Great Recession makes complying with the newly adopted regulation by 2022 economically infeasible for certain models,” the MIC says. “The regulation would, in effect, force the removal of these models from the California market. To address this issue, the MIC requested a two-year delay in the regulation’s implementation during the July 25 Board meeting in Sacramento, Calif. The Board denied MIC’s request, but committed to reviewing the state of the market in the coming years.”

The council says that for the past seven years while these regulations were being developed, the MIC worked closely with CARB to ensure the regulations wouldn’t severely limit product availability or performance or significantly increase the cost to buyers.

The group says that its persistence resulted in significantly less stringent

standards and test procedures, a multiyear extension of the implementation and phasein period, the removal of refueling emission controls for most vehicles, improvements to the emissions inventory model, and other important revisions to CARB’s initial proposal.

The MIC also maintains that it convinced CARB to walk away from an 11th-hour proposal to consider evaporative controls at this time on “Red Sticker” OHRVs—vehicles that aren’t required to comply with exhaust emission standards.

Instead, CARB will hold industry workshops in the coming months to explore whether the Red Sticker program needs to be revisited, the MIC says.

“The MIC OE Technical Committee has worked diligently to find solutions that will further improve California air quality, while at the same time protecting off-highway recreation for the state’s enthusiasts,” says MIC Vice President Pamela Amette. “California’s ever-changing and increasingly stringent regulations require an ongoing, intense effort by committee members to fight to prevent unintended consequences of well-meaning but ill-advised proposals, and those efforts have made a significant impact today.”

ama’s nIck HarIs actIve on calIfornIa safety panel Committee Reviews Motorcycle Safety Programs

AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris took part in his first meeting as a member of the California Motorcyclist Safety Program Advisory Committee late this summer.

The committee, which meets annually, reviews the California Highway Patrol’s motorcycle safety program and awareness campaigns.

Haris was appointed to the panel in April.

statewatch

IDAHO

About 5,620 acres are now closed to motorized travel—and another 1,620 acres allow motorized travel only on designated trails—under new restrictions for public land next to Big Willow Creek in Payette County. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced the restrictions to protect the Packard’s milkvetch. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated the plant as a candidate for federal Endangered Species Act protection.

ILLINOIS

People authorized by local authority to direct, control or regulate traffic would be able to do so under House Bill 1539, sponsored by Rep. Kenneth Dunkin (D-Chicago). The bill, which was requested by ABATE of Illinois, cleared the full legislature and was sent to the governor on June 19 to be signed into law.

Also, Rep. Kay Hatcher (R-Yorkville) introduced House Resolution 524, which urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 875 to scientifically determine the effects that E15 fuel will have on internal combustion engines of all types.

NEVADA

U.S. Sens. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and Harry Reid (D-Nev.) introduced S. 1167, the Elko Motocross and Tribal Conveyance Act. The act would convey 275 acres of land currently managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management to Elko County, Nev. This land would be eligible only for motocross, bicycle, off-highway vehicle, or stock-car racing use. Ask your federal lawmakers to support this bill by going to http://www.capwiz.com/ amacycle/issues/alert/?alertid=6272.

RHODE ISLAND

Gov. Lincoln Chafee has signed into law House Bill 5061, sponsored by Rep. Arthur Corvese (D-North Providence), which increases penalties for those convicted of, or pleading guilty to, a right-of-way violation that results in bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death to another roadway user. The Rhode Island Motorcycle Association pushed for the new law.

In addition, a motorcyclist can now use a headset installed in a helmet and worn so as to prevent the speakers from making direct contact with the user’s ears so that the user can hear surrounding sounds. The new law is the result of Senate Bill 275, sponsored

by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-South Kingstown).

SOUTH DAKOTA

Ray Fitzgerald has been named to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame’s Freedom Fighters. He was a charter member of the Nevada Association of Concerned Motorcyclists and worked to get motorcycle-friendly political candidates elected. He moved to Arizona where he helped create ABATE chapters. He was an officer of ABATE of Arizona, and was the Motorcycle Rights Foundation’s first Sustaining Motorcycle Club representative.

TEXAS

The El Paso Police Department is reminding residents about free motorcycle safety courses offered on the first Saturday of each month. The class runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is held at Barnett HarleyDavidson at 8272 Gateway Blvd East. To sign up for the class, call the El Paso Police Department’s Traffic Safety Coordinator, Margaret Petrozza, at (915) 564-7352. Remaining classes will be held this year on Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7.

6 Questions With… U.S. REP. JEFF DENHAM Transportation And Parks Concerns

U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) holds a seat on the powerful House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that has jurisdiction over all U.S. Transportation Department programs. Because of that, and since we know he’s a rider, we asked him a few questions to see what he thinks about motorcycling issues on Capitol Hill.

American Motorcyclist: What do you ride?

U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham: A HarleyDavidson Road King.

AM: What is your favorite place to ride?

JD: I like to go up to Jamestown and Oakdale [in California] to ride through the countryside.

AM: What are the biggest issues facing motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle users today?

JD: A big challenge for me and my kids going out on our quads or our [utility vehicles] is seeing a lot of these places shut down.

AM: What are the biggest issues in Congress for riders?

JD: With sequestration and other

MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINTS TARGETED IN MISSOURI

Lawmakers Stop The Discrimination Missouri is the latest state to take action to stop the discriminatory practice of motorcycle-only checkpoints.

On June 27, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed into law Senate Bill 282, introduced by Sen. Jay Wasson (R-Nixa), which prohibits law enforcement agencies from establishing roadside checkpoints based on a particular vehicle type—except for commercial motor vehicles. The new law took effect Aug. 28.

Other states taking action are New Hampshire and Illinois, which prohibit using federal funding for law enforcement to set up motorcycle-only checkpoints; and Virginia and North Carolina, which have banned them.

budget cuts, oftentimes our parks are used as a pawn in the negotiating scheme to say that’s the first place we’re going to cut back and close down. I’m very vocal against that in making sure our parks remain open for everyone to use, especially our motorcycle enthusiasts.

AM: How can motorcyclists and ATV riders get more involved with the members of their congressional delegations to influence their decisions on issues?

JD: I see two ways to get involved. First of all, get involved with your congressional delegation on a quarterly or annual basis to make sure that members understand how important [riding] is in every community across the nation. Secondly, those who ride every week are the first ones to know when a trail has been shut down or a park has been closed. They need to immediately call somebody and let us know so that we can fight to get it back open again.

AM: Is there anything else you would like to add?

JD: I love to ride, and I love the AMA!

“Officials say they set up these motorcycle-only checkpoints to pull over motorcyclists to check for safety violations, but if officials are really concerned about motorcyclists’ safety, then they need to stop discriminating against motorcyclists with these checkpoints and start supporting programs that prevent motorcycle crashes, such as rider safety training and driver awareness programs,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.

The AMA began tracking motorcycleonly checkpoints when they first appeared in New York in 2007.

In 2011, using funds provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the state of Georgia conducted roadside motorcycle-only checkpoints as thousands of motorcyclists rode through the state on their way to

AMA HELPS OHIO MOTORCYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM CELEBRATE 25TH ANNIVERSARY

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Campus Hosts Celebrations

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame campus in Pickerington, Ohio, bustled with activity on Aug. 3 as Motorcycle Ohio celebrated its 25th anniversary with activities on the campus.

Motorcycle Ohio is part of the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services. It’s committed to reducing the severity and frequency of motorcycle crashes through rider education, public information campaigns and licensing improvement.

There were riding demonstrations, food vendors, activities and remarks by AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman, Ohio Department of Public Safety Director John Born and Motorcycle Ohio State Coordinator Rollin Kiser to honor Motorcycle Ohio’s 25th anniversary.

Daytona Beach, Fla., for Bike Week.

Another motorcycle-only checkpoint was conducted in northern Virginia during one of the nation’s most visible motorcycle rallies—Rolling Thunder—over the 2011 Memorial Day weekend. Motorcycle-only checkpoints were also conducted in Utah when thousands of riders attended a world-class road-racing event.

Welcome to Life Member Plus!

For more than 25 years, Al Holtsberry has supported the AMA. Now we’re offering something special for him and all other AMA Life Members.

We designed the new Life Member Plus program to stay connected with our Life Members and reward them for their years of dedication to the AMA. Offering up a package that includes American Motorcyclist magazine and AMA Roadside Assistance at a special discounted rate, Life Member Plus is a money-saving value.

The new program is 100 percent optional, so if you choose not to enroll, you still receive all the current benefits of life membership—a voice on behalf of motorcycling in the halls of government, the ability to sign up for AMA-sanctioned events, money-saving benefits and more.

With Life Member Plus, you get all that, plus AMA Roadside Assistance and American Motorcyclist magazine. And stay tuned for additional Life Member benefits to come.

AMA Life Member Plus Includes:

• FREE AMA Roadside Assistance

• 12 issues of

• AMA Life Member Plus Membership card, pin (first year), and decal with your renewal

• A voice protecting motorcyclists’ rights at the

state and local levels

• Continued access to AMA Rights, Riding, Racing and Rewards—including money-saving discounts

Brothers’ CirCle tour

Discovering Motorcycling On Lake Superior Loop

By Doug McGoldrick

My brother lives in Wisconsin. I live in Chicago, and more than a year ago we started planning a riding trip together. Well, by “plan,” I mean we said to each other, “Hey, we should ride around Lake Superior. Let’s find a free week.”

It wasn’t much, but it was enough, and it eventually turned into a great ride, and resulted in a new motorcyclist: me.

When we first started to talk about riding around Lake Superior, I didn’t have a bike or know how to ride. That was last summer’s goal. I bought a 2012 Triumph Bonneville and learned to ride it. My brother has been riding for more than 20 years and currently has a BMW GS650. Needless to say, we considered him the motorcycle trip-planning expert.

Not that we did a lot of pre-planning! About two weeks out, we discussed a few key points. Reservations? No, we’ll wing it. Clockwise or counter-clockwise? Clockwise. Why? Riding in the right lane, we’ll be that much closer to the lake.

Since he lives north of me, going clockwise also means that I ride to meet him. So, on July 2 I bungee-cord a backpack to my seat and set out for my longest ride ever. Prior to this, my biggest trip was about three hours total. Keeping that in mind, Day 1 is pretty short, about 150 miles from Chicago to Adell, Wis.

The next day, I make it to Ashland, Wis. It’s a little over 300 miles and, for me, a long day in the saddle. I am sore, but

persevering through new experiences is what adventures are all about, right? I meet my brother at the Rock River Inn and Bait Shop (every hotel needs a bait shop) in Ashland.

The Rock River Inn is a great place with nice views of the lake. Downtown Ashland is a nice find. We end up at a cool little brewpub and have a great burger. (I think every day involves at least one burger joint, now that I think about it.)

I also get some solid advice from my brother to help with my saddle sore: Wear biking shorts under your riding pants. My brother and I are both ex-bicycle racers, so the idea makes sense to me.

After breakfast at the Delta Diner (an old railcar diner), we head to Duluth, Minn., on U.S. 2 and hit up a local bike shop. I buy some shorts that have way more padding than I’d ever use on a bicycle, but they are perfect for taking the edge off my motorcycle seat. I hadn’t planned on wearing them for five more days, but the comfort can’t be beat. Tip No. 2: Buy an extra pair of bike shorts.

After spending some time talking bikes with the guy in the shop—I love anything with two wheels—we start our ride toward Grand Marias, Minn. This also is where we start hugging the lake on Rt. 61. The views are great during the two hours or so to Grand Marias. This is a fantastic little town near the border where you can get, among other things, the World’s Greatest Donuts. (I’m serious. I don’t think they can be topped!)

Our stop for the night is about another hour and a half up Rt. 61 to Thunder Bay, Ontario. About half way there, we cross the border and immediately notice major changes. First, the roads are smooth like glass. The terrain also gets very hilly. We encounter massive rises and rocky bluffs. It is a lot different than what I’m

Julie Monacella

used to along the Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan sides of the Great Lakes.

After Thunder Bay, our next goal is Wawa, Ont., around Rt. 17. Based on the map, the 300-mile-or-so ride looks pretty barren, but the hotel clerk assures us that we will not run out of gas. So, we fill up and head out. We’re able to find gas roughly every 100 miles, so we do fine. Despite a bit of construction, the ride to Wawa is excellent, with beautiful open roads twisting through bluffs with the occasional small town and panoramic views of Lake Superior.

Another nice thing about our trip is the camaraderie. At every gas stop, there are other riders doing the same circle tour we are, and we talk about cool roads and little towns to stop and see. Several are interested in our relatively small bikes—most of them are on large touring models. My Triumph reminds them of classic Bonnevilles from the 1960s and ’70s, and my brother’s BMW looks like it belongs in an adventure movie. I feel like part of this rolling community of riders.

As for the weather, it’s great the whole trip. Sure, it gets cold in Canada, but we just put on our rain gear and sweatshirts and we’re fine. We feel pretty cool riding into Wawa into a motel parking lot full of about 50 traditional biker types in their leather jackets wearing our neon rain gear on our “weird” little bikes. It’s all good, though. We’re all on two wheels, and that’s what matters.

Wawa is the only stop where we don’t get into the first or second hotel. We end up at the Algoma Motel, which is a real gem. It’s run by a hilarious older Irish guy who spends most of the night sitting up with us and about four or five other bikers

talking about everything. The place advertises free WiFi, but it doesn’t work. That ends up being a blessing. No WiFi means everyone ends up in the parking lot talking motorcycles.

My brother, whose job takes him all around the world, gets to try his first Tim Horton’s donut the next morning as we head out of Wawa. We decide it’s great, but still not as good as the World’s Greatest Donuts back in Grand Marias.

Our goal leaving Wawa is to get to Marquette, Mich., for the night. We enjoy some amazing scenic stops on this leg of the trip—the kind of places where you round a corner, the trees open up and you’re greeted with an amazing view of the lake.

We cross the border in Sault Ste. Marie. It’s smooth but slow. It probably takes us an hour to get through before we coast our bikes down the other side of the bridge into America and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

After our night in Marquette, I head

south to Green Bay and my brother rides to Ashland (to “officially” complete the loop) and then south to Minneapolis.

The ride to Green Bay is really nice, through small Upper Peninsula towns. I do experience one lowlight of the trip here—a truly horrible burger at a joint in Green Bay—before continuing the ride to Adell for one more night.

I leave early the next morning, making

it into Chicago just before a storm hits.

My first big motorcycle ride is amazing in every way. I end up with 1,858 new miles on my Bonneville, which is more than it had before I started out.

It’s enough to make me feel like a real motorcyclist, and it isn’t long before my brother and I start planning next year’s ride: “Hey, we should ride around Lake Huron.”

October 18-19, 2013

Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa and Casino • Las Vegas, Nevada

CLASS OF 2013:

Ricky Carmichael

Danny Hamel

Norm McDonald

Randy Renfrow

Diane Traynor

Mike Traynor

FEATURED LEGENDS:

Torsten Hallman

Mark Blackwell

2013 LEGENDS WEEKEND

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday night, Oct. 18, will see the Motorcycle Hall of Fame class of 2013 take to the stage to be inducted. The next morning will see the all-new Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception, where the Class of 2013 and other Hall of Famers from previous years will be honored.

www.motorcyclemuseum.org

IndIan

IS BaCK New Chiefs Unveiled In Sturgis

Indian Motorcycle International bills itself as America’s first motorcycle company. It has a fair stake to that claim, having launched in 1901 as the Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company. The original marque enjoyed a fantastic run, playing a key role in the growth of motorcycling in America and establishing the careers of numerous AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers.

another attempt in 2006 by a Londonbased private equity firm. Both efforts resulted in real motorcycles, but neither lasted, and in 2011 Polaris, the maker of Victory Motorcycles, bought the rights to the Indian brand.

While there was outside speculation that Polaris bought the name to just take a potential Victory competitor off the market, that wasn’t the case.

However, Indian’s history hasn’t been without volatility. The World Wars were hard on the company, and it was sold in 1945 to an investor. Production diminished until 1953 when manufacturing stopped.

Over the next five decades, bikes sold as Indians included re-badged Royal Enfields, counterfeit models produced without permission, and new models using a mix of off-the-shelf and original parts.

During that period, the Indian name changed hands several times, sometimes in a straight-up sale and other times at a bankruptcy auction. Courts got involved. A four-year run in the early 2000s was followed by

For the first time in a long time, a real, established motorcycle manufacturer had the reins, and they got to work. The company opened a production facility in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and started designing what would become the latest Indian motorcycles, all-new from the ground up: the $18,999 Indian Chief Classic, the $20,999 Indian Chief Vintage and the $22,999 Indian Chieftain.

The bikes were unveiled at the annual Sturgis rally in Sturgis, N.D., on Aug. 3. The new Indians look the part, paying homage to the classic lines of the historic marque. Now, the market will decide if American cruiser riders rally to the brand and ensure that Indian is finally back in the saddle for good.

A Myth-Busting Journey

Tucson, Ariz., to Lake Oswego, Ore. By Gary Mize

As good luck would have it, my wife and I leased our not-often-used home in Tucson, Ariz., for the next several years to a nice young family. As good luck would further have it, after storing our furniture, I was left with a BMW R1200C that needed to either be garaged or brought back to where we lived in Lake Oswego, Ore.

It’s an easy decision. I blocked out June 7-12 for a leisurely road trip, plotting a course over roads less travelled, and not yet visited by me.

My usual touring group of six guys oozed envy, lamenting jobs that prevented them from joining me. I, on the other hand, had never ridden solo for such a long journey, and normally rely on others in the group to do the detailed planning and on-the-road logistical management. So, with a burst of energy I planned my solo 1,851-mile trip to include Flagstaff, Ariz.; the North Rim of the Grand Canyon; Zion National Park; Ely, Nev.; Susanville, Calif.;

La Pine, Ore.; and a jaunt through the high desert and Cascade Mountains of Oregon back to Lake Oswego.

For those who have crossed this terrain, you know that words and pictures from a smartphone can’t capture the awe-inspiring beauty—the saguaro cactus of Tucson, the ponderosa plains of east central Arizona, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon Lodge, the checkered mesas of Zion, the 287 miles of Highway 50 in Nevada, the mesmerizing forests of Northeastern California, the variety of topography in Oregon.

My expectations were somewhat flexible. I was anxious about the usual things—weather, mechanical breakdowns, crummy hotel rooms, crummy food, brain-numbing boredom. But I diligently navigated MapQuest to study and plan what I had observed from my moreexperienced riding colleagues. I had

distance, fuel stops and overnight stays all mapped and reserved in advance.

So, on June 7 I flew to Tucson to mount my steed and start my journey. I may not be a very technical mechanic and probably not the best person to discuss the mechanical beauty of the BMW. I also count myself among the world’s worst photographers. But I can share my lessons learned on this solo trip. In fact, I had four previously sacred beliefs debunked along the way.

Myth No. 1

The BMW R1200C was a misdirected attempt by BMW to enter the cruiser market.

I’ve owned my 1200C for eight years. I bought it with 4,000 miles from a young rider looking for more power and speed. Rated at 65 horsepower, the Boxer shaft drive is viewed as a “Clydesdale” or a “freight train” by most serious riders. It’s believed the R1200C fails to deliver the BMW experience. I believed I was an owner of an inferior machine, incapable of impressing either rider or pedestrian.

David Robb, the BMW head designer, created the cruiser for production from 1997 to 2004. The bike was a movie star (in 1997’s James Bond flick “Tomorrow Never Dies” and again in 2002 in Austin Powers “Goldmember”).

While on my journey, my long held belief—that the R1200C is a moped dressed in lederhosen—was blown out of the water. The backrest is genius. The stability of the bike at high speeds and adverse conditions is formidable. And once you get those 65 horses galloping (which admittedly does take a few seconds), the cruising comfort is great.

What really impressed me were the comments from roadside observers: “beautiful BMW.” “Cool bike. You don’t see many of those on the road.” “Is that really a BMW?”

I have also had a 2008 Kawasaki Concours, so I’ve seen the other side of touring performance, but my image of the R1200C has morphed from that of a beer-bellied German slackard to that of a respected, rare and reliable highway steed that isn’t that bad to look at.

Myth No. 2

The female gender is the most chatty, always finding time for idle banter.

After five days, 1,851 miles, five motels, 10 meal/ fuel stops and the type of interactions you’ll only get when on a solo journey, I’ve

decided that this myth is very wrong.

The person most likely to leap a tall building to engage in idle banter is a moto-riding guy who is currently on an automobile trip (with wife, girlfriend, kids, grandkids, non-riding friends, etc.).

While these frustrated would-be riders keep their distance when we ride in groups, they tend to be emboldened by a single rider’s solo status and inability to escape into a crowd. I’m convinced that every rider stuck on a car journey will make the time to chat.

The script goes something like this: “Nice bike. You’re a long way from home. I ride a 2010 Honda Goldwing with a custom Corbin padded seat. I’m just on a trip with the family.” This is generally followed by a story of a close call, a great ride, technical data about their bike, a question about the R1200C or just a jealous sigh.

I now can spot these chatty Charlies from 25 yards. Their purposeful approach is unmistakable. Honestly, I’m not adverse to a quick stop and chat, so I enjoyed these gas station/restaurant/pit stop encounters.

Myth No. 3

The 287-mile stretch of U.S. 50 from Ely, Nev., to Fernley, Nev., is the Loneliest Road in America.

Life magazine made this claim in July 1986. AAA warned motorists not to drive there unless they’re confident of their survival skills. For me however, touring east to west from Ely to Austin was a blast! The vast expanse of desert (complete with sagebrush) set against the far off mountains was spectacular. The drivers of the three cars that I passed I’m sure felt the same way.

The most impressive feature, though, is the pedal bikers, loaded down with gear, traveling the same road, albeit at 15-18 mph to my 75-80 mph. The roadside is not camping friendly, so troopers needed to pedal 65-75 miles a day to get to a shower and a cold drink! As I cursed the crossing headwind, bemoaning the final 140 miles from Austin to Fernley, I took occasional

comfort knowing the sorest part of my body was my right wrist. As a bicyclist myself, and a veteran of numerous multiday high-mileage trips, I cannot fathom why someone would choose U.S. 50 as a bicycle route.

So the myth is busted. U.S. 50 across Nevada is not the Loneliest Road in America. It’s a road travelled by weary travellers who choose to be there!

Myth No. 4

There is no place like home.

I’ve had the privilege to live in some spectacular places: Switzerland, Brazil, Hong Kong, Minneapolis (in July and August), Orlando (far from the maddening crowds) and Oregon, my current home. The expression “there’s no place like home” is a myth that needs to get busted.

It doesn’t really matter how spectacular the view from your deck, how close you are to fabulous restaurants, how nice your neighbors are (really?), how convenient public transportation is, how low your

property taxes are, how beautiful the fall colors are, how “dry” the heat is or how good the schools are.

I suggest that putting your pastoral homestead in the rearview mirror of a two-wheeled moto of your choosing will redefine the standard by which home is measured.

No doubt, pulling safely into your “Home Sweet Home” driveway after an extensive road trip and pulling your riding boots off for the last time (until the next time), is a comforting feeling. But isn’t it great to know that there are infinite road miles to explore, yielding unique people, places and things that go beyond our imaginations and long held beliefs?

Once the road dirt is scrubbed off the tailpipes, it’s time to start planning the next journey. There is that guy from Brooklyn, travelling with his wife and kids, dying to chat about your bike and, more importantly, his. It’s our duty to give him that opportunity.

Life is short, but there are many miles to go—and many myths to bust wide open!

ON ROAD AND OFF IN COLUSA COUNTY

Sheetiron 300 Dualsport Is One Of Country’s Most Popular

By John Notch and Judy Holliday

The Oakland Motorcycle Club’s Sheetiron 300 Dualsport, an AMAsanctioned dual sport ride, is popular for the scenic routes and challenging trail. But what really keeps participants coming back—and why you’ll want to sign up as soon as possible to guarantee a slot on the 2014 ride—is the camaraderie with an amazing group of fellow riders.

“I am utterly stoked about how many nice guys I met during the weekend,” says Evan Arkush of San Francisco. “You’ve got a great culture there, and I felt extremely fortunate to be a part of it.”

The 21st Sheetiron took place on May 18-19. This year’s ride included 500 registered riders and 50 volunteers, sponsors and guests. It covered more than 300 miles from Stonyford, in beautiful Colusa County, to Fort Bragg and back to Stonyford the following day.

While motorcycle enthusiasts ride throughout the year, the unique popularity of this OMC event is due to many factors, the most important probably being the diverse and challenging route options, designed and previewed by OMC members before every run. Routes range in difficulty, length and terrain, and they include a combination of on- and off-road choices, single-track trails, and easy and more difficult splits through the Mendocino National Forest.

Participant’s comments over the years support the rides’ reputation.

• “Just wanted to send a big thank you for a great motorcycle ride this weekend. My dad and sister have been touting

the Sheetiron for a few years now, and I finally rearranged my schedule so I could join them. I had a wonderful time. I was completely impressed by the route to Fort Bragg and back, as well as the more challenging harder splits. Everyone on our ride was full of smiles.”— Valerie Elliot of Creve Coeur, Mo.

• “Thank you, Oakland Motorcycle Club for another great Sheetiron 300. Great route, well organized, and much fun. Yeah, some dust, but the cold drinks, hot dogs and chili at the finish made for an excellent weekend.”— Bob Pushwa, a 12-time Sheetiron veteran from San Leandro, Calif.

• “I shook your hands on Sunday and said ‘Thank you,’ but that was not enough. Once again, thank you to ALL the OMC for a fantastic event. Everyone is so nice and helpful. It was amazing! It just seems to keep getting better every year, as you guys find new ways to improve on the process.”—Kevin Friend, El Dorado Hills resident and multi-year Sheetiron enthusiast

The weekend begins Friday afternoon, or as early as 5 a.m. Saturday, with checkin for riders and their overnight bags for their stays in Fort Bragg. Riders submit their bikes for noise, spark arrester and license plate inspection, and then begin their chosen route.

The journey is an adventure. Each rider arrives at the Fort Bragg destination by whatever route or combination of routes he or she chooses to follow. Riders regroup as they stop for food and gas along the way. Some will experience

engine or mechanical trouble or other kinds of mishaps that require assistance.

Stonyford, a quaint ranching town of 150 people, comes alive for two events each year, the first of these being the Colusa County annual rodeo, and then the Sheetiron two weeks later. This tiny, congenial town was chosen because of the easy entry it provides to the East Park Reservoir and the Mendocino Forest. Camping is provided for free at the Stonyford Rodeo Grounds. Sleeping arrangements in Fort Bragg are the responsibility of the participants at a hotel or campground of their choice.

OMC members transport participant bags to Fort Bragg, unload them from the trucks, and return them to their respective owners when they arrive. If a bike is disabled or a rider is moderately injured, the club will sometimes transport both the rider and the bike back to Stonyford the following day.

On Day 2 (Sunday), once again personal bags are checked in for transport back to Stonyford and reloaded onto the trucks by OMC members, friends and family members. At the end of the day, riders are greeted by friendly faces, great sponsorprovided raffle prizes, individual photos that were taken in Fort Bragg at the end of Saturday’s ride, and free hot dogs, chili and cold drinks. Many leave that night while others choose to camp out, swap stories with other riders, relax, and leave the next morning.

The 106-year-old club opens registration for the popular event on April 1 and closes that window about 48 hours later, when the 500-rider limit is typically reached. Want to be a part of this amazing ride? The club’s website is www.oaklandmotorcycleclub.camp9.org. Bookmark it now.

SANCTIONING NOTICE

The

Rules Of Racing

By Jeff Massey

Since approximately 1924, a primary objective of the AMA has been to provide its members and affiliates with a comprehensive rules package aimed at enhancing the sport of motorcycle racing. The AMA Rules of Racing are evaluated and modified annually by the AMA and AMA Congress to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of motorcyclists as the sport changes over time. Motorcyclists recognize utilization of the AMA Rules of Racing as an assurance that their racing experiences will be well managed and fairly conducted.

AMA points will be awarded at the event and, more importantly, who believe that AMA safety guidelines are being followed when they are not.

However, only when a racing event is sanctioned by the AMA can the AMA ensure that its Rules of Racing are appropriately followed and enforced.

The AMA has recently become aware of non-AMA sanctioned events that are advertising use of the AMA Rules of Racing. This practice is confusing and is not supported by the AMA.

The AMA prohibits others from falsely implying to the public that an event is sanctioned by the AMA when it is not. By advertising or otherwise informing the public that AMA rules are in place at an event, the riding public is deceived into thinking that event is an AMA-sanctioned event. This will not be tolerated by the AMA and is unfair to riders who believe

If you are an organization offering a racing event and would like to advertise and partake in utilization of the AMA Rules of Racing, information on obtaining an AMA charter and applying for an AMA sanction is available online at www. americanmotorcyclist.com or by calling the AMA at (800) AMA-JOIN. The AMA looks forward to working with you toward offering a racing event that meets the expectations of its participants through the proper application of the AMA’s Rules.

If you are considering racing in an event that is not AMA sanctioned, please understand that the AMA cannot ensure that proper rules are being followed, even if the event purports to use the AMA Rules of Racing. If you have been falsely led to believe that an event is AMA sanctioned, and you later discover it was not, please write to the AMA at 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43417 or email jmassey@ama-cycle.org and let us know the name, date and location of the event. We appreciate your help in this regard.

Jeff Massey is the AMA Vice President of Operations.

Supporting Sponsor

AMA Member Tested VNM SPORTS GEAR

MSRP: Top: $94.99; pant: $94.99 Info: www.vnmsportgear.com

My first thought when I tried on the VNM Sports Gear compression top and pants was that—finally—some highquality, well-fitting gear was available for women motorcyclists. For those of us who have been riding for long, this is a distinct luxury.

The gear is made out of a nylon and lycra blended fabric imported from Italy. The base layer is to be worn under a suit to wick away moisture, amplify cooling and stabilize muscles to reduce fatigue.

The fit and finish were good, and the lack of seams was a definite plus. I thought the top was a little snug around the shoulders, but not too uncomfortable. The gear is also designed to fit a motorcyclist in a riding position, rather than a passenger. This is a common problem in commercially available women’s gear.

For my test ride, I put on the layers and threw on a pair of loose shorts before putting on my touring suit (BMW Comfort Shell jacket and Motoport Ultra II Kevlar pants).

periods of time. The base layer had also molded to my body and the tight sensation in the shoulders was gone.

Wearing cooling summer base layers is still somewhat of a novelty in motorcycling outside of the racing and trackday world due to the general thinking that a skinfitting base layer would make you warmer in spite of its claims to the contrary. It does work, however, as athletes in other sports can testify. I fully intend to wear these on some of my more epic multi-day rides in hotter climes.

As with most compression gear, the snug fit is designed to stabilize muscles and prevent lactic acid buildup. Although I wasn’t in a strenuous racing situation, I felt no ill effects. Another bonus? The relatively slick surface of the gear makes it easier to slide racing leathers on and off. Rashmi Tambe

MANIC SALAMANDER SMOOTH CITY THROTTLE LOCK

MSRP: Varies; see website Info: www.manicsalamander.com

www.husqvarna-motorcyclesna.com

The compression gear’s claim to help cool the skin panned out. It was a typical summer day in Seattle with morning temperatures of 57 degrees. I even wished I had worn another layer over the top. The weather continued to be cold and foggy for at least the next 50 miles until the sun finally peeked out.

Through the rest of the day, the temperatures rose to the mid-80s, but I continued to be extremely comfortable even when I was stopped for extended

I’ve tried several mechanical throttle locks looking for one that does three specific things: deploys simply, holds the throttle in place without slipping and disengages simply. The Smooth City throttle lock from Manic Salamander did all three.

I tested the Classic Blackout version on my friend Bob’s Aprilia Tuono. The kit included bike-specific steel-mounting hardware and a matching bar-end weight for the left side. The components were very nicely machined, and the wrinkled matte finish looked top-shelf.

Installation took about 10 minutes. (Even the mechanically challenged should be done in 20.) We removed Allen screws

on the stock bar ends and removed the stock mounts, and then swapped in Manic Salamander parts. The throttle lock side required some adjusting with supplied shims.

The directions did not indicate any set dimensions, such as shimming so many thousandths, so we simply tried one shim and then another until it felt right. It’s worth noting that what seemed like the right setting in the garage wasn’t quite right on the road, so you’ll want to take a local road test to confirm that your adjustment is satisfactory.

Once the Smooth City throttle lock was installed and adjusted, there were two options: on and off. Simple is good.

To engage the throttle lock, I simply slid my hand out toward the bar end, held the throttle in position with my first finger, then used my last two fingers to rotate the throttle lock section toward me (counter clockwise). Spring tension locked it in place.

To release, I just rolled off the throttle. It was intuitive, and I got the hang of it quickly, although I tried it over and over, extending my ride on Bob’s Aprilia (in the interest of science, of course!).

One quality Bob really liked about the Smooth City throttle lock was that it didn’t look like anything had been added onto the bike.

“There are no levers or thumb wheels or friction rings, nothing that gives you an impression of an afterthought,” he observed. “It just looks like a nice set of bar weights, and when the need arises, it’s there.”—Scott “Bones” Williams

HONORING EXCELLENCE

Submit Nominations Now For AMA Awards Program

The AMA Awards Program is looking for deserving individuals and organizations to be recognized in 2013. Overseen by the AMA Board of Directors, the program encourages AMA members to suggest those to be considered for the following awards:

• AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award: Acknowledging the highest level of service to the AMA. It was first presented in 1970.

• AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award: Recognizing activities that generate good publicity for motorcycling. It was first presented in 1987.

• AMA Outstanding Road Rider Award. Recognizing someone who has contributed to protecting on-highway motorcycling rights.

• AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider Award: Recognizing someone who has contributed to protecting off-highway motorcycling rights.

• AMA Bessie Stringfield Award: Honoring someone who has been instrumental in introducing motorcycling to emerging markets.

• Friend of the AMA Award: Presented to those in the motorcycling community who have strongly supported the AMA mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.

Submissions should include the individual’s or organization’s name, contact information, and detail their accomplishments in 500 words or less. Send to submissions@ama-cycle.org. Mail: AMA Awards Program, American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, Ohio 43147. Deadline: Dec. 2, 2013.

Midnight Ride

A Different Perspective Of Our Nation’s Capital By Steve Stoyke

A recent trip to Washington, D.C., for myself and a few riding friends became a strong moment of observation and silent emotion as we admired a very important part of the world.

The ability to ride through the capital and tour the monuments on motorcycles in 80-degree weather late at night proved introspective. The quiet and cooled-down heat of a hot summer night offered a different atmosphere than days filled with tourists. When we visited locations such as the Lincoln Memorial, admiring the moonlight in the reflecting pool, it could be very moving.

Traveling among these monuments on motorcycles added to the experience. Taking the roads less traveled is how we got there. These are the same paths taken by the men and women who wrote the history of our nation.

Friends and I have been making our Midnight D.C. ride every year for the past 13 years. The idea for this ride did not happen easily or quickly. We took our time and planned it right to ensure a unique, legal, meaningful experience for our friends on motorcycles, locally and from around the world.

After taking a number of trips during the weekday to investigate the ease of access for the monuments and statues, we found a pattern that can give anyone

a significant experience easily. As with any major metro area, you need to plan ahead for changes, the last thing anyone wants is to wind up having small problems become big problems. That said, we also found the accessibility and security of the monuments to be top-notch at night. Facilities are open and attended, and parking is ample.

Our route is simple and easy to do.

We start out in Maryland, west of Washington, D.C. This is not necessary, but for those in our group it works logistically. We kick off our ride with a light dinner. Some folks may need extra items of food or liquids on the bike for the night trip. Sustenance will be on short supply in the midnight hours.

After leaving the Maryland countryside around 7 p.m., we top off our gas tanks. We then pick up Highway 270, which leads onto 495 toward Virginia. We quickly leave the mountains of Frederick, Md., and ride into the lowlands approaching the capital. The temperature and humidity rise. The Washington, D.C., area is technically a swampland, filled in and developed as needed.

After crossing the Potomac River on 495, we take exit 43 onto the George Washington Parkway. The parkway is a national park and was designed for pleasurable driving entering the

Washington, D.C., area. Easygoing wellbanked curves are perfect for those of us on two wheels.

The road starts the downward progression toward the Potomac. This heavily wooded area is well laid out for your viewing of the Georgetown community across the river.

The first destination is Arlington National Cemetery. Although the cemetery is closed at night, you can follow the main drive to the point of entrance, observing the well-lit highlights of the Arlington House. It provides a fantastic view of the Lee family home at the crest of the National Cemetery. You also can scan the entire span of the Memorial Bridge, which connects the South and the North to Washington, D.C.

Climbing back onto our bikes, we ride from Arlington across the Memorial Bridge, bearing to the right of the Lincoln Memorial. We have found that the parking area favored by cabs just next to the memorial has ample motorcycle parking at late hours.

Next, we follow the parkway down Independence Ave. We watch for the cutoff onto Maine Ave., bearing right and right again sharply onto East Basin Dr. This stop is the Jefferson Memorial, which has easy parking and accessibility. It is one of the least-visited memorials, requiring visitors to take a turn off the mall.

To get back on the main route, we take Ohio Dr. S.W., bearing right back toward the Lincoln Memorial, where we resume

the ride down Independence Ave.

Continuing up Independence, you come to a fork in the road. On the right are the National Botanical Gardens. On the left is the U.S. Capitol. Bearing to the left, you can park your bikes and walk around the steps to the Capitol while observing the statues and pond in front of the Capitol, all with a clear view of the Lincoln Memorial.

Heading back out the roadway you came in on will take you onto Pennsylvania Ave. Within a few blocks, watch for Constitution Ave. If you take that to the left, it will bring you back onto the mall. You will be able to see the White House on your right, but [for security reasons] getting close to it has become a thing of the past in the last 10 years.

As you approach 21st Ave., look for a place to park because you are close to the Vietnam Memorial. This is one spot that can have steady visitor flow, even overnight. What does diminish, however, is the sound of voices. People simply become more reverent while strolling through the Vietnam memorial.

Seating is available here, and while overnight vendors are few, some are open and accommodating.

This usually concludes our tour. Heading back to the George Washington Parkway to hook back onto the freeways is pretty easily done by staying on Constitution Ave. and following it straight out onto the bridges next to the Kennedy Center.

For us, this is a special ride through a special place. For those of us fortunate to have easy access, have a motorcycle and have others to share the experience with, it offers unique moments of tranquility and quiet strength.

Up to Diane Crosswell, the human resource director at a company in Troy, Mich. Although a non-rider herself, Diane made it her personal mission to see that approximately 20 motorcycling employees had a safe, designated parking area. She succeeded. Great job, Diane!

Down to an unidenfied New Yorker who has been photographed at least twice sneaking his motorcycle onto the subway. Just ride it, bro!

Up to the ATV Safety Institute for providing the Boy Scouts of America with ATV training at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, July 15-24, in Piney View, W.Va.

Up to AMA Business Member Strider, who recently made a notable donation to the AMA thanks to members saving money by using the discount code “Strider4AMA” on checkout. Thanks, Strider! And thanks, AMA members!

COMMON GOALS Bikes Connecting Riders

In the 1984 movie Ghostbusters, Dr. Peter Venkman suggested “dogs and cats living together” would be a sign of “mass hysteria.”

Maybe, but maybe not if they both ride.

Motorcycling has long brought together diverse groups, folks who otherwise wouldn’t socialize but find themselves hanging out or, even better, working toward a common goal, because of one thing: they are motorcyclists.

The AMA is exploring examples of positive cooperation of motorcyclists, whether in clubs or acting as individuals. If you have a story to tell, we’d love to hear it for possible inclusion in an up-coming feature. Drop us a line at submissions@ama-cycle.org, and thanks.

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.

CRAIG VETTER’S “HIGH MILEAGE LUXURY TOURING BIKE”

Swoopy, Dramatic And Evocative Of A Streamlined Space-Age Future

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Craig Vetter may be best known for his iconic Windjammer fairings in the 1970s, but those were only part of Vetter’s obsession with streamlining.

In the early 1980s, Vetter was concerned that fuel-efficient cars were beginning to get better mileage than motorcycles, and he wanted to do something about it. He created the Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Contests in 1980 to challenge designers to think green.

His own entry was classic Vetter—swoopy, dramatic and evocative of a streamlined, space-age inspired future that Vetter still very much believes in.

It started life as a fairly pedestrian single-cylinder Kawasaki KZ250, which Vetter chose because he figured that it would have enough power to propel a rider efficiently. Wanting to minimize the frontal profile for maximum streamlining, Vetter chose a comfortable position that most closely approximated a reclining chair, moving the foot controls up near the front wheel to accommodate it.

That position has come to be known as “feet-forward,” and is still used in alternative motorcycle designs, but at the time, Vetter was more concerned with comfort. Hence the name for his design: “The High-Mileage Luxury Touring Bike.”

Real-world conditions were important to Vetter. Building a high-mileage bike that couldn’t do something like carry groceries wasn’t his goal. So the entire rear section was hollow, and could be accessed by tilting the

seat forward.

On the road, the streamlining helped tremendously—so much so, that the engine could be geared up. Experiments with smaller carburetor jets just made the engine overheat, so ultimately the jetting remained the same. Still, the aerodynamically slick machine was capable of 125 miles per gallon. Even today, Vetter says, it was a great testbed.

“We learned from that machine that in side by side travel, real streamlining allows your fuel to take you twice as far when you travel at highway speeds like 70 mph,” Vetter says. “This is especially significant in electric bikes because streamlining doubles the distance electric vehicles can go.”

Vetter also learned a few other things that profoundly influenced his thinking since then. First, he realized that you

don’t need 250cc to achieve real-world performance in streamlined vehicles. About 10 to 20 horsepower is all that’s required. Second, designing around a vehicle powered by 125cc or 200cc makes more sense because they tend to be lighter and, therefore, more fuel-efficient.

He used that knowledge in the latest version of a high-mileage bike, built around a Honda Helix scooter. And with that bike, he re-launched his high-mileage contests in 2010, often holding them in conjunction with AMA events like AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends Weekend.

Vetter donated his “High-Mileage Luxury Touring Bike” to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, where it is on display. To learn more about Craig Vetter and the other men, women and machines featured in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, go to www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

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

Hall of Famer

BOB HANSEN

Racer And Race Team Manager

Bob Hansen was a key figure in motorcycle racing during the 1960s and ’70s. He’s best known for running the American racing teams for Honda and, later, Kawasaki.

Under Hansen’s direction, Honda won its first Daytona 200 in 1970 with Dick Mann at the controls of a CB750. A few years later, Hansen headed up Kawasaki’s successful racing team during its early U.S. efforts with riders such as Hall of Famers Yvon DuHamel and Gary Nixon.

Hansen had been a well-known racer in the Midwest in the 1940s and ’50s. He went on to become a much-sought-after tuner before going to Honda in the early 1960s.

Born in Racine, Wis., on Oct. 15, 1919, Hansen first became interested in motorcycles when he was in high school. By the time he was 18, he was competing in just about every form of motorcycle racing, from hillclimbing to TT and flat-track.

By the late 1950s, Hansen was tuning for -- and sponsoring -- several racers, primarily on BSAs. By 1960, he opened a motorcycle dealership in Racine and was one of the first dealers in the Midwest to sell Honda motorcycles. Hansen became a Honda dealer and later joined the company, moving up the ladder and eventually relocating to Honda’s headquarters in Southern California to run the service department.

While with Honda, Hansen headed up several racing efforts with the company’s lightweight and middleweight motorcycles. Most notable was a semifactory Honda effort at Daytona in 1967 with a trio of HRC-prepared CB450s.

When Honda introduced its revolutionary CB750, it wanted to prove the speed and reliability of the new machine by racing in the 1970 Daytona 200. Hansen was given the responsibility of heading up the effort on the American side. The CB750s—of which there were four factory entries—had plenty of speed, but there was a problem with the cam-chain tensioner on the high-speed Daytona circuit. After the problem was discovered, Hansen made the decision to keep Mann off the bike during the final day of practice so that the machine could be totally rebuilt.

Mann’s bike was the only factory Honda to go the distance and he won the race.

Just a few months after Honda’s victory at Daytona, Hansen accepted an attractive offer to work for Kawasaki coordinating its racing efforts. Under Hansen’s guidance, Kawasaki won its first AMA National roadrace with Yvon DuHamel and soon became a powerhouse in U.S. racing.

By the mid-1970s, Hansen had moved out of the motorcycle industry.

Bob Hansen was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

To read more about Hansen and other members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, go to www. motorcyclemuseum.org.

YOU CAN HAVE IT BOTH WAYS.

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

Want to switch? Just call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services and tell them which version you want.

Want to read both versions? Call the above number to get both delivered to your home for just $10 more a year. Members can read both online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine for free.

YOUR NAME HERE

Put yourself in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR hall of fame—we couldn’t exist without the generous support of our donors. Now there’s a new way for you to show that support in a very visible way: My Hall of Fame. The idea is simple: A $20 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 a 9-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!

‘America’s Original Extreme Motorcycle Thrill Show’

With a name like “The American Motordrome Wall of Death” you have to be cool, and cool these guys were, wowing packed crowds all weekend with their vertical stunt show on vintage motorcycles.

The team of Charlie Ransom (below), Wahl E. Walker (above), Jeremiah Lightning and Dallas Dan captured the authentic spirit and appreciation for the past that permated BikeBandit.com AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

“This is America’s original extreme motorcycle thrill show,” Ransom says. “This is what entertainment is all about. It’s a live performance. It’s not for TV. It doesn’t translate into video or pictures. This is a throwback to the carnival days, this is real life, and you have to live it to really experience it.”

Real Life Vintage

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. Not just because memories get better with age, but because it’s the better things that we remember. Our first bike. Our first ride. Our first two-wheeled thrill. More than just memories, though, these experiences came to life again at America’s grandest celebration of motorcycling’s heritage: BikeBandit.com AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, presenting the riders and champions of Husqvarna. Here’s a slice of the fun that happened this July 19-21 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington. For thousands of more photos from this unforgetable event, see the online gallery at gallery.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Above: Rolling Masterpieces

Bikes of all makes and eras were on display at BikeBandit.com AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, including this immaculately retored 1968 Triumph Bonneville owned by Dave Williams (right). Williams’ Triumph won Dick Burleson’s Grand Marshal’s Choice Award at the AMA AllYears Bike Show.

Top: Louisville Vintage Motorworks

Old motorcycles are great, but people who love old motorcycles are even better. That’s what Brad White, Matt Westbrook, Dan Green and Chad Francis learned after starting Kentucky’s Louisville Vintage Motorworks.

The group got off the ground in 2008 with bike nights and other get-togethers, and they immediately realized that they tapped “something real in the local community,” White says. “We had people coming from all over, and soon there were 150 bikes packed in a tiny parking lot, and it just kept growing.”

White, Westbrook and Francis also run vintage motorcycle garage Retro Wrench.

“We’ll have old guys come in on vintage Indians, kids just learning to ride on CBs,” White says. “We just love bikes. Run what you brung. There’s no judgement. There’s no brand loyalty. We all have a huge respect for everything with two wheels.”

Right: Del Hickle and Michelle Ravenscroft found a classic Triumph sign, while Gatlin Donohew from Ripley, W.Va., bought this coil for a Honda Z-50.

Below: Italian Treasure Dean Cruciani from Jermyn, Pa., took home this original 1965 Ducati Bronco.

Below: Another Man’s Surplus...

Clockwise from top left: Brandon Bishop from Mansfield, Ohio, with a tank for a 1980s Yamaha RX50; Taren Coleman from Wayne, Ohio, and his café racer seat for a CB500T; Jordan Vierling from Fairview Erie, Pa., and his new Alpinestars boots; Tom Davis from Columbus, Ohio, scored this Suzuki T500 brake drum; Drew Enggasser from Cleveland, Ohio, bought this front fender for a Yamaha CS3; and Johnny Freidli from Nashville, Tenn., with a new-to-him 1982 Can-Am 175 frame.

Right: Jack Roach from Columbus, Ohio, will no doubt put a lot of miles on this 1970 Honda SLRS.

Enthusiasts gather around the classic bikes on display during the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame bike show.

Above: Husqvarna’s Riders and Champions

In addition to Hall of Famer and Grand Marshal Dick Burleson, other legends of the sport were on hand, including Hall of Famer Malcolm Smith (left) and Mike Melton.

Below: Living History

The vintage racing at BikeBandit.com AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days attracted hundreds of riders, including Trevor Kline from Hebron, Ohio. Kline also races modern bikes and is a member of this year’s International Six Days Enduro team.

Above: Artists, including Alicia Vanderelli were creating on location in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame tent throughout the event.

Below: Owning The Track The world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has been circulated by some of motorsports’ most technologically advanced machines. But it also hosts rolling history such as this vintage Triumph.

Try it Before you Buy it

1

The finale of the AMA Pro Hillclimb National Championship Series is set for Oct. 13 in Oregonia, Ohio, hosted by the Dayton Motorcycle Club. If you haven’t seen the pros in action lately, the Devils Staircase Pro Hillclimb is an event you won’t want to miss. Info: www.daytonmc. com.

AMA Championship Banquet, Jan. 18, 2014, at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus, Ohio

2

The Big Bike Weekend, Oct. 11-13, in the Northern California town of Redding is a great destination for street riders looking for a fun time with numerous traditional rally activities. This year’s event benefits the American Red Cross, the Missing in America Project and a pre-Thanksgiving Food Drive (Stuff The Truck) Info: www.bigbikeweekend.com.

3

The warriors of the dirt oval close out their season this month in AMA Pro Flat Track action on Oct. 12 at the Pomona Half-Mile in Pomona, Calif. For more info, see page XX.

4

One of the top events on the riding schedule in the AMA Premier Touring Series is the Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally, which is an AMA National Convention set for Sept. 18-22 in Ruidoso, N.M. Ideal fall temperatures, great roads and good company combine to make this rally worth attending. Info: www.motorcyclerally.org.

6

If you’ll be in the Hicksville, N.Y., area on Oct. 20, then plan to take part in the 17th Annual Tombstone Tour, a recreational road ride poker run hosted by the American Spirit Motorcycle Club. Info: www. americanspiritmcinc.com.

5

If you’re looking for a good time on your adventure-tourer or dualsport machine, then head over to the Howlin’ at the Moon event hosted by the Arizona Trail Riders. Oct. 26-27 in Payson, Ariz. This event is part of the AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series and the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series. Info: arizonatrailriders.org.

COMING UP

Make your reservation now for one of the greatest motorcycling events of the year: the AMA Legends Weekend Oct. 18-19 in Las Vegas, Nev. The gala features the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception. Get more info: www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

ARIZONA

RECREATIONAL

ADVENTURE RIDE

OCT 26: PRESCOTT: 2 DAY EVENT, ARIZONA TRAIL RIDERS, (602) 692-9382, ARIZONATRAILRIDERS.ORG

DUAL SPORT RIDE

OCT 26: PRESCOTT VALLEY: 2 DAY EVENT, ARIZONA TRAIL RIDERS, (623) 826-1092, ARIZONATRAILRIDERS.ORG

POKER RUN

OCT 20: GILBERT: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS. ORG

ROAD RALLY

OCT 19: BENSON: SOUTHERN ARIZONA HARLEY RIDERS MC, (520) 249-3939, SAHR.US.COM

CALIFORNIA

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD

OCT 11: BISHOP: VENTURA COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (805) 857-2522, HTTP://VCMC.INFO/

OCT 27: LANCASTER: LOST COYOTES, (661) 951-7078

POKER RUN

OCT 5: POINT RICHMOND: RICHMOND RAMBLERS MC, (510) 620-0762, RICHMONDRAMBLERSMC.ORG

ROAD RUN

OCT 6: FAIRFIELD: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS. ORG

OCT 20: CARDIFF: PEDIATRIC BRAIN

TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS. ORG

COMPETITION

DESERT SCRAMBLES

OCT 6: (Includes ATVs) EL CENTRO: OVER THE BELT RACING, INC, OTBRACING-D38. NET

OCT 20: (Includes ATVs) EL CENTRO: INTERSTATE 8 DEZERT RACERS, (619) 241-3292, I8DEZERTRACERS.COM

ENDURO

OCT 6: SHASTA LAKE: NORTH VALLEY MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC., (530) 953-7272, REDDINGDIRTRIDERS.COM

OCT 20: OAKLAND: OAKLAND MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (510) 828-1494, OAKLANDMC.ORG

OCT 27: (Includes ATVs) GORMAN: VENTURA COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (805) 485-5271, VENTURACOUNTYMC. COM

OCT 27: GRIZZLY FLAT: POLKA DOTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (916) 221-0834, POLKADOTSMC.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

OCT 12: SAN JOSE: 2 DAY EVENT, TIMEKEEPERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (408) 739-5762

OCT 19: PATTERSON: 2 DAY EVENT, NORCAL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (916) 295-9294, NORCALMC.NET

SPEEDWAY

OCT 11: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-RACE, FASTFRIDAYS.COM

SHORT TRACK

OCT 5: LODI: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 368-7182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM TTS

OCTOBER EVENTS

OCT 6: LODI: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 368-7182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM

COLORADO

COMPETITION

ENDUROCROSS

OCT 12: DENVER: SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA, (303) 297-1166, NATIONALWESTERNCOMPLEX.COM

CONNECTICUT

COMPETITION

OBSERVED TRIALS

OCT 27: MERIDAN: MERIDEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (203) 235-9669

FLORIDA

RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN

OCT 27: FT. WALTON BEACH: SAND DOLLAR MC, INC., (850) 244-0376, SANDDOLLARMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

ROAD RUN

OCT 13: UMATILLA: CENTRAL FLORIDA CRUISERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (352) 396-3239, CENTRALFLORIDACRUISERS.ORG

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

OCT 6: OKEECHOBEE: UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, UNLIMTEDSPORTSMX. COM

OCT 6: REDDICK: UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX.COM

OCT 20: DADE CITY: UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX.COM

OCT 27: GAINESVILLE: UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX. COM

GEORGIA

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RUN

OCT 5: ALPHARETTA: FUN AND RELIABLE TIDDLERS, (770) 923-1685, DREAMHOUSE500.COM

ILLINOIS

DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD

OCT 27: LEAF RIVER: FOREST CITY RIDERS M/C, (815) 624-6535, FORESTCITYRIDERS.COM

TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL

OCT 6: (Includes ATVs) OTTAWA: VARIETY RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 434-3669, VARIETYRIDERS.COM

COMPETITION

ENDURO

OCT 20: WHITE CITY: CAHOKIA CREEK DIRT RIDERS, (618) 946-4316, CCDIRT. COM

GRAND PRIX

OCT 6: BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM

OCT 13: OREGON: KI TRACKS MX, (815) 732-3073, KITRACKSMX.COM HARE SCRAMBLES

OCT 5: (Includes ATVs) PLAINVIEW: 2 DAY EVENT, WFO PROMOTIONS, (309) 3143343, WFOPROMOTIONS MOTOCROSS

OCT 5: (Includes ATVs) WALNUT: 4P PROMOTIONS INC, (815) 379-9534, SUNSETRIDGEMX.COM

OCT 5: BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM

OCT 6: (Includes ATVs) WALNUT: 4P PROMOTIONS INC, (815) 379-9534,

SUNSETRIDGEMX.COM

OCT 11: DUQUOIN: RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM

OCT 13: (Includes ATVs) MASON: CROSSROADS MX AND OFF-ROAD PARK, LLC, (618) 686-2769, CROSSROADSMX. COM

OCT 20: (Includes ATVs) WALNUT: 4P PROMOTIONS INC, (815) 379-9534, SUNSETRIDGEMX.COM

OCT 26: (ATV only) FOSTERBURG: SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC, (618) 372-4255, SPLINTERCREEK.COM

OCT 27: FOSTERBURG: SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC, (618) 372-4255, SPLINTERCREEK.COM

OCT 27: (Includes ATVs) BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM INDIANA

COMPETITION

ENDURO

OCT 13: MATTHEWS: MUDDOBBERS MC INC, (765) 998-2236, MUDDOBBERSMC. ORG

HILLCLIMB

OCT 5: (Includes ATVs) CAYUGA: PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (217) 247-2216, PLEASURERIDERS.NET

HARE SCRAMBLES

OCT 6: COLUMBUS: STONEY LONESOME M/C, (812) 342-4411, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM

MOTOCROSS

OCT 6: WABASH: WABASH CANNONBALL

MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (765) 669-3005

OCT 19: (Includes ATVs) CAYUGA: PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (309) 838-5062, PLEASURERIDERS.NET

OCT 20: (Includes ATVs) CAYUGA: PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (309) 838-5062, PLEASURERIDERS.NET IOWA

ENDURO

OCT 6: BARTLETT: C C RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (712) 313-0256, IERA22.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

OCT 13: ATALISSA: IOWA CITY COMPETITION RIDERS, (319) 530-1554, IERA22.COM

MOTOCROSS

OCT 5: (Includes ATVs) CEDAR RAPIDS: CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 775-0893, CVTR.ORG KANSAS

RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN

OCT 5: BENTON: MARCH OF DIMES-KS, (316) 267-9255, BIKERSFORBABIES.ORG/ WICHITA

MARYLAND

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RUN

OCT 6: MECHANICSVILLE: MARCH OF DIMES-MARYLAND NATIONAL CAPITAL AREA CHAPTER, (571) 257-2310, BIKERSFORBABIES.ORG/ SOUTHERNMARYLAND

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

OCT 26: LEONARDTOWN: BUDDS CREEK

MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM

OCT 27: LEONARDTOWN: BUDDS CREEK

MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM

MASSACHUSETTS

COMPETITION

HILLCLIMB

OCT 6: (Includes ATVs) MONSON: QUABOAG RIDERS INC, (413) 267-4414, QUOBOAGRIDERSMC.COM

MICHIGAN

RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN

OCT 6: GRAND RAPIDS: PARA-DICE MC, (616) 363-1060

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

OCT 5: MILLINGTON: BAJA MX INC, (989) 871-3356, BAJAACRES.COM

OCT 6: MILLINGTON: BAJA MX INC, (989) 871-3356, BAJAACRES.COM

OCT 13: MILLINGTON: BULLDOG RIDERS M/C, (248) 284-5570, BULLDOGSMX.COM

OCT 26: MILLINGTON: BAJA MX INC, (989) 871-3356, BAJAACRES.COM

OCT 27: MILLINGTON: BAJA MX INC, (989) 871-3356, BAJAACRES.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

OCT 12: VERMONTVILLE: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (616) 8216920, MOTATRIALS.COM

OCT 13: VERMONTVILLE: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (616) 8216920, MOTATRIALS.COM

MINNESOTA

RECREATIONAL

TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL

OCT 19: AKELEY: 2 DAY EVENT, PAUL BUNYAN FOREST RIDER MC, (218) 7395525, PAULBUNYANFORESTRIDERS.COM

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

OCT 6: BROWERVILLE: MOTO CITY RACEWAY & RECREATION INC, (218) 8942826, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM

OCT 13: MAZEPPA: GOLDEN EAGLES CYCLE CLUB, (507) 843-5754, GOLDENEAGLES.ORG

MOTOCROSS

OCT 6: BROOK PARK: BERM BENDERS RACEWAY, (320) 679-2582, BERMBENDERS.COM

OCT 6: KELLOGG: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 244-9996, MOTOKAZIE.COM

OCT 13: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

OCT 12: NORTH MANKATA: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 935-1887, UMTA.ORG

OCT 13: NORTH MANKATO: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG

OCT 26: RED WING: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG

OCT 27: RED WING: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG MISSOURI

RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN

OCT 13: MARYLAND HEIGHTS: MARCH OF DIMES-MO, (314) 513-9968, BIKERSFORBABIESMO.ORG

ROAD RALLY

OCT 4: CAPE GIRARDEAU: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION, (573) 334-4491

OCTOBER EVENTS

GRAND PRIX

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

OCT 27: PARK HILLS: MISSOURI MUDDERS, (636) 639-6373, MOMUDDERS. COM

NEW JERSEY

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE

OCT 26: TUCKERTON: 2 DAY EVENT, METEOR MC, (609) 296-9163, CAMPACN. COM

COMPETITION

ENDURO

OCT 20: NEW LISBON: OCEAN COUNTY COMPETITION RIDERS M.C., (609) 7582747, HTTP://OCCR.NET/ HARE SCRAMBLES

OCT 5: EAGLESWOOD TWP: 2 DAY EVENT, PINE BARONS ENDURO RIDERS, (609) 502-6737, PBER.WEBS.COM

OCT 26: MILLVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, COMPETITION DIRT RIDERS, (609) 319-7496

MOTOCROSS

OCT 5: ENGLISHTOWN: 2 DAY EVENT, RACEWAY PARK, (732) 446-7800, RACEWAYPARK.COM

NEW MEXICO

COMPETITION

OBSERVED TRIALS

OCT 5: ROSWELL: 2 DAY EVENT, NEW MEXICO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (505) 7802551, NEWMEXICOTRIALS.COM

NEW YORK

RECREATIONAL

MYSTERY RUN

OCT 20: HICKSVILLE: AMERICAN SPIRIT MC, INC., (516) 485-8270

ROAD RUN

OCT 13: SLOATSBURG: RAMAPO MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (845) 304-9345

OCT 20: BROOKLYN: ROLLING THUNDER, NEW YORK, CHAPTER 1, (212) 330-8094, ROLLINGTHUNDER1.COM

OCT 27: BRONX: CELTIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (914) 924-2170, CELTICM.C.C.COM

TURKEY RUN

OCT 27: OAKDALE: IDONTKNOW MC, (641) 715-3900, IDONTKNOWMC.COM COMPETITION MOTOCROSS

OCT 26: (Includes ATVs) WALLKILL: WALDEN MX, (845) 895-2537, WALDENMX. COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

OCT 6: BEAVER DAMS: DISTRICT 4 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (607) 535-9321, DISTRICT4TRIALS.ORG OHIO

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE

OCT 12: MCARTHUR: 2 DAY EVENT, ENDURO RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (614) 582-7821, ENDURORIDERS.COM ROAD RUN

OCT 12: LEBANON: TRAIN MRO INC., (513) 531-6547, TRAINMRO.ORG

OCT 20: PORTSMOUTH: PORTSMOUTH MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 352-7200, PORTSMOUTHMC.NET

COMPETITION

ENDURO

OCT 6: RAY: CHILLICOTHE ENDURO RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (740) 649-9026, CHILLICOTHEENDURO.COM

OCT 20: (Includes ATVs) ATHENS: ACTION SPORTS PROMOTIONS INC., (570) 5917223, ACTIONSSPORTSRACING.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

OCT 13: (Includes ATVs) SUGAR GROVE: CENTRAL OHIO COMPETITION RIDERS INC., (740) 983-3937

OBSERVED TRIALS

OCT 5: LITTLE HOCKING : 2 DAY EVENT, TRIALS INC, TRIALSINC.ORG

OCT 26: WELLSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, TRIALS INC, TRIALSINC.ORG OKLAHOMA

COMPETITION

ENDURO

OCT 20: OKLAHOMA CITY: OKLAHOMA DIRT RIDERS, (405) 249-6702, OKIEDIRTRIDERS.COM

MOTOCROSS

OCT 26: PONCA CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM

PENNSYLVANIA

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE

OCT 13: PINE GROVE: READING OFF ROAD RIDERS, (610) 921-3592, RORR.ORG

POKER RUN

OCT 6: SCHUYLKILL: SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 3851460, SCHUYLKILLMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM

OCT 6: KRESGEVILLE: ZINC CITY MC, (570) 992-4214, ZINCCITYMC.ORG

OCT 6: YORK: TWIN ROSE LADY RIDERS, (717) 471-7026

OCT 13: COLUMBIA: THUNDERBIRD MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (717) 898-0871

OCT 13: LEBANON: LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (717) 270-9797, LEBANONVALLEYMC.COM

OCT 13: RED HILL: FREEDOM RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (215) 679-4766, FREEDOMRIDERSPA.COM

OCT 19: LEESPORT: CLASSIC HARLEY-DAVIDSON, (610) 916-7777, CLASSICHARLEY.COM

OCT 26: SKIPPACK: BLUE COMET MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (267) 261-3580, BLUECOMETMC.COM

OCT 27: LEBANON: LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (717) 270-9797, LEBANONVALLEYMC.COM

ROAD RUN

OCT 12: LEESPORT: ARMED FORCES BROTHERHOOD, INC., (484) 331-1066, ARMEDFORCESBROTHERHOOD.ORG COMPETITION

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

OCT 5: (Includes ATVs) NEWBERRYTOWN: SHIPPENSBURG MC, (717) 796-0294, BAERMOTORSPORTS.COM

OCT 19: (Includes ATVs) SHIPPENSBURG: SHIPPENSBURG MC, (717) 796-0294, BAERMOTORSPORTS.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

OCT 19: SKIPPACK: BLUE COMET MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 489-1240, BLUECOMETMC.COM

MOTOCROSS

OCT 6: (ATV only) THREE SPRINGS: ROCKET RACEWAY, (717) 574-6590, ROCKETRACEWAY.COM

OCT 6: MT. MORRIS: RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, RACERPRODUCTIONS.COM

OCT 13: NEW ALEXANDRIA: 8 SEVEN MX, LLC, (412) 736-1225, PRPMX.COM

OCT 27: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 582-3717, PAGODAMC.ORG

OBSERVED TRIALS

OCT 6: LOCK HAVEN: DURTY DABBERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 748-6534

OCT 27: VALLEY VIEW: RAUSCH CREEK POWERSPORTS, (570) 682-4600, RAUSCHCREEKRACING.COM

SHORT TRACK

OCT 12: WEST LAMPETER: MASON DIXON MOTORSPORTS PARK, (443) 528-7648 TTS

OCT 6: PARKESBURG: E PA PISTON POPPERS MC INC, (484) 336-9160 RHODE ISLAND

COMPETITION

OBSERVED TRIALS

OCT 6: EXETER: RHODE ISLAND TRAILS CLUB, (508) 285-6074, RITRIALSCLUB.COM

SOUTH CAROLINA

RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN

OCT 13: LEXINGTON: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS. ORG

TENNESSEE

RECREATIONAL TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL

OCT 14: TOWNSEND: XPLOR-INT LLC, (610) 470-8897, XPLOR-INT.COM TEXAS

RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN

OCT 12: HOUSTON: RIDERS FOR THE CURE, (713) 563-9230, RIDERSFORTHECURE.ORG

OCT 13: FORT WORTH: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS. ORG

OCT 27: SELMA: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

ROAD RALLY

OCT 17: WILS POINT: BIKERS ADULT RALLY, LLC., (972) 551-0024

OCT 18: DESOTO: 2 DAY EVENT, WHEELIO, LLC, (972) 672-9740, BIGTEXRALLY.COM

OCT 18: LUCKENBACH: 2 DAY EVENT, CENTRAL TEXAS MOTORCYCLE CHARITIES, (512) 922-5494, HARVESTCLASSIC.ORG

OCT 25: KERRVILLE: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION, COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

OCT 5: (ATV only) KEMP: UNDERGROUND MX PARK, (903) 498-4659, UGMXPARK.COM

OCT 6: (ATV only) KEMP: UNDERGROUND MX PARK, (903) 498-4659, UGMXPARK.COM UTAH

COMPETITION

ROAD RACE

OCT 5: TOOELE: 2 DAY EVENT, UTAH SPORT BIKE ASSOCIATION, (435) 277RACE, MILLERMOTORSPORTSPARK.COM VIRGINIA

RECREATIONAL

OCT 5: MT SOLON: 2 DAY EVENT, WASHINGTON AREA TRAIL RIDERS, INC., WATR.US

SCAVENGER HUNT

OCT 12: FREDERICKSBURG: 2 DAY EVENT, MASON DIXON 20-20 RIDERS CLUB, RALLYTHEVOID.ORG

SWAP MEETS

OCT 6: MANASSAS: VIRGINIA BRITISH MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (703) 368-0173, PWCFAIR.COM

COMPETITION

GRAND PRIX

OCT 13: RURAL RETREAT: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (276) 620-0400, VCHSS.ORG

MOTOCROSS

OCT 12: PETERSBURG: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 375-1059, MAMAMX. COM WASHINGTON

COMPETITION

ENDUROCROSS

OCT 26: EVERETT: SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA, (425) 322-2600, COMCASTARENAEVERETT.COM

MOTOCROSS

OCT 26: (Includes ATVs) WEST RICHLAND: HRMC, INC., (509) 953-5242, HORNRAPIDSMX.COM

OCT 27: (Includes ATVs) WEST RICHLAND: HRMC, INC., (509) 953-5242, HORNRAPIDSMX.COM

WEST VIRGINIA

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RALLY

OCT 4: LEWISBURG: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION, (304) 645-7722

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

OCT 19: HEDGESVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 375-9105, MAMAMX. COM

WISCONSIN

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE

OCT 26: CROSS PLAINS: MADISON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (262) 424-9361, MADISONMOTORCYCLECLUB.ORG

DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD

OCT 20: WEST BEND: KETTLE MORAINE SPORT RIDERS, (262) 334-1743, KETTLEMORAINESPORTRIDERS.COM

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

OCT 5: WITTENBERG: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-2863, FANTASYMOTO.COM

OCT 6: WITTENBURG: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-2863, FANTASYMOTO.COM

OCT 6: TIGERTON: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-2863, FANTASYMOTO.COM

OCT 13: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 265-1582, AZTALANMX. COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

OCT 5: MAUSTON: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (319) 624-2003, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG

OCT 6: MAUSTON: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (319) 624-2003, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG

October 2013 45

HALL OF FAME

EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

AMA M OTO rcycLE H ALL O F FAM E M otorcycleMuseu M org

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

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

Dirt-Track! All-American Motorcycle r ac ing: Celebrating the storied history of the men and machines who battle on the dirt oval.

2 Wheels + Motor, A Fine Art Exhibition: More than two dozen artists celebrate the spirit, excitement and adventure of motorcycling through fine art.

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

Oct. 18-19, Las Vegas, Nev.: AMA Legends Weekend. Information: www. motorcyclemuseum.org.

2

Jan. 4: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

Jan. 11: Phoenix: Chase Field

Jan. 18: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Satium

Jan. 25: Oakland, Calif.: O.Co Coliseum

Feb. 1: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

Feb. 8: San Diego: Qualcomm Stadium

Feb. 15: Arlington, Texas: Cowboys Stadium

Feb. 22: Atlanta: Georgia Dome

Mar. 1: Indianapolis: Lucas Oil Stadium

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

Mar. 15: Detroit: Ford Field

Mar. 22: Toronto: Rogers Centre

Mar. 29: St. Louis: Edward Jones Dome

Apr. 5: Houston: Reliant Stadium

Apr. 12: Seattle: Century Link Field

Apr. 26: East Rtherford, N.J.: MetLife Staium

May 3: Las Vegas: Sam Boyd Stadium

AMSOIL Ar E NAcrO SS , FEATu r IN g rI cky cA r M I c H AEL’S rOAD TO S u PE rcrOSS A r eN Across co M

Jan. 3-5: Worcester, Mass.: DCU Center

Jan. 10-12: Baltimore: 1st Mariner Arena

Jan. 18-19: Louisville, Ky.: Freedom Hall

Jan. 25-26: Greensboro, N.C.: Greensboro Coliseum

Jan. 31-Feb. 2: Milwaukee, Wis.: U.S. Cellular Arena

Feb. 7-9: Sacramento, Calif.: Sleep Train Arena

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

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

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

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

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

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

AMA PrO rOAD rAc I N g

cH AMPIONSHIP

AMAPror AcINg co M

S ept. 13-15: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

Sept. 27-29: Monterey, c a lif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

AMA PrO FLAT Tr Ack

cH AMPIONSHIP

AMAPror AcINg co M

S ept. 29: Santa ro sa, ca lif.: Mile, Sonoma County Fairgrounds

Oct. 12: Pomona, ca lif. Half-mile, LA County Fairplex

AMA PrO HILLcLIMB c H AMPIONSHIP

AMAPror AcINg c o M

S ept. 29: Jefferson, Pa.

Oct. 13: Oregonia, Ohio

AMA NATIONAL cH AMPIONSHIP SE r IES

A MA ENDu rOcrOSS eND uro cross.co M

S ept. 21: Ontario, ca lif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena

Oct. 12: Denver: National Western Complex

Oct. 26: Everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena

Nov. 9: Boise, Idaho: Idaho Center

Nov. 23: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena

AMA NATIONAL ENDu rO

N At I o NA leND uro co M

S ept. 15: Lynnville, Ind.: Gil Jochem, IN, IL, KY Enduro Riders; (812) 624-0344, www.blackcoal.org

Oct. 20: Oklahoma c i ty: Chuck Howard, Oklahoma Dirt Riders; (405) 249-6702, www.okiedirtriders.com

AMA V I NTAg E D I rT Tr Ack

AMA r AcINg co M

S ept. 21: c u ddebackville, N.y : ST, Ron Edlin, Tri-State MC; (845) 566-4956; www.tristateclub.com

Sept. 22: c u ddebackville, N.y : ST, Ron Edlin, Tri-State MC; (845) 566-4956; www.tristateclub.com

AMA HA r E AND HOu N D

AMA r AcINg co M

O ct. 12, yo uth; Oct. 13, Amateur: Lucerne Valley, ca lif.: Ryan Sanders,

100’s Motorcycle Club; (949) 584-9395; www.100sMC.org

AMA N ATIONAL M I D -A ME r I cA crO SS cOu NTry S E r I ES w ww.theM A xc.co M

S ept. 28: Plymouth, Ind: The Blackhawk

Oct. 19: g o sport, Ind: Rally in the Valley

Nov. 2: Freedom, Ind: Coyote Run

AMA FEATur E D SE r IE S A MA WESTE r N cHEck P OINT E NDurO cH AMPIONSHIP rID echec.co M

S ept. 28-29: Toulon, Nev.

Oct. 27: g orman, c al if. 100-mile Qualifier

Oct. 26-27: Elkins Flat, c a lif.

Nov. 9-10: Stoneyford, c a lif.

V I rg IN I A cH AMPIONSHIP HA r E S cr A MBLES SE r IES vchss.org

Sept. 22: Spring g r ove, Va

Sept. 29: c ha tham, Va.

Oct. 13: ru ral re treat, Va

Oct. 27: Dillwyn, Va.

Nov. 10: Spring g r ove, Va.

AMA AcTION SPO rT S g r A ND Pr I X S E r IES

Act I o NsPortsr AcINg.co M

S ept. 21: Athens, Ohio: Action Sports Moto Park, Action Sports Promotions, (740) 591-7223

Oct. 20: Athens, Ohio: Action Sports Moto Park, Action Sports Promotions, (740) 591-7223

Nov. 16: Athens, Ohio: Action Sports Moto Park, Action Sports Promotions, (740) 591-7223

AMA DISTr I cT 37 BI g 6 g r A ND Pr I X S E r IES BIg 6 r AcINg.co M

O ct. 5-6: r i dgecrest, c a lif.: Ridgecrest Fairgrounds, Viewfinders MC

Nov. 2-3: g o rman, c a lif.: Quail Valley, Prospectors MC

Dec. 7-8: Pala, ca lif.: Pala Raceway, Vikings MC

EAST cOAST ENDu rO A SSO c IATION E NDurO SE r IE S ece A org

S ept. 15: Brandonville, Pa.: Valley Forge Trail Riders, (484) 948-5361; www.vftr.org

Oct. 20: New Lisbon, N.J.: Ocean County Competition Riders, (609) 758-2747; www.occr.net

Nov. 10: Warren g r ove, N.J.: Motorcycle Competition Inc., (609) 575-7820; www. ride-mci.com

Nov. 24: New Lisbon, N.J.: Central Jersey Competition Riders, (732) 5586475; www.cjcrmc.org

EAST cOAST ENDu rO ASSO c IATION

HA r E S cr A MBLES SE r IE S ece A org

Sept. 21-22: Plymouth Township, Pa.: 2-Day, High Mountain Dirt Riders, (570) 954-7799

Sept. 28-29: Three Springs, Pa.: 2-Day, Green Marble Enduro Riders, (410) 638-9367

Oct. 5-6: Eagleswood, N.J.: 2-Day, Pine Barons Enduro Riders, (609) 654-6300

Oct. 26-27: Millville, N.J.: 2-Day, Competition Dirt Riders, (609) 319-7496

Nov. 16-17: New ca stle, Del.: 2-Day, Delaware Enduro Riders, (302) 834-4411

ALL-STA r NATIONAL FLAT Tr Ack steveN Acer AcINg co M

S ept. 28: yo rk, Pa: Half-mile, York Expo Center

AMA IOWA ATV HA r E S cr AM BLES IAt vhss co M

S ept. 14: c h ariton, Iowa

Oct. 5-6: car lisle, Iowa: Blue Ridge Run

AMA A ME r I cAN SPO rTBI k E r Ac I N g A SSO c I ATION cH AMPIONSHIP SE r IE S A MA r AcINg c o M

S ept. 21-22: South Beloit, Ill.: Blackhawk Farms

Oct. 17-20: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

AMA AME r I cAN SPO rTBI k E r Ac I N g

A SSO c IATION TEAM cHALLEN g E SE r IE S A MA r AcINg c o M

O ct. 19: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway, 30th Annual Race of Champions

AMA u S. g r A ND Pr I X rIDE r S uNI ON S E r IES usg Pru.Ne t

S ept. 21-22: Alton, Va.: Final, Virginia International Speedway

AMA PrO -A M M OTO crO SS A MA r AcINg c o M

S ept. 14: Lizella, g a. : Motocross League of America Vurb Classic, Echeconnee MX, (205) 699-8857, www. rpmsportsonline.com

Sept. 15: r i chford, N.y : New York State Championship, Broome Tioga, (607) 8494438, www.btscmx@yahoo.com

Sept. 15: Lizella, g a. : Motocross League of America Vurb Classic, Echeconnee MX, (205) 699-8857, www. rpmsportsonline.com

Sept. 15: Tigerton, Wis.: Midwest Mega Series, Fantasy Moto, (920) 419-2863, www.fantasymoto.com

Sept. 15: Wytheville, Va.: Thor United States Mega Series, Pro Sport MX, (423) 323-5497, www.victory-sports.com

Sept. 15: c a sey, Ill.: Fly Racing Showdown Series, Lincoln Trails Motorsports, (217) 932-2041, lincolntrailmotosports@gmail.com

Sept. 21-22: New c a stle, Del.: Delaware State Championship, Blue Diamond MX, (302) 834-5867, www.bdmxpark.com

Sept. 22: Mason, Ill.: (618) 6862769, Crossroads MX, www. crossroadsmxpark@gmail.com

Sept. 22: Hamer, S.C.: Ultra Series, South of the Boarder, (423) 323-5497, www.victory-sports.com

Sept. 28: Mendota, Ill.: (815) 539-9021, Moto Pro Inc., www.megacross.com

Sept. 29: Dalton, Ga.: Thor United States Mega Series, Lazy River MX, (423) 323-5497, www.victory-sports.com

Sept. 29: Edgewood, Texas: (214) 939-4321, Buffalo Creek, www. buffalocreekmx.com

Sept. 29: Walnut, Ill.: (815) 379-9534, Sunset Ridge, www.sunsetridgemx.com

Oct. 6: Englishtown, N.J.: Kawasaki Race of Champions, Raceway Park, (732) 446-7800, www.racewaypark.com

Oct. 11-13: Dequoin, Ill.: Motocross League of America: Duquoin Fall Classic, Indian Hills MX, (205) 699-8857, www. rpmsportsonline.com

Oct. 13: Birdsboro, Pa.: (610) 5823717, Pagoda Motorcycle Club, www. pagodamc.org

Oct. 19: Blountville, Tenn.: Thor United States Mega Series, Muddy Creek, (423) 323-5497, www.victory-sports.com

Oct. 20: Blountville, Tenn.: Thor United States Mega Series, Muddy Creek, (423) 323-5497, www.victory-sports.com

Oct. 26: Ponca City, Okla.: Motocross League of America Ponca Fall Classic, Ponca City MX, (205) 699-8857, www. rpmsportsonline.com

Nov. 1: Reynolds, Ga.: Motocross League of America, Silver Dollar MX, (205) 699-8857, www.rpmsportsonline. com

Nov. 2: Reynolds, Ga.: Motocross League of America, Silver Dollar MX, (205) 699-8857, www.rpmsportsonline. com

Nov. 2-3: Buckeye, Ariz.: Western ProAm, Arizona Cycle Park, (623) 853-0750, www.arizonacyclepark.com

Nov. 9-10: Lizella, Ga.: Georgia State Championship, Echeconnee MX Park, (205) 699-8857, www.rpmsportsonline. com

Nov. 16: Pell City, Ala.: MLA, Kawasaki Good Time Mill Creek MX, Mill Creek, (205) 699-8857, www.rpmsportsonline. com

Nov. 17: Pell City, Ala.: MLA, Kawasaki Good Time Mill Creek MX, Mill Creek, (205) 699-8857, www.rpmsportsonline. com

Nov. 25-27: Gainsville, Fla.: Winter Olympics, Gatorback Cycle Park, (312) 689-3461, www.unlimitedsportsmx.com

Nov. 28-30: Gainsville, Fla.: Winter Olympics, Gatorback Cycle Park, (312) 689-3461, www.unlimitedsportsmx.com

Nov. 30-Dec. 1: Floresville, Texas: USA Motocross, Cycle Ranch, 855-571MOTO, www.cycleranch.com

AMA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

AMA ROADRACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM

Sept. 21-22: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

FIM WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP WORLDSBK.COM

Sept. 27-29: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS FIM-LIVE.COM

Sept. 29: Teutschenthal, Germany

FIM INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS OF ENDURO FIM-LIVE.COM

Sept. 30-Oct.5: 2013 ISDE: Sardegna, Italy

BUB MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS BUBENT.COM

Aug. 25-29: Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats

COOK MOTORSPORTS PRIVATE LAND SPEED SHOOTOUT

Sept. 12-16: Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats

TRIALS DES NATIONS

Sept 8-9 La Châtre France ISDE: La Châtre, France

AMA DUAL-SPORT/ADVENTURE SERIES

AMA HUSQVARNA NATIONAL DUAL-SPORT SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Sept. 13-15: Reno, Nev.: Ride Reno 200, Dust Devils MC, Gary Lambert; (775) 224-0361; www.lbl200.com

Sept. 21-22: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www. kaeppnerswoods.com

Sept. 28-29: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Dual Sport, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209)

649-3633; www.familyoff roadadventures. com

Sept. 28-29: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; www. widualsportriders.org

Oct. 5-6: Mt. Solon, Va.: Shenandoah 500 Dual Sport, Washington Area Trail Riders, Andy Giordano, (540) 379-5631; www. watr.us

Oct. 12-13: McArthur, Ohio: Baby Burr National Dual Sport, Enduro Riders Assn., Steve Barber; (614) 582-7821; www.enduroriders.com

Oct. 26-27: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrailriders.org

Nov. 2-3: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 or (856) 7852754; www.teamhammer.org

Nov. 29-30: Palmdale, Calif.: LABarstow to Vegas, AMA Dist-37 DualSport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.dist37ama.org

AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ NATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Sept. 13-15: Reno, Nev.: Ride Reno 200, Dust Devils MC, Gary Lambert; (775) 224-0361; www.lbl200.com

Oct. 26-27: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrailriders.org

Nov. 2-3: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 or (856) 7852754; www.teamhammer.org

Nov. 16-17: Hammonton, N.J.: Pine Barrens 300, Cross Country Cycles, Jack O’Connor; (732) 714-8874; www.pinebarrens500.org

Nov. 29-30: Palmdale, Calif.: LABarstow to Vegas, AMA Dist-37 Dual-

Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.dist37ama.org

AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

AMA NATIONAL CONVENTIONS

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Sept. 18-22: Ruidoso, N.M.: Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally: www. motorcyclerally.com

AMA NATIONAL GYPSY TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Oct. 11-13: Redding, Calif.: Big Bike Weekend: www.bigbikeweekend.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

AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS, PRESENTED BY SHINKO TIRES AND FLY STREET GEAR AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Polar Bear Grand Tour: AMA District 2 of New Jersey; (609) 8942941; www.polarbeargrandtour.com

March 25-Oct. 1: Eddie’s Road and Team Strange Airheads Smoke Chasing Grand Tour: Eddie’s Road and Team Strange Airheads; www.smokechasing.com

April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor Grand Tour: Tour of Honor; www.tourofhonor.com

AMA NATIONAL EXTREME GRAND TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Jan. 1-Dec. 31: SCMA Four Corners Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycling Association; www.usa4corners.org.

Aug. 30-Sept. 2: SCMA Three Flags Classic Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycling Association; www.sc-ma.com.

October 2013 47

GUEST COLUMN

REAL LIFE PERSPECTIVE

Remembering An Unforgettable Two-Up Trek

By Lisa Hatch

When it came time to write my college essay, I tried to come up with unique and interesting topics, before realizing I already had the perfect one: the crosscountry motorcycle trip my mom and I took years ago and how it still influences and inspires me today.

American Motorcyclist readers may remember our story from the October 2008 issue, “A Mother-Daughter Adventure.” I was 12 years old at the time of our 35-day, 9,000-mile ride, and it was life changing. Now, five years after that trip, I may have a more mature perspective of the experience, but the memories are no less powerful. Here is my essay.

Staring up the sides of the Rocky Mountains in awe, I realized this is what we had come for. This was the reason for our journey. The mountains seemed to consume us as we rode on, becoming closer and closer until we were right alongside them, riding the curves of the Rockies themselves. Moby’s “Feeling So Real” was playing in my ears, and I couldn’t have chosen a better song to describe the moment.

I opened my helmet and shouted over the wind to my mom “You were right; you have to see it to believe it!”

In 2007 my mom and I traveled across the country on her motorcycle. Everywhere we went we received a multitude of different reactions to what we were doing, everything from stares, interest, amazement, to pure confusion. The idea of a woman on a motorcycle was crazy to some people, but as a motorcycle-riding single mother, my mom didn’t let stereotypes hinder our journey.

I, however, was not as used to the stares as she might have been. I was self-conscious about my bulky, unflattering riding gear: riding pants that were too big for me and a helmet that made me look like an alien. But after awhile, I became proud rather than embarrassed, and I realized I was doing something few people ever got the chance to do: see the country with my mom. As long as it was important to us, we didn’t need approval from everyone else.

My mom likes to say, “You’ll learn more from traveling than you ever will from a geography text book.” I knew that Redwood trees were big before, but I never knew how immense they really were until I stood next to one. I knew Montana was known as “Big Sky Country,” but I never could have understood the vastness until I was beneath it.

Going on this trip opened my eyes to how different everything can be from your initial perspective. One day while we were stopped at a gas station in Oregon, the cashier inside inquired about our adventure. When we told her we were from New Hampshire, she mentioned she had always wanted to go to the

East Coast. I had never realized how lucky I was to have seen so much of the country, that some people had never been so far away, and there I was at 12 years old, 3,000 miles from home.

The trip is something I will never forget. Five years later, I am still realizing how it affected my life, and me as a person. I’ve learned that perspective is not something that can be taught in school. You gain it through experience. I learned that doing something that may seem impossible is, in fact, achievable. I learned how to be proud of myself, even if I was doing something different.

I had the opportunity to see how diverse and unique this country truly is, and I have been inspired to someday discover the same things around the world. I’ve come to realize that you can see something on TV, read about it, see pictures of it, even listen to stories about it, but you will never completely understand something until you go experience it for yourself.

I finished the essay with a smile on my face. I wanted to share it with everybody. I felt proud of what I had written, and that feeling assured me that it was the right topic, one that would show colleges who I was and what I was passionate about.

I am proud to say that this essay helped me gain acceptance to all seven universities that I applied to, including the University of Tampa, where I’ve begun a new journey this fall.

Lisa Hatch is an AMA member from Nashua, N.H.

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