American Motorcyclist February 2015 Dirt Version (preview)

February 2015

RICKY BRABEC RULES THE DESERT

Photo Mark Kariya

CAN OFF-ROAD MOTORCYCLES SURVIVE IN THE CITY?

AMA REWARDS

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

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

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HOW YOUR AMA MEMBERSHIP PAYS FOR ITSELF Are You Covered?

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STAYING INFORMED American Motorcyclist

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

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Save At Choice Hotels, Motel 6, Red Roof Inn At Choice hotels, save 15 percent off the best available rates at participating Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Rodeway Inn and Econo Lodge hotels. Use the Member Discount code #00947556.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine offers a 20 percent subscription discount to AMA members.

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STREET COVER EagleRider delivers dreams to motorcyclists all over the world. It’s a brilliant idea with a surprising beginning.

Read more on page 34.

NAVIGATION

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PAGE 26. THE STATE OF SAFETY TRAINING IN AMERICA

DIRT COVER Ricky Brabec had a great 2014, topped by winning the AMA Hare and Hound National Championship Series. Read about it on page 18.

PAGE 32. ADVENTURE RIDERS LOVE MONGOLIA.

10. VIEWPOINT 12. RIGHTS 28. HALL OF FAME 38. EVENTS CALENDAR 46. GUEST COLUMN

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February 2015 Volume 69, Number 2 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com

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Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147.

Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices.

8. LETTERS

PAGE 26. DEVELOPING URBAN OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE PARKS FOR A MODERN WORLD

y!

American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147.

Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2015.

Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $19.95 covered in membership dues.

To switch the version you receive, call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services.

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

WE KNOW

CABLES COMMUNICATIONS

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Contact any member of the AMA Board of Directors at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ about/board Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, Chair Schenectady, N.Y.

James Holter, Director of Communications/Managing Editor Jim Witters, Government Affairs Editor Heather Wilson, Associate Editor Mark Lapid, Creative Director Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer Halley Immelt, Graphic Designer

Russ Brenan, Vice Chair Irvine, Calif.

Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla. Perry King, Executive Committee Member Northern California

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

John Ulrich, Executive Committee Member Lake Elsinore, Calif.

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

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Stan Simpson, Cibolo, Texas Jeff Skeen, San Diego, Calif.

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.

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

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued) Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

Bob Chaddock, Vice President, Administration Sean Maher, Director AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME Jordan Cavallaro, Museum Admissions and Collections Assistant Connie Fleming, Manager of Events and AMHF Operations Beth Owen, Receptionist/Donor Relations Specialist Paula Schremser, Program Specialist Katy Wood, Collections Manager AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES

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Paul Puma, Laguna Beach, Calif.

Rob Dingman, President/CEO Rhonda Hixon, Administrative Asst./Litigation Manager Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Massey, Chief Operations Officer Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

MOTION PRO, INC. I MOTIONPRO.COM I 650-594-9600

Robert Pearce, Murrieta, Calif.

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Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator Ed Madden, System Support Specialist Peg Tuvell, Member Fulfillment Specialist

Let the Motion Pro Custom Cable Shop build what you need. We stock a full range of fittings, housing types and diameters and inner wire sizes to most any cable.

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All trademarks used herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned by the AMA and may only be used with the express, written permission of the AMA. American Motorcyclist is the monthly publication of the American Motorcyclist Association, which represents motorcyclists nationwide. For information on AMA membership benefits, call (800) AMA-JOIN or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Manuscripts, photos, drawings and other editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited material. Copyright© American Motorcyclist Association, 2015.

Rob Baughman, Road Riding Coordinator Kip Bigelow, MX Manager Joe Bromley, District Relations Manager Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing Marcy Day, Racing Administrative Assistant Chris Harrison, Road Riding Manager Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator

BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Business Member Programs DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES John Bricker, Mailroom Manager Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations Danielle Fowles, Grassroots Coordinator Nick Haris, Western States Representative Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant Sharon Long, Legislative Affairs Coordinator Rick Podliska, Deputy Director Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway Marie Wuelleh, Government Affairs Specialist INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Dave Coleman, Network Architect Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director MARKETING Mark Christian, Director of Marketing Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Specialist MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative Christina Dolin, Member Services Representative Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative

Give your kids a history lesson.

2015 AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS July 10-12, 2015 • Lexington, Ohio Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course www.AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com Facebook.com/AMAVintageMotorcycleDays #AMAVMD

MEMBER LETTERS

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

Letter of the Month

RARE FIRST BIKE When I opened up my January American Motorcyclist, to my total surprise the centerfold picture was of my very first Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a motorcycle, a Victoria Bergmeister.

BikeBandit.com gift card worth $100. Didn’t My brother was attending college in win? No worries. You can still take advantage Minnesota when he bought the bike. My of your 10 percent AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com. first motorcycle ride was on the back when we rode over to Wisconsin to our grandmother’s farm. I fell in love with motorcycles.

He went into the Army in 1958 after college, and I inherited the bike in 1960 when I left the Air Force. My family lived in South Bend, Ind., at the time, and I spent many long days riding around the area.

Not knowing any better, I did off-road riding in areas I would not ride today.

Along about 1961, I had a riding friend who was going to move to Tucson, and I David Nelson thought it would be fun to go along on my bike while he drove his car. We traveled down old U.S. Route 66. In Tucumcari, N.M., I experienced a broken throttle cable. Imagine being in the middle of nowhere and having a problem with an obscure brand of bike. I was able to coast into an auto junkyard on the edge of town and asked for help. The guys there were so helpful to this young rider. They made up a replacement cable using the windshield wiper cable from and old Hudson.

When I left the place, my rear tire went flat. I made it to a gas station down the road, and the attendant was also very helpful. I carried a spare tube in my saddlebag, and he helped me install it. However, it went flat right away. I had a big screwdriver in the bag for changing tubes and it had bounced around and punctured the spare tube. We repaired the original tube, and I went on my way.

Unfortunately, I was separated from my friends. I continued on to Tucson on my own, and looked up my godparents living there. I had other adventures there, and did hook up with my friend again.

The frame broke, and I wound up selling it to someone who knew less than me about bikes, and I hitchhiked back to South Bend. It was a long time before I bought another bike, but I will never forget my Victoria Bergmeister.

David Nelson AMA Charter Life Member Bloomington, Minn.

BILL MAXEY PASSES AMA District 17 lost a founding father last November. Bill Maxey was not only a true competitor and rider’s rider, but his insight, participation and thought process in the 1960s made AMA Districts and organized AMA racing what it is today.

He was an inspiration to us, and not only was he part of our process since the beginning but even as he started to Bill Maxey slow down, he

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would call and touch base with many of us to keep in the loop.

One of the last AMA Congresses he wasn’t able to make it, so he phoned in and closed the main Congress meeting.

Bill will be missed, but his memory and mark on us here in Illinois and at AMA will live forever. “They don’t make ’em like that anymore” comes to mind when thinking of Bill. He was the guy you knew would give it to you straight!

Gerhard Ward AMA Charter Life Member AMA Congressman AMA District 17 Motocross Director Mendota, Ill.

COME BACK SAFELY I enjoyed the Guest Column on the last page of the November 2014 issue titled “We’re back,” but I would like to offer some suggestions.

If it has been since the ’80s that someone has ridden a motorcycle, it would be a great idea to take a rider’s course, preferably a two-up course.

Also, by taking a two-up rider course the operator would find that the passenger should almost never put their feet down.

I would also advise the couple to join the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and take some of their courses.

I have ridden over 200,000 miles and I, as well as the rest of my family, take a rider course every two years to refresh our skills.

Lawrence Wiggins Muskegon, Mich.

COMMON GROUND I eagerly look forward to the day when the United States joins the rest of the world in standardizing motorcycle equipment regulations.

Why? This summer my wife and I will complete a 70,000-mile ’round the world trip on our bikes. One problem was the wait for some parts when the bikes broke down. Not only did we have to buy the parts from the United States and suffer a delay to have them shipped to us because they were not available locally, but due to a smaller production run size, they were invariably more expensive than the standardized parts sold in the rest of the world.

Another reason is much more exciting.

There are easily dozens of excellent motorcycle models not sold in the United States because of the cost of meeting specialized U.S. rules for what is a limited market. I look forward to greater freedom of choice!

Paul Miller Annapolis, Md. LANE SPLITTING BLOWBACK Any discussion of lane splitting that focuses solely on safety and legality misses the main problem with the practice: lack of civility and respect.

Consider how you feel when some jerk drives on the shoulder to avoid stopped traffic or when that jerk drives to the end of a mile-long freely flowing right-turn-only lane and then muscles his way left into the stopped traffic patiently waiting to go straight. This is exactly

Sound Off! the feeling generated in cagers when motorcyclists lane split. Lane splitting is viewed as rude and inconsiderate, just one more manifestation of the “my time is more valuable than yours” mentality so prevalent in our society today.

I’m an active AMA vintage road racer and have logged well over 100,000 miles of street riding, and even I feel that way when a motorcycle zips by me in stopped traffic. The benefits gained by lane splitting in terms of traffic flow, reduced emissions, etc., will never outweigh its negative impact on the general public’s perception of motorcycling.

Bill Johnson Baltimore, Md. Thanks Bill for weighing in. When done in a safe manner, as state-funded research in California has recently shown, lane splitting/filtering has demonstrated advantages for motorcyclists and motorists alike. Yet, clearly lane-splitting is not for every rider and must remain an issue of choice, as noted in the AMA position statement viewable at www. americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/ PositionStatements/LaneSplitting.aspx.

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

On a membership drive that offers $50 off on a TomTom Rider GPS… Timothy Simpson: They’re great for going riding aimlessly then hitting the home button to find your way back.

On the Top 10 issues facing motorcyclists…

Grit Lauber: I enjoyed this article in print. I rely on the AMA to keep me on top of the issues. Thanks!

In response to “Happy Holiday Season!” @crabbyfrog: Also known as motorcycle building season here in Wisconsin...

Save on rentals with your AMA membership.

Make your reservations today.

Visit budget.com or call 1-800-527-0700.

On the announcement of Bryan Carroll and James Walker as the 2014 AMA Motorcyclists of the Year…

John T. Luce: Congratulations, you guys did a great job! @whyweride: We’re humbled and honored! On behalf of our amazing crew, inspiring interviewees and the communities of motorcyclists who welcome us into their world. THANK YOU to @ama_riding for this truly special recognition! Let’s ride!

On what charity rides our followers participate in…

Charles Hood: I do too many to list them all.

Johnny Bailey: Just rode in a big toy run last Sunday in Colorado Springs!

Get more out of your American Motorcyclist Association membership. Book a rental with Budget and mention BCD # Z942000 to save up to 20% on every rental. Plus, use coupon # UUGZ039 and get a FREE single upgrade.

Terms and Conditions: Coupon # UUGZ036 is valid for a one-time, one-car-group upgrade on an intermediate (Group C) through full-size, four-door (group E) car.

Maximum upgrade to premium (group G). Offer valid on daily, weekend, weekly, and monthly rates only. The upgraded car is subject to vehicle availability at the time of rental and may not be available on some rates at some times. Coupon valid at participating Budget locations in the U.S. and Canada. One coupon per rental. A 24-hour advance reservation with request for upgrade is required. May not be used in conjunction with any other coupon, promotion or offer. For reservations made on budget.com, upgrade will be applied at time of rental. Renter must meet Budget age, driver and credit requirements. Minimum age may vary by location. An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old. Fuel charges are extra. Rental must begin by 12/31/12.

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VIEWPOINT MOTORCYCLE CRASH STUDY RECEIVES NEW FUNDING Data Collection To Continue Through 2015 opportunities for year-round riding and a large population of motorcycle riders.

Local law enforcement agencies were contacted and agreed to provide information on all motorcycle crashes. The study investigators are following up with a detailed examination of each case.

Because the team is using the protocol of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, cases with no injuries are dropped.

In addition, the investigators use other resources, such as newspaper reports and web searches, to follow up on cases in which no police report was generated.

Since the Hurt report was published, rider demographics have changed dramatically. And the technological advancements in motorcycles during the past 34 years are staggering.

In 1981, driver and rider distractions were fewer. There were no cell phones, in-car DVD players or in-dash entertainment and vehicle-control systems.

The Motorcycle Crash Causation Study will provide up-to-date information on the types of the dangers modern motorcyclists face.

The study is important, because it will provide new insights into which factors affect motorcyclist safety, and how.

Such factors include the human factors associated with crashes, the psycho-social states of riders and other drivers, riding habits, inattention, perceptual and decision errors, environmental conditions, roadway conditions, contributing traffic conditions, traffic control devices, motorcycle mechanical issues, motorcycle type and style and other vehicle factors.

Adding 100 incidents to the database during the coming year will enhance the quality of the final report. And the better the data, the more accurate the depiction of the crash scenario.

The quality of the data is vital if it is to provide the basis for effective measures to improve rider safety.

Once the report is published, the data will be available for analysis by the AMA, its project partners and others to determine how to increase the safety of America’s motorcycling population.

Wayne Allard is AMA’s vice president for government relations and a member of the Motorcycle Crash Causation Study Project Working Group.

©iStockphoto.com/mitifo

The Motorcycle Crash Causation Study underway at Oklahoma State University received a new round of funding in late 2014 that will allow researchers to examine 100 more incidents, resulting in more information when the research is complete.

The additional funding is being provided by the states participating in the

By Wayne Allard study.

The new funding and additional case studies mean that the release date for the data has been pushed back from spring 2015 to spring 2016.

The Motorcycle Crash Causation Study is the first comprehensive examination on the factors contributing to motorcycle crashes in the United States since the 1981 Hurt Report.

The results of that study were used to develop training programs and strategies to help keep riders safe on the road.

The Hurt report, officially titled Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures, examined 900 motorcycle crashes in Los Angeles.

Data collection for the Motorcycle Crash Causation Study began in 2011. Through Nov. 20, 2014, researchers had initiated 403 cases and closed 249.

When the project is completed, it will provide a large and unique data set derived from actual motorcycle crashes and riders with similar risk characteristics, with a focus on the unique circumstances that produce motorcycle crashes.

The study leaders are committing the majority of funds to case investigation, rather than data analysis.

The data will offer some perspective into the role of crashcausation factors that are specific to motorcycles and will be used by various interests to develop effective countermeasures, craft future safety standards, and reduce the risk of fatalities and injuries to motorcycle riders.

For the study, the AMA joined with Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to fund the project.

Supporting states are Iowa, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin.

Oklahoma State University is leading the study through the Oklahoma Transportation Center.

Funding limitations required that the study focus on one geographical area, so the researchers chose California. The state includes

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GROUP SAYS WISCONSIN CAN’T ALLOW E15 SALES

▲ A gas station in Wisconsin displays a sign stating its gasoline is not blended with alcohol.

The Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce organization says state law does not permit E15 sales in the state.

EPA DELAYS 2014 RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARDS Agency Promises Action in 2015

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency failed to finalize its 2014 applicable percentage standards under the Renewable Fuel Standard program before the end of 2014.

The 2014 standards, called Renewable Volume Obligations or RVOs, were due to be in place in November 2013, but the EPA’s proposal to lower the required volume of renewal fuels blended into the nation’s gasoline supply raised the hackles of the ethanol industry.

The AMA favored adoption of the

EPA’s plan to lower the required amounts of ethanol. Raising the requirement could force oil companies to increase the ethanol in gasoline above the 10 percent approved for motorcycle use.

The EPA says it plans to combine the 2014, 2015 and 2016 RVOs. The agency could waive the 2014 requirements or accept what has been produced as meeting the mandate.

CHICAGO COUNCIL TABLES E15 MANDATE AMA Effort Helped Quash Proposed Ordinance

Thanks to the efforts of AMA members who contacted the Chicago City Council in opposition to its proposed E15 fuel mandate, the ordinance has been tabled.

The ordinance would have required about one-fourth of the city’s self-serve gas stations to install equipment to dispense fuel with ethanol content as high as 15 percent and to offer E15 for sale.

AMA Board Member Jim Viverito appeared at two meetings of the council’s Finance Committee to oppose the ordinance. And he says a joint effort with the Chicago chapter of ABATE of Illinois resulted in enough pressure on aldermen to kill the issue, at least temporarily.

Two days after the council’s Finance Committee approved the ordinance on an 11-to-5 vote, the full council tabled the issue at the request of Mayor Rahm

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Emanuel. Published reports say Emanuel has not decided whether he supports or opposes the proposal.

“The AMA worked with the local SMRO (state motorcycle rights organization) to get members and aldermen to oppose this ordinance,” Viverito says. “Judging by the mayor’s request, we are being heard. And judging by the tabling of the ordinance, we are being effective.”

The AMA opposed the ordinance, because widespread availability of E15 fuel could lead to misfueling by motorcyclists, possibly causing engine damage, voiding manufacturers’ warranties and placing the rider in violation of federal law.

The AMA is monitoring the City Council to try to prevent this ordinance from returning to the agenda and to defeat it.

The Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce organization weighed in against the sale of E15 fuel at Wisconsin service stations, arguing that state law does not permit it.

The AMA has fought the proliferation of E15 fuel, which contains up to 15 percent ethanol, because of the harm it can do to engines and because no motorcycle has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use blends higher than E10.

The Wisconsin business groups got involved when the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection issued fact sheets that stated retailers were allowed to sell E15.

The WMC says that the Wisconsin administrative code does not permit E15 sales. None of the state’s definitions of gasoline or biofuels include E15.

“The agency does not have authority to allow for the sale of E15 until it promulgates a rule explicitly providing a definition of E15 for gasoline,” the WMC wrote in a letter to DATCP Secretary Ben Brancel and copied to Gov. Scott Walker.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Businesses Back AMA Stance On IncreasedEthanol Blends

GUNNISON SAGE-GROUSE LISTED AS ‘THREATENED’ Solar panels/©iStockphoto.com/bravajulia

AMA, Politicians Protest Agency Move

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided in November to list the Gunnison sage-grouse as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act, prompting immediate protests from the AMA and Western politicians.

The designation means that the agency can enact restrictions to manage the land that includes the sagegrouse habitat.

“The AMA is concerned that incorporating broad conservation measures will needlessly limit offU.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) highway-vehicle recreation,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.

“Doing so would severely impact U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton a legitimate form (R-Colo.) of responsible recreation enjoyed by families and cause economic harm for small businesses that rely on recreational tourism.

“Frankly, we believe that OHV recreation is unfairly being singled out as a cause in the decline of the Gunnison sage-grouse.”

Elected officials from Colorado echoed the AMA reaction.

“This decision is terribly disappointing,” says Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet. “Despite a broad coalition of local governments, ranchers, farmers, environmentalists and the state of Colorado pleading for more time and more engagement from the federal government on the ground,

“Frankly, we believe that OHV recreation is unfairly being singled out as a cause in the decline of the Gunnison sagegrouse.”

— Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations

the Fish and Wildlife Service has pulled the rug out from under them. These Colorado communities did everything right to conserve the species and have shown a willingness to do more.”

U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, a Republican, says the issue is not a political one.

“They decided to ignore the scientific experts, and in true Washington-knowsbest fashion, listen to the bureaucracy instead, jeopardizing locally tailored species preservation efforts already successfully underway in Colorado,” Tipton says. “This is not a political issue, but an occasion where people from diverse backgrounds and all sides of the political spectrum have worked together to put into place local plans of action to preserve the species based on extensive scientific data — and they’re working.”

The agency says it plans to issue rules in 2015 that will allow “ranchers, farmers and other landowners who commit to Gunnison sage-grouse conservation to continue to manage their lands without additional restrictions.”

The Fish and Wildlife Service originally proposed to list the species as “endangered,” but efforts by stakeholders to conserve the species and its habitat have helped reduce the threats to the bird sufficiently to give it the more flexibly protected status of “threatened,” the agency says in a media release.

BLM REJECTS SILURIAN VALLEY SOLAR PROJECT AMA Objected To Plan’s Effect On OHV Use

A massive California solar project proposed for an area alongside the famous Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad Off-Highway-Vehicle Trail was rejected in November by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

The Silurian Valley solar project site sits along State Route 127, about 10 miles north of Baker, Calif. The plan included arrays of photovoltaic panels, 44 miles of service roads, and operation and maintenance facilities. The project site would have encompassed 7,219 acres of public lands administered by the BLM in San Bernardino County.

Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations, sent a letter to Katrina Symons, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Barstow field manager in May. The letter outlined concerns that the project may have diminished the quality of the Tonopah and Tidewater OHV Trail by degrading its scenic attributes and potentially repurposing part of the trail for maintenance of the solar project.

“The trail is one of the few expedition quality OHV routes in the California desert,” Allard wrote. “Changes to the surrounding landscape that reduce the trails’ appeal to riders would adversely affect the local economy.”

In rejecting the application submitted by a subsidiary of Iberdrola Renewables LLC, the BLM determined that the solar project would not be in the public interest.

AMA SOUND TESTING KITS AVAILABLE Application Deadline Is March 31

The AMA Government Relations Department is giving away sound testing kits to AMA Districts, AMA Club members and others who educate riders about sound.

The kits contain a Type 2 sound meter, a tachometer, training materials, a sparkarrestor probe, personal protective equipment and a storage case.

Nine kits will be awarded in 2015 through a competitive grant process.

Applicants must complete a form and return it to the AMA Government Relations

Department by March 31.

Forms and additional information are available from Marie Wuelleh, government affairs specialist, at American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147; at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1224; or at mwuelleh@ama-cycle.org.

Applications remain active for two grant cycles, so anyone who submitted an application in 2014, but was not selected, does not need not resubmit an application to be considered for the 2015 grants.

February 2015

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NATIONAL PARKS FEE HIKES DISCRIMINATE AGAINST MOTORCYCLISTS Olympic And Other Proposed Increases Hit Riders Disproportionately

The 131 national parks monuments, historic sites and recreation areas that charge entrance fees are considering raising those fees during 2015, and many are proposing larger increases for motorcyclists than for other visitors.

For example, at Olympic National Park in Washington state, the fee for an individual pass without a vehicle would rise from $5 to $12, a 140 percent increase, while the motorcycle fee would jump from $5 to $20, a 300 percent increase. Similarly disproportionate increases are proposed at other sites.

“While we understand the importance of raising fees to allow the National Park Service to continue to provide clean, safe and accessible parks, the AMA does not believe motorcyclists should pay a disproportionate share,” AMA Vice President of Government Relations Wayne Allard wrote in a letter to parks director Jon Jarvis.

The AMA urges motorcyclists to contact the National Park Service (www.nps.gov), parks and monuments in their areas, as well as their elected officials, to voice their displeasure with this unfair practice.

Olympic National Park

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IN MOTORCYCLE

HARLEY-DAVIDSON PARTNERS WITH WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

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were selected to receive the motorcycles because, although they are experienced riders, they no longer have access to bikes due to various hardships.

“It is important to have the support of corporations like Harley-Davidson which understand the long-term needs of our nation’s veterans and are willing to work with us to help warriors uncover and live with their ‘new normal,’” says John Roberts, executive vice president of Warrior Relations at Wounded Warrior Project. “We know from our warriors that recreational activities like motorcycle riding provide a multitude of therapeutic benefits for those living with PTSD.” The partnership calls for HarleyDavidson to collaborate with Wounded Warrior Project to develop a program geared toward helping more veterans experience the positive benefits of the open road. Peer-to-peer activities, like motorcycle riding, have been known to

provide positive therapeutic benefits for PTSD. One in three returning individuals is diagnosed with PTSD symptoms, yet less than 40 percent seek help.

“We’re proud of the nearly 100 years of support Harley-Davidson has provided to the men and women who defend our country and our freedom,” says Matt Levatich, president and chief operating officer at Harley-Davidson. “Our partnership with Wounded Warrior Project builds on that legacy by supporting these veterans in their quest for strength, freedom and independence.”

(ABOVE) Bill Davidson, great-grandson of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson, congratulates U.S. Air Force veteran Dorsey “Barney” Fyffe after delivering a 2015 HarleyDavidson motorcycle while Jason Cross, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and retail supply planner at Harley-Davidson looks on.

(LEFT) U.S. Marine veteran Raymond Andalio poses with Davidson, after learning he would receive a 2015 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Harley-Davidson

2015 Motorcycles Donated For Riding Program To Treat PTSD

Six U.S. military veterans received new Harley-Davidson motorcycles Nov. 6, 2014, as part of the company’s partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps improve the lives of service men and women living with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Bill Davidson, great-grandson of company co-founder William A. Davidson, along with six Harley-Davidson employees who are veterans, rode the bikes—led by police motorcade—to Wounded Warrior Project headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla. The six veterans, all of whom have been diagnosed with symptoms of PTSD,

The Bohn Bodyguard System

YOUR PERSONAL S E C R E T PROTECTION SYSTEM UP to Lockheed Martin for encouraging motorcycle safety and for increasing benefits for the survivors of motorcyclists killed on the job.

AMA member James Epley reports that a new benefit to the Business Travel Accident Insurance has increased 10 percent, up to a maximum of $10,000 if an employee killed in a crash on an approved business trip was riding a motorcycle and wearing proper safety gear when the crash occurred.

DOWN to Reynolds and Reynolds Co. for excluding motorcyclist-related injuries from its employees’ health insurance coverage. An AMA member says he stopped riding when he discovered this exclusion in his policy.

Company spokesman Tom Schwartz says the provision has been in the policy for more than 10 years and is one of several exclusions private companies use to cut the employer’s cost of employee health insurance coverage.

UP to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for its quick fix of unsafe road conditions in a construction zone. AMA member Wilton Alderman contacted AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris on Oct. 29 to report the hazard near the city of Concord.

“If any motorcycle changes lanes here, the tire will go in the hole and there will be no way to recover and they will crash,” Alderman told Haris.

He described the situation as “life-threatening.” Haris contacted Caltrans, and the repairs were made.

OUTSIDE VIEW There’s nothing better than cruising with the guys

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STATEWATCH CALIFORNIA Assembly Bill 51, introduced by Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward), would authorize a motorcycle to be driven between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, if the speed of traffic is 35 mph or less and the motorcycle is driven no more than 10 mph faster than the speed of traffic. The bill would provide that these provisions do not authorize a motorcycle to be driven in contravention of other laws relating to the safe operation of a vehicle.

OHIO Senate Bill 383, co-sponsored by Sens.

Frank LaRose (R-Copley) and Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard), would reestablish the advisory board for the state recreational vehicle fund. The fund holds money collected from user fees paid by riders of dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles.

The advisory board would provide advice to the Department of Natural Resources regarding the use of state recreational vehicle fund money.

SOUTH CAROLINA Senate Bill 79, introduced by Sen. Shane Massey (R-Edgefield), would amend sections of the 1976 code, relating to the

ILLINOIS TO GET 400-ACRE OHV PARK Title And User Fees Pay For 30 Miles Of Public Trails

A new 400-acre off-highway-vehicle park near Nebo, Ill., will be funded by a $1.66 million grant from the state Department of Natural Resources.

Harpole’s Heartland Lodge Inc. has been chosen to manage the property, which will feature 25 to 30 miles of OHV trails.

The park will connect to Heartland’s Sunset Valley Lodge, which opened April 1.

The state DNR also issued a $38,232 grant to Atkinson Motorsports Park LLC in Henry County and an $87,879 grant to Little Egypt Off-Road Motorcycle Club in Williamson County.

The OHV grant program provides financial aid to government agencies, not-forprofit organizations and other eligible groups or individuals to develop, operate, maintain and acquire land for OHV parks and trails. The facilities must be open and accessible to the public.

Riders must buy a $10 public access sticker for machines operated on sites supported by OHV grant funds. definition of the terms “motor vehicle” and “motorcycle,” to provide that mopeds are motor vehicles and not motorcycles.

Also, Senate Bill 131, introduced by Lee Bright (R-Spartanburg), would prohibit the state Department of Transportation from discriminating against motorcycles, motorcycle operators, or motorcycle passengers in formulating transportation policy, promulgating regulations, allocating funds, and planning, designing,

constructing, equipping, operating and maintaining transportation facilities.

TEXAS House Bill 383, introduced by state Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio) includes motorcyclists in the category of “unprotected road user” and contains provisions intended to increase the safety of unprotected road users on the state’s roadways.

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MASTERING THE DESERT

Ricky Brabec Crowned National Hare and Hound Champion

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: Congrats on your first AMA National Hare and Hound Championship! How does it feel?

RICKY BRABEC: It feels good. I don’t know what to do. I’ve never won something this big before. Last year I won the Open Pro Best In The Desert championship, but the Hare and Hound series is so much bigger and better publicized. I’m stoked to win it. I’m just a kid; I don’t know what to do with myself.

AM: How long have you raced the full hare and hound series?

RB: 2014 was my first full-year racing the series. I rode a few of the races prior to this year, but didn’t do the whole series.

I grew up in the District 37 family racing the local events. I do a few Big 6 races [grand prix], the Best In The Desert series and the Baja 1000.

RICKY BRABEC

Age: 23 Hometown: Oak Hills, Calif.

Bike: 2011 KX450F Advice to fellow riders: “Have fun and be smart. We’re all signing up and racing for the same reasons—that’s because it’s fun and we enjoy it. Also, respect every racer. I’d like to think that most racers would help another racer if they needed it.”

Top 10 Final Series Point Standings: 1. Ricky Brabec (KAW) - 253 2. Nick Burson (BET) - 229 3. Ivan Ramirez (KTM) - 210 4. Axel Pearson (BET) - 145 5. Justin Morrow (BET) - 124 6. Skyler Howes (KTM) - 123 7. Ryan Smith (YAM) - 118 8. Brandon Prieto (KTM) - 108 9. Jacob Argubright (HSQ) - 106 10. Morgan Crawford (KTM) - 87

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

AM: Tell us about your experience with the Baja 1000.

RB: This was my fourth year competing and this year [2014], my team got first in Pro Open. I ride for THR and was on a team with Robby Bell, Steve Hengeveld and Max Eddy Jr. We finished in 24 hours, 24 minutes and one second. During 2014, it was Max and I riding in the SCORE series. I brought Robby and Steve in for the Baja 1000. We each rode around 430 miles.

It’s the ultimate 24-hour race. It’s the toughest off-road race I think there is—not just on your body, but on your pit crew and your bike.

Talk about bike set-up for a hare and hound race. What’s essential?

RB: Well, we are riding bikes off the showroom floor with bolt-on mods, maybe an exhaust pipe, and triple clamps and AM:

bars. The main thing is suspension tuning.

Bob Bell at Precision Concepts helps me with bike set up.

AM: What was your most challenging race of the season?

RB: All the events are all pretty difficult.

It’s a national series. They aren’t going to make it easy for you. For the last couple years, the first round of the series in Johnson Valley has always been the hardest. I also broke off my rear brake pedal and front brake caliper, but still ended up finishing fifth overall. That was my best finish ever, though. Before that, I was barely getting inside the top 10.

I think the training I do, especially with mountain biking, helped.

AM: What’s special to you about hare and hounds?

RB: Every single hare and hound you go to, all the kids look up to the older racers.

There’s autograph signing and dinner with the pros. Those are memories they can share forever. And obviously, racing with my friends around the desert. It’s all smiles the whole time we are out there.

What are your goals going forward?

Just to hopefully keep the No. 1 plate on my bike for a few more years and maybe get to race somewhere else in America.

AM: RB:

Mark Kariya

Ricky Brabec rode his THR Motorsports 450, prepped by Precision Concepts, to clinch the 2014 AMA/SRT National Hare and Hound Championship in late October at Lucerne Valley, Calif. He took fifth at Round 1, but never placed outside of the top three for the remainder of the season. In total, he racked up four victories in 10 rounds.

Beta’s Nick Burson took second in the series, finishing 24 points behind Brabec, while FMF/KTM’s Ivan Ramirez took third, finishing 43 points back.

Brabec didn’t grow up riding dirt bikes from a young age like a lot of pros. He started as a BMX rider and decided to race his first desert race at age 15. Now, he says it’s his favorite style of racing. Although he doesn’t ride BMX anymore, he rides his mountain bike every day for training.

American Motorcyclist caught up with Brabec to hear about the season from his point of view.—Heather Wilson

LONG-TIME MOTOCROSS TRACK OWNER PASSES Promoted Trans-AMA Events, Nationals

AMATEUR PROFILE: RACHEL SCHNAKENBERG

California Racer Making Waves In Speedway AMA member Rachel Schnakenberg is your average fourth-grader who loves the outdoors. She loves to play tetherball, go fishing, surf during the summer and go skiing in the winter.

Above all, she loves to race her Yamaha PW50 in speedway.

“It’s really fun,” says Schnakenberg. “I think other kids should definitely try it.”

Kurt Schnakenberg, Rachel’s dad, says: “Being a girl racing in a boy-dominated sport, it makes us proud to see Rachel having fun and excelling. I have two daughters—Rachel, 9, and Skylar, 15— who race. When they win, or even just put in their best effort, it makes you proud.”

Rachel says she almost always races solely against boys, but sometimes another girl will show up to compete.

“I try to beat the boys,” says Rachel, whose favorite place to ride is Ocotillo Wells SVRA in Southern California. “Girls can

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

do anything that boys can do.”

Rachel says her future goals are to get really good at racing and continue to get more wins in speedway. Later, she would like to try motocross.—Heather Wilson

RACHEL SCHNAKENBERG Age: 9 Hometown: Anaheim, Calif.

Discipline(s) raced: Speedway, flat track Series raced: U.S. National Speedway Series Bike: Yamaha PW50 Race Team: KMSR Racing

On Sunday Nov. 2, 2014, the motocross community lost an important pillar when Peg Robinson, co-founder of the legendary Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin, N.Y., passed away.

Since Peg Robinson and her husband Ward began hosting major motocross events in 1970 on their family farm in upstate New York, Unadilla has been synonymous with motocross.

Unadilla hosted its first big race on Oct. 18, 1970, the second round of the Trans-AMA Series. On July 30, 1978, Unadilla hosted its first 250cc U.S. Grand Prix of Motocross event, which was won by California’s Marty Tripes.

When the AMA National Motocross Championship began in 1972, Unadilla was on the schedule, jointly hosting an outdoor national and an Inter-AMA. Gary Jones was the top American and second overall.

The facility used to host just one race a year, but demand led the Robinsons to give riders more opportunities to visit the famous track, adding major amateur events, as well as AMA Grand National Cross Country racing. The facility hosted a record 2,078 individual riders on the 2014 Unadilla GNCC weekend.

During his reign as the world’s best motocross racer, five-time 500cc World Champion and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Roger DeCoster visited Unadilla every fall for their annual Trans-AMA race. DeCoster returned in 1987 as the manager of U.S. team for the first Motocross des Nations race held in the United States.

The trio of Bob Hannah, Rick Johnson and Jeff Ward won the event on a rainy afternoon.

“The whole Robinson family was always involved, but Peg was the one that really got things done,” adds DeCoster.

“She was a great lady, always very polite, and she just did a lot of great things for motocross over the years. We will miss her very much.”—Davey Coombs

AMA MEMBERS, ORGANIZERS CAN BUY TRANSPONDERS FOR LESS MYLAPS Sports Timing Offers Member Benefit Precision is a virtue. Rarely is that more obvious than at the finish line of a close race.

Now, AMA members, clubs and promoters can tap into some of today’s most precise timing-and-scoring equipment for less, thanks to an exclusive money-saving benefit from MYLAPS Sports Timing.

AMA members receive a 20 percent discount on MYLAPS transponders and service subscriptions purchased online at www.mylaps.com. The code for activating the discount on the MYLAPS website can be found in the Members Only area of www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

“Few technologies have contributed as much to the competition experience as automatic timing and instantaneous results reporting,” says AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey. “For clubs and promoters who score their races electronically, and for racers who compete

in these events, this benefit will save them money.”

AMA-chartered clubs and promoters can purchase MYLAPS timing-and-scoring packages, which include decoders, transponders and software, at a 30 percent discount. Individual products can be purchased at up to a 25 percent discount.

AMA-chartered clubs and promoters also are eligible to receive one free copy of MYLAPS Trackside software, or a free upgrade if they already have the software.

To access these savings, clubs and promoters must call MYLAPS North and South America at (678) 816-4000 and provide their AMA charter number.

“AMA members, clubs and promoters are unified in the belief that competition should be about fun, safety and excitement—not paperwork, stopwatches and results reconciliation,” says MYLAPS Sales Manager for the Americas Bernd Pluimers. “We’re pleased to provide these savings to AMA members and organizers so the convenience of this technology is more accessible.”

AMA Member Tested

VEMAR VRX-9

brooksleather-onesixth-vert.ai

MSRP: $499.99 Info: www.motonation.com After wearing the Vemar VRX-9 Trial Night Vision helmet for a few weeks, I ended up really loving it. And no, it doesn’t help you see at night. What it does is it helps you to be seen by others because it glows in the dark.

During the weekends, I like to ride my dirt bike at night with my friends. This helmet really makes you a lot more visible when you’re riding in the dark.

For the helmet to glow, you must let it sit in the sun.

Vemar says the longer the exposure to sunlight, the longer the helmet will emit its afterglow effect, lasting up to eight hours. I let it sit

By Jake Walters out in the sunlight while I was gone all day. During one of the times I was testing it, we rode for four hours and the

Please refer production questions to: Allen Hanford allenhanford@yahoo.com 267-312-1645

helmet was still glowing brightly afterward.

The helmet is extremely comfortable and feels much lighter than other off-road helmets I own. (Vemar says a medium VRX9 helmet weighs 2.7 pounds.) The large size in this helmet brand seems to feel slightly larger than other helmet brands I’ve tried.

When riding in more open areas, the helmet didn’t keep wind noise down or muffle my exhaust noise, but it did deflect

wind better than my other helmets. I think this was because of the multiple vents: • Intake vents on the top and front • Chin vents that channel air to the rear • Five exhaust vents at the rear base of the liner • Exhaust vents in the rear shell Overall, it is a sweet helmet and has a unique color that will make you stand out at night or the even during the day on the racetrack.—Jake Walters

February 2015

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ROAD RACING GROUPS COLLABORATE Clubs Invited To Participate In AMA-Sanctioned Competition

~ A JC Motors Company ~

Racing Relations Kevin Crowther and Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant attended the meeting.

Attendees from other road racing groups included Evelyne and Sean Clarke from WERA Motorcycle Roadracing; Kevin Elliot, president of ASRA/Championship Cup Series; Greg Nulman, owner, and Mana Claus, timing and scoring, with Moto West Grand Prix; Walter Walker, director of competition for the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association; Dana Wilson with the Utah Sport Bike Association; Jim Wilson, president of the Motorcycle Roadracing Association; and Berto Wooldridge, president of the American Federation of Motorcyclists.

In addition to class structure and race procedures, the group discussed license processing, technology sharing and racer promotions.

As the sanctioning body for professional road racing in America, the AMA licenses riders and manages advancement.

In addition, as the U.S. affiliate of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme and a member of FIM North America, the AMA administers MotoAmerica’s FIM North America Continental Union sanction.

MotoAmerica, with consultation of the AMA, is responsible for maintaining a competitive and commercially viable class structure, drafting rules of competition and event procedures, selling sponsorships, creating the schedule and engaging fans.

For rules and approved models for 2015 MotoAmerica competition, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com/racing/ roadracing.aspx.

Jeff Guciardo

L-R: Mana Claus (MWGP), Walter Walker (CMRA), Ken Saillant (AMA), Berto Wooldridge (AFM), Greg Nulman (MWGP), Niccole Cox (MotoAmerica), Dana Wilson (USBA), Kevin Elliot (ASRA/CSS), Wayne Rainey (MotoAmerica), Kevin Crowther (AMA), Sean and Evelyne Clarke (WERA), Rob Dingman (AMA), Jim Wilson (MRA), Chuck Aksland (MotoAmerica), Jeff Massey (AMA), Bill Cumbow (AMA).

Representatives from the AMA, MotoAmerica and seven regional and amateur road racing organizations met at AMA headquarters on Thursday, Dec. 11, to discuss ways they can work together to improve road racing in America.

“The AMA is committed to creating a brighter future for all levels of road racing competition,” says AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “This meeting was an important step to extend that level of collaboration to the grassroots level.”

MotoAmerica principals Wayne Rainey and Chuck Aksland attended the meeting, as well as MotoAmerica Race Operations Manager Niccole Cox. “Our goal is to create a better path from the amateur ranks to national championship competition and, ultimately, to help American riders ascend to the MotoGP World Championship,” says Rainey, a three-time world champion and an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer. “The more cooperation and standardization that we can create across the board, the easier it will be for amateur racers to one day become pros in MotoAmerica.”

Aksland asked the other organizations in attendance to work with the AMA to build a framework for long-term viability.

“If all of our organizations can be aligned on key classes, develop standardized race procedures and work together to homogenize certain rules, the foundation will be in place for sustainable success,” Aksland says.

In addition to Dingman, AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey, Racing Director Bill Cumbow, Director of Pro

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©iStockphoto.com/PhilAugustavo

OFF-ROAD RIDING UNDER THREAT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

Riders Shocked When Local Rules Limit Options By Marie Wuelleh All too often, the AMA receives calls from property owners who are facing a legal challenge they never expected—a challenge to their right to ride off-highway vehicles on their own property.

Such a situation recently arose in Violet Township, Ohio, when a group of dirt-bike riders received permission from an absentee landowner to use his 68-acre property on Sunday afternoons.

AMA member Dave Stemen, who got permission to use the land, says a complaint from one neighbor resulted in a finding by the township’s zoning official that the rides are not permitted on that property. In a letter to the landowner, the township official explains that use of dirt bikes or ATVs by a resident of the property would be acceptable, but allowing others to use the vacant land is not.

The Stemen case remains an open and ongoing issue, with the landowner and some riders considering an application for a zoning variance that would allow the Sunday rides to continue.

This Ohio situation illustrates how each case presents unique circumstances and no “out-of-the-box” approach is likely to work for everyone.

More than 4,500 counties and a plethora of cities, townships, villages and other political subdivisions enforce different state laws, zoning requirements and local ordinances. Each property is subject to the rules that govern its area.

Biggest Issues

When problems arise, the first step should be to have a reasonable conversation with the neighbors.

Regardless of the neighbor’s attitude, it is paramount that the property owner remain calm and polite.

Excessive sound is the most common complaint. Keep in mind that the current AMA-recommended maximum decibel rating for racing is 96 dBA for a two-stroke and 94 dBA for a four-stroke engine, and is determined by using the SAE J1287 measurement procedure.

Can all the engines running on the property meet at least that standard? If the answer to that question is unknown, a sound testing procedure is outlined in the AMA Amateur Competition Rulebook, available in the racing section of www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Taking these measurements and ensuring that vehicles conform to reasonable sound standards is a good preemptive measure and one that should be repeated regularly.

Some Initial Steps

If excessive sound is an issue, it is important to consider steps that can reduce the sound level coming from the property. Often, quieter mufflers and restricted riding hours go a long way.

Landscaping, such as creating a berm or planting trees, can provide a sound barrier. Landscaping can also help if dust—another major complaint—is a problem. A row of trees can help block dust, and a light watering of dry trails can reduce the dust in the air.

A note of caution: Property owners who intentionally change the terrain to create valleys and jumps for their off-highway vehicles may find that they have illegally

changed their private “trail” to a “track”—a small distinction for them, but possibly not for some local zoning boards.

It is also a good idea to keep records, including copies of applicable laws and ordinances and records of any changes to the property. Records should also include a notebook with a detailed accounting of who rides on the property, what vehicles are ridden and when.

In addition, conversations with neighbors, law enforcement officers and government officials should be noted.

When Legal Action Ensues

If the property owner has been unsuccessful in negotiating with neighbors, or if legal action has been initiated, an attorney should be consulted.

Because of the number of federal, state and local issues at hand, choose a qualified attorney who has zoning and land-use experience. If the law is on the property owner’s side, the attorney can prepare a statement to that effect, and the issue may be dropped. If the opposite is true, the attorney can help the property owner make the right decisions.

Avoiding Complaints

The simplest course of action is to avoid complaints altogether.

If you wish to research local zoning and ordinances on your own, your courthouse and library should be excellent resources.

Your local government may have a wealth of information on its website. These resources are available for free.

If you are riding on your property, it is in your best interest to have open communication with your neighbors and to be well versed in the local ordinances that affect your activities. If you are friendly with the neighbors, they will feel more comfortable coming to you with concerns.

You want to hear from neighbors as soon as issues arise, so you can take steps to remedy problems before they escalate into legal matters.

Marie Wuelleh is the AMA government affairs specialist. She can be reached at mwuelleh@ama-cycle.org or (614) 8561900, ext. 1224.

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Motor Co.’s National Youth Project Using Minibikes (NYPUM) program, begun in 1969 as a way to engage youth and promote positive youth development.

NYPUM participants learn to ride dirt bikes in a setting that also provides mentoring to guide and support youth toward making good decisions. The organization operates 37 programs in urban, suburban and rural communities from Los Angeles to Boston.

In addition to support from the motorcycle industry, efforts to establish and operate OHV parks require broad community support and rely heavily on volunteers.

Here are some examples of successful collaborations.

Ott OHV Park, North Little Rock, Ark.

URBAN OHV RIDERS TAKE TO CITY STREETS As Authorities Crack Down, AMA Helps Advocates Seek Solutions

By Jim Witters

Television crews and local newspapers love to cover the outrageous antics of throngs of youngsters barreling along city streets and tearing up parks on their dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles.

In Baltimore, Atlanta, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and other cities, dozens of riders pop wheelies, weave through moving traffic, disrupt family outings and generally bring chaos to otherwise peaceful neighborhoods.

YouTube has video evidence of this behavior, and local media outlets report the incidents with an emotional mixture of outrage and awe.

Motorists and residents alike feel threatened, harassed and powerless.

By the time police arrive, the miscreants often are long gone. Sometimes, the riders disappear across rough terrain the police cruisers can’t navigate. Or, as in the case of Baltimore’s 12 O’Clock Boys, the riders taunt the police, showing no fear of arrest.

Many of the riders appear to be too young to possess driver’s licenses, let alone motorcycle endorsements. And many of their vehicles are not street legal.

Communities are responding by enacting bans on ATVs, setting up roadblocks, confiscating vehicles and passing nuisance ordinances and zoning regulations aimed at banishing dirt bikes and ATVs from entire jurisdictions.

The AMA and other OHV advocates believe that illegal and irresponsible riding can be significantly reduced

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through education and training, and by establishing safe urban places for youths to ride with proper supervision.

“It appears that many of these scofflaws are interested in the thrill of riding irresponsibly and breaking the rules in full view of a disapproving public,” says Steve Salisbury, AMA’s off-highway government affairs manager. “Some of them may be interested in an urban park, but few have a convenient, legal way to get their machines there. A big part of the solution, then, is discouraging tomorrow’s potential scofflaws from taking to the streets.”

Any increase in learn-to-ride-andrace areas will help the sport and the industry, Salisbury says. And high-visibility, urban OHV riding parks are important in attracting new riders and teaching them to ride responsibly.

Dick Lepley, executive director of the Pennsylvania Off-Highway Vehicle Association, is battling anti-OHV movements in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and other communities across the state.

He says that, in cities like Philadelphia, some large tracts of land are available that could be used for urban OHV parks.

Lepley and others say OHV advocates and government officials should scout their areas for suitable sites, and then pursue acquisition and conversion.

“Unless there are huge amounts of acreage, it is tough to blend motorized recreation with other activities,” he says.

Lepley also touts American Honda

The 200-acre Ott Park OHV area sits on a piece of property once used as a landfill for construction debris, says Ron Osburn, a North Little Rock parks department worker who helped shepherd the project.

“About 90 percent of the land is floodplain, so nobody could build on it anyway,” he says. “And we have the Arkansas River on one side, interstate on another and industrial land on the other.”

Ott Park is the result of three years of hard work by Osburn, other city officials and a core of volunteers.

“I’ve been around motorcycles all my life,” says Osburn, whose son races in AMA-sanctioned motocross events.

“We’ve had riding areas here in the past, but the last area we had was taken over by soccer fields a few years ago.”

Osburn was able to secure a federal grant before taking the project to the city officials for approval.

“We were able to tell them that it wouldn’t cost them anything,” Osburn says. “We made it self-supporting, with the grant money and the volunteer labor for maintenance.”

“But working with the federal government is not easy,” he says. “It took us 12 to 18 months to get that grant. The money is there, but it’s hard to get.”

The park’s opening created an opportunity for more of the city’s 66,000 residents to ride.

“We had people who wanted to buy a motorcycle or an ATV or a side-by-side, but weren’t buying them because there are only five or six places to ride in the state,” Osburn says.

Now, as many as 100 people show up on weekends.

“Having a park inside the city limits means people can be here in 15 minutes,” Osburn says. “They can spend more time riding than driving.”

River that was a wellknown problem site.

“The city had been having trouble there for years,” says Shawn Hoaglan, president of the Trailblazers Off Road Club. “There was the sewer plant out there and all these pits where people would go. You know, ‘Run what you brung.’

There were stock cars, trucks, anything that would run.

“But there was also a lot of shenanigans, parties. It was a hell hole.”

Hoaglan and some of his riding friends approached the city with a plan. They secured 200 of the 450 acres for use as an

Riverview OHV Park, Waterloo, Iowa

Ott OHV Park, North Little Rock, Ark.

OHV park, got permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the state Department of Natural Resources and started work.

The site had been used as a dump in the past. So the first order of business was a cleanup of the trash. Then the club laid out trails. And they built a shelter, a pole barn and restrooms.

The Trailblazers operate the park under a maintenance contract with the city. The facilities include two motocross tracks, a flat track, a large parking lot, and several miles of ATV trails.

“The city of Waterloo is proud to be of the first in the state to have an urban OHV park,” says Paul Huting, leisure services director. “This was a result of a great partnership with the Trailblazers and years of planning, with the goal of improving an old landfill and mining site that had become an eyesore and problem spot for illicit activities.”

“It has definitely helped to have a sanctioned area for these motorized activities,” he says.

“Incidents of illegal riding in our other parks and preserves are pretty rare.”

Thede Photography

During his time with the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Capt. Hector Tavarez saw kids riding dirt bikes and ATVs illegally on streets and in parks.

“It became an issue in town when two kids in two weeks got hit by cars while riding on the roads,” says Tavarez, now retired from the Police Department and serving as executive director of the local Police Athletic League. “The community recognized this was a serious issue. The chief said to start arresting these kids.”

The problem had grown, in part, because the punishment for illegally riding was so harsh, many law-enforcement officers did not want to enforce the laws, Tavarez says.

So the PAL stepped in.

“We met with the mayor and with the police department and decided that the answer was to create somewhere legal to ride,” Tavarez says.

That “somewhere” turned out to be an off-highway-vehicle park on the 35-acre site of an old gravel pit inside the boundaries of the 75-square-mile township that is home to 43,323 residents.

The chairman of the PAL board of directors owned the parcel and worked out a land swap with the Egg Harbor government that brought the site under PAL control.

Using grants and volunteer labor, the organization cleaned up the site, removing burned-out cars, party trash and even several pipe bombs, Tavarez says.

“Volunteers did 90 percent of the work,” he says. “It took three to five years to get the project going, and for 10 or 15 years, it was a work in progress.”

The result is called the Ready To Ride program, a family-oriented ATV, dirt bike and go-kart park that is open seven days a week year round, unless the trails are covered in snow.

Complaints from neighbors are rare.

“We designed this to be a park,” Tavarez says. “There are lots of other activities here. Some people don’t even realize we have OHVs.” The track, though relatively small, attracts the kids who otherwise would be riding illegally on the streets or in community parks.

“This park meets the needs of those around us,” Tavarez says, “It’s not the answer to everything.”

Courtesy, City of North Little Rock

Egg Harbor Township Police Athletic League, Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

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1940 TRIUMPH TIGER 100

Proving Twins Can Do Everything Better The Triumph Tiger 100 was a light, powerful twin designed with performance in mind. Building on the foundation of the landmark 1938 Speed Twin, the Tiger 100 demonstrated that twins were not just as good as four-cylinder bikes—they could be even better.

The bike featured forged alloy pistons and rigid cylinders, forged in a single casting and held in place by eight studs instead of the Speed Twin’s six. There was a gear-driven camshaft, and a single Amal carburetor, made possible thanks to the 360-degree firing interval of the two cylinders.

Attention to detail resulted in a stunning machine.

The chrome-plated, down-swept exhaust pipes framed the polished crankcase beautifully. Silver fenders with tasteful black pinstriping complemented the chrome finish on the enlarged, 4-gallon gas tank.

In its day, the bike was remarkably capable on

the track. Its feats included Freddie Clarke’s 1939 Brooklands lap record of 118.02 mph on a bored-out 503cc Tiger 100.

With World War II on the horizon, though, military production soon took over.

In fact, this 1940 Tiger 100, donated to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame by Benny T. Bootle, was among the last bikes to roll off the Triumph factory line before it was demolished in the bombing of Coventry.

Triumph’s vertical twin was revived after the war and went on to become one of motorcycling’s enduring classics. It thrived for nearly half a century—until the last Bonneville twin was produced in 1988. The historic name was revived by the new Triumph in 2001.

See this bike, and others that played a key role in the history of motorcycling, at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio.

Photos Alison Grogan

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.

February 2015

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AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Famer

FRED HAM

Long-Distance Master Fred “Iron Man” Ham was an early offroad racer, but became best known as a record-breaking long-distance rider of the 1930s. In 1936, Ham revived interest in the almost-forgotten Three-Flag Endurance Run by riding from Canada to Mexico in just over 28 hours.

One year later, Ham’s 24-hour solo record of 1,825 miles set on the Muroc Dry Lake (now part of Edwards Air Force Base) spurred sales of Harley-Davidson’s newly designed EL-model, better known as the knucklehead, and boosted the company out of its Depression-era slump.

Ham was born in Naarden, Holland, on June 22, 1908. He was raised on a family ranch in South Africa before he moved to America in 1930. He settled in Southern California and immediately took up motorcycling.

Ham became a member of the Pasadena Motorcycle Club, which was known for

promoting many of Southern California’s most prestigious races. Ham won the prestigious Big Bear Endurance Run in 1933 aboard a Harley-Davidson. He defended his victory in 1934, an event considered the most difficult Big Bear Run in the history of the race.

Ham is credited with reviving the ThreeFlag Endurance Run, first made popular by the legendary Cannonball Baker. In 1915, Baker rode from Canada to Mexico in just over 81 hours. That started a slew of imitators who reset the mark throughout the 1910s and early 1920s.

Then in 1936, Ham organized dealers all along the West Coast to assist him with fueling along the route. Legendary engine man Bill Graves prepared a 1935 HarleyDavidson 74-inch knucklehead for the run.

Ham began the record attempt by getting his route card stamped by Canadian border officials in Blaine at 3 a.m. on Aug. 30. He was chased by rain in the early hours of the morning, battled 100-degree heat in California’s Central Valley and insect swarms at night.

At 7:07 a.m. on Aug. 31, a Mexican border official signed the final entry on the route card. Ham had covered 1,478 miles over twisty highways in 28 hours, 7 minutes, chopping over 10 hours off the existing record.

In April 1937, Ham and a team of friends took a Harley to Muroc Dry Lake to attempt to break the 24-hour mileage record. In the months before the record attempt, Ham swam every night at a local YMCA and dropped from 210 to 180 pounds. He was also coached by former board track racing great Fred Ludlow on how to ride in the most aerodynamic position.

Temperatures on the dry lake would vary from 30 degrees at night to the 90s during the day.

Pot flares were ignited at night to mark the course. A full crew was

assembled, and an AMA referee was on hand to officiate the run.

Ham began the record attempt at 2:20 in the afternoon. By this time he had already been up for 24 hours, and Roy Artley and Fred Ludlow stood ready as relief riders should Ham need assistance.

Ham averaged between 90 and 100 mph. Signal boards were made to let him know if he needed to speed up, slow down or maintain his average. The crew later complained that it was almost always the slow down sign that was displayed.

At one point, the primary chain stretched, overheated and froze and had to be replaced. Because of the load created by the damaged chain, the engine also overheated and sparkplugs had to be replaced. In addition, several members of the crew fought to shovel loose sand off the vast course in places were the big Harley had broken through the hard crust of the lakebed. Despite these problems, Ham established a new 24-hour mileage record of 1,825 miles along with 44 other speed and distance records.

The 24-hour record helped found the legend of the Harley-Davidson knucklehead. It spurred sales of the newly designed bike and helped HarleyDavidson recover from the Depression.

The engine that set the record was put on display at Graves’ Harley shop before it was shipped to Harley-Davidson. Ham became known nationwide for this record.

For several years afterward, Ham tried to rally another crew to make an attempt to crack the 2,000-mile mark, but with his record going unchallenged, he couldn’t get anyone excited about another attempt.

Ham even challenged other riders to try to break his 24-hour mark so he could make another attempt.

On Dec. 9, 1940, just a few weeks before Ham was going to attempt some speed runs on the dry lake, he was killed in a traffic accident while on duty as a motor police officer in West Covina, Calif. He was just 32 years old. His death shocked the motorcycling community, and reports at the time were that his funeral had the largest-ever procession of motorcycles escorting him to his final resting place in Mountainview Cemetery.

Fred Ham was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.

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A Rally Adventure In Off-Road Paradise There is something about the eight days to make things a Rally Mongolia that keeps me little easier. going back. It can’t be the 20 For 2014, I approached the hours of air travel or the funky rally with a tourist-like attitude. food that leaves you wishing I was there to finish and for a burger and fries, or even accompany a first-time rally the time spent on the bike. rider, Tim Lett. Tim wanted to After all, you can find bad food try his hand at off-road rallying. anywhere, and there are great The Rally Mongolia is great

By Lawrence Hacking rides much closer to home. place to get your feet wet.

The attraction is simply The riding is simple. There explained. A trip to Mongolia, the are very few miles of technical riding in landlocked Asian country on the northern the Rally Mongolia. The challenge is to China-Russia border, is an incredible navigate correctly and live the adventure. adventure from start to finish. The Most of the nights are spent in a true competition aspect of the trip is just a bivouac sleeping in tents. Doing without small slice of the overall experience. The washrooms is par for the course and camaraderie among the many nationalities eating basic food is necessary. Very little is magic, the landscapes breathtaking, luxury is included. the cultural experience unique and the I joked with Tim, saying he didn’t sign challenge the rally offers is one of a kind. up for the Club Med version of rally racing.

The 2014 Rally Mongolia was my third The competition side of this rally is there run at it, and being the 20th anniversary of for those, such as former Rally Mongolia the rally, it was bound to be special. winner Jonah Street, who want to try and For this, the 20th edition of the Rally run up front. For myself, the rally is a great Mongolia, event organizer SSER’s head way to visit the vast countryside and still honcho Tetsu Yamada laid out a tough, have backup, including food, fuel and eight-day route that crisscrossed the emergency support.

Mongolian hinterland. From the glitzy start Thanks to this support, you enter the in downtown Ulan Bataar, the country’s rally and ride at a brisk pace and not capital, we made our way out into the subject yourself to undue risk in case of a open steppe country on a 350-mile ride mishap. Bearing the conditions in mind, it that had many of us scratching our heads is still prudent to ride with your ego well in trying to decipher the road book. check. Yamada’s objective is to keep Navigation is done rally-style by reading the challenge focused on careful Yamada-san’s road book, following a navigation skills and maintaining a compass heading and using the few good, steady pace rather than an landmarks to verify you are on a correct all-out speed contest. Keeping course. yourself, your tires and your Mercifully, Yamada gave us GPS bike in good shape is the key to waypoints on the course on seven of the success, especially during the

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marathon stage where no service vehicles or work on the vehicles is allowed.

When I first took up the challenge, Mongolia was very different. Few people spoke English and the economy was much weaker. In recent years, a new generation of Mongolians has come to enjoy new wealth as a result of the country’s vast natural resources. With that wealth came well-equipped racers. In the 2014 rally, local competitors occupied the top places, and for the first time four-wheeled vehicles took the top spot overall.

Mongolia’s national hero, Boldbaatar Damdinkhorloo, won the motorcycle competition by putting his KTM Rally Replica 450 into the third spot overall. His win was a nice addition to his trophy case.

Earlier in the year, he became the first Mongolian to complete the Dakar Rally.

Like most Mongolians, Boldbataar is friendly, kind-hearted and incredibly tough, strong, crafty and fast.

Riding the Rally Mongolia was not the logistical nightmare that some may assume an overseas rally might be. We prepared our own bikes and air freighted them to Ulan Bataar. Rental bikes were available, but for us riding our own bikes was preferable. In our case, the shipping cost was similar to renting a good rally bike. In order to clear Mongolian customs we used an ATA carnet, an international customs and temporary export-import

document, which required a bit of paperwork beforehand and demanded we post a bond. Clearing Mongolian customs and getting our bikes out of the warehouse took only two hours, and much of that was spent finding the right person to talk to.

I chose a 2014 Honda CRF450X for the base of my rally bike. I tried to replicate an HRC Dakar bike on an affordable basis. Because you need to be able to ride 175 miles on a tank of fuel, I fitted a 5.75-gallon Acerbis fuel tank. Additional changes included a custom-made (by my friend Paul Rigo) navigation tower designed to support a Touratech RB TT road book holder and an ICO odometer.

In case I had to ride at night, I fitted two Speed Demon LED lights. The clear front number plate was made by re-shaping an aftermarket windshield that was designed for a BMW 650.

Flexx handlebars were used as well as a Scott’s steering damper. My saving grace was a Noguchi HRC replica seat that was higher, wider and softer. The seat was probably the best and most welcome change to the Honda. Riding up to 10 hours per day, eight days in a row requires a comfortable seat.

To lighten the load on myself, I used Giant Loop Mojavi bags to carry the heavy items that I would likely need to finish, such as tools and a spare inner tube. Rally rules require you to carry extra water, so an aluminum water tank was fabricated into an aftermarket skid plate. Other than a smaller rear sprocket and Hidenau tires, the Honda was stock. I planned four oil changes during the eight-day ride to keep the engine well lubricated.

The first three days of my ride were head-down, get-the-job-done long days in the saddle. After the third day, I was hoping SSER

had included a rest day but no such luck.

Subsequent days had slightly shorter distances, and a couple nights in tourist camps with hot showers and cold beer made life a bit more livable. Going the first four days without a shower was a pain, but the temperatures were comfortable and the dust was not too bad.

In general, life on the bike was going well. By the fifth day, the scenery changed from dry Gobi desert to green mountain pastures. The sixth day had incredible vistas. I hung back with Tim this day. He fell avoiding two horses that crossed his path. I spent just over 10 hours on the bike that day. Most days were between 7 to 8 hours of riding in the timed special stages.

My total time in the stages for the week was just over 54 hours.

The days stretch out when you consider the mandatory one-hour rest period for lunch each day and the additional 300 miles of liaison stages during the week.

The route on the seventh day took us over what was described as the most beautiful part of the rally. In two stages, we rode about 300 miles over mountain passes and across grass-covered alpine meadows. The views were a little distracting. Time behind the bars was fairly busy between reading the road book, watching the trail and looking around.

We spent one more night in tents before the final day took us back into Ulan Bataar along the Tuul River valley. It was a shorter 95-mile stage with straightforward

navigation for the most part. The smooth two-track roads were easy to follow. Even with worn tires I tried hard to post a good time while still managing risk.

My effort was good for 11th overall on the last day, which was the sixth fastest bike. I was happy with that, as well as for my 22nd overall for the entire rally. It was better than I hoped for. I really didn’t have much concern for the results. Chalking up another finish was one of my goals. My main objective was met.

Mongolia is an ideal locale for an exotic ride, where fences have yet to be installed and freedom to ride where you want remains a privilege. As I was riding, I felt a deep appreciation for the good fortune I had to be riding where I was. Mongolia, as untouched as it is, may be the best place in the world to ride off-road motorcycles.

You can learn more about the Rally Mongolia by visiting www.sser.org. The Rally takes place during the first two weeks in August every year.

February 2015

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RENTING

AMERICAN DREAM Chris McIntyre Is Flying High At EagleRider

By Jim Witters

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

he American Dream.

It’s a phrase that is evocative, yet idyllic.

No doubt, each person who hears those three words, in that order, conjures a unique vision of what they mean and how their dreams may one day be realized.

Chris McIntyre, the 49-year-old president of EagleRider Motorcycle Rental, has lived several versions of The American Dream. And he is still dreaming.

Dream One: Middle America

McIntyre describes his upbringing as “Leave It To Beaver” and “The Brady Bunch,” two similar versions of The American Dream broadcast into homes across the nation during the 1960s and ’70s.

“Things were very stable,” McIntyre says.

“My dad owned a construction company.

I had a stay-at-home mom. We rode our Schwinn Stingrays around the neighborhood.

The yards had no fences, so we could ride dirt bikes from one end of the neighborhood to the other.”

The McIntyre family’s business was not immune from the cyclical nature of the construction business.

“During the successful years, we all enjoyed the benefits,” McIntyre says. “And in the lean years, we all tightened our belts.”

While McIntyre describes his parents as pretty easygoing, everyone in the household—including McIntyre and his four sisters—was expected to contribute.

McIntyre went to work for his father’s company, sweeping floors and painting for a dollar an hour.

“We were taught to work hard, then play hard,” McIntyre says. “You contribute to the family. You get good grades. You do everything to the best of your ability. And you treat people with respect. I feel very blessed to have grown up with those values.”

Although no one in his immediate family was a motorcyclist, McIntyre grew up with friends who rode. His first solo attempt came during a Cub Scout weekend. The troop had use of several mini-bikes.

“That was the first time I rode, and the first time I crashed,” McIntyre says. “But I was encouraged to try again.”

And he did.

By the time he received his degree from the University of Wisconsin in May 1988, McIntyre owned a Honda Interceptor 500 and a Suzuki dirt bike.

He describes his life at the time as revolving around ice hockey, beer and the Green Bay Packers.

N Conrad Lim

Dream Two: California And Corporate America

But soon after graduation, McIntyre got the urge to head west.

“California was a magical place,” he says.

“So, I sold my bikes, tossed a knapsack, my hockey equipment and my German Shepherd into a car and went to L.A. I stuck my feet in the ocean, bought a motorcycle and started living the life.”

And what a life it was.

McIntyre landed a job in the Southern California financial systems division of NCR Corp.

“It was a great company to work for,” he recalls. “They had a great company culture: work hard, be honest, invest in your people.”

The NCR job also included a six-figure salary that made life in SoCal that much more enjoyable.

“Working at NCR gave me my first chance to buy a Harley,” McIntyre says. “They had always been too expensive for me, even though, growing up in Wisconsin, I always wanted one. I got a Heritage Softail Nostalgia FLSTN.” McIntyre’s friend, NCR coworker and future business partner, Jeff Brown, bought a Dyna Low Rider.

The American Dream, some might say.

Dream Three: The Entrepreneur

As nice as their lives were, McIntyre and Brown yearned for more, eventually deciding to quit their jobs and launch a business.

McIntyre says his father instilled in him an entrepreneurial spirit and the willingness to take some chances—another version of The American Dream.

“We both realized that the corporate world was awesome,” he says. “We had good jobs. We were paid well. But I didn’t want to play the corporate game, with the ladder climbing.”

McIntyre and Brown had been working up ideas, sketching business plans and hatching a scheme for a motorcycle rental business.

But the pair was thinking beyond the limited rental programs offered in some dealerships.

They wanted an international operation.

Then, a chance encounter inspired them.

“We took our bikes to St. Mary’s By the Sea (Roman Catholic Church in Huntington Beach, Calif.), and the priest blessed them,” McIntyre says. “Then we headed up the coast toward San Francisco. In one of those beachfront communities—it was either Santa Barbara or Big Sur—we stopped at a restaurant. There was a group of foreign tourists there who

February 2015

35

Conrad Lim

We are making people smile. I see it every day. From my office, I can see customers having a beer after a ride, talking with their family or friends and smiling. That’s our biggest contribution to the motorcycling community.”

were ogling the bikes. They loved those bikes that we were so proud of.

“They told us that they loved America and had rented Ford Mustangs to enjoy the American spirit,” he explains. “But they wished they could have rented Harley-Davidsons. As we watched them drool over our bikes and saw their passion and desire—we had been talking about this, and now this solidified the idea.”

McIntyre and Brown brought Peter Wurmer aboard for his expertise in travel and recreation.

“He brought the global opportunities,” McIntyre explains. “He connected us to events and holidays. He is why we are on Expedia and Orbitz.”

The group bought four HarleyDavidsons and stashed them in Wurmer’s garage.

“Our first customers were a group of four Austrians,” McIntyre says. “We picked them up at the airport and took them to Peter’s garage and gave them the keys to the four bikes.”

There was trepidation on both sides.

“We were praying they would not steal

36

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

them or crash them,” McIntyre recalls.

“They were a little stand-offish, wondering what they were getting from some guy’s garage.”

But the venture proved fruitful for everyone.

“They came back 12 days later, after a tour of the Southwest, and they were overjoyed,” McIntyre says. “They took us to dinner in Santa Monica. And they told us that it had been their dream to tour America on Harley-Davidsons. One of them literally had tears in his eyes.

They hugged us. They told us about meeting Americans in diners and hotels— experiences they had because they were riding.”

The Austrians’ reaction provided inspiration.

“That’s when we realized we weren’t in the rental business,” McIntyre says. “This was about providing The American Dream.

“Those moments are beyond a motorcycle, beyond a rental. It’s like a golfer playing Pebble Beach or a skier skiing the Swiss Alps or Jackson Hole (Wyo.).

Dream Four: Sharing The Dream

The focus of the business shifted from renting motorcycles to fulfilling dreams.

“We are experience architects,” McIntyre says. “We provide the bikes.

We work with hotels, attractions. We get tickets. And we make a small margin on each of those items. And it results in loyal customers.”

From the four bikes in Wurmer’s garage, EagleRider has grown to more than 100 locations around the world, offering travelers their choice of more than 2,500 motorcycles, dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles, watercraft and snowmobiles.

EagleRider representatives can plan guided tours or map self-guided routes.

They can book hotel reservations, recommend local restaurants and arrange attendance at concerts, festivals or other events on the excursion.

The L.A. store opened in 1994, followed

by San Francisco in 1995, Orlando in 1996, and Chicago in 1997. EagleRider started franchising in 1998. Its first international location opened in 2003.

EagleRider transports The American

Dream to any destination.

McIntyre says the business is built on four pillars: Everything must be authentic, social, liberating, and reassuring.

“Motorcycling is all about the enthusiasts,” he says. “After a ride, people like to sit down with friends and family at a hotel bar or restaurant, have a drink and some good food and talk about the ride.

Finding like people with similar interests is a blessing.

“EagleRider is liberating in that people can use [our service] to fulfill their bucket list or visit that dream destination on their dream bike.”

In operating the business, EagleRider’s executives use what they learned at NCR. “We focus on people, passion and a plan,” McIntyre explains. “The profits will follow. We hire incredible people who are incredibly smart and who work for the customer.”

EagleRider has served more than half a million—maybe as many as a million— customers since it started, he says.

“We are making people smile,” McIntyre says. “I see it every day. From my office, I can see customers having a beer after a ride, talking with their family or friends and smiling. That’s our biggest contribution to the motorcycling community.”

He says that at times, the motorcycle industry loses focus on the value it provides.

“Much of the motorcycle industry is too much about horsepower or the paint job or the accessories,” McIntyre explains. “But it’s not about that. It’s all about the experience.

“The guy riding a Yamaha across the Golden Gate Bridge is having an experience. He‘s not thinking about the performance specs or the engineering.

He’s riding.”

And that thinking carries over to the business side.

“People buy a bike or clothing because it is tied to an experience,” he says. “We provide those experiences.”

Continuing The Dream

Neither McIntyre nor EagleRider is resting on its successes.

The company has begun selling used motorcycles.

Plans call for EagleRider to expand its corporate infrastructure and dramatically grow its franchise rental locations around the world.

The EagleRider business plan calls for more than 500 rental showrooms covering nearly every popular vacation destination.

But the team at EagleRider recognizes that the company’s products and services are not for everyone.

“We are a high-end motorcycle lifestyle and experience company,” McIntyre says.

“We are doing something very special.”

And EagleRider’s used-bike service

The EagleRider business plan calls for more than 500 rental showrooms covering nearly every popular vacation destination in the world.

offers a path to motorcycling for those not yet ready for a lengthy tour.

“You get into motorcycling at a level you can afford,” McIntyre says. “Not everyone needs or wants a new bike. So they can get one that is a couple of years old and has a few miles on it and can save a few thousand dollars.”

The key is in the motorcycling community and the motorcycle industry embracing the idea that “there is an endless supply of people who want that experience and what it represents.”

“Riding through the countryside during Indian summer with the fall leaves surrounding you. Stopping at an unknown restaurant for breakfast and meeting new people. They don’t do it because of the horsepower or the torque,” McIntyre says.

The Blue Ocean Dream

Business researchers call the EagleRider venture a “blue ocean” scenario, and McIntyre says that label fits.

As described in Harvard Business, when businesses try to enter or expand in an existing market, they are pursuing “red ocean” strategies. The intense competition requires undercutting prices, finding cheaper products, sometimes engaging in ruthless tactics. All those factors put blood

in the water — a red ocean.

But when McIntyre, Brown and Wurmer launched EagleRider, there was no international motorcycle touring and adventure company. There was no competition. There was no blood in the water. A blue ocean stretched before them.

“We happened to be a pioneer in the motorcycle lifestyle and experience business,” McIntyre says. “But there is an endless opportunity for other companies to become part of the EagleRider experience. Our part of the motorcycle industry has blue ocean. There is an endless number of motorcyclists who would like to experience what we offer.”

“Companies that create blue oceans usually reap the benefits without credible challenges for 10 to 15 years, as was the case with Cirque du Soleil, Home Depot, Federal Express, Southwest Airlines, and CNN, to name just a few,” says the Harvard Business article on blue ocean strategy.

But even with little direct competition, there can be rough times.

“It’s like any business,” McIntyre says.

“It doesn’t rain hundred-dollar bills. Not every day is sunny. But there is nothing better than working together as a team to turn the hard days into successful days.”

McIntyre likes to compare EagleRider to the ski industry.

“Fifty years ago, there was no Vail or Jackson Hole,” he says. Vail Ski Resort’s first season was in December 1962.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opened to the public in 1964.

McIntyre and the others at EagleRider spent the past 22 years inventing and perfecting a new industry around improving the motorcycling experience.

“When you go to the ski resort, everything there is designed to make your experience better,” McIntyre says. “When the experience is better, everything else takes off.

“The motorcycling community needs evangelists. We all sell one thing: an experience on two wheels.”

Tour For Less

AMA Members Get Discount

EagleRider offers a 15 percent discount on its bike rentals and tours.

To take advantage of this exclusive AMA member discount with EagleRider, here’s what you need to do: •

Visit the Members Only section of the AMA’s website at www.americanmotorcyclist.com for the discount code.

•

Call EagleRider directly at (888) 900-9901 with your AMA number handy.

•

You also can reserve in-person at an EagleRider location, but you must have your AMA card with you.

•

Note that the AMA discount does not apply to EagleRider’s discounted “Weekly Specials,” which may be in excess of 15 percent off regular rates.

February 2015

37

GO RIDE

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

3

The eighth and ninth rounds of Monster Energy AMA Supercross will take place in Atlanta, Ga., on Feb. 21 and 28 at the Georgia Dome. Tickets start at $20, and AMA members get $5 off when they use the Member Benefit code on page 3. Info: www. supercrossonline.com and www.amasupercross.com.

1

On Feb. 14-15, the AMA Ice Race Grand Championship will take place in Edgerton, Wis. Saturday will feature an oval track and ice grand prix, and Sunday will once again be the oval track. The event is hosted by North American Action Sports LLC and boasts classes for riders from ages 4 to 50-plus. Info: www.NAActionSports.com.

1

2

4

7 5 3 6 4

2

Looking for something other than a race or ride?

Then check out the 25th annual motorcycle swap meet hosted by ABATE Of Ohio Inc. on Feb. 15 in Brilliant, Ohio.

The event draws vendors from the tri-state area. Admission is $6. Kids 16 and under are free. Check out new and old motorcycle parts, clothing, accessories and more. Info: www.abate.com > Region 1 events.

COMING UP April kicks off the riding season for much of the country. Look for our AMA Go Ride! Month featured in the April issue of American Motorcyclist.

38

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

On Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, the Treasure Coast Trail Riders club is hosting a hare scrambles race in Brighton, Fla. The TCTR is a promoter within the Florida Trail Riders. Info: www.floridatrailriders.org.

5

Arizona Cycle Park/CMC Arizona Racing LLC is hosting a Southwest area qualifier for the 2015 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship on Feb. 14-15 in Buckeye, Ariz. Info: www.mxsports.com and www.arizonacyclepark.com.

6

RMX Events LLC is hosting a south central area qualifier for the 2015 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Cycle Ranch Motocross Park in Floresville, Texas, on Feb. 21-22. Info: www.cycleranchmx.com.

7

The second round of the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship is Feb. 14-15 in Paicines, Calif. It’s hosted by the Salinas Ramblers MC, the 2010 AMA Club of the Year. Info: www.salinasramblersmc.org.

FEBRUARY EVENTS ARIZONA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES FEB 7: GLOBE: 2 DAY EVENT, ROCKSTARS MC, (480) 216-2588, AMRARACING.COM MOTOCROSS FEB 14: BUCKEYE: 2 DAY EVENT, ARIZONA CYCLE PARK/CMC ARIZONA RACING, LLC, (623) 853-0750, ARIZONACYCLEPARK.COM CALIFORNIA RECREATIONAL FUN RUN FEB 22: SUN VALLEY: ABATE-CA LOCAL 1, (818) 344-4656 POKER RUN FEB 22: PASADENA: PASADENA MOTORCYCLE CLUB COMPETITION

FEB 14: SALINAS: 2 DAY EVENT, SALINAS RAMBLERS M/C, (831) 261-6085, SALINASRAMBLERSMC. ORG FLORIDA COMPETITION ARENACROSS FEB 21: TAMPA: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM MOTOCROSS FEB 1: DADE CITY: UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX. COM FEB 14: CITRA: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOCROSS OF MARION COUNTY, INC., (352) 591-2377, MXMARIONCOUNTY.COM MISSOURI COMPETITION

HARE & HOUND

ARENACROSS

FEB 21: (Includes ATVs) BARSTOW: 2 DAY EVENT, CHECKERS MC, (909) 2891040, CHECKERSMC.COM

FEB 28: KANSAS CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, WW.ARENCROSS.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

NEW MEXICO

COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES FEB 21: ALMAGORDO: 2 DAY EVENT, AERODYNE PROMOTIONS, LLC/ GAS-IT OFF ROAD RACING, (575) 437-8189, GASITOFFROAD.COM NEW YORK COMPETITION MUD & SNOW SCRAMBLES FEB 1: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 6932634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS. COM FEB 15: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM NORTH CAROLINA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS FEB 21: ELIZABETH CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOPROMO, LLC OHIO RECREATIONAL SWAP MEETS

FEB 15: BRILLIANT: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (740) 2192716, ABATE.COM PENNSYLVANIA COMPETITION ARENACROSS FEB 6: WILKES BARRE: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM FEB 7: WILKES BARRE: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM MOTOCROSS FEB 21: (Includes ATVs) HARRISBURG: TRAIL-WAY SPEEDWAY, (717) 359-7056, MOTORAMAEVENTS.COM FEB 22: (Includes ATVs) HARRISBURG: TRAIL-WAY SPEEDWAY, (717) 359-7056, MOTORAMAEVENTS.COM SOUTH CAROLINA COMPETITION ENDURO FEB 1: SUMTER: SUMTER ENDURO RIDERS MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, (803) 4815169, SERMACLUB.COM TEXAS

COMPETITION MOTOCROSS FEB 21: FLORESVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, RMX EVENTS, LLC DBA: CYCLE RANCH, (855) 571-6866, CYCLERANCHMX.COM FEB 28: WORTHAM: 2 DAY EVENT, FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY, LLC., (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM UTAH COMPETITION MOTOCROSS FEB 21: ST GEORGE: 2 DAY EVENT, ST GEORGE MX, (435) 705-4125, STGEORGEMX.COM WISCONSIN COMPETITION ICE RACE FEB 7: (Includes ATVs) OSHKOSH: SOUTHEASTERN SHORT TRACKERS, LTD, (414) 303-1331 FEB 14: EDGERTON: 2 DAY EVENT, NORTH AMERICAN ACTION SPORTS, LLC., (989) 871-3356, BAJAACRES.COM

2015 EVENTS Feb. 7: San Diego, Calif.: PETCO Park (West)

July 25: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National

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

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

July 25-26: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud

LUCAS OIL PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP PROMOTOCROSS.COM

Aug. 15: Tooele, Utah: Utah National

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

March 7: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (East)

May 16: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic

March 14: Indianapolis, Ind.: Lucas Oil Stadium (East)

MTN. DEW AMA ATV NATIONAL MOTOCROSS ATVMOTOCROSS.COM

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

Feb. 14: Arlington, Texas: AT&T (East)

MOTOCROSS MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS FIM-LIVE.COM Sept. 26-27: Ernee, France FIM JUNIOR MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIM-LIVE.COM July 19: El Molar, Spain MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS AMASUPERCROSS.COM

Feb. 21: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome (East) Feb. 28: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome (East)

March 21: Detroit, Mich.: Ford Field (East) March 28: St. Louis, Mo.: Edward Jones Dome (East) April 11: Houston, Texas: NRG Stadium (West)

MONSTER ENERGY CUP Oct. 17: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium

May 30: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National June 6: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National June 13: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point National

Aug. 22: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Indiana National

AMSOIL AMA ARENACROSS ARENACROSS.COM Jan. 16-18: Grand Rapids, Mich.: Van Andel Arena

March 21-22: Lizella, Ga.: Echeconnee

Jan. 23-25: Colorado Springs, Colo.: World Arena

April 18-19: Kemp, Texas: Underground

Jan. 31-Feb. 1: Nashville, Tenn.: Bridgestone Arena

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

Feb. 6-8: Wilkes-Barre, Pa.: Mohegan Sun Arena

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

Feb. 21-22: Tampa, Fla.: Tampa Bay Times Forum

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

June 27: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National

May 30-31: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman

Feb. 28- March 1: Kansas City, Mo.: Sprint Center

Jan. 24: Oakland, Calif.: O.Co Coliseum (West)

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

July 4: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National

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

March 6-8: Council Bluffs, Iowa: Mid-America Center

Jan. 31: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium (West)

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

July 18: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National

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

March 13-15: Southaven, Miss.: Landers Center

Jan. 17: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium (West)

February 2015

39

2015 EVENTS March 21-22: New Orleans, La.: Smoothie King Center March 28-29: Austin, Texas: Frank Erwin Center April 11-12: Spokane, Wash.: Spokane Arena April 18-19: Tacoma, Wash.: Tacoma Dome April 25-26: Fresno, Calif.: Save Mart Center

Feb. 8: San Bernardino, Calif.: King of the West - Glen Helen Raceway, 2xPromotions.com, (559) 761-0897

March 15: Dalton, Ga.: The United States Mega Series Lazy River MX, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497

Feb. 23-27: Pell City, Ala.: Davi Millsaps Spring Classic - Mill Creek Motocross Park, RPMsportsonline.com, (205) 699-8857

March 16-20: Wortham, Texas: James Stewart Spring Championship - Freestoe Raceway, FreestoneMX.com, (713) 962-3386

March 1: Wortham, Texas: Texas Winter Series - Freestone Raceway, FreestoneMX.com, (713) 962-3386

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

March 8: Blountville, Tenn.: The United States Mega Series - Muddy Creek Raceway, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497

Jan. 25: Alvord, Texas: Texas Winter Series - Oak Hill MX Park, OakHillMX.com, (940) 577-2225

March 12-15: Alvord, Texas: GNC International MX Final - Oak Hill Raceway, GNCMXracing.com, (940) 577-2225

Feb. 8: Fort Worth, Texas: Texas Winter Series Village Creek MX Park, VillageCreekMX.com, (817) 572-7713 or (817) 483-5028

March 29: Sanford, N.C.: North Carolina State Championship Devil’s Ridge Motocross, DevilsRidgeMotoX.com, (919) 776-1767 April 9-12: San Bernardino, Calif.: California Classic - Glen Helen Raceway, 2xPromotions.com, (559) 761-0897 April 12: Hamer, S.C.: The United States Mega Series South of the Border, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497

April 19: Mount Carroll, Ill.: MC Motopark, MCmotopark.com, (815) 238-1614 April 25-26: Livingston, Tenn.: The United States Mega Series - Thunder Valley, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497 April 26: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: King of the West - Hangtown Motocross, 2xPromotions.com, (559) 761-0897 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ATV/MC AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP MXSPORTS.COM

Northeast Area Qualifier

Feb. 21-22: Elizabeth City, N.C.: Elizabeth City, (757) 754-8008 March 7-8: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek MX, 301-475-2000 March 21-22: Shippensburg, Pa.: Doublin Gap, (717) 249-6036

March 28-29: Englishtown, N.J.: Englishtown, (732) 446-7800 April 11-12: Dillwyn, Va.: Actiontown MX Park, (434) 836-7629 April 18-19: Armagh, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway, (814) 695-2453 May 2-3: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point, (304) 284-0084 May 16-17: Winchester, N.H.: Winchester Speed Park, (603) 239-6406 Northeast Regional

May 30-31: Danville, Va.: Birch Creek Motorsports (Youth), (434) 836-7629 June 20-21: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla Valley Sports Center - Amateur, (607) 965-8450 Southeast Area Qualifier

Feb. 14-15: Reddick, Fla.: MX of Marion Co, (352) 591-2377

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2015 EVENTS March 14-15: Ellerbee, N.C.: Windy Hills MX, (423) 323-5497 March 28-29: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek, (423) 323-5497 April 11-12: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek MX, (205) 699-8857 April 11-12: Punta Gorda, Fla.: Florida Track and Trails, (239) 567-0227 April 18-19: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain, (334) 318-8475 May 2-3: Washington, Ga.: Aonia Pass, (706) 678-3737 May 16-17: Henderson, N.C.: North Carolina Motorsports Park, (252) 438-8192 Southeast Regional

June 13-14: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback (Amateur), (407) 453-2056 June 20-21: Hamer, S.C.: South of the Border (Youth), (423) 323-5497 Mid-East Area Qualifier

March 21-22: Altamont, Tenn.: Fast Farms MX Park, (931) 235-2776 April 11-12: Waynesburg, Ohio: Malvern MX, (330) 575-0021 April 18-19: Rossville, Ind.: Wild Cat Creek MX, (765) 379-2482 April 25-26: Livingston, Tenn.: Thunder Valley, (423) 323-5497 May 2-3: Millington, Mich.: Baja Acres, (989) 871-3356 May 9-10: London, Ky.: Daniel Boone MX, (606) 231-2313

March 28-29: Maize, Kan.: Bar 2 Bar MX, (620) 755-1370 April 11-12: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX, (815) 379-9534 April 25-26: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports, (217) 932-2041 May 2-3: Tigerton, Wis.: Motozone, (920) 419-2863 May 9-10: Little Falls, Minn.: Little Falls Raceway, (612) 919-3457 May 16-17: Garwin, Iowa: Oak Ridge Motocross, (205) 699-8857 May 23-24: Byron, Ill.: Byron Motosports Park, (815) 234-2271 North Central Regional

April 25-26: Edgewood, Texas: Buffalo Creek MX, (214) 939-4321 May 2-3: Ponca City, Okla.: Ponca City MX, (580) 762-3635 May 16-17: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley MX, (303) 697-1003 South Central Regional

June 20-21: Prentiss, Miss.: Golden Pines (Youth), (985) 273-1317

June 13-14: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City OHV (Youth/Amateur), (740) 297-6686

Northwest Area Qualifier

Feb. 14-15: Marysville, Calif.: MMX Racing, (740) 297-6686

March 21-22: Richland, Wash.: Horn Rapids MX, (509) 496-2958

June 20-21: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek MX Park (Amateur), (507) 753-2779

May 16-17: Billings, Mont.: Billings MX

Feb. 28-March 1: Breaux Bridge, La.: Gravity Alley Extreme Park, (337) 321-1154 March 7-8: Conroe, Texas: Three Palms, (936) 321-8725

May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Northwest Regional

June 6-7: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park (Youth/Amateur), (360) 601-5347 Mid-West Area Qualifier Feb. 21-22: St. George, Utah: St. George MX, (435) 705-4125

March 28-29: Fulton, Miss.: Veteran MX

Feb. 28 – March 1: Porterville, Calif.: Porterville OHV Park, (740) 297-6686

April 18-19: Alvord, Texas: Oak Hill Raceway, (940) 577-2225

March 21-22: Turlock, Calif.: Oatfield Raceway, (740) 297-6686

May 16-17: Newaygo, Mich.: Big Air MX, (231) 652-5225

May 9-10: Rocksprings, Wyo.: Rock Springs MX, (307) 389-1477 May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park

May 9-10: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park, (360) 601-5347

Feb. 21-22: Floresville, Texas: Cycle Ranch, (855) 571-6686

May 9-10: Hollister Hills, Calif.: Hollister Hills SVRA, (740) 297-6686

May 30-31: Wortham, Texas: Freestone MX (Amateur), (713) 962-3386

June 13-14: DeQuoin, Ill.: Indian Hills (Youth), (205) 699-8857

South Central Area Qualifier

April 18-19: California City, Calif.: Cal City MX Park, (760) 977-9774

Mid-West Regional

Southwest Area Qualifier Feb. 14-15: Litchfield Park, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, (623) 853-0750 March 7-8: Los Angeles, Calif.: LACR, (740) 297-6686 March 14-15: Haleiwa, Hawaii: Kahuku MX, (808) 668-6276 March 28-29: Perris, Calif.: Starwest MX Park, (949) 276-5153 April 4-5: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway, (909) 384-9342 April 11-12: Moriarty, N.M.: Sandia MX @ Moriarty, (505) 259-6824 May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park Southwest Area Regional May 30-31: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway (Youth/ Amateur), (909) 384-9342

DIRT TRACK MONSTER ENERGY FIM SPEEDWAY WORLD CUP FIM-LIVE.COM | SPEEDWAYGP.COM June 6: Location TBA June 8: Location TBA June 11: Vojens, Denmark June 13: Vojens, Denmark AMA PRO FLAT TRACK AMAPRORACING.COM March 12: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona Flat Track I March 13: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona Flat Track II May 24: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile I May 30: Sacramento, Calif.: Sacramento Mile June 20: Hagerstown, Md.: Hagerstown Half-Mile June 27: Lima, Ohio: Lima Half-Mile Aug. 1: Castle Rock, Wash.: Castle Rock TT Aug. 4: Rapid City, S.D.: Black Hills Half-Mile Aug. 16: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria TT Sept. 6: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile II Oct. 3: Calistoga, Calif.: Calistoga Half-Mile

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May 23-24: Nashport, Ohio: Briarcliff MX, (740) 763-0935 Mid-East Regional

June 6-7: Buchanan, Mich.: Red Bud MX (Amateur), (269) 695-6405 June 27-28: Millfield, Ohio: Sunday Creek Raceway (Youth), (304) 284-0084 North Central Area Qualifier

March 7-8: DeQuoin, Ill.: Paradise MX, (205) 699-8857

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February 2015 4/25/14 3:25 PM

2015 EVENTS Oct. 10: Pomona, Calif.: Flat Track Season Finale FEATURED SERIES: AMA WINTER JAM, SHOWDOWN AT THE CENTER - INDOOR DIRT TRACK SERIES STEVENACERACING.COM

High Adventure. No Hassle.

The best routes, roads and twotrack, mapped by local experts. A great challenge with like-minded riders. A full weekend’s activities, with camping, campfires, food and prizes.

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Nov. 29: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

Feb. 21: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds March 28: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

FIM ROAD RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND PRIX (MOTOGP) FIM-LIVE.COM MOTOGP.COM April 10-12: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the Americas Aug. 7-9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

April 10-12: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the Americas MotoGP support races April 17-19: Braselton, Ga.: Road Atlanta May 15-17: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway May 29-31: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America June 12-14: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park

GEICO AMA ENDUROCROSS ENDUROCROSS.COM March 6: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Ocean Center

April 25: Sacramento, Calif.: Sleep Train Arena

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

March 21: SLC, Utah: Energy Solutions Arena

Sept. 7-12: Kosice, Slovakia

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

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August 7-9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Indianapolis Motor Speedway - MotoGP support races

Jan. 10: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

FIM WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP FIM-LIVE.COM | WORLDSBK.COM

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

Sept. 19-20: Tarragona, Spain FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIM-LIVE.COM July 25-26: West Greenwich, R.I.: Steppingstone Ranch KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO, PRESENTED BY MOOSE RACING NATIONALENDURO.COM Feb. 1: Wedgefield, S.C.: SERMA, SERMAclub.com March 1: Pellon, S.C.: Columbia Enduro Riders March 22: Bridgeport, Texas: Bridgeport Riders April 19: West Point, Tenn.: NATRA, NATRA-westpoint.net May 17: Park Hills, Mo.: Missouri Mudders, MOmudders.com June 14: Upton, Wyo.: Inyan Kara Riders July 26: Cross Fork, Pa.: Brandywine Enduro Riders, BER.us Aug. 23: Moorestown, Mich.: Lansing Motorcycle Club, LansingMotorcycleClub.org Sept. 27: Lynnville, Ind.: Lynnville Area Dirt Riders Inc., LADirtRiders.com

May 1: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena May 30: Phoenix, Ariz.: Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum Aug. 22: Atlanta, Ga.: Gwinnett Center Oct. 3: Denver, Colo.: National Western Complex Oct. 17: Everett, Wash.: XFINITY Arena Nov. 7: Boise, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center Nov. 21-22: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena KENDA SRT AMA NATIONAL HARE AND HOUND CHAMPIONSHIP NATIONALHAREANDHOUND.COM

Jan. 24-25: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Desert MC, DesertMC.com Feb. 21-22: Barstow, Calif.: Checkers MC, CheckersMC. com March 21-22: Murphy, Idaho: Dirt Inc., DirtIncRacing.com April 25-26: Johnson Valley, Calif.: Vikings MC, VikingsMC.com May 2: Delta, Utah: Sage Riders MC, SageRidersMC. com June 6-7: Snowville, Utah: Big Nasty Hillclimb LLC, X12Events.com Aug. 22: Panaca, Nev.: Silver State Trail Blazers Oct. 24-25: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: 100s MC, 100smc.com

2015 EVENTS AIRES AMA/NATC MOTOTRIALS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMARACING.COM | MOTOTRIALS.COM April 11-12: Amarillo, Texas (West) April 18-19: Kingman, Ariz.

(West) June 13-14: Nehawka, Neb.: mwta-trials.com (East) June 20-21: Toronto, Ohio: trialsinc.org (East) Aug. 8-9: Casper, Wyo. (West) Youth Nationals and Women’s Open

July 3-5: Sequatchie, Tenn.: TrialsTrainingCenter. com (East) Aug. 11-13: Howard, Colo.: ItsOffroad.com (West) KENDA SRT AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM Feb. 14 (Youth) | Feb. 15 (Amateur): Paicines, Calif.: Salinas Ramblers MC, SalinasRamblersMC.org UPDATED: March 14 (Youth) | March 15 (Amateur): Gorman, Calif.: Prospectors MC April 11 (Amateur) | April 12 (ATV, Youth): Shasta Lake, Calif.: Redding Dirt Riders, ReddingDirtRiders. com May 16 (Youth, Amateur): Caliente, Nev.: Silver State Trail Blazers June 20 (Youth) | June 21 (Amateur): Elkton, Ore.: ETRA, Inc., ETRA.net

May 2-3: Primm, Nev.: Shamrocks MC, Buffalo Bills Casino Oct. 3-4: Ridgecrest, Calif.: Viewfinders MC, Ridgecrest Fairgrounds Oct. 31 - Nov. 1: Location TBA: Prospectors MC Dec. 5-6: Location TBA: Vikings MC FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) - ENDUROS ECEA.ORG March 15: Greenbank, N.J.: Sandy Lane Enduro, Meteor Motorcycle Club, MeteorMC.com March 22: Shamong, N.J.: Curly Fern Enduro, South Jersey Enduro Riders, SJER.org April 12: Chatsworth, N.J.: Pine Barons Clock Run, Pine Barons Enduro Riders, PBER.webs.com April 19: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Greenbrier Enduro, Tri-County Sportsmen Motorcycle Club, TeamHammer.org May 3: Delaware City, Del.: Delaware State Enduro, Delaware Enduro Riders, DelawareEnduroRiders.com May 24: Heckscherville, Pa.: Broad Mountain Enduro, Reading Off Road Riders, RORR.org June 14: Deposit, N.Y.: Ridge Run Enduro, Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club, RidgeRiders.org

Aug. 30: Mauricetown, N.J.: Beehive Enduro, Competition Dirt Riders, CompetitionDirtRiders.org Sept. 13: Shippensburg, Pa.: Michaux Enduro, South Penn Enduro Riders, SouthPennEnduroRiders. com Sept. 20: Brandonville, Pa.: Moonshine Enduro, High Mountain Dirt Riders/Valley Forge Trail Riders, vftr.org Oct. 25: New Lisbon, N.J.: Scrub Pine Enduro, Ocean County Competition Riders, OCCR.net Nov. 8: Warren Grove, N.J.: Stumpjumper Enduro, Motorcycle Competition Inc., Ride-MCI.com Nov. 22: New Lisbon, N.J.: Pine Hill Enduro, Central Jersey Competition Riders, CJCRmc.org FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) - HARE SCRAMBLES ECEA.ORG March 28-29: Tri-County Hare Scrambles, Tri-County Sportsmen MC May 16-17: Stumpjumper Hare Scrambles, Motorcycle Competition Inc. May 30-31: Oxbo Hare Scrambles, South Penn Enduro Riders

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

Nov. 7 (ATV, Youth) | Nov. 8 (Amateur): Searchlight, Nev.: Get-Xtr-Eme.com

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

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

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

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

Jan. 31 - Feb. 1: Taft, Calif.: Dirt Diggers MC, Honolulu Hills Raceway Feb. 28 - March 1: Devore, Calif.: Prairie Dogs MC, Glen Helen Raceway March 28-29: 29 Palms, Calif.: Hilltoppers MC, Rodeo and Motoplex

Aug. 9: Three Springs, Pa.: Three Springs Enduro, Green Marble Enduro Riders, GreenMarbleEnduroRiders. org Aug. 16: Berkshire, N.Y.: Speedsville Enduro, Ithaca Dirt Riders, IthacaDirtRiders. com

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

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

Aug. 22-23: Hurricane Lane Hare Scrambles, Meteor Motorcycle Club Sept. 26-27: Big Bass Hare Scrambles, Ridge Riders MC Oct. 3-4: Sahara Sands Hare Scrambles, Pine Barons Enduro Riders/South Jersey Enduro Riders

HALL OF FAME

EXHIBITS AND EVENTS AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

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April 3-5: Riverside, Calif.: Adams Motorsports Park May 29-30: Plymouth, Wis.: Road America July 3-4: Denver, Colo.: Colorado National Speedway Aug. 14-15: Salt Lake City, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park Sept. 18-20: Sturgis, S.D.: Downtown Sturgis ICE RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP NAACTIONSPORTS.COM Feb. 14-15: Edgerton, Wis.: North American Action Sports LLC.

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

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

FEATURED SERIES: BIG 6 AMA WEST COAST GRAND PRIX SERIES BIG6RACING.COM

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

RECREATION

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: The main floor of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame celebrates Hall of Fame inductees, the heroes of the track, road, trails and halls of government who have elevated the sport to new heights. Now featuring the 2014 inductees.

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

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

July 10-12: Lexington, Ohio: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days – demo. bikes from manufacturers, visit the swap meet, watch or compete in vintage racing, meet AMA Hall of Famers, attend seminars and more. See www.ama vintagemotorcycledays.com

FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION – DUAL SPORTS ECEA.ORG Oct. 11: Pine Grove, Pa.: Reading Dual Sport, Reading Off Road Riders, RORR.org Oct. 24: Tuckerton, N.J.: Ride in the Pines Dual Sport, Meteor Motorcycle Club, MeteorMC.Com Oct. 31 - Nov. 1: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run Nat’l Dual Sport, TriCounty Sportsmen MC, TeamHammer.Org

JOIN THE AMA TODAY (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646)

February 2015

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GUEST COLUMN

LESSONS LEARNED

A Six-Day Education On Michigan’s World-Class Trails

By Lauren Conte When I caught up to the riders, they had been resting on the side of the trail for longer than I cared to know. While we rested, my dad and the boys’ dads gave me advice—how to shift my weight more effectively, and how to get over and around obstacles on the trail.

The short lesson restored my enthusiasm. I clambered back onto the YZ, hoping to stay on the bike for a distance greater than a few hundred yards.

As we progressed through the trail, the terrain varied greatly. At times the ground oozed slippery mud, then changed to open stretches of sand dunes. Then, just as I grew comfortable, the trail wound its way back into the trees and up rocky inclines. The small field where I learned to ride could not have taught me how to ride so technically.

Just as I was ready to lie down on the side of the trail and admit defeat, the narrow trail opened up onto a gravel road. Before long, we joined the other riders. After lunch, the boys and their dads got back on the trail, but I was still exhausted.

Sheepishly, I loaded up my bike onto the lunch truck’s trailer and fell asleep in the back.

Lauren Conte is an AMA member from Clive, Iowa.

Crystal Newcomb

When I was 8, my dad brought home a Honda CRF50. I learned the basics of riding in a field in the woods. Since we rode only a few months each year, my progress was slow. When I was 14, I switched to a Yamaha YZ125. Although light and quick, it was too tall for me. I often toppled over when I stopped, unable to properly touch the ground. That same summer, as I adjusted to the bike, I went on my first Six Days of Michigan ride.

The Six Days of Michigan is a sixday trail ride organized by the Cycle Conversation Club of Michigan. It has routes for trail bikes, dual-sport bikes, street bikes and kids. For the off-road sections, it relies on parts of Michigan’s expansive public trail system. The Six Days of Michigan has a reputation as one of the best-organized trail rides in the country. I was excited and a bit anxious to go on this ride.

We started our ride from a gravel lot.

Seven kids and seven dads helped pull the bikes off long trailers as the two ride leaders read a map of our route. I watched the other young riders, all boys, laughing and wrestling with one another. I was starting to feel the need to prove myself.

Once everyone had their dirt bikes off the trailer and warmed up, the ride leader raised a hand and led off into the trail. Within a few minutes, I realized I was in for a rude awakening. The first hour I fell more times than I had in the months leading up to the ride. Not only was I physically hurting, but my pride was suffering. I hated how I slowed down my dad and the ride leader, and for a while I refused to let them help me pull my bike out of the mud. As I grew more and more upset with my own inability, I rode recklessly, and I began to fall more frequently.

The next few days of riding were much the same. I struggled all morning, then quit at midday. My dad did not pressure me to continue riding after lunch, but instead was patient and encouraging when I was overwhelmed and angry.

The other senior riders offered me just as much reassurance and advice, and through their combined effort and my own determination, I improved.

Improvement was seen in small successes. Instead of struggling over rocks, I learned how to pick a line through them. I started shifting more aggressively, staying on the throttle. I overcame my fear of long stretches of sand, no longer paddling my feet to balance.

By the third day, I felt like I was giving up on myself by leaving in the afternoon, and I was determined to complete the full day’s ride. I still fell more times than anyone else, but this meant I also got back on the bike the most. I realized that I did not have to prove myself to the boys, their dads, or the ride leaders. They wanted me to have fun, not kill myself trying to keep up. Once I realized that I should have more fun, I did.

On the fourth day, I completed the full ride. I was still the slowest rider out on the trail, but I no longer felt defeated even before I put on my gear each morning.

By the end of the week, I pushed my bike up to the trailer with the rest of the boys, talking and laughing with them. They gave me stickers for my bike, and soon the too-tall YZ125 began to resemble their orange racing KTMs. When the boys started their bikes, I started mine alongside them, feeling relaxed. Even though I still tumbled off my bike often, I shook off the frustration.

Each fall taught me a lesson, and soon the time between lessons grew.

At the end of my first Six Days of Michigan I left with plenty of bruises, and a smile on my face.

46

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