0218 issuu street and common

February 2018

Motorcyclists open their hearts and wallets for charity Follow Chilly White on his Vietnam adventure

Photo Max Cooper Photography

Monthly

Drawing s

2018 AMA MEMBER SWEEPSTAKES

Members who join or renew their AMA membership from Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2018, are automatically entered to win one of these awesome motorcycling prizes!

No purchase necessary. For complete rules, terms and conditions visit http://americanmotorcyclist.com/Member-Sweepstakes-Rules

QUARTERLY DRAWINGS • Bohn Armor Pant/Shirt Set • Cortech Jacket • Tourmaster Luggage

Quarter

ly Draw i

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MONTHLY DRAWINGS • AMA Gear Shirt • Bohn Armor Neck Brace • Liberty Sport Eyewear • Nelson Rigg Bike Cover

Don’t let your membership lapse!

AmericanMotorcyclist.com (800) AMA-JOIN

ANNUAL DRAWING • 2018 Yamaha XSR700 • Scala Rider Communication System • Shoei Helmet

NAVIGATION 8 LETTERS 10 VIEWPOINT 12 RIGHTS

Preserving responsible access; RPM Act moves forward; Indiana trails

24 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Malcolm Smith launched a generation of motorcycle dreams with this motorcycle.

18 STREET EDITION

An Asian adventure with Chilly White

38 EVENTS CALENDAR 46 GUEST COLUMN

Tina Turner shares her love of riding

18 DIRT/COMPETITION EDITION

The different paths of three women motorcyclists

18 STREET Exploring Vietnam on motorcycles

18 DIRT/COMPETITION Women riders spread the love of motorcycling

32 FEATURE

On dirt and pavement from coast to coast, motorcyclists support charitable causes

February 2018 Volume 72, 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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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 2017. Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $19.95 covered in membership dues.

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

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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.

RAFFLE BIKE ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! A minimum donation of $5 per ticket or $20 for five tickets, is suggested. www.MotorcycleMuseum.org or call (800) 262-5646

Winner will be drawn at the 2018 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

1941 HARLEYDAVIDSON WL

WHAT’S IN YOUR TOOLBOX?

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. Russ Brenan Vice Chair Irvine, Calif.

James Holter Vice President of Communications and Marketing Mark Lapid Creative Services Director Jim Witters Managing Editor Ashley Price Associate Editor Jeff Guciardo Production Manager/Designer Gina Gaston Design Assistant Samantha Laderer Marketing and Advertising Coordinator

Ken Ford Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla. Paul Puma Executive Committee Member Laguna Beach, Calif.

Jerry Abboud Executive Committee Member Thornton, Colo.

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

All trademarks used herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned by the AMA and may only be used with the express, written permission of the AMA.

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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, 2017.

Russ Ehnes Great Falls, Mont.

Robert Pearce Amherst, Ohio

David Foley Milwaukee, Wis.

Gary Pontius Westfield, Ind.

Tony Moseley Fort Worth, Texas

Jeff Skeen San Diego, Calif.

Roger Pattison Taos Ski Valley, N.M.

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

AMA STAFF EXECUTIVE

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES

Rob Dingman President/CEO Jeff Massey Chief Operations Officer Donna Perry Executive Assistant to President/CEO

John Bricker Mailroom Manager Rob Baughman Operations Specialist INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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Mark Pennington Director of Finance Deb D’Andrea Data Entry Representative Melanie Hise HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator Nicole Martinez Accounting Assistant Justin Nickoli Accounting Manager Daniella Schmidt Data Entry Representative AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES Kevin Crowther Director of Racing Jack Babet Motocross Operational Coordinator Joe Bromley Program Development Manager Bill Cumbow Director of Road Racing Relations Connie Fleming Racing Coordinator Alex Hunter Racing Projects Manager Michael Jolly Off-Road/Track Assistant Manager Erek Kudla Off-Road Racing Manager Beth Owen Off-Road Coordinator Mike Pelletier Supercross Manager Alexandria Reasoner Motocross Coordinator Ricky Rickords Motocross Manager Jessica Robinson Track Racing Coordinator Ken Saillant Track Racing Manager Melody Tucker Racing Administrative Assistant Conrad Young Timing & Scoring Manager BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS Jim Williams Vice President, Industry Relations and Business Member Programs

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Jeff Williams IT Project Manager Ed Madden System Support Specialist GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Sen. Wayne Allard Vice President, Government Relations Nick Haris Western States Representative Steve Salisbury Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway Michael Sayre Government Affairs Manager, On-Highway RECREATIONAL RIDING Heather Wilson Recreational Riding Manager Serena Van Dyke Recreational Riding Coordinator MUSEUM Diane Hall Collections Manager Paula Schremser Program Specialist MARKETING AND MEMBER SERVICES Amanda Donchess Director of Membership Marketing and Services Marie Wuelleh State Chapters and Volunteer Manager Tiffany Pound Member Services Manager Christina Dolin Member Services Representative Amy Edwards Member Services Representative Valerie Fleetion Member Services Representative Vickie Park Member Services Representative Ocean-Breeze Santillano Member Services Representative

MELODY TUCKER Racing Administrative AssT. KEVIN CROWTHER DIRECTOR OF RACING • 1998 HONDA RS250 • 2009 KTM300 • 2005 KAWASAKI NOMAD HEATHER WILSON REC. RIDING Manager • 2015 KTM 390 Duke • 2016 KTM Freeride 250 R

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MEMBER LETTERS

LETTER OF THE MONTH

Moto Media

A quick look at what’s happened in social media this month. Join the conversation: facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist, @ama_riding, @ama_racing, @ama_rights.

@d23armca

New #D23ARMCA Women’s MX representative @anndi151 loves riding and competing. She is enthusiastic to contribute her time to the district.

Welcome aboard!

@mimiandmoto

Pics from our book reading yesterday at @sand_preschool in Decatur, Ga. Motorcycle industry fertilization at work!

@jlflynn4

@james_flynn_v did pretty well his first year in Endurocross.

I’m a proud dad.

Going for the No. 1 plate next year!

@rickyracer_ When you explore in style

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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 American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.

40-Plus Years In The Making

It was the summer of 1974 and my dad, at 39 years of age, had just bought his first motorcycle—a slightly used 1974 Honda CB360. My older brother, David, had got a 1972 Kawasaki G5 100cc enduro that same summer. The year before that, I was 12 years old, and Pop bought me my first motorcycle, a 1971 Honda CL70 Scrambler. (I really wanted the SL70, but at least I had a trail bike!) Needless to say, those bikes came and went.

Fast forward to July 2017, and all three of us go for a ride on the same year, make and model of bikes we had 40-plus years ago! This was something I had planned for many years.

I have been involved with motorcycles since my dad bought me my first bike.

While I was in high school (class of ’78), I attended Portland Regional Vocational Technical Center in Portland, Maine, for my junior and senior years. After graduation, I went to work as a service technician at a local Kawasaki shop. During the next 22 years of my career, I worked at various dealerships in Maine and as far south as Tampa, Fla. I was fortunate enough to have had factory Honda and Yamaha training in those early years.

I currently teach motorcycle, ATV and snowmobile repair in Brunswick, Maine.

About 15 years ago I purchased a 1971

Small Motos Work Good article by Bonnie Gerald on lightweight moto touring (“Tiny Touring,” November issue). She gives a lot of good tips on riding a small-displacement moto that also apply to riding full-size bikes.

Bonnie is right that riding a lightweight motorcycle provides as much enjoyment as a big motorcycle. Like Bonnie, I have switched to lightweight motorcycles, mostly because as I got into old age with arthritis, weakening muscles and old moto

Honda CL70 with only 323 miles on it. I felt like I was 12 years old again! Three years ago, I found a very used 1974 CB360 on Craigslist and I bought it. That winter my students and I restored it to give to my 79-year-old dad for Father’s Day. This past winter I happened to find a roached-out 1972 Kawasaki G5 in the local classifieds.

I bought it for $200. We did a frame-up restoration that became a special gift for my older brother’s 60th birthday.

This past July, my 82-year-old Pop, my 60-year-old brother and myself all went for the ride of a lifetime (again) some 40plus years later, just like we did so many years ago.

Now, if I can just find a 1979 Yamaha DT175 like my little brother had when he was 18!

Bill Ross | Topsham, Maine

racing injuries, I appreciate more the lighter more easily maneuverable smaller bikes.

I’ve been there and done that highspeed stuff, but now touring at 65 mph, looking at the scenery and smelling the roses is what I enjoy. I now have a 2012 Suzuki TU250X and a 2014 Yamaha XT250E. I have them each setup for touring with removable Pelican side cases, rear top case and windscreen.

I have taken longer trips on my smaller bikes. In 2009, I did a four-month, 13,444-

25 Years And Counting

At the end of Ruta 3, near Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

mile trip on a Yamaha XT225 from Las Cruces, N.M., to Ushuaia, Argentina, at the southern end of South America.

In 2013, I rode the TU250X up north of Fairbanks, Alaska, part way up the Dalton Highway haul road on a 1-1/2 month, 9,854-mile round trip. Both of these lightweight motorcycles were great rides, I never wanted for anything larger.

Small motorcycles are not just for beginners to learn on, they’re great for all-around motorcycling.

Pete Chester Charter Life Member Plus Las Cruces, N.M.

I just received my 25-year member packet. What a thrill it was to tear it open and find my AMA Life Member pin, certificate and patch! Over the years, I’ve made an effort to keep all my membership cards and pins. I had lost a couple of pins along the way but was able to reorder them from the AMA. I went to the local hobby store in town and bought a 16- by 20-inch shadowbox and placed 24 years of pins and cards in it, along with my Charter Life Member certificate proudly on my office wall for all to see.

I’m looking forward to many more years of riding, reading the AMA magazine and being a part of the motorcycle community.

Barry Dennis | Oakland, Ky.

Plus Two A big thumb’s up to AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Scot Harden and American

Motorcyclist magazine for “Advocating for Motorcycling’s Future” in the January issue. It’s nice to see a positive spin on the annoying problem of new bike sales being in the crapper.

I also think it’s important to keep things in perspective. While the industry might not be making money hands over fists with new bike sales like it has in past years, there are a lot of used bikes changing hands out there from what I can see, and that has to be helping bottom lines somewhere.

Every industry faces fundamental shifts from time to time and has to readjust.

The winners roll up their sleeves and get to work, and the losers whine about salad days gone by.

Me? I’m going to do what Mr. Harden says and get to work. Scot, I’ll do my job, and I’ll do someone else’s too. I’m going to help save our passion by coming up with two new riders this year. Count on it.

Mike Keefe | Chicago, Ill.

It’s about the journey and the destination

MotorcycleMuseum.org 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147 Facebook.com/AMAHallofFame • #AMAHoF

TRIM SAFETY

STAFF COLUMN

IS THE SKY REALLY FALLING? Riding The Business Cycle

segments of the market that has Much has been written and shown steady growth. debated lately regarding So, is this time of concern truly the health and welfare of different than previous cases? motorcycling and the Not really. In all such boom-bust industry built around it. business cycles, many factors True, sales of new bikes have come into play, but none has yet to recapture their preas much impact as plain old, recession peak, but does boring demographics. Just as that mean the industry and Baby Boomers fueled recent our sport are in danger of

By Jim Williams growth cycles, so will Gen X collapsing? and Y and eventually, Gen Z (which First, comparing current retail to is projected to be even larger than Gen the bubble years of 2000-08 is a fool’s Y, by the way) in the years ahead. game. New bike and aftermarket sales But if you’re still thinking that we’re during that time were vastly inflated doomed because retail sales of new units thanks to all the cheap money available are less than you think they should be, from a frothy housing market and home let’s take a look at the pre-owned market. equity loans. Today’s annual sales of At the end of 2017, the ratio of used bikes approximately 450,000-500,000 new being sold vs. new units stood at 3:1. This units compares favorably with long-term translates to about 1.3 million units a historical averages. Those of us who year! Bottom line: Plenty of people are have been around awhile remember a buying motorcycles. time in the mid-1980s when sales were Another promising trend is the actually higher than they were during popularity of electric bicycles. Let’s not the most recent bubble. Not surprisingly, forget that the original motorcycles a a similar crash occurred afterward and century ago were nothing more than the motorcycling community was talking bicycles with motors attached. At some openly of the “demise of the sport as we point, riders of present-day e-bicycles know it.” will want more.

We’ve also seen an unhealthy dose And before you buy into the notion of finger-pointing at the industry, that millennials don’t have the means to suggesting it isn’t doing enough to turn buy toys, guess again. Aside from buying the tide more quickly. I have the pleasure $1,000 smartphones, Gen Y is fueling of working with many fine people in an exciting trend in the RV space. The this business, and believe me when I fastest growing segment of the market say they’re doing as much as humanly is in small RVs and towables thanks in possible to keep this wonderful sport large part to purchases by, you guessed thriving. For example, the selection of it: millennials. affordable, entry-level bikes today is, “Our growth is coming from without question, the best we’ve seen in young families and millennials decades. Adjusting for inflation, a new getting into the lifestyle,” according 1977 Honda CB550 would cost $7,041 to Frank Hugelmeyer, president of today. A brand-new CB500F can be had the Recreational Vehicle Industry for $6,099 right now.

Post-recession, a real bright spot in the Association in Reston, Va. This thirst for adventure and market has been the off-road segment, wanderlust surely lends itself to a particularly the small displacement continued interest in motorcycling. “play-bike” category. It’s one of the few

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So, with the “hardware” component basically holding its own, the real question is: What can we, as riders do to ensure a bright future for motorcycling?

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Scot Harden laid out a concept in the January issue of American Motorcyclist he calls the “Plus 1 Initiative,” aimed at turning nonriders into motorcyclists. Read Scot’s article—and share it with others—at www.americanmotorcyclist.com and on the AMA’s Facebook page.

In addition to this effort, the AMA is launching a campaign for 2018 and beyond encouraging our hundreds of chartered clubs nationwide to redouble their efforts to recruit non-riders to experience the the joy of riding. As the original social network for motorcyclists, the AMA is uniquely positioned to make this happen.

We are seeing positive signs in the numbers. Thanks to great team work between our many fine sanctioned organizers and AMA racing staff, family and youth memberships have been increasing. This bodes well, not just for the AMA, but for creating “motorcyclists for life.” Today’s youth racers are tomorrow’s recreational riders.

Need more inspiration? The newly formed U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association’s underlying goal is to make riding a motorcycle less intimidating, more accessible and most important, fun!

Some really great minds are behind this emerging program, and you can be a part of it. More information can be found at www.usmca.org.

As always, AMA will continue its topnotch advocacy efforts to promote the benefits of riding a motorcycle, just a few of which include: access to HOV lanes, legalized lane-splitting, ease of parking, and the outdoor freedom that naturally comes with riding on-road or off.

Will you be Chicken Little, or will you play a part in ensuring a bright future for motorcycling?

Jim Williams is AMA vice president of industry relations and business member programs.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com SAFETY

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RIGHTS

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS EASED AS NATIONAL MONUMENTS REDUCED Action Aligns With American Antiquities Act Of 1906

Reversing actions of prior administrations that jeopardized opportunities for responsible motorized recreation on public land, President Donald Trump signed two proclamations in December that reduced two monuments in size to more closely align with the law that grants presidents designation authority.

The American Antiquities Act of 1906 limits the area of national monuments to “the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected.”

Under the new plan, Bears Ears National Monument will be modified to two units named Shash Jáa (Navajo for “Bears Ears”) and Indian Creek, encompassing 228,784 acres of land.

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Bears Ears was originally designated

by President Barack Obama in 2016 to encompass nearly 1.5 million acres, including a patchwork of federal, state and private land.

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument will be modified to three units encompassing a little more Bears ears than 1 million acres. Grand national Staircase was originally monument designated in 1996 by President Bill Clinton.

Viewed through the lens of the Antiquities Act, previous presidents from both parties overstepped their authority under the act and designated much larger swaths of land

as monuments. In recent years, the administrative decrees encompassed millions of acres and threatened access to trails and other routes suitable for offhighway recreation.

In many cases, state and local governments opposed the sweeping designations because they were enacted with little or no local input and had a negative impact on the tourism economy.

Trump’s decision followed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s announcement that there would be a review of all presidential monument designations from the Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations.

Presidents have modified the boundaries to remove lands from monuments 18 times in the past. The most significant reduction occurred in 1915 when President Woodrow Wilson halved Mount Olympus National Monument, which is now a national park.

RIGHTS

RPM ACT APPROVED BY HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE

Bill Would Protect Competition-Only Vehicles The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2017 (RPM Act, H.R. 350) passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee in early December.

The Senate version of the bill, S. 203, also was scheduled for hearings.

The RPM Act would protect the right to modify street vehicles—including motorcycles—into dedicated racers and the industry’s right to sell the parts that enable racers to compete.

The AMA has been working with the Specialty Equipment Market Association and other organizations to get this important legislation passed.

The RPM Act would clarify that converting vehicles for competition-only use does not violate the federal Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act of 1970 established authority for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate motor vehicles used on the highways and prevent modifications that would take those vehicles out of compliance with emission regulations.

However, Congress did not intend for the law to apply to racing vehicles.

For nearly 50 years, this activity was unquestioned. But, in 2015, the EPA published proposed regulations that deemed the conversions illegal.

After an uproar from motorcycle and auto racing enthusiasts and related industries, the EPA withdrew the problematic language from its final rule making in 2016. But the agency maintains the practice of converting street vehicles to race vehicles is unlawful.

When the RPM Act was first introduced in 2016, racing enthusiasts and Americans working in the motorsports parts industry flooded Congress with nearly 200,000 letters in support of the bill.

Contact your representatives and senators and let them know that you support this legislation.

REPLACEMENT_AMA ad 171128 PRINT paths LG.pdf

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EPA RELEASES 2018 RENEWABLE FUEL MANDATES FOR 2018 Higher Volumes Not In Best Interest Of Motorcyclists

The renewable fuels mandates announced in November by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are higher than the 2017 levels and the 2018 levels the agency proposed in June.

The EPA’s final 2018 Renewable Volume Obligations call for 19.29 billion gallons of renewable fuel—primarily corn ethanol—to be blended into the nation’s gasoline supplies.

That figure is higher than the 19.24 billion gallons the agency proposed in June and slightly higher than the 19.28 billion gallons required in 2017.

“This decision goes against the agency’s promise to listen to consumers, who have indicated a low demand for higher ethanol blends,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.

“Forcing more ethanol into the nation’s fuel supply places motorcyclists at greater risk of misfueling their bikes.”

The EPA mandates continue to rise, even as cars become more fuel efficient and drivers travel fewer miles each year. Forcing more ethanol into fewer gallons of gasoline results

in higher-ethanol blends for consumers.

Most gasoline sold in the United States contains 10 percent ethanol (E10). However, if the RFS requirements continue to be implemented, it will result in higher-ethanol blends—such as E15 (15 percent ethanol)— becoming more prevalent at retail outlets.

An increase in the supply of E15 can lead to inadvertent misfueling—caused by blender pumps and confusing pump labels—by motorcyclists.

None of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in use in the United States is approved by the EPA to operate on ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Using higher-ethanol blends in those vehicles is illegal and may cause engine and fuel system damage.

The AMA also is concerned the increased reliance on ethanol will further reduce the amount of E0 fuel available. Since the distribution network for E15 and E85 is limited, fuel producers will be forced to reduce E0 output to stay within the EPA’s rule.

364-MILE COLORADO TRAIL SYSTEM PLANNED Existing Routes To Be Used

Rio Blanco County (Colo.) has proposed the Wagon Wheel West OHV Trail System, which would use existing public and private roads near Rangely, Colo., to form a 364-mile route.

The proposal is part of the county’s trails master plan, which seeks to increase trail system-based recreation in the area.

The plan includes 220 miles of existing county roads, 141 miles of routes under control of the U.S Bureau of Land Management and 3

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miles of new trail across private land.

Recreation on BLM Colorado-managed public lands generated $543 million and supported 4,625 jobs in fiscal 2015, according to a BLM notice.

The BLM was accepting public comment on the proposal through Dec. 31. Kent Walter, BLM White River field manager, has the authority to decide among four options: • Designate all proposed routes as open to motorized travel; • Limit vehicle types on some of the proposed routes; • Begin a complete environmental impact statement; and • Make no new route designations.

Hoosier National Forest

EXPANDING OFFHIGHWAY ACCESS IN INDIANA

AMA, Other Groups Hope To Open Hoosier National Forest The AMA has joined forces with ABATE of Indiana and the BlueRibbon Coalition to ask the Indiana Legislature to petition federal authorities to open the Hoosier National Forest to responsible motorized off-road recreation.

The U.S. Forest Service “has followed an exclusionary management policy since the 1970s with regard to motorized recreation,” the groups wrote in a joint letter seeking a state resolution supporting their stance.

“For more than 40 years, the HNF has discriminated against off-road vehicle recreationists through unfair planning and management practices.

This has resulted in zero miles of motorized trails—the total exclusion of this segment of the public from public lands,” the letter stated.

The only public land in Indiana accessible for motorized off-road use amounts to about 100 miles of trail at two abandoned coal mining sites.

Meanwhile, hikers enjoy 3,600 miles of trails on 376,800 acres in the Hoosier National Forest and state parks and forests. There are 600 miles of trails open to equestrians and mountain-bike riders.

RIGHTS

Up To the Santa Clara County (Calif.) jury that awarded $7 million to a motorcyclist who was injured in 2012 by a distracted driver.

Malte Selck was struck from behind while riding his motorcycle in rush hour traffic on Highway 101. The driver of the car that hit him was distracted by a dog in the passenger seat of her car. She was traveling more than 60 mph at impact. Selck also will receive $3.1 million in interest and for expert

UPS + DOWNS

expenses accrued as a result of the insurance company refusing to settle the case when presented with an offer in 2014.

Up To the Google Waze app developers for adding a motorcycle mode that give riders tailored routes and arrival times based on their mode of transportation. The app accounts for the ability of motorcycles to navigate narrower roads than cars and trucks and

also calculates time savings from lane-splitting, where it is legal. The “motorcycle” setting sends user data to a different feed than that for car drivers. The new version of the app also can be used hands-free.

Up To motorcycle racers Kevin Stollings Jr., of Indianapolis, and Shane O’Banion, of Avon, Ind., for paying a visit to 13-year-old Erik Miller at his Goshen, Ind., home. Miller, who has cerebral palsy, loves motorcycle racing, and his mother contacted Stollings and O’Banion, who agreed to stop by and demonstrate their skills for the teen. He even got a chance to sit on the bikes.

RIGHTS

A ‘WIN’ IN AUSTIN Riders Get Decision On Trail Closings Postponed

BARF ISSUES LANE-SPLITTING GUIDE California Group Frustrated By CHP Delay The Bay Area Riders Forum, a regional motorcycle group in California, has released a set of guidelines for motorcyclists splitting lanes in that state.

Forum leader Denny Kobza said the goal of the guidelines is “increased safety and awareness.”

In 2015, California became the first state to formally recognize lane splitting as a legal maneuver for motorcyclists. The state legislature directed the California Highway Patrol to draft and issue guidelines for the practice.

Kobza and BARF members grew weary of waiting for the CHP to act. So, he assembled

UTAH COUNTY SUES FOR CONTROL OF CANYON ROAD Dispute Has Been Simmering Since 2007

THE NEWS FEED

San Juan County, Utah, is suing the federal government to gain control of a road that provides motorized access to Recapture Canyon.

The lawsuit was filed in December in the U.S. District Court for Utah.

The county is seeking right-of-way access to a road and a system of off-highway vehicle trails through Recapture Canyon, east of the town of Blanding.

The road was closed to motorized vehicles by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in 2007 to protect ancient Native American cultural sites

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an experienced team of four motorcyclists with a combined 135 years of riding experience to create guidelines.

Kobza is no stranger to the lane-splitting issue. He initiated the action on the California Motorcycle Safety Committee in 2011 to provide lane splitting guidelines and was named the 2017 AMA Outstanding Road Rider of the Year for ongoing efforts. He continues to work with the CHP on its guidelines.

Kobza also worked with the AMA, ABATE, LaneSplittingIsLegal.com and other motorcycle safety advocates with Assembly Member Bill Quirk on A.B.51, which formalized lane splitting in California.

and artifacts.

During a 2014 protest, area residents, sheriff’s deputies and other protestors rode ATVs and horses through the canyon.

The lawsuit contends the road— known as County Road D5314—was established more than 100 years ago for multiple modes of travel and access for motorized vehicles is protected under a federal law that grants public access to roads established before 1976 for the purposes of promoting settlement and commerce in the West.

The BLM closed the area to motorized use after the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance claimed several archeological sites were damaged by

the construction of an illegal OHV trail.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced in April that more than 1,800 acres along the canyon’s rim will reopen to OHV use, but motorized vehicles are still banned from the bottom of the canyon.

STUDY: MOTORCYCLE PASSENGERS MORE LIKELY TO BE INJURED Fewer Wear Helmets While Riding Motorcycle passengers are less likely than riders to wear a helmet and are more likely to sustain traumatic brain injuries in crashes, according to a study published in JAMA Surgery and reported by Reuters.

Researchers studied almost 80,000

Motorcyclists in Austin, Texas, seeking to preserve the Emma Long Motorcycle Park and prevent trail closings won a victory in December when the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Coordinating Committee delayed a proposed change in its plan.

The public access plan revision—drafted by park administrators—would place authority to close trails in the hands of one appointed bureaucrat.

In addition, motorcyclists Kevin Schwantz (an AMA Hall of Famer), Chris Fields and Don Hubbard told the committee that the new plan fails to acknowledge that motorcycle trails and other activities were grandfathered when the existing plan was created. The draft plan has been slated for discussion and reconsideration in 2018.

motorcycle riders and nearly 6,000 passengers who were involved in crashes between 2007 and 2010.

Two-thirds of the riders wore helmets, compared to 57.5 percent of the passengers.

Traumatic brain injuries were the most common type of injury for riders and passengers in the study.

But passengers experienced this more often, in 40 percent of cases, compared with 36 percent of cases for riders, Reuters reported.

The rate of traumatic brain injury was 36 percent among helmeted passengers, compared to 31 percent among helmeted riders.

The research was not a controlled study.

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Arizona in 2010, but failed.

Florida

STATEWATCH Arizona

S.B. 1007, introduced by state Sen. David Farnsworth (R-Mesa) would legalize lane splitting for motorcyclists.

In announcing the bill, Farnsworth said lane splitting would help reduce traffic congestion in the ever-expanding metropolitan areas of the state. The bill strikes the clauses in state law that make lane splitting illegal. The bill also directs the Arizona Department of Public Safety to develop educational guidelines for lane splitting. A similar bill was considered in

H.B. 33, filed by state Reps. Jackie Toledo (R-Tampa) and Emily Slosberg (D-Boca Raton), would make texting while driving a primary offense, allowing law enforcement officers to stop drivers disobeying the law. Currently, texting while driving is a secondary offense, allowing citations only if the driver is stopped for another violation. H.B. 33 calls for a $30 fine. Second and subsequent violations within five years would be moving violations with $158 in fines and costs and a three-point penalty on the driver’s license.

Iowa

The Cass County Board of Supervisors agreed in November to enact an ordinance that would allow ATV riders to use county roads. The law permits ATVs on county secondary roads if the

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riders hold a valid driver’s license and have passed an ATV education course through the state Department of Natural Resources. ATVs using county roads must have headlights, taillights and brake lights and display an orange flag that is at least 6 feet above the ground.

South Carolina

State Rep. Bill Taylor (R-Aiken) has pre-filed a bill that would create a DUI-E offense, for “Driving Under the Influence of an Electronic Device.” The bill allows swiping across the screen of a device to unlock it or turn it off. And drivers would be allowed to access Bluetooth capabilities and voice commands. But drivers would be prohibited from holding a phone or other device, typing and sending or reading text messages. The first violation would carry a $100 fine.

Second and subsequent violations would carry a $300 fine with an additional twopoint driving record penalty.

RIDING

About Chilly White

ASIAN ADVENTURE

Chilly White comes from a long line of motorcycle riders. His grandfather, Lowell White, got his first bike in early 1920s and went on to become a Harley dealer in Washington State. His father, Gordon White, has a racing career spanning nearly 50 years; he is still racing at age 81. Chilly is a four-time ISDE medalist, who now guides tours in Baja. He writes for the Bikebandit.com blog. You can find him on Instagram @Enduro360.

Exploring Moto Mysteries In Vietnam I really didn’t give it much the first time is always an experience in sensory overload. thought. I got a text from one Hanoi is no exception. The of my Baja tour clients, “Hey evening in Hanoi was we are planning to go ride entertaining. The tourist area Vietnam next fall, want to is full of bars, outside markets come along?” and street food.

I am always up for an Scooters dominate the adventure, so I told them to

by Chilly White country. They are everywhere count me in, especially since and do everything. Four people I didn’t have to do any of the is generally considered the maximum planning, just like a real vacation. capacity. But I saw scooters hauling five I think it is safe to say that, for pigs, two bags of cement, a motorcycle, Americans, Vietnam is a land of mystery. lumber and windows. Oh, and there is Having grown up in the era of the scooter Uber, too. They even bring you a Vietnam War, the idea of visiting would helmet. have seemed inconceivable when I was During our first ride day, I estimate young. Images from my youth hardly I rode in concert with more twoprepared me for the stunning natural wheeled vehicles than I have in all my beauty and the warmth of the people. life combined. There were thousands of This is a land of hearty inhabitants scooters. emerging from generations of political The next morning in Hanoi, we were struggles. Yet, nowhere did I encounter off early to find our tour guide. anyone who wanted to talk politics or social issues. They seemed to know as little of me as I did of them.

Day One Arriving in a foreign country for Off-road Vietnam Tours lies tucked in

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an alley just off a main street. They were ready for us. We quickly dressed (in the alley), met our guide, Thon, and found our bikes. The bikes were electric-start versions of the venerable Honda XR250.

Not quite cutting edge, but very suitable.

We came prepared with dry bags to strap our gear to the rear rack. With no support vehicle, lightweight packing is a must.

Thon gave us a quick riders’ meeting, and we were off into Hanoi traffic.

I would attempt to describe the traffic, but there are not enough adjectives—and expletives—to do it justice.

On the surface, there appear to be nearly no road rules. Yet, somehow, everyone accepts it and goes with the flow. Like a school of fish, dancing one way and then another, scooters, trucks and buses all get along. There are few cars outside of the city. The horn is used for everything. Unlike the American perception, it is considered a courtesy.

We spent much of the first day traveling northwest along the Red River. Our eightday loop would take us north, near the

RIDING

border with China, and then west and back south again.

Heat and humidity were strong this first day, but in the following days, as we moved north, we enjoyed mild temperatures and seemed to miss most of the forecasted rains.

While you can’t throw a rock without hitting a scooter, motorcycles are a rarity. Like most places I have traveled, people seem naturally drawn to them.

Based upon the reactions of locals, you would have thought the XRs were factory Supercross bikes.

It was easy to find locals to talk to, even though few spoke English once we entered the mountains.

One of their favorite things was to stand next to one of our group and measure themselves next to us (both in height and girth). Yes, we might be giants.

We spent our first night at a homestay, one of three we would visit on the trip.

Our second-floor open-air sleeping area was sparse. Each person had a foam mat, pillow, blanket and mosquito net. The family was welcoming and even took us out on the lake in their large steel boat.

Cold beer and a swim in the mild water made for a perfect evening.

All of our meals were served family style and typically consisted of rice, fried spring rolls, greens, clear soup and green beans. Meats were marinated bits of pork or chicken, most quite tasty. Breakfast was usually crepes and bananas, with a black syrup they call coffee. I think our meals were slightly westernized for us. Locals tend to eat Phō soup for breakfast.

A word about the coffee. Vietnam is the world’s second largest producer. Coffee shops are found at a ratio of about 1 per 20 scooters. Coffee is everywhere. It is brewed strong in a small aluminum pot that drips directly into the drinking cup.

Typically served with sweetened condensed milk, it is thick and potent.

Asking for it cold and letting the ice melt was one way to suitably dilute it.

Into the Mountains After a full day in the lowlands, we started to climb toward the mountains.

The landscape was just starting to show its natural beauty. It was hard to make time on the road, due to stopping to take so many pictures.

I finally gave up and set my GoPro to “camera” mode, so I could shoot on the fly. The best vistas were still to come as we entered into the lands of the Karst Limestone formations.

Looking like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, the sharp green limestone formations dot the northern landscape.

Below, the terraced rice paddies, just in

harvest, complete the surreal scene. So often, the image seemed to have jumped straight from a travel poster.

No one appreciates a good tour guide more than another tour guide. Even on the first day, it was clear that we were going to experience so much of the country and people that we would have otherwise missed.

Much of the first two days of travel was by road, but we constantly made small detours through hidden tracks that took us all around the countryside.

Many of the routes we rode were small dirt or concrete paths that looked almost like cart paths. Each of these was the route used to access some small community in the mountains.

Friendly People, Great Food Vietnam is about the same size as New Mexico, but holds 95 million people. So, no matter where you go, there are people.

Even in the seemingly remote areas, there are always people.

As our days progressed, we passed

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through many small villages, most growing rice, sugar cane or tea in nearby fields. It seems women do much of the field work. Farm animals are everywhere.

It is novel to see so many water buffalo.

Often, they will lie in the middle of the road and all the vehicles find their way around them. Same with dogs.

Each day brought new scenery and more mountain villages. Children dressed in sharp school uniforms crowded the roads in the afternoons.

There are distinct differences in appearance among the mountain peoples.

One morning as we traveled, nearly everyone along the road looked very slim, almost gaunt. But as we crossed a mountain range in the afternoon the faces changed, showing rounder, fuller figures.

Out of the remoteness of the mountains there would appear rather large cities. These are centers of travel and business located near border crossings with China.

When staying in hotels (all nice), we would wander the town before dinner to see the sights. People were always friendly and engaging.

A True Adventure The riding was very much what I consider to be true adventure. It was a mix of all kinds of terrain on well-suited bikes. It is difficult to travel anywhere in the country over 40 mph, so the little 250s were plenty.

As we proved adept at not crashing or damaging our equipment, our guide took us on more challenging routes.

One route was along a river, with numerous crossings. Currents had changed the river course. Going first, Thon ended up in a deep hole. I had to wade in to help push him out.

Initially, I was concerned about having a drowned bike. I had forgotten just how easy Honda XRs are to work on. In no time Thon had the spark plug out and drained the carb. Then it was just a matter of pushing the starter button long enough to clear everything out.

Soon we were on our way again.

Lightweight riding gear was the right

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call for this trip. I wore a fully vented jacket and pants and an adventure-style helmet. I chose hiking boots over regular moto-style boots. They lacked a bit of protection, but I made sure to wear full knee guards.

After a day of riding in the river, the light boots proved to be a good choice.

Back on the open road, the wind would nearly dry them before the end of the day.

me coming out.

For me, Vietnam was an experience like no other. I have ridden and raced in 10 countries, yet nothing can quite compare to this trip. The terrain, geography, people, food—all were amazing.

Everything seemed exotic and beautiful.

Not lost on me is the fortune of being able to travel and visit with those who have so little, yet seem happy in life.

Back to the Lowlands Other highlights of the ride included visiting Ban Gioc Falls and Ngoum Ngao Cave in the Cao Bang region.

Boating and spending the night near Thac Ba Reservoir was special, too.

Yet, I still feel like we only saw a small part of the country.

With seven days of solid enjoyment behind us, our last day was a straight shot back to Hanoi. After the relative calm of the mountains, it was a shock to the system to be back in the thick of traffic and sea of people. But I guess those are the days that make you appreciate the beautiful ones so much.

Vietnam traffic is daunting for even the most experienced of riders. The seeming lack of order and control were difficult for me. This is the one reason I would recommend this trip for experienced riders only.

As much as I loved the trip, this mere fact was a big deal for me: We all arrived back safe and sound. It is the tour guide in

Tour Notes • Tour company: Offroadvietnam.com • Visas are required for U.S. citizens; use a service like Govietnamvisa.com • Tipping is not expected, but a modest tip is very appreciated • Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website for recommended vaccinations • Credit card use and ATM availability are common only in cities • Outside of major cities, prices are low ($5 meals, $20 rooms) • Even in cities, prices are moderate • Backpacker culture is common in northern Vietnam, with many hostels and homestays • Exchange rate is 27,000 Dong to $1; the big numbers take a bit to get used to • Phone SIM card is available at airport; $16 for 60gb data; ATM at airport, too • We used WhatsApp for group messaging and to phone home; worked great • Cell service and Wi-Fi are available everywhere • Make sure to bring basics—like sunscreen and mosquito repellant—that are not readily available outside of cities.

• I took malaria pills, but never saw a mosquito.

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HALL OF FAME

HALL OF FAMER

DAVE BARR Pushing Limits Dave Barr, a professional soldier until a landmine explosion ended his military career, went on to set the standard for long-distance motorcycle riding with a series of epic journeys that established him as an icon of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome physical adversity.

Despite the loss of his legs, he has ridden around the world, across Russia in the dead of a Siberian winter, and to the four farthest points of Australia, all aboard Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

In the process, Barr has written books, produced documentaries, earned two Guinness World Records, and established a foundation to support a charity that assists disabled people.

Barr was born April 12, 1952, in Los Angeles, Calif., and was abandoned in the backseat of a car. After nine months in foster care, he was adopted by Guy Barr, a Navy veteran of World War II in the Pacific, and his wife, Lucille, who had worked in an aircraft assembly plant during the war. He bought his first motorcycle, a ’61 Harley-Davidson, after he returned in 1971 from Vietnam, where he had earned 57 air medals, including a single-mission decoration for valor during his combat tour as a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter gunner.

He rode the panhead coast-to-coast-tocoast and then bought his second bike, a 1972 Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide.

While serving in the South African army in Angola a decade later, Barr’s unarmored vehicle rolled over an anti-tank mine and exploded. He spent nine months in a Pretoria military hospital, undergoing 20 operations, including four to remove his legs in stages, skin grafts, and agonizing physical therapy to learn to walk again.

When he was released from the hospital, Barr volunteered to go back to the combat zone where he’d nearly been killed to finish his enlistment on prosthetic legs.

Barr mustered out in December 1982 and returned to his family home in West

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Covina, Calif. He took the Super Glide out of storage and refit it to accommodate his prosthetics. He added an electric starter and an overload spring to the brake pedal so he could ride with his artificial right foot resting on it. On his first ride, a casual thought occurred to him, and it put his life on a new course that would take him around the world and to some of its most extreme and challenging environments.

In his first book, Riding the Edge, he described it this way: “Wouldn’t it be something to share this simple accomplishment of riding a motorcycle as a double amputee with disabled people the world over? Perhaps I could be a role model for those people who might someday suffer the loss of good health.”

Seven years later, he piloted the Super Glide out of Johannesburg, South Africa, on a 9,000-mile transcontinental ride to raise funds for the Leonard Cheshire Foundation, an international charity that assists disabled people. In September 1990, nine months after completing the Africa ride, Barr again left Johannesburg on the 18-year-old shovelhead, turned north and kept going. Riding six of the world’s continents—he couldn’t find a way to get the bike to Antarctica—Barr logged 83,000 miles through the world’s most dangerous and unforgiving regions during the 3½-year trip.

After enduring virtually indescribable physical and emotional hardship, overcoming mechanical failures, and plowing through thousands of miles of red tape that dozens of governments had wrapped around the ride, Barr made it home in May 1994.

Barr retired the Super Glide with a quarter of a million miles on the odometer in 1996, the same year he set out from Le Conquet, on France’s Atlantic coast, aboard a 1996 HarleyDavidson Sportster 883 equipped with a sidecar. Almost four months after leaving France, Barr arrived at the Pacific port city of Vladivostock, Russia, 9,375 miles east of his starting point. Much of the ride, which was undertaken in winter because the route was plotted to cross hundreds of miles of Russian marshland that could be traversed only when frozen, was made above the Arctic Circle.

At the easternmost point, Byron Bay, park rangers refused Barr permission to ride to the water’s edge but allowed him to roll the Sportster down 60 stairs to the Pacific Ocean. At Wilsons Promontory State Park, Barr’s southernmost goal, park personnel refused to allow Barr even to roll the bike to the water, but he kept his record bid in place by unbolting the front wheel and lugging the 32-pound assembly three kilometers down a slippery, barerock cliff to the Bass Strait.

“If you’re not willing to take risks, you’re going nowhere,” Barr told an interviewer in 2003. “I took [the disabilities] and used them to give my life meaning so that maybe someday someone will be able to say, ‘I met Dave Barr, and if he did all of these things as he is, then surely I can live my life normally.’”

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

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1970 HUSQVARNA 400 CROSS Photo by Preston Ray (www.PrestonRay.com) This bike is what motorcycle dreams are made of.

Ridden across a deserted beach and into history by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Malcolm Smith, this 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross starred in the defining scene from the greatest motorcycle movie ever made, “On Any Sunday.”

While the 1971 documentary is renowned for its coverage of the

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sport, the concluding scene of Hall of Famers Smith, dirt-tracker Mert Lawwill and actor Steve McQueen play-riding by the sea showcased just how much fun the sport could be.

For that scene, Smith, an off-road racer, was aboard one of the best offroad bikes of the day—a Husqvarna 400 Cross.

Though relatively unknown outside of racing circles at the

time, Husqvarna was a force in international motocross, ultimately winning 14 World Motocross and 24 World Enduro titles through the 1960s and ’70s. There was a lot more to this bike than movie-star looks.

Imported by U.S. motocross pioneer and Hall of Famer Edison

HALL OF FAME

Dye—the man who promoted many of the races that made the sport famous in America—Husqvarna built an early reputation for 250cc and 125cc success. In 1969, the company branched out with an open-class machine.

A bigger version of the popular, world championship-winning 250 Cross, the 395cc two-stroke single was a light, sharp-handling

performer, known for excellent power and decent factory suspension. Those capabilities, along with world-class talent at the controls, spurred the Husqvarna 400 Cross to competition success in the 1971 Baja 1000, where it was ridden to victory by Smith and Gunnar Nilsson.

In many ways, though, racing success couldn’t be as influential as

the free-riding footage that capped a documentary about motorcycle racing. That scene, in particular, is credited with a reported sales spike for Husqvarna after “On Any Sunday” hit the theaters.

You can see this 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross, donated by Malcolm Smith, in the Hall of Fame museum on the campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio.

February 2018

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Missile Park

CRUISING OVERLOOKED ROADS IN VENTURA COUNTY

A Classic Retro Sidecar Rig Ride By Tom Culbertson I frequently hear: “That is a great classic BMW sidecar restoration!”

Thanks, but actually it’s a 2013 Russian Ural, an updated copy of the 1940 BMW R71 with many improvements.

When I first brought my Ural home, it was a scary ride. The rig was twitching all over my lane. After adjusting tire air pressures and tightening the loose sidecar wheel bearing, the Ural transformed into an enjoyable cruising machine.

This cruise takes me around many overlooked but inviting roads in the mountains, through foothills and across rich agricultural alluvial plains of Ventura County to some interesting and historic sites. My sidecar rig makes this tour a real pleasure. The ride is on two-lane asphalt, requiring a day to ride the route or a few days for the route and enjoy the sights.

Cruising straight roads past fields of strawberries and artichokes, I reach Potrero Road and wind through a narrow canyon of dried chaparral and scrubby shrubs. Suddenly, everything changes into multiple steep, 15 mph blind corners.

Here the sidecar’s unique handling characteristics are apparent. There is

26

no easy leaning into curves. I have to physically steer the Ural around each turn.

Exiting between a residential community and the Santa Monica National Recreation Area’s vast chaparral, I follow Potrero Road over hills and through mild curves into Hidden Valley.

Surrounded by beautiful, expansive ranches, this is relaxed cruising to Lake Sherwood. The oldest manmade lake in California, Sherwood was created by a dam in 1904. Now it is a community for the rich and famous. Scooting onward, I reach state highway 23 and head east for a delicious brunch of cinnamon raisin French toast at Brent’s Deli in Westlake.

Next, I head up Westlake Boulevard, then take Avenida De Los Arboles to the 23 freeway. At Madera/Olsen Road, I follow the signs to the Reagan Presidential Library to see any new displays and walk

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Potrero Road

Hidden Valley

around old Air Force One. Leaving the library, it’s back to the 23 where I watch for road signs to Grimes Canyon. I’m stuck with moderate traffic through Moorpark and eventually it turns into an asphalt sidewinder flopping back and forth down a steep, arid canyon.

Emerging from Grimes, I take Guiberson Road for gentle curvy fun, while following the Santa Clara River and passing fruit and vegetable crops.

At Guiberson’s end, I head into Piru (est. 1887) and take a look at the old Piru Hotel—now the Round Rock Hotel. This beautiful 1887 Colonial Revival structure is a grand sight.

Enjoying these uncrowded back roads, I return the same route to 23 and Bardsdale Road. After a few miles, I reach Bardsdale United Methodist Church. This building is an excellent example of 1898 rural church and gothic revival architecture.

A few miles farther is South Mountain Road. From there to Santa Paula, I’m swaying back and forth surrounded by orchards and vegetable crops paralleling the Santa Clara River.

Passing through Santa Paula (est. 1872),

Historic Round Rock Hotel

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Union Oil Building and Museum

I stop at the 1889 Union Oil Building and Museum to learn Ventura oil history. On display is a working historic oil derrick.

And, sometimes, they have classic motorcycles.

Two blocks away is the sculpture, “THE WARNING,” memorializing two motorcycle police officers’ ride through the area, warning about the coming flood from the 1928 St. Francis Dam failure.

Heading to Ojai, I catch windy state Highway 150, following Santa Paula and Sisar Creeks past semi-arid terrain with occasional oaks.

Farther up, I smell oily odors and see some natural seeps—oil country!

I continue through enjoyable curves and enter Upper Ojai Valley, where I’m surrounded by pastures with grazing horses and cattle.

Leaving Upper Ojai, I’m challenged by steep serpentine Dennison Grade.

Riding past Ojai, I look for state highway 150, with more mountain curves all the way to the 101 and the Pacific Ocean.

Since speed isn’t a Ural attribute, I eventually head south on the old Highway 101 along the surf.

Arriving at Ventura, I slog through downtown traffic, past Mission San Buenaventura (est. 1782). This is one of the few remaining California missions showcasing an original interior.

A short detour to Grant Park provides me with a clear view of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands, as well as a cross that memorializes Padre Junipero Sierra, the founder of most California missions.

Finally, riding to Missile Park on the

Grant Park

edge of Point Mugu Naval Air Base, I examine an arsenal of missiles. Seeing them up close is quite impressive.

Riding the classic retro sidecar rig is always enjoyable and a frequent conversation opener. My wife tells me that riding in the sidecar is like being in a parade: People are always waving or giving a thumbs up.

Tom Culbertson is an AMA Life Member from Port Hueneme, Calif.

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RIDING

You may have to try several windscreens (and adjustments) before finding one that fits your needs. Be aware that 1) a windscreen may move the zone of turbulence to a point right behind you, meaning that your passenger may experience more buffeting with a windscreen than without; and 2) your motorcycle is more likely to be affected by side winds when fitted with a very large windscreen.

A windscreen that is not properly

matched to the motorcycle or is mounted incorrectly (angled too vertically, for example) can cause issues, including instability, if it slams against and compresses the air instead of smoothly displacing the air and slicing through it.

Compressed airflow tends to wrap around the edges of the screen and cause turbulence. Turbulence around a poorly fitted handlebarmounted windscreen in particular may tend to fight your steering input and cause a wobble or other undesirable effects.

AMA SOUND TESTING KITS AVAILABLE Application Deadline Is March 31

The AMA is giving away sound testing kits to AMA Districts, 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.

Kits are awarded through a competitive grant process. Ten kits will be awarded in 2018.

Applicants must complete a form and return it to the AMA by March 31.

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Forms and additional information are available from Steve Salisbury, government affairs manager for off-highway issues, at American Motorcyclist Association, 444 North Capitol St. NW, Suite 837, Washington, DC 20001; at (202) 220-1390; or at ssalisbury@ama-cycle.org.

Applications are considered twice. So, those who submitted applications in 2017 but were not selected, need not submit applications to be considered for the 2018 grants.

Conrad Lim

Q: How do windscreens help?

Many windscreens aren’t high enough to stop the wind from hitting your chest or helmet.

A: Windscreens serve two primary purposes: keeping you comfortable and improving airflow. Comfort means reducing wind pressure and buffeting on your body and helmet, plus reducing wind noise. Airflow means the motorcycle can move more efficiently, with less drag and disturbance, requiring less power and fuel.

A frontal profile with a small, curved, and smooth “leading edge” expanding back toward the rider presents less resistance to the air than the rider’s torso and the multitude of obstacles otherwise presented to the airflow (such as gauges, handlebars, and mirrors).

Each size and style of windscreen will offer its own combination of modifications to the bike’s appearance, general airflow and the specific deflection of airflow around the rider’s body and helmet.

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The Benefits Of Windscreens

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MEET JON STONE, NEW JERSEY STATE CHAPTER COORDINATOR Volunteer, Activist, Ready To Make A Difference

EAGLES training or becoming a state Jonathan Stone is New Jersey’s state chapter coordinator should contact coordinator for the AMA State Chapters Marie Wuelleh, AMA State Chapters and Volunteer Network. and Volunteer Network manager, at Stone, 34, of Gillette, N.J., became an mwuelleh@ama-cycle.org. advocate in 2016 when he called a state senator to oppose a planned tax hike for gasoline. He is an AMA member who completed the AMA EAGLES program.

And he is a member of ABATE of the Garden State.

“Simply the best Stone is one of four state coordinators stuff on the planet...” who have been selected for the program.

-Review

by Brent Each letter of the EAGLES acronym stands for an important element of advocacy: Education, Activism, Growth, Leadership, Expertise, Skills.

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BEYOND THE POKER RUN Tips For Changing Up The Ride

hydration and snacks, first aid items, tools If you’ve ever participated in a poker and other things a savvy rider would carry run, you know how it goes. Ride to a on any given day. checkpoint, draw a card, get your card 3. Viewpoints. If you’re in a scenic area marked and may the best hand win. with lots of overlooks, make use of them.

In some states, that’s a problem Many have parking areas to with the gambling accommodate multiple riders. commission, since 4. Historic places. Old there’s no actual game of hotels, the site of the old skill. I personally believe mill, the old courthouse, the skill comes in getting schoolhouse and much from point A to point B more can be the basis for an on two wheels. Can that

By Tom Mehren informative fun run. be argued?

5. Churches. This one is So, some promoters popular with members of will add in a game the Christian Motorcyclist of skill. Perhaps one Association. But don’t let checkpoint will involve it scare you off if you don’t a dart throw, pool shot subscribe. There are a lot of or ring toss. In that cool churches—old, new, plain event, most gambling and fancy. You never know commissions won’t what lies within. intervene and all is well.

6. School houses. In any one area there Some groups repeat an event each year may be new schools, as well as old. Some with the same checkpoints and same may have nothing left but foundations “skill” game on the same weekend. Poker from centuries ago. Do your homework runs serve their purpose, but there’s no and enjoy educating others about where reason you can’t inject a little ingenuity they are riding. and make it more fun.

7. Going postal tour. Create a series Enter, the Fun Run. of fun run cards based on old postage In the Fun Run, all bets are off, as there stamps. Each stamp is worth whatever will always be one checkpoint of skill. its penny or dollar value is in points. Six The fun run breaks free of the poker run cents is worth 6 points, $15 is worth 15 by not including a “best hand” outcome, points. And where are the checkpoints? instead relying on the promoters’ You guessed it: U.S. post offices. creativity to stage a fun concept that most 8. Bridges. Pretty much anywhere you riders have not experienced. want to hold a fun run, there are bridges Here is a list of fun runs we’ve put that can be used for checkpoints. If you together that have kept our events fresh, live in Oregon, you can pick from more intriguing and free of the gambling than 60 covered bridges alone. commission’s watchful eye.

9. The rolling fun run. In the rolling 1. Real skills. Who can do a cone fun run, the same designated dealer deals weave? How about a slow ride? What at every checkpoint. After Checkpoint 1, about keeping a bike at the legal speed he or she rides to Checkpoint 2, where limit between two checkpoints? A skillthe players are waiting. While the hares based fun run reawakens riders to the may want to go as fast as they can go, they importance of basic skills. And many can should bring a book to read while waiting benefit from a brush-up like this. for the tortoise dealer to arrive.

2. Packing right. This sort-of scavenger 10. The selfie tour. Short on staff ? No hunt challenges participants at each biggie, just put together a selfie tour that checkpoint for items like tire repair gear,

In the Fun Run, all bets are off, as there will always be one checkpoint of skill.

RIDING

riders can do at their own pace within an allotted time. Riders get points for taking a selfie at specified locations. The tie-breaker is a post-ride Q & A about the places they visited along the way.

Inevitably, a winner rises to the top.

11. End of the road. If you’re in a place where you can run a paved and dual sport fun run at the same time, simplify things

with shared check points. The road riders ride to the end of various paved roads as the dual sport riders approach from the oncoming dirt roads.

12. Natural wonders. Ice caves, lava tunnels, petrified forests, etc., all lend themselves well to fun run check points.

13. Anniversary recognition. During the 10th anniversary of our Rally in the

Gorge, I thought it was important to acknowledge people who had volunteered, or simply attended our event, during the previous decade. To do that, we compiled the names of everyone who had attended the event, then created cards about key people. The number of years attended equaled the points awarded to participants who drew their cards.

14. The fundraiser. You could be raising funds for a good cause, like the volunteer fire department, the county animal shelter or some other deserving nonprofit. And your checkpoints might be fire houses, vet clinics or social service outlets.

These are just a few ideas you can work with to break free from the habitual poker run mindset most events revolve around.

Tom Mehren is an award-winning AMA Road Riding promoter living in Seattle, Wash., who has put on AMA events for over a decade.

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By Jim Witters

F

rom national programs like the Ride for Kids to local clubs like the Toledo (Ohio) Trail Riders, motorcyclists find ways every year to open their hearts (and their wallets) to the community by staging rides and other events to benefit charitable causes.

Newspapers, TV stations and web blogs carry stories throughout the year of toy runs, veterans’ events, nursing home visits and other examples of the selflessness of motorcyclists and their desire to help others.

Here are a few examples of AMA-chartered clubs and AMAsanctioned events organized by caring riders.

RIDING FOR A CAUSE On-Road Or Off, Motorcyclists Do Good

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Ride for Kids Ride for Kids, the organization founded by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Mike and Diane Traynor, raises millions each year for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation through events in cities across the country.

“For nearly 35 years, the motorcycling community has rallied together for children and teens battling brain tumors, the deadliest childhood cancer,” said Tiffany Drummond Armstrong, vice president of campaign development at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

“By raising more than $2 million in 2017, Ride for Kids is fueling critical research, as well as advancing the field for tomorrow by funding Early Career Development awardees like Pratiti Bandopadhayay, MBBS, Ph.D., an instructor in pediatrics at Dana-Farber/ Boston Children’s focused

on combination therapies for medulloblastoma.

“As we prepare to celebrate Ride for Kids’ 35th anniversary in 2018, the PBTF gives thanks for the motorcyclists, sponsors and volunteers who have joined us in fighting for futures.”

One of the Ride for Kids volunteers is Vladimir Giterman, task force leader for the New England Ride for Kids (www.facebook.com/ NewEnglandRideforKids).

His club, the MetroWest Motorcycle Riders, has been involved with Ride for Kids for 20 years. Giterman became involved in 2011, when his son was diagnosed with brain cancer.

“My son lost his life after a 5-year-long battle,” he said.

“This is my personal mission to make a difference.

“I always talk to my team of volunteers about the mission.

I share my personal story and

Max Cooper Photography

Ride for Kids stories of other families like mine. I’d assume each of them has their own motivation, depending on the job they do, but I am trying to make them understand that they are making a difference. They see it on the day of the event.

Our stars [kids battling brain tumors] and their families come up and thank them during the event and that makes a huge impact.”

The New England Ride for Kids drew about 700 people on 430 motorcycles, raising $73,950 in 2017.

In addition to the ride, participants were treated to appearances by Miss Massachusetts USA Julia Scaparotti, costumed superheroes and Disney princesses.

One fundraiser, Dave Odess, has been participating in the New England Ride for Kids for two decades. In 2017, he raised $22,180.

“People hear it everywhere: ‘Every dollar makes a difference.’ I wish I could have the power to show people just for a day what it’s like,” Giterman said. “I don’t wish that their kids get sick. But I would challenge them to walk side-by-side with a parent that heard the news that their child has brain cancer.

Star Rosie and Atlanta FalconsPBTF Special Ambassador Bryant Young at the Chicagoland Ride for Kids.

The New England Ride for Kids had a great turnout in 2017.

“Sometimes I tell people at my presentations, ‘Imagine you get a call from the school, and the nurse tells you your kid is sick. Just for a moment, your heart stops. Just for a moment, you are so worried that your stomach turns. Then the nurse says that it’s nothing serious. Just a little fever and everything goes back to

normal. Well, imagine that it does not get back to normal— for years—and this is the best case scenario. This is what it’s like to have a kid with cancer.’”

Giterman said the “bestcase scenario is you always worry. The other alternative is my story, where I lost my son after five years of constant hospital visits.”

Hudson Valley (New York) Ride for Kids 1 - took place at Motorcyclepedia.

“In 2018, we are hoping to partner with the Make a Wish organization and potentially get a couple of kids out on UTVs to enjoy the trails.”

34

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Off Road Riders For Veterans Russell Henry said he started his charity as “a labor of love,” because he saw a need for veterans who had become disabled as a result of their service.

Off Road Riders For Veterans (www.offroadriders forveterans.com) raises money to provide the equipment that disabled veterans need to traverse difficult terrain and access areas that they otherwise could not. The chairs have tracks—like tanks—instead of wheels.

“These chairs cost $15,000 to $20,000 apiece,” Henry said. “So far, we’ve bought two of them. The first one went to Al Olsen of Yakima, Wash. The second one was presented in

late 2017 to Todd Wingerson.”

Henry said that he has been paying the expenses for the events himself while the charity is in its fledgling stage.

He works with the prosthetics department at the Veterans Administration hospital and uses social media to find beneficiaries who are in need of his support.

But happenstance also has its place.

“I was up in Ellensburg, Wash., scouting trails for the next event,” Henry said.

“At the motel, I noticed two KTMs, so I struck up a conversation with their riders. One of them was Todd Wingerson’s best friend.

That’s how Todd got his track chair.”

The charity tries to “provide a high quality family friendly OHV event to raise money to buy disabled veterans tracked mobility chairs,” Henry said.

“We went from 52 riders at the first event to 113 and made enough to buy the first tracked chair.”

Todd Wingerson, seated, was one of the veterans receiving a track chair from Off Road Riders For Veterans

Russ Henry

The Toledo Trail Riders (www.toledotrailriders.org) hosts an annual charity event dubbed “Laps for _____,” where the blank is filled with a different cause each year.

“Generally in late October, we host it at the Maumee State Forest APV Area—one of four public state forest riding areas in Ohio,” said Matthew P. Bucher, founder and president of the club. “This year (2017) was our fourth year doing such an event. The first two years we selected the Hannah’s Socks organization, a local nonprofit here in Toledo, to benefit.”

Hannah’s Socks is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to helping people affected by homelessness, poverty and domestic abuse in Ohio and Southeast Michigan. The group collects and donates new socks and undergarments to those in need.

“In 2016, we selected Multiple Sclerosis and also debuted our new single-track in the Maumee State Forest at that event,” Bucher said.

“For 2017, we benefited the Sertoma Club of Whitehouse, Ohio.”

The mission of Sertoma is to improve the quality of life for those at risk or affected by hearing loss. The group offers education and support to affected individuals.

The Toledo Trail Riders

take a simple approach to philanthropy.

“Riders and participants donate money to the charity and are entered into raffle drawings,” Bucher said. “Raffle items are donated by local powersports dealerships that act as sponsors of the event.

We do raffle drawings every hour and, in between those times, encourage participants to go out and ride and have a great time with their friends.”

Bucher said the Toledo Trail Riders added a road-riding portion to their 2017 event.

“It turned out great,” he said.

The club has raised more than $6,000 staging its four events, with 30 to 35 riders participating.

“In 2018, we are hoping to partner with the Make a Wish organization and potentially get a couple of kids out on

Off Road Riders For Veterans

Toledo Trail Riders

UTVs to enjoy the trails,” Bucher said. “That would be huge.”

Make a Wish America’s vision is “to grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition.”

Jeffrey Nelson

R&T Club The Road and Trail Motorcycle Club of Frederick,

The Road and Trail Motorcycle Club

Participants at the ride meet the veterans who receive the chairs.

“Al Olsen came to the Ellensburg event and shared about how the chair has impacted his life,” Henry said.

“The final festivities were led by the junior color guard from the Yakima Composite Flight Squadron. They led us in the pledge of allegiance, sang the National Anthem then presented the colors. We were treated to a fly over by the United States Air Ambulance Detachment from Yakima.”

AMA Life Member Byron Stuck, president of the Washington Off Highway Vehicle Alliance, said Henry’s work is beneficial.

“I really like the connection between helping veterans and off-road riders,” Stuck said. “A lot of riders are either veterans themselves or ride with, live with or were brought up by them. Seeing that there’s something they can give back to those veterans who’ve given so much for us, it just clicks!”

Henry said he hopes to set up booths at poker runs and races during 2018 and offer one-day rides in addition to his larger events.

Another tactic Henry employs is the “free breakfast,” which relies on rider donations.

“In addition to helping these veterans, I think this helps enhance the image of our sport,” Henry said. “It’s a great sport. But it has a somewhat rough image.”

Md. (www.randt-club.com), was established in 1970 and staged its 8th Annual R&T Charity Trail Ride in September. The event is also part of the Ride for Kids effort.

Club spokesman Jeffrey Nelson said 240 riders turned out for two days of riding, including a 13-mile loop with advanced and beginner options of single track and grass trails. The event also included motorcycle games for the kids, and a 2-mile kids loop.

Food was provided by the local Boy Scout Troop #32 of Romney, W.Va.

The Road and Trail Motorcycle Club of Frederick, Md. staged its 8th Annual R&T Charity Trail Ride in September.

“The R&T Club has a strong emphasis on youth riding, community service and charities,” Nelson said. “With that said, the PBTF (Ride for Kids) was a natural fit for our club’s format. Pediatric brain tumors are one of the most deadly forms of childhood cancers.”

R&T also participates in the Baltimore/Washington area Ride for Kids Road Ride and Rally each year.

Nelson said R&T is the top fund-raising off-road club in the region.

“The R&T Club raised $11,500 at this year’s event,”

he said. “The event is in memory of R&T Club member Ron Lowing, who helped start this event and passed away of cancer in 2011.”

R&T also organizes an Adopt-a-Road project four times a year, an annual blood drive, a food drive and a Cookies for the Troops Day. The club also helps man the Ride for Kids booth at the Timonium Motorcycle Show.

“What is comes down to is knowing that you’re contributing to a great cause,” Nelson said. “And getting some great riding opportunities.”

February 2018

35

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FEBRUARY EVENTS ARIZONA

RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN

Feb. 17: Scottsdale: Azratpack, (480) 239-8189, www.goaz.com/events.htm

CALIFORNIA

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE Feb. 17: Ridgecrest: Countdown, (775) 884-0399, www.dualsportwest.com TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL Feb. 18: (Includes ATVs) Trona: Family Off-Road Adventures, (209) 649-3633, www.familyoffroadadventures.com COMPETITION GRAND PRIX Feb. 9: (Includes ATVs) Taft: 2 Day Event, Southern California Dirt Diggers, , www.dirtdiggersmc.com HARE SCRAMBLES Feb. 17: Pacines: 2 Day Event, Salinas Ramblers M/C, (540) 623-3426, www.salinasramblersmc.org MOTOCROSS Feb. 18: (Includes ATVs) San Bernardino: SoCal MX Series, (909) 880-3090, www.glenhelen.com TT FLAT TRACK Feb. 4: Lodi: Lodi Motorcycle Club, (209) 368-7182, lodicyclebowl.com Feb. 11: Lodi: Lodi Motorcycle Club, (209) 3687182, lodicyclebowl.com

FLORIDA

RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN Feb. 17: Fort Walton Beach: Sand Dollar MC, Inc., (850) 244-0376, sandollarmotorcycleclub.com

COMPETITION SUPERCROSS AMATEUR RACING Feb. 25: Tampa: Feld Motor Sports, (800) 216-7482, www.arenacross.com

INDIANA

MOTOCROSS Feb. 4: Wildwood: Unlimited Sports MX Inc., www.unlimitedsportsmx.com Feb. 11: Alachua: Unlimited Sports MX Inc., www.unlimitedsportsmx.com Feb. 17: Alachua: 2 Day Event, Unlimited Sports MX Inc., www.unlimitedsportsmx.com

MARYLAND

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS Feb. 4: (Includes ATVs) Mechanicsville: Budds Creek Motocross Park, (301) 475-2000, www.buddscreek.com Feb. 11: (Includes ATVs) Mechanicsville: Budds Creek Motocross Park, (301) 475-2000, www.buddscreek.com Feb. 17-18: (Includes ATVs) Mechanicsville: 2-Day Event, Budds Creek Motocross Park, (301) 4752000, www.buddscreek.com Feb. 25: (Includes ATVs) Mechanicsville: Budds Creek Motocross Park, (301) 475-2000, www.buddscreek.com

MICHIGAN

COMPETITiON

Riders M/C, (607) 693-2634, www.squaredealriders.com

PENNSYLVANIA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS Feb. 17: (Includes ATVs) Harrisburg: Trail-Way Speedway, (717) 359-7056, www.motoramaevents.com Feb. 18: (Includes ATVs) Harrisburg: Trail-Way Speedway, (717) 359-7056, www.motoramaevents.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

COMPETITION

ARENACROSS Feb. 17: Florence: 2 Day Event, Feld Motor Sports, (800) 216-7482, www.arenacross.com ENDURO Feb. 25: Salley: Columbia Enduro Riders Assoc, (803) 788-4220

COMPETITION

TEXAS

MOTOCROSS Feb. 3: Yantis: 2 Day Event, Johnsonville MX Farm, (903) 217-7965, www.johnsonvillemxfarm.com Feb. 24: Wortham: 2 Day Event, Freestone County Raceway, LLC., (713) 962-3386, www.freestonemx.com

WISCONSIN

ICE RACE

COMPETITION

Feb. 18: Oswosso, Mich.

ARENACROSS Feb. 10: Madison: 2 Day Event, Feld Motor Sports, (800) 216-7482, www.arenacross.com

NEW YORK

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES Feb. 25: (Includes ATVs) Port Crane: Square Deal

SHORT TRACK Feb. 23: Milwaukee: Flat Out Friday LLC, (414) 2270400, bmoharrisbradleycenter.com

COMING EVENTS SUPERCROSS MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS, AN FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP www.amasupercross.com Jan. 20: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium (West) Jan. 27: Glendale, Ariz.: University of Phoenix Stadium (West)

38

Feb. 17: Arlington, Texas: AT&T Stadium (East)

April 21: Foxborough, Mass.: Gillette Stadium (East)

Feb. 24: Tampa, Fla.: Raymond James Stadium (East)

April 28: Salt Lake City: Rice-Eccles Stadium (West)

March 3: Atlanta: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (East)

May 5: Las Vegas: Sam Boyd Stadium (East/West)

March 10: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (East) March 17: St. Louis: The Dome at America’s Center (East) March 24: Indianapolis: Lucas Oil Stadium (East/ West)

Feb. 3: Oakland, Calif.: Oakland Alameda County Coliseum (West)

April 7: Seattle: CenturyLink Field (West)

Feb 10: San Diego: PETCO Park (West)

April 14: Minneapolis: U.S. Bank Stadium (East)

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COMING EVENTS June 2: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National: Thunder Valley MX Park June 16: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point National: High Point Raceway June 23: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National: Muddy Creek Raceway June 30: Southwick, Mass.: Southwick National: Southwick MX Park

May 19-20: Elkland, Pa.: Miles Mountain MX NORTHEAST REGIONAL June 9-10: Danville, Va.: Birch Creek Motorsports (Youth) June 16-17: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla Motocross (Amateur) SOUTHEAST AREA QUALIFIERS

July 7: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National: RedBud MX

Feb: 17-18: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park

July 21: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National: Spring Creek MX Park

March 24-25: Henderson, N.C.: North Carolina Motorsports Park

July 28: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National: Washougal MX Park

April 7-8: Dade City, Fla.: Dade City Motocross

Aug. 11: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla National: Unadilla MX Aug. 18: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National: Budds Creek MX Park Aug. 25: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman National: Ironman Raceway 2016 NATIONAL

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Jan. 20: Wilkes Barre, Pa.: Mohegan Sun Arena Jan. 27: Greensboro, N.C.: Greensboro Coliseum Feb. 10: Madison, Wis.: Alliant Energy Center Feb. 17: Florence, S.C.: Florence Civic Center March 17: Denver: Denver Coliseum

April 14-15: Washington, Ga.: Aonia Pass Motocross April 21-22: Hamer, S.C.: South of the Border MX April 28-29: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain MX Park April 28-29: Wytheville, Va.: Pro Sport MX May 5-6: Dalton, Ga.: Lazy River MX SOUTHEAST REGIONAL May 26-27: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway (Youth) June 2-3: Jacksonville, Fla.: WW Motocross Park (Amateur) MID-EAST AREA QUALIFIERS March 10-11: Altamont, Tenn.: Fast Farms MX April 7-8: Rossville, Ind.: Wildcat Creek MX April 14-15: Sebree, Ky.: Echo Valley MX

March 24: Nampa, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center

April 21-22: New Vienna, Ohio: East Fork Motocross Park

April 7: Wichita, Kan.: Intrust Bank Arena

April 28-29: Millington, Mich.: Baja Acres

April 21: Portland, Ore.: Veterans Memorial Coliseum

May 5-6: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Dutch Sport Park

April 28: Reno, Nev.: Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center

May 12-13: Nashport, Ohio: Briarcliff MX

May 4: Las Vegas: Orleans Arena

May 19-20: Livingston, Tenn.: Thunder Valley MX

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July 30-Aug. 4: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn’s Ranch NORTHEAST AREA QUALIFIERS March 17-18: Hedgesville, W.Va.: Tomahawk MX April 7-8: Shippensburg, Pa.: Doublin Gap MX Park April 14-15: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway April 21-22: Seward, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway May 5-6: Wallkill, N.Y.: Walden Motocross May 12-13: Axton, Va.: Lake Sugar Tree Motocross Park May 12-13: Lyman, Maine: MX 207

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SUPPORTING SPONSORS

June 9-10: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud MX (Amateur) NORTH CENTRAL AREA QUALIFIERS March 17-18: Maize, Kan.: Bar 2 Bar MX April 7-8: Winterset, Iowa: Riverside Raceway April 14-15: Richwoods, Mo.: Romp MX Track April 21-22: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motosports April 28-29: DuQuoin, Ill.: Indian Hills MX

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May 5-6: Tigerton, Wis.: Tigerton MX May 12-13: Little Falls, Minn.: Little Falls Raceway May 26-27: Byron, Ill.: Byron Motorsports Park NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL June 16-17: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek Motocross Park

The AMA Beta National Dual-Sport Series features the country’s best organized dual-sport rides. Events include miles of well marked, challenging trail connected by scenic backcountry roads. The challenging, national caliber terrain is designed to bring out the best in each rider.

COMING EVENTS April 28: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway

(Amateur) June 23-24: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX (Youth) SOUTH CENTRAL AREA QUALIFIERS Feb 17-18: Amarillo, Texas: Bowers MX March 10-11: Yantis, Texas: Johnsonville MX Farm March 17-18: Centreville, Miss.: Farm 14 April 14-15: Wellston, Okla.: Reynard Raceway April 21-22: Alvord, Texas: Oak Hill Raceway April 28-29: Tyler, Texas: Swan MX Raceway Park May 5-6: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway May 19-20: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley Park SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL June 9-10: Ponca City, Okla.: Ponca City MX (Youth) June 23-24: Conroe, Texas: 3 Palms Action Sports Park (Amateur) NORTHWEST AREA QUALIFIERS Feb. 17-18: Marysville, Calif.: Riverfront MX Park March 17-18: Richland, Wash.: Horn Rapids Motorsports Complex April 8: Idaho Falls, Idaho: Noise Park Raceway April 28-29: Billings, Mont.: Billings MX May 5-6: Junction City, Ore.: Eugene MX Park May 12-13: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park NORTHWEST REGIONAL May 26-27: Richland, Wash.: Horn Rapids Motorsports Complex (Youth & Amateur) MID-WEST AREA QUALIFIERS March 17-18: Tulare, Calif.: DT1 MX Park April 1: Delta, Utah: Bunker Hill Motocross Track April 7-8: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway May 5-6: Junction City, Ore.: Eugene MX Park MID-WEST REGIONAL June 2-3: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City OHV (Youth & Amateur) SOUTHWEST AREA QUALIFIERS Feb.: 10-11: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park Feb. 24: Riverside, Calif.: Milestone MX Park March 11: St. George, Utah: St. George MX Park April 8: Maui, Hawaii: Maui Motocross April 7-8: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway April 14-15: Moriarty, N.M.: Sandia Motocross at Moriarty

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SOUTHWEST REGIONAL June 9-10: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway (Youth & Amateur)

AMA PRO-AM SCHEDULE www.americanmotorcyclist.com

Jan. 20-21: Fort Worth, Texas: Village Creek MX Park: Texas Winter Series Round 3: 817-572-7713, www. villagecreekmx.com Feb. 3-4: Yantis, Texas: Johnsonville MX Farm: Texas Winter Series Round 4: 903-217-7965, www.johnsonvillemxfarm.com Feb. 3-4: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway: Road to Mammoth: 740-2XP-MOTO, www.2xpromotions.com Feb. 10-11: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park: AMA Area Qualifier: 623-853-0750, www.arizonacyclepark.com Feb. 24-25: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway: Texas Winter Series Round 5 : 713-962-3386, www.freestonemx.com March 3-4: Snelling, Calif.: Oatfield Raceway: Road to Mammoth: 740-2XP-MOTO, www.2xpromotions.com March 15-17: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek Motocross Park: Spring Classic: 205-699-8857, www.millcreekmx. com March 15-18: Alvord, Texas: Oak Hill Raceway: GNC International MX Final: 940-577-2225, www.gncmxracing.com March 21-24: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway: James Stewart Spring Championship: 713-962-3386, www.freestonemx.com April 7-8: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway: AMA Area Qualifier: 740-2XP-MOTO, www.2xpromotions.com April 7-8: Sanford, N.C.: Devils Ridge Motocross: North Carolina State Championship: 919-776-1767, www.devilsridgemotox.com April 11-15: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway: California Classic: 740-2XP-MOTO, www.2xpromotions.com April 21-22: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City OHV: Road to Mammoth: 740-2XP-MOTO, www.2xpromotions.com

June 3: Walkill, N.Y: Walden MX: Walden MX Pro-Am: 845-895-2537, www.mxwalden.com June 10: Lake Mills, Wis.: Aztalan Cycle Club: AMA District 16 MX Pro-Am: www.aztalanmx.com June 15-24: Mammoth Lakes, Calif.: Mammoth Motocross: 51st Annual Mammoth Motocross: 740-2XP-MOTO, www.mammothmotocross.com June 23: Mt. Carroll, Ill.: McMotopark: McMotopark Pro-Am: 815-238-1614, www.mcmotopark.com July 1: Clifford, Pa.: Hurricane Hills Sportscenter: Annual Independence Day Race: 570-222-9290, www.hhmotocross.com July 15: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway: Tennessee State Championship: 432-323-5497, www.victory-sports.com August 11-12: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek MX: Budds Creek Race 6 Pro-Am: 301-475-2000, www. buddscreek.com Sept. 16: - Hamer, S.C.: South of the Border MX: South Carolina State Championship: 423-323-5497, www. victory-sports.com Sept 22-23: Gaston, S.C.: Moto-Vated Sports Complex: 2-Stroke Southeast Championship: 606-401-6642, www.moto-vatedsportscomplex.com Sept 22-23: Mechanicsville, Md.: Kevin Crine Memorial Pro-Am: 443-669-3007, www.mamamx.com Sept 30: Dalton, Ga.: Lazy River Motocross: Georgia State Championship: 706-278-1620, www.lazyrivermx.com Oct. 14: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway: Top Gun Showdown: 432-323-5497, www.victory-sports.com Oct 19-21: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park: 42nd Annual Kawasaki Race of Champions: 732-446-7800: www.racewaypark.com Oct 28: Jacksonville, Fla.: WW Motocross Park: Florida State Championship: 904-318-4096, www.wwmotox.com 2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SNOW BIKE SERIES www.snowbikeseries.com

May 5-6: Scottsburg, Ind.: High Fly MX Park 2.0: Kentuckiana MX Championship Series Pro-Am: 812-374-8228, www.highflymx.com

Jan. 19: Eagle River, Wis.

May 5-6: Dalton, Ga.: 2 Pro_ams Lazy River Motocross: AMA Area Qualifier: 706-278-1620

Jan. 27: McCall, Idaho

May 5-6: Scottsburg, Ind.: High Fly MX Park 2.0: Kentuckiana MX Championship Series Pro-Am: 812-374-8228, www.highflymx.com May 17-18: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic: Pro National Amateur Day/HT50 “Amateur Shootout”: 1-800-HANGTOWN, www.hangtownmx.com May 27: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park: Raceway Park Pro-Am: 732-446-7800: www.racewaypark.com May 28: Brush, Colo.: Sweney Cycle Park: Rocky Mountain Showdown Series: 970-768-0519: www. brushmx.com

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

Jan. 20: Eagle River, Wis.

Feb. 10: Lake Tahoe, Nev. Feb. 24: Kalispell, Mont.

March 11: West Yellowstone, Mont.

March 24: Diamond Lake, Ore. 2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

WISECO AMA ATV MOTOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.atvmotocross.com

#AMAADV

COMING EVENTS March 13: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Raceway March 24-25: Hamer, S.C.: South of the Border April 14-15: Kemp, Texas: Underground MX May 5-6: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman Raceway May 19-20: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway June 2-3: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway June 16-17: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX July 7-8: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla MX July 21-22: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud MX Aug. 11-12: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn Ranch FEATURED SERIES

TEXAS WINTER SERIES www.freestonemx.com

Jan. 20-21: Fort Worth, Texas: Village Creek MX Park Feb. 3-4: Yantis, Texas: Johnsonville MX Farm Feb. 24-25: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway

MEGA SERIES

www.victory-sports.com March 18: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek April 8: Dalton, GA: Lazy River MX April 21-22: Hamer, SC: SOB-MX: Southeast Area Qualifier April 28-29: Wytheville, VA: Pro Sport MX: Southeast Area Qualifier June 24: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek: Pro National Weekend July 7: Greeneville, Tenn.: I-81 Motorsports July 14: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek July 15: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek: TN State Championship and Pro-Am July 22: Wytheville, VA: Pro Sport MX Aug 26: Wytheville, VA: Pro Sport MX Sept 9: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Sept 16: Hamer, SC: SOB-MX: SC State Championship and Pro-Am Sept 30: Dalton, GA: Lazy River MX: GA State Championship and Pro-Am Oct 13: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Oct 14: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek: Top Gun Showdown and Pro-Am (**Note: this event should also be listed under Featured Events)

ROAD TO MAMMOTH MOTOCROSS www.mammothmotocross.com

-Feb 4: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway -Feb 25: Riverside, Calif.: Milestone MX -March 4: Snelling, Calif.: Oatfield

-March 18: Tulare, Calif.: DT1 MX Park -April 22: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City SVRA -April 29: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway -June 15-24: Mammoth Lakes, Calif.: Mammoth Mountain FEATURED EVENTS

SPRING CLASSIC www.millcreekmx.com

PRESENTED BY

March 16-17: Pell City, AL: MillCreek MX

CALIFORNIA CLASSIC www.2xpromotions.com

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

April 12-15: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway

BAJA BRAWL

www.bajaacres.com Sept 1-3: Millington, Mich.: Baja Acres

KEVIN CRINE MEMORIAL RACE www.buddscreek.com

Sept 22-23: Mechanicsville, MD: Budds Creek MX

KAWASAKI RACE OF CHAMPIONS www.racewaypark.com

THE BEST ROUTES MAPPED

BY LOCAL EXPERTS. A GREAT CHALLENGE WITH LIKE-MINDED RIDERS. A FULL WEEKEND OF ACTIVITIES, WITH CAMPING, FOOD AND PRIZES.

Oct. 19-21: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park

TOP GUN SHOWDOWN www.victory-sports.com

Oct. 14: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway MAJOR EVENTS

JAMES STEWART FREESTONE SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP www.freestonemx.com

March 21-24: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway

RICKY CARMICHAEL DAYTONA AMATEUR SUPERCROSS www.mxsports.com

March 11-12: Daytona, FL: Daytona International Speedway

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN MOTOCROSS www.mammothmotocross.com

June 15-24: Mammoth Lakes, Calif.: Mammoth Mountain

DIRT TRACK AMERICAN FLAT TRACK www.americanflattrack.com

March 15: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway: Daytona TT

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM RIDING ADVENTURE RIDING

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/AMAAdventureRiding

COMING EVENTS April 7: Woodstock, Ga.: Dixie Speedway: Atlanta Short Track April 28: Fort Worth, Texas: Texas Motor Speedway: Texas Half- Mile May 5: Calistoga, Calif.: Calistoga SPeedway: Calistoga Half-Mile

Sept. 7-9: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Raceway Park Sept. 21-23: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park 2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

May 27: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds: Springfield Mile I June 2: Lexington, Ky.: Red Mile: Red Mile

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AMA SUPERMOTO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.drtracing.com

May 12: Phoenix, Ariz.: Turf Paradise: Arizona Mile May 19: Sacramento, Calif.: Cal Expo: Sacramento Mile

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Jan. 27-28. Seville, Fla.: River City Dirt Riders/Florida Trail Riders April 28-29. Battle Creek, Mich.: Battle Creek MC/ Michigan Sprint Enduros May 19-20. Axton, Va.: Full Gas Sprint Enduro

AMA WEST REGION ISDE QUALIFIER SERIES www.americanmotorcyclist.com

April 14: Boise, Idaho: Expo Idaho May 13: Tucson, Ariz.: Musselman Honda Circuit: 4th Annual Military Appreciation Race

Jan. 20-21. Wickenburg, Ariz.: Fast’R MC/AMRA

June 8: Austin, Texas: Travis County Expo Center: 23rd Anniversary Republic of Texas Rally

April 7-8. Ukiah, Calif.: NorthBay MC/AMA District 36

June 9: Austin, Texas: Travis County Expo Center

May 26-27. TBA, Idaho.: JSM Adventures 2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

June 16: Oklahoma City, Okla.: Remington Park: OKC Mile June 30: Lima, Ohio: Allen County Fairgrounds: Lima Half-Mile July 7: Weedsport, N.Y.: Weedsport Speedway: New York Short Track Aug. 5: Sturgis, S.D.: Buffalo Chip Campgrounds: Buffalo Chip TT Aug. 7: Rapid City, S.D.: Black Hills Speedway: Black Hills Half-Mile Aug. 18: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria Motorcycle Club: Peoria TT Sept. 2: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds: Springfield Mile II

Aug. 3-5: Quebec, Canada: GP3R Trois-Rivières: 3rd Annual GP3R w/ FIA World Rallycross Sept. 8: Sturgis, S.D.: Downtown Sturgis: 6th Annual Streets of Sturgis Supermoto)

77TH DAYTONA 200, SANCTIONED BY ASRA www.asraracing.com

March 17: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

MOTOGP RED BULL GRAND PRIX OF THE AMERICAS www.circuitoftheamericas.com/motogp

April 20-22: Austin, Texas: Circuit of The Americas

Sept. 8: Mechanicsburg, Pa.: Williams Grove Speedway: Williams Grove Half-Mile

SPECIALTY 2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

Sept. 29: Shankopee, Minn.: Cantebury Park: Minnesota Mile Oct. 6: East Rutherford, N.J.: Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment: Meadowlands Mile

ROAD RACE MOTOAMERICA AMA/FIM NORTH AMERICA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP www.motoamerica.com

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

www.gnccracing.com

Feb. 24-25: Union, S.C.: Big Buck: Big Buck Farms Marh 10-11: Palatka, Fla.: Wild Boar: Hogwaller March 17-18: Washington, Ga.: The General: Aonia Pass MX April 7-8: Morganton, N.C.: Steele Creek: Steele Creek Campground April 21-22: Society Hill, S.C.: Camp Coker Bullet: Moree’s Sportsman’s Preserve May 12-13: Peru, Ind.: X-Factor: X Factor Whitetails May 26-7: Millfield, Ohio: The John Penton: Sunday Creek Raceway June 9-10: Alpine, N.Y.: Tomahawk: Seneca Highland

Feb. 2-4: Cadillac, Mich.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

AMA GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

2016 NATIONAL

www.shermanmotorsports.com

2016 NATIONAL

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AMA ATV ICE RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.wausau525.com

June 23-24: Snowshoe, W. Va.: Snowshoe: Snowshoe Mountain Resort Sept. 15-16: Harpursville, N.Y.: Black Sky: Johnson Family Farm Sept. 29-30: Mount Morris, Pa.: Mason Dixon: Mathews Farm Oct. 13-14: St. Clairsville, Ohio: Powerline Park: Powerline Park Oct. 27-28: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman: Ironman Raceway 2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

April 13-15: Braselton, Ga.: Road Atlanta April 20-22: Austin, Texas: Circuit of The Americas May 4-6: Alton, Va.: VIRginia International Raceway June 1-3: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America June 22-24: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca July 20-22: Tooele, Utah: Utah Motorsports Campus Aug. 10-12: Sonoma, Calif.: Sonoma Raceway Aug. 24-26: Wampum, Penn.: Pittsburgh International Race Complex

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2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

CHAMPION

AMA ICE RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP

CHAMPION

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Feb. 10: Wausau, Wis.

OFF-ROAD 2018 INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS ENDURO www.fim-live.com

Nov. 12-17: Viña del Mar, Chile

AMA EASTREGION ISDE QUALIFIER SERIES www.americanmotorcyclist.com

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AMA NATIONAL HARE AND HOUND CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.nationalhareandhound.com

Jan. 27-28: Lucerne, Calif.

Feb. 10-11: Fluvanna, Texas Feb. 24-25: El Centro, Calif.

April 21-22: Jericho, Utah May 4-5: Jericho, Utah

COMING EVENTS REGIONAL SERIES

July 28-29: TBD, Wy. Aug. 8-9: Big Sandy, Mont.

AMA WEST COAST GRAND PRIX / BIG 6 CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Aug. 25: Panaca, Nev.

www.big6racing.com

Oct. 13-14: Barstow, Calif.

Jan. 14-15: Adelanto, Calif.

Oct. 27-28: Lucerne, Calif.

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AMA NATC MOTOTRIALS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP www.mototrials.com

2016 NATIONAL

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP www.nationalenduro.com

Feb. 4: Sumter, S.C. March 4: Forest Hill, La. April 15: Lynnville, Ind. May 6: Arrington, Va. June 3: Greensboro, Ga. July 22: Cross Fork, Pa. Aug. 26: Zanesville, Ohio Sept. 9: Marquette, Mich Sept. 23: Matthews, Ind. Nov. 4: Stanton, Ala..

REGIONAL SERIES

KENDA AMA FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.sprintenduro.com

Feb. 10-11: Blackshear, Ga.

March 17-18: Gorman, Calif.

May 5-6: Primm, Nev.

REGIONAL SERIES

June 16-17: TBH, Ark.

NATC MOTOTRIALS WESTERN REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP www.mototrials.com

June 16-17: Wellston, Ohio July 14-15: Fairmount City, Pa.

Oct. 21-22: Glen Daniel, W. Va.

April 14-15: Redding, Calif.

June 23-24: Bellingham, Wash.

Oct. 6-7: Tulsa, Okla.: East West Shootout Oct. 20-21: Truckee, Calif.

FIM NORTH AMERICA CHAMPIONSHIP www.mototrials.com

April 28-29: TBD, Colo.

Sept. 1-2: Donner, Calif.

Sept. 1-2: Donner, Calif.

Sept. 8-9: TBD, Canada

REGIONAL SERIES

NATC MOTOTRIALS EASTERN REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

MOTOCITY/FLY AMA ARIZONA OFF-ROAD STATE CHAMPIONSHIP www.amraracing.com

www.mototrials.com

June 9-10: Sequatchie, Tenn.: *Youth Regional Championship June 16-17: TBD, Ark. REGIONAL SERIES

AMA EAST HARE SCRAMBLE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.americanmotorcyclist.com

Jan. 20-21: Wickenburg, Ariz.: ISDE Qualifier Enduro: Fast’R MC Feb. 18: Prescott, Ariz.: Hare Scramble: AMRA/WHS March 3: San Manual, Ariz.: Qualifier Enduro: Trail Riders of Southern Aironza April 7: Globe, Ariz.: Qualifier Enduro: Rockstars MC

EXTREME OFF-ROAD 2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

Feb. 17-18: Nesmith, S.C.: Battery Off Road Park: SETRA March 24-25: Evansville, Pa.: Evansville MX: D6 April 28-29: Tuxedo, N.Y.: Tri State MC: NETRA May 5-6: Eagleswood, N.J.: MCI: ECEA June 17-18: Tamaqua, Pa.: RORR: ECEA Aug. 11-12: Wellsboro, Pa.: STER: ECEA

Aug. 11-12: Fairview, Ind. Sept. 1-2: Union, S.C.

March 24-25: Emmett, Idaho

April 21-22: Roswell, N.M.

March 24-25: Bristol, Va. May 19-20: Axton, Va.

www.westharescramble.com

April 7-8: 29 Palms, Calif.

Dec. 1-2: Lake Havasu, Ariz.

June 9-10: Sequatchie, Tenn.

KENDA/SRT AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Feb. 17-18: Prescott, Ariz.

Nov. 3-4: Gorman, Calif.

April 28-29: TBD, Colo.

REGIONAL SERIES

March 3-4: Devore, Calif.

Oct. 6-7: Ridgecrest, Calif.

April 21-22: Roswell, N.M.

CHAMPION

Feb. 10-11: Taft, Calif.

Nov. 10-11: Millville, N.J.: NJFOD: D6

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AMA TENNESSEE KNOCKOUT EXTREME-OFF ROAD GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.tennesseeknockout.com

Aug. 18-19: Sequatchie, Tenn.

AMA EXTREME OFF-ROAD STATE CHAMPIONSHIP www.americanmotorcyclist.com

June 9: Devore, Calif.: Last Dog Standing Oct. 6-7: Tulsa, Okla.: East-West Shootout Oct. 27-28: Bethlehem, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC: D6

June 17: Marquette, Mich.: Mad Moose June 30-July 1: Tamaqua, Pa.: Tough Like RORR

February 2018

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COMING EVENTS Jan. 15 –Dec.15: California: Southern California Motorcycling Association: California Adventure Series: www.sc-ma.com

RECREATION BETA AMA NATIONAL DUAL SPORT SERIES, PRESENTED BY KENDA TIRES www.americanmotorcyclist.com

KTM AMA NATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES, PRESENTED BY KENDA TIRES www.americanmotorcyclist.com

April 14-15: Bybee, Tenn.: Slate Creek Adventure Ride: Appalachian Trail Riders April 21-22: Stanton, Ala.: Perry Mountain Tower Run Adventure Rally: Perry Mountain Motorcycle Club May 5-6: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Adventure Tour: Family Off-Road Adventures May 19-20: Snow Shoe, W. Va.: Snow Shoe Mountain 500: Pine Barrens Adventures LLC: KTM East Coast Adventure Rally June 2-3: Bixby, Mo.: Show Me 500 National Adventure Ride: Midwest Trail Riders Association June 2-3: Lock Haven, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Great Adventure Dual Sport: Durty Dabbers MC June 9-10: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride for Research: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders June 22-24: Big Bear, Calif.: Big Bear Run: Big Bear Trail Riders June 23-24: Gaines, Pa.: PA Grand Canyon 500: Pine Barrens Adventures LLC June 23-24: New Blaine, Ark.: Ozark 200: Arkansas Dirt Riders, Inc. July 21-22: Logan, Ohio: Copperhead National Adventure Ride: Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club Aug. 10-12: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.: Enchanted Circle Adventure Rally: RPI LLC Sept.1-3: Prineville, Ore.: Wild West Tour: High Desert Adventures Sept. 8-9: Pineola, N.C.: Blue Ridge Adventure Ride: Appalachian Trail Riders Sept. 22-23: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders

April 21-22: Stanton, Ala.: Perry Mountain Tower Run Dual Sport Ride: Perry Mountain Motorcycle Club June 2-3: Bixby, Mo.: Show Me 200 National Dual Sport Ride: Midwest Trail Riders Association June 2-3: Lock Haven, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Great Adventure Dual Sport: Durty Dabbers MC June 9-10: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride for Research: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders June 22-24: Big Bear, Calif.: Big Bear Run: Big Bear Trail Riders June 23-24: New Blaine, Ark.: Ozark 200: Arkansas Dirt Riders, Inc. July 21-22: Logan, Ohio: Copperhead National Dual Sport: Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club Sept. 8-9: Dover, Tenn.: Land Between the Lakes 200 National Dual Sport: K T Riders Sept. 8-9: New Plymouth, Ohio: Baby Burr National Dual Sport: Enduro Riders Association

Nov. 23-24: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas: District 37 Dual Sport

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Jan. 7-Dec. 23: AMA District II: Polar Bear Grand Tour: www.polarbeargrandtour.com

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

FIM SPECIAL TOURISTIC MEETING - ADVENTURE TOURING www.americanmotorcyclist.com April 14-15: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: HUMM Granite Mountain: Horizons Unlimited: www. horizonsunlimited.com Sept. 14-16: Davis, W. Va.: Horizons Unlimited: Scavenger Hunt: www.horizonsunlimited.com

HALL OF FAME EVENTS AND EXHIBITS AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

Sept. 22-23: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Dual Sport Adventure: Family Off-Road Adventures

www.motorcyclemuseum.org

Oct. 6-7: Mount Solon, Va.: Shenandoah 500: Washington Area Trail Riders Oct. 13-14: Columbus, Ind.: Buffaloe 500 National Dual Sport Ride: Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club Oct. 20-21: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon: Arizona Trail Riders Nov. 3-4: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run: TriCounty Sportsmen Nov. 23-24: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas: District 37 Dual Sport

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 2015 inductees.

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

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

Oct. 13-14: Columbus, Ind.: Buffaloe 500 National Adventure Ride: Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club

Oct. 26-28: Hammonton, N.J.: Pine Barrens 500: Pine Barrens Adventures LLC

Jan. 15 –Dec. 15: Southern California Motorcycling Association: USA Four Corners Tour: www.sc-ma.com

Sept. 22-23: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders

Sept. 29-30: Mt. Vernon, Ky.: Renfro Valley Adventure Ride: Appalachian Trail Riders

Oct. 20-21: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon: Arizona Trail Riders

Jan. 15 –Dec. 15: Southern California Motorcycling Association: USA 15 Best Roads: www.sc-ma.com

AMA GRAND TOURS

www.americanmotorcyclist.com July 13-Aug. 13: Medicine Park, Okla.: Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge: www.hokaheychallenge.com

Sam Swope: Philanthropist, Motorcyclist: Motorcycles that represent the generous, charitable giving of Sam Swope.

U.S. International Six Days Enduro Teams and the Chase for the World Trophy: Celebrates the history of U.S. competition at the FIM ISDE, capped by the 2016 title in the FIM World Trophy Division.

GOT NUMB & TINGLY HANDS? GRIPSWELL® GS-55 GLOVES ARE THE ANSWER 3M THINSULATE® FOR WARMTH & PORELLE® WATERPROOFING PATENTED DESIGN ABSORBS VIBRATION & SHIELDS NERVES

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Graham Field’s Adventure Trilogy

Now in Print in North America!

So there he was, committed to going very, very far on a motorcycle with his meagre prize money. Consequently he spent a winter on eBay and a spring in the garage preparing his $1000 KLR 650 for an uncertain life on the road. Armed with a cynical humour, a strong sense of direction, a vague sense of balance, and no sense of proportion, he embarked on a 15,000 mile solo motorcycle ride to see what would break first; bike, body, or budget. Leaving an indifferent existence in England behind he headed east, looking for purpose, a new life, and a new location to live it. He was in search of greener grass.

Kind hearted, funny and delighfully honest story—thought provoking and refreshing. ADVENTURE BIKE RIDER MAGAZINE Essential reading before you start planning that life changing trip.

MOTORCYCLE SPORT AND LEISURE

We found ourselves well and truly hooked by Graham’s clarity, openness and easy going style of writing and travelling—highly recommended. OVERLAND MAGAZINE

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IN SEARCH OF GREENER GRASS

“Well, now I’m committed,” he thought to himself after telling a national TV game show audience that he wanted to ride a motorcycle to Mongolia with his winnings. He felt the fear that commitment always induced in him; he was hoping they might have edited that bit out. Commitments are something he tried to get as far away from as possible, the only other constants in his life being twenty-five years of financial prudence, travel and motorcycle obsession.

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February 2018

45

GUEST COLUMN

The Roads, The Sights, The People

By Tina Turner They would think and say, “I guess not.”

Sometimes I recall that warm June night Actually, most people are interested in Pittsburgh in 1983. My boyfriend had and approach me to talk about riding, misjudged a car stopped in front of us to especially if I’m a few states away from make a left turn. I held on during the hard home. Many find it fascinating to see me braking, but didn’t during contact. on the road, just meandering across the I went over the back corner of the car countryside, stopping wherever I want. It’s as it turned and landed face first hard a great freedom, and it clears the mind. enough to rip the helmet from my head.

In 1995, I moved to the Denver area. Talk My chin hit the road and split. As my jaw about long distance touring! Nothing is came together, my teeth shattered. My close in the West. Out here, I have learned pelvis was broken. Thankfully, I had no to ride 200 miles to get breakfast, then other road rash—gloves, jacket, jeans and continue on my ride. boots prevented that. I spent a week in the I continued going to rallies, but most hospital and ended up black and blue from became weeklong trips. I’ve been to my knee to my armpit on my right side.

Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Fast forward to 1990, when I found Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, myself on the back of another bike with Washington, South Dakota and California. another boyfriend. I decided I didn’t like I got to know another bunch of great that position. I wanted to be in charge. people who I see, maybe, every few years.

So, I bought a used 1983 Honda 500 I even met my husband at a rally when he Shadow, and practiced in the alley behind was seated with some of my rally friends. my house until I felt confident to ride We had been to the same rallies before, on the street. I put 10,000 miles on that but had never met. That was in 1998. We bike during the summer. The next spring, married in 2001.

I bought a 1991 Honda 750 Nighthawk.

After all the riding I had done by myself, I rode that bike all over the western I was riding with someone again. It’s the Pennsylvania hills. same, but different.

Then a friend introduced me to It came together once we got bike-torallies. That’s when it all came together: bike communication. We loved riding long motorcycling, touring and camping. I distances and camping, but it’s easier when loved to spend days and weeks touring our country on two wheels.

I rode that Nighthawk all over the eastern United States. I spent most of my summers with three-day weekends, traveling to Vermont, New York, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Ohio. I’d take weeklong trips to North and South Carolina and northern Alabama. I’d do 500- to 800-mile days.

I got to know a lot of people who went to the rallies and, every time we got together, it was like we had just seen each other yesterday.

People would ask me, “Aren’t you nervous to be out on a bike by yourself?”

I would ask them, “Would you mess with a woman by herself on a motorcycle?”

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Tina Turner is an AMA member from Bennett, Colo. She has been riding for 27 years.

Scott Austin Photography

A LOVE OF RIDING

you can tell the other person you’d like to stop. It’s also useful for pointing out wildlife or something to look at.

In the mountains, I’ve come around a corner to a herd of big horn sheep, watched a bobcat walk down a road, followed a young moose and seen brown bear. Out on the plains, it’s pronghorn antelopes, pheasants, coyotes and large birds of prey.

In 2001, I bought the Suzuki 1200s Bandit that I still ride. It has more than 94,000 miles, and I’ve put every mile on. I love this bike, because it’s easy to work on and modify, and it packs a lot of power in a small package. And it’s comfortable.

I have traveled to Alabama a few times.

And my husband and I have taken several one- or two-week trips. I even ride back to Pittsburgh to see my parents.

Motorcycling allows me to clear my head of everyday problems.

Cleaning and working on my bike also is therapeutic. Being alone in the garage, going over every inch, finding little issues and fixing them before they become true problems just brings me closer to my bike.

The motorcycling world is a wonderful one. When two people who ride come together, they each know what the other person goes through on the road. There’s no need to explain. It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female or what you ride.

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February 2018

10-year-old Kayla Yaakov wants everyone to race motorcycles Motorcyclists open their hearts and wallets for charity

Photo Hartman Benzon

RIDING

THREE PATHS, ONE LIFESTYLE

T

Women Thrive In Motorcycling Community By Ashley M. Price

he history of motorcycling is sprinkled with the stories of strong, determined women who bucked the odds to carve out a place for themselves.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame preserves the stories of such pioneers, including Pearl Hoel, Hazel Kolb, Dot Robinson, Bessie Stringfield, Adeline and Augusta Van Buren and Margaret Wilson.

All were female motorcycling ambassadors for many decades. All of them broke down barriers.

Other inductees into the Hall of Fame, such as Becky Brown, Sharon Clayton, Mona Ehnes, Debbie Evans, Sue Fish, Linda Giovannoni, Rita Gregory, Phyllis

McClure and Cris Sommer-Simmons are dedicated to making motorcycling a mainstream activity for more and more women.

Today, many women are a part of the motorcycle lifestyle and can be found at all levels of motorcycling, from a backwoods trail to an interstate highway, from the local motocross track to the executive board room.

Here are three of their stories.

PATRICIA JACQUES

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Patricia Jacques views her motorcycle as a vehicle of empowerment. Riding helped her gain confidence in herself, and encouraged her to teach other women to believe in themselves, as well.

Jacques was first exposed to motorcycles while watching a round of the FIM MXGP series in Germany, where she was living on an Army base with her family. Just 4 years old, she instantly fell in love with the speed and intensity of motorcycle racing, watching the professional racers effortlessly maneuver the track.

Seven years later, motorcycles were still on Jacques’ mind when her dad asked her what she wanted as a reward for making the honor society at school.

After begging for a motorcycle for weeks, Jacques finally got a Honda minibike to ride around the backyard. The only stipulation was that she had to share the bike with her brother.

“I rode that thing until it pretty much wouldn’t go anymore,” Jacques said.

“From the minute I got home from school until it was dark outside and my parents were begging me to come inside, I was riding. I rode that little thing all around the neighborhood and showed off to all the other kids. Even at a very young age, I loved going fast and being the best.”

Jacques’ younger brother began competing in local motocross events, but, while she was always at the track with her family to watch, she wasn’t allowed to compete herself.

After more months of begging, she finally convinced her dad to let her ride practice.

“I know he didn’t take me seriously before that,” Jacques said. “I know it was practice, but I pretty much went out and lapped the whole field. And, since I had to be a registered racer to ride practice, I talked my dad into letting me actually race that same day. Let’s just say he knew it wasn’t a joke after that.”

From that race forward, motocross racing consumed her life. She said her competitive edge pushed her to want to win races and be the best. Her results

Cathy Larson, Grizgirl Photography

Vehicle Of Empowerment

RIDING

At just 10 years old, Kayla Yaakov is already showing everyone that a girl should never be doubted.

Yaakov started riding at 3 when her dad, David Yaakov, bought her a dirt bike to ride at their house. She had seen pictures of bikes, and although she barely knew how to walk or talk, she had made it very apparent from an early age that she wanted to race motorcycles.

Her father, a former racer himself, didn’t take his daughter very seriously when she first told him that she wanted to race. She was so young. But the minute he saw the talent she had, he didn’t hesitate.

“At first, yeah, she was good,” he said.

“But by the end of that first season, she was winning. That’s a pretty fast advancement for any racer, especially someone her age.”

Seven years later, Yaakov is beating competitors who are three or four times her age. She said the adrenaline and speed are her favorite parts of competition.

“I got my first championship when I was 5, and it felt really good,” Yaakov said.

“I love winning and beating other people.

It doesn’t matter if it’s boys or girls— that’s my motivation.”

In 2017, Yaakov was recognized as the 2016 AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year for her impressive efforts on the track, winning multiple classes.

She currently races Honda 250 GP style

bikes. These are full-size bikes, so Yaakov sometimes struggles with her weight and height while riding. But he said she doesn’t let that stop her.

One of her most prominent abilities is being able to adapt, overcome obstacles and win.

“Our pit always has people in it coming over to talk to Kayla and about her racing,” David said. “They can never believe her size and how fast she is.

Sometimes, I forget how fast and talented she really is. It’s a nice reminder when I see the lap times and know she’s out there doing what she loves.”

Both Yaakov and her father are confident her future will involve motorcycles. She hopes she can inspire other girls her age to start racing or riding motorcycles, “because there is nothing to be scared of.”

“I want to be World Superbike champion or MotoGP champion,” Yaakov said. “I think all girls and everyone should race motorcycles. If they try it then they will love it.”

Hartman Benzon

The Next Generation

KAYLA YAAKOV

showed that. She was beating the boys and finishing up front at events, such as the AMA Winter Nationals in Florida.

“I could hear people say, ‘Oh! That’s a girl!’ when I’d come around the track,” Jacques said. “I was just about the only girl racing motocross on the East Coast that was getting the results I was, so most of these guys had never seen a girl ride, let alone beat them.”

Although Jacques was turning out impressive results, she found herself battling mental road blocks and lacking confidence. She realized the pressure she was putting on herself to win was both mentally and physically unhealthy.

“I felt like I had to beat the boys to prove myself,” Jacques said.

Jacques said she now realizes the pressure she put on herself to win took away the comfort she found in riding.

“I changed my perception,” she said.

“Instead of trying to be the best at something, I began simply doing the best I could on any given day. I didn’t have to win anymore to feel good about myself.”

After that revelation, Jacques decided to help empower other women through motorcycling.

She now owns and operates ADV Woman, a riding school devoted to instilling confidence in women by teaching them to ride off-road.

Jacques also organizes an annual adventure ride for women through Back Country Discovery Routes and encourages riders of all skill levels to take part in the ride.

In her spare time, Jacques advocates on behalf of female riders. She said raising awareness is the key to expanding the industry and convincing more woman to ride.

“Women are at a pivotal point in history,” Jacques said. “What’s important to remember—and what a lot of women can learn from riding a motorcycle—is that we, as women, are worth far more than what we think of ourselves. We do not need to ask for permission. We do not need to apologize. And we need to do more of what makes us happy, which for a lot of us is riding or racing motorcycles!”

February 2018

19

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A Minority Within A Minority When she was younger, Dr. Laura Ellis never would have guessed that she would be riding a motorcycle or owning her own road racing team.

“I was a science nerd,” Ellis said. “I love biology and chemistry, and that’s eventually what led me down the path to working in the private sector of the [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and then, eventually, to medical school to be a surgeon.”

Aside from her academic and professional background, Ellis had an interest in high-adrenaline and extreme sports and enjoyed rock climbing and mountain biking.

When she was in her early 30s, Ellis got involved with motorcycles after some of her friends who raced cars sparked her interest in motorsports. She eventually decided to hop on a motorcycle herself and began riding recreationally on the street before participating in some road racing schools and local club races.

The competition interested her, because she’s always had a drive to win and be good at whatever she is doing. She said that same interest is what made her want to be a doctor.

“Women are a minority in both medicine and motorcycles,” Ellis said. “As a woman, I do not want to be seen as helpless. I want to be respected and show others why they should respect me. This meant knowing my worth and then showing my work ethic and ability to others.”

After graduating from medical school, Ellis found herself operating on professional athletes. Her interests in sports and medicine began to merge.

As a result, she decided to officially combine her passions for motorcycles and racing with science and medicine by working as a sports physician for a racing team in the MotoAmerica series.

“I had been introduced to the series and was incredibly impressed with the talent of the racers,” Ellis said. “I became very intrigued and began thinking of ways I could use my knowledge and experience to help these athletes reach peak physical performance and help them become even faster.”

Ellis began running tests and focusing on aspects of health and fitness that few trainers or physicians in the racing series had considered.

She conducted brainwave testing, monitored energy levels and mental and emotional readiness. She did extensive research on concussions and the effects concussions can have on a racer’s mental ability.

“It was intimidating at first, because it fueled a lot of adversity,” Ellis said. “But I came in wanting to learn and help—not with my hands on my hips like I knew everything.

Eventually, I became accustomed to [the industry] and showed people that we should direct our attention to the mental wellbeing of these athletes, if we want them to advance.”

Today, Ellis remains one of the few female MotoAmerica team owners, while still keeping her primary focus on the racers and their fitness.

Ellis hopes to raise knowledge within the sport and sports medicine practices. She believes road racing can be raised to the same level as other professional sports by emphasizing the riders and their mental abilities at the top of their game.

“I don’t really think making a difference has anything to do with gender,” Ellis said. “It is more important to prove to others your worth through your work ethic.”

Matthew Franklin Carter

DR. LAURA ELLIS

RIDING

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RIDING

Spectators at “Hole in the Wall”

Finn and Rory Anson

OF RACETRACKS AND ROCK ‘N’ ROLL A Trip To The Ulster GP

By Rory Anson

Led Zeppelin has always been my favorite rock band. And, like a lot of kids growing up in the 1970s and ‘80s, I spent the bulk of my teen years attached to a cheap Radio Shack all-in-one stereo via those foam and plastic headphones with the coiled cord.

I’d pore over every detail of every Zep album (except Coda, because that one didn’t count). When I discovered that the otherworldly, hexagonal rock formation on the cover of the “Houses of the Holy” album was a real place in Ireland, I knew that I’d go there someday. Almost 40 years later, that someday came.

But it wasn’t a Zeppelin-inspired pilgrimage to the Giant’s Causeway that brought me and my 14-year-old son, Finn, to Northern Ireland. It was the Ulster Grand Prix, a 7.4-mile course that’s been held on the country roads at Dundrod, just outside of Belfast, since 1922.

The Ulster GP is one in a series of road races held every year between April and September that includes the Cookstown

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100, the North West 200, Kells and Armoy.

Initially, I’d considered going to the Isle of Man TT, a hugely popular motorcycling bucket list destination. And, while the thought of spending several days on an island in the Irish Sea -- drinking beer with a bunch of like-minded motorcycle enthusiasts watching world-class riders whiz by at death-defying speeds -sounded like a great time, it wasn’t what this was about.

This was a father-son trip, the race being just one of many things we’d experience during our two weeks in Ireland. It was an attempt to create some memories with Finn before he started high school and went headlong into his own adolescent vortex.

The UGP seemed like the perfect opportunity for us to experience our first Irish road race, family-style.

Since we’d be in the neighborhood, we could also check out the Giant’s Causeway, visit with relatives in Belfast,

and—who knows—maybe someone might have his first pint.

We arrived at Dundrod for Saturday’s races shortly before the roads closed and found our way to the hospitality tent. I’d figured that, since we were traveling all the way from Oregon, we might as well do it in style, so I sprung for the VIP package.

Breakfast and lunch were provided, along with two fully stocked bars and a great view of the track, as well as a jumbo screen to watch the action unfold.

Between races there were interviews with current and veteran riders, music and plenty of comic relief, courtesy of the emcee. I can’t recall her name, but she was hilarious. As they say in Ireland, it was great craic.

The first race of the day was delayed for about an hour to allow a few remaining wet patches time to dry. Once conditions were favorable, all the competitors took a

RIDING

lap in honor of retiring road racing medic Dr. Fred McSorley.

Then, it was time.

Motorcycles assembled on the grid, engines revving, the crowd pumped. It was electric.

Billed as “The World’s Fastest Road Race,” the Ulster GP features riders routinely hitting speeds approaching 200 mph, as they come screaming through the Flying Kilo into the first corner at Leathemstown.

Catching air over Deer’s Leap, their rear wheels once again make that scary, wobbly contact with the road, just like we’ve all seen on YouTube.

Narrowly missing the stone walls, signposts and hedges along the way, their dragging knees rustle the grass through Wheeler’s Corner, and then they slow into Lindsay Hairpin before throttling past spectators eagerly awaiting their blurred arrival in the Joey Dunlop Grandstands.

Before the racing started, we happened to strike up a conversation with a man who turned out to be a longtime sponsor of the event. He invited us to join his group to watch the Superbike race from Deer’s Leap.

With precious little time between races, a dozen of us scrambled through the paddock, piled into a little Transit van and bounced our way up a narrow lane, before jumping from the van. We ran like hell across the track with about five seconds to spare before they closed the road. “C’mon Yanks, run!” was all I remembered hearing.

The vantage point at Deer’s Leap is essentially a gravel drive between a couple of houses, along what any other day would be a quiet country byway.

First, you hear what sounds like the faint hum of a swarm of yellow jackets.

The volume slowly increases as you catch sight of them, at speeds now north of 160 mph and climbing.

Finn and I were not much more than arm’s length away as we watched Bruce Anstey, Peter Hickman, Dean Harrison and Michael Dunlop fly by in a flash, leaving only a breeze in their wake. I’ll never forget the look on Finn’s face after that first wave of bikes came roaring through. That’s the experience I was after!

All in all, it was a spectacular day of racing. Peter Hickman scored a hat trick, winning the Superstock and both Supersport races. Veteran Anstey took the top spot in the first of two Superbike races, after an epic back-and-forth with Hicky, who took second.

Thanks to our new friends, we were able to take in the second Supersport race from “Hole in the Wall” at Wheeler’s Corner, watching a thrilling Supertwin battle from the podium.

Clerk of the Course, Noel Johnston, and his crew put on a sensational day of

racing, and we couldn’t have asked for a better time.

The friendly and relaxed atmosphere at the UGP was amazing. The paddock is open to fans, and the riders are very accessible. We were able to meet and take photos with many of our favorite racers.

The cherry on top was meeting “The Flying Kiwi,” Bruce Anstey, who gave Finn an autographed knee slider. What an awesome guy. I’ll bet Bruce likes Led Zeppelin. Next year I’ll ask him.

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RIDING

THE ROAD TO LORETTA’S

Dates Announced For Motocross Qualifiers, Regional Championships

Jon Atkins

The famed Road to Loretta’s kicks off in February with racers competing to qualify for the 2018 Rocky Mountain ATV/ MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, presented by Lucas Oil, on July 30-Aug. 4 at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

Competing in AMA Area Qualifiers is the first step along the road to Loretta’s. The 58 area qualifiers begin in February and run through the end of May,

spanning 35 states. Racers of all ages can compete in various engine displacement classes, from 50cc to 450cc, in hopes of moving on to a Regional Championship.

AMA Regional Championships provide the next step in seeding riders into the annual championship. Only riders who finish in a qualifying position at one of the 13 regional championship events are eligible to race in the national championship event at Loretta Lynn’s.

This year’s lineup includes many historic tracks, such as Unadilla MX and High Point Raceway in the Northeast. Racing also returns to other favorites, such as the Southeast’s Muddy Creek Raceway, RedBud MX in the Mid-East and Thunder Valley MX Park in the South-Central region.

For the full schedule of AMA Area Qualifiers and AMA Regional Championships, check the calendar starting on page 38.

AND THE AMA NATIONAL NO. 1 PLATE GOES TO … THE SNOW?

AMA Snow Bike Series To Award AMA National Championships For The First Time Snow bike racing has quickly become a popular discipline in motorcycle competition, gaining the attention of many well-known amateur and professional motorcycle racers, and getting its own event at the X-Games.

In 2017, the AMA sanctioned its first-ever snow bike series, with the help of R & R Productions, and experienced great success throughout the seven-round series.

As a result, in 2018 the AMA Snow Bike Series will be recognized as an AMA National Championship series and will award an AMA National No. 1 plate to the top finisher of each national class at the conclusion of the series.

Snow bikes swap out wheels and knobby tires for a front ski for steering,

and a high-performance snowmobilestyle track in the rear for traction. Riders compete on a motocross-inspired halfmile track of jumps, banks, right and left hand turns and whoops.

“We are excited to continue working with R & R Promotions to provide an AMA National Championship series for snow bike racers in 2018,” AMA Motocross Manager Ricky Rickords said.

“The expansion of snow bike racing during the past year has been very promising, and we look forward to the continued growth and popularity of the sport in the future.”

For the full 2018 AMA Snow Bike National Championship Series schedule, check the calendar starting on page 38.

MEET JON STONE, NEW JERSEY STATE CHAPTER COORDINATOR Volunteer, Activist, Ready To Make A Difference

AMA EAGLES members who Jonathan Stone has been have completed the Education, selected to be New Jersey’s Activism, Growth, Expertise state coordinator for the and Skills sections of AMA AMA State Chapters and EAGLES training and have Volunteer Network. Stone, completed, or are currently 34, of Gillette, N.J., became working on, the Leadership an advocate in 2016 when Jonathan Stone segment. he called a state senator to State coordinators work with oppose a planned tax hike for the AMA, individual AMA members and gasoline.

AMA District membership to recognize He is an AMA member who completed challenges and threats to motorcycling the AMA EAGLES program. And he is a and the motorcycle lifestyle, to member of ABATE of the Garden State. disseminate information, and to identify Stone is one of four state coordinators opportunities for AMA volunteers to who have been selected for the program. make a difference in the motorcycling and Each letter of the EAGLES acronym greater community. stands for an important element of For more information, visit www. advocacy: Education, Activism, Growth, americanmotorcyclist.com/For-Members/ Leadership, Expertise, Skills.

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The AMA is giving away sound testing kits to AMA Districts, club members and New gear, others who educate riders about sound. downloadable The kits contain a Type 2 sound catalog & more meter, a tachometer, training materials, a specials online! spark-arrestor probe, personal protective aerostich.com/ama ©Aerostich 2017 Photo: Pedro Saldarriaga equipment and a storage case.

Kits are awarded through a competitive grant process. Ten kits will be awarded in 12/18/17 2018. Applicants must complete a form aero ama 02_2018.indd 1 and return it to the AMA by March 31.

Alpinestars,SIDI, Gaerne, Fox and more!

Forms and additional information are available from Steve Salisbury, ALSO FACTORY RESOLE OF TECH 3, 7, & 10 BOOTS government affairs manager for offFREE Return Shipping highway issues at (202) 220-1390; or at ssalisbury@ama-cycle.org.

Applications are considered twice. So, those who submitted applications in 2017 but were not selected, need not submit applications to be considered for 2018.

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HARE SCRAMBLES

‘Wild’ Willy Palmer Wraps Up Title Willy Palmer secured the AMA East Hare Scramble Championship, after taking the win at the final round of the series in Axton, Va., on Nov. 12.

2016 AMA East Hare Scrambles Champion Kyle McDonal got out to an early lead after grabbing the holeshot and remained up front for most of the race.

Back in fourth place, Palmer was battling with Brandon Nero for third, until a crash from Mario Testa in second, moved both Nero and Palmer near the front, just behind McDonal.

Nero stole the lead from McDonal for part of lap two, but it was ultimately Palmer who took the checkered flag, after emerging from the woods in first on lap three.

McDonal grabbed the final spot on the podium, finishing third, just behind Nero, who claimed second place at the finish line.

GRAND PRIX

Mark Kariya

and Associates, LLC

RACE RECAPS

Lonski

Duvall Gets Win, Bell Wraps Up Championship Thad Duvall secured the win at the last round of the AMA District 37/ Maxxis Big 6 Grand Prix Series in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., on Dec. 10.

Duvall was able to grab the win with a come-from-behind performance, passing five-time AMA GNCC Series Champion Kailub Russell with just two laps remaining.

Russell was able hold down second place until crossing the finish line, just ahead of third-place finisher Eric Yorba, who secured third place in the championship points race.

With a fifth-place finish on the day, Zach Bell clenched the AMA District 37/Maxxis Big 6 Grand Prix Series Championship.

Trevor Stewart finished second overall in series championship points.

MOTOCROSS

Throwing Dirt On Thanksgiving Stilez Robertson took the 250 B Limited Motocross AMA Championship at the 2017 Winter Olympics in Alachua, Fla. Robertson grabbed the holeshot on the start of the final moto and never looked back, setting the fastest lap time and leading every lap until taking the checkered flag.

Oklahoma’s Jesse Flock quickly moved through the pack and, by the third lap, had positioned himself behind Luke Neese in second.

Neese eventually succumbed to Flock’s pressure, allowing Flock to take home second place. Neese finished third.

Mark Kariya

RIDING

2018 FIM ISDE MOVES TO NOVEMBER Qualify To Compete On A Club Team

The 2018 FIM International Six Days Enduro, the world’s largest annual off-road motorcycle competition, will now take place on Nov. 12-17 in VIña del Mar, Chile. The event was originally scheduled on Oct. 22-27 at the same location.

The ISDE began as the International Six Day Trial in 1913 and, ever since, countries have been sending their best off-road racers to exotic locations around the world to be tested on some of the most difficult terrains in hopes of winning the World Trophy.

Countries can send a number of teams to the event.

The World Trophy Team features four riders that compete for the

world title, along with the Junior Trophy and Women’s Trophy Teams which each feature three riders.

In addition, each country can send a number club teams. Teams compete for team honors, while individual riders race for gold, silver or bronze medals, which are based on a rider’s finishing time relative to the leader.

The ISDE East and West Qualifier Series is used to determine who will compete on six of the seven three-member national U.S. Club Teams. The top seven riders from both the East and West Qualifier Series, as well as one additional rider selected by the AMA ISDE Advisory Committee, will take the positions.

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