The All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) protects ATVers’ right to ride. It also serves as a source of authoritative information about where and how to ride, products and events. The ATVA is part of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), the world’s most powerful voice for motorcyclists. ATVA Enthusiast membership is $49 a year. A Competition membership is $49 a year. For more information call toll free (800) 262-5646 or check us out online at ATVAonline.com.
THE ATVA NEWS TEAM
Bill
Kresnak Editor
Jeffrey Guciardo Designer/Production Coordinator
ATVA News is published bimonthly by the All-Terrain Vehicle Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the ATVA. Printed in USA. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited materials. Send story ideas and high-resolution photos to editor@ ATVAonline.com. You may see them in ATVA News. Be sure to include your name and phone number.
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INSIDE
FEATURE
09 YAMAHA ACES WALKER FOWLER AND TRACI CECCO Cover photo provided by Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
DEPARTMENTS
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
We want to create value for you as an ATVA member, and over the past decade we’ve created a number of member benefits that include discounts on numerous products and services. Now, we are also giving you 12
issues of American Motorcyclist magazine in addition to your six issues of ATVA News. With American Motorcyclist, you can check the calendar of events to find ATV races, rallies and other events in your state or region each month.
Want to share a photo? Send it with your name to editor@ATVAonline.com.
Backyard Riding
By Royce Wood, AMA/ATVA government affairs manager
All too often, the ATVA and American Motorcyclist Association receive calls from frantic property owners who find themselves facing legal challenges they never expected—challenges to their right to ride ATVs or dual-sport motorcycles on their own property.
Sometimes the property owner has had prior conversations with neighbors or police. Other times, seemingly out of the blue, the property owner is served with a “cease and desist” order, a fine notice or even worse—a summons.
And this scenario isn’t limited to commercial track owners. Even private property owners who have been riding on their own property for years are finding themselves on the defensive end of these disputes.
While we receive dozens of these calls every year, each situation is unique, and, unfortunately, that means there is no “out of the box” solution.
What makes each situation unique is the fact that in the 50 states, more than 4,500 individual counties, and a plethora of cities, townships, villages, etc., there are literally thousands of different laws and zoning requirements.
Each property is subject to the rules that govern the specific area in which the property is located.
When problems arise, property owners are often at a loss for what to do.
If you are faced with this situation, your first step should be to initiate a reasonable conversation with your neighbors. Regardless of his or her attitude, it is paramount that you remain calm and polite. Often the complaint stems from one or two issues: noise and/ or dust.
Excessive sound is the most common of these issues. Keep in mind that the ATVA’s and AMA’s current maximum decibel rating for racing is 96 dBA for a
two-stroke and 94 dBA for a four-stroke engine, as determined by using the SAE J1287 measurement procedure.
Can all the engines running on the property meet at least that standard? If the answer to that question is unknown, conduct a sound testing procedure, which is outlined in the AMA Racing Rules, available at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing > Rules.
The tester will also need access to a properly calibrated Type 2 (or better) sound meter. There is some cost to obtaining such a meter, but it is generally far less expensive than a legal battle.
Even if there are no issues with sound, it is a good idea to know the sound levels of the vehicles using the property. Taking these measurements and ensuring vehicles conform to reasonable sound standards is an excellent preemptive measure.
If noise is an issue, it’s important to consider what steps you can take to reduce the sound level coming from your property. Often quieter mufflers and/or restricted riding hours will go a long way towards resolving a neighbor’s complaint.
Landscaping—such as creating a berm—can provide a sound barrier while also reducing dust. Planting a row of trees and lightly watering dry trails before riding can also help reduce dust. Your local agricultural extension agent may have additional strategies.
However, caution must be exercised when moving large amounts of earth. If you intentionally change the terrain to create valleys and jumps for your offhighway vehicles, you might discover that you have illegally converted a private “trail” to a “track”—an insignificant distinction to you, perhaps, but not to your local zoning board.
Permits are often needed to make these changes.
If you discover that there is a problem after the earth has been moved, there may be a legal remedy for the situation. It may be as simple as paying an additional fee, or as difficult as paying a hefty fine and reversing the work that was done.
That’s why it is always best to check with the local authorities before making these types of changes to property.
If you have tried unsuccessfully to negotiate with your neighbors, or if legal action has already been initiated, you should consult an attorney.
Because of the number of issues at hand, it’s best to find a qualified attorney with zoning and land-use experience. If you don’t have an attorney, get a referral by calling the local chapter of the American Bar Association or from the ABA Lawyer Referral Directory.
Once retained, an attorney can advise you on the best course of action based on applicable law and your desires and budget.
If the law is on your side, the attorney can prepare a statement to that effect and the entire issue may be dropped. If the opposite is true, the attorney will advise you on decisions regarding your property.
Of course, the simplest course of action is to avoid complaints altogether.
ON TRACK
U.S. House Approves Dust Measure
Bill Would Help Protect Off-Road Riding
Rural “nuisance dust” would be regulated by state and local officials rather than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under a bill approved by the U.S. House on Dec. 8.
The House approved the bill by a 268-to-150 bipartisan vote. The measure—H.R.1633, the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011—is now in the Senate for consideration.
The bill would bring much-needed certainty to the off-highway vehicle (OHV) community by exempting rural nuisance dust from EPA regulation and allowing states and localities to regulate it, says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.
“Allowing the EPA to regulate rural dust rather than state and local officials who know the areas well could lead to de facto bans of OHV use on
TAKE ACTION
ATVAonline.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation
racetracks, in designated recreation areas, on trails and even on private property all across this country,” Allard says. “That’s why it’s critical that this measure pass the full Congress.”
The EPA staff and its Clean Air Science Advisory Council—in its review of the national ambient air quality standards that is required every five years under the federal Clean Air Act—recommended that the EPA administrator consider imposing a much tighter particulate matter (PM) standard for nuisance dust.
In a letter dated Oct. 14 to Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson indicated she doesn’t support the staff and Clean Air Science Advisory Council position.
Despite Jackson’s statement, the ATVA and AMA are concerned about the likelihood of a tougher PM standard, and, therefore, support the passage of H.R. 1633.
To ask your senator to support the bill, go to ATVAonline.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation, then enter your zip code in the “Find your Officials” box.
Yamaha Announces Its 2012 ATV Race Team
Champs Walker Fowler and Traci Cecco Back
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has confirmed its 2012 ATV race team with top-level racers who will compete in the country’s best motocross and cross country series.
Yamaha’s cross country team will again be led by ATV racing legend Bill Ballance as team owner and manager of Ballance Racing. Taylor Kiser, who took third overall in the 2011 XC1 Pro class, is back on blue again for 2012 and looking to build momentum.
Walker Fowler, the 2011 AMA ATV Racer of the Year and XC2 Pro-Am champ, will move up to join Kiser in the XC1 Pro class for 2012.
Eight-time Women’s Champion Traci Cecco, who recaptured the No. 1 plate in 2011, will also return to cross country competition and continue her run as the most successful women in all of ATV racing while battling for a record ninth overall championship.
Returning to the Yamaha QuadX Series is five-time and reigning Pro champion Dustin Nelson.
In the AMA ATV Motocross series, Thomas Brown is returning to Yamaha after finishing fifth in 2011. For 2012, Brown will be joined in the AMA ATV series by Chad Wienen and his Wienen Motorsports YFZ450R.
“Yamaha focused its efforts in the off-season to further strengthen our team and trackside support programs,” says Donnie Luce, Yamaha ATV/Off-Road racing coordinator. “2011 was a great year of ATV championships and record seasons, and we expect 2012 is going to be another exciting season for Yamaha’s ATV racing programs.”
Walker Fowler
Photos Amy McConnell
Online ATV Safety Training
Training Available In Iowa, Idaho And Elsewhere
Several states, including Iowa, allow ATV safety education online through ATVCourse.com.
The course, developed by Fresh Air Educators, Inc., features a narrative and interactive study guide as well as visual exam and quiz questions. Iowa riders between the ages of 12 and 17 must have an education certificate to ride an ATV on public land or public ice.
Fresh Air Educators also offers classes for Idaho, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah and Wisconsin through ATVCourse.com.
At the end of the five-chapter ATV course—which includes practice quizzes after each chapter—students complete a 60-question multiple-choice ATV safety certificate exam to receive the ATV education certificate or ATV license, depending on the state.
2012 Amateur Racing Rulebook Available
Easily Downloaded Online
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) invites racers to download the official 2012 AMA Amateur Competition Rulebook, available now at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing > Rulebooks.
The 2012 rulebook covers amateur, Pro-Am, standard and youth competition in motocross, off-road racing, track racing and ATV racing. It details rider and motorcycle eligibility, equipment standards, meet rules, points, class advancement and more.
The 203-page rulebook, which took effect Jan. 1, is provided for the exclusive use of ATVA and AMA members and ATVAand AMA-chartered clubs and promoters.
“The AMA’s history is rooted in
nearly nine decades of amateur motorcycle competition, and the collective wisdom of that experience is reflected only in the AMA Amateur Competition Rulebook,” says AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “When you compete at these events, you can rest assured that the governing rules provide the gold standard of fair and orderly competition.”
The AMA Racing Amateur Competition Rulebook is complemented by a host of supplemental rules that cover National Championship Series and Grand Championship Events. Supplemental rules packages for 2011 will be published as they become available at AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Ask The ATV Safety Institute
Uphill Trouble
YOU ASK: If I’m riding up a steep hill and the motor stalls, how do I get back down the hill safely?
THE ASI RESPONDS: If the engine stalls, first you need to ensure that your ATV doesn’t roll backward. Follow these steps:
• Keep your weight uphill and apply the brakes smoothly to come to a stop.
• Apply the parking brake while keeping your weight uphill.
• Dismount on the uphill side or to a side if pointed straight uphill. Then, since manufacturers may have different recommendations for turning their ATVs around on a hill, follow the procedures described in your owner’s manual. Never attempt to coast or ride backward down a hill. If you begin rolling backward, do not apply the rear brake
abruptly. Using only the rear brake, or using the rear brake abruptly, could cause the ATV to roll over backward. If you begin rolling backward follow these steps:
• Keep your weight uphill and apply the front brake. If your ATV has linked brakes or if you are in four-wheel drive—either condition effectively brakes the rear wheels when you apply the front brake— follow the procedures described in your owner’s manual.
• When you have come to a complete stop, apply the rear brake. Then apply the parking brake and dismount on the uphill side. If pointed straight uphill, dismount to either side.
• If the ATV continues to roll backward, dismount to the uphill side immediately. Do your best to avoid a stalling situation by downshifting quickly as soon as your engine starts lugging while climbing a hill, or turning around on the hill if there’s enough room.
ATV Safety Institute Offers Two-Part ATV RiderCourse
The ATV Safety Institute (ASI) has a new version of its internationally recognized ATV RiderCourse in select states.
Leveraging ASI’s award-winning ATV e-Course online education program, the new ATV RiderCourse reaches more riders because students have the flexibility of taking half the course at home at their own pace.
Students choose one of three ageappropriate modules. Users can bookmark the course, take a break and resume later from where they left off.
After completing the e-Course, the riding component teaches students riding skills on a training range.
The new riding skills development component complements the knowledge and judgment skills obtained online.
The first part is the ATV e-Course, which requires about two hours to complete and focuses on general ATV knowledge and riding fundamentals as
well as the ASI’s Golden Rules:
• Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves.
• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never carry a passenger on a singlerider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people.
• Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.
• Supervise riders younger than 16 because ATVs are not toys.
• Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
• Take the ATV RiderCourse and the free online e-Course.
For more information, go to ATVSafety. org or call (800) 887-2887.
• Never ride on paved roads except to cross when done safely and permitted by law—another vehicle could hit you. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway.
WHERE TO RIDE
Pipestone OHV Recreation Area
Whitehall, Montana
The Pipestone OHV Recreation Area near Whitehall, Mont., is a mecca for ATV riders not only in Montana, but also from neighboring states.
That’s because the 175,000-acre riding area boasts 75 miles of trails used by ATV riders, motorcyclists, mountain bikers and others.
The U.S. Forest Service manages 147,000 acres of the land, while the federal Bureau of Land Management controls the other 28,000 acres.
Open year round, weather permitting, this riding area boasts forest and elevations of 4,500 to 5,500
feet. The smooth trails are marked but not rated.
A Montana off-highway vehicle permit is required to ride the trails, as well as a spark arrester. Also, your ATV must meet a 96-decibel sound limit.
Flags aren’t required, and there are no fees.
For more information, contact the Bureau of Land Management Butte Field Office, 106 N. Parkmont, Butte, MT 59701, (406) 533-7600, or BLM.gov.
For information about Montana OHV regulations, go to www.fwp.mt.gov.
Iowa’s Gypsum City OHV Park May Expand
Officials Consider Adding 800 Acres
The Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park near Fort Dodge, Iowa, may be expanding.
The 300-acre park, in Webster County just southeast of Fort Dodge, boasts 15 miles of trails. Officials and residents are now discussing adding another 800 acres. Besides trails, the park features a 1.5-mile
motocross track, a kids’ track and a beginner/ safety training area.
The park is built on former mining land and is maintained by the Webster County Wheelers club.
The Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park is located at 2390 Mill Road, just off U.S. Highway 20.
Young Gun Walker Fowler
The Pro-Am Phenom Is Stepping Up In 2012
At a star-studded celebration of amateur racers in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 20, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) named Walker Fowler as its 2011 AMA ATV Athlete of the Year.
Fowler was the most dominant rider in the history of XC2 Pro-Am class competition in the cross country series. He won every round of the offroad racing series.
We caught up with Fowler to ask him about his season and his plans for 2012.
ATVA News: Congratulations on earning the XC2 championship and being named the AMA ATV Athlete of the Year. How does it feel?
Walker Fowler: Thank you! The XC2 championship felt really awesome. It was a goal I had for two years and finally achieved it. But then to be named AMA ATV Athlete of the Year was incredible. It made all the hard work that the Ballance Racing/ Yamaha Team and I put into 2011 beyond worth it. They feel as honored as I do.
AN: For those who don’t know you: How old are you, and what is your hometown?
WF: I am 19, born and raised in the small town of Rogers, Ohio.
AN: Obviously, you and the Yamaha team really clicked this year, because you won all your events.
WF: The Yamaha YFZ450X is the most comfortable machine I’ve ever thrown a leg over. When you are confident
about your equipment, it allows you to solely focus your efforts on riding with no worries about the ATV. If anyone has never ridden one, when they do they will find themselves buying one. It’s extremely competitive in performance and price!
As for as the Ballance Racing/ Yamaha Team, I couldn’t ask for a better combination to help me achieve my goals. Broc Booth, my mechanic, is the MAN! Thirteen for 13 wins says a lot
about his dedication to building and maintaining an ATV.
Team Manager Bill Ballance obviously knows his stuff. He is the nine-time cross country champion for a reason and has our 450X setup dialed in.
Finally, my teammates Taylor Kiser and Thomas Brown are awesome dudes. They keep it fun around the shop, we push each other to the limits in training, and our on-track results this year prove we have a very strong team.
AN: Describe your season, the ups and downs. That is, if there were any downs.
WF: This season was that “dream season” I thought was only a dream. Words can’t describe it, honestly. The idea going into 2011 was to take it one race at a time, one lap at a time, one decision at a time.
In 2010, I rushed into it and didn’t use my head, except plowing it into the ground (ha ha!). The only time I struggled this year was at local races, and if you are going to make errors and have issues, you might as well do it closer to home.
But in all, 2011 was smooth and I couldn’t have asked for it to go any better.
AN: What do you like about the cross country series?
WF: They’re very fast-paced and all about split-second decisions. The fastest rider will not win the race, but the smartest one will. The courses are extremely rough and the challenge of going two hours as hard as you can push yourself, with as few mistakes as you can make, is what keeps me coming back.
It’s also a great family atmosphere and even though it’s a serious event, we all try to make it as fun as we can. Why do it if it’s not fun? The level of competition, the fan base, and the entire weekend’s activities are second to none.
CAREER ATV RACING RESULTS
2011 – XC2 Pro-Am Champion
2010 – XC2 Pro-Am 2nd place
2009 – College A (16-21) Champion
2008 – Schoolboy (13-15) Champion
2007 - Schoolboy (13-15) Champion
2006 - 90cc Modified (12-15) Champion
AN: What are your plans for 2012?
WF: I am moving up to the premier XC1 Pro Division, running the No. 5 plate, and looking forward to battling for a legitimate overall against the premier ATV riders in our sport. I hope to use my experience from the XC2 class the last two seasons to stay in the top five overall in my pro rookie year.
AM: How will you spend the offseason?
WF: I will be headed down to Florida where a lot of the top cross country pros already are. My teammates have a place down there, so I will meet up with them and get to work. I’ll be riding and training every day in hopes that when March rolls around, I can be a contender in 2012.
AN: What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time unrelated to ATVs?
WF: Free time? Ha ha! In all seriousness, you have to take a break every now and then to clear the mind. I like to go mountain biking. I have a Jeep that hasn’t seen mud in a while but that’s the intended purpose.
Recently, the team convinced me to get a shotgun, so we’ve been shooting sporting clays quite a bit. I’m awful but I enjoy it. And during summer break from the cross country series, it’s nice to throw a leg over a YZ125 dirt-scooter and tear up the local motocross tracks.
AN: Who are your sponsors? Who would you like to thank?
WF: I would personally like to thank Ballance Racing, Yamaha, Maxxis, Ohlins, FMF, Hiper Wheels, Fasst Co., Leatt, GYTR, JB Racing, Dragon Fuels, Vortex Ignitions, Moto Xperts, Wiseco, Pro Armor, Pro Taper, G4 graphics, Fly racing, Scott Goggles, Cycra, IMS, Tire Balls, Works Connection, Yamalube, Precision Stabilizers, DP Brakes, Outerwears and Antigravity Batteries.
Traci Cecco: Cross Country Women’s Champion
She’s Won Eight Championships. Will She Go For A Ninth?
Veteran ATV racer
Traci Cecco is back on top and feeling good.
Cecco, 36, of Shamokin, Pa., captured her eighth Women’s Division title in the cross country series in 2011 despite some tough years and very serious competition.
“I’ve won a lot of championships but this one really takes the cake,” Cecco says. “I struggled for two years and started to really have my doubts, asking myself: ‘Do I still have what it takes to win?’”
But during the off-season going into the 2011 campaign, Cecco and her crew did a lot of testing and she revamped her training program.
Then, at the first race of the 2011 cross country season, Cecco finished third. At the next race, she finished second. In the third race, she finished first.
“Everything started to click,” she says,
Photos Amy McConnell
Lexie Coulter won two events on her way to fourth in the cross country Women’s class. Photo: Amy McConnell/ITP.
Adam McGill is running the No. 2 plate in 2012, having put in an outstanding cross country XC1 Pro season. Photo: Amy McConnell/ITP.
Angel Atwell came up just a few points short of winning her second cross country Women’s title. Photo: Amy McConnell/ITP.
HOT SHOTS
The Year in Racing
Patrick McGuire had several outstanding cross country XC2 Pro-Am rides to tally fifth in the final standings.
Photo: Amy McConnell/ITP.
Chris Bithell was a tough cross country XC1 Pro contender all season, and ended up fourth in points. Photo: Amy McConnell/ITP.
2012 Kawasaki Prairie 360 4x4
Kawasaki says that its 2012 Prairie 360 4x4 is a versatile leader in the mid-sized category that ably mixes work and R&R. Whether the day calls for serious chore duty or a serious amount of fun, this ATV can handle the job. Its torquey and dependable single-cylinder engine, Kawasaki Automatic Powerdrive System with engine brake control and variable locking front differential control all combine to give users the power and control they look for in an ATV. The Prairie 360 features a 362cc engine with a continuously variable transmission with high, low and reverse gears. The MacPherson strut front suspension and preload adjustable rear shock handle suspension duties. And shaft drive means minimal maintenance.
MSRP: $6,199
Info: Kawasaki.com
LokSaks Keep Things Dry
LokSaks are durable, re-sealable, waterproof, food-safe envelopes made from an entirely different kind of material than “plastic” bags. Aerostich says the material is thicker, softer, a bit rubberier and much more durable to keep your wallet and stuff dry. Tough enough to handle years of use, they are available in three packs in sizes 5 inches by 4 inches up to 12 inches by 12 inches.
MSRP: $7 to $12
Info: Aerostich.com
Pursuit Handwarmers Keep You Riding
A rider’s hands can be one of the hardest things to keep warm on those cold rides through the backwoods. The Pursuit Handwarmers from NRA by Moose Utility Division provide the ultimate solution. The highquality 600-dernier nylon ensures water resistance and makes cleaning simple. Available in multiple styles, these handwarmers also feature built-in pockets for warming packets to further guarantee warmth. Overall dimensions: 16 inches wide by 14 inches long.
MSRP: $28.95 Black, $31.95 Mossy Oak Break-up or RealTree APHD Info: MooseUtilities.com
Florida’s Jeffrey Rastrelli came out on top of a hard-fought Pro-Am Unlimited MX championship battle.
CALENDAR
The following is a listing of events sanctioned by the ATVA. To find the events nearest you, locate your state and contact the promoter for complete details.
ALABAMA
MOTOCROSS
MAR 24-25: PELL CITY: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM
CALIFORNIA
EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES
MAR 10-11: LUCERNE VALLEY: HUNTINGTON BEACH MC, (661) 510-3245, HUNTINGTONBEACHMC.COM
GRAND PRIX
MAR 31-APR1: 29 PALMS: HILLTOPPERS MC, (714) 898-4557, HILLTOPPERSMC.COM
HARE & HOUND
FEB 26: LUCERNE VALLEY: CHECKERS MC, (760) 341-5724, CHECKERSMC.COM
SCRAMBLES
MAR 25: RIDGECREST: DIRT DIGGERS-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, , DIRDIGGERSMC. COM
ILLINOIS
HARE SCRAMBLES
FEB 26: KEITHSBURG: BURLINGTON VALLEY DUSTERS, (319) 753-6961, IERA
IOWA
MOTOCROSS
APR 21-22: SHELLROCK: NEW HARTFORD RACING INC, (319) 885-6469, NEWHARTFORDRACING. COM
KENTUCKY
MOTOCROSS
MAR 10-11: LONDON: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM
MARYLAND
MOTOCROSS
FEB 5: MECHANICSVILLE: BUDDS
CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM
FEB 12: MECHANICSVILLE: BUDDS
CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (302) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM
FEB 19: MECHANICSVILLE: BUDDS
CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM
FEB 26: MECHANICSVILLE: BUDDS
CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM
MAR 18: MECHANICSVILLE: BUDDS CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM
APR 29: MECHANICSVILLE: BUDDS
CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM
