American Motorcyclist March 2015 Dirt/Competition (preview version)
WATCHING YOUR MONEY GROUPS PROTECT RIDER FUNDS FROM RAIDS
AMA CHAMPIONSHIP BANQUET HONORS SPORT’S BEST
Photo Charlie Gesell
DAYTONA
America’s most famous beach invites you to the world’s largest motorcycle event: The 74th Annual Daytona Beach Bike Week. Kick-start your beach getaway with 10 days of racing, concerts, bike shows, festivals and celebrations, Daytona Beach style. Make plans for an authentic American beachside and motorcycle vibe unlike any other. Call 866.296.8970 or visit us online. THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN BEACH INVITES YOU TO THE ORIGINAL BIKE WEEK
BEACH BIKE WEEK | MARCH 6–15, 2015
NAVIGATION
American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2015. Printed in USA.
Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $19.95 covered in membership dues.
Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices.
March 2015
Volume 69, Number 3
Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com
STREET COVER
Prolific motorcyclist and long-time AMA promoter Tom Mehren offers some tips for your riding season.
PAGE 18. MAPS, PACKING RIGHT, HEAT PACKS, TOOL KITS AND MORE.
DIRT COVER
Ted Cabral says funds collected for trails should be spent on trails. Learn more starting on page 32.
PAGE 26. ANDY JEFFERSON ONCE RACED HUSKYS FOR PRO CIRCUIT. WHERE IS HE NOW?
To switch the version you receive, call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services. Want to read both versions? Call the above number to get both delivered to your home for just $10 more a year. Members can read both versions online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine for free.
Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations
Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing
Marcy Day, Racing Administrative Assistant
Chris Harrison, Road Riding Manager
Alex Hunter, MX Assistant Manager
Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator
Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager
Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager
Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator
AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)
Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager
Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager
BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS
Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Business Member Programs
DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES
John Bricker, Mailroom Manager
Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator
Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations
Joshua Habursky, Grassroots Coordinator
Nick Haris, Western States Representative
Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant
Sharon Long, Legislative Affairs Coordinator
Rick Podliska, Deputy Director
Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway
Marie Wuelleh, Government Affairs Specialist
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director
Dave Coleman, Network Architect
MARKETING
Mark Christian, Director of Marketing
Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Specialist
MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY
Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative
Christina Dolin, Member Services Representative
Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative
Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager
Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative
Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
VIEWPOINT
THE TIME HAS ARRIVED TO END DISCRIMINATION
Tell Your Senators To Support S. 127
The AMA has been battling law enforcement’s use of motorcycle-only checkpoints since the state of New York announced plans to set up 15 of them in 2008 to stop riders on their way to summer motorcycling events.
Our efforts have proved fruitful, with California, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Illinois, New Hampshire and Virginia passing legislation curbing the use of motorcycle-only checkpoints.
Johnson (R-Wis.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced this year’s bill.
It is identical to the Senate bill Shaheen sponsored in 2014 and is similar to H.R. 1861, which was introduced by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) on May 7, 2013.
In introducing S. 127, the sponsoring senators pointed out that motorcycle-only checkpoints are not effective in reducing motorcycle injuries or fatalities.
We completely concur.
These checkpoints do nothing to address the the main causes of motorcycle crashes and the states offer no evidence that their “safety checks” are effective.
In addition to being a waste of federal tax money, these checkpoints are highly discriminatory.
By Wayne Allard
In addition to supporting state legislation that limits or prohibits the use of these discriminatory traffic stops, we have worked with members of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives during the past few years to craft a national ban on federal funding for these tactics. In 2014, 55 federal lawmakers demonstrated their support for motorcyclists by sponsoring or co-sponsoring one of two bills under consideration.
We may have won some state battles, but much work remains to be done. That’s why the AMA is fully supporting bi-partisan federal legislation again in 2015. This year, we want S. 127, the “Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act,” signed into law.
We need your support because your voice can make the difference.
The “Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act” would restrict the U.S. Secretary of Transportation from granting funds to any government entity for a program to check helmet use or to create checkpoints for an operator of a motorcycle or a passenger on a motorcycle.
States now use funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to pay for motorcycle-only checkpoints, so this federal legislation can halt the practice.
If passed, this federal bill will cut off NHTSA funding and ensure that riders across the country are safeguarded from these ineffective and discriminatory stops.
U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ron
Motorcycle riders already are subject to state registration, inspection, licensing and helmet laws and must stop at sobriety check points like all other motorists.
At the same time, AMA members have reported being forced to stop at checkpoints that were being conducted on unpaved side roads and other areas with unstable riding conditions. Such locations actually increase the danger to motorcyclists during what law enforcement agencies refer to as “safety checks.”
Clearly, motorcycle-only checkpoints are discriminatory, forcing riders and their passengers to do something not asked of other citizens, simply because we choose to travel on two wheels, or three, instead of four.
If the NHTSA is sincerely interested in motorcyclists’ safety, it would fund proven programs that help prevent crashes, rather than these unproven checkpoints. The AMA believes the money used for these operations could be better spent supporting programs that conduct rider education, reduce distracted driving and encourage motorist awareness of motorcycles.
We are all affected by motorcycle discrimination. Motorcycleonly checkpoints threaten the freedoms of all riders – not just those who find themselves ensnared in one.
Remember, too, that these are your tax dollars being misused. States have spent hundreds of thousands of federal funds to set up alongside America’s highways, watch for motorcyclists and force them to interrupt their commute or recreational ride for a frivolous check of their paperwork and motorcycle equipment.
Please contact your senators today to explain why motorcycle-only checkpoints are a bad idea. Tell them you support S. 127 and you want them to do the same.
Wayne Allard is AMA’s vice president of government relations.
A few of the hundreds of AMA-sanctioned events this month, detailed on the following pages.
1
Check out the short track event at Trail-Way Speedway on March 29 in Hanover, Pa. It includes amateur, youth and ATV entries. Info: www.trailwayspeedway.com
2
On March 28-29, Victory Sports is hosting a motocross event in Blountville, Tenn. It’s the fourth round of the Thor United States Mega Series, presented by Dunlop, and is a Southeast Area Qualifier for the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. Info: www.victory-sports.com
5
On March 1, put your ice racing skills to the test at the competition held by the Valley Trail Riders in Bentley, Mich. Info: www.thevalleytrailriders.org
6
Put your bike through the paces at the South Jersey Enduro Riders’ Curly Fern Enduro in Shamong, N.J., on March 22. The first Curly Fern Enduro was held in 1966, and it’s now a round in the East Coast Enduro Association series. Info: www.sjer.org
7
Mid South Race Productions is hosting a motocross event in Fulton, Miss., on March 28-29. It’s a South Central Area Qualifier for the Rocky Mountain ATV/ MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. Info: www.fastfarmsmx.com
4
3
In Blairsville, Ga., the Southeastern Trials Riders Association is hosting an observed trials competition on March 21-22. The event serves as rounds three and four of the STRA series. Info: www.stratrials.com
Dirt Inc. is putting on an AMA National Hare and Hound event in Murphy, Idaho, on March 21-22. It’s round three of the series. Info: www.nationalhareandhound.com, www.dirtincracing.com
April kicks off the riding season for much of the country. Look for our AMA Go Ride! Month featured in the April issue of American Motorcyclist for more information about all your favorite rides and rallies!
MARCH EVENTS
ARIZONA
RECREATIONAL
DUAL SPORT RIDE
MAR 21: TUCSON: 2 DAY EVENT, TUCSON DUAL SPORT, LLC, (520) 979-8398, TUCSONDUALSPORT.COM
COMPETITION
HARE SCRAMBLES
MAR 7: SAN MANUEL: TRAIL RIDERS OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA, (520) 360-5264, AMRARACING.COM
CALIFORNIA
RECREATIONAL
POKER RUN
MAR 8: STOCKTON: PORT STOCKTON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 406-3260, PORTSTOCKTONMC.COM
ROAD RUN
MAR 7: SANTA ANA: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLING ASSN, (562) 298-6236, SC-MA.COM
COMPETITION
DESERT SCRAMBLES
MAR 14: (Includes ATVs) IMPERIAL: FULL THROTTLE MC, INC., (760) 455-1773, FULLTHROTTLEMC.US
MAR 22: (Includes ATVs) RIDGECREST: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIRT DIGGERS, (562) 432-5215, DIRTDIGGERSMC.COM
ENDURO
MAR 7: HOLLISTER: TIMEKEEPERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (408) 739-5762, TIMEKEEPERSMC.COM
EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES
MAR 7: (Includes ATVs) LUCERNE VALLEY: 2 DAY EVENT, HUNTINGTON BEACH MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (661) 510-3245, HUNTINGTONBEACHMC. COM
HARE SCRAMBLES
MAR 14: (Includes ATVs) : 2 DAY EVENT, PROSPECTORS MC, (562) 243-4833
MAR 21: HOLLISTER: 2
DAY EVENT, GHOSTRIDERS MC, (408) 265-2122, GHOSTRIDERSMC.NET
MOTOCROSS
MAR 21: SNELLING: 2 DAY EVENT, A.M.P. RACING, LLC, (209) 656-9682, AMPGFIMOTOCROSS.COM
SHORT TRACK
MAR 28: SAN JOSE: P & D PROMOTIONS
INC., (408) 249-4336, SANJOSEINDOOR.COM
FLORIDA
RECREATIONAL
ADVENTURE RIDE
MAR 7: BROOKSVILLE: 2
DAY EVENT, DIXIE DUAL SPORT, INC., (727) 919-8299, DIXIEDUALSPORT.COM
CRUISE-IN
MAR 12: JACKSONVILLE: 2
DAY EVENT, IBA SPORTS DUAL SPORT RIDE
MAR 7: BROOKSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, DIXIE DUAL SPORT, INC., (727) 919-8299, DIXIEDUALSPORT.COM
nov. 22: new Lisbon, n.J.: Pine Hill Enduro, Central Jersey Competition Riders, CJCRmc.org
PICK A CARD, ANY CARD
No matter what or how you ride, the AMA has a special card for you. Want one? Just let us know by renewing early, or telling us when you renew via our online signup form at AmericanMotorcyclist.com, or calling (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646).
FeATureD SerieS: eAST CoAST enDuro ASSoCiATion (eCeA) - HAre SCrAMBLeS ECEA.org
March 28-29: Tri-County Hare Scrambles, Tri-County Sportsmen MC
May 16-17: Stumpjumper Hare Scrambles, Motorcycle Competition Inc.
May 30-31: Oxbo Hare Scrambles, South Penn Enduro Riders
June 6-7: Dogtown 50 National Hare Scrambles, Green Marble Enduro Riders
June 20-21: Reading Hare Scrambles, Reading Off Road Riders
July 18-19: Mountain Top National Hare Scrambles, Valley Forge Trail Riders
Aug. 1-2: Shotgun National Hare Scrambles, High Mountain Dirt Riders
Aug. 22-23: Hurricane Lane Hare Scrambles, Meteor Motorcycle Club
Sept. 26-27: Big Bass Hare Scrambles, Ridge Riders MC
oct. 3-4: Sahara Sands Hare Scrambles, Pine Barons Enduro Riders/South Jersey Enduro Riders
oct. 17-18: Ormond Farms Hare Scrambles, Competition Dirt Riders
nov. 14-15: Delaware Hare Scrambles, Delaware Enduro Riders
FeATureD SerieS: VirGiniA CHAMPionSHiP HAre SCrAMBLeS SerieS vChss.org
March 29: Dahlgren, Va.: Race for Vision
April 12: Arlington, Va.: April Fools at Oak Ridge
April 19: Dillwyn, Va.: Central Virginia
May 3: Martinsville, Va.: Blue Ridge
May 24: Surry, Va.: Reddy Hole
MARKET PLACE
IT’S IN THE DETAILS.
You know every inch of your bike. Not just the engine size, or the color code of the paint. It’s the special details that only you know about. Like the way the exhaust opens up just right at 3,200rpm. Or that scuff on the footpeg you picked up while riding through Deal’s Gap.
It’s the details that make your bike unique, and no one knows this more than GEICO. With GEICO Motorcycle insurance, you’ll get coverage specific to your bike, and a team of people who love motorcycles as much as you do.
When it comes to insurance, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Trust the details to GEICO Motorcycle.
