American Motorcyclist March 2015 Street

MARCH 2015

RIDE BETTER IN 2015 TOM MEHREN’S 15 TIPS FOR THE BEST YEAR YET

Photo Cory Parris

WATCHING YOUR MONEY GROUPS PROTECT RIDER FUNDS FROM RAIDS

THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN BEACH INVITES YOU TO THE ORIGINAL BIKE WEEK

DAYTONA BEACH BIKE WEEK | MARCH 6–15, 2015 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.

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AMA REWARDS

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

AMA Roadside Assistance

AMA Race Center

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

Your one-stop online source for all your motocross, Arenacross and ATV Motocross results from AMA-sanctioned events. Search by event, date, and even your name! http://results.americanmotorcyclist.com

You’re Among America’s Elite Racers Only AMA members chase national No. 1 plates.

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

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No need to pay and wait for reimbursement.

You’ll find everything you need— from races to rules to advice, at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing.

And as an AMA Competition Member, you’ll receive the competition edition of American Motorcyclist magazine.

HOW YOUR AMA MEMBERSHIP PAYS FOR ITSELF Are You Covered?

Value

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American Motorcyclist magazine

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STAYING INFORMED American Motorcyclist

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

THE ESSENTIALS AMA Roadside Assistance

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

Lodging

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

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

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

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS ActionStation/Bohn Body Armor Save 10 percent on complete product line—plus bonus. Go to www. actionstation.com/ama/ and use coupon code AMAB4U at checkout.

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

Motorcycle Shipping

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

Car Rentals

Save Money When You Drive Get up to 25 percent off prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency.

For Avis, enter discount code: D388100.

For Budget, enter code: Z942000. AMA Members save up to 25% on year-round Hertz rentals with discount code CDP# 497193.

AMA Gear

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

Rider Accident Medical Plan

All members of the AMA are eligible to purchase coverage. Benefits are paid when a covered member is injured.

See http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Membership/ Members_Only/DiscountCodes for details.

Insurance, Credit Card, Finance and Banking

The AMA has joined with Nationwide to bring members-only money-saving offers on insurance, a cash-back AMAthemed credit card, finance and banking. For more details see, www.nationwide.com/americanmotorcyclist.

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AMA members receive 10 percent off all products. Visit www.heatdemon.com/AMA and use the code AMAheat15 at checkout to receive your discount.

AMA Supercross And AMA Arenacross Tickets

Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Supercrossonline. com and use password SXAMA5.

AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Arenacross. com and use password AMA5OFF. Certain restrictions apply, call (800) 262-5646 for details.

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

AmericanMotorcyclist.com for the discount link.

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine

AMA/Sprocketlist Online Classifieds

EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals

Arrive And Ride EagleRider offers a 15 percent discount on Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW and Polaris rentals and tours. Call (888) 900-9901 or book at www.AmericanMotorcyclist. com/Membership/EagleRider.aspx, using discount code AMA014.

Rider Magazine

International Motorcycle Shows

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RoadRUNNER is the touring expert of North America, providing information on the best places to ride. AMA discount code is CRIAMA at www.roadrunner. travel/promo/ama.

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As an AMA Member, you can join or renew your Sam’s Club membership and receive a $10 gift card (for a Sam’s Savings membership) or a $25 gift card (for a Plus membership) using a special members-only certificate.

Visit the Members Only section on www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com to download the coupon.

AMA members save on advanced adult one-day general admission. The promo code is “AMA15” when you buy your tickets online from www. motorcycleshows.com.

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Save 10 percent on complete motorcycle garment restoration and repair. You can get your motocross boots fixed from MX Boot Resole and Repair. Use code AMADISCOUNT at checkout.

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STREET COVER Prolific motorcyclist and long-time AMA promoter Tom Mehren offers some tips for your riding season.

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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.

NAVIGATION THE SAN JACINTO HIGH ROLLERS WERE THE 2014 AMA CLUB OF THE YEAR. SEE PHOTOS AT GALLERY.AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM.

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

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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

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

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

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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 2015.

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

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.

IF YOU THINK IT LOOKS GREAT ON PAPER, WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE IT IN ACTION.

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©2014 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Some models depicted may include optional equipment.

Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.

WE KNOW

CABLES COMMUNICATIONS

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Contact any member of the AMA Board of

Directors at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ about/board

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

Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, Chair

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

Paul Puma, Executive Committee Member,

Schenectady, N.Y.

Perry King, Vice Chair, Northern California Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla.

Laguna Beach, Calif.

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

OE REPLACEMENT & CUSTOM CABLES American V-Twin, Metric Cruiser, Street/Sport, MX/Off-Road and ATV • Meet or exceed OEM specifications • High quality fittings with premium housing • Inner nylon sleeve for longer life and smooth operation • Stainless steel inner wire - no corrosion Find what we offer for your motorcycle, use our Search by Vehicle at MotionPro.com

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

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Roger Pattison, Taos Ski Valley, N.M. Robert Pearce, Murrieta, Calif.

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.

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

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

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

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Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.

Rob Dingman, President/CEO Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Massey, Chief Operations Officer Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

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

Russ Brenan, Irvine, Calif.

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

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

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Jeff Skeen, Executive Committee Member,

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

BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Business Member Programs DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES John Bricker, Mailroom Manager Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations 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

Couples that race together, stay together.

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

MEMBER LETTERS

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

Letter of the Month

RESPONSIBLE LANE SPLITTING

I am writing in regards to member Bill Johnson’s letter published in February’s issue Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a (“Lane Splitting Blowback”).

BikeBandit.com gift card worth $100. Didn’t I’ll be 66 this year, am an AMA member, win? No worries. You can still take advantage year-round commuter, sport rider and of your 10 percent AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com. adventure tourer. I have racked up approximately 20,000 two-wheel miles a year since my early 20s.

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, which has one of California’s gridlocked freeway systems and is among the worst in the nation. Daily commutes for the last four decades involved splitting lanes.

Lane splitting in California remains legal because after a study was done, it was found the majority of accidents on the freeways were from motorcyclists being rear-ended. The safest place for motorcycles on the freeway is between cars. This was decades before cell phones, texting, in-dash displays, iPods and the term “distracted driving” existed.

I have as yet to have a door opened on me or someone deliberately cut me off while splitting lanes. I am not delusional about the risk of motorcycles, and have had my share of hospital visits, none from lane spitting.

Articles authored by opponents of lane splitting I’ve read and critics either don’t lane split or reside outside of California. Riding a motorcycle through, rather than sitting in, gridlock traffic is the norm in Asia and Europe, I am sure American motorcyclists are capable of the same.

When riding a motorcycle I’d rather not be victim to the distracted driver behind me. I doubt opponents and critics have yet to be rear-ended, as I have by a drunk driver.

Lane spitting is a heated issue, therefore I suggest sticking to the facts. Per research, it’s no more dangerous than any other use of a motorcycle and dramatically reduces the risk of being rear-ended. When faced with the question of whether you should split lanes or not, ask yourself whom you trust more: the unknown driver behind you or yourself?

Fred C. Reed Alameda, Calif.

REMEMBERING THE RIDE I really enjoyed reading “Coast to Coast” by Michael Preston in the February 2015 issue. In July 2007, I rode U.S. 50 from Grand Junction, Colo., to Bridgeport, W.Va. Reading Michael’s article was like doing the ride over again.

I will make one small correction to his article: Monarch Pass is 11,312 feet, not 11,310 feet.

Dave Bohrer Silver Spring, Md. INDIANA ROADS “Coast to Coast” in the February issue asserted that Indiana, along with some

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

other Great Plains states, had “…a lot of flat, straight roads.” This may be true, but it isn’t the whole story.

The southern part of Indiana, south of U.S. 50, is a great motorcycling area with many wonderful scenic curvy roads and nice elevation changes. Indiana 66 from Rockport to Sulphur and then 62 on to New Albany is very good as it winds its way along the Ohio River.

There are numerous nice rides out of historic Madison, including a great ride along the Ohio River to Aurora. An added plus is that southern Indiana roads are in good condition with little traffic. There is plenty there to give an adventurous rider three or four days of fun riding.

Curt Jacobs Jeffersonville, Ind. CLUB OF THE YEAR Thanks to the AMA for the recognition as 2014 AMA Club of the Year at the annual AMA Championship Banquet. This award meant a lot to us. This award will

likely draw in corporate donors to our charities for larger donations in the future.

The internet was booming with the announcement immediately after it was made public. We got a lot of congratulations from other clubs and individuals. This may also increase our memberships, thus, providing more AMA members. As you already know, we require ALL San Jacinto High Rollers to be AMA members.

Thank you again for all you do.

Jesse “Numbers” Coburn San Jacinto High Rollers COLLECTION MANAGEMENT I had to chuckle to myself when I read the letter in the January issue from the man dreaming of a “big” motorcycle collection.

Having a collection of 50-plus classic and vintage motorcycles is almost a full-time job! My collection ranges from a 1939 WM20 BSA to a 2009 Kawasaki Versys. Those that get ridden the most [have] magnetos (some British) and/ or flywheel generators (BMW/Honda/ Yamaha/Allstate/etc.). These machines do not require a battery to run. I suppose the marque most prevalent in my collection would be BSAs, 1939-1972.

I am fortunate to have been raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally afforded me an introduction to motorcycling. I learned to identify the sound of different motorcycles as they rounded the turn on the scenic highway a quarter-mile from my house. The tractor sound of the Harleys was quite different from the higherpitched, crisp sounds of the BSAs, Triumphs, Nortons and Royal Enfields. Then the early Yamahas with expansion chambers were exciting to hear. The BMW R Series of course made hardly a whisper unless they were equipped with Hoske aftermarket mufflers, as my R69S is.

My first motorcycle was a 1939 Harley originally discovered leaning against a tree atop Lovers Leap not far from my house. It was traded in for a new Triumph

Sound Off! T100SC. Then I had to have a dirt bike, a 250 Maico with a crackling expansion chamber. Before my Vietnam experience, I bought a new Honda CL450.

I have sold a couple duplicate machines from my collection but I have the feeling that there are a few motorcycles I have yet to purchase.

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

on a callout for riding photos…

on fun trips planned for 2015… ray Latta: Sturgis 75th Anniversary!

Kenneth Hargens Rapid City, S.D. Lane SpLitting HeLpS everyone I’ve never quite understood why some people think that lane splitting is similar to line cutting because every motorcyclist who is lane splitting is one fewer person that irate people have to wait behind.

If you insist on being irate, I suggest focusing instead on the people not lane splitting. If most people kept right except to pass, traffic jams would only happen when the road met its carrying capacity.

These “mirage jams” are often caused by a handful of “road clogs” and once past you are riding unimpeded (and not impeding anyone else) on the open road.

Jascha Lee Santa Cruz, Calif.

James Leatherwood: Scott’s Ride for Miracles—48 states in 21 days—to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network (www.rideformiracles. com).

Jesse John: Happy 2015 from the Great White North!

Meghan Hall: My son J.D. Wells (No. 108G), an AMA member since he was 4 years old, riding flat track at Lodi Cycle Bowl, home of the blue groove!

Denise Clark: Tail of the Dragon and more fundraisers with my two groups.

Put Put yourself yourself in in the the AMA AMA Motorcycle Motorcycle Hall Hall of of Fame Fame Museum Museum The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR hall of fame—we couldn’t exist without hall of fame—we couldn’t exist without the generous support of our donors.

Now the generous of our Now there’s a new support way for you to donors. show that there’s wayvisible for you to show thatof supportainnew a very way: My Hall support in aidea veryisvisible way: Mycharitable Hall of Fame. The simple: A $20 Fame.

The idea is simple: A $20 charitable donation gets you a 3-inch-square space donation gets youHall a 3-inch-square space on the wall in the of Fame entrance on thethat wallhangs in theduring Hall ofthe Fame entrance foyer campaign year. foyer hangs duringAthe campaign Want that a bigger space?

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A 6-inch square is an $80 donation, an 8-inch square is a $180 $80 donation, and an 8-inch square is a $180 donation. You also get an official certificate donation. also get an certifi noting thatYou your picture is offi on cial display incate the notingMotorcycle that your picture on display in the AMA Hall of is Fame.

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Hang your picture, your kid’s picture, your Hang yourlogo, picture, youranything. kid’s picture, your company almost It’s up to company almost anything. Hall It’s up you! Get inlogo, the AMA Motorcycle of to you! in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of FameGet today!

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TRIM SAFETY

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

By Wayne Allard Virginia passing legislation curbing the use of motorcycle-only checkpoints.

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

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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.

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.

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Spikes, such as this one, can cause flat tires on motorized vehicles, threatening the safety of riders, hikers and horseback riders, and even wildlife.

U.S. ForeSt Service reSpondS to concernS AboUt trAil SpikeS AMA, COHVCO Work With Elected Officials To Find Perpetrators

The U.S. Forest Service has investigated four incidents in which vandals endangered the lives of motorcyclists and ATV riders by burying spikes along trails used by off-highway vehicles and others.

The spikes, some of which can resemble heavy barbed wire, can cause flat tires on motorized vehicles, which could cause loss of control and result in a crash. The booby traps also threaten the safety of hikers and horseback riders and even wildlife that travel trail corridors.

Two incidents came to the attention of the AMA in May through AMA Life Member Jerry Abboud and the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition. The AMA then began working with COHVCO and Western states politicians to ensure this matter was fully investigated.

In September, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) wrote a letter to Forest Service Chief Thomas Tidwell citing concerns about the dangerous and illegal trail spikes. Bennet’s letter was cosigned by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mark Udall

blM AnnoUnceS plAn For SoUtheAStern StAteS Public Comment Sought On Draft

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Southeastern States Field Office has released a Draft Resource Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for managing 2,991 acres of public land and 1.03 million acres of federal mineral ownership in Arkansas,

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(D-Colo.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)

Joe L. Meade, director of recreation, heritage and volunteer resources at the Forest Service, responded to the senators on Dec. 8. He reported that the Forest Service received four reports in the past five years—two in Colorado and two in Arizona.

“These incidents appear to be random acts that were intended to target both non-motorized and motorized trail users,” Meade wrote. “We have issued public awareness press releases and have shared the information with the (U.S.) Bureau of Land Management and other state and local law enforcement and land management agencies.”

Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations, says he appreciates the Forest Service’s full investigation of these incidents and hopes that the perpetrators can be brought to justice.

Individuals with information about any found booby traps are urged to leave a message on the Forest Service Law Enforcement Tip Line at (303) 275-5266.

Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The BLM’s management of the land is primarily for mineral ownership, but the agency says it also wants to develop a long-term strategy for management of resources and recreational uses on the small public tracts in Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida and Virginia.

Off-highway-vehicle enthusiasts should let the BLM know how they would like to blend motorized recreation into plans for

Motorcycle Ohio, the state-operated motorcycle safety training program, is seeking instructors for the 2015 riding season.

The agency says that instructors can earn a competitive salary working for Motorcycle Ohio training providers or for private providers.

Instructors may be hired as part-time or contract employees, and they may teach for more than one provider. Instructors are generally expected to teach about four classes per year, but some teach 15 or more.

Those who are not already instructors must complete the 55-hour Instructor Preparation Course. Applicants must have taken the Basic RiderCourse within a 24-month period preceding enrollment in the IPC. Motorcycle Ohio 2015 registration for all courses begins at 8 a.m. Feb. 13.

More information is available at www. motorcycle.ohio.gov/ instructors.stm.

land management in those areas.

The BLM says comments are more helpful when they are as specific as possible and include suggested changes, sources or methodologies and a reference to a section or page number in the proposed plan.

Plan documents can be found at www. blm.gov/es/st/en/fo/Jackson_Home_ Page/planning/southeastern_rmp/ rmp_documents.html. Comments may be submitted electronically at blm_es_ssfo_ rmp@blm.gov.

STATEWATCH MISSOURI

SOUTH CAROLINA

House Bill 310, introduced by state Rep. Shane Roden (R-Hillsboro), would require only minors and those holding learners’ permits to wear motorcycle helmets while riding. Currently, all riders and passengers on a motorcycle must wear a helmet or face a maximum $25 fine. A similar bill that would have lifted the helmet requirement for those 21 and older failed in 2014.

House Bill 3040, introduced by state Rep. Joseph S. Daning (R-Berkeley), would require that a motorcycle passenger younger than 7 years of age must be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint system. The bill calls for child seats that are approved National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and secured to the motorcycle by lap and shoulder belts. The law also would apply to moped passengers.

MONTANA House Bill 78, introduced by state Rep. Ryan Lynch (D-Butte), would prohibit insurance providers from requiring policyholders to sign a telematics agreement to agree to turn over information collected by a recording device. This bill would help protect the privacy of all drivers—including motorcyclists—by providing that insurance companies, in the case of a claim, could not access data without express permission. The legislation would cover all recording devices, including cell phones, event data recorders (black boxes), geographic information systems and all other devices that collect, store or transmit recorded data. Law enforcement agencies could gain access to the data with proper authorization.

‘GREAT TRAILS’ GUIDEBOOK PROVIDES STEP-BY-STEP ADVICE

AMA One Of Several Collaborators On New Publication The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council plans to issue a book in early 2015 that will provide guidance on taking the concept for an offhighway-vehicle trail through the planning, design and construction processes.

Called Great Trails – A Guide to Providing Quality OHV Trail Experiences, the project represents the work of a core team of consultants and participation by several organizations and agencies.

The guide uses proven principles and techniques to ensure the trail offers riders an outstanding recreational experience, while also being environmentally and economically sustainable, according to NOHVCC. Participating organizations and agencies include: NOHVCC, the AMA, the Arizona State Parks, the federal Bureau of Land Management, the Federal Highway Administration, Idaho State Parks and Recreation, the International Off-Highway Vehicle Administrators Association, Massachusetts Department of

TEXAS House Bill 151, introduced by state Rep. Ryan Guillen (D-Rio Grande City), would impose a tax on motorists based on vehicle miles traveled. The number of miles traveled would be determined by an odometer reading at an authorized station.

Also, House Bill 3838, also known as Mallorie’s Law, became effective Jan. 1.

The law requires motorcycles designed to carry more than one person to be equipped with handholds and foot rests for passengers. The law is named for 19-yearold Mallorie Bullock, who was killed in 2010 while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. Supporters of the bill claim she could have been saved if the motorcycle was equipped with passenger handles.

Conservation and Recreation, Maryland State Highway Administration, Maine Department of Conservation, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Montana State Parks, New Mexico Game and Fish, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Utah State Parks.

Leading the way in funding the new book is the Right Rider Access Fund, NOHVCC says. In addition, individual OHV manufacturers have contributed to this project as well: the Polaris Foundation, the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, and Kawasaki Motors Corp.

For more information on “Great Trails,” visit www.greatohvtrails.com.

To the Tennessee Department of Transportation for banning tractor-trailer rigs from “The Dragon” in Blount County.

Vehicles more than 30 feet long will no longer be allowed to use a mountainous section of U.S. 129 (S.R. 115).

North Carolina has similar restrictions for truck traffic on U.S. 129 from the Tennessee/ North Carolina state line to the Graham County, N.C., Line.

Also called “The Tail of the Dragon,” the 11-mile twolane twister is a popular motorcycling road that boasts 318 curves.

To the South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Fla., for denying access to motorcyclists. AMA member Roberto Carvalho reports that the resort bans motorcycles “to protect animals on the grounds.” The AMA sent a letter to the resort protesting the ban and asking management to adopt a policy of permitting responsible motorcyclists to enter the premises under the condition that motorcycle sound levels are purposefully kept to a minimum. The resort did not respond.

To ABATE Legal Services in Indianapolis for continuing to maintain a website that provides motorcyclists an easy way to report information about road hazards to the proper agency. The site— www.roadhazard.org—allows visitors to fill out a form describing the location of the hazard and the type of hazard.

March 2015

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OFF-ROAD RIDING PROTECTIONS, LIMITS ON SAGE GROUSE RULES PASS

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WALDHEIM HONORED BY NOHVCC Advocate receives ‘Perseverance’ award

AMA Hall of Fame member Ed Waldheim earned Ed Waldheim the Perseverance Award from the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council for his efforts with the Friends of Jawbone. The award is presented to those who have persistently and professionally worked to help create a positive future for OHV. NOHVCC noted: “For nearly 40 years, Ed has been a tireless advocate for OHV recreation, founding numerous ‘Friends’ groups to support OHV recreation, helping to triple the membership for the California Off-Road Vehicle Association, serving on the California OHV Recreation Commission and helping to bring in over a million dollars in Federal Recreational Trail Program grants.”

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The National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 and the so-called CRomnibus spending bill, passed by both chambers of Congress in December, include provisions beneficial to riders of off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, but some new Wilderness designations may infringe on access to public lands.

The NDAA, HR 3979, is the comprehensive legislation to authorize the budget authority of the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy.

The $584.2 billion bill contains more than 1,600 pages of regulations, policies and programs that authorize and govern the U.S. military.

For 2015, more than 100 public lands bills have been inserted into the NDAA. Benefits in the bill approved this week include the allocation of 275 acres of land managed by the BLM to Elko County, Nev., for a motocross park and the promise of new opportunities for off-highway vehicle recreation on public lands. Additionally, language from S. 841 and H.R. 1839, the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act, was

included. This guarantees OHV access in the Hermosa Creek area, a prospect that had been threatened by a recently released U.S. Forest Service Resource Management Plan.

Scott Jones, federal land use coordinator for the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition, calls the Hermosa Watershed Legislation “a major victory for the motorized community in Colorado.”

Aside from the additional riding areas and protections in the NDAA, the bill also designates about 245,000 acres of new federal Wilderness that could result in the closing of some off-highway-vehicle trails.

Meanwhile, HR 83 (CRomnibus), the $1.1 trillion bipartisan deal to fund the majority of the government through the fiscal year, includes a provision that prohibits the Secretary of the Interior to write or issue protections under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 regarding the greater sage-grouse, the Columbia basin distinct population segment of greater sage-grouse, the bi-state distinct population segment of greater sage-grouse, or the Gunnison sage-grouse.

Rider sends a report of riding 160,000 miles wearing Bohn Armor Pants! AMA Discounts.

BIPARTISAN BILL WOULD BAN MOTORCYCLEONLY CHECKPOINT FUNDING

Could You Road Test Our Product Any Harder Than This Guy?

That worked too for a low profile guy like me.

Since then I've worn that single pair of Bohn pants as "underarmor" for six years and 160K miles including Alaska (twice), across to the east coast, zigging the zags of Deal's gap (thrice as well), down to Key West one time, and through the canyons and deserts of the west and the Rockies numerous times.

AMA Backs Effort To End Discriminatory Stops

Five U.S. senators reintroduced a bill in January that would ban federal funding for U.S. Sen. Jeanne motorcycleShaheen (D-N.H.) only checkpoints.

U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) cosponsored S. 127, the “Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act.” The 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.

Motorcycle riders already are subject to state registration, inspection, licensing and helmet laws and must stop at sobriety check points like all other motorists.

“Evidence suggests that motorcycle-only checkpoints do not effectively reduce motorcycle injuries or fatalities and do not address the factors that are the main contributors to motorcycle accidents,” the senators wrote in a press release about the bill.

“Accordingly, NHTSA does not list the practice in its own 2013 highway safety countermeasure guide for state highway (safety) offices, which details policies and activities that the agency considers effective at reducing crash injuries and fatalities.”

States use funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to pay for the checkpoints, so 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.

From: L. E. (Lou) Wissenbach Subject: Years: Six. Miles: 160K.

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I bought the Bohn Armor Pants in Los Angeles while I was working a project there. They saw their first use in local tours along the Angeles Crest and the wonderfully twisted highways over the California coastal ranges. But it was after the project was completed and I was on my way home that I wore them through Death Valley at 115 degrees (F) one afternoon, then up over the pass to Yosemite in the icy early morning of the following day. That's when Bohn "Under" Armor pants were permanently integrated into www.MyRidePants.com

my touring outfit. They just plain worked.

With Bohn as the base layer, faded blue jeans or light gray hiking pants as the sun-reflective norm, and chaps or riding pants as the wet or chilly day outer layer when needed, there is not a single place I couldn't go with confidence. And looking more like normal than like a space walk refugee at truck stops along the way was a bonus.

After pulling the armor pads, the pants have seen washings in motel sinks and icemelt rivers and were (usually) completely dry by morning.

Fortunately, the only "crash" testimony I can offer was on a primitive road deep in the Cascade range by Mt. Adams.

That crash while wearing my fishing/ camping boots instead of my higher motorcycle touring boots left me with dents and cuts on my shins, but my knees, hips and thighs were protected from the roots and rocks by the Bohn system.

No problem. The armor did it's job.

But the bonus you don't advertise is that my bony knees don't take nearly the beating they once did when I stop to perform routine maintenance tasks like chain tightening and lubrication while kneeling on the unforgiving concrete of motel or Wal-Mart parking lots.

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That's functionality I've come to expect from my touring gear. Bohn has met, no, exceeded, those expectations.

Good work, guys and gals of Bohn.

L E (Lou) Wissenbach, Kennewick, WA

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Tips & Tricks

15 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR RIDE THIS SEASON Sometimes, the best riding wisdom comes in easyto-digest tidbits. Here are 15 tips that will help you plan for the best riding season yet in 2015.

4. Storage Sacks There are a wide variety of storage sacks on the market these days. Stuff sacks, dry bags, ditty bags, mesh sacks and more. Take time during the off-season to spread out all your gear and decide which bags are the best to stow your collection of items. There are many ultra-light bags on the market today that save weight and space, but can wear easily if bumping around in hard cases. Be sure your choices are sturdy enough to handle how your items will be stowed.

1. Maps & Apps: The More The Better!

For initial trip planning, 10 maps are better than one.

Large state atlases can reveal a lot about a region, noting significant and lesser-known features, as well as

By Tom Mehren alternate roads to get you off of the beaten path. Travel guidebooks, and of course the internet, can help you know what’s in store when it comes to lodging and where to eat.

The deeper you dig ahead of time, the better your trip is likely to 5. Passport Up To Date? be when you take it.

Keeping a passport current is easy if you use it often, but there When it comes time to roll, dial your on-board arsenal down to are those of us who only travel out of the country now and then. a single map or two and insert your final route into a tank bag or Do you know the expiration date of your passport? Could you GPS. You probably have a travel guide you’ll want to carry, and leave the country at a moment’s notice if you needed to? Locate be familiar with the smart phone apps you’ll want to access when your passport and make a reminder in your calendar six months you’re out and about. before it expires to apply for a renewal. That way, when a last minute invitation for a tour abroad comes your way, you’ll be 2. Read Your Owner’s Manual Annually ready. Don’t have a passport yet? Get one and plan a trip out of There’s so much to know about vehicles, we can’t possibly the country to celebrate your newfound riding adventures. retain all the information. You may or may not have read your owner’s manual when you got your bike, but regardless, take 6. Spare Credit Card & Cash some time to do so annually. This may remind you to take care of After several instances of leaving my wallet behind at home, I a few things—like checking your chain for extensive wear—that finally woke up to carrying a spare credit card and cash as part can keep you out of trouble down the road. Call it “new bike night” of my riding gear on board the bike, not just in my wallet. Banks and snuggle up in bed with the manual and a notepad. love to dole out credit cards, and you may already have one or two laying around that you never use. Pack one away. It also can’t 3. Should You Wear Panty Hose? hurt to stuff a few $20 bills into the same place. I store these items Fact or fallacy: Panty hose will warm you up? It’s a fact. inside of a cell phone holster I converted to carry items like a flash However for several reasons, they are not the “go-to” base layer. light, pens and GPS unit.

For starters, most wool or synthetic base layers will help you retain body heat better than a pair of panty hose. Second, should you go down and burn through your outer layer, the panty hose will melt to your skin. If that’s not enough, some of you guys are going to look pretty funny standing in line with motorcycle gear on, buying a pair of panty hose. Get real and carry some real base layers.

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Photos ©iStock.com/maytih, ©iStock.com/MistikaS, ©iStock.com/slobo

Maps, Manuals, Panty Hose And More

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Call 1-866-238-1426, visit your local Nationwide agent or go to nationwide.com/AmericanMotorcyclist to get your exclusive discount today!

Nationwide may make a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members or customers. Details and availability vary by state. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies, Columbus, OH 43215. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Nationwide, We put members first because we don’t have shareholders, and the Nationwide N and Eagle design are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2014 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. NPR-0682AO.1 (11/14)

12. Spare Bulbs While it’s advisable to carry replacement bulbs for all the lighting on your bike, just how easy is it to actually replace them? Lots of riders never get the chance to try until they are out on the road.

Motorcycles today are more complex than their ancestors, requiring various tricks to reach a headlight, taillight or turn signal bulb. If you haven’t replaced these bulbs on your bike, doing so at home is the best place to practice so you’re savvy about what is required if you need to do a roadside fix later.

8. Cleaning Hydration Systems Hydration systems have a way of getting funky over time.

Simply running them through the dish washer now and then won’t clean out the nooks and crannies. Hand washing is what’s needed here. For bladders, use a brush small enough to get inside. Incorporate a little dish soap along with some baking soda to clean and neutralize the interior gunk. Scrub out every corner. For tubes, use a small pipe cleaner strand, attaching it to a long length of fishing line to pull it through longer tube configurations. Be sure to always store your bladder and tubes open, then rinse out before the next use.

9. Make Up Your On-Board Tool Kit Some riders tend to carry more tools than they need. That comes in handy when another rider in the group didn’t carry enough, but the more tools you have on board, the more space you need. At the minimum, your tool kit should consist of every tool the bike would require for a level one or level two service. While many manufacturers don’t offer much of a tool kit on new bikes these days, most are happy to provide one at an extra cost, or you can make one up by reviewing the service steps and amassing each of the tools required to make up your onboard kit.

10. The Headphone Solution In most states, in-ear head phones are illegal, even if you’re riding a motorcycle. They also don’t offer much sound pressure level (SPL) reduction from the wind buffeting occurring outside.

Oddly enough, in-helmet speakers combined with ear plugs offers both SPL reduction as well as the ability to still hear your music pretty well.

11. Spring Restocking As winter turns to spring, riding season gets back into full swing. But are your liquids, gels and otherwise ready for another year? Are they current? Before your next outing, take a moment to review quantity and expiration dates of items like sunscreen, hand cleaner, lip balm, mosquito repellant, meds and prescriptions, toothpaste, liquid adhesives, camp soap and other essentials important to you. Don’t get caught short.

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14. Pack Up The Heat Packs At times, you may like a little extra heat. While there is heated gear, seats and handgrips available, heat packs work off the bike as well. They don’t take up much space, and really work to get the chill off. These handy packs use iron oxide and activated charcoal and warm you up. There are no fumes. You’ll find them online or at the hardware store sold under brands like Hot Hands, Little Hotties and Heat Pax. Experience reveals the toe warmers can’t keep up with the rate of heat loss on a bike. Go for the full-foot sole warmers instead.

15. Wet Feet. Now What?

Suppose you find yourself with wet feet due to leaky boots or water getting in the top. And suppose it’s going to be some time before you can dry off. With miles to go, bacteria will start growing and can lead to a nasty case of athlete’s foot later. To combat that, remove your boot, wring out the sock and give your feet a good dousing of foot powder. This will keep the bacteria at bay for the day.

AMA Member Tom Mehren is a long-time promoter of AMA-sanctioned events. A 20,000-mile-per-year rider, Tom has learned countless tips and tricks. Do you have a tip to share? Email tmehren@soundrider.com.

If we use it, you’ll receive a copy of Tom’s book, Packing Light/Packing Right.

Photos ©iStock.com/DonNichols, ©iStock.com/Lebazele, ©iStock.com/chictype

7. Try At Home First Buying a new tent, air mattress, tire pump, heated gear or otherwise? Don’t wait until you hit the road to put these to use for the first time. Instead, take a moment at home to set up, tinker with or try on the new gear. This can cut out some frustrations during your travels by giving you a full understanding of how to use these items ahead of the ride.

13. Exercise At Home And On The Road A good rule is to break a sweat each day. That may be in the form of simple cardio, weight training or some other workout.

Develop one that works for you because you’ll improve your balance skills and have a more relaxed ride with a body that is in shape. For many of us, it’s not possible to exercise daily, but if we keep the goal in mind, three to five times a week will make a noticeable difference when you throw a leg over the bike.

AMA Member Tested

FLY RACING STREET GEAR

MSRP: Fly Fifty5 Jacket $259.95, Fly Coolpro Pants $139.95, Fly Coolpro Force Gloves $42.95, Fly Milepost Air Boots $129.95 Info: www.flyracing.com Admittedly, there are times I venture out with little more than a helmet for protection. While I appreciate the freedom to choose how much safety gear I wear, my

By Chris Majewski personal attitude is changing, and I’m more inclined to choose more gear rather than less these days.

That has led me to search for quality gear that delivers both comfort and protection. Fly Racing’s street gear is supposed to deliver in both areas, so I decided to give it a try.

The Fifty5 jacket is exceptionally

comfortable with the functionality and versatility desired for riding in different weather conditions. This jacket is a mix of Stretch-Tech material and leather and has adjustable waist straps that allow me to wear it as tight or as loose as I want. It has a removable, lightweight-but-warm liner coupled with three well-placed ventilation points that make this jacket ideal for both cold and hot weather riding.

I also liked that the wrist cuffs are zippered, which allows me to easily slip into the jacket. Then, I can secure the cuffs with the security snap. The reflective piping and armor located throughout the jacket are important safety measures.

While the Coolpro pants may not be ideal for cooler climates, they are fine for warmer temperatures. These pants are lightweight and provide effective ventilation for riding during hot summer days. They are also water resistant, which was great because I did get stuck in a couple storms. The pants kept my phone and wallet dry. The armor and foam are well placed within the pants and allow the comfort and mobility I desired. There is also a zipper in the back to connect the pants to the jacket.

The Coolpro Force Gloves go great with the Coolpro pants when riding in warmer climates, thanks to the ventilation features that keep your hands from getting sweaty during those longer rides. The gloves feature full knuckle protection, and they fit snugly, which reduces any slipping and allows me to keep a firm grip on the handlebars. An awesome feature was the touchscreen technology that allowed me to use my phone during quick stops without having to take off my gloves.

Overall, these gloves were a great fit and very practical.

The Milepost Air boots were the only items that did not fit as well as the other items. I wear and ordered a size 11, and there was too much room, so my feet slid around inside the boots. Other than the sizing issue, they boots felt sturdy. They provided great ventilation, which kept my feet cool and dry.

The Fifty5 jacket and Coolpro lineup are a solid choice for someone who wants to be protected but not feel too confined. As the name suggest, the Coolpro products are best for warmer temperatures. As for the boots, try them on before you buy. If your experience is the same as mine, they will be a bit larger than the size suggests.

SHOEI GT-AIR HELMET MSRP: $670.99 Info: www.shoei-helmets.com Shoei’s GT-Air helmet lives up to its name. It is fairly light and is both comfortable and balanced.

The aerodynamic design stands out at higher speeds because it provides a stable ride that cuts through the air well.

I appreciated this on long rides, which resulted in almost no strain on my neck or back.

Shoei isn’t the only brand to offer a flip-down internal sun shield, but their execution is pretty effective. If you dig this feature, as I do, you’ll really appreciate it.

No more having to deal with extra visors and switching them out.

The chin curtain also helps with stability and noise reduction on the ride, but also can lead to some fogging when riding in colder weather. The helmet is equipped with the Pinlock fog-resistant system, so that helps.

RIDERS REACH ACCORD WITH PARKING AUTHORITY Philadelphia’s Center City To Become More Motorcycle Friendly

The Philadelphia Parking Authority and the Philadelphia Motorcycle & Scooter Coalition have a plan to make two-wheeled commuting easier.

“For the past few months, the PPA and the Motorcycle & Scooter Coalition have had many great discussions regarding the concerns of scooter and motorcycle riders in Philadelphia,” the PPA says on its website.

“These productive conversations have allowed us to create a plan to address many of the concerns of scooter and motorcycle riders throughout the city.”

The Philadelphia Motorcycle & Scooter Coalition’s Morgan Jones, an AMA member, contacted the AMA for assistance.

Sean Hutson and Marie Wuelleh of the AMA Government Relations Department pitched in immediately.

“This process demonstrates how important it is for motorcyclists to be engaged at all levels of government,” says Hutson, AMA’s legislative assistant.

“Without the activity of the coalition, the PPA would not even have known about the problems facing motorcyclists in Philadelphia.”

Changes to PPA policies include:

• An annual permit for scooter and motorcycle riders. The annual $250 permit started Feb. 1 and allows unlimited parking at any corral. Threemonth virtual permits are available for purchase for $75. The permits are valid only for parking at designated scooter & motorcycle corrals.

• Meters will not be reinstalled at corrals.

Vehicles parked in corrals must have a virtual permit or display a valid kiosk receipt. If a rider buys $5 worth of time at a kiosk, the rider can use the receipt to park all day at any corral.

• Dense parking is allowed at corrals.

This means you can park as many vehicles as can reasonably fit.

• On residential blocks, including those in Center City and University City which are posted for Residential Permit Parking, motorcycles and scooters will be permitted to park on the sidewalk in front of the operator’s residence, with some restrictions. Motorcycle/scooter Residential Permits cost $35 a year.

• Signs will be installed instructing nonpermit riders to purchase time at kiosks to pay for corral parking.

“It’s great to see Philadelphia take a reasonably friendly stance on motorcycle and scooter parking,” Jones says.

Off-Road Riders Honored: Jim Pilon (left) and Paul Flanders (right) receive 2014 AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider Awards at the 2014 LA-B-V banquet, presented by former AMA Board of Directors member Art More.

~ A JC Motors Company ~

Ask The MSF

FALLEN LADDER

Q: I’m fairly adept at using Search/ Evaluate/Execute to avoid routine obstacles on the roadway, but what if I encountered something like a ladder I couldn’t swerve around because it was laying across a freeway lane?

BETA COMES ON BOARD AS NATIONAL DUAL SPORT SPONSOR

Growing Brand Will Showcase Cutting-Edge Dual Sport Lineup One of the fastest-growing brands in off-road racing and riding has signed on as the new title sponsor for the country’s largest and longestrunning dual sport series, the Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series.

As part of Beta USA’s title sponsorship of the series, one lucky participant will win the choice of a 2015 Beta 430 or 500 RS model.

The RS line is designed to the same performance standards as the company’s enduro race bikes, including the latest engine updates to the Beta RR lineup. RS bikes come from the factory with a Voyager GPS unit that features GPS, speed, tachometer, engine coolant temperature, a compass, an odometer, maps and more.

“Beta USA is proud to partner up with the AMA National Dual Sport Series for the next three years,” says Beta USA Marketing Manager Tim Pilg. “We have been watching the series grow every year and feel with our RS models sales booming, it makes perfect sense to get involved.

Our goals are to not only offer goodie bags to all participants, but also have one of our local dealers display the bikes at most of the events so riders can see them in person.”

The Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series, created by the AMA in 1987, has become increasingly popular as off-road and street riders alike have turned to dual-sport recreation to experience the freedom of two wheels. The individual rides that make up the series take riders on day-long adventures on courses that range from flowing country roads to challenging singletrack trails.

The 2015 schedule for the Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series is available on page 43.

For more information on Beta’s lineup, see www.betausa.com.

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A: Kudos for using a good mental strategy to maximize your chances of spotting and avoiding obstacles before physically encountering them. Several MSF RiderCourses provide the principles and practices for dealing with such situations, including braking and swerving practice.

If a ladder or pipe or other long, slender object dropped out of a construction truck right in front of you, for example, and was laying perpendicular to your path, then as you stated you likely would not be able to safely swerve around it. If you couldn’t come to a stop before reaching it, then you should slow down as much as you can before making contact. Approach it as close to a 90-degree angle as possible, and keep your motorcycle as upright as possible. Stand on your footrests to avoid being launched off your seat upon contact with the ladder or pipe, lean back to lighten the front end to help the front wheel cross over it, and keep your head and eyes up—don’t stare down at the object.

It’s hard to predict the result of this “encounter” because there are many variables at play. An aluminum extension ladder and a folded wooden stepladder present different heights or thicknesses above the road surface. A ladder may slide and a pipe may roll as your front tire makes contact. You might successfully go over such an obstacle and continue on your path, or you might collide with it, launching you and the back of your bike into the air, potentially causing major injury and bike damage.

Because we never know what hazards await us on the road, it is best to wear all the gear, all the time. A DOT-compliant helmet and protective clothing cannot save you from all possible harm, but can minimize injury if you fall or have a collision.

Have a question for the MSF? Send it to submissions@ama-cycle.org.

MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES, INJURIES DECLINE IN 2013 Motorcycle Stats Improve Faster Than All Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the number of motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes declined by 6.4 percent from 2012 to 2013, and the number injured dropped 5.4 percent.

In 2013, 4,668 motorcyclist fatalities were reported, down 318 from the 4,986 in 2012. Similarly, 88,000 “occupants” were reported to have been injured in motorcycle crashes in 2013, down from 93,000 the year before.

The NHTSA also reported that motor vehicle crash fatalities overall decreased by 3.1 percent in 2013 and injuries declined 2.1 percent.

“While one motorcycle fatality is one too many, we are pleased to see this number decline,” says Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO. “It also is good that motorcycle injuries and fatalities are

falling at a greater rate than for motor vehicles overall. And we sincerely hope this trend continues.”

One factor in the lower incidence of motorcycle crash fatalities was an 8.3 percent decrease in the number of motorcycle crashes in which the rider was impaired by alcohol, the NHTSA reported.

The NHTSA report also noted that there were 190 fewer fatalities in 2013 among motorcyclists aged 50 to 69 years.

That decline represented 60 percent of the decrease in motorcyclist fatalities.

“Motorcyclist safety is of utmost importance,” Dingman says. “That is why the AMA is participating in the Motorcycle Crash Causation Study underway at Oklahoma State University. We hope that the information from this extensive examination of motorcycle crashes will

lead to better strategies for making our roads safer for motorcyclists.”

The Motorcycle Crash Causation Study is the first comprehensive examination since the 1981 Hurt Report.

When the project is completed in 2016, it will provide a large and unique data set derived from actual motorcycle crashes and riders with similar risk characteristics, with a focus on the unique circumstances that produce motorcycle crashes.

The Motorcycle Crash Causation Study will provide up-to-date information on the types of dangers modern motorcyclists face. The study is important, because it will provide new insights into which factors affect motorcyclist safety and how.

AMA members gave money for the study, and the AMA encouraged states to redirect unused federal funds to the effort.

March 2015

27

1972 TRIUMPH 650 Tom White’s TT Special

Tom White first tasted motorcycling at the age of 15. From 1971 to 1976, White was ranked among the top 100 motorcycle racers in America, earning AMA National No. 80 in dirt track racing.

As a dirt-tracker, White saw much of his success from the seat of a Redline-framed Triumph. Designed for TT racing but also used in half-mile competition, this 650cc Triumph twin features Branch Flowmetrics heads, Hepolite pistons and two 34mm Mikuni carburetors. It has TT Special valves and Kenny Harmon cams. The ignition is ARD. Betor forks and Girling rear suspension soaked up the braking bumps and TT jumps, while the Hurst/Airheart brakes were some of the best available at the time.

This particular bike is a replica of the machine that White used to win the Castle Rock junior TT national with a fast time, heat and main event sweep. It was

restored by 1973 Houston Astrodome TT winner Mike Haney.

Following his dirt-track racing career, White founded White Brothers Cycle Specialties in 1975, which became one of the top off-road motorcycle accessory companies in America.

Today, White spends much of his time supporting the motocross community, including through his Early Years of Motocross Museum in Southern California. He also has been a long-time volunteer at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, an annual fundraising event for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

This 1972 Triumph is part of White’s permanent collection, and is currently on loan to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio. For directions and more information, see www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

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

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Photos Alison Grogan

March 2015

29

Raffle Bike RestoRation 1965 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide

The 2015 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame raffle bike is getting a frame-up restoration. The 1965 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide looked good before, but the “after” is going to look amazing—and the bike will run just like new.

Raffle tickets for the 2015 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame raffle bike are $5 each or five for $20. They are available by calling (614) 856-2222 or online at www.motorcyclemuseum.org. The winner will be announced at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days July 10-12 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

As of early January, Mike Wells at C&S Cycle Service in Mount Victory, Ohio, was almost finished with the restoration.

We caught up with Mike to find out more about this project and others that he is working on at his central Ohio shop.

AmericAn motorcyclist: What are you doing to the Hall of Fame raffle bike?

Mike Wells: We stripped the bike down to the bare frame and basically we’re completely restoring the bike.

The motor and transmission have been

completely rebuilt. All the bearings have been gone through, and anything that needs to be replaced, we replace it. With a bike this old, you just replace all the bearings because even if it’s in spec, you don’t want to risk it. Once we’re done, it will be just like it came out of the factory.

It’s going to be repainted—the fuel tanks, the fenders, some things will be re-chromed and some will be replaced with new parts. The wheels have been re-spoked with stainless steel spokes so you don’t have to worry about them rusting. Everything that was polished will be polished.

Performance-wise, we’re not looking to build a hot rod, but the cam was worn, so we replaced that with a little better cam that will help the bike run better. The idea is to have something that someone can ride around that will be dependable.

We powder-coated the frame, which lasts a heck of a lot longer than paint. The cylinders have been powder coated. We’re honing the cylinders and installing new pistons. The motor will be pretty much brand new.

2015 RAFFLE BIKE

RESTORATION IN PROGRESS

What about the electrics?

This bike sat for about 20 years, so once I got it torn apart, I could tell!

Some of the electrical stuff was corroded and the seals and gaskets were gone.

I work with a company that can provide a wiring harness to match the factory harness. The original used cloth wire, and we can still get that. It comes as a harness and individual wires. We have a sheet from Harley that specs out which color goes where, and we can match it perfectly, right down to the length.

AM:

MW:

AM: Is there anything unique about how this motorcycle operates?

MW: It’s pretty similar to modern machines. This year, 1965, was the first year for electric start for Harley. Sure, they did upgrade some things over the years, but ’65 was a pretty reliable bike. The ’65 was a smooth-running bike. It has shocks in the rear and a pogo seat.

One thing that I won’t use, though, is the rear chain oiler. Anytime I restore one that has a rear chain oiler, I always turn that off. It makes a mess. Basically, what it does is drip motor oil on the rear chain.

Once you get so much oil on that chain, it’s going to start slinging it all over the

#AMARaffleRestore

1965 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide

Buy a Ticket and Follow the Build at www.MotorcycleMuseum.org (800)342-5464

Proceeds benefit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

Jeri Amrine Photography

place. Today, we have o-ring chains and even if you don’t use an o-ring chain, there is chain oil that sticks to the chain and won’t fling off. It’s much better than motor oil, which, when you are running sidewall tires, can make them look really bad.

What do you specialize in?

The earliest bike I ever worked on was a 1914, so let’s say I’ll work on anything from 1914 to 2015. I don’t paint.

I have a guy who paints for me. But everything else is done in house.

We do maintenance here as well AM:

MW:

as restoration and performance work.

We’re pretty much all Harley. I got all my experience from working on Harleys from my father-in-law, Curby Cochran, who was a Harley dealer. He was a Harley dealer up in Michigan—Curby’s Harley-Davidson.

After he moved to Ohio, he and I got to working on friends’ bikes, and then it turned into this.

I’ve been doing a lot of restorations, which I really enjoy. I’m restoring a ’75 Shovelhead, a ’68 Sportster and this ’65 FLH. Not too long ago, I did a 1947, and I have another 1960 Panhead to restore.

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AM: What’s your advice for amateur restorers?

MW: The biggest thing is to get a service manual. They don’t cost that much, and a good factory service manual will instruct you through everything. Plus, it will tell you what specialty tools you need.

Some jobs really can’t be done correctly without the right tool.

All the old bikes, they’re fairly easy to work on and you can still enjoy them, like this ’65 FLH. This will be a great bike to take out on all kinds of rides, and it’s fairly straightforward to work on.

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States ‘Borrow’ Money Or Hold It To Balance Budgets California’s off-highway-vehicle trust fund has been tapped for $221 million.

In Texas, $16.5 million allocated for motorcycle safety programs sits unspent.

In Ohio, an advisory board established to help set spending priorities disappeared after two years due to legislative sleight of hand.

And Illinois riders lost a court battle over motorcycle training funds, but appear to have achieved an amicable relationship with the current governor regarding the use of money collected only from motorcyclists in the state.

Each year, across the country, street and dirt riders witness state governments raiding motorcycle funds to balance budgets or help pay for other programs.

Even with apparent protections codified in state laws, there is no guarantee that the money in special funds will be used to benefit motorcyclists.

“We motorcyclists are always expected to fund our own street and off-road programs,” says Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO. “So, when funding is taken from us and diverted to other programs, it is adding insult to injury, because we are still expected to foot the bill.

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“When money from a motorcyclistfunded program is diverted from its intended purpose, motorcyclists are being singled out for what amounts to a new tax,” Dingman says.

The AMA works hard to expose efforts to divert motorcyclists’ money, then rally its members and the rest of the motorcycling community to oppose the actions.

“The key is for individual motorcyclists, clubs and rights organizations to closely monitor what’s happening in their state legislatures,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.

“When a bill or a budget is introduced that threatens funding for motorcycle trails or safety programs, contact us immediately at the AMA, so we can help you fight these proposals.”

Here are some examples of how dedicated funds can be diverted for other uses and how riders have fought to retain or restore the funding they were promised.

California

Since California first borrowed funds under its Budget Act in fiscal 1982-83, the total amount borrowed or redirected from

By Jim Witters

the California Off-Highway Vehicle Trust Fund has reached about $221 million, with $207.4 million of those funds left unreimbursed in 2014.

Most of the money has gone to the state’s General Fund or to the State Park and Recreation Fund.

None of the money for the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation program comes from the state’s general fund.

The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation program receives more than 70 percent of its revenue from fuel taxes paid by motorized off-highway recreationists.

Another 24 percent comes from OHV registration fees. Entrance fees at state vehicle recreation areas account for about 3.4 percent.

In 2011-12, the fund’s revenue totaled $76.36 million.

Ted Cabral, chairman of the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, says the loss of funding resulted in delayed maintenance.

“It’s no secret that the facilities took a pretty big hit,” says Cabral, a charter life member of the AMA and a life member of AMA District 36. “Tighter budgets led to less maintenance and to staff reductions.”

The transfers and loans ignited

©iStock.com/vtwinpixel

MOTORCYCLE FUNDS REMAIN AT RISK

– Ted Cabral

Loan to California Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) DFW Repayment Transfer to State Park & Rereation Fund (SPRF) SPRF Repayment SPRF Redirect (No Payback) Charlie Gesell

Redirect from Motor Vehicle Fuel Account to GF Transfers/Loans to California General Fund (GF) GF Repayment 0

40000

80000

120000

160000

Summary of Diversions/Loans from the Off-Highway Vehicle Trust Fund Loan to California Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW)

$3,000,000

DFW Repayment

$3,000,000

Transfer to State Park & Recreation Fund (SPRF) SPRF Repayment SPRF Redirect (No Payback) Redirect from Motor Vehicle Fuel Account to GF

$25,647,000 $11,122,00 $7,000,000 $25,823,000 $160,085,000

Transfers/Loans to California General Fund (GF) GF Repayment $0

0

0

00 0,

0 ,0

60

$1 00 0,

0 ,0

20

$1 00 ,0

0 00

0

00

0, 00

0,

$8

0, $4

$0

an outcry among California off-road enthusiasts.

“These transfers have happened in increments over many years, and the OHV groups have become strong voices during that time,” Cabral says. “They used their anger and frustration as motivation to organize and be heard. So, at least there was some positive effect for the long run.”

At the same time, the fund shortfalls brought the riders’ interests more closely into line with the state’s OHV Division employees.

“If it weren’t for the dedication of the OHV Division staff, the user experience would have suffered greatly,” Cabral says.

“They have done a great job with limited assets. Those folks should be recognized for their outstanding effort.”

Cabral says the promises made by the legislature to repay the borrowed and redirected money have been insufficient and uninspiring. But he hopes that Gov. Jerry Brown’s fiscal policies will strengthen the state’s general fund and make borrowing less tempting.

“His projected budgets have a repayment schedule for the OHV trust fund,” Cabral says. “Hopefully, it passes as proposed.

“A larger issue at this time may be the $10 million redirection from the OHV general fund to the state general fund,” Cabral continues. “It was instituted during the financial crisis, and, in my opinion, is overdue to be reversed. The projected future revenues for the state seem to support my stance. I would love to see action on this issue soon.”

Cabral says the financial uncertainty from year to year can be debilitating to an OHV recreational program. State budget cuts adversely affect trail and facility maintenance resources. He says that cuts can also cause wage stagnation among government employees, and that can result in “a bit of a ‘brain drain’ within the OHV Division, with good employees moving on to other jobs.”

Although “financial issues are a fact of life [in] this day and age,” Cabral says that the firm and consistent application of public pressure can make a difference with government officials.

“First, as a private citizen, get involved,” he says. “It’s our government. So be part of the process. Either join an existing group or organize a new group for your area. There are a lot of good people working for our best interests.”

He also says individuals must educate themselves about the issues, formulate a focused message and present that message effectively.

“The flipside is to do nothing but complain to your buddies and get pissed off,” he says. “That makes no sense to me, and I’m sure your friends get tired of

“As a private citizen, get involved. It’s our government.

So be part of the process.”

Source: California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Registration Commission.

March 2015

33

“It is urgent that we establish legislation to use our money for the safety of Texas motorcyclists.”

Andy Sams

– Paul Landers

Activity for Fund 0501 - GR Account Motorcycle Education Fiscal Year

Revenue

hearing it. We can make a difference if we stand together. “

Texas

Expenditures

2014

$1,251,924.95

$0

2013

$1,254,984.35

$0

2012

$1,248,991.75

$0

2011

$1,280,861.00

$0

2010

$997,775.58

$0

2009

$1,177,213.07

$0

2008

$1,445,921.07

$0

2007

$1,377,907.00

$0

2006

$1,345,912.25

$0

2005

$1,205,043.29

$5,891.47

2004

$946,124.00

$40,413.09

2003

$851,313.26

$1,047,411.96

2002

$1,489,886.17

$989,275.88

2001

$1,509,310.04

$708,101.57

2000

$1,483,207.79

$692,763.82

Source: Texas comptroller’s office

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Motorcyclists in Texas believe the legislature is using its motorcycle education fund to bolster the state’s balance sheet.

Documents provided by the state comptroller show that the state is sitting on $16.5 million and has not spent a penny from the fund since 2005. The fund balance has more than doubled in that time.

Texas law states: “Money deposited to the credit of the motorcycle education fund account may be used only to defray the cost of administering the motorcycle operator training and safety program.”

The money has not been transferred to the general fund. But it is not being used for motorcyclist education, either. And Texas riders are fighting to change that.

In 2005, the method for financing the Department of Public Safety Motorcycle Safety Unit changed, says Paul Landers, legislative task force chairman for the National Coalition of Motorcyclists.

“Motorcycle safety is not a fiscal priority at the DPS, and as a result of the changes there has been over 50 percent reduction in the internal agency budgeted amount available to the Motorcycle Safety Unit

since fiscal year 2004,” Landers says.

“The cost of training to the end user has risen with the reduction of support from the MSU.” The results are disastrous, he says.

Motorcycle fatalities are increasing in Texas while dropping nationwide, Landers says. In 2013, nearly 500 people died in motorcycle crashes on Texas roadways, an increase of about 5 percent from 2012.

Skee Dodson, legislative officer for Texas ABATE, says her organization tried to introduce a bill in the last legislative session to allocate the “millions of unspent dollars in the ‘Rainy Day Fund’ that is not being spent on motorcycle safety and awareness.”

“No one would sponsor the Motorcycle Crash Prevention Act of 2013,” Dodson says.

This year, Landers is leading a concerted effort to push the legislation through.

Sean Hutson, AMA’s legislative assistant, is assisting with the effort by alerting Texas AMA members and seeking their support for the bill.

“It is urgent that we establish legislation to use our money for the safety of Texas motorcyclists,” Landers says. “To get this done, the Texas Legislative Strike Force has called on motorcyclists from different

organizations to all work together.”

Joining forces are the Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition, the Texas Department of Public Safety Training Unit, the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas ABATE, the Texas Confederation of Clubs and Independents, the US Defenders/ Coalition of Independent Riders, and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

The strike force issued an executive summary of its motorcycle crash reduction strategy that concludes: “To make a difference, there needs to be a consistent funding methodology aimed at saving lives through education, communication and regulations.”

The proposed legislation—the Motorcycle Safety Fund Recovery Bill— calls for using DOT funds for efforts to reduce motorcycle crashes.

The proposal also asks legislators to consider moving the Motorcycle Safety Unit from DPS to the traffic safety section of the DOT “to better coordinate efforts toward motorcycle crash reduction.”

“We’ve presented it to the legislative budget board,” Landers says.

Ohio

Ohio’s off-road riding community successfully campaigned in 2009 to raise the OHV user fees, with the additional money being channeled into a State Recreational Vehicle Fund.

Included in the legislation backed by motorcyclists, ATV riders and snowmobilers was a provision for an advisory board that would include offroad enthusiasts and would advise the state Department of Natural Resources regarding the use of state recreational vehicle money.

“The intent was for the riders who pay into the fund to have a direct voice in how the fund is used, and that the existence of the board be protected by law,” says Matthew Mesarchik, government relations director for the Ohio Motorized Trails Association and associate state partner for the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council.

A conference committee inserted a sunset clause, and the advisory board dissolved after two years.

“We continue to pay the increased fee we campaigned for, but the board was a crucial part of the system,” Mesarchik says. “Continuing to pay the fees while having no guaranteed voice to oversee the fund is wrong.”

The OMTA, the AMA, ABATE of Ohio, and the Ohio State Snowmobile Association are supporting SB 383, offered by state Sen. Frank LaRose. The bill, now before the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, would restore the State Recreational Vehicle Advisory Board and study the feasibility

of establishing a grant program to fund recreational vehicle projects.

Illinois

Motorcyclists in Illinois thought their training funds were secure and protected in the Cycle Rider Safety Training Fund.

But in 2004, the state legislature passed a law allowing the governor to “sweep” such funds to balance the state budget.

The Cycle Rider Safety Training Fund contained money intended for motorcyclist-training classes.

Then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich swept $1.2 million from the motorcycle fund, which receives a percentage of motorcycle registration fees each year.

ABATE of Illinois sued, arguing that federal and private funds may have been commingled with the state money and that all the money in the fund became private once it was deposited.

The Illinois Supreme Court disagreed in a 2011 ruling. The court found no evidence that federal or private money had been deposited into the fund. And justices said that all the money in the fund came from legislative appropriations.

“Our legislature cannot create an irrevocable trust with public money,” the ruling states.

J. Ryan Hubbard, state coordinator for

ABATE of Illinois, says motorcyclists were greatly disappointed in the outcome of the case.

“The ruling basically stated that one General Assembly cannot tie the hands of another (future) General Assembly,” Hubbard says. “Therefore, there is not much for ABATE of Illinois to agree or disagree with. However, given this money is collected only from motorcyclists and it is placed in a dedicated fund, we do disagree that the court did not enforce a repayment to the fund.”

When Gov. Pat Quinn took office, he vowed to leave the state’s special funds alone and balance the general fund without sweeps. During his term, Quinn kept that promise.

Now, Illinois motorcyclists are waiting to see what approach newly elected Gov. Bruce Rauner will take.

“Since this court ruling, there have not been any additional monies swept from this fund,” Hubbard says. “We have worked well with Gov. Quinn’s administration, and he has not attempted to use these funds for any other purpose.

“That being said, I believe the backbone and determination shown by ABATE of Illinois to proceed with a lawsuit has kept the governor and General Assembly from trying to sweep the fund again.”

March 2015

35

GO RIDE

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

4 5 1

2 7

3

6

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

4

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

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

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

COMING UP April kicks off the riding season for much of the country.

Look for our AMA Go Ride! Month featured in the April issue of American Motorcyclist 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 ROAD RUN MAR 11: DAYTONA BEACH: DAYTONA 200 MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (386) 747-7157, DAYTONA200MC.COM COMPETITION ENDURO MAR 12: ORMOND BEACH: DAYTONA DIRT RIDERS, (386) 615-0722, DAYTONADIRTRIDERS.COM MOTOCROSS MAR 1: CITRA: MOTOCROSS OF MARION COUNTY, INC., (352) 591-2377, MXMARIONCOUNTY.COM OBSERVED TRIALS MAR 7: OCALA: 2 DAY EVENT, FLORIDA TRAILS ASSOCIATION MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (352) 732-9574, FLORIDATRIALS.NET GEORGIA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAR 15: (Includes ATVs) DALTON: LAZY RIVER MOTOCROSS, (706) 278-1620, LAZYRIVERMOTOCROSS. COM OBSERVED TRIALS MAR 21: BLAIRSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, SOUTHEASTERN TRIALS RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (423) 942-6084 HAWAII COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAR 14: HALEIWA: 2 DAY EVENT, HAWAII MOTORSPORTS ASSOCIATION, (808) 6686276, RIDEHMA.COM

IDAHO COMPETITION

RIDERS, (989) 890-1411 MINNESOTA

HARE & HOUND

COMPETITION

MAR 21: CALDWELL: 2 DAY EVENT, DIRT INC, (208) 4596871, DIRTINCRACING.COM

ICE RACE

ILLINOIS COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAR 7: DUQUOIN: 2 DAY EVENT, PARADISE MOTOPARK, INC., (616) 542-6203, PARADISEMOTOCROSS. COM INDIANA COMPETITION OBSERVED TRIALS MAR 28: LIGONIER : MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (574) 386-4061, MOTATRIALS.COM MAR 29: LIGONIER : MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (574) 386-4061, MOTATRIALS.COM IOWA COMPETITION ARENACROSS MAR 6: COUNCIL BLUFFS: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM MAR 7: COUNCIL BLUFFS: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM KANSAS COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAR 28: MAIZE: 2 DAY EVENT, BAR 2 BAR MX PARK, LLC, (316) 293-8132, BAR2BARMXPARK.COM LOUISIANA COMPETITION ARENACROSS MAR 21: NEW ORLEANS: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENCROSS.COM MARYLAND COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAR 28: MECHANICSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (301) 4752000, BUDDSCREEK.COM MICHIGAN COMPETITION ICE RACE MAR 1: (Includes ATVs) BENTLEY: VALLEY TRAIL

MAR 1: (Includes ATVs) STANCHFIELD: NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (763) 263-5835 MISSISSIPPI COMPETITION ARENACROSS MAR 13: SOUTHAVEN: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 2167482, ARENACROSS.COM MAR 14: SOUTHAVEN: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM MOTOCROSS MAR 28: (Includes ATVs) FULTON: 2 DAY EVENT, MID SOUTH RACE PRODUCTIONS, (931) 2352776, FASTFARMSMX.COM NEVADA

6036, DOUBLINGAP.COM MAR 22: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 582-3717, PAGODAMC.ORG SHORT TRACK MAR 29: (Includes ATVs) HANOVER: TRAIL-WAY SPEEDWAY, (717) 359-4310, TRAIL-WAYSPEEDWAY.COM SOUTH CAROLINA COMPETITION ENDURO MAR 1: SALLEY: COLUMBIA ENDURO RIDERS ASSOC, (803) 788-4220 TENNESSEE RECREATIONAL TRAIL RIDE RECREATIONAL MAR 27: (Includes ATVs) HURRICANE MILLS: MIDDLE TENNESSEE DIRT RIDERS, INC, (615) 5127548, MTDR.ORG

COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES

COMPETITION

MAR 7: LAS VEGAS: WILD BUNCH, (702) 610-7364, MRANRACCING.COM

MAR 21: (Includes ATVs) ALTAMONT: 2 DAY EVENT, MID SOUTH RACE PRODUCTIONS, (931) 2352776, FASTFARMSMX.COM

NEW JERSEY COMPETITION ENDURO MAR 15: GREENBANK: METEOR MC, (856) 2975674, METEORMC.COM MAR 22: SHAMONG : SOUTH JERSEY ENDURO RIDERS, INC., (609) 2689272, SJER.ORG

MOTOCROSS

MAR 28: (Includes ATVs) BLOUNTVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM TEXAS COMPETITION ARENACROSS

MOTOCROSS

MAR 28: AUSTIN: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENCROSS.COM

MAR 14: (Includes ATVs) ELLERBE: 2 DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

MAR 17: WORTHAM: FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY, LLC., (713) 9623386, FREESTONEMX.COM

NORTH CAROLINA COMPETITION

MAR 29: (Includes ATVs) SANFORD: DEVILS RIDGE MX, (919) 776-1767, DEVILSRIDGEMOTOX.COM OHIO COMPETITION ENDURO MAR 29: SHADE: ATHENS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 590-3490, ACES-RACES.COM PENNSYLVANIA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAR 21: SHIPPENSBURG: 2 DAY EVENT, DOUBLIN GAP MX PARK INC, (717) 249-

MOTOCROSS

UTAH COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAR 21: TOOELE: 2 DAY EVENT, MILLER MOTORSPORTS PARK, (435) 277-8000,

MILLERMOTORSPORTSPARK. COM

VIRGINIA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAR 22: (Includes ATVs) SUTHERLIN: BIRCH CREEK PROMOTIONS, LLC, (434) 836-7629, BIRCHCREEKMXPARK.COM

March 2015

37

2015 EVENTS

Motocross Motocross of NatioNs FIM-lIve.coM

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

June 13: Mount Morris, pa.: High Point National

July 25-26: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud

June 27: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National

august 8-9: hurricane Mills, tenn.: Loretta Lynn’s

July 4: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National July 18: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National

aMsoil aMa areNacross ArenAcross.coM feb. 21-22: tampa, fla.: Tampa Bay Times Forum

sept. 26-27: Ernee, France

July 25: washougal, wash.: Washougal National

fiM JuNior Motocross world chaMpioNship FIM-lIve.coM

aug. 8: New Berlin, N.y.: Unadilla National

feb. 28- March 1: Kansas city, Mo.: Sprint Center

aug. 15: tooele, utah: Utah National

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

July 19: El Molar, Spain MoNster eNergy aMa supercross AMAsupercross.coM feb. 21: atlanta, ga.: Georgia Dome (East)

aug. 22: crawfordsville, ind.: Indiana National woMeN’s Motocross chaMpioNship rAcewMx.coM

March 13-15: southaven, Miss.: Landers Center March 21-22: New orleans, la.: Smoothie King Center

feb. 28: atlanta, ga.: Georgia Dome (East)

March 8-9: daytona Beach, fla.: RCSX

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

March 21: wortham, texas: Freestone Spring Championship

March 14: indianapolis, ind.: Lucas Oil Stadium (East)

april 12: san Bernardino, calif.: California Classic

april 18-19: tacoma, wash.: Tacoma Dome

March 21: detroit, Mich.: Ford Field (East)

May 15: sacramento, calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic

april 25-26: fresno, calif.: Save Mart Center

March 28: st. louis, Mo.: Edward Jones Dome (East)

June 7: Blountville, tenn.: Tennessee National

april 11: houston, texas: NRG Stadium (West)

June 12: Mt. Morris, pa.: High Point National

april 18: san francisco, calif.: Levi’s Stadium (West)

July 5: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National

april 25: east rutherford, N.J.: MetLife Stadium (East)

aug. 21: crawfordsville, ind.: Ironman National

May 2: las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium MoNster eNergy cup oct. 17: las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium lucas oil pro Motocross chaMpioNship proMotocross.coM May 16: sacramento, calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic May 23: san Bernardino, calif.: Glen Helen National May 30: lakewood, colo.: Thunder Valley National

38

June 6: Blountville, tenn.: Tennessee National

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

MtN. dew aMa atV NatioNal Motocross AtvMotocross.coM March 21-22: lizella, ga.: Echeconnee april 18-19: Kemp, texas: Underground May 2-3: Blountville, tenn.: Muddy Creek May 16-17: Morris, pa.: High Point May 30-31: crawfordsville, ind.: Ironman June 13-14: walnut, ill.: Sunset Ridge June 27-28: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek

March 28-29: austin, texas: Frank Erwin Center april 11-12: spokane, wash.: Spokane Arena

May 1-3: las Vegas, Nev.: South Point Arena aMa proaM Motocross eVeNts AMARACING.COM feb. 23-27: pell city, ala.: Davi Millsaps Spring Classic - Mill Creek Motocross Park, RPMsportsonline.com, (205) 699-8857 March 1: wortham, texas: Texas Winter Series - Freestone Raceway, FreestoneMX.com, (713) 962-3386

March 15: dalton, ga.: The United States Mega Series Lazy River MX, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497 March 16-20: wortham, texas: James Stewart Spring Championship - Freestoe Raceway, FreestoneMX.com, (713) 962-3386 March 29: sanford, N.c.: North Carolina State Championship Devil’s Ridge Motocross, DevilsRidgeMotoX.com, (919) 776-1767 april 9-12: san Bernardino, calif.: California Classic - Glen Helen Raceway, 2xPromotions.com, (559) 761-0897 april 12: hamer, s.c.: The United States Mega Series South of the Border, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497 april 19: Mount carroll, ill.: MC Motopark, MCmotopark.com, (815) 238-1614 april 25-26: livingston, tenn.: The United States Mega Series - Thunder Valley, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497 april 26: rancho cordova, calif.: King of the West Prairie City, 2xPromotions. com, (559) 761-0897 rocKy MouNtaiN atV/Mc aMa aMateur NatioNal Motocross chaMpioNship Mxsports.coM

Northeast Area Qualifier

feb. 21-22: elizabeth city, N.c.: Elizabeth City, (757) 754-8008 March 7-8: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek MX, (301) 475-2000

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

March 21-22: shippensburg, pa.: Doublin Gap, (717) 249-6036

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

april 11-12: dillwyn, Va.: Actiontown MX Park, (434) 836-7629

March 28-29: englishtown, N.J.: Englishtown, (732) 446-7800

april 18-19: armagh, pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway, (814) 695-2453

May 2-3: Mount Morris, pa.: High Point, (304) 284-0084 May 16-17: winchester, N.h.: Winchester Speed Park, (603) 239-6406 Northeast regional

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

March 14-15: ellerbee, N.c.: Windy Hills MX, (423) 323-5497

March 28-29: Blountville, tenn.: Muddy Creek, (423) 323-5497 april 11-12: pell city, ala.: Mill Creek MX, (205) 699-8857 april 11-12: punta gorda, fla.: Florida Track and Trails, (239) 567-0227 april 18-19: tallassee, ala.: Monster Mountain, (334) 318-8475 May 2-3: washington, ga.: Aonia Pass, (706) 678-3737 May 16-17: henderson, N.c.: North Carolina Motorsports Park, (252) 438-8192 southeast regional

June 13-14: gainesville, fla.: Gatorback (Amateur), (407) 453-2056 June 20-21: hamer, s.c.: South of the Border (Youth), (423) 323-5497 Mid-East Area Qualifier

March 21-22: altamont, tenn.: Fast Farms MX Park, (931) 235-2776 april 11-12: waynesburg, ohio: Malvern MX, (330) 575-0021 april 18-19: rossville, ind.: Wild Cat Creek MX, (765) 379-2482 april 25-26: livingston, tenn.: Thunder Valley, (423) 323-5497 May 2-3: Millington, Mich.: Baja Acres, (989) 871-3356 May 9-10: london, Ky.: Daniel Boone MX, (606) 231-2313

2015 EVENTS May 16-17: Newaygo, Mich.: Big Air MX, (231) 652-5225

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

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

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

April 25-26: Edgewood, Texas: Buffalo Creek MX, (214) 939-4321

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

May 2-3: Ponca City, Okla.: Ponca City MX, (580) 762-3635

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

May 16-17: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley MX, (303) 697-1003

May 9-10: Rocksprings, Wyo.: Rock Springs MX, (307) 389-1477

Mid-East Regional

June 6-7: Buchanan, Mich.: Red Bud MX (Amateur), (269) 695-6405 June 27-28: Millfield, Ohio: Sunday Creek Raceway (Youth), (304) 284-0084 North Central Area Qualifier UPDATED: March 7-8: DeQuoin, Ill.: Paradise Moto-Park, (618) 542-6203 March 28-29: Maize, Kan.: Bar 2 Bar MX, (620) 755-1370 April 11-12: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX, (815) 379-9534 April 25-26: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports, (217) 932-2041 May 2-3: Tigerton, Wis.: Motozone, (920) 419-2863 May 9-10: Little Falls, Minn.: Little Falls Raceway, (612) 919-3457 May 16-17: Garwin, Iowa: Oak Ridge Motocross, (205) 699-8857 May 23-24: Byron, Ill.: Byron Motosports Park, (815) 234-2271 North Central Regional

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

South Central Regional

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

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

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

May 9-10: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park, (360) 601-5347 May 16-17: Billings, Mont.: Billings MX, (406) 671-5151 May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Northwest Regional

June 6-7: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park (Youth/Amateur), (360) 601-5347 Mid-West Area Qualifier

Feb. 21-22: St. George, Utah: St. George MX, (435) 705-4125 Feb. 28 – March 1: Porterville, Calif.: Porterville OHV Park, (740) 297-6686

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

May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park Mid-West Regional

June 13-14: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City OHV (Youth/Amateur), (740) 297-6686 Southwest Area Qualifier March 7-8: Los Angeles, Calif.: LACR, (740) 297-6686 March 14-15: Haleiwa, Hawaii: Kahuku MX, (808) 668-6276 March 28-29: Perris, Calif.: Starwest MX Park, (949) 276-5153 April 4-5: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway, (909) 384-9342 April 11-12: Moriarty, N.M.: Sandia MX, (505) 259-6824 May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park Southwest Area Regional May 30-31: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway (Youth/ Amateur), (909) 384-9342

Oct. 10: Pomona, Calif.: Flat Track Season Finale

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

AMA VINTAGE DIRT TRACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES aMaRacInG.coM March 7: Savannah, Ga.: Oglethorpe Speedway Park, Half Mile March 9: Barberville, Fla.: Volusia Speedway Park, Half Mile March 10: Barberville, Fla.: Volusia Speedway Park, Short Track May 2: Henry, Ill.: Volusia Speedway Park, Half Mile May 9: Tar Heel, N.C.: Tar Heel Speedway, Short Track May 10: Tar Heel, N.C.: Tar Heel Speedway, Short Track June 12: Harpursville, N.y.: Short Track June 13: Harpursville, N.y.: Short Track July 11: Ashland, Ohio: Ashland County Fairgrounds, Half Mile Aug. 8: Indianapolis, Ind.: Marion County Fairgrounds, Short Track Aug. 29: Oshkosh, Wis.: Oshkosh Speedzone, 3/8 Mile Sept. 5: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Short Track Sept. 26: Cuddebackville, N.y.: Short Track Sept. 27: Cuddebackville, N.y.: Short Track

AMA CLASSIFIEDS: YOUR ONLINE Check Out the All-New AMA MARKETPLACE CLASSIFIEDS! YOUR ONLINE MARKETPLACE FOR MOTORCYCLES, POWERSPORTS FOR MOTORCYCLES, POWERSPORTS & MORE.& MORE.

South Central Area Qualifier

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

Feb. 28-March 1: Breaux Bridge, La.: Gravity Alley Extreme Park, (337) 321-1154 March 7-8: Conroe, Texas: Three Palms, (936) 321-8725 March 28-29: Fulton, Miss.: Veteran MX

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March 2015 4/25/14 3:25 PM

39

2015 EVENTS Featured SerieS: aMa all-Star national Flat track SerieS SteveNaceRaciNg.com

High Adventure. No Hassle.

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

For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding.

THE ADVENTURE is out there

comteit Ge

March 6: Savannah, Ga.: Oglethorpe Speedway Park, Half Mile March 8: Barberville, Fla.: Volusia Speedway Park, Half Mile May 22: Peoria, ill.: Peoria Speedway, Short Track May 23: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds, TT June 13: Bucyrus, ohio: Crawford County Fairgrounds, Half Mile June 19: Ashland, ohio: Ashland County Fairgrounds, Half Mile July 4: Frederick, Md.: Frederick Fairgrounds, Half Mile aug. 5: Sturgis, S.d.: Sturgis Fairgrounds, Half Mile aug. 15: lewistown, ill.: Spoon River Speedway, Short Track

FiM World SuPerBike chaMPionShiP Fim-live.com | WoRldSBK.com July 17-19: Monterey, calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca MotoaMerica road racinG SerieS motoameRica.com april 10-12: austin, texas: Circuit of the Americas MotoGP support races

May 29-31: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America

aug. 23: Moorestown, Mich.: Lansing Motorcycle Club, LansingMotorcycleClub.org

June 12-14: Birmingham, ala.: Barber Motorsports Park uPdated: June 2628: toole, utah: Miller Motorsports Park

Sept. 11-13: Millville, n.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

OFF-ROAD international Six dayS enduro (iSde) Fim-live.com

www.yamaha-motor.com

Apparel Sponsorship by

april 10-12: austin, texas: Circuit of the Americas Aug. 7-9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Sept. 27: Lynnville, Ind.: Lynnville Area Dirt Riders Inc., LADirtRiders.com oct. 11: Matthews, Ind.: Muddobbers MC, MuddobbersMC.org Geico aMa endurocroSS eNduRocRoSS.com March 6: daytona Beach, Fla.: Ocean Center March 21: Slc, utah: Energy Solutions Arena april 25: Sacramento, calif.: Sleep Train Arena May 1: las Vegas, nev.: Orleans Arena

Feb. 21: du Quoin, ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

Sponsored by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.

May 17: Park Hills, Mo.: Missouri Mudders, MOmudders.com

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

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

FiM road racinG World chaMPionShiP Grand Prix (MotoGP) Fim-live.com motogP.com

april 19: West Point, tenn.: NATRA, NATRA-westpoint.net

May 15-17: alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

Sept. 26: York, Pa.: York Expo Center, Half Mile

ROAD RACE

March 22: Gainesville, texas: Gainesville Riders

June 14: upton, Wyo.: Inyan Kara Riders

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

March 28: du Quoin, ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

March 1: Pellon, S.c.: Columbia Enduro Riders

april 17-19: Braselton, Ga.: Road Atlanta

Sept. 5: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Short Track

Featured SerieS: aMa Winter JaM, ShoWdoWn at the center - indoor dirt track SerieS SteveNaceRaciNg.com

kenda aMa national enduro, PreSented By MooSe racinG NATIONALENDuRO.COM

Sept. 7-12: Kosice, Slovakia FiM trial deS nationS Fim-live.com Sept. 19-20: Tarragona, Spain FiM trial World chaMPionShiP Fim-live.com July 25-26: West Greenwich, r.i.: Steppingstone Ranch

May 30: Phoenix, ariz.: Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum aug. 22: atlanta, Ga.: Gwinnett Center oct. 3: denver, colo.: National Western Complex oct. 17: everett, Wash.: XFINITY Arena Nov. 7: Boise, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center nov. 21-22: ontario, calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena aMSoil aMa Grand national croSS country SerieS gNccRaciNg.com

March 7-8: Palatka, Fla.: Wild Boar

2015 EVENTS March 14-15: Washington, Ga.: The General

June 20-21: Toronto, Ohio: trialsinc.org (east)

March 28-29: Morgantown, W. Va.: Steele Creek

Aug. 8-9: Casper, Wyo. (West)

April 11-12: Union, S.C.: Big Buck April 25-26: Springville, Ind.: Limestone 100 May 9-10: Odessa, N.Y.: The Tomahawk May 23-24: Masontown, W. Va.: Mountaineer Run June 6-7: Millfield, Ohio: John Penton June 20-21: Snowshoe, W. Va.: Snowshoe Sept. 19-20: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla Oct. 3-4: Somerset, Pa.: Moutain Ridge Oct. 17-18: St. Clarsville, Ohio: Powerline Park Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman KeNdA SRT AMA NATIONAl HARe ANd HOUNd CHAMPIONSHIP NaTIoNaLHaReaNdHoUNd.CoM

Feb. 21-22: Barstow, Calif.: Checkers MC, CheckersMC. com March 21-22: Murphy, Idaho: dirt Inc., dirtIncRacing.com April 25-26: Johnson Valley, Calif.: Vikings MC, VikingsMC.com May 2: delta, Utah: Sage Riders MC, SageRidersMC. com June 6-7: Snowville, Utah: Big Nasty Hillclimb LLC, X12events.com Aug. 22: Panaca, Nev.: Silver State Trail Blazers Oct. 24-25: lucerne Valley, Calif.: 100s MC, 100smc.com AIReS AMA/NATC MOTOTRIAlS NATIONAl CHAMPIONSHIP SeRIeS AMArAcing.coM | MototriAls.coM April 11-12: Amarillo, Texas (West)

Youth Nationals and Women’s Open

July 3-5: Sequatchie, Tenn.: TrialsTrainingCenter. com (east) Aug. 11-13: Howard, Colo.: ItsOffroad.com (West) KeNdA AMA TeNNeSSee KNOCKOUT exTReMe eNdURO

tEnnEssEEKnocKoUtEnDUro.coM

Aug. 15-16: Sequatchie, Tenn.

AMA eAST HARe SCRAMBleS SeRIeS AMArAcing.coM May 31 (Amateur, Youth): Battle Creek, Mich.: Battle Creek Motorcycle Club, BattleCreekMotorcycleClub. com July 11 (Youth Bikes) | July 12 (Amateur Bikes & ATV): Berwick, Pa., evansville MX Park, evansvilleMXpark.com July 19 (Amateur, Youth): Mahoney City, Pa.: Valley Forge Trail Riders, VFTR.org Aug. 2 (Amateur, Youth): Catawissa, Pa.: High Mountain dirt Riders, HMdR.com Nov. 7 (ATV) | Nov. 8 (Amateur, Youth): Kohoka, Mo.: Midwest Motorsports KeNdA SRT AMA WeST HARe SCRAMBleS SeRIeS AMArAcing.coM March 14 (Youth) | March 15 (Amateur): Gorman, Calif.: Prospectors MC April 11 (Amateur) | April 12 (ATV, Youth): Shasta lake, Calif.: Redding dirt Riders, ReddingdirtRiders. com May 16 (Youth, Amateur): Caliente, Nev.: Silver State Trail Blazers June 20 (Youth) | June 21 (Amateur): elkton, Ore.: eTRa, Inc., eTRa.net

April 18-19: Kingman, Ariz.

(West)

Oct. 24 (Amateur, ATV, Youth): lucerne Valley, Calif.: desert MC

June 13-14: Nehawka, Neb.: mwta-trials.com (east)

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

FeATURed SeRIeS: APPAlACHIAN CHAMPIONSHIP eNdURO SeRIeS AcEs-rAcEs.coM March 29: Shade, Ohio: Lost in Lodi enduro, Lodi Community/Volunteer Fire dept.

April 12: Wellston, Ohio: Little Raccoon Classic enduro, appalachian dirt Riders May 3: Chandersville, Ohio: Grassman enduro, ohio Woods Riders June 28: Athens, Ohio: Milk Run enduro, athens Motorcycle Club July 19: Bergholz, Ohio: Lumberjack 100 enduro Aug. 2: logan, Ohio: JakeTom enduro, Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club Aug. 9: Thring Springs, Pa.: Three Springs enduro, Green Marble enduro Riders

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.

Aug. 30: McArthur, Ohio: Little Burr enduro, enduro Riders association Sept. 13: londonderry, Ohio: art Mitchell Memorial enduro, Chillicothe enduro Riders association Oct. 11: Matthews, Indiana: Muddobbers enduro, Muddobbers Motorcycle Club

AmericanMotorcyclist.com a Riding a Dual Sport

Nov. 8: Greenville, Ohio: Peace Pipe enduro, Treaty City Motorcycle Club FeATURed SeRIeS: BIG 6 AMA WeST COAST GRANd PRIx SeRIeS Big6rAcing.coM Jan. 31 - Feb. 1: Taft, Calif.: dirt diggers MC, Honolulu Hills Raceway Feb. 28 - March 1: devore, Calif.: Prairie dogs MC, Glen Helen Raceway March 28-29: 29 Palms, Calif.: Hilltoppers MC, Rodeo and Motoplex May 2-3: Primm, Nev.: Shamrocks MC, Buffalo Bills Casino Oct. 3-4: Ridgecrest, Calif.: Viewfinders MC, Ridgecrest Fairgrounds

Facebook.com/AMADualSport #AMADualSport

Oct. 31 - Nov. 1: location TBA: Prospectors MC 15AMA_Beta_Natl_Dual_Sport_Series.indd 1

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2015 EVENTS Dec. 5-6: Location TBA: Vikings MC FeATureD SerieS: eAST CoAST enDuro ASSoCiATion (eCeA) - enDuroS ECEA.org March 15: Greenbank, n.J.: Sandy Lane Enduro, Meteor Motorcycle Club, MeteorMC.com March 22: Shamong, n.J.: Curly Fern Enduro, South Jersey Enduro Riders, SJER.org April 12: Chatsworth, n.J.: Pine Barons Clock Run, Pine Barons Enduro Riders, PBER.webs.com

May 24: Heckscherville, Pa.: Broad Mountain Enduro, Reading Off Road Riders, RORR.org June 14: Deposit, n.Y.: Ridge Run Enduro, Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club, RidgeRiders.org June 28: Blain, Pa.: Foggy Mountain Enduro, Susquehanna Off Road Riders, SORRmc.org July 12: Gillett, Pa.: Barbed Wire Enduro, Southern Tier Enduro Riders July 26: Cross Fork, Pa.: Rattlesnake National Enduro, Brandywine Enduro Riders, BER.us

April 19: Port elizabeth, n.J.: Greenbrier Enduro, Tri-County Sportsmen Motorcycle Club, TeamHammer.org

Aug. 9: Three Springs, Pa.: Three Springs Enduro, Green Marble Enduro Riders, GreenMarbleEnduroRiders. org

May 3: Delaware City, Del.: Delaware State Enduro, Delaware Enduro Riders, DelawareEnduroRiders.com

Aug. 16: Berkshire, n.Y.: Speedsville Enduro, Ithaca Dirt Riders, IthacaDirtRiders. com

Aug. 30: Mauricetown, n.J.: Beehive Enduro, Competition Dirt Riders, CompetitionDirtRiders.org Sept. 13: Shippensburg, Pa.: Michaux Enduro, South Penn Enduro Riders, SouthPennEnduroRiders. com Sept. 20: Brandonville, Pa.: Moonshine Enduro, High Mountain Dirt Riders/Valley Forge Trail Riders, vftr.org oct. 25: new Lisbon, n.J.: Scrub Pine Enduro, Ocean County Competition Riders, OCCR.net nov. 8: Warren Grove, n.J.: Stumpjumper Enduro, Motorcycle Competition Inc., Ride-MCI.com nov. 22: new Lisbon, n.J.: Pine Hill Enduro, Central Jersey Competition Riders, CJCRmc.org

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).

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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

2015 EVENTS June 7: Location TBA: Tidewater

Oct. 25: Elkins Flat, Calif.: Polka Dots MC

May 29-30: Plymouth, Wis.: Road America

June 21: Bristol, Va.: Harleywood

Nov. 15: Stoneyford, Calif.: Valley Climbers MC

Aug. 16: Martinsville, Va.: Blue Ridge II Aug. 30: Rural Retreat, Va.: Coyote Run

FEATURED SERIES: WESTERN NEW YORK OFF-ROAD ASSOCIATION WNYOA.NET

July 3-4: Denver, Colo.: Colorado National Speedway

Sept. 13: Spring Grove, Va.: Peninsula at Southwark

May 3: Newfield, N.Y.: Dream Riders

Sept. 27: Chatham, Va.: Joe Lloyd Memorial Oct. 11: Rural Retreat, Va.: Rattlesnake Nov. 1: Spring Grove, Va.: Pipsico

May 24: Richford, N.Y.: Broome-Tioga Sports Center

Nov. 8: Rural Retreat, Va.: The Hillbilly Hare Scramble FEATURED SERIES: WESTERN CHECKPOINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP RIDECHEC.COM

June 14: Lowman, N.Y.: Full Action Cycles

April 19: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: United MC June 6: Upton, Wyo.: Inyan Kara Riders Oct. 3: Chimney Rock, Utah: Sageriders MC Oct. 18: Red Mountain, Calif.: Training Wheels MC

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

Sept. 18-20: Sturgis, S.D.: Downtown Sturgis

Oct. 31: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Tri-County Sportsmen MC Inc.

Nov. 13-15: Hammonton, N.J.: BMW of Manhattan Motorcycles

Nov. 27-28: Palmdale, Calif.: AMA District 37 Dual Sport

Nov. 27-28: Palmdale, Calif.: AMA District 37 Dual Sport

May 10: Odessa, N.Y.: GNCC

May 31: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Victory Mountain Dirt Riders

April 12: Camp Wood, Ariz.: AZ Trail Riders

Aug. 14-15: Salt Lake City, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park

Oct. 31: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Tri-County Sportsmen MC Inc.

HALL OF FAME

EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

RECREATION

July 12: Fassett, Pa.: Barbed Wire (STER) July 19: Odessa, N.Y.: Seneca Highland July 26: Homer, N.Y.: Knobby Acres Aug. 2: Location TBA: Scooters Aug. 23: South Edmeston, N.Y.: Thunder Ridge Aug. 30: Speedsville, N.Y.: Cross Country Customs Sept. 13: Moravia, N.Y.: Twisted Fence Sept. 19-20: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla Sept. 27: Jasper, N.Y.: STER Oct. 11: Location TBD: The Finale

March 21-22: Tucson, Ariz.: Tucson Dual Sport LLC AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

March 7-8: Brooksville, Fla.: Dixie Dual Sport, Inc. March 21-22: Tucson, Ariz.: Tucson Dual Sport LLC May 2-3: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Family Off-Road Adventures May 16-17: McArthur, Ohio: Buckeye Dual Sporters May 31: Atlanta, N.Y.: Wayne County Motorcycle Club

AMANATIONALSUPERMOTO.COM

April 3-5: Riverside, Calif.: Adams Motorsports Park

June 6-7: Odell, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail June 6-7: Lockhaven, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club June 6-7: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders June 27-28: Big Bear City, Calif.: Big Bear Trail Riders, Inc. July 18: Kinross, Mich.: The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan July 31-Aug. 2: Walden, Colo.: Front Range Riders Aug. 15-16: Columbus, Ind.: Stoney Lonesome M/C

June 6-7: Lockhaven, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club

Aug. 15-16: Tillamook, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail

Aug. 15-16: Tillamook, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail

AMA SUPERMOTO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

June 6-7: Bixby, Mo.: Midwest Trail Riders Association

June 6-7: Odell, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail

June 6-7: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders

SPECIALTY

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

March 7-8: Brooksville, Fla.: Dixie Dual Sport, Inc.

June 7: Palermo, N.Y.: Arcadia Bark Busters

June 28: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Valley View Dirt Riders

BETA AMA NATIONAL DUAL SPORT SERIES

Sept. 12-13: Pineola, N.C.: Appalachian Trail Riders Sept. 19-20: Logan, Ohio: Buckeye Dual Sporters Sept. 26-27: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders Oct. 3-4: Mount Solon, Va.: Washington Area Trail Riders, Inc.

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG

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

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

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

Sept. 19-20: McArthur, Ohio: Buckeye Dual Sporters Sept. 26-27: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Family Off-Road Adventures Sept. 26-27: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders Oct. 3-4: Logan, Ohio: Enduro Riders Association Oct. 3-4: Mount Solon, Va.: Washington Area Trail Riders, Inc. Oct. 24-25: Payson, Ariz.: Arizona Trail Riders

AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS AMAVINTAGEMOTORCYCLEDAYS. COM

July 10-12: Lexington, Ohio: Demo. bikes from manufacturers, visit the swap meet, watch or compete in vintage racing, meet AMA Hall of Famers, attend seminars and more.

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AMA Trademarks The following represents active, registered trademarks, trademarks and service marks of American Motorcyclist Association, Inc. (AMA). Usage of any AMA trademark or registered trademark without our permission is prohibited.

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GUEST COLUMN

BEYOND OUR BORDERS Great Rides Are Everywhere There is some great riding in the United States, but there is a lot to be seen beyond our borders, too.

Recently, I took a two-day ride through and around Taiwan that was beautiful and exciting. I had been contemplating this trip since I rode a train up the coast of Taiwan years ago, and noticed beautiful seascapes and mountain vistas.

I was initially apprehensive of the Taipei traffic, as well as not being able to understand

By Greg Gogates the language.

Thankfully, I trusted my friends' advice, as well as my trusty road map and Google navigation, and ventured forth.

For a rental, I chose the Suzuki Burgman AN650 scooter for its displacement as well as its secure underseat storage. Once I signed the Chinese contract—which I could not read—I was off. Taiwan law allows 500cc and larger motorcycles to use automobile lanes, but since the Burgman was also a scooter, I could easily maneuver through traffic.

The cityscape gradually transformed itself more to countryside. As I rode, I developed a better understanding of the road signs. My apprehension subsided, and I began to revel in the moment.

I eventually reached a mountain road and was greeted with many curves and turns. As I wove my way toward mountain passes, I was greeted with breathtaking vistas of green mountains, rocky gorges,

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waterfalls, outcropping hairpin turns and deadly drops. It was all exhilarating!

There was surprisingly little traffic on the narrow road. The Burgman’s automatic transmission let me concentrate on the winding conditions instead of shifting gears. There were numerous opportunities to stop and appreciate my surroundings.

After about four hours of this riding nirvana, I descended several 180-degree switchbacks. Once out of elevation, I followed a left turn that opened up to reveal the widest dry riverbed I had ever seen. It looked prehistoric. This flat route gradually led to farms and urban areas then the ocean-side city where I would spend the night.

The hotel and town seemed unremarkable, considering my daytime experience, yet were vibrant and crowded.

I queried the hotel’s front desk on dinner, and they suggested the night market.

Their recommendation to choose the kiosks with the longest lines was spot-on and delivered amazing morsels.

I awoke to a Chinese breakfast that thankfully included coffee. Then off I went, heading out to see if the seaside roads could compare to those through the mountains.

I made my way out of the city and turned north onto the coastal highway, which appeared to be quite industrial. This continued for about 30 minutes before the ocean miraculously appeared to my right in all its majesty.

This road was quite open. I was able to make many stops to enjoy the beauty of green mountains rising from the sea with only this snake of a road skirting the patch

of flat land between. There were colorful temples, small villages, fishing boats, divers, majestic crashing waves, beautiful sea-worn rock formations and a multitude of roadside parks.

As lunchtime was approaching, I passed what appeared to be a large fish market. I stopped and found wonderfully fresh seafood of every variety that was cooked on the spot. When it comes to a mid-day meal, it doesn't get any better.

I journeyed on. The highway turned into a city, and I again found myself jockeying with the locals. Just when I thought my scenic ride was over, the road again opened up. I was on the north shore of the country. It was a different type of seascape with wide rocky beaches.

As I neared Taipei, the number of seaside restaurants and coffee shops increased. I stopped at one and was told there was a 30-minute wait. This broke my stride. My romance with the natural beauty of the countryside was over.

From there, I was soon picking my way through Taipei and New Taipei city to return the bike.

Once back at my hotel, I reflected on the two-day, 350-kilometer journey. I was lucky to have had the open road pretty much to myself in the areas of beauty. It exhilarated and calmed my soul.

It was a wonderful trip that I would repeat gladly. I am grateful to Taiwan for allowing a humble foreigner to appreciate its natural beauty.

If you are considering an overseas ride, regardless of how many miles you have on American roads, my recommendation is to take the journey. The sites you see will stay with you for a lifetime.

Greg Gogates is an AMA member from Pennsylvania.

Lake George, NY

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