American Motorcyclist 03 2012

MARCH 2012

JOINING FORCES

Street And Dirt Riders Are Working Together For All Motorcyclists’ Rights.

THE JOURNAL OF THE

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NAVIGATION

Cover

ABATE of Indiana isn’t your father’s ABATE. Formerly a street-focused organization, ABATE of Indiana has formed a brotherhood of street and dirt riders—including member Dave “Frosty” Frost, who happens to ride street and dirt— to fight for the rights of all riders. For details, see page 32.

Photos: Chris Casella.

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The 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference will be held July 26-29 in Carson City, Nev. The extravaganza will combine inspirational speakers, great roads, demo rides, product showcases and unmatched camaraderie, as it has in years past. Shown here is an off-road clinic from the 2009 conference.

Photo: Tom Bear Photography

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 2012.

Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $10 covered in membership dues; $15 a year for non-members.

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

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

March 2012 Volume 66, Number 3 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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8. LETTERS

You write, we read.

10. ROB DINGMAN

One voice, many results.

12. RIGHTS

Five questions with U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin, and the AMA earns a prestigious award.

18. RIDING

Riding the 2012 BMW G 650 GS, and lane position advice.

24. RACING

Jeff Gibson and Tyler Bowers lead Arenacross, and the Sandy Lane Enduro is 75.

28. HALL OF FAME

A 1913 Schickel, and Hall of Famer Doug Henry.

32. JOINING FORCES

What do street, dirt and all-terrain vehicle riders have in common? Plenty. ABATE of Indiana is bringing these diverse riders together to fight for everyone’s rights.

38. VIETNAM REVISITED

World-traveler Dr. Gregory W. Frazier joins some American veterans on a journey along the Ho Chi Minh Trail aboard 40-year-old copies of BMW motorcycles.

42. GO RIDE

What to do, where to go.

50. DARRELL SWANSON Adrenaline fix.

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EDITORIAL OFFICES

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 AmericanMotorcyclist.com/ about/board Stan Simpson, Chairman Cibolo, Texas

Grant Parsons, Director of Communications James Holter, Managing Editor Bill Kresnak, Government Affairs Editor Mark Lapid, Creative Director Jen Muecke, Designer Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer

Maggie McNally, Vice Chairwoman Albany, N.Y. Jon-Erik Burleson, Assistant Treasurer Murrietta, Calif.

Perry King, Assistant Secretary Northern California

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

John Ulrich, Executive Committee Member Lake Elsinore, Calif.

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

Dwight Conant, Kearsarge, N.H. Charles Goman, Winder, Ga.

Misty Walker, Advertising Assistant (614) 856-1900, ext. 1267, mwalker@ama-cycle.org

Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.

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, 2012.

Art More, Surprise, Ariz.

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill. AMA PRESIDENT AND CEO Rob Dingman, Pickerington, Ohio

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

CONTRIBUTORS AND STAFF

Renew now AMA Membership went up to $49/year on January 1, 2012, but existing members can renew for the old $39 rate through March 31, 2012.

Bank even more savings by buying a three-year membership at the reduced rate. Plus, a threeyear membership comes with free AMA Roadside Assistance at no additional charge.

Save money. Get peace of mind on the road. Support your right to ride and race. Renew now!

Online: AmericanMotorcyclist.com Phone: (800) 262-5646

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JEFF BUCHANAN, Contributor Jeff is a longtime moto-journalist. His work appears regularly both in print and online. In this issue, he brings you news on BMW’s G 650 GS, as well as an interview with BMW Motorrad USA VP Pieter de Waal.

CHRIS CASELLA, Photographer Chris travels frequently to photograph the world of rock ’n’ roll for clients in the music industry and publication world. For this issue, he shot the cover story on how street riders and off-road riders can work together for change. See more of his work at www.chriscasella.com.

DOUG LONEMAN, Photographer Doug has been photographing the West for more than 25 years. While working as a photojournalist, he was repeatedly named one of the top 10 newspaper photographers in the country and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. See more of his work at lonemanphotography.com.

DARRELL A. SWANSON, Guest Columnist An architect by trade, a motorcycle racer by passion, Darrell offers his thoughts on discovering, embracing, leaving and returning to the sport we all love—and not letting time get in your way.

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GRANT PARSONS, Director of Communications It has been some time since Grant’s vintage Honda has seen light of day. Is it too late to add fuel stabilizer if the fuel in your gas tank is older than the air in your tires?

MARK LAPID, Creative Director Mark has decided: A Kawasaki Versys it is! Or, was that a KLR650? And the new G 650 GS sure looks hot. Ah, nevermind!

JAMES HOLTER, Managing Editor James wonders if winter project progress can be measured in dog years.

BILL KRESNAK, Government Affairs Editor Krez’s plan for buying a bike in ’12 begins with $100 and 10,000 shares of penny stock. His trading strategy? “All in.”

JEN MUECKE, Designer Jen’s plan for the year is simple: race, wash, repeat. Who can beat that?

JEFF GUCIARDO, Production Manager/Designer Jeff is headed to the local International Motorcycle Show with a decision to make: motocross or factory custom?

Other contributors include: Jeff Kardas, Curtis Lenderman, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Dave Brosius

MEMBER LETTERS

Send your letters (and a high-resolution photo) to submissions@ama-cycle.org; or mail to 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.

LETTER OF THE MONTH A SWEET DEAL

I bought this 1977 Bultaco Frontera Model 181 new in ’77 from H&H Cycle Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a Bike in Ohio. I rode the Jack Pine Enduro in Bandit gift card worth $100. Didn’t win? No worries. You can still take advantage of your Michigan twice and some two-hour hare 10% AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com. scrambles in Ohio, then in ’79 sold it to my brother-in-law, Fred. He rode Jack Pine in ’80 and ’81 and sold the Bultaco to our mutual friend, Mike, in ’82. Mike then moved to Florida with the Bultaco and a Triumph Trident. Mike moved three times in Florida, sold the Trident but kept the Bultaco in all his moves.

Mike was up in Ohio in 2010 for my daughter’s wedding, and I mentioned that I would like to get a dual sport and do some AMA adventure rides. He said he had a DRZ 400 S that he would be willing to let go if I was interested, and I was.

We talked about the sale price and as we tried to come to an agreement, Mike sweetened the deal and offered to throw in my old Bultaco 181.

I had to think about that for a bit (about 1 second), and said, “Yes!” So, 30 years and a restoration later, she sits in my garage all dressed up and ready to go. What goes around, comes around.

Dave Brodowski Eastlake, Ohio Thanks, Dave! Hopefully, we’ll see you and your Bultaco at the AMA Vintage Grand Championships during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days July 2022 in Lexington, Ohio. The event includes North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet and tons of racing. The hare scrambles go down on Friday. Keep an eye on AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com for news of special discounts for AMA members. (And kids 12 and under get in free with a paying adult!)

the fold. I wish more people would see how riding is so much more fuel efficient and has therapy value as well. We find that when we ride, we have to focus all our attention on riding, the traffic and conditions around us. This clears our minds of everything else and we are very relaxed after a ride.

Here is hoping more people can learn the many values and joy of riding like Carol and I do.

Jeffrey and Carol S. Laux Longmont, Colo.

THREE-WHEELERS HAVE A PLACE I’m a 76 year old who has been riding motorcycles for over 50 years and have been a member of the AMA on and off for more years than I can remember.

This last December, I had to sell my Star 1100 Classic because of age and health reasons. Not wanting to stop riding, I purchased a Can-Am Spyder RT. I have a real concern that the AMA is not concerned or sensitive to older riders like myself who have had to go to three-wheeled machines in order to keep riding. Rob Dingman’s article in the February magazine mentioned every type of motorcycle made but failed to mention the growing number of riders who have gone the way of three wheels.

We old timers have been the backbone of the sport and stayed with the AMA during some very tough times. We are just as much bikers with three wheels as we were with two. I urge the AMA to be more aware of just how many riders cannot ride two-wheel machines anymore, but are on the road riding on three wheels.

Michael Varvis Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

LEARNING TO LOVE RIDING Two years ago, my wife, Carol, took a three-day class and got her motorcycle license a month before she turned 64. We got her a Can-Am Spyder Roadster a few days later. The following weekend we rode 95 miles to the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference in Keystone, Colo. We have done several rides together since then and always enjoy them. Carol always leads so we go at her pace. In October 2010, we rode to Wyoming and dealt with 41-degree temperatures and she was fine.

Having my wife ride with me is superb.

I know she will never ski with me, but she is learning to enjoy riding as much as I do. Carol comments on feeling the temperature changes that motorcyclists

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feel and the smell of the trees and other odors on the bikes that we don’t notice from the car. Carol has always noticed that we see more from the bike than we do from the car.

We have a lot of great roads here in Colorado to enjoy. There is the Peak to Peak Highway, with one end in Estes Park, Stove Prairie Road and CO 141 out of Grand Junction, that is nearly 100 miles of twisties.

I was an AMA member back in the early ’70s when I rode motocross. I rejoined the AMA a few years back and am glad Jeffrey and Carol S. Laux to be back in

Mr. Varvis, thanks for the note. You are absolutely correct. We must all stick together—riders on two wheels (including scooters), three wheels and four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles—to defeat the threats to our rights to ride. Three-wheelers are indeed a big part of the AMA fold, whether they are traditional conversions or the factory-designed Can-Am Spyder.

(Indeed, look for coverage of the newest Spyder in the next issue.)

SAFETY IN RACING Hi and thanks for a great magazine!

The articles and features are informative and interesting. My particular interest is in vintage motorcycling and you always include something.

My comment and request is about the

January 2012 article, “Getting Started in Racing” on page 24. Well done and good advice and descriptions of nearly all forms of riding competition. The only suggestions I have are to encourage training and proper equipment for competition.

My perspective on training is from having started in observed trials about six years ago. When I started in trials, I got some advice from a friend of a friend and some basic pointers. Just a few words and some demonstration combined with lots of practice made my early competition experience a lot more rewarding and fun. Our local club, Trials Inc., sponsors training events that are dedicated to learning and trying and perfecting skills as taught by an expert in the field.

Proper equipment provides safety and, again, a rewarding and fun experience.

Competition rules adequately cover safety but may not cover everything.

There are all kinds of boots, protective pads, gloves, apparel and helmets but most are tailored for a type of riding/ competition and may not be optimum for another particular type of competition.

Discussion and demonstration of the available gear is part of typical training but also ask questions at the competition events so you can tailor the gear and the bike for local conditions.

Bryan Halsey Brownsburg, Ind.

Nick Rispone

THANKS, NANCY A big thanks to [AMA Motorcyclist of the Year and grassroots activist] Nancy Sabater and all of the folks who made the sacrifices, dedication and perseverance to defeat the lead law as it pertained to our children and their riding.

Drew Rispone Baton Rouge, La. NO, THANK YOU I had to send you a letter to thank you and your staff at the AMA for the kind words and recognition regarding my grassroots efforts pertaining to

the lead law. I also appreciate the acknowledgement that I was not alone in that battle—yet I was one part of an army of motorcycling activists.

As you can imagine, I was floored when I opened up the January 2012 American Motorcyclist magazine. I could not believe my eyes—me, on the cover… what?! What I thought was going to be a small article on my efforts turned into one of the most amazing honors I have ever received. I shed quite a few happy tears while reading the article, as well as reading the From the President column.

I must tell you that I felt silly about the idea of being honored with that title because my motorcycling skills are not worthy of ink, yet after discussing this with [fiancé] Billy, he shed a different light on it. I see it now. It doesn’t matter what your riding skill level is. What matters is you’re doing it and enjoying it and willing to fight for it.

Fighting for the future of off-highway vehicles was so important on so many levels, and I want to thank you for having people like Jessica Irving and Sheila Andrews in D.C. The team you have is top shelf, truly, because they kept me motivated and informed. I feel like I am part of that team now, and we will stay focused on the issues that, unfortunately, are sure to arise and try to stifle our sport.

Nancy Sabater Charlotte Hall, Md.

On Facebook? Us, too! Like the fan page of the American Motorcyclist Association, and you could leave comments like these: www.facebook.com/AmericanMotorcyclist

I believe joining the AMA is a must for all motorcyclists out there. The association looks out for the best interests of the activity we love. Support what you love and join the AMA today! — Rick Cole Jr. They need to do random eye tests on car drivers. Maybe if the ones who cannot see motorcycles are pulled off the road, there will be less motorcycle crashes! Bikes don’t cause most of the crashes involving them. — Jim Brown, commenting on a Virginia bill that would end motorcycle-only checkpoints.

KTM has been the best in the woods and now on the Supercross track, too. Been a long time coming. Congrats to the Red Bull team. — Todd Hall, referring to Ryan Dungey’s Phoenix, Ariz., AMA Supercross win, a first for KTM. Kevin is a class act and a great person. — Lloyd Rivers, commenting on the announcement that Kevin Schwantz is the featured guest at this year’s AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona (details on page 23).

When it snows, I spend about half an hour kickstarting my engine, and by the time it’s warmed up, so has the snow. Ha ha! — Stephen Charles, commenting on a photo from a 1954 snow run.

You can connect with fellow AMA members on Facebook. You can also always find more information at AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

March 2012

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

ONE VOICE, MANY RESULTS Surviving The Next ‘Meteor Strike’ It’s clear to me that the repeal of the portion of the lead law (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008) that threatened to end to sale of kids’ dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) was the result of the combined efforts of literally millions of riders.

Many organizations jumped into the battle.

In addition to the AMA and All-Terrain Vehicle Association, our industry friends at the

By Rob Dingman Motorcycle Industry Council and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, MX Sports, motocross parks, the enthusiast media and advocates such as AMA Motorcyclist of the Year Nancy Sabater worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front lines to fix this misguided law.

Most importantly, we succeeded because millions of riders closed ranks and voiced their opinion to their legislators that denying kids the opportunity to ride was unjust, and threatened to destroy a lifestyle and an industry that is rooted in the very freedoms upon which our country was founded.

Make no mistake. If the lead law was not changed, the future of riding any kind of motorcycle—on-road or off-road, twowheeled or three-wheeled—and ATV was in serious jeopardy. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that when youngsters are denied the opportunity to ride, fewer and fewer of them will take up riding when they becme adults. Our numbers would rapidly dwindle over time.

What did we learn from this experience?

AMA Board of Directors Chairman Stan Simpson has often used the analogy that meteor strikes can happen in our industry, and we have to be prepared for them. It’s fair to say that through sheer willpower and perseverance we prevailed this time. We need to work together and cohesively to fend off this kind of threat.

Between the interests of our industry and our riders—not to mention the many factions of riders—we often follow different, and sometimes competing agendas, to the detriment of the whole. When we set aside our differences and work as one,

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We need to set aside our differences and develop strategies and plans to counter major threats to our sport and lifestyle. ”

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there’s no telling what we can accomplish.

It’s the hope that’s present in that last point that gives me great optimism for the future.

True, there will be times when we disagree on means and ends. But we desperately need to set aside our differences and develop strategies and plans to counter major threats to our sport and lifestyle. This is not just a good idea. It’s actually happening—now—at the grassroots level.

In one of our feature stories this month, we sat down with five members of ABATE of Indiana to bring you the story of how the partnership between Indiana’s street and dirt riders came about, and how they are tackling the big issues facing riders in their state. As a combined force, there’s a lot we can learn from ABATE of Indiana Executive Director Jay Jackson and Operations Director Gary Williams, Roy Garrett and Al Pivonka, who were formerly with Discover Indiana Riding Trails, and street and dirt rider Dave “Frosty” Frost.

Finally, I want to compliment our industry and aftermarket friends for their investment and hard work to sustain motorcycling and ATV riding in the United States. If this experience has taught us anything, it’s that the outside world is largely indifferent to our riding world, and when they look at us, it is through one lens. The industry cannot survive without riders’ purchases, any more than riders can survive without the products our industry produces. The motorcycling community needs the industry and rider groups to be strong, healthy and independent, yet willing to collaborate on shared goals.

We hope that we don’t see another meteor strike against motorcycling any time soon, but I can assure you that our motorcycling universe is littered with meteors.

Closing ranks to prepare for the challenge and acting with one purpose is our best defense.

Rob Dingman is president and CEO of the American Motorcyclist Association.

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AMA EARNS ‘INDUSTRY LEADER’ AWARD FOR 2011 Motorcycle-USA.com Bestows The Honor

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In its annual “Best of” awards for 2011, Motorcycle-USA.com, a leading online motorcycle magazine, named the AMA as its “Industry Leader” for efforts to overturn a federal ban on the sale of kids’ dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

After nearly three years of lobbying by the AMA and others, President Barack Obama on Aug. 12 signed into law H.R. 2715 to exempt kids’ off-highway vehicles (OHVs) from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, commonly known as the lead law. The CPSIA, which went into effect on Feb. 10, 2009, banned the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under, including kids’ dirtbikes and ATVs, that contained more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part. “[The lead ban] was the big industry issue that could never get resolved, but the American Motorcyclist Association kept the riding public informed and continued to lobby lawmakers for a permanent fix,” Motorcycle USA stated

in its award announcement. “It’s easy to forget there are active forces lobbying against motorcyclists—so we recognize the AMA as an Industry Leader for the tireless defense of riders’ interests.

“The AMA keeps fighting the good fight on a number of fronts,” Motorcycle USA added. “Lobbying a laggardly Capitol Hill into passing a permanent fix on the CPSC Lead Ban was a noteworthy 2011 win, but there’s also OHV land access, motorcycle-only checkpoints, emissions regulations, even the formulation of gas that goes in our tanks... The AMA does its best to stand guard, inform the public and mobilize rider action.”

AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman thanked Motorcycle USA for the recognition of the AMA’s hard work, and added that the ban couldn’t have been overturned without the diligent efforts of many people and organizations, from kid riders and their parents to the Motorcycle Industry Council and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and many others.

“Federal legislators deserve a lot of thanks for their tireless efforts, especially U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.), U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and all the other lawmakers who supported an exemption,” Dingman said.

“Hundreds of thousands of parents, kids and club members responded to AMA calls for action to contact their elected officials and their efforts—along with volunteers, including 2011 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year Nancy Sabater, who circulated petitions, attended our AMA rally against the law in Washington D.C. and took other actions—brought this issue to the attention of Congress and turned the tide in our favor,” he said.

Sean Hilbert of Cobra Motorcycles, Chase Yentzer and Rob Dingman.

Photo Morten Aigeltinger

RIGHTS

U.S. Congressman, Off-Road Rider Tim Griffin U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin (R-Ark.) is a lawyer, veteran, off-road rider and member of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus who represents the Little Rock, Ark., metro area in Congress. We asked him a few questions to find out about his motorcycling experience, and what motorcyclists need to be aware of on Capitol Hill.

American Motorcyclist: Welcome to American Motorcyclist, congressman.

First, please tell our members what you ride.

Tim Griffin: My first motorcycle was a minibike. In the 1970s, I got a Honda Z50. Since then, I’ve had approximately 15 motorcycles: street, dirt and dualpurpose. I’m always in the market for a new motorcycle.

I raced motocross in the early 1980s, during the days of [Motorcycle Hall of Famers] Mark Barnett and Jeff Ward.

They are still my heroes today.

I currently have a 1981 Suzuki TS100 that is identical to the one I had in junior

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high. I found this bike on eBay. I ride that one occasionally, but the motorcycle that I primarily use is my 2006 Suzuki two-stroke RM250 Ricky Carmichael replica. I bought it brand new, and I ride that more than anything else.

AM: What are some of your favorite rides?

TG: I enjoy riding my motocross bikes on motocross tracks, although I occasionally ride trails, especially on Ross Foundation property, which is just south of Hot Springs, Ark. Our state has many beautiful highways winding through the Ozarks and Ouachita mountains that are great for riding.

AM: What are the biggest issues facing motorcyclists today?

TG: The biggest issue for motorcyclists is undoubtedly the increasing number of restrictions on riding on government lands, at both the state and federal level.

In addition, we are fighting the EPA’s [Environmental Protection Agency’s] overregulation of fuel standards and

DOT’s [Department of Transportation’s] encroachment into motorcycle issues that should be left to the states.

AM: What are the biggest issues in Congress facing motorcyclists in 2012?

TG: I worked for a Suzuki-Kawasaki dealership when I was in junior high, so I’ve seen the motorcycle world from the perspective of both the dealer and the rider. As such, I have a good sense of what motorcyclists are concerned about.

People like me, who enjoy riding off-road, are finding it more and more difficult to find a place to ride. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to improve motorcyclists’ access to public lands.

AM: How can motorcyclists get more involved with the members of their congressional delegations to influence their decisions on issues?

TG: Motorcyclists should continue to engage their members of Congress on issues of importance to the motorcycling community. They can do that by requesting meetings, writing, emailing or calling offices, and participating in activities organized by advocacy groups.

Making sure that members of Congress are aware of the impact a federal issue may have on local motorcyclists is a powerful tool.

Photos Griffin: Courtesy Tim Griffin; Ethanol: ©istockphoto.com/SimplyCreativePhotography

5 QUESTIONS WITH…

RIGHTS

CONGRESS ENDS TAX BREAKS FOR ETHANOL $6 Billion Subsidy Disappears Congress adjourned in December without extending a federal $6 billion-ayear tax subsidy for corn ethanol, which has been in place for 30 years.

Ethanol is essentially grain alcohol produced from crops such as corn that’s mixed with gasoline to produce an ethanol-gasoline blend motor fuel.

The subsidy provided the ethanol industry with a tax subsidy of 45 cents a gallon for ethanol-blended fuel.

Congress also allowed the 54-cents-agallon tax on imported ethanol to expire by failing to extend that tariff.

It is unknown if Congress intends to revisit the issue during the 2012 legislative session.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted approval to allow the use of gasoline made up of 15 percent ethanol, known as E15, in model year 2001 and newer passenger vehicles including cars, SUVs and light pickup trucks. But the EPA hasn’t approved the blend for motorcycles, heavy-duty trucks or non-road engines.

The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15 when the new fuel becomes widely available.

The AMA believes more research is needed before E15 is approved for use in motorcycles and ATVs. “We are concerned that, if the allowable level of ethanol is raised, it could result in premature engine damage or failure while a bike is being ridden on a highway,” says AMA Government Affairs Manager Imre Szauter. “We are also concerned about any degradation in performance, fuel economy and rideability that may result from the long-term use of blended fuels with greater than 10 percent ethanol.”

PENNSYLVANIA LAW COULD INCREASE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY Property Owners Exempt from Liability For Training

The efforts of A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania, with help from lobbyist Charles Umbenhauer, bore fruit when Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law a bill that could lead to more street motorcycle safety training locations around the state.

On Nov. 22, Corbett signed into law House Bill 563, which creates an exemption from liability for a landowner who allows his or her property to be used for an approved motorcycle safety education program.

“This is a great victory for A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania because it may encourage more property owners to make their facilities available for use by the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety program,” says Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager.

“The program has a stellar record of

offering street motorcycle safety training not only for two-wheeled vehicles but for three-wheelers as well,” he says. “This new law should certainly help efforts to increase motorcycle safety in the state.”

A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania notes that it has become difficult to find, and obtain permission to use, adequate parking lots for motorcycle safety training.

“Furthermore, it was becoming more difficult to maintain current sites with landowners becoming ever more concerned of liability and the threat of litigation for allowing the state program to use their land,” A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania said in a news release. “Many want to help and believe in the motorcycle safety program, but have come to realize they endanger their business and livelihood for trying to be a good citizen.”

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GER0113 Ride it Ad.indd 1

FEAR NO TEMPERATURE!

7/20/11 9:20 AM

U.S. SENATE PANEL BACKS BAN ON TRAFFIC SAFETY AGENCY LOBBYING A U.S. Senate committee has approved two amendments to a traffic safety bill that would continue a ban on a U.S. traffic safety agency lobbying state and local officials.

On Dec. 14, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved S. 1449—the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2011—including two amendments offered by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). The DeMint amendments deleted language in the bill that would have allowed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to lobby state and local officials.

The measure now goes to the Senate floor for a vote. It’s unknown when that may take place.

“This is good news for motorcyclists nationwide because it means that federal officials won’t be trying to influence local decisions when it comes to motorcycle safety and motorcycle safety-related programs,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.

LONDON BUS LANES ALLOW MOTORCYCLES Traffic Congestion Reduced After conducting two successful trials, London officials are allowing British motorcyclists to use the city’s bus lanes permanently as of Jan. 23.

Transportation officials conducted two 18-month-long trials allowing motorcycles to use the lanes to see if there would be a reduction in traffic congestion as well as a reduction in travel time for riders.

There were an estimated 50,000 motorcycle trips in the bus lanes each day during the trials.

Officials said that the trials did, in fact, reduce traffic congestion and motorcyclist travel times. There were also reduced exhaust emissions levels, they said.

Photos Lobbying: ©istockphoto.com/Pgiam

Bill Up For Full Senate Vote

STATEWAT C H

RIGHTS

CALIFORNIA

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Local law enforcement agencies that get grant money for motorcycling safety programs would be barred from using that money for motorcycle-only checkpoints under an amendment to Assembly Bill 1047, sponsored by Asm. Kevin Jeffries (R-Lake Elsinore).

The Senate is considering House Bill 171, sponsored by Rep. Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry), which would prohibit the New Hampshire Liquor Commission from imposing restrictions on on-premises licenses relating to clothing or appearance of patrons or employees. The bill passed the House Jan. 4.

HAWAII The state Transportation Department, Leeward Community College and University of Hawaii in January dedicated a new rider training site at the university’s Maui College campus in Kahului. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse will be offered monthly at the site. For more information see the Leeward Community College continuing education website at OCEWD.org.

ILLINOIS The Illinois Toll Authority would be required to get authorization by joint resolution from the General Assembly before increasing toll rates, under House Bill 3924, sponsored by Rep. Richard Morthland (R-Moline), and Senate Bill 2530, sponsored

by Sen. Matt Murphy (R-Palantine).

NEW JERSEY Powersports dealers would be required to register all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with the Motor Vehicle Commission prior to a vehicle being delivered to the buyer, under Assembly Bill 1123, introduced

by Assemblywoman Angel Fuentes (D-Camden). Currently it’s the responsibility of the buyer to register the ATV. NEW YORK A flurry of toll-related legislation has been introduced to curb excessive toll increases, either proposed or already implemented, in the New York City area.

Those bills include Assembly Bill 8678, sponsored by Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-Staten Island); Assembly Bill 8680, sponsored by Assemblyman

Andrew Raia (R-East Northport); Assembly Bill 8813, sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Staten Island); Senate Bill 6011, sponsored by Sen. Tony Avella (D-Whitestone); and Senate Bills 6031 and 6034, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Great Kills). They include provisions such as required public hearings prior to any toll increases, dedicated trust funds for all collected tolls, and explicit requirements that toll revenue be used only for the costs of maintaining and operating the port authority facilities on which the tolls were collected.

SOUTH CAROLINA All two-wheeled motorized vehicle operators and passengers would be required to wear helmets, under Senate Bill 1046, sponsored by Sen. Ralph Anderson (D-Greenville). Currently, anyone who is 21 or older is allowed to decide whether to wear a helmet.

VERMONT No motorcycle passengers under the age of 8 would be allowed, under House Bill 471, introduced by Rep. Janet Ancel (D-Calais). Violators would be fined up to $100.

RIDING THE 2012 BMW G 650 GS SERTÃO

The GS Adventure Family’s New Sibling By Jeff Buchanan It stands to reason that with the popularity of BMW’s GS line, the company would introduce a friendlier adventurestyled model for new, beginning or returning riders. To that end—and new for 2012—is the G 650 GS Sertão, a well-appointed, single-cylinder, off-road capable machine with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, with a color scheme of Aura White and Arroyo Blue.

The goal for the Sertão, which gets its name from the badlands of Brazil’s northeastern interior, was to create a motorcycle with everyday practicality and

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reliability that is capable off-road. Tailored to this design mandate, the Sertão has long-travel suspension (8.3-inch front and rear), a 21-inch front wheel, hand guards and a steel engine guard. The rear wheel is 3.00 x 17-inch. Both wheels are spoked. Weight is listed as 390 pounds, dry, and 425 wet (all fluids and battery).

The standard seat is 33.9 inches, with an optional high seat that’s 1.5 inches higher.

The 652cc four-valve, single-cylinder engine produces a claimed 50 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, with a torque rating of 44 pounds feet at 5,000 rpm. The paperwork touts a claimed 74 mpg, but results will be significantly less the more off-road riding you do. The Sertão holds 3.7 gallons of fuel, with a full gallon available as reserve once the warning light comes on. There is no fuel gauge, so attentive use of the two trip meters is a good idea.

The Sertão’s slim profile, combined with relatively lithe weight, make it a compliant off-road machine, more than capable in the right hands, but easy on the nerves for people wandering off the beaten track for the first time. The engine is slightly stodgy off the bottom but revs quickly, and once

those revs are up, the engine possesses some real spirit. First gear is a tad tall for any serious slow-going, however.

Our test bike was shod with Metzeler Tourance on-road/off-road tires, as opposed to knobbies. The shallow tread pattern will quickly pack up in mud, but is capable in milder, dry terrain. The front suspension is a tad soft for any serious pounding, but flex is reduced with a standard fork brace. The ABS system can be easily canceled for off-road situations.

The most surprising aspect of the Sertão is its freeway manners. Despite being a single, it isn’t plagued by any serious vibration, even when pushing 8090 mph. This, no-doubt, is courtesy of the counter balance shaft in the motor.

Some criticism can be levied toward the six-speed transmission. The Sertão is a bit clunky compared to its bigger GS brothers. It requires deliberate, positive shifts, although this may free up with use.

Brembo brakes handle stopping chores, with a single 300mm rotor up front and a 240mm rotor on the back. The stainless steel braided front line is a nice touch.

With an MSRP of $8,650, the Sertão is an attainable entry into BMW’s adventure club. It’s a genuine GS presence, only without the imposing size or price tag of larger machines.

Photos Kevin Wing Photography Inc., Jonathan Beck

RIDING

RIDING

THREE QUESTIONS WITH… BMW VP Pieter de Waal On The New G 650 GS By Jeff Buchanan

For riders, developing a motorcycle seems simple. The manufacturers just have to build what you want. However, the task is far more difficult on the other side of the fence. Sadly, designers must appeal to the hearts and minds of thousands of diverse riders, not just you.

BMW Motorrad, however, is trying to please more of the people more of the time by adding variety to its offerings. The mid-sized adventure lineup is probably the best example of that, with variations of the 650cc single as well as the 800cc twin.

We caught up with BMW Motorrad USA Vice President Pieter de Waal to talk about the latest iteration: the G 650 GS Sertão.

American Motorcyclist (AM): What is the target audience for the new GS Sertão?

De Waal: With the new 650, first of all we’re talking about both newcomers who are looking for a motorcycle which is easy to ride, not so expensive. And then we’re also looking at people who specifically want the single cylinder, they want the simplicity, they want the characteristics that the single cylinder brings them.

AM: Is this a conquest vehicle then— sometimes look for an engine which can attracting customers from other brands— go anywhere, do anything, is reliable, is or is it a new-to-motorcycles, or perhaps a wonderfully light on fuel, and all of these returning-to-riding machine for BMW? things this motorcycle (the Sertão) can do.

De Waal: We hope it’s both. We know There’s also a substantial price from our market research that affordability, difference between the single-cylinder G or perceived affordability, is a big issue.

650 and the twin, so if you’re stretched to In other words, people think that BMW get into the BMW family this is probably motorcycles are too expensive to own. the motorcycle that you will take. Then With this motorcycle (the Sertão) you can you’ve got two choices, you can take the get into the BMW family for under $9,000, more street [oriented] version, the G 650 with anti-lock braking standard. So it’s a GS, or you can take the G 650 GS Sertão, good deal from that point of view. which is more off-road [capable].

AM: What can you tell me about the mindset of Pieter de Waal (left) at the introduction the person who buys the of the BMW G 650 GS Sertão 650 single, as opposed to the 800 twin?

De Waal: It’s a difficult question because I don’t know for sure. What I do know is that the twin is a more sophisticated ride, it’s more horsepower, it’s a much smoother engine and so on, compared to the single cylinder. But it’s not necessarily what people want. People don’t necessarily look for the sophisticated engine. They

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RIDING

Want to be an AMA tester?

E-mail submissions@ama-cycle.org for an application.

AMA MEMBER TESTED HJC RPS-10 Helmet

Approval: SNELL 2010/DOT Sizes: XS-XXL MSRP (varies by color, design): $349.99 - $549.99 Info: www.HJCHelmets.com The first thing I noticed when I slipped on the HJC RPS-10 was the thing is light. At only 3 pounds, 6 ounces, it was notably lighter than the modular helmet I normally wear.

Take some time to look a little closer, and you’ll be pleased by the excellent quality of the stitching, finish and graphics. I tested the Mugello version with impressively detailed dragon graphics that are quite striking.

I normally wear a medium helmet, and the HJC medium fit me well with no noticeable pressure points or hot spots after long rides. The liner is luxurious and silky. (I personally prefer the velour feel of some other high-end helmet liners.) The RPS-10 is a cozy and close-

M E M B E R T E S T ED

fitting helmet, and the cheek pads have good coverage with just the right amount of density. The HJC comes equipped with a very effective breath deflector and a chin skirt, both easily removable if you prefer.

The clear face shield allows excellent optics and comes prepared with pins installed for the included fog-resistant insert. This insert is a first for me, and completely eliminated fogging in my testing, even in 40-degree mornings with 100 percent humidity. (That said, I had to remove the chin curtain to prevent fogging my prescription glasses.)

The face shield mechanism has a quality feel and holds firmly in several positions.

The unique centermounted latching device locks the shield securely in the down position and is easy to operate with either hand in one smooth motion. The seal around the shield is very good, and I never experienced any water leaking from the upper seal, a common failure on some helmets I’ve worn. The shield is easily removed and replaced with a tinted shield (purchased separately) without tools in about 15 seconds.

The helmet’s built-in speaker pockets accommodated my Autocom speakers perfectly, and my microphone installed with ease. I commute about 50 miles on mostly 70 mph slab, and I found the RPS-10 to be a very quiet helmet. I was able to operate my sound system at about 10 percent lower volume than normal.

The light weight of the RPS-10 provided a noticeable reduction in fatigue, especially in strong head winds. The venting system is one of the more effective ones I’ve experienced.

The RPS-10 is a top-shelf helmet in every way, and its light weight will be an eye-opener if you’re accustomed to a heavier lid. I’d recommend this to anyone who rides, especially for those who spend a lot of time in the saddle. — Curtis Lenderman, Chesapeake, Va.

Up to the Reading MC for producing one heck of a historical book on the club. The five-year project was written, designed and published by club members. It includes a number of vintage photos and a full account of club history. It’s a great example of what members can do when they work together.

Buy one at ReadingMC.com.

Down to authorities in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez for ticketing a 6-yearold boy for reckless driving, driving without a license and lack of registration when he ran into the side of a parked SUV on his toy motorcycle.

Up to New South Wales, Australia, rider Mackenzie Tricker for capping an impressive 2011 MX season with her first AMA Amateur National Championship at the 40th Annual Thor Mini Olympics in Gainesville, Fla., in the Womens 12+ class.

Down to the mysterious affliction that claimed Harley, the motorcycle-riding bald eagle. The bird gained notoriety when HarleyDavidson rider Brian Baladez found the injured bird near Wascott, Minn., in 2009, and carried it 50 miles on his bike to Duluth, where it was rehabilitated, fitted with a transponder and released.

Harley persevered until January, when his body was discovered in a farmer’s field.

Ride on, Harley. Ride on.

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RIDING

Ask the MSF

LANE POSITION IN A LEFT-TURN LANE Q: I tend to stick to the left side of the lane when I ride in busy traffic.

However, this position makes me nervous when I’m sitting in the first position in a turning lane, waiting to make a left onto a perpendicular street. The cars that are coming toward me from the right, turning onto my street, can cut it pretty close! Do you have any suggestions?

A: You’re in good company. Many motorcyclists consider the left third of the lane—roughly the left tire track of automobiles—to be their default lane position, whether in traffic or waiting at an intersection. It keeps you away from debris that collects in the center of the lane (though that’s usually only a factor at stoplights) and it gives you more cushion from typical hazards on your right (doors opening from parked cars if you’re in the right-most lane, for example). But, you should be flexible and vary your lane position as conditions warrant.

If it makes you more comfortable to position yourself in the center or right third of a left-turn lane at an intersection, do it. However, if cars are always cutting it close to you when they’re turning left, consider not stopping as close to the stop line and perhaps stay a few feet back in case a vehicle cuts the turn short.

In any case, the “best” lane position in a given circumstance is the one that optimizes your space cushion, your view of traffic, and the chance of you being seen by other drivers.

RIDING KEVIN SCHWANTZ AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME FUNDRAISER

AMA WOMEN & MOTORCYCLING CONFERENCE REMINDER

Ever wanted to have breakfast with one of your heroes? Here’s your chance.

On March 16 at the Daytona 500 Club in the infield of the Daytona International Speedway, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame will honor 1988 Daytona 200 winner, 1993 World Roadracing Champion and AMA Hall of Famer Kevin Schwantz.

Schwantz will be the featured guest at the annual event, which raises money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Tickets are available for $75, with all proceeds supporting the Hall of Fame.

For more info or to register, please call (614) 856-2222, ext. 1234, or go to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame website at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Don’t pass up your chance to save some serious coin on the premier event for women who love to ride.

Through April 30, AMA members can register for the 2012 AMA Women & Motorcycling Conference, July 26-29 in Carson City, Nev., for just $125. The price goes up to $175 on May 1 for AMA Members, while non-members will have to pay $235 to attend the event.

As anyone who has attended a past conference will tell you, this is event includes everything—inspirational speakers, great roads, demo rides, product showcases and unmatched camaraderie in an amazing location.

Register at WomenAndMotorcycling. com or call (800) 262-5646.

Photos Ride: Jeff Kardas; Women: Tom Bear Photography

Annual Breakfast At Daytona: March 16 At Daytona International Speedway

Don’t Miss Chance To Save Big Bucks

APRIL IS GET OUT AND RIDE MONTH

You Have A Date With Your Motorcycle For much of the country, winter is the off-season when it comes to motorcycling.

If this doesn’t apply to you, count yourself among the lucky (or good!), but if it does, you’re probably itching to get out and ride.

These are the riders who the AMA recognizes with AMA Get Out and Ride Month. Every April, we remind ourselves, and others, about all the fun stuff we can do on our motorcycles, and then we go out and do it.

Whether your passion is motocross, dual-sport, long-distance touring, twisty roads or track days, we have you covered.

Next month, we’ll offer a range of articles that will help get you psyched for another great year on two wheels.

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Jeff Gibson

JEFF GIBSON, TYLER BOWERS LEADING ARENACROSS Veterans Keep Points Tight At Front Of Pack By Jim Kimball Experience is paying off in an think about the points too much. exciting AMA Arenacross season.

I just focus on each race—one Jeff Gibson, 29, and Tyler Bowers, at a time. When the series is 20, are tied in points through the still in the beginning stages, or fifth round in Grand Rapids, Mich. during the middle, I feel that it’s Gibson, the 2009 champion, best not to think too much about and Bowers, who is defending the it at all. At each race I just try to 2011 AMA No. 1 plate, may have do the best that I can. It’s only at distinct personalities, but their the last few races in the series similar race strategies have served that I think about points. I just Jeff Gibson them equally well. We caught up give it 120 percent and avoid all with them after the Michigan event the drama that may be going on to talk about the season so far. around me.

American Motorcyclist: Your Bowers: Coming into this thoughts on the series to date. year I was just focusing on how Jeff Gibson: So far the series many races that I could win, and has gone quite well for me. I’ve how it would all work out. I won just been trying very hard, and 12 main events last year, so this giving it my all at every round, and year I have been imagining how that’s all that I can ask of myself. to make that even better. So I’m I’ve been working on leaving just seeing what I need to do, Tyler Bowers everything on the track, and think and how it will end up. that I’ve done pretty well with that.

AM: How has the switch to 250Fs Tyler Bowers: I’ve just been doing affected you? what I am supposed to be doing out Gibson: I’m excited racing 250s this there. Some stuff happened [Bowers was year. I knew that the Honda 250 would docked points for aggressive riding] that be good, and my bike has been great. took me down in points some, but I’m not I’ve always liked racing 250s. Racing a sweating it. I’m just doing the best that 450 was always something that I just I can and looking forward. I’m doing my had to learn. Before coming into riding work during the week, and looking forward Arenacross back in 2009, I had been to each weekend. racing 450s in Supercross, so I was really AM: How do you deal with the pressure excited to race a 250 again because it was of leading the points? something different.

Gibson: You know, I really try not to The 450s that I had been racing for

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

years were big and heavy, so riding the 250 was new and exciting. When we switched to the 450s for the 2010 Arenacross series, I had to re-learn how to ride one. Plus, I came into the series injured, which didn’t help. Then last year we raced 450s, and I felt pretty good on it.

Now we are back on the 250s again, and I really enjoy it!

Bowers: I think it’s funny how a lot of the guys thought that it would be a big deal, and be difficult for me to race a 250.

I know how to ride a dirtbike. I’ve been doing it my whole life. I raced a 250F before. It’s not like I began my career racing a 450. I knew what I had to do before the season. I know how to train, and do things the correct way.

I also have a great bike under me with my Team Babbitt’s Monster Energy Kawasaki with Amsoil. It’s a rocket ship!

I’m pumped on the bike this year and just looking forward to the rest of the series.

AM: How is 2012 different for you?

Gibson: I really like that the series has started earlier, in the fall rather than January. We’ve had a couple of breaks, which has been helpful. We’ve had a very good turnout as far as riders signing up, and the number of spectators that have been coming to the races.

Bowers: Well, I’m with the same team and same bike, so not much for me personally has changed. Plus it’s racing against many of the guys that have been here for a long time still racing these races. I guess about the only major thing for me is that I didn’t break my legs coming into the season.

Photos: Arenacross: Anthony Sansotta; AMA Supercross: Jeff Kardas

RACING

AMA PRO/AM MOTOCROSS READY TO ROCK Future Stars Battle For Points, Purse Money AMA Pro/Am Motocross is the proving ground for the next generation. The premier events, run by the country’s top clubs and promoters, allow amateur racers to earn the credentials they need to line up at an AMA Supercross or AMA Pro Racing Motocross event.

“This schedule is one of the best ever, with more than 40 events,” says AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley.

“It’s designed to test riders with top competition and national-caliber tracks and prepare them for the pro ranks.”

Bromley says that the current AMA Pro/ Am Motocross schedule is just the start for 2012 and that additional events will be added throughout the season.

AMA Director of Supercross Kevin Crowther says that the AMA Racing Pro/ Am schedule and points process has contributed significantly to the readiness of incoming AMA Supercross riders.

“AMA Pro/Am Motocross provides the foundation of professional competition and is integral to the natural progression of a rider through the amateur ranks to earning their AMA Supercross license,” Crowther says.

AMA Pro/Am Motocross events are open to professionally licensed and A-class amateur racers. The events allow amateurs to gain experience on America’s top tracks and prepare for the fast pace and long motos at the pro level.

To be considered for a professional motocross license, competitors must have earned at least 75 advancement points (at the time of application) in AMA Pro/ Am Motocross events in a continuous 12-month period. Points are based off overall finishes in either the 250 Pro/Am and Open Pro/Am classes. Points from each class are not combined.

The 2012 AMA Pro/Am Motocross season kicks off in Texas with the Texas Winter Series. It wraps up in Florida at the Winter Olympics.

For more on AMA Pro/Am Motocross, see the schedule on page 45.

SUPERCROSS THRILLERS OPEN SEASON Anaheim, Phoenix Events Deliver AMA Supercross is upholding its reputation as the best motorsports show in a stadium near you.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto of Poulsbo, Wash., kicked off the season with a win at the Anaheim, Calif., opener on Jan. 7, then played runner-up to Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey at the Phoenix round on Jan. 14, where the Belle Plaine, Minn., rider scored KTM’s first-ever AMA Supercross main event win.

Villopoto’s Anaheim couldn’t have gone better. The defending champ got out front early and pulled away while his top rivals banged it out for second place.

“It was a phenomenal night for me,” Villopoto said after the Anaheim round. “I didn’t have the heat race I wanted, so I didn’t have a great gate pick. Once I was out front I wanted to lay down fast laps

and make no mistakes. I did make one small one, but overall, it was a great race.”

The next weekend in Phoenix saw the same performance by Dungey on the orange bike. Dungey went wire-to-wire to collect KTM’s first main event win ever.

“This was a big step in the right direction for KTM,” Dungey said. “They’ve been behind me the whole way and believed in me. We’ve come a long way since the off-season, but there’s still a lot of racing to go. If it wasn’t for all these people [at KTM] working their butts off every week, this wouldn’t happen, so I owe this all to them.”

Ryan Dungey gets KTM’s first AMA Supercross win at Phoenix.

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

See the event schedule in the Calendar section of this magazine.

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A minimum donation of $5 per ticket, or $20 for five tickets, is suggested.

Chuck Sullivan

SANDY LANE ENDURO MARKS 75 YEARS Off-Road Race Thrives In New Jersey You know you’re onto something when you count your perseverance in decades.

That’s the case with the Meteor MC and the Sandy Lane Enduro.

The New Jersey event is one of the most enduring off-road races in the country, tracing its beginning to 1934.

That’s when two club members, Frank Bolton and Tom Simmons, inspired by tales of Michigan’s Jack Pine Enduro, strived to bring enduro racing to the eastern United States.

This year, the race celebrates its 75th year. For some perspective, we contacted current Meteor MC President Jeff Fitzpatrick to talk about the race.

American Motorcyclist: What makes the Sandy Lane Enduro unique?

Jeff Fitzpatrick: Some may laugh or scoff, but Sandy Lane is truly a part of history—a part of Americana! Some of the biggest names ever in motorcycling have participated and won the highly sought Wagon Wheel [the traveling event trophy].

The race began in a time shortly after the [economic] crash of 1929 and deep in the wake of the Depression. But even with all the trials and tribulations, Sandy Lane managed to not only survive but grow and be known to be one of the best runs for off-road enthusiasts.

Sandy Lane, like many New Jersey runs, offers some of the most fun terrain to ride. There’s a little sugar sand, there are some tight technical sections and some flat-out areas to see how fast and flowing you can ride. It’s the one ride where there is always something for every rider to enjoy. The course layout has always been done with deep thought and flawless execution to make it one of the best runs

in the nation.

Through the years it has become something that draws riders from all over so they can say, “I’ve done the Lane.” You really need to experience it first hand.

AM: What about this event has allowed it to thrive for so long?

Fitzpatrick: It’s an excellent product delivered by individual club members that have a passion for the sport, but also an unspoken responsibility to past members of Meteor and to our riders today to put on the best possible run we can. People know it, and riders respond to it by attending our event.

The Lane has developed over the years to become its own entity to a point that it is always spoken of with the highest respect, and it has become the very essence of Meteor Motorcycle Club and our identity.

AM: Enduros date back to the beginning of the AMA itself.

What is it about this type of competition that makes it so cool?

Fitzpatrick: I think the same thing that has been identified with motorcycles everywhere and since their inception: freedom. This type of competition specifically is cool and has a draw

Sandy Lane Enduro winners are recognized on the Wagon Wheel trophy.

Photos Courtesy Meteor MC

2012 RAFFLE BIKE

Paul Brumfield

RACING

Mike Dempsey (front) in 1970

AMA WESTERN HARE SCRAMBLES CHAMPIONSHIP KICKS OFF

1979 Trail Boss Bob Springer

The Meteor MC in 1980.

Note the fireman-style books, pocketwatch and clipboard on handlebars.

due to a respect for not only that freedom but also the recognition of skill and the ability to handle various terrain, ability to use your brain as well as your motor to efficiently monitor and manage your time.

To be top in your class, you have to be more than just be good at one or two points of riding, but to be proficient in all aspects of riding and time management.

There is a lot of respect for individuals in the community of off-road competition for those who are champions.

I would say the other cool part would be the type of individual who participates and is drawn to this type of competition.

They are very fun to be around, friendly, easy going and helpful to one another. It really is like a small town or family atmosphere.

We are all competing but have respect for each other and appreciate what each of us is trying to accomplish.

AM: What are you doing special this year for the 75th anniversary?

Fitzpatrick: Pulling out all the stops! Everyone is working around the clock to make this one special— longer sections, different types of trail, everything. The run will be the longest run in over the past decade for Sandy Lane.

Also, we are not just celebrating our 75th anniversary

but the sport of off-road competition as well. We are proud members of the East Coast Enduro Association and we are inviting other clubs to partake in the celebration as well.

We will have an enclosed tent housing various pieces of off-road history—bikes, riding gear, trophies, photographs—you name it and it will be there. Not just Meteor stuff, either. Other clubs are invited to share their rich history and heritage as well. We will also be having a band for entertainment the evening before the run, and possibly some free movies on an outdoor screen as well for folks to enjoy.

To find out more about the Sandy Lane Enduro, March 18, 2012, and the Meteor MC, see MeteorMC.com.

Arizona Cycle Park opened the AMA off-road racing season this year with the first round of the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship.

The course started on the motocross track, and as the riders attacked a short extreme enduro section they began to sort out the running order.

Kyle Summers took the lead just before blasting into the desert. Also on the move was Canadian Cory Graffunder on his “box stock” Husqvarna TC 511. Graffunder moved into fourth, just behind Ross Neely, as they hit the single track.

Summers, though, started to pick up the pace.

“Once in the lead, I had to sprint,” Summers said after the race. “The bike was working great and the team had done their job. Now it was just up to me to do mine.”

The race for second was a full-on war. Graffunder had made the pass on Ross Neely for third and was chasing down Justin Bonita. Not far behind was Colorado’s Eric Rhoten in fifth keeping his Yamaha pinned in the sand.

In the end, Graffunder made the pass for the runner-up spot, and Summers held on to win by roughly 7 seconds.

“We have been testing and our hard work paid off today,” Summers said. “This was a great course, I have a great team and the Yamaha YZ450F was the perfect bike today.”—Dave Brosius

DesertImageCollection.com

Kyle Summers Goes Fast In Arizona

HALL OF FAME

Hall of Fame features the machines and people of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that receives support from the AMA and from motorcycling enthusiasts. For info and directions, visit MotorcycleMuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.

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1913 SCHICKEL This 1913 Schickel motorcycle is one of the first built by the Schickel Motor Co. in Stamford, Conn., and helped popularize the twist-grip control, “spring fork front suspension” and “flywheel magneto.”

Company founder and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Norbert Schickel was part of the motorcycle design boom in the United States between 1905 and 1915. His vision and designs were evident in the two-cycle motorcycles he built.

Schickel’s design work included a three-port two-cycle motor, twist grip, rotating magneto spark advance, a driveshaft-flywheel-crankcase combination, flywheel magneto with spark advance, spring fork front suspension, hinged rear fender and a unibody cast aluminum frame and gas tank.

Schickel unveiled his first motorcycle at the 1911 Chicago Motorcycle Show, and his bike earned praise from the motorcycling press at the event.

“The most interesting feature is, of course, the motor, which is of the conventional three-port, twocycle, crankcase-compression type, except that the incoming gases from the carburetor pass through the exhaust manifold on their way to the cylinder, thus helping the carburetion,” Motorcycling wrote on Feb. 9, 1911.

“While the 1911 Show marks the first exhibit of a two-cycle motorcycle, we will undoubtedly hear more of this type of motor,” the magazine reported.

In 1912 Schickel started his company and began producing this machine: a five-horsepower motorcycle.

The bike featured a 495cc engine, belt drive, 57-inch wheelbase with 28-inch wheels and a three-gallon gas tank. Price: $225.

Schickel unveiled several models over the years. Following World War I, he introduced his last motorcycle: the 1920 Schickel Model T. It featured a 3.5-horsepower, 300cc engine and two-speed transmission.

But the car was emerging as the dominant form of U.S. transportation, and the Schickel Motor Co. went bankrupt in 1924.

This 1913 Schickel, on loan from the Schickel family, is a fascinating bit of history showcased at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. Info: MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Photos Sjodin Photography

A Technical Marvel

Hall of Famer

DOUG HENRY The First Four-Stroke Motocross Champion Doug Henry was a three-time AMA motocross national champion in the 1990s. He was on the leading edge of a revolution in professional motocross racing by becoming the first prominent rider in the modern era to race four-stroke machines in national competition against a sea of traditional two-stroke motorcycles.

Just a few years after Henry became the first four-stroke rider in AMA motocross history to win a national championship in 1998, AMA Motocross Championship racing would become almost exclusively the domain of four-stroke bikes.

After retiring from motocross full-time, Henry went on to become one of the leading Supermoto riders in the world.

Henry was born in 1969 in Milford, Conn. When he was 4, his father bought him his first minibike.

As a teen, Henry progressed to be one of the top junior motocross racers in New England. By 1988, he began competing in a few AMA Motocross Nationals and by 1990 he began to travel the entire circuit, turning in some solid top-10 finishes.

Henry’s career took off in 1993 when he

signed with Honda and won both the AMA 125 East Supercross title and the AMA 125 Motocross Championship.

In 1994, Henry successfully defended his 125 title.

In 1995, Henry moved up to the 250 class and finished fifth in the AMA Supercross Series. He won the National in Mt. Morris, Pa., but just a few weeks later experienced what might have been a career-ending crash at Budds Creek in Maryland. He lost control of his motorcycle on a steep drop-off and overshot a landing, breaking his back on impact.

Doctors told Henry that he would never race again, but Henry’s wife, Stacey, refused to accept that diagnoses and found surgeons who claimed they could fuse Henry’s back and enable him to continue to compete.

After nearly a year away from the sport spent in rehabilitation, Henry made a triumphant return to motocross. In 1997 he proved he was fully recovered by winning three rounds of the AMA Supercross Series, riding for Yamaha.

His victory at the Las Vegas, Nev.,

round aboard a Yamaha YZ400F prototype was historic in that it was the first time a four-stroke motorcycle won an AMA Supercross event.

In 1998, Henry campaigned the new YZ400F four-stroke motocross bike full time and won the 1998 AMA 250 Motocross Championship, becoming the first rider to earn the title on a four-stroke.

More info: MotorcycleMuseum.org.

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JOINING FORCES Street, Off-Road And All-Terrain Vehicle Riders Unite To Fight For Their Rights In Indiana

N

o matter where you live or what you ride, threats to motorcycling are real. They include bike bans, land closures, motorcycle-only checkpoints, raids on funds that are supposed to be earmarked for

motorcycle safety training, and health insurance policies that discriminate against motorcyclists.

ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) of Indiana—a notfor-profit motorcyclist organization that focuses on safety, education and charity (ABATEofIndiana.org)—recognizes these threats, and recognizes that there is strength in numbers. The group has brought together street, off-road and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders to work together at the state and local levels to increase their political clout. Its leaders believe that this model of collaboration represents the future if riders want to keep their rights.

American Motorcyclist sat down with five members of ABATE of Indiana for a roundtable discussion to find out how the marriage between Indiana’s street and dirt riders came about, how it’s going and some of the biggest issues facing all riders today. Those who took part are street riders Jay Jackson and Gary Williams, ABATE of Indiana executive director and

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operations director, respectively, dirt riders Roy Garrett and Al Pivonka, who were formerly with the organization D.I.R.T. (Discover Indiana Riding Trails), and street and dirt rider Dave “Frosty” Frost.

American Motorcyclist: What has kept street and dirt riders apart in the past, and why is it important for them to come together now?

Gary Williams: What we have run into—it’s more prominent on the off-road side but it applies to the on-road side too—is how much commonality they have that they don’t realize they have until they actually get to talking.

And there was a limited amount of interaction between on-road and off-road riders until we all got in the same room together and found out that our concerns are one and the same: education, safety, rights, all of these things.

And many little voices out there are just kind of a din, a background noise. But when you speak with one voice, then your concerns are much easier to get people to listen to.

Al Pivonka: I think nationwide it was really brought to light with the lead law. [The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, commonly known as the lead law, banned the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12

“It hit us: ‘This is silly. We should be working with the off-road riders.’”

- Jay Jackson

Photos Chris Casella

and under—including kids’ dirtbikes and ATVs—that contained more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part.]

Williams: It’s kind of become the thing to ask: how many [riders] in a room started out on dirtbikes? And you see all these hands go up. Then they start talking about what they had. Then everybody’s talking about their experiences—the brotherhood grows.

Jay Jackson: I’m not really so sure that anything kept us apart—off-road vs. onroad. There was just no compelling driving force

to bring us together. I don’t think there was any true animosity that I’m aware of, even on the national front. There just wasn’t any cohesiveness.

AM: Why did the street-oriented ABATE of Indiana formally absorb the offroad group D.I.R.T. a couple years ago?

Jackson: We found a parcel of land consisting of about 400 acres in southern Indiana, about halfway between Bloomington and Bedford, with the intent of making that the home of our rally. While looking at that—the rally is one weekend a year—we wanted to know what we ought to do with it the rest of the time.

And just like a ton of bricks it hit us: “This is silly. We ought to be working with the off-road riders.”

It’s a segment of motorcycling we had sort of forgotten about.

Fortunately, we’d never been adversaries or enemies, but we just hadn’t worked as closely together as we probably should have.

With the advent of this new property, we wanted to create some trails.

We hooked up with what was then D.I.R.T.— Discover Indiana Riding Trails— and the Hoosier Trail Riders.

That was 2000 when we started coming together, and we’ve never really looked back.

We reminded ourselves how much we liked each other and started working together on legislative activity.

Roy Garrett: Yes, because we’d needed off-road legislative work since 1972. They [the government] closed

state forests, state parks, any public land in Indiana was closed to riding in 1972.

So we needed to do some legislative work and we’ve never been able to do it.

The off-road community wasn’t big enough on our own to get that done.

Jackson: They just weren’t organized in that way. And we had been working pretty aggressively on legislative activities since the early 1970s.

And actually, to give a plug to another event, part of this relationship came out of something we started about 1996—the Hoosier Motorcyclists Roundtable. It was our effort to bring together all aspects of motorcycling in the state of Indiana.

Selfishly, from ABATE of Indiana’s perspective, at that time what we really wanted to do was identify any potential conflicts. If the off-road riders, or threewheel riders or sidecar riders or whoever it is had a different thought, we didn’t want that to be unveiled on the floor of the General Assembly.

That sort of made the contact, and a couple years later we got the property and said, “Hey, can you guys help us out with this?” It’s called the Lawrence County Recreational Park.

Garrett: The reason they communicated with me so much was because I’d been involved with the Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club since 1972, and have been racing and establishing trails and all that. So I, as well as Gary DeLong who had been doing it with Hoosier Trail Riders, we knew what to do in the woods to get started establishing the trails.

Pivonka: D.I.R.T. now is just a name.

It’s no longer an entity. We are one. It’s a “we” scenario. Basically we are ABATE members and we represent dirt riders.

AM: What were the advantages of joining together?

Williams: Al and I got to talking about their needs and their small size, and our lobbying experience. That’s when we actually started talking about formalizing the relationship.

Pivonka: Basically at that time both organizations were looking for ways to grow and the best way an organization can grow is to look outside itself.

And that theme has continued with our partnership with the ATV groups: off-road motorcyclists and ATVers working together

“The off-road community wasn’t big enough on our own to get that done.”

- Roy Garrett

March 2012

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AM: ABATE is known as a street-riding organization, but one of your big pushes is to create off-highway riding opportunities.

Garrett: The first 12 years of my motorcycling, from 1970 on, I didn’t own a streetbike and I didn’t ride anywhere unless it was competition. If it wasn’t a race, I didn’t want to go.

As you get older things change and you have to find some place else to ride.

“It’s much clearer, much more precise, when you speak with a single loud voice rather than multiple smaller voices.”

- Al Pivonka 34

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Well, we don’t have one in Indiana. [Ohio riders] have the Wayne National Forest to trail ride in. We don’t have any of that. So that’s why we look to private properties.

At Stoney Lonesome, we own 280 acres, ABATE owns right at 400. It’s a nice big piece of property to trail ride on or have a race on or whatever, have a rally or adventure bike ride or a destination to go to. It’s a destination people ride to.

Dave Frost: When I started riding in northern Indiana, when I was a kid, you could still go riding down the trails. Now, there aren’t any kids up there who can go riding like I did. I would like to see something open up for them.

Jackson: For anyone involved in any aspect of motorcycling, it’s to our advantage to get the youth involved in motorcycling. Kids my daughter goes to school with would much rather play with an Xbox than go out and do something outside,

including riding a motorcycle.

So if we can get kids involved, one way to do that is through off-road. If we can get kids involved, they are, indeed, the next generation of motorcyclists, whether it’s on- or off-road. So the future of the industry and our lifestyle relies on that.

Garrett: We now have two state-owned properties. We’ve worked with the state, started probably in 1998 or ’99, through RTP [Recreational Trails Program] money that was coming to Indiana. They had to set up a governor’s advisory board, that was in the law, and we were part of that.

So the state has bought 2,000 acres down by Dugger, Ind., which is called Redbird. I worked that all through those years getting that going, and then we bought another 3,500 acres down by Lynnville, Ind., and that’s called Interlake.

Redbird fees have been $10 per vehicle for many years. We ran the daily activities for five years, through ’08. The state has taken it over. State Parks is running it and they’re changing the fees. I would say they have about 30 miles of truck trails right now, about 10 miles of single-track. We’ve probably got about 20 miles of ATV trails.

Interlake is about 3,500 acres. That’s a state facility. With RTP money, as you know, the state has to match 20 percent.

In 1972, they set up a sticker fund for ATVs and motorcycle off-road vehicles, and they charge you $30 for three years to buy the sticker. That’s for off-road, non-licensable vehicles. They used the money they built up to do the 20 percent match.

Since the RTP funds come from nothing but off-road fuel tax and the other 20 percent came from off-road sticker funds, we [offhighway riders] paid for all of it. Not a bicyclist, not a hiker, not horse people, it was all paid for by [those who ride] off-road vehicles.

And the off-road people helped establish trails, signage, boundary lines, all volunteer.

Jackson: And despite that, all those trails are designated multi-use.

AM: Describe ABATE of Indiana’s Lawrence County Recreational Park (LCRP).

Williams: [The riding area is designed for]

Photos Pivonka, Williams: Chris Casella; Lawrence County Recreational Park: Maelene Grenat

within the state of Indiana to promote multiple facets—from charitable rides to competition to opening up the Hoosier Outdoor Experience—we work together closely with the ATV groups.

Jackson: It’s like street motorcyclists said a long time ago, when that little ol’ lady in the Buick pulls out of a county road in front of you, she doesn’t care if you’re riding a Honda or a Harley, you’re on a motorcycle. When motorcyclists get bad press on TV nobody really distinguishes what they’re riding, it’s the motorcyclist.

So the same thing is true here.

Everybody’s trying to stake out their little territory when, in fact, many of the issues that face each of them face all of us. So we can accomplish more by unifying than taking our own separate path.

Pivonka: Going back to speaking with a single voice, it’s much clearer, much more precise, when you speak with a single loud voice rather than multiple smaller voices that sometimes don’t even get heard.

The merger was about two years ago.

D.I.R.T. had about 600 members when we merged.

Jackson: ABATE was about 28,000 at that time.

Pivonka: From day one I was a little skeptical, we all were a little skeptical, about how well we would be received by ABATE members. But from day one it was open arms. They all realized, yeah, we have the same issues, they’re just applied a little bit differently.

The Lawrence County Recreational Park offers off-road riding opportunities in southern Indiana.

motorcycles and ATVs only.

Jackson: We acquired it, started developing it for ATV. We have about 40 miles of trails, single-track and ATV. We thought it best for everyone involved that it have its own identity.

If it was strictly the rally grounds, we thought it might not be as palatable because we are proud of the fact that this is a destination, and we’ve got families coming in from other states. We have a class A campground with water and electrical hookups, shower house, dump station, all that fancy stuff where they can come in, spend the weekend, camp, ride all day, have a fire and roast some weenies at night, and do it all again the next day.

Williams: Our vision is to use the Lawrence County Recreational Park as a showcase of how to do things right and how to interact, the educational side of it.

And the best thing was when the ATV and motorcycle people figured out that they can coexist and work together and they’re working on trail work, signage and laying out trails.

Trail Riders of America—TRA—is the active ATV group.

Pivonka: And they are ABATE members as well.

Williams: And they’ve taken a real ownership of the ATV trails and park and working with us as a group within the group.

Pivonka: The relationship began when TRA wanted to host the Miracle Trail Ride—the proceeds go to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis—on the Lawrence County Recreational Park property. The first year running that event raised about $5,000. The second year, it grew to $20,000.

And we continue to work with them not only on the trail ride but also other avenues, not only education but exposure as well as at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience.

Williams: It’s also host to the DirtBike School in Indiana, and an ATV training site.

We’re looking at putting together a trail-building symposium for some of the people from the Redbird area and particularly down in the Interlake area to come up to our property and get everyone together.

We tell people, “When you come from your property, bring ATV and motorcycle, single-track riders together and let’s all work together and learn about sustainable trails.”

Frost: We’ve had about three different races there. I’ve seen a couple of the races there, and they were great.

AM: What are some of the biggest issues facing riders?

Jackson: Noise is our dividing issue.

On-road, off-road, it’s there. It’s awkward.

People are very strongly opinionated on either side and it’s very hard to find common ground for most of them. It’s going to continue to be an issue.

Garrett: At Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club, my home club near Columbus, Ind., we sound check. We have for the last four years. We got our sound meter from the AMA because we have neighbors. So we instituted the 99 dB limit so we wouldn’t be offending our neighbors.

Pivonka: As the AMA and others address the sound issue, that’s another educational aspect of ABATE: To educate the clubs and racers about the sound issue.

Jackson: Another issue we are looking at in Indiana and probably a lot of the other states are also concerned with—and [one] the feds are tossing around like a hot potato—is the definition of a motorcycle.

We’ve got the proliferation of all these new units right now. We’ve all pretty much embraced the Can-Am Spyder as a member of the motorcycle family—it’s got

a saddle you sit astride, it’s powered by a motorcycle powerplant, it’s got handlebars to steer the thing—it’s a motorcycle, it’s just not your traditional configuration.

Trikes and sidecars we’ve always pretty much thought they were motorcycles.

Then you get into some of these southern areas of the state of Indiana and Kentucky where they’ve taken a Volkswagen and chopped it up and put a girder front end on it. Is that really a trike?

It’s a three-wheeled car but it’s been called a trike—it depends on how it’s plated or how it’s titled or how it was originally registered. Now we’ve got this whole new breed of stuff.

You have all these Asian imports—Cushmantype trucks that have three wheels so they can avoid FMVSS [Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards] for automobiles because they don’t have to have

“Our vision is to use the Lawrence County Recreation Park as a showcase of how to do things right.”

- Gary Williams

March 2012

35

bumpers and such if they are a motorcycle.

I know a lot of states are wrestling with this: How they fit, where they fit, what we register them as.

And the way this concerns all of us— and the spillover into what is a motorized bicycle or scooter under various state definitions—is that the best form of measuring the effectiveness of motorcycle safety or rider education isn’t just a reduction in fatalities.

Because if you reduce registrations, or it’s been a really bad year weather-

wise, exposure was down, a reduction in fatalities alone doesn’t mean that much.

What we would like to look at is the rate, the ratio in the reduction of fatalities vs. registrations.

But with a lot of these moped-type units, it’s double jeopardy. We’re getting tagged with fatalities and crashes and all the damage yet were not getting credit for any registrations. So until they get a grip on that, it’s an awkward mix.

AM: What are some of the other issues facing riders?

Jackson: The continued presence of accessible, affordable rider education.

While you may find some critics who will claim that there’s no actual proof, we all know that rider education works.

A physical skill set such as this—there are so many variables and so many physical inputs that are required to operate a motorcycle. Putting somebody

Williams: One of our jobs as part of our educational side is to make people more aware of the importance of training like we do on the on-road side.

Jackson: At the property, the Lawrence County Recreational Park, we hope to turn it into an off-road camp. The first day might be preliminary stuff like the DirtBike School, the second day get into some TREAD Lightly! stuff, then actually go out and have some on-trail experiences, and maybe turn it into a three-day camp.

We’ve heard of a program out in California where they take kids and expose them to off-road motorcycling.

The understanding was if they wanted to stay in the program they had to keep their noses clean. I don’t know that we’re really looking at troubled youth with this, but there are some correlations, I think.

Frost: Dirtbikes kept me out of trouble when I was a kid.

Williams: In the back of the truck out there we have one of our [Honda]

“Now, there aren’t any kids up there who can go riding like I did. I would like to see something open up for them.”

- Dave “Frosty” Frost

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

CRF50s. We attend the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, which the DNR [Department of Natural Resources] puts on, and we take our fleet of CRF50s and work with Trail Riders of America too, and they give rides in side-by-sides and we have an area set up for little kids up to 12 years old, 80 pounds, to experience a motorcycle in a controlled environment.

They get suited up, get on, take a few laps around. We teach how to go, and go slow. We don’t teach them to ride but we give them the experience.

And also that’s one of our best motorcycle awareness campaigns—if we can get the little kids to get Mom and Dad to be aware of motorcyclists.

AM: What should riders do to help protect their right to ride?

Garrett: The best thing we can do is learn to stay on the trails. You’ve got to stay on the trails and be quiet, respect the land as well as the neighbors and other people’s rights.

Pivonka: Learn to get along.

Garrett: Learn trail etiquette.

Frost: Join a local club or an organization. That’s the only way your voice will be heard.

Photo Chris Casella

out there with no training is just a recipe for disaster. So having access to training, affordable access to training, is very important to the continuation and future of our sport.

And as we know, the economy where it is, state budgets have been looking for ways to cut and that’s been an issue in a lot of states.

Garrett: I would like to see, on the dirt side, more training.

I would like to see us develop a training system where we could bring a lot of kids certain days to train. You’ve been to the Rites of Spring [dual-sport motorcycle ride in Michigan].

You’ve seen how the CCC [Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan] does that. They have a minimum of five or six trainers there that day and they train those kids so they can use the public trails.

We need to train our kids just to give them the skills just to be able to ride the trails and learn to ride their motorcycles.

We can start at any level, but I’d like to see the state of Indiana—us—develop that type of a rally where we could have enough instructors to do the training.

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Call (800) AMA-JOIN for info.

Ezy-Lift Products Save 10 percent by calling (800) 9743032. Ezylift.com.

Flash2Pass Garage Door Openers Save 10 percent. Enter code AMA2011 at checkout from F2PTechnologies.com.

GiFOR USA/GOLDfren Save 15 percent on brake pads and 10 percent on brake discs at giforusa. com.

LifeLock Identity Theft Protection Get 30 free days and 10 percent

MASA Medical Evacuation Services The $60 initiation fee is waived for AMA members. Enter your AMA number when you sign up at MASAAmerica.com or by calling (828) 994-2621.

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

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine offers a 20 percent subscription discount to AMA members. RoadRUNNER is the touring expert of North America giving readers information on the best places to ride. AMA discount code is CRIAMA. Schampa Cold-Weather Gear Save 15 percent. Enter SCHAMA during checkout at Schampa.com.

•••

This was the proposal: Pilot 40-year-old BMW replicas down sections of the Ho Chi Minh Trail from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) for two weeks of extreme jungle adventure, and take along a couple of Vietnam veterans and a wallet full of dong (Vietnamese currency) for sleeping, eating, gas and potential problems.

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t was submitted by the established Hanoi-based Explore Indochina Company (www.exploreindochina. com). Like a hungry trout, I was reeled in by their concept.

Explore Indochina’s owners bought nearly 60 Russian military Ural motorcycles left over after the Vietnam War (known as the “American War” in Vietnam). These copies of early 1940s BMWs ranged from junk to barely running.

With Vietnamese ingenuity they shook the fleet up in a bag, modified what came out with Japanese car parts, such as 12-volt alternators and shock absorbers, and offered a 650cc motorcycle in a country where big-displacement imported motorcycles can be taxed at two to three times their U.S. purchase price.

This high import tax results in 99.99 percent of the millions of motorcycles in Vietnam being 125cc or smaller in engine displacement. (It should come as little surprise that on my two previous adventures in Vietnam, the motorcycles used were 125cc Minsk two-stroke models.)

The opportunity to attempt riding 2,0003,000 kilometers from north to south using antique copies of BMWs put my personal adventure needle in the “extreme” category.

Taking along some trusted acquaintances who had not seen Vietnam for more than 40 years allowed me a chance to see the country through their eyes.

Going into the jungles with no GPS and no emergency satellite location devices meant we would be on our own, cut from the cyber tethers that govern much of our daily lives. It would be an adventure with a capital A.

Our small expedition team met in Hanoi, signed paperwork, and managed to escape the throngs of small motorcycles, trucks and buses unscathed. Imagine Hanoi as an anthill with gasoline tossed on

it and lit, with each ant having a horn, and you get a sense of driving in downtown Hanoi from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.

We left the ugliness of the Highway 1 (the main car, truck and bus route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), within a kilometer of our start point and vectored toward the adjoining border of the country of Laos. Our next two weeks were on and off parts of the Ho Chi Minh Trail as we traveled south.

While there was never a single Ho Chi Minh Trail, and much of the trail network was in Laos, many of the tracks and feeder trails or roads were along the western border of Vietnam. It was these Vietnamese sections we sought—those well off the tourist routes of today.

We found most of the roads along the border well-marked and in reasonably good condition. Road construction and mudslides required some detours through villages or over jungle tracks. It was not unusual to drive through flocks of domesticated ducks or around cows walking on the roads. Chickens were the hardest to avoid, three committing suicide by running into the moving Urals.

The biggest animal to try knocking one of our riders off their motorcycle was a dog. It learned there was little give to the cylinder sticking out of the Ural engine and

became another fatality (and likely stew meat in the village that night).

The nearly half-century-old Urals were fun, each having its own personality and issues with regard to everything from starting to oil containment. Our group decided to pool our dong to take along a well-trained Vietnamese mechanic and a saddlebag filled with spare parts. He kept the old clunkers rolling, whether by changing a flat tire, sorting out an electrical gremlin or replacing a broken driveshaft bolt. Our own BMW-trained mechanic later admitted that it was one of our smartest decisions.

The Vietnam of today was far from the explosion-filled jungles of 40 to 50 years ago, and yet in ways strikingly similar.

The rice paddies were still everywhere, as were men and women in conical straw hats carrying produce suspended from bamboo supports heavily weighing on their shoulders. Smiling, friendly and often English-speaking Vietnamese people would frequently engage us in curious conversations recognizing we were foreigners or using what they seldom saw, big motorcycles.

The green jungle had grown over much of the devastation caused by the war, but not all. Scorched sections on mountainsides still could be seen where, 40 years earlier, napalm had burned the lush foliage to the ground. The jungle was slowly eating away at the dead earth and we guessed that in another 10-15 years it would recapture what had been lost to the chemicals.

At one small war museum deep in the jungle, we viewed black and white photographs of workers building roads through the jungle, the roads being parts of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. One photograph

March 2012

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showed women workers carrying baskets of rocks while overhead an American jet was coming in for a strafing or bombing run on the nearly completed road. The same museum displayed several military trucks and bulldozers used to build the roads, each with Russian letters stamped on their engines and metal body parts. It was a harsh reminder of who was fighting whom 40 years earlier. And then we reminded ourselves that we were riding on abandoned Russian army motorcycles, likely used as courier or delivery vehicles.

On one occasion, a Vietnamese guard in front of a government office chatted with one of our war veterans. With broken English and limited Vietnamese, the two discovered both were in the war on opposite sides, but the language barrier prevented them from reaching a point where either could claim bullets had been traded. They parted with a friendly handshake and smiles, the medicine of time curing possible hostile memories.

Our accommodations ranged from three-star hotels with slow Internet connections to mattresses on the floor in a common room in remote mountain areas.

Food was always a surprise, ranging from what might have been dog bone soup to a stop at one of the two Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. It was a surprise to see a restaurant selling Texas-style BBQ, but we stopped only to

take a photograph, preferring to try the local fare.

We found gas easily, and the road signs were readable. The thick jungles fed by rain and streams along the Laos border were a stark contrast to the upscale beach resorts where foreigners sunned on sand beaches. We skipped most of the popular tourist stops, such as crawling through underground tunnels or visiting major war museums. We were in Vietnam to pilot motorcycles through relatively unseen areas searching for roads and tracks, not to visit modernized tourist destinations.

A few stops in major tourist areas like Hoi An and Nha Trang were refreshing, but we found our lust for jungle motorcycle adventures bubbling after a single night in each tourist town.

Vietnam remained shrouded in clouds as well as mystery. Passing through a government-restricted area near the border of Laos where photographs were forbidden, we noted a new airfield being constructed, well protected in a valley between two ranges of mountains. It was obvious it would not be a commercial landing zone because there were no major towns or tourist attractions nearby, merely jungle and a few thatched huts.

The Vietnamese military, ever wary, was preparing another installation.

At the opposite end of the

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that could run into you.

Trust no vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian or animal in front or beside you. Assume all will turn, stop or run into you.

Never take a right-hand curve wide or cut a left hand curve over the centerline. Always assume a vehicle will be coming around the curve at you.

Yield to anyone or anything in front of you. Your responsibility is not to hit anything in front of you, no matter what they do.

As the foreigner, you will be the responsible party in any accident,

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Bring your own protective riding gear, including the legally required helmet.

Go slow, and slower in populated areas.

When it rains, slow down even more.

The wet causes oil in the pavement to rise up.

Use your horn, not to tell others you are frustrated with them, but to let everyone in front of you know you are coming, like when passing another vehicle, or seeing anyone or anything in front of you

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spectrum were the numerous motorcycle tour guides in several tourist towns displaying “Easy Rider(s)” embroidered on their jackets, printed on their business cards and displayed on their motorcycles.

Following one small motorcycle through a jungle track well away from a city, I smiled when I saw the driver was wearing a copy of a Harley-Davidson sweatshirt from a dealer near my office in the United States.

Vietnam by motorcycle can be a pampered organized motorcycle tour using your own motorcycle or an extreme expedition pushing the definition of your personal motorcycle-adventuring envelope. Neither offers a place to learn to ride a motorcycle, but both can provide an environmental motorcycling taste not found elsewhere on the planet.

A recently released film titled ROAD HEROES (available from Horizons Unlimited www.horizonsunlimited. com on DVD) features author Dr. Gregory W. Frazier and recounts numerous wild global adventures during his five circumnavigations of the globe. He has motorcycled through Vietnam three times and says, “I’ll go back.” because the accident would not have happened if you were not there.

If involved in an accident, be prepared to spend money. Your insurance is but a piece of paper, whereas dollars or dong cover your liability.

Drink no alcohol before riding. Other drivers will. You will need all your faculties to stay alive sober.

Riding in Vietnam is a test for the most experienced motorcyclist, and no place for a novice. Forget the rules of the road back home in Kansas. Vietnam has rules you have not been taught, and no defensive or rider-training course will prepare you for them.

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Carson City , NV Enjoy great roads, great friends and great experiences, not to mention the camaraderie that you can only find in the presence of so many like-minded women motorcyclists. Join us in Carson City, Nev., for the country’s premier gathering expressly for female riders. Expect demo rides, seminars, parties and more at the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference.

EARLY REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY TO AMA MEMBERS FOR $125, A $50 SAVINGS, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2012.

WomenAndMotorcycling.com For more information about Carson City and the surrounding area, please see visitcarsoncity.com

GO RIDE

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

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Dirt Inc. Racing is hosting the Rabbit Creek 100 on March 25 in Murphy, Idaho. The event is the fourth round in the AMA Kenda National Hare and Hound Championship Series. Info: DirtIncRacing.com.

2

World Champion roadracer and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Kevin Schwantz will be the featured speaker at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona March 16 in Daytona Beach, Fla.. Be sure to attend this prestigious event and support the Hall of Fame. Info: MotorcycleMuseum.org.

5

Watch out for gators! The 62nd annual Alligator Enduro hosted by the Daytona Dirt Riders is set for March 11 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Info: FloridaTrailRiders.org.

The AMA Supercross Championship is in full swing, with defending champion Ryan Villopoto hoping to keep his crown against the likes of Chad Reed, James Stewart, Ryan Dungey and Trey Canard. It’s one of the greatest shows on earth, and will be in Daytona Beach, Fla., March 10, Indianapolis March 17, Toronto, Canada, March 24 and Houston March 31. For the full schedule, see page 43.

4

The AMA Indoor Dirt Track Series wraps up its season March 31 at the Southern Illinois Center in Du Quoin, Ill. Info: SteveNaceRacing.com.

3

The AMA Pro Superbike Championship kicks off March 15-17 at the legendary Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach,

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Fla. That starts a 2012 season that sees the gladiators of the asphalt move on to Georgia, California, Utah, Wisconsin, Alabama, Ohio, back to California, New Jersey, Florida and Louisiana. For the full schedule, see page 43.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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The AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series gets under way this month with a half-mile race in Savannah, Ga., March 10, a halfmile in Barberville, Fla., on March 12 an a short-track event on March 13, also in Barberville. For the full schedule, see page 45.

COMING UP Mark your calendar! The 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference will be held July 26-29 in Carson City, Nev. The extravaganza combines inspirational speakers, great roads, demo rides, product showcases and unmatched camaraderie. And AMA members can register at a hefty discount through April 30. Info: WomenAndMotorcycling.com.

ALABAMA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAR 24-25: PELL CITY: 2-DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM CALIFORNIA RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE MAR 17-18: RIDGECREST: 2-DAY EVENT, COUNTDOWN, (775) 884-0399, DUALSPORTWEST.COM COMPETITION EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES MAR 10-11: LUCERNE VALLEY: 2-DAY EVENT, HUNTINGTON BEACH MC, (661) 510-3245, HUNTINGTONBEACHMC.COM GRAND PRIX MAR 31-APR 1: 29 PALMS: 2-DAY EVENT, HILLTOPPERS MC, (714) 8984557, HILLTOPPERSMC.COM HARE SCRAMBLES MAR 17-18: HOLLISTER: 2-DAY EVENT, GHOSTRIDERS MC, (408) 265-2122, GHOSTRIDERSMC.NET MOTOCROSS MAR 10: HESPERIA: COMPETITIVE EDGE MX PARK, (909) 456-1070, RIDECEMX.COM MAR 11: HESPERIA: COMPETITIVE EDGE MX PARK, (909) 456-1070, RIDECEMX.COM

SHORT TRACK MAR 31: SAN JOSE: P & D PROMOTIONS INC, (408) 249-4336, SANJOSEINDOOR.COM COLORADO

MAR 11: LONDON: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORYSPORTS.COM MARYLAND COMPETITION

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MOTOCROSS

MAR 18: BUDDS CREEK: BUDDS CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 4752000, BUDDSCREEK.COM

MAR 11: BERTHOUD: ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROMOTIONS INC, (720) 220-4698, RMPEVENT.COM FLORIDA COMPETITION

MICHIGAN

MAR 3: REDDICK: MOTOCROSS OF MARION COUNTY, (352) 591-2377, MXMARIONCOUNTY.COM MAR 4: REDDICK: MOTOCROSS OF MARION COUNTY, (352) 591-2377, MXMARIONCOUNTY.COM OBSERVED TRIALS MAR 10-11: OCALA: 2 DAY EVENT, FLORIDA TRIALS ASSOCIATION MC CLUB INC, (352) 732-9574, FLORIDATRIALS.NET ILLINOIS

COMPETITION MAR 4: BENTLEY: VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS, (989) 879-6397, THEVALLEYTRAILRIDERS.COM NEW JERSEY COMPETITION ENDURO MAR 18: GREENBANK: METEOR MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (609) 6545015, METEORMC.COM NORTH CAROLINA

GRAND PRIX

COMPETITION

MAR 4: CHANDLERVILLE: CANTON MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (309) 2021144, CANTONMC.COM

MOTOCROSS

KENTUCKY

MAR 4: SANFORD: DEVILS RIDGE MX, (919) 776-1767, DEVILSRIDGEMOTOX. COM OHIO

COMPETITION

SCRAMBLES

MOTOCROSS

COMPETITION

MAR 25: RIDGECREST: DIRT DIGGERS-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, DIRTDIGGERSMC.COM

MAR 10: LONDON: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORYSPORTS.COM

ENDURO

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days: July 20-22, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio; AMA VintageMotorcycleDays.com

May 5: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium

HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG The 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 and New Year’s Day. Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Recognizing those who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling.

Dirt-Track! All-American Motorcycle Racing: Celebrating the storied history of the men and machines who battle on the dirt oval.

30-Year Ride: Honda’s Ohio-made Motorcycles: Gold Wings aren’t the only bikes that Honda produced at its plant in Marysville, Ohio. This exhibit showcases the 30 years of production, from the CR250 to the Rune.

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

Breakfast at Daytona, featuring Kevin Schwantz: March 16, Daytona 500 Club, Daytona Internal Speedway, (614) 856-2222, ext.

1234; MotorcycleMuseum.org

AMA PRO RACING

MAR 25: RAY: CHILLICOTHE ENDURO RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (740) 773-6115,

AMA ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP ARENACROSS.COM

AMA SUPERCROSS SERIES AMASUPERCROSS.COM

Feb. 11-12: Fresno, Calif.: Save Mart Center

Feb. 11: San Diego: Qualcomm Stadium

Feb. 17-19: Reno, Nev.: Livestock Events Center

Feb. 18: Arlington, Texas: Cowboys Stadium

Feb. 25-26: Minneapolis: Target Center

Feb. 25: Atlanta: Georgia Dome

AMA PRO SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM

March 3: St. Louis: Edward Jones Dome March 10: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

March 15-17: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona 200, Daytona International Speedway

March 17: Indianapolis: Lucas Oil Stadium

April 20-22: Braselton, Ga.: Road Atlanta

March 24: Toronto, Canada: Rogers Center

May 4-6: Sonoma, Calif.: Infineon Raceway

March 31: Houston: Reliant Stadium

May 26-28: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park

April 14: New Orleans: Louisiana Superdome

June 1-3: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America

April 21: Seattle: Qwest Field

June 22-24: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park

April 28: Salt Lake City: RiceEccles Stadium

MAR 25: MARYSVILLE: AMERICAN MOTOSPORTS LLC, (937) 358-2427, AMERICANMX.COM COMPETITION SHORT TRACK MAR 25: HANOVER: TRAIL-WAY SPEEDWAY, (717) 359-4310, TRAILWAYSPEEDWAY.COM TEXAS COMPETITION MOTOCROSS

ICE RACE

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

PENNSYLVANIA

MAR 24-25: MECHANICSVILLE: 2-DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 375-1059, MAMAMX.COM

MOTOCROSS

CHILLICOTHEENDURO.COM

July 13-15: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-

MAR 20: WORTHAM: FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY LLC, (713) 9623386, FREESTONEMX.COM MAR 24-25: WORTHAM: 2-DAY EVENT, FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY LLC, (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM VIRGINIA COMPETITION GRAND PRIX MAR 25: SOUTH HILL: VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP HS SERIES, (252) 5377076, VCHSS.ORG MOTOCROSS MAR 24: AXTON: MOTOPROMO, (276) 650-1158, LAKESUGARTREE.COM MAR 25: AXTON: MOTOPROMO, (276) 650-1158, LAKESUGARTREE.COM MAR 31-APR 1: DISPUTANTA: 2-DAY EVENT, SOUTH FORK MX CLUB, , SOUTHFORKMX.COM

Ohio Sports Car Course July 27-29: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Sept. 7-9: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park Sept. 21-22: Homestead, Fla.: Homestead-Miami Speedway Oct. 5-7: New Orleans: NOLA Motorsports Park AMA PRO GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING. COM

March 15: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona Short Track I, Daytona Flat Track March 16: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona Short Track II, Daytona Flat Track May 26: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield TT, Illinois State Fairgrounds May 27: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile, Illinois State Fairgrounds June 9: TBD: TBD June 30: Lima, Ohio: Lima HalfMile, Allen County Fairgrounds July 7: Hagerstown, Md.: Hagerstown Half-Mile, Hagerstown Speedway

March 2012

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July 14: Lake Odessa, Mich.: I-96 Half-Mile, I-96 Speedway July 28: Sacramento, Calif.: Sacramento Mile, Cal Expo Aug. 4: Castle Rock, Wash.: Castle Rock TT, Castle Rock Race Park Aug. 12: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria TT, PMC Race Park Aug. 18: Indianapolis: Indy Mile, Indiana State Fairground Sept. 1: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield ST, Illinois State Fairgrounds Sept. 2: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile II, Illinois State Fairgrounds Sept. 8: Knoxville, Iowa: Knoxville Half-Mile, Knoxville Raceway Sept. 15: TBD: TBD Sept. 30: Santa Rosa, Calif.: Santa Rosa Mile, Sonoma County Fairgrounds Oct. 6: Tucson, Ariz: Half-Mile, USA Raceway Oct. 13: Pomona, Calif.: Flat Track Finale, LA County Fairplex AMA PRO HILLCLIMB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING. COM

June 3: Jefferson, Pa.: White Rose MC; WhiteRoseMC.org June 10: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC; BikeHillcimb.com June 13: Canaan, N.H.: Ridge Runner Promotions; RidgeRunnerPromotions.com June 23 (night event): Oregonia, Ohio: Dayton MC; DaytonMC.com July 15: West Branch, Mich.: Ogemaw Hills Bike Week; OgemawHillsBikeWeek.com Aug. 5: Muskegon, Mich.: Muskegon MC; MuskegonMotorcycleClub.com Sept. 9: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC; BikeHillclimb. com Sept. 30: Jefferson, Pa.: White Rose MC; WhiteRoseMC.org Oct. 14: Oregonia, Ohio: Dayton MC; DaytonMC.com AMA PRO ATV MOTOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ATVMOTOCROSS.COM

March 24-25: Pell City, Ala.: Millcreek April 21-22: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway May 5-6: Budds Creek, Md.: Budds Creek

Ky.: Ballance MX June 16-17: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway June 30-July 1: Millfield, Ohio: Sunday Creek July 14-15: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla July 28-29: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud Aug. 11-12: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn’s AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMA RACING NATIONAL HARE & HOUND NATIONALHAREANDHOUND.COM Feb. 12: Ridgecrest, Calif.: Richie Wohlers, Four Aces MC; (805) 3582668, FourAcesMC.org Feb. 26: Reno, Nev.: Jeff Henning; Western States Racing Assn.; (775) 544-6463, WesternStatesRacing. com March 25: Murphy, Idaho: Bill Walsh, Dirt Inc.; (208) 459-6871, DirtIncRacing.com April 22: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Steve Williams, Vikings MC; (310) 490-4575, VikingsMC.com May 5: Jericho, Utah: Talisa Flitton, Sage Riders; (801) 833-5946, SageRidersMC.com May 19: Jericho, Utah: KC Bogue, Sugarloafers MC; (435) 864-8305, SugarloafersMC.com Sept. 8: Panaca, Nev.: Zach Livreri, Silver State Trailblazers; (702) 994-6823, https://sites.google. com/site/silverstatetrailblazers/

Oct 14: Johnson Valley, Calif.: Justin Shultz, SoCal MC; (949) 9816776, SoCalMC.com Oct. 28: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Ryan Sanders, 100’s MC; (949) 5849395, 100sMC.org AMA NATIONAL ENDURO NATIONALENDURO.COM Feb. 19: Greensboro, Ga.: Tom Cufr, Cherokee Cycle Club; (770) 540-2891, SETRA.org March 4: Salley, S.C.: Rhonda Dennis, Columbia Enduro Riders; (803) 788-4220, mastercraft@ bellsouth.net April 22: West Point, Tenn.: Paul Traufler, NATRA; (256) 837-0084, NATRA.DirtRider.net May 6: Forest Hill, La.: Tracy Barstow, Acadiana Dirt Riders; (337) 519-2520, AcadianaDirtRiders.org

May 19-20: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge

June 17: Upton, Wyo.: Paul Douglas, Inyan Kara Riders; (307) 468-2840, NationalEnduro.com

June 2-3 (night race): Oakland,

July 29: Cross Fork, Pa.: Peter

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Burnett, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 368-7332, BER.us Sept. 9: Park Hills, Mo.: Michael Silger, Missouri Mudders; michael. silger@avnet.com, MoMudders.com Oct. 14: Matthews, Ind.: Doug Spence, Muddobbers MC; (765) 998-2236, MuddobbersMC.org Nov. 4: Stanton, Ala.: Glenn Hollingshead, Perry Mountain MC ; (334) 872-4286, PerryMountain.com ENDUROCROSS ENDUROCROSS.COM May 4: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena June 9: Sacramento, Calif.: Power Balance Pavilion TBD: Los Angeles: TBD Sept. 15: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Bank Arena Oct. 6: Denver: National Western Complex Oct. 20: Everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena Oct. 27: Boise, Idaho: Idaho Center Nov 17: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena AMA RACING WEST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM Feb. 18 (Youth) Feb. 19 (Amateur): Paicines, Calif.: Derrick Morris, Salinas Ramblers; (831) 663-0261, SalinasRamblersMC.org March 3 (Youth) March 4 (Amateur): Sparks, Nev.: Jeff Irwin, Cross Country Promotions; (916) 837-7713, ccp_racing@yahoo.com April 14 (Youth) April 15 (Amateur): Shasta Lake, Calif.: Karl Hankins, Redding Dirt Riders; (530) 953-7272, ReddingDirtRiders. com June 16 (Youth & C Amateur) June 17 (Pro, A & B Amateur): Elkton, Ore.: Toni Bamford, ETRA; (541) 968-1664, ETRA.net Aug. 25 (Youth) Aug. 26 (Amateur): Big Sky, Mont.: Jamey Kabisch, Lone Peak Racing; (406) 223-0478, BigSkyXC.com

(304) 284-0084, GNCCRacing.com June 9 (Youth) June 10 (Amateur): S. Edmeston, N.Y.: Jim Simmons, Thunder Ridge Sports; (607) 8476522, ThunderRidge.biz July 8 (Youth & Amateur): Millfield, Ohio: Rita Coombs, Racer Productions; (304) 284-0084, GNCCRacing.com July 21 (Youth & Amateur): Valley View, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600, RauschCreekRacing.com Aug. 4 (Youth) Aug. 5 (Amateur): Hill City, Minn.: Paul Otto, Range Riders MC; (763) 229-1177, RangeRidersMC. org Aug. 11 (Youth) Aug. 12 (Amateur): E. Freetown, Maine.: Gordie Coyle, Pilgrim Sands Trail Riders; (781) 2948355, PSTR.org Sept. 1 (Youth) Sept. 2 (Amateur) Arrington, Va.: Chuck Honeycutt, April Fools Promotions; (757) 3755665; AprilFools62@verizon.net AMA RACING MID AMERICA XC CHAMPIONSHIP HARE SCRAMBLES THEMAXC.COM March 3 (Amateur, Youth & ATV): Greenfield, Ind.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084 April 21 (Amateur, Youth & ATV): Mooresville, Ind.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084 May 20 (Amateur, Youth & ATV): Springville, Ind.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084 June 9 (Amateur, Youth & ATV): Casey, Ill.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084 July 14 (Amateur, Youth & ATV): Martinsville, Ind.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084 Aug. 18 (Amateur, Youth & ATV): Marengo, Ind.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084 Sept. 8 (Amateur, Youth & ATV): Caanan, Ind.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084 Oct. 13 (Amateur, Youth & ATV): Veedersburg, Ind: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084

AMA RACING EAST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM

Oct. 27 (Amateur, Youth & ATV): Gosport, Ind: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084

Feb. 26 (Youth & Amateur): Elko, Ga.: Bruce Douglas, High Point Hare Scrambles; (478) 808-4131, rbduglas47@yahoo.com

AMA/NATC MOTOTRIALS AMARACING.COM

April 7 (Youth & Amateur): Battle Creek, Mich.: Kurt McKenzie, Battle Creek MC; (269) 964-0778, BattleCreekMotorcycleClub.com May 13 (Youth & Amateur): TBA: Rita Coombs, Racer Productions;

May 19-20: Cahuilla Creek, Calif.: Pete Croft, So. California Trials Assn.; (714) 580-7369, SoCalTrials. com May 26-27: Cotapaxi, Colo.: Frank Peterson, Rocky Mountain Trials Assn.; (303) 477-6793, RockyMountainTrials.org

June 16-17: Toronto, Ohio: Jim Watson, Trials Inc.; (317) 861-6275, TrialsInc.org June 23-24: Exeter, R.I.: David Alen, Rhode Island Trials Club, (508) 285-6074, RITrialsClub.com AMA/NATC YOUTH MOTOTRIALS AMARACING.COM June 6-8 (East): Sequatchie, Tenn.: Ashley Jackson, Southeastern Trials Riders Assn., (423) 942-8688; TrialsTrainingCenter.com July 20-22 (West): Howard, Colo.: Bill Markham, International Trials School; (719) 942-3372, ITSoffroad. com AMA RACING ATV HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM March 3: TBD: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084, TheMAXC.com April 7: Battle Creek, Mich: Kurt McKenzie, Battle Creek MC; (269) 964-0778, BattleCreekMotorcycleClub.com June 9: S. Edmeston, N.Y.: Jim Simmons, Thunder Ridge sports; (607) 847-6522, ThunderRidge.biz July 22: Valley View, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600,

RauschCreekRacing.com Aug. 4: Hill City, Minn.: Paul Otto, Range Riders MC; (763) 229-1177, RangeRidersMC.org Oct. 13: TBD: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084, TheMAXC.com Oct. 27: Gosport, Ind.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084, TheMAXC.com AMA ATV MOTOCROSS ATVMOTOCROSS.COM March 24-25: Washington, Ga.: Aionia Pass MX April 21-22: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek May 5-6: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek May 19-20: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge June 2-3: Oakland, Ky.: Ballance MX June 16-17: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway June 30-July 1: Millfield, Ohio: Sunday Creek

Aug. 11-12: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn Ranch AMA INDOOR DIRT TRACK STEVENACERACING.COM Feb. 11: Du Quoin, Ill.: Southern Illinois Ctr Feb 25: Du Quoin, Ill.: Southern Illinois Ctr March 31: Du Quoin, Ill.: Southern Illinois Ctr AMA VINTAGE DIRT TRACK AMARACING.COM March 10: Savannah, Ga.: HalfMile, Oglethorpe Speedway, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532 March 12: Barberville, Fla.: HalfMile, Volusia County Speedway, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532, SteveNaceRacing.com March 13: Barberville, Fla.: ST, Volusia County Speedway, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532, SteveNaceRacing.com May 5: Tallassee, Ala.: ST, Monster Mountain MX Park, Tom Brinkman; (334) 318-8475, MonsterMX.com

July 14-15: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla

May 6: Tallassee, Ala.: ST, Monster Mountain MX Park, Tom Brinkman; (334) 318-8475, MonsterMX.com

July 28-29: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud

June 29: Harpursville, N.Y.: ST, Don Miller; (877) 746-3876,

SquareDealRiders.com June 30: Harpursville, N.Y.: ST, Don Miller; (877) 746-3876, SquareDealRiders.com July 21: Ashland, Ohio: Half-Mile, Ashland County Fairgrounds, Ken Saillant; (800) 262-5646, AMARacing.com Aug. 17: Dundee, N.Y.: 4/10Mile, Black Rock Speedway, Dean Hoag; (607) 243-8686, BlackRockSpeedway.com Aug. 18: Dundee, N.Y.: 4/10Mile, Black Rock Speedway, Dean Hoag; (607) 243-8686, BlackRockSpeedway.com AMA RACING PRO-AM MOTOCROSS AMARACING.COM Feb. 12: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway; (713) 962-3386, FreestoneMX.com Feb. 25-26: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park; (623) 853-0750, ArizonaCyclePark.com Feb. 28-March 3: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway; (713) 962-3386, FreestoneMX.com March 10-11: Hesperia, Calif.: Competitive Edge; (909) 456-1070, RideCEMX.com March 12-17: Pell City, Ala.: Mill

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MX Park, (903) 498-4659

Creek; (205) 699-8857, FreestoneMX. com

Creek MX Park; (507) 753-2779, SpringCreekMX.com

March 15-18: Conroe, Texas: Three Palms Action Sports Park; ThreePalmsesp.com

Sept. 1-3: Millington, Mich.: Baja MX; (989) 871-3356, BajaMX.com

Feb. 25-26: Litchfield Park, Ariz.: Southwest area qualifier, Arizona Cycle Park, (623) 853-0750

Sept. 2: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; (715) 856-6612, Gmellissa337@aol.com

March 3-4: Reddick, Fla.: Southeast area qualifier, MX of Marion Co, (352) 591-2377

Sept. 9: Clifford, N.J.: Hurricane Hills Motorsports; (570) 222-9290, HHMotocross.com

March 10-11: Hedgesville, W.Va.: Northeast area qualifier, Tomahawk, (304) 229-6682

Sept. 23: New Castle, Del.: Blue Diamond MX Park; (302) 834-5867, BCTRA.com

March 10-11: London, Ky.: MidEast area qualifier, Daniel Boone, (423) 323-5497

Sept. 30: Canton, Texas: Buffalo Creek Motocross Park; (214) 9394321, BuffaloCreekMX.com

March 10-11: Du Quion, Ill.: North Central area qualifier, Paradise MX, (618) 542-6203

Sept. 30: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX; (815) 379-9534, SunsetRidgeMX.com

March 10-11: Hesperia, Calif.: Southwest area qualifier, Competitive Edge, (909) 456-1070

Oct. 7: Gaylord, Mich.: Ostego Club; (989) 871-3356, BajaMX.com

March 17-18: Englishtown, N.J.: Northeast area qualifier, Englishtown, (732) 446-7800

March 24-25: Prentiss, Miss.: Golden Pine Raceway; (601) 5068669, GoldenPineRaceway.com April 1: Sanford, N.C.: Devil’s ride Motocross (919) 776-1767, DevilsRidgeMotoX.com April 15: Birdsboro, Pa.: Pagoda Motorcycle Club; (610) 582-3717, PagodaMotorcycleClub.com April 21-22: Milford, Calif.: Honey Lake Motocross Park; (530) 8272639, HoneyLakeMX.com May 5-6: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Dutch Sport Park; (269) 521-7800, DutchSportParkMX.com May 12-13: Little Falls, Minn.: RM Promotions; (612) 919-3457, MotoCityRaceway.com May 13: Petersburg, Va.: South Fork Competition Park; (443) 7833249, VMPMX.com May 18: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Hangtown MX; (530) 758-5554, HangtownMX.com May 26-27: Dalton, Ga.: Lazy River MX; (706) 278-1620, LazyRiverMotocross.com May 27: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; (715) 856-6612, Gmellissa337@aol.com May 27: Crothersville, Ind.: High Fly MX; (812) 374-8228, HighFlyMX.com May 28: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trails Motosports; (217) 932-2041, LincolnTrailMotosport.com May 28: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway; (713) 962-3386, FreestoneMX.com May 28: Brush, Colo.: Swene Cycle Park; (970) 768-0518, SweneyCyclePark.com June 16 (Sat night): Mendota, Ill.: Moto Pro Inc. Stadium Megacross; (815) 539-9021, Megacross.com June 17: Mt. Carroll, Ill.: MC Motopark; (815) 238-1614, MCMotopark.com June 17: Leonardtown, Md.: Budds Creek Motocross Park; (301) 4816148, BuddsCreek.com July 15: Crothersville, Ind.: High Fly MX; (812) 374-8228, HighFlyMX.com July 20: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park; (360) 837-3975, WashougalMXPk.com.com Aug. 26: Armagh, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway; (814) 695-2453, PVRMX.com Aug. 26: Millville, Minn.: Spring

46

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Oct. 7: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park; (734) 446-7800, RacewayPark. com Oct. 14: Birdsboro, Pa.: Pagoda Motorcycle Club; (610) 582-3717, PagodaMotorcycleClub.com Oct. 27-28: Leonardtown, Md.: Budds Creek Motocross Park; (301) 481-6148, BuddsCreek.com Oct. 28: Prentiss, Wis.: Golden Pine Raceway; (601) 506-8669, GoldenPineRaceway.com Nov. 4: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway; (713) 962-3386, FreestoneMX.com Nov. 4: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek; (205) 699-8857, RPMSportsonline. com Nov. 10-11: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway; (713) 962-3386, FreestoneMX.com Nov. 18: Musella, Ga.: Hillbilly Hills; (205) 699-8857, RPMSportsonline. com Nov. 19-21: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park; (813) 4707498, UnlimitedSportsMX.com Nov. 22-24: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park; (813) 4707498, UnlimitedSportsMX.com AMA AMATEUR GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS MXSPORTS.COM Feb. 18-19: Hamer, S.C.: Southeast area qualifer, South of the Border, (423) 323-5497 Feb. 25-26: Elizabeth City, N.C.: Northeast area qualifier, Elizabeth City, (757) 549-7012 Feb. 25-26: Kemp, Texas: South Central area qualifier, UnderGround

March 17-18: Orlando, Fla.: Southeast area qualifier, Bithlo, (814) 695-2453 March 17-18: Wellston, Okla.: South Central area qualifier, Reynard Racing MX, (405) 793- 1049 March 17-18: Haleiwa, Hawaii: Southwest area qualifier, Kahuku MX, (808) 668-6276 March 17-18: Mesquite, Nev.: Southwest area qualifier, Mesquite MX, (702) 883-7391 March 24-25: Axton, Va.: Southeast area qualifier, Lake Sugar Tree, (757) 549-7012 March 24-25: Rossville, Ind.: MidEast area qualifier, Wild Cat Creek MX, (765) 379-2482 March 24-25: Prentiss, Miss.: South Central area qualifier, Golden Pine, (601) 506-8669 March 24-25: Richland, Wash.: Northwest area qualifier, Horn Rapids MX, (509) 496-2958 March 24-25: Anza, Calif.: Southwest area qualifier, The Ranch, (949) 276-5153 March 31-April 1: Washington, Ga.: Southeast area qualifier, Aonia Pass, (706) 678-3737 March 31-April 1: Uhrichsville, Ohio: Mid-East area qualifier, Crow Canyon, (740) 594-6686 March 31-April 1: Byron, Ill.: North Central area qualifier, Byron Motosports Park, (815) 234-2271 April 14-15: Livingston, Tenn.: Mid-East area qualifier, Thunder Valley, (423) 323-5497 April 14-15: San Antonio, Texas: South Central area qualifier, Cycle Ranch, (210) 635-9199 April 14-15: Marysville, Calif.:

Northwest area qualifier, E Street, (916) 209-3855 April 21-22: Mt. Morris, Pa.: Northeast area qualifier, High Point, (304) 284-0084 April 21-22: Underwood, Ind.: Mid-East area qualifier, CLCR, (612) 559-6777 April 21-22: Winterset, Iowa: North Central area qualifier, Riverside Raceway, (515) 266-7509 April 21-22: Breaux Bridge, La.: South Central area qualifier, Gravity Alley, (87 342-5373 April 21-22: Milford, Calif.: Northwest area qualifier, Honey Lake, (530) 827-2639 April 21-22: Milford, Calif.: Southwest area qualifier, Honey Lake, (530) 827-2639 April 28-29: Batavia, N.Y.: Northeast area qualifier, Area 51, (585) 345-7433 April 28-29: Blountville, Tenn.: Southeast area qualifier, Muddy Creek, (423) 323-5497 April 28-29: Millington, Mich.: Mid-East area qualifier, Baja Acres, (989) 871-3356 April 28-29: Richwood, Mo.: North Central area qualifier, Romp MX, (573) 701-8674 May 5-6: Armagh, Pa.: Northeast area qualifier, Pleasure Valley, (814) 695-2453 May 5-6: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Mid-East area qualifier, Dutch Sports Park, (269) 521-7800 May 5-6: Tigerton, Wis.: North Central area qualifier, Motozone, (920) 419-2863 May 5-6: Lakewood, Colo.: South Central area qualifier, Thunder Valley, (303) 697-1003 May 12-13: Winchester, N.H.: Northeast area qualifier, Winchester Speed Park, (603) 239-6406 May 12-13: Little Falls, Minn.: North Central area qualifier, Little Falls Raceway, (612) 919-3457 May 12-13: Beaumont, Texas: South Central area qualifier, Cowboy Bad Lands MX, (409) 7941985 May 19-20: New Berlin, N.Y.: Northeast area qualifier, Unadilla Valley Sports Center, (607) 9658450 May 19-20: Danville, Va.: Southeast area qualifier, Birch Creek, (434) 836-7629 May 19-20: Nelsonville, Ohio: Mid-East area qualifier, Fast Traxx Motoplex, (740) 767-3740 May 19-20: Mason, Ill.: North

Central area qualifier, Cross Roads MX, (618) 686-2769 May 19-20: Little Rock, Ark.: South Central area qualifier, Tony Wynn MX, (870) 342-5373 May 20: Washougal, Wash.: Northwest area qualifier, Washougal, (360) 601-5347 May 26-27: Chatsworth, Ga.: Southeast area qualifier, Lazy River, (706) 278-1620 May 26-27: Walnut, Ill.: North Central area qualifier, Sunset Ridge, (815) 379-9534 June 2-3: Delmont, Pa.: Northeast regional (Amateur), Steel City, (304) 284-0084

Aug. 17-19: Bay City, Wis.: AMA Racing Hillclimb Grand Championships

Run Dual Sport Rally, Front Range Riders, Steve Eddins; (970) 2211014, FrontRangeRiders.com

AMA RACING LAND SPEED GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS/BUB MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS BUBSPEEDTRIALS.COM.COM

Aug. 4-5: Hancock, N.Y.: Hancock Quarry Run, Bear Creek Sportsmen, Mike Goetz; BearCreekSportsmen. com

Aug. 26-30: Wendover, Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats, Delvene Manning, (530) 272-4310

Aug. 11-12: Columbus, Ind.: Buffalo 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC; Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772, StoneyLonesomeMC. com/DualSport/index.html

AMA RACING ISDE QUALIFIERS AMA RACING ISDE QUALIFERS AMARACING.COM June 2-3: (Round 1) Idaho City, Idaho: Peter Reynolds, Boise Ridge Riders; (208) 384-5141, BoiseRidgeRiders.org

June 2-3: Buchanan, Mich.: MidEast regional (Amateur), Red Bud, (269) 695-6405

June 9-10: (Round 2) Wellston, Ohio: William Defue Jr., Appalachian Dirt Riders; (740) 384-6379, ADROhio.org

June 2-3: Wortham, Texas: South Central regional (Amateur), Freestone, (713) 962-3386

Sept. 24-29: 2012 ISDE: Sachsenring Circuit, Saxony, Germany

June 9-10: Mill Creek, Ala.: Southeast regional (Amateur), Mill Creek, (205) 699-8857 June 9-10: Bowling Green, Ky.: Mid-East regional (Youth), Ballance MX, (423) 323-5497 June 9-10: Milford, Calif.: Northwest regional (Youth & Amateur), Honey Lake, (530) 827-2639 June 16-17: Ellerbe, N.C.: Southeast regional (Youth), Windy Hills MX, (423) 323-5497 June 16-17: Millville, Minn.: North Central regional (Youth), Spring Creek, (507) 753-2779 June 16-17: Conroe, Texas: South Central regional (Youth), Three Palms, (936) 321-8725 June 16-17: Hesperia, Calif.: Southwest regional (Youth & Amateur), Competitive Edge, (909) 454-1070 June 23-24: Shippensburg, Pa.: Northeast regional (Youth), Doublin Gap, (717) 249-6036 June 23-24: Mt Carroll, Ill.: North Central regional (Amateur), MC Motopark, (815) 238-1614 July 29-Aug.4: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Grand Championships (final), Loretta Lynn’s Ranch AMA RACING VINTAGE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMAVINTAGEMOTORCYCLE DAYS.COM July 20-22: Lexington, Ohio: AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course AMA RACING HILLCLIMB GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM

AMA DUAL-SPORT/ADVENTURE SERIES AMA NATIONAL DUAL SPORT SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Aug. 18-19: Woverine, Mich.: Ted’s Chandler Hill Challenge, Great Lakes Dual Sporters, Jeremay Valley; (989) 751-6863, GLDSMC.org Sept. 8-9: Golden Pond, Ky.: LBL 200, K.T. Riders, Jesse Thomas; (270) 522-3703, LBL200.com Sept. 22-23: Logan, Ohio: Nut Cracker, Buckey Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050, KaeppnersWoods.com Sept. 22-23: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Dual Sport Adventure, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 649-3633, FamilyOffRoadAdventures.com

May 5-6: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Adventure Tour, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 649-3633, FamilyOffRoadAdventures.com May 19-20: Zaleski, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050, Kaeppnerswoods.com June 2-3: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers National Dual Sport, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 7263343, DurtyDabbers.com June 9-10: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Dual Sport, Northwest Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881, BlackDogDualSport.com June 9-10: Atlanta, N.Y.: Thrills in the Hills 2012, Wayne County Motorcycle Club, Don Rice; (315) 945-6911, WayneCountyMC.com June 21-24: Fairbanks, Alaska: Tag the Deadhorse Adventure Ride, Aerostich Tours, Roger Pattison; (575) 776-8785, AerostichTours.com June 22-25: Fairbanks, Alaska: Tag the Deadhorse Adventure Ride, Aerostich Tours, Roger Pattison; (575) 776-8785, AerostichTours.com

Sept. 29-30: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 3502030, GLDSMC.org

TBD: Stevenson, Wash: Dual Sport Northwest Adventure Rally, Sound!Rider, Tom Mehren; (206) 329-7808, SoundRider.com

Oct. 6-7: Mt. Solon, Va.: Shenandoah 500 Dual Sport, Washington Area Trail Riders, Andy Giordano; (703) 505-9123, NVTR.org

TBD: Pendenton, Wash: Sasquatch Dualsport Adventure Tour, Sound!Rider, Tom Mehren; (206) 329-7808, SoundRider.com

Oct. 6-7: McArthur, Ohio: Baby Burr National Dual Sport, Enduro Riders Assn., Steve Barber; (614) 582-7821, EnduroRiders.com

Aug. 11-12: Columbus, Ind.: Buffalo 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772, StoneyLonesomeMC.com

TBD: Study Butte, Texas: 14th Annual Terlingua National DS, Trail Riders of Houston, Jack Jennings; (713) 248-7222, TRH-Cycle.org

Sept. 14-15: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.: Land of Enchantment, Aerostich Tours, Roger Pattison; (575) 7768785, AerostichTours.com

Oct. 27-28: Chatsworth, N.J.: Meteor Ride in the Pines, Meteor MC, Jeff Fitzpatrick; (609) 654-5015, MeteorMC.com

Sept. 15-16: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.: Land of Enchantment, Aerostich Tours, Roger Pattison; (575) 7768785, AerostichTours.com

June 9-10: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride For Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 3502030, WIDualSportRiders.org

Oct. 27-28: Wickenburg, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon Dual Sport, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (602) 692-9382, dohood@us.ibm. com

Sept. 15-16: Morganton, N.C.: Blue Ridge Adventure Ride, JB Saki Promotions, Ron Miller; (704) 3093271, VolunteerRiders.com

June 23-24: Fort Rock, Ore.: Fort Rock National Dual Sport, Lobos MC, Billy Toman; (503) 656-5801, LobosMC.com

Nov. 3-4: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469, TeamHammer.org

July 14-15: Chandlersville, Ohio.: Zanesville National Dual Sport, Zanesville Trail Riders, Jerry Sode; (740) 221-1050, ZanesvilleTrailRiders.com

June 23-24: Palmdale, Calif.: LABarstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 7927384, District37AMA.org

May 19: Zaleski, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050, Kaeppnerswoods.com June 2-3: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers National Dual Sport, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 7263343, Durtydabbers.com June 2-3: Bixby, Mo.: Show Me 200, Midwest Trail Riders Assn., Robert Kaufman; (314) 434-5095, RideMTRA.com June 2-3: Custer, Mich.: Whiskey Creek Classic, Great Lakes Dual Sporters, Jeramey Valley; (989) 7516863, GLDSMC.org June 9-10: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Dual Sport, Northwest Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881, BlackDogDualSport.com

July 21-28: TBD, Mich.: 28th Annual Six Days of Michigan, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Lewis Schuler; (517) 416-0126, CycleConservationClub.com Aug. 4-5: Walden, Colo.: Moose

Sept. 22-23: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckey Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 3803050, KaeppnersWoods.com Oct. 27-28: Payson, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon Dual Sport, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (602) 692-9382, ArizonaTrailRiders.org

AMA YAMAHA NATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Nov. 3-4: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (856) 785-2754, TeamHammer.org

April 14-15: Bybee, Tenn.: Slate Creek Adventure Ride, JB Saki Promotions, John Strange; (865) 322-0193, VolunteerRiders.com

June 23-24: Palmdale, Calif.: LABarstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 7927384, District37AMA.org

March 2012

47

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GUEST COLUMN ADRENALINE FIX I earned my first Sears motorbike 52 years ago as a 13-year-old working for my dad’s construction company during the summer of 1959. I discovered that I liked dirt much better than asphalt as I scratched and knocked things off my ride in the wide-open wilderness—my personal backyard here in Montana. When I hopped on and twisted the throttle, the ever-increasing challenge to hang on seemed to help me calmly focus on the ride rather than on the complexities of life’s other challenges.

A couple of worn out motorcycles later, I was finally old enough for a license. My daily rides to school and beyond became legal.

By then I had a full-sized 200 Triumph Cub that burned oil like a two-stroke.

The “rear wheel walk” wheelie contest at the local track in Great Falls caught my eye, and it did not take long for me to snap a rear fender and knock the lights off. Soon—and without my dad’s permission—I worked up the guts to compete for the rear-wheelwalk trophy the summer before 10th grade. It didn’t matter that I was grounded afterward: The trophy was mine then, and every time I competed thereafter.

After many single-wheel successes, my fenderless 300-pound street-legal Honda Scrambler was replaced in 1969 with an affordable motocross machine from Yamaha. For me, it was a dream with its substantially reduced weight and the amazing 4.5-inch travel in the two aftermarket rear shocks all the way from California.

Shortly after, my immediate family expanded to three as I was working my way through architectural school at Montana State University. My wife and new daughter were usually by my side at the races when time and the budget would allow. My scholarship money was used as wisely as possible, but I must admit that it helped fuel my occasional two-wheeled escape from the pressure of progressing toward my master’s degree in architecture.

I competed in hillclimbs, motocross, cross country, flat track, scrambles and ice racing. I was probably more known for my holeshots than my wins. But podiums and my share of first-place trophies typically paid for the parts and gas home. A crisp $100 bill went a long way back when yearly tuition for an excellent education was a reasonable $500.

College graduation took my young family to Alberta, Canada, for 12 years of adventure and opportunity. Shortly after, my beatup 4-year-old Yamaha saw its last day when the engine let go in Calgary while moving into third with two laps to go after a stalled engine and a 35th-place start. By that time, my chosen career had become more exciting and important. I didn’t replace the bike.

For the next 25 years, the garage was void of any type of motorized two-wheel machine. Playing golf and following the lawn mower became poor replacements for the lost freedom and focus of dirtbike riding. Then one day on the golf course, a dirtbike fired up in the distance. I parked the clubs in the storage shed, and there they remain.

Soon, two wheels were rolled into the garage. I was now 50 years old, and was pleased to be reminded of the adrenaline rush and the uncanny tranquility that results from off-road motorcycle riding.

Grandsons, big bikes and little bikes were in the trailer in less than five years. Camping and riding became our favorite activities.

It didn’t take long before the grandkids, after seeing a group of other campers, asked, “Why would anybody want to go camping without dirtbikes?”

50

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

When I turned 60 in 2007, I decided it was time to go racing again. I lined up at the two-lap, 100-mile Ought 6 Enduro near Cascade, Mont., with the strategy to finish in the 50-plus class.

Now 25 pounds heavier and slower than practical, I completed a wonderful-but-fast-paced 5-1/2 hour trail ride through the Rocky Mountains on the Bull Run Ranch. To my surprise, no one else finished in the oldest men’s class, leaving me the gold medal.

At the end of the 2010 season, I decided it was time to get serious. During 2011, I would race a full season for the first time, and then I added the goal of winning the new 60-plus class. The series was only seven races, so I decided I might as well lose 25 pounds and get in better shape to see if I could get around faster than all others in the oldest men’s class.

On my 64th birthday, I set a reasonable standard to get in shape by downloading the age-adjusted Army physical fitness requirements for soldiers. In less than two months, I could have kept my job in the military by doing the minimum in running, push ups, and situps for men a little more than half my age.

But things change quickly. On the first day of spring in March 2011, I was practicing at my favorite off-road riding area, Pipestone. Accelerating out of a corner, I spun the tire on slightly frozen turf, requiring a serious foot plant. I heard a crunch. I broke the bone just below my knee into 25 pieces.

While I didn’t start a race in 2011, it’s a new season. I am healing, and I am taking another look at that bucket list. Indeed, I am now looking toward motorcycle adventures back East. I will seek the advice of my wife of 41 years to determine if I am ready for the 2012 racing season. I will not seek the advice of my grandsons, who live in Boston. Theirs I know. They are begging for the return of their racing partner. They’ll get him, soon enough.

Darrell A. Swanson is an AMA Member from Bozeman, Mont.

He is owner of Swanson Architects Inc. and can be contacted at darrells@swansonarchitects.com.

Photo Doug Loneman

Recapturing The Enthusiasm For Off-Road Racing

By Darrell A. Swanson

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