MARCH 2014
A Sidecar And A Prayer: Touring The Southwest
Photo Ryan Lindberg
Teaching Kids The Love Of Riding
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Special discounts at Motel 6 are also available up to 10 percent off. Use the Member Discount code CP540176. Plus, get a 20 percent discount off available rates at Red Roof Inn. For discounts, call (800) RED-ROOF and use the code VP+ 503343. You can also make reservations online at www.redroof.com. Just enter the code VP+ 503343 in the field labeled “VP+/ID#” when making reservations. The discount will be automatically applied.
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TRIM SAFETY
NAVIGATION
Navigation Photo
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Craig Vetter is a man of many talents—and motorcycling experiences. You can hear about them from the man himself at this year’s Breakfast at Daytona, a fundraising event for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Ticket information is on page 17 and at www.motorcyclemuseum.org. Photo by Brad Wenner
8. LETTERS You write, we read.
10. ROB DINGMAN Champions among us.
12. RIGHTS Update on the Johnson Valley compromise, military motorcycle-related deaths decline, Chicago alderman wants crackdown on motorcycle noise, and more. 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 2013. Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $19.95 covered in membership dues. Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices.
March 2014 Volume 68, Number 3 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com
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18. RIDING The latest news, rides, interviews and more from the world of motorcycling.
30. HALL OF FAME A 1962 Yamaha Ascot Scrambler, Hall of Famer Randy Mamola and “Foo Rider.”
38. RIDING WITH THE FAMILY A single father in Southern Ohio wanted a riding buddy for his daughter. So, he bought a bike. Then another. Then another. Before long, he had spread the love of riding throughout his local community.
42. GO RIDE What to do, where to go.
50. JERRY MATTSON Forty rides in forty years.
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COMMUNICATIONS
Husqvarna is a proud sponsor of the AMA National Dual-Sport Series
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 Maggie McNally, Chair Albany, N.Y.
Grant Parsons, Director of Communications James Holter, Managing Editor Jim Witters, Government Affairs Editor Mark Lapid, Creative Director Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer Halley Miller, Graphic Designer Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing/Communications Specialist
Russ Brenan, Vice Chair Irvine, Calif. Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla. Perry King, Executive Committee Member Northern California
Steve Gotoski, Advertising Director (Western States) (951) 566-5068, sgotoski@ama-cycle.org Zach Stevens, National Sales Manager (626) 298-3854, zstevens@ama-cycle.org
John Ulrich, Executive Committee Member Lake Elsinore, Calif.
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, 2014.
Sean Hilbert, Hillsdale, Mich. Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis. Art More, Sun City West, Ariz. Stan Simpson, Cibolo, Texas Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.
(800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) AmericanMotorcyclist.com
AMA STAFF EXECUTIVE
AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)
Rob Dingman, President/CEO Rhonda Hixon, Administrative Asst./Litigation Manager Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations Bob Chaddock, Vice President, Administration Jeff Massey, Vice President, Operations Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Business Member Programs Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs
Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator D’Andra Myers, Organizer Services Coordinator Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager
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John Bricker, Mailroom Manager Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk
Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator Ed Madden, System Support Specialist Peg Tuvell, Member Fulfillment Specialist ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Sean Maher, Director AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME
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Kip Bigelow, Amateur MX Manager Joe Bromley, District Relations Manager Jacki Burris, Organizer Services Coordinator Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator Lana Cox, Administrative Assistant Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations Bill Cumbow, Director of Special Projects Sandi Dunphy, Road Riding Coordinator Dave Hembroff, Road Riding Manager
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DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Marie Esselstein, Government Affairs Assistant Danielle Fowles, Grassroots Coordinator Nick Haris, Western States Representative Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant Sharon Long, Legislative Coordinator Rick Podliska, Deputy Director Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager - Off-Highway Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager - On-Highway INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Rob Baughman, Network Administrator John Boker, Developer Dave Coleman, Network Architect Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst Bill Miller, Enterprise Architect MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager Kimberly Jude, Member Services Representative Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative Angela Warren, Member Services Representative
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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 IN THE CLUTCH
John Van Stry’s letter in the January issue concerning his reluctance to use his tax dollars for electric vehicle subsidies is a Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a Bike Bandit gift card worth $100. Didn’t win? No common opinion today. worries. You can still take advantage of your Subsidies are a subject worth examining, 10% AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com. but to make sense of it we would have to include why the government today heavily subsidizes milk, ethanol and oil, bread, hamburger, on and on, even to our election funding and its tax write offs. As for the electric motorcycle, I am a potential customer because I cannot operate a clutch lever for very long any more. Blame that on 30 years of squeezing the clutch lever on an iron barrel Sportster. William Miller Portland, Ore. SIGHT CLUES I just read with delight the January Letter of the Month about headlights on motorcycles (“Enlightened Perspective”). I want to applaud you for printing such life-saving information. I am currently the city engineer for the City of Omaha in charge of all transportation-related activities and have been a traffic engineer for the last 25 years. After reading the thousands of accident reports I’ve had to review in my career, I can attest that part of the reason people so often “don’t see us” is because of that single headlight. Did you know that Union Pacific Railroad uses three headlights on their trains because they noticed a measurable difference in crossing crashes when one of their engines was equipped with multiple headlights? Think about that: On a vehicle as large as a locomotive, additional headlights have reduced the frequency of accidents at crossings. Think how it could help us out. Very simply, the expanding of the headlight pattern from one to two or three as vehicles get closer tells the observer at what rate it is approaching. As drivers, we are creatures of habit and simply can’t tell with a quick glance how far away a vehicle with one point of light is. I am also a Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor, own four motorcycles and ride three of them on the street. I have multiple headlights on all three. With the advent of modern LED lights, [it’s] easy to put aftermarket running lights almost anywhere on the bike. They are small, bright and don’t use enough additional electricity to have to worry about modifying our charging systems. There is simply
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Todd Pfitzer
no reason not to do it. I have some mounted up on my handguards on my motard and streetfighter. They look fantastic and make the bike appear so much larger in dim light conditions. I always have them on. Let’s spread the news and make the streets safer for us! On another note, my busy life had me fall behind on my reading and I recently noticed that my monthly AMA magazines had piled up for the last nine months. It was frustrating getting up to speed, as the current events I was reading from nine months back were already acted on, so I had missed my opportunity to get involved. So, I read four magazines a week for the last two to three weeks and now want to know if you can print the magazine weekly as I’m more hooked than ever. I have never been more proud to be an AMA Life Member. Thanks for all you do! Todd Pfitzer Life Member Omaha, Neb. VISION QUEST I really enjoyed reading “Riding Into
Sunlight” in the “Ask the MSF” column in the January 2014 issue. I have a solution to that problem, taught to me by a wonderful racer/buddy named Chip Mead (sadly, he’s gone now, but not forgotten). Chip once said to me, about a problem I was having driving in the 1989 IMSA Daytona 24 Hour race at night: “Forget about what you can’t see, and concentrate on what you can.” Even though the track was lit for night, the apexes in the infield were gone as far as I could tell, and at 120 miles an hour, that was a problem. When I went out next time in practice, I searched for what I could see, which was the outside of the track. I turned when it turned and—voila!—an apex. Since then I have used his brilliant advice whenever I lose the vision I want to have. In sudden sunlight, it turns out there’s still lots of visual information, just not what you might choose. Just the calm that comes from knowing you will find something else to focus on let’s you relax and let in what you can see. Actually, that advice has become the mantra of my life, on a motorcycle or off. In every way in life, I “forget about what I can’t see, and concentrate on what I can.” I will be forever grateful to Chip for his wisdom. Perry King AMA Board Member TRAINING MATTERS I am a new member of the AMA and really enjoy your articles and features in American Motorcyclist magazine. I have been riding for over 30 years. I don’t know why it took me so long to join the AMA, but I am glad I finally did. I really liked the Guest Column in your February 2014 issue by Justin Pennella. He makes many great points about all kinds of training and how important it is. I am also a Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor and can relate to the satisfaction he feels when he sees his students gain skills and make progress. We need instructors like him who enjoy helping students learn better riding skills. The other article in the same magazine, “Ask the MSF: Riding With ABS” was interesting also. I felt like they omitted one very important step while braking hard with ABS. The article does state that the rider “may feel a pulsation through the lever/pedal as the pressure relief valves cycle on and off.” What they didn’t add is that it is important to keep the pressure on the lever and pedal if you feel this pulsation. Many people who are not familiar with ABS may think something is wrong and release the lever or pedal. I
fit mufflers to our machines. I can live with that. How about the rest of you? Peter Van Deusen Life Member Cobleskill, N.Y.
Patti Blaskovic
have witnessed people doing this in their vehicles not knowing that they should stay on the brakes until the vehicle stops. Patricia (Patti) Blaskovic Cleveland, Ohio
taCkling sound I just read your recent article on sound regulations (February 2014) and the possible future changes. One thing that struck me was a lack of real world policy. When the rubber meets the road, how will these regulations get enforced? With a tape measure and a protractor at the side of the road? Your tachometer or mine? Two simple solutions:
Cost of freedom • Laboratory test results by the I am responding to an article printed in the Nov. 22 issue of The Economist manufacturers in a controlled environment should be required by magazine concerning the cost to taxpayers of treating and rehabilitating the EPA for certification. Without certification, the product is not legal for head trauma cases resulting from helmetless motorcycle accidents. It use on the street. Certification results is the elephant in the room. Distilled in a conformance label or stamp readily legible for law enforcement. I believe down to its essence, I believe the this is currently the EPA policy. government entities at all levels from village to federal will allow us all to 13DBA277_AMERICAN_MOTORCYCLIST_BIKE_WEEK_FEB_PRESS.pdf 1 12/9/13 12:53 PM ride forever if we wear helmets and • Laws can be altered and easily
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enforced to include a dbA rating at a given distance—a sliding scale for distance to dbA. Radar and Lidar can be modified to take a sound reading. The speed detection equipment is already calculating distance. Give the public a standard sound rating at a given distance. The courts will be happy because, like the speed reading, there is little room for discussion. A lone rider on a given stretch of road is either in sound and speed compliance or he is not. If speed is the issue, he may be subject to additional penalty for sound and vice-versa. No sound compliance label? Same deal. No questions... Fran Yetso Sunnyvale, Calif. Thanks for the note, Fran. Unfortunately, many outcomes from the sound roundtable were not grounded in fairness or objectivity, despite objections from the AMA and our partners. We will continue to monitor legislative developments and advocate strongly for motorcyclists’ rights as the laws are written.
Jeff Guciardo
FROM THE PRESIDENT
CHAMPIONS AMONG US Honoring AMA Racers
As this issue was being put to bed, we had the honor of welcoming many of America’s most successful amateur racers to the 2013 AMA Championship Banquet. The annual gala event is where we celebrate the seasons of those who excelled in AMA-sanctioned motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle competition the previous year. On Jan. 18, riders from all disciplines By Rob Dingman sanctioned by the AMA came to Columbus, Ohio, to receive their AMA national No. 1 plates and championship medals. The AMA Championship Banquet is more than a celebration of speed, endurance and skill. The best competitors stand at the top of the podium because they posses both superior athletic ability as well as humility, dedication and desire to be the best. This is what makes participating in AMA racing events so significant. The AMA represents the gold standard of amateur motorcycle competition in America. Racing in an AMAsanctioned event means the rules are fair, the rules are the same no matter where you go, you compete with others who are at your skill level, you have opportunities to advance, and every effort is made to ensure a safe racing environment. Of course, this wasn’t built overnight. Our current racers, and the hundreds of thousands of AMA racers who came before them, are the reason that AMA amateur racing has achieved the status it enjoys today. Since 1924, racers of all backgrounds and skill levels have competed in AMA-sanctioned events and have contributed to the collective wisdom that has shaped our sport. One way those contributions manifest themselves is in AMA Congress. AMA Congress is the elected body that writes the rules in the AMA Amateur Competition Rulebook. They ensure that the rules put in place are consistent, fair and logical across all disciplines. Another powerful quality of AMA-sanctioned competition was also on full display at the AMA Championship Banquet. The event isn’t just about competitive success. It’s also a celebration of family, good sportsmanship, mutual respect and responsibility. It’s that last characteristic, responsibility, that is growing ever more important in our sport. We have seen over the decades, and we continue to see today, that if we aren’t responsible, then we find our favorite pastime at risk. In fact, if the AMA did not exist—or have the enduring support of many of our members—I truly doubt motorcycle racing in America would be possible. The importance of that responsibility is reflected right there in our slogan: Rights, Riding and Racing. Of these three, Rights is the most important thing that we do. If we do not fight for our right to ride and race motorcycles, that freedom will go away. There are many people and organizations that want to shut down your local racetrack. They want to stop
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you and your family from riding on trails in our national forests. Some even want to stop you from riding on your own property. Some people don’t understand that our sport is a family sport—that it is made up of moms, dads, brothers and sisters enjoying clean, safe fun. Others just think they know what’s best for you and want to tell you what you can and cannot do. Others argue that motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles damage the environment. Of course, we know that responsibly ridden off-highway vehicles cause no measurable environmental damage and represent a legitimate and viable way to enjoy, explore and travel across our public lands. This is why one of the best ways we can protect our sport is to always ride and race responsibly, as well as encourage others to do the same. Our champions would not be where they are—accepting their AMA No. 1 plates in front of hundreds of their peers—if they did not carry themselves responsibly. They do that every time they prepare themselves and their bike for practice or competition. They do that by respecting and following the rules in the AMA Amateur Competition Rulebook. Even when they are not racing, true champions approach motorcycling in the same way. They are responsible when they ride recreationally, as well as when they are off a bike. The more non-motorcyclists we can win over, the more of them will be on our side when those who hate motorcycles try to take our freedoms away. As an AMA member, you never ride or race alone. There are hundreds of thousands of AMA members who have your back. They love riding as much as you do. They are committed to improving the sport for today, and saving it for the enjoyment of future generations. Along with all of them, you protect your freedom to ride and race simply by being an AMA member. Thank you for your support. Rob Dingman is the president and CEO of the AMA.
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COMPROMISE SECURES MUCH OF CALIFORNIA’S JOHNSON VALLEY While military encroachment will restrict off-highway vehicle access to a portion of the Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area, a significant section has been saved for OHV use, thanks to language included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 that President Obama signed into law on Dec. 26. Although land was transferred to the military to meet the training requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps, roughly 100,000 acres were saved for OHV recreation and, in a significant move, the OHV area was defined by federal law in a way that protects it from any further incursion. U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.), a retired USMC colonel, introduced the amendment that protects the interests of the OHV community in Johnson Valley. Cook’s amendment accomplishes three goals: It ensures the safety of the residents in the Johnson Valley area, which is just east of the San Bernardino Mountains near Los Angeles; it provides an adequate training area for the military personnel stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms; it codifies permanent OHV access to tens of thousands of acres. The victory for OHV riders is significant not only because it preserves off-highway riding in the most popular areas but also because of the difficulty in getting federal lawmakers to deny military requests in this post-9/11 era. Initial proposals from the military would
MOTORIZED RECREATION PUMPS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO COLORADO ECONOMY New Study Pegs Enthusiast Spending At $990 Million
Motorized recreational enthusiasts spent $990 million related to motorized recreation in Colorado during the 2012-13 riding season, according to a report done by The Louis Berger Group of Denver. The group, which has expertise in economic development, submitted the report to the Trails Preservation Alliance of Colorado Springs, Colo., a group dedicated to preserving motorized, singletrack trail riding. Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations who is also a former U.S. senator and U.S. representative from Colorado, says the report shows the value
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have restricted OHV access to just 30,000 acres. The Cook amendment U.S. Rep. Paul Cook preserves access (R-Calif.) to 100,000 acres. Included in the amendment that protects riding is the entire “Hammers” area, both the front and back side. Spooners, Aftershock, Sunbonnet, the Riffle Monument, and the Cal200 Memorial (The Rockpile) are also located within the preserved OHV area. The majority of the Fry Mountains and full access to Soggy Dry Lake Bed are also guaranteed for OHV use, as well as access to Emerson Dry Lake Bed. The Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area will continue to be controlled by the
U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Initial proposals gave the Marines control over a shared-use portion of the area, with live fire allowed. Now, Marine use of that shared-used area is limited to 60 days of military training a year, and dud-producing ordinance will be prohibited. “Without the Cook amendment, there was a very real possibility of further restrictions on access due to a future Wilderness designation or federal renewable energy project, together with the likelihood that the BLM would change their land-use management plan to restrict or eliminate OHV access use,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “It was the strong leadership and exceptional ability of Rep. Cook to work with the Natural Resources Committee
of motorized recreation in Colorado and serves as an example to other areas. “Colorado offers just one example of the great economic benefits of responsible motorized recreation,” Allard says. “The Hatfield-McCoy Trails in West Virginia are another great example of motorized recreation boosting the local economy.” In the report, The Louis Berger Group states that almost 150,000 resident households likely participated in some sort of motorized recreation in the 201213 season in Colorado. Another 36,000 non-residents traveled to Colorado to participate in motorized recreation. “During 2012-13, Louis Berger estimated that motorized recreational enthusiasts spent more than $602 million while taking trips using their motorized vehicle for recreational purposes,” the report says. “On a household basis, residents spent on average $109 to
$137 per day trip and $441 to $679 per overnight trip.” Amounts for non-residential households were even higher, amounting to $131 to $197 per day trip and $926 to $1,660 per overnight trip. More than 90 percent of these expenditures were during the summer OHV recreational season. The report notes that households also spent money on new vehicles, maintenance, repairs, accessories, storage and miscellaneous items associated with their vehicles. “Louis Berger estimated that motorized recreational enthusiasts spent more than $387.6 million annually on various items to support and enhance their experiences in Colorado, including $133 million in new vehicle purchases,” the report says.
SOURCE: http://cook.house.gov/johnson-valley-map
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and Armed Services Committees in the U.S. House and Senate that protected the popular off-highway area in Johnson Valley,� Allard says. Of even greater significance is that the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area is the first federal landuse designation for off-highway use and becomes a precedent for future motorized recreation. The AMA joined with the California Motorized Recreation Council, a non-profit represented in Washington, D.C., by The Livingston Group, to work with Cook to develop the amendment that preserves access to the Johnson Valley OHV riding area. CMRC members and partners include the Off-Road Business Association, California Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs, California Off-Road Vehicle Association, American Sand Association, California-Nevada Snowmobile Association, AMA District 36 (Northern California, Northwestern Nevada), AMA District 37 Off-Road (Southern California), The Partnership for Johnson Valley and countless individuals and businesses. The Specialty Equipment Market Association, the Motorcycle Industry Council and Americans for Responsible Recreational Access also provided valuable support. The U.S. Navy’s/Marine Corps’ original proposal to take over vast acreage in the Johnson Valley area, if left unchallenged, would have eliminated the majority of public access year round to the Johnson Valley OffHighway Vehicle Riding Area and resulted in the end of most major recreational and competition events in the area. In addition, without intervention, local economies that depend on OHV and recreational tourism would have been devastated.
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U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan Knapke
A Marine practices hard braking during a Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic Dec. 12 at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
STUDY SHOWS DECLINE IN MILITARY MOTORCYCLE-RELATED DEATHS Yet Numbers Remain High The number of motorcycle-related fatalities is declining, but bike crashes continue to be a leading cause of death among service members, according to a new study. In 2012, there were 184 motor vehiclerelated deaths among service members, according to the study published in the Medical Surveillance Monthly Report, a
peer-reviewed journal on illnesses and injuries affecting service members from the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center. Deaths in 2012 declined nearly 57.8 percent from a peak of 436 in 2004. For the study period of Jan. 1, 1999 to Dec. 31, 2012, slightly more than 25 percent of all motor vehicle-related deaths were due to motorcycle accidents among active and reserve service members. As a result of a decline in non-motorcycle-related deaths, motorcycle-related deaths have become an increasingly higher proportion of all fatal motor vehicle accidents. “The annual number of deaths related to motor vehicle accidents among members of the U.S. Armed Forces declined in 2012 to their lowest level during a 14-year surveillance period,” says Army Col. William Corr, deputy director of the AFHSC’s division of epidemiology and analysis. “However, during that period, deaths from motorcycle accidents have not diminished.” The study included those who served as members of the active or reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the surveillance period. For some time, the Department of Defense has required service members who intend to own a motorcycle to participate in motorcycle safety courses.
CHICAGO ALDERMAN WANTS CRACKDOWN ON MOTORCYCLE NOISE Suggests $1,000 Fines
Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) on Dec. 11 introduced a proposal to crack down on excessive motorcycle sound that could result in fines of up to $1,000. “Unfortunately, [the] current Municipal Ordinance limits the Chicago Police Department’s efforts in enforcing the motorcycle noise regulations as it requires coordination and cooperation with the Illinois State Police to issue citations,” Alderman Reilly says. His proposed amendment would allow the Chicago Police Department to enforce the law with a simple visual inspection of the muffler. The amendment also would increase the fines for operating a motorcycle without a muffler from $100 to $1,000 per incident.
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Northern California | October 25-27 San Mateo County Events Center
Dallas | November 8-10 Dallas Convention Center
Atlanta | November 15-17 Cobb Galleria Centre
Southern California | December 6-8 Long Beach Convention Center
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New York City | December 13-15 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Michigan | January 3-5
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Washington, D.C. | January 10-12 Washington Convention Center
Minneapolis | January 17-19
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Phoenix | January 24-26 University of Phoenix Stadium
Ohio | January 31 – February 2 I-X Center
Chicago | February 7-9 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
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Anti-OHV Action May Be Taken Without Public Debate In a letter to key members of Congress, the AMA late last year urged representatives to oppose any attempts by President Obama’s administration to unilaterally designate public land as national monuments without public debate. “On Oct. 31, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Secretary Sally Jewell spoke at the National Press Club and stated ‘there’s no question that if Congress doesn’t act, we will act,’ she said when asked if the president would use his authority under the Antiquities Act to designate national monuments,” wrote Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “This action will limit recreational opportunities on public lands and represents an overreach by the executive branch,” he wrote.
The letter was sent to Chairman Doc Hastings of the House Natural Resources Committee, Chairman Rob Bishop of the House Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Protection, Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Ranking Member John Barrasso of the Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests. The Antiquities Act of 1906 allows the president to declare national monuments. The federal law was initially passed to protect Native American artifacts such as pottery from being taken from small tracts of federal land in the West. But presidents haven’t interpreted the law to apply to small areas. President Clinton fueled uproar in 1996 when he
designated 1.9 million acres in southern Utah as the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. In 2006, President George Bush used the Antiquities Act to circumvent Congress and set aside 140,000 square miles of ocean and 10 islands and coral atolls in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands as a U.S. national monument. National monuments don’t automatically ban off-highway vehicle use but a national monument designation makes it much easier to ban their use without input from the public.
Jeff Kardas
AMA WARNS OF PRESIDENTIAL NATIONAL MONUMENTS DECLARATIONS
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The U.S. Forest Service has opened the Springhill Motorcycle Trailhead at the Apalachicola National Forest. The forest, which is south of Tallahassee, spans 571,088 acres and features 111 miles of trails for off-highway vehicles. To get to the trailhead from Tallahassee, go south on Springhill Road from Capital Circle SW near the Tallahassee Regional Airport for about 3 miles. The trailhead entrance is on the right.
A new law allows motorcycle owners to mount their registration plates vertically if they pay an additional $20 fee and display special motorcycle registration plates featuring the identifying characters in a vertical alignment. The new law, created by House Bill 1060 originally introduced by Rep. Mark Keller (R-New Bloomfield), bill explicitly prohibits motorcycle registration plates with horizontal identifying characters from being mounted vertically.
NEVADA
MICHIGAN
A federal judge has upheld regulations limiting off-highway vehicle use at the Tahoe National Forest. But lawyers representing recreational users have vowed to continue the effort to protect their riding rights on public lands. U.S. District Judge John Mendez denied a challenge brought by OHV recreationists against the travel management plan for the Tahoe National Forest, which is an 800,000-acre forest. The Pacific Legal Foundation had filed suit against the plan in July 2012, claiming it had illegally closed more than 800 miles of roads and trails enjoyed by the public for decades.
Some 73 percent of motorcyclists in Michigan still wear helmets even though the state modified the motorcycle helmet law in 2012, according to a survey by the Wayne State University Transportation Group. The survey also indicates that sportbike riders are more likely to wear helmets. Women under 30 and over 60 are also more likely to wear helmets. To ride without a helmet in Michigan, a motorcyclist must be at least 21, have at least $20,000 in medical coverage and have a valid motorcycle license.
NEW HAMPSHIRE Gorham selectmen unanimously approved two motions that would open specific roads to all-terrain vehicle use year-round and a third motion to open all town roads during the Jericho ATV Festival Weekend on a trial basis. The votes were at a hearing in which a standing-roomonly crowd supported a proposal to allow ATVs to use the public roads in Gorham to access restaurants, motels and other businesses.
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MONTANA Montana has special motorcycle license plates called “Chrome For Kids” that raises funds for granting the wishes of critically ill children. The program began in 2008 and has raised more than $53,000. Thanks to the generosity of motorcyclists who chose to buy the Chrome For Kids plates, that money will go toward granting a wish for critically ill children in Montana. Charities receiving funds include the Montana Hope Project, Camp Make-a-Dream and MakeA-Wish Montana. VIRGINIA Virginia motorcyclists and others who use their vehicles only part of the year can now deactivate their license plates and cancel their insurance without turning in their plates, thanks to a new law that went into effect Jan. 1. Officials say citizens can deactivate and reactivate license plates online at www.dmvnow.com or by calling DMV at (804) 497-7100. To reactivate the plates, citizens must have no outstanding tax obligations on their motor vehicle, provide insurance information or pay the uninsured motor vehicle fee, and pay a $10 reactivation fee if the registration hasn’t expired. Meanwhile, the Colonial Downs racetrack in New Kent County has apparently proven to be a good neighbor. The facility sparked a lot of opposition from area residents when it sought a conditional use permit to hold a motorcycle race last August. The permit was approved. When the track sought another permit for a race in August 2014, no one opposed it.
Dealing With Bike Bans
W
hether it’s the Tanglewood Park in Forsyth County, N.C., parking near Jackson Square in New Orleans or at gated residential communities, AMA members alert the association about bike bans and wonder what to do about them. Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager, says that while private property access is more difficult to secure, in the case of public property, such as Jackson Square or the French Quarter, more can be done to preserve riding freedoms. “First, we can communicate our displeasure to the management,” he says. “If a parking structure is involved, ask for an explanation of their policy. And send a carefully worded, written communication expressing your displeasure at having been treated unfairly. “Second, don’t patronize the location,” he says. “As they say, money talks.” Tips to try to end motorcycle bans at gated communities include: • Find out exactly what form the rule takes, whether it’s a covenant, deed restriction, bylaw or regulation. Then find out specifically what it takes to change it. • Educate fellow homeowners about the rule. Explain to them that it’s unfair to ban motorcycles. Tell them how far you have to push your legally licensed vehicle to get to the edge of your community so that you can go riding. Find out if other motorcyclists live in the community and will help with the effort. • Work to alleviate any legitimate issues. If the bike ban was prompted by concerns about noise, propose a uniform vehicle sound rule to replace the motorcycle ban. • Consider contacting the media to focus attention on the problem. Community newspapers are often willing to publish stories, or at least letters to the editor, on such local issues. Send the letter to the editor of the community association newsletter as well. • Run for the community association board and encourage other motorcyclists in the community to do the same. But don’t try to run as a one-issue candidate. Your neighbors have the right to know that you’re concerned about the greater wellbeing of the entire community. • If you can’t make progress any other way, consider consulting a lawyer. In other cases, lawyers have been able to uncover legal precedents for striking down discriminatory rules. These precedents vary from state to state but they may give you some leverage in negotiating.
Featured Guest: Motorcycle Designer and Hall Of Famer Craig Vetter When Friday, March 14, 7 a.m. to noon Where Daytona 500 Club (Infield) Daytona International Speedway 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Contact Connie Fleming AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame cfleming@ama-cycle.org (614) 856-1910, ext. 1258 Tickets www.MotorcycleMuseum.org
Clockwise from left: The Meyerbuilt CB550 Café Racer, Analog Motorcycles’ 1972 Triumph Bonneville 650 Bobber “El Matador” and 1966 Montgomery Wards’ Riverside 450ss “Riverside Racer”
CAFÉ COOL AT AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME Custom Motorcycles On Display
Bike builders are doing very cool things with old standards these days. The stripped-down, purposeful designs are taking the café racer motif in new directions, and two of the leaders in this area are Analog Motorcycles’ Tony Prust and Cliff Meyer of Meyerbuilt Metalworks. The latest showcase for their original top-of-the-line work is the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum on the AMA campus in Pickerington. While the core mission of the museum is to showcase the lives and careers of members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the facility also rotates specialized exhibits designed to expose visitors to
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different areas of motorcycling. Current exhibits that supplement the Hall of Fame are “Dirt Track! All American Motorcycle Racing” and “2 Wheels + Motor: A Fine Art Exhibition.” Prust’s
and Meyer’s bikes are part of a display highlighting some of America’s newest talent in custom bike designs. “It is an honor to be selected to display a few of the custom motorcycles I have created,” Prust says. “I would encourage fans of custom motorcycles, art and two-wheeled goodness to come out to the museum and check out this unique exhibit celebrating two-wheeled art.” Meyer’s work, as you would guess from the name of his company, shows off his always-evolving metalwork. “I like to build bikes that are practical yet unique,” he says. “I strive to develop my metalworking skills to a higher level with each build, and try to accomplish something I haven’t done before each time as well.” Meyer hopes visitors get a taste for the amount of work he’s put into his bikes. “Overall, I want people to look at the bikes and see how much I love to work with metal and the passion I have for motorcycles,” he says. To learn more about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, see www.motorcyclemuseum.org. Even better, stop by. It’s at 13515 Yarmouth Dr. in Pickerington, Ohio.
Above: The on-stage presentation of the American Grand Riders is to the left. The Taiwanese riders who accompanied the author are on the right. The amazingly beautiful Toroko Gorge
Life Lessons from Taiwan The Grand Riders: Forever Young
After 35 years of living in America, I have gotten accustomed to the fact that, as a culture, we worship youth. But aging and wisdom is not a punishment. It’s a reward for a lifetime of perseverance. I can still ride as aggressively as my accumulated wisdom sees fit. Mistakes do take longer to recover from, but I do not accept that it is time to hang up my helmet
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and strap a seatbelt onto a rocking chair. In 2011, when I saw a short video on YouTube about Taiwan’s Grand Riders it brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat. I realized that I had made an emotional connection with the motorcyclists in the video. I shook my head in recognition and said to myself, “I have to ride with those guys.”
Among those men—who had been dubbed The Grand Riders (grandfathers who ride) by their Taiwanese peers—were cancer survivors, congestive heart failure recoverees, chronic arthritics and sufferers of various geriatric health conditions. But in spite of conditions that would have, and indeed do, keep seniors from enjoying the rewards of conquering their own personal bucket list, these octogenarians from Taiwan went out and did it. Jhong Tian Wang said that for him life started at 70 years old. Jhong Tian, a grandfather, started to learn to drive and to master good penmanship at age 70. At age 83, he learned to ride a motorcycle. Miao Guei Jhu, a grandfather and the oldest at 94 recounted, “Riding around the country is the best present to myself.” The quotes from all 17 who adventured around the Island in 2007 are moving. Since I was shocked into the realization that life is indeed finite, each summer I have been riding around countries that theretofore I had only dreamed about visiting. Although prior to 2011 Taiwan was not on that list, all of a sudden this small Asian country found itself in my immediate future. I tracked the Grand Riders down and made my first visit to Taiwan to ride with them in October 2011. I was so impressed with their group, their nowannual commemorative ride event, and the Taiwanese culture, that in a closing speech to them I promised to bring some Americans back in 2012 to experience what had just been shared with me. Fast-forward to September 2012, when 10 of us headed to Taiwan to participate
Photos Wonder Wang
“I didn’t stop riding because I got old, I got old because I stopped riding.”
in the Grand Riders Event. Since the original ride in 2007, the event and the riders’ following had grown exponentially. By 2012, many of the original 17 were no longer able to ride more than a short
distance and some had passed away. The remaining 11 welcomed us with amazing hospitality that has bonded us in spirit for our lifetime. None of us spoke Chinese and none of them spoke English, but through a number of young volunteer translators and a certain kind of mutual understanding, we realized that we were life passengers on the same boat. Riding did much for them, as it does for us. They recognized that it kept their bodies active, engaged and gave longevity to useful hand/eye coordination and balance. It also gave them confidence that they could, no matter their age, follow their dream. As far as we were concerned, who would have thought that our group consisting of a retired Air Force Major General (who celebrated his 80th birthday during our trip), the president of a motorcycle parts manufacturer, the owner of a major motorcycle dealership, two scooter dealers, a motorcycle designer/ engineer (with girlfriend), a motorcycle accessory manufacturer and me would integrate into a cohesive and compatible group of 11 Taiwanese — whose only common bond was our age and our love of motorcycling and the freedom it provided?
Our 2012 four-day ride through the mountains of central Taiwan ended at a gala event in the east coast city of Hualien before we rode north back to Taipei and headed home. To say that this ride was a success would be a gross understatement. One of my group said that, for her, it was a life-changing experience. The sponsors of the ride and in many respects our hosts made a video of our trip that can be see at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AVJtwDL0nus. Once again, I promised to bring more Americans back the following year. For the 2013 ride, Harley Davidson Taiwan stepped up and provided a variety of motorcycles during the 10-day event that ended in the biggest celebration (and surprise) of all, “Bikertopia,” which was a celebration of Harley Davidson’s 110th Anniversary, Taiwan style. After arriving in Taipei, the island’s capital, and taking the high-speed (bullet) train to Kaohsiung at the south end of the island, we picked up our bikes at the Harley dealer and rode south for a couple of hours to the very tip of the island in Pintung County. Unlike previous years where our entire trip was centered around a “Grand
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The surviving original Grand Riders assemble on their scooters in front of a temple displaying the greeting “Welcome USA Grand Riders.”
Rider” celebration and interaction that was attended by all of the surviving original Grand Riders, this year, the “Grand Rider” concept took a back seat to a more universal event, organized by a local supporting charity. It included many events at Baisha Bay beach where, incidentally, sequences of the movie “Life of Pi” were shot. Accompanied by four volunteers from the Taipei HOG Chapter, we took a twoday ride north to Taichung in the center of the island where another senior citizen celebration was held and we Americans were honored on stage by the local Taichung government. It was pretty heady stuff since most of what was happening was culturally beyond our purview. We witnessed yet more examples of the affectionate hospitality of the Taiwanese social workers. Being of advanced age in Taiwan is considered a position of honor rather than a burden for the younger generation to carry. With our official duties behind us, we turned our attention to the ride ahead. East of Taichung is the Zhongyang mountain range that runs north-south down the center of Taiwan. It is the spine of the country. There are four roads through from the west to the east coast that are open to motorcycles, the most beautiful being Taroko Gorge. Any of the roads through the mountains, whether to Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge or from Sun Moon Lake south to Alishan Mountain and then east to Taitung, are marvelous motorcycle roads. The scenery is stunning and the country’s deep and colorful history lies waiting for one to discover. The tourism industry is a major part of Taiwan’s economy, with many books and movies being authored and produced about where to go and what to see. But if you intend to tour Taiwan by motorcycle, then Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge must be near the top of your list. The high-tech and industrial side of Taiwan is all on the west coast, the more spiritual and aesthetic natural beauty lies in the comparative wilderness of the Central Mountain Range and the coast to the east.
When the Grand Riders undertook their original adventure, they circumnavigated the island along coast roads, which carry most of the traffic. The mountains offer a quieter traffic experience with many places to stop and contemplate the fauna and flora. It is not unusual to be sitting at a road stop on the way to Alishan Mountain and see a community of macaque monkeys, hoping for some food handouts. Following our passage through Taroko Gorge and a quick run down the east coast, we made it back to Kaohsiung to hand back our motorcycles and to attend “Bikertopia,” the great Taiwan celebration of their biker community. Taiwanese bikers tend to be younger than their American equivalent, which is interesting since their bikes are considerably more expensive than they are in the United States. The Taiwanese biker tends to be upwardly mobile and often a successful entrepreneur, but like their counterparts in other countries of the world, they dress the part. Taiwan may be a diplomatically isolated country recognized by only 23 allies, but when it comes to taking care of their aging citizens and the culture of their motorcycling community, they are world leaders. If there is a “Bikertopia” in 2014, I will be there to again ride around the Island and celebrate with the Taiwanese HOG chapter, the Cruiser Riders Club and other motorcycling groups the global spirit of freedom that motorcycling represents to so many. Peter Starr directed the motorcycle film “Take It To The Limit.”
2014
DATE CHANGE FOR AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS
New Weekend For Vintage Extravaganza: July 11-13
Yve Assad
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the country’s grandest celebration of vintage bikes and the people who love them, is moving up a weekend from the originally announced date. The new dates are July 11-13. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, held at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, features bike shows, national championship vintage motorcycle racing, seminars by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers, the country’s biggest motorcycle swap meet, and more. The event is a fundraiser for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the 501(c)(3) whose job it is to raise money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. “Providing a date for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is never easy, given that it often can only be set after many other dominoes get lined up, including schedules for MotoGP racing in this country, World Superbike races here, and AMA Pro Racing events,” said Jeff Massey, AMA vice president of operations. “Although it appeared the originally announced date was our only option, we were able to work with other groups to find a new spot on the calendar for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days that makes the most sense for the fans.” Another benefit of the date change is the avoidance of a conflict with another vintage motorcycling event held in Wauseon, Ohio. AMA members can purchase advance tickets to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at an exclusive discount. To purchase tickets, call (800) 262-5646.
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To download the AMA Motorcycle Value Guide powered by Black Book, search for it in the iTunes App Store or the Android Marketplace.
ANDROID, iOS APP PROVIDES USED BIKE VALUES Price It Right
We’ve all been there, wondering what a particular bike is worth, whether it’s already in our garage or is a prospective purchase in the AMA classifieds at ama. sprocketlist.com. Now, the AMA Motorcycle Value Guide powered by Black Book lets you find out right from your smart phone.
The app is easy-to-use and works from iOS and Android devices. It leverages the full power of the Black Book Motorcycle and Powersports Value Guide. You can find it in the iTunes App Store and Android Marketplace for $1.99. The AMA Motorcycle Value Guide powered by Black Book includes comprehensive value information on
virtually all motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, dirtbikes, scooters, personal watercraft, jet boats and snowmobiles produced since 1981. The guide, updated monthly, includes the current retail values, a conditionbased trade-in value, as well as the original MSRP. Prices reported by the app are based on actual sales data reported to Black Book.
RUNNING A RIDE? GET YOUR FORMS IN NOW Download 2014 Sanctioning, Insurance Forms
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If you haven’t yet submitted the paperwork for your 2014 AMA-sanctioned event, the time to do so is now. Clubs and promoters can access sanctioning and insurance forms on the AMA website at www.americanmotorcyclist.com > Clubs & Promoters > Resources & Forms. The AMA has renewed with K&K Insurance as its preferred insurance provider. The insurance program features industry-leading event liability coverage options at great rates for AMA-chartered clubs and promoters. K&K Insurance offers high-quality base insurance that meets all AMA-sanctioned event requirements, as well as an optional coverage plan that provides a higher level of coverage beyond the base level. Camping, setup and teardown coverages are included at no additional cost. “The AMA is the premier motorcycling event sanctioning body because it provides organization, rules and logistical support that are unmatched,” says K&K Senior Vice President Matt Sackett. “K&K is proud to do our part to offer AMA organizers industry-leading coverage at great rates.” K&K Insurance, headquartered in Fort Wayne, Ind., has been recognized as a leading provider of sports, leisure and
AMA WELCOMES NEW RIGHTS EDITOR Jim Witters Reporting
The AMA welcomes a new staffer tasked with covering the issues that affect your Jim Witters freedom to ride and race motorcycles. New government affairs editor, Jim Witters, brings 30 years of journalism experience and a lifetime of
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entertainment insurance products for 60 years. AMA-chartered clubs and promoters who need assistance with their paperwork for 2014 are encouraged to contact the association at (800) 262-5646. Ask for AMA Organizer Services.
motorcycle riding to the job. Witters came to work in the AMA’s Pickerinton, Ohio, office on Jan. 6. He has a bachelor’s in Leadership and Administration from the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Md. As a journalist, Witters has covered motorcycle issues for the Daytona Beach News-Journal and served as its designated Bike Week and Biketoberfest reporter. A longtime AMA member, he is a life member of Florida ABATE and is a past member of Pennsylvania ABATE and Delaware ABATE.
From The Road
IN PRAISE OF THE FLIP UP A couple of years ago I bought a new helmet, and on the strong recommendation of my mad-keen biker nephew, I changed my full-face for a By Rick Wheaton flip-up. The style had been around for a while and Iʼd seen a few, but I was never tempted. They looked a bit heavy, and Iʼd always prized low weight in a helmet. Improved materials and slicker designs, however, have brought weights down, and all the flip-ups I tried felt so comfortable I was pretty much spoiled for choice. Now two years and 20,000 miles later, I wish I had bought one sooner. Here are a halfdozen reasons why. 1. CONVERSATION: I grew up wearing open-faced helmets, but as soon as I owned a bike that could do more than 40 mph in fourth gear, I moved to a fullface for extra protection and the extra insulation. But while I felt safer at speed and warmer most of the time, I missed not being able to converse with my fellow bikers, taxi drivers, patrol officers, clerks in gas stations and attractive ladies in convertibles. The flip-up gives me back this conversation option, and if Iʼm in a good mood, other road users get the full benefit of the dreadful noise (a.k.a., singing) coming from my head. 2. VISIBILITY: When Iʼm out on a ride, there are many occasions when I donʼt want to be hidden away behind a fullface helmet. With the flip up extended,
everyone can see your face, and youʼre accepted as just another road user. In Hollywood, whether we’re talking about motorcyclists or Stormtroopers, helmeted baddies are common—and often they lose the distinction in a big helmet-off moment (accompanied by a head-shaking waterfall of blond hair if the would-be protagonist is female—how often do we see that scene?). By riding with your flip up, when it makes sense to do so, you can eliminate the “baddie” connotation.
putting on my helmet first was met with limited success as my helmet is a proper tight fit. Either way, thanks to my flip up, any awkwardness is history. Helmet on, flip it up. Glasses on, flip it down. Job done. Wonderful.
3. VENTILATION: If I ride into a town and the temperature is up in the sweaty zone, my flip up instantly gives me the option of a lovely cool breeze on my face and neck. Furthermore, because the manufacturer certifies my helmet for use even when the hinge is unlocked—not all flip ups are—I can lift the lower section a fraction to improve ventilation while riding a quicker pace. This also works when starting out on a cold morning to combat misting up.
THE #1 CHOICE
4. GADGETRY: Iʼm a self-confessed gadget freak, and my flip-up has the plus of a built-in adjustable tinted screen. These have almost become standard issue, and itʼs hard to overstate their convenience along with their contribution to comfort and safety. By the way, if youʼre riding into a low setting sun at a pace that will permit, the lower section of your flip-up can be hinged in the open position to act as a solid sun visor. This is probably an accidental feature, but there are times when itʼs most welcome. 5. SNACKS/DRINKS: If I have the time, and want a snack or drink, Iʼll stop and take my helmet off, but if Iʼm in a hurry and need a quick swig of water and a hunk of chocolate, my flip-up helmet means I can have a quick re-fuel while still wearing it. 6. SUNGLASSES/SPECTACLES, ETC.: Along with every biker on the planet, I wear sunglasses if the sun is shining. The rest of the time I wear plain glasses, the zero prescription sort. A few bucks in any drug store, plain glass or plastic lenses help shield my eyes from the inevitable helmet draft, which in winter is usually a freezing cold one. So, if Iʼm riding, Iʼm wearing glasses. Two years ago, this meant that every time I pulled my full-face helmet on, or lifted it off, I ran the risk of a near ear amputation by glasses. An attempt to avoid this by
Rick Wheaton is an AMA member who writes about lessons learned from riding routes the world over. Comments? Email submissions@ama-cycle.org.
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ARAI DEFIANT
MSRP: Solids, $619.95$629.95; graphics, $749.95 Sizes: XXS-XXXL Info: www.araiamericas.com The main things I look for in a helmet are safety, fit, comfort, distinguishing features, looks and price point. Let’s start with safety. The Arai brand already has an established reputation for the safety aspect of design. The Arai Defiant that I received for testing has the emergency cheek pad release system from the RX-Q line that enables medics to slide the helmet off a crashed rider’s head more easily. It also has the R75 shape that, according to Arai, is “rounder, have been due to the less-thansmoother and stronger.” The perfect fit. I also found myself logic is that a rounder and fumbling to open and close the smoother surface slides more vents with my gloved hand. By Rashmi Tambe easily, disperses more of the One of the Defiant’s impact energy and reduces the noteworthy features is the potential for excessive rotational force. With built-in PinLock, which in my experience most of the kinetic energy dispersed, the is the industry’s only solution that works helmet’s inherent impact absorption abilities 100 percent against fogging. The helmet could be enough to absorb the remaining I reviewed came installed with a smoky energy, better protecting the rider’s head. black face shield, which I thought was The stronger material ostensibly a little optimistic for a Seattle winter prevents deformation on impact, test ride. As it turns out, it was a bright which could otherwise concentrate the sunny day and the face shield effectively impact energy or catch on obstacles cut out most of the glare and made during a crash. While I did not crash for a pleasant riding experience. test the helmet for the sake of this Some of the helmet’s other features review, two of my previous Arais have are the removable neck roll and cheek protected my head adequately in pads, which are water-resistant material high-speed crashes in the past. to prevent them from getting soaked As for fit, the Defiant is available in a in a downpour. The inner lining is a range of sizes, and the head type it is made removable one piece made of a wicking, for is “intermediate oval.” I reviewed a anti-microbial material. The helmet has small, which is what I generally wear, but a chin spoiler that can be pulled out to my head better matches Arai’s “round oval” deflect air into your chest when it’s cold shape, which fits better into my Quantum out. The bottom of the helmet has a 2. While the overall fit of the Defiant was “HyperRidge” bumper to strengthen the OK, it was slightly looser in the front and shell and lower its center of gravity, which back than I like for optimal safety. enables it to sit lower on your head. When it comes to overall comfort while When it comes to overall looks, the riding, key factors to consider are weight, Defiant is available in five solid colors venting and noise. Arai helmets in general and 11 graphic versions. Several are are some of the lightest available. This very aesthetically pleasing, although that significantly reduces fatigue on those is obviously a personal preference. It is long rides. The Arai Defiant, in particular, not available in a high-visibility color. is optimized for riders of non-faired A helmet’s price point is the last thing naked bikes. The front chin vents, the I consider, but it is a factor. The Defiant chimney vents on top and the exhaust is not inexpensive, at nearly $750 for vent at the back all have three settings. graphic versions. When it comes to choice This allows the rider to have a significant of helmet, though, I strongly recommend amount of control over the volume of purchasing the best that you can afford. air flowing from the front to the back. If you have the right head shape The level of noise is its only failing. and budget for the Arai Defiant, this During my test ride, I thought it was noisier is an outstanding helmet with a lot of than my Quantum 2, although this could great features.— Rashmi Tambe
11/7/13 7:25 AM
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TOP 10 WANTED BIKE FEATURES What You Want In A New Bike
What makes a good motorcycle? Simple question. Very personal answer. We recently asked our roughly 70,000 Facebook fans to name the top 10 things they want out of a new (or new-to-them) bike. A lot of you gave your two cents and more. Here are the extremely unscientific results. 10. AFFORDABILITY If the price point isn’t right, it’s just a pipe dream, right? “You need to be able to afford your bike without breaking the bank,” says Timothy Adkins. “This includes insurance, fuel, upkeep and accessories.” 9. SIMPLICITY Many of you said you don’t put a lot of value on the latest and greatest technology (maybe because of No. 10). “I like my bikes old,” says Roger Farrier. “They stop, start and ride great and are an absolute blast to ride, which to me is why I ride [and] not so I can have a bike that is a rolling display of the latest gadgets.” 8. TECHNOLOGY However, slightly more of you said you do like technology—if it has a clear purpose, such as ABS or fuel injection. However, you also appreciate control over that technology. “I want it when I want it and I don’t when I don’t,” says David Grey about ABS.
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7. UPGRADABILITY Many of you get a bike with plans to change the bike. “How costly or inexpensive is it to fit my needs?” asks Mike Hartman. 6. MANEUVERABILITY/ HANDLING/ LIGHT-WEIGHT FEEL Bikes should be fun, and poor handling or excessive effort can sap a lot of fun out of a ride. Paul May Yetman, like many of you, is concerned about the “ease of riding twisties at a decent speed.” 5. QUALITY ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION Not all of you mentioned suspension, but those who did put it high on the list, if not at the top. “If the suspension doesn’t work, none of that power will get to the ground, and you won’t have much fun riding,” says John Vending. 4. PURPOSE Although you aren’t afraid to modify your bikes, you want to start with something designed with the ultimate purpose in mind. Adkins again: “Whether it’s touring, cruising, off roading or just sitting in the parking lot looking all shiny, it should meet its purpose.”
3. POWER! Not surprisingly, a lot of folks appreciate some kick in the horsepower department. Jamie Frazier puts it best: “power, power, power, power, power, power, power, power, power, power.” 2. RELIABILITY You want to work the engine, not work on it—“something that [doesn’t] have to be worked on after every ride,” says Rex McCreery. 1. COMFORT Not a rip-roaring engine. Not razor-like handling. The top quality most of you look for in a new bike? Comfort. It wasn’t at the top of everyone’s list, but it ranked consistently high on more lists than anything else. As Mike Calix says, “if it’s not comfortable, you won’t ride it.” M Am ore tho eri u bike ca’s m ghts on kno quali ost-wa ties wa nted ? t am submi Let us a-c s s ycle ions .org @ .
Of course, we got a lot of outliers, too. Maybe the best was from Neil Robert Pille who wants to buy from a “busy previous owner who bought the bike, parked it in his garage and never rode it.”
www.facebook.com/AmericanMotorcyclist
Photos Yamaha Motor Corporation, Wieck/Honda, Mitterbauer/KTM
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.
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1962 YAMAHA ASCOT SCRAMBLER
A Functional And Updated Norm McDonald Replica, Built To Race When the historic Catalina Grand Prix was revived in 2010, plenty of people scrambled to be part of an event that would once again bring motorcycle racing to the roads of Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California. One of them was John Stein. Only problem was he didn’t have a bike worthy of the race. So he found a forlorn Yamaha YDS2, and with the help of friends rebuilt it in just 90 days, ultimately turning it into a replica of the type of scrambler racebike that AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Norm McDonald raced as an amateur at Ascot Raceway in Southern California. “The original Catalina Grand Prix was legendary in California,” he says. “So when
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the opportunity came to race in the revival, I just knew I had to do it.” The event was popular for eight years after WWII, from 1951-58, and the 2010 Red Bull Catalina Grand Prix was a modern version of the same, with classes for vintage and modern bikes. To transform the YDS2 into race-ready form, Stein had engine work and expansion chambers done by Scott Clough Racing, shock and fork work by Race Tech, and he added plenty of other new bits. Ultimately, the bike won the Premier Lightweight Expert class and finished with the 22nd fastest time out of 104 entries. “I was astonished at how fast that bike
was during the race—it would nearly match the 650 Triumphs on the straights,” Stein says. “In a way, racing the Yamaha at Catalina was like witnessing the changing of the guard between British and Japanese technology that was just beginning to take place in 1962.” The motorcycle’s adventures have appeared in articles in Motorcyclist magazine, Autoweek, Classic Bike and elsewhere. You can find on-board video footage from the Catalina race shot from this bike on YouTube. Search “Catalina Lightweight Expert 1962
Yamaha YDS2.” Fitted with a period-style number plate bearing the 233 race number of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Norm McDonald—a racer, engineer and motorcycle dealer who was the founding “N” of “K&N Racing”—the bike appeared onstage at the 2013 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Las Vegas to honor McDonald at his induction. The machine is now on display at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, features the people and machines that have defined the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling in America. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that receives support from the AMA and from the motorcycling community. For info and directions, visit www. motorcyclemuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.
Photos Rainer Ziehm
Hall of Famer
A FAST FAN FAVORITE AMA and World 500 Grand Prix Roadracer Randy Mamola was widely regarded as one of the most exciting and charismatic Grand Prix motorcycle racers of his generation. Mamola was a consistent challenger for the 500cc world championship title throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. After winning the AMA 250 Grand Prix Championship in 1978, he went on to win 13 500cc Grands Prix and finished runner-up in the championship four times and ultimately ranked in the top 10 a remarkable 11 times during his 13-season world championship career. After racing, Mamola became a founder of Riders for Health, making him one of the leading philanthropists to come out of motorcycle racing. Mamola was born in San Jose, California in 1959. At the age of 12, he learned to ride on a Hodaka Steens and was quickly racing. At 14, Mamola was sponsored by Yamaha, and he wore the yellow-andblack Yamaha racing leathers of his idol, Kenny Roberts. He raced flat track and began road racing. Mamola traveled to contest the New Zealand road racing series during the winter and won that country’s 125cc title. In America, he began winning AFM road races. Mamola turned pro at 16 and by 1977, when he graduated from high school, he began competing in the AMA 250 Grand Prix Championship. He scored three podium finishes in his rookie season and finished runner up in the championship. In 1978, he returned and scored wins
at Pocono and Laguna Seca en route to earning the AMA 250 Grand Prix Championship. With Kenny Roberts exploding onto the world championship scene, Mamola was already being considered the next big thing to come out of America, and in 1979 he got an opportunity to go to the world championships racing a Bimota, and later Yamahas, in the 250cc class, and a privateer Suzuki in the 500cc class. He made an immediate splash in both classes, earning podium finishes and scoring fourth in the 250cc championships (first privateer) and eighth in the 500cc Road Racing World Championships, despite racing in only half of the 500cc GPs. Mamola was so impressive that he earned a factory ride with Herron-Texaco
YOU CAN HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. AMA members do it all—long-distance rides, offroad races, cruising main street, vintage dirt track... To better serve our broad membership base, American Motorcyclist magazine is now published in two versions. The dirt version includes more off-highway and racing content. The street version includes more articles for road riders. To switch, call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services and tell them which version you want. Want to read both versions? Call the above number to get both delivered to your home for just $10 more a year. Members can read both online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine for free.
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Suzuki in 1980. In July 1980, Mamola broke through to win his first 500cc World Championship Grand Prix race in Zolder, Belgium. It was also early in his career that Mamola became a favorite of the fans and his fellow riders. Mamola was one of the first GP riders to acknowledge the crowd on the cool-down lap of the race. He would throw gloves, boots and even his T-shirt into the crowd. “I would wave to the fans, give them applause back and things like that,” Mamola said. “Before long, I noticed the fans were making signs with my name and wearing my team’s colors. I know how great I felt when I stood as a young fan if a rider acknowledged me. I just wanted to give something back to them.” After starting his GP career in 1979, Mamola continued to be competitive
through the early 1990s. He earned a total of 57 podium finishes in three decades and was a championship contender nearly his entire career. Mamola’s career hit its pinnacle in 1986 and 1987, when he rode for Roberts’ Lucky Strike Yamaha squad. During that period, he won four GPs, took a slew of podium finishes and finished third and second respectively in the 500cc World Championship. He then was hired by Cagiva to help launch that company’s entry into GP racing. He gave Cagiva its first podium result in Belgium in 1988. Mamola retired from racing in 1992. He felt an obligation to give back to society and began doing so from an early age. During his GP racing days, Mamola got involved in raising money for African relief, ultimately helping fund Riders For Health. Over the years, Mamola visited Africa and deepened his involvement in charity work. Mamola’s passion for this work led to several motorcycle manufacturers becoming involved. Riders for Health has raised millions for African relief. Randy Mamola was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000. He was not only one of the best riders of his era, but he remains one of the all-time fan favorites in the history of Motorcycle Grand Prix racing.
On Display At The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame
“FOO RIDER,” BY JEFF GAITHER
What it is: Artist Jeff Gaither invented the idea of a “Foo Rider” based on the WWII fighter pilot term “Foo Fighter,” which these days would be called a UFO. Gaither’s Foo Rider is conceived to take that idea and flip it. The helmeted creature is imagined to be a fanciful gremlin-chasher, traveling along with the motorcyclist, chasing away mechanical snafus and generally bringing good luck. How it works: Though primarily a work of art that displays as a sculpture, the piece also employs a removable helmet that can be worn on a motorcycle journey. Removing the helmet reveals another eye underneath that is part of the base. How it was made: Gaither started with a Bell 500, painted it with acrylics, built the base using a wire armature covered with foil and polymer clay. See it: “Foo Rider” is currently on display at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame as part of the exhibit “2 Wheels + Motor: an international Fine Arts Exhibition.”
Put yourself in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR hall of fame—we couldn’t exist without the generous support of our donors. Now there’s a new way for you to show that support in a very visible way: My Hall of Fame. The idea is simple: A $20 charitable donation gets you a 3-inch-square space on the wall in the Hall of Fame entrance foyer that hangs during the campaign year. Want a bigger space? A 6-inch square is an $80 donation, and an 8-inch square is a $180 donation. You also get an official certificate noting that your picture is on display in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Hang your picture, your kid’s picture, your company logo, almost anything. It’s up to you! Get in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame today!
8” 6” 3” 3”
$20
donation
6”
$80
donation
www.motorcyclemuseum.org/myhalloffame or call 1-800-342-5464 for assistance
8”
$180
donation
LIGHTNING AT
BY JON GOSCH
FULL THROTTLE
Ryan Lindberg
CHASING STORMS ACROSS AMERICA’S SOUTHWEST
L
ike anyone who has ridden for years, I’ve had my share of close calls. Most of these incidents have been the result of inattentive drivers, but there have been other hazards that nearly brought me down. Gravel, dogs, deer. A tool set spilling sockets across the highway in front of me. A trucker blowing a tire. Weather, of course, has been another major threat. Sudden rainstorms that diminished traction. Wind that howled and bullied me around my lane. Fog concealing the road. I’ve dealt with all these perils and more, yet the one thing I had avoided, until recently, was lightning. That was all about to change dramatically.
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But then the rain came. We began to see the storm clouds on the horizon of Highway 6, and when the fat wet drops began falling we pulled over at a rest stop between Mapleton and Price.
At the end of the summer, my girlfriend Logan and I had planned a grand threeweek tour of the southwest United States and Rocky Mountains. For the trip, her parents had generously offered to lend us their BMW R1150GS with attached sidecar. We have our own bike, but with all the camping and hiking gear we hoped to bring, it was a welcomed offering. Adding to this decision was Logan’s habit of falling asleep on long-distance travels, and my fear that one day she might slump over and bring our whole voyage to a permanent halt. So we borrowed the sidecar rig, and on a sunny day in September we loaded up and rode east out of Spokane, Wash. As we rolled through Idaho and then Montana, I found myself in a state of motorcycle bliss. I had been worried that I wouldn’t take to the BMW, but I soon realized I was straddled atop one heck of a machine, while alongside me Logan was already napping in complete safety. In Missoula we exited from I-90 and began riding south on Highway 93 through the towns of Lolo and Hamilton. Our goal was to take backroads whenever possible, abiding by the belief that America was best seen off the interstate. Now my bliss became nirvana. To the west, the Bitterroot Mountains rose above the rangeland and farms, and as the sun set, their shadows lengthened like black fingers creeping across the land. At twilight we came into the small town of Darby and decided to call it a day. That night, from the balcony of our hotel, we watched our first lightning storm of the trip. It was a dazzling and formidable display, originating beyond the Bitterroots and then advancing toward the town. Zags of purple lightning pierced the night and illuminated the mountains. Thunder rolled through the valley. I told
Logan I wanted to ride down the highway a couple miles where we could see it all better but she convinced me I was a lunatic. The lightning kept drawing nearer, the thunder now detonating around us. Then a strike hit a nearby ridge top, and a tree caught fire. We stayed up late watching the sky until the thunder finally rumbled away with sheets of rain following to extinguish the tree. That night the lightning seemed like nothing but a good show. Logan and I spent the next three evenings reuniting with friends in the Tetons and then a night in Salt Lake City, but all along we were anxious to finally reach the national parks of southern Utah. For years we had craved to see these marvelous and exotic places. The names themselves said it all: Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion. In Provo we purchased some final supplies, including oil and a new faceshield, and then hurried on for the adventure town of Moab. We were ecstatic. We thought nothing could dampen our spirits. But then the rain came. We began to see the storm clouds on the horizon of Highway 6, and when the fat wet drops began falling we pulled over at a rest stop between Mapleton and Price. As I stood outside scanning the sky for some leniency, a middle-aged man soon
approached. “You’re not headed for Moab are you?” he asked. “That bad?” “I just come from there. Had hail the size of plum pits. One of ’em cracked my windshield.” ‘Think we could make it through?’ He looked at the bike and back to me. “I’d say you most certainly wouldn’t want to try.” I hate an honest answer when it doesn’t suit my wishes. Further, this man was suggesting we turn around and visit the Great Salt Lake instead. We waited for him to depart and continued on in all foolishness. And as so often happens to fools, we got lucky. The storm clouds broke and we arrived in Moab without so much as a scratch. In the morning we toured Arches National Park and it was every bit as awesome as we’d hoped. The red sandstone had been sculpted by eons of weather into a playground of geologic
March 2014
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Approaching the city, I saw lightning pop like a flashbulb, another squiggle along a ridge. Thunder began sounding from all directions like it was stereophonic. I prayed I would see an exit for Durango this very moment. Then the storm was upon me. phantasmagoria, the rocks resembling a multitude of strange things. A globe of Mars held up on a skinny pedestal. Busted fists atop eroded leg bones. A skullcap too big for the rest of the face. I saw in that landscape all sorts of gnarled and arthritic anatomy while Logan saw palaces, thrones and an elephant. As with clouds, we often saw in the rocks what we wanted to see, and there really were no wrong descriptions. The next day we visited Canyonlands National Park and then headed south on Highway 24 through the San Rafael Desert. We planned to spend the night in Goblin Valley State Park, but ahead of us dark clouds again marred the road. Logan and I shared a look of concern, but continued to zoom along at 70 miles an hour. Then we saw a bolt of lightning strike the ground directly above the highway and I pulled up onto a little promontory where we could read the storm. From that vantage, it was impossible to tell if the clouds were coming at us or moving sideways. Logan decided to call a hotel in Hanksville, the next town down the road, and ask their opinion on the weather. A lady answered the phone and she conferred with her boss. “Where are they?” the boss asked. “South of Green River.” “They’re south of Green River on a motorcycle? Then tell ’em to get back to town!” That night in the hotel I called my father, a veteran motorcyclist, and explained what had just happened. He seemed impressed that we had retreated from the storm. “Just last week, a guy here in Washington got hit by lightning while cruising down the freeway,” my dad revealed. “A direct strike through his helmet. Witnesses said he and the bike lit up like a Christmas tree. His hair was singed. His ears were burned. That’s some bad juju.” “Did he survive?” I asked. “Survive? Heck, he didn’t even come off the bike. Afterward, he rode to the hospital. But I don’t think it’s wise to believe you’d be so lucky.” The next three days whizzed past in a blur of nonstop recreation. In Capitol Reef, we marveled at thousand-yearold petroglyphs of what appeared to be aliens. In Bryce Canyon, we stayed up late stargazing with the resident astronomer
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and then woke before dawn to see the sunrise. In Zion, we watched California condors from the top of Angel’s Landing, a hike so treacherous it had claimed the lives of at least six people since 2004. In the Grand Canyon, we listened to elk bugling not 50 yards from the cafeteria. We’d done everything we’d hoped and a whole lot more we hadn’t even considered. The trip, however, had begun to take its toll, and Logan and I looked forward to a restful evening with family friends in Sedona, Ariz. Through Flagstaff we began to encounter a light drizzle, and I stopped to put on my raingear. It looked like it might get a little sloshy but we were only 30 minutes out of Sedona, so Logan tucked the sidecar skirt up to her chin and we rode on. As we descended into the valley on I-17, the sky above grew black and forbidding and a fierce downpour commenced. Just when I thought it couldn’t rain any harder, it did, and then it doubled that again until I could not make out my lane. I saw the lightning, though. Over my left shoulder it flashed within a quarter mile. Then another, closer this time, and I ducked for all the good it would do me. I was truly petrified. I imagined that man in Washington being struck in the head, and I knew I would be next. I forced myself to breathe deeply, but it did nothing to calm me. All I wished was to get us under shelter, but there was nowhere to pull over. Ahead the sun was shining so I motored on. There was another flare of lightning, and then we were out from under it and doused with total sun. Within minutes we were dry as though nothing at all had just happened. Two days later, Logan flew home from Albuquerque, N.M. She had to begin her senior year at the University of Washington, so it would just be me returning the bike and gear to Spokane. I figured I’d take a week. The first night I stayed outside of Taos, N.M., camping along a creek at the base of the state’s tallest mountain, Wheeler Peak. In the morning, I began riding northwest on Highway 64, but when I again encountered lightning storms in the distance, I beat it back to Taos and waited it out over a plate of enchiladas. My hope had been to camp in Mesa Verde National Park that evening, but with the long delay I set my new goal for a hotel in Durango.
The weather never totally cleared up, but I stayed reasonably dry and rolled into Pagosa Springs, Colo., with only one more 50-mile stretch to ride that day. I slurped down a cup of coffee and was off. For as long as I live, I will remember that sunset. Fifteen miles out of Durango I came over a crest and what I saw was both thrilling and chilling. Straight up the road was the most perfectly terrible thunderhead I had yet seen, and the sun was falling right into it. All along the horizon, the sky was imponderably pink and fuchsia, and the thunderhead seemed to bleed these colors at its edges while its center appeared fiery and molten, something like a supernova ready to blow. The sight mesmerized me, but it didn’t last long and soon the night went black. Approaching the city, I saw lightning pop like a flashbulb, another squiggle along a ridge. Thunder began sounding from all directions like it was stereophonic. I prayed I would see an exit for Durango this very moment. Then the storm was upon me. I might have actually heard the buzz of electricity. My hair stood up tall. I could smell the ozone in the air. The lightning was honing in. Another bolt lit up the left side of my vision and the thunderclap was instantaneous and deafening, and I did fear God at that moment as I jerked right and swung around the off-ramp at breakneck speed, turning into a parking lot, slamming on the brakes with a flurry of gravel, leaping from the bike and sprinting under the eave of some building. I did not care what it was. Nearby a man had been sitting in the cab of a truck and now he watched me trembling. I realized this building was the property of a tow truck company, and as the man came toward me I anticipated that he might reprimand me for trespassing. Instead he asked if I was OK. I nodded silently. “That lightning was right on top of you,” he said. “It seemed like it. Do you mind if I just stand here for a bit?” “Not at all.”
It took a few minutes but I stopped shaking and then I felt embarrassed to have shown my fear to a stranger. “What a wuss,” I said. “Don’t be hard on yourself,” he replied. “I’m overreacting because of this story my dad told me the other day. Getting hit by lightning is a rare thing, right?” The man scoffed. “What?” I asked. “Hasn’t been rare for me. I’ve been struck by lightning three different times.” “Three times? For real?” “Honest truth.” “Any of them on a motorcycle?” “Nah. Once I was on a ski lift. The other two times, I was just sort of walking around. Guess if you’re going to get struck by lightning, it may as well happen while you’re doing something you love.” Jon Gosch is an AMA member from Seattle, Wash. His motorcycle adventure novel If We Get There can be found at www.amazon.com.
March 2014
37
Riding
With The Family
Ohio Couple Plants Seeds Of Motorcycling Among Community
Front: Neil and Susan Bouchillon. Back, L-R: Jesse Lewis, 10; Grace Bouchillon, 13; Gunner Short, 15; Georgia “GiGi” Hankins, 14.
F
ive years ago, AMA member Neil Bouchillon bought what could have been the last kids’ bike sold by Huntington, W.Va.’s East End Cycle. “It was Dec. 24. It was the last dirt bike sold out of that shop before they stopped because of the lead law,” he says. The “lead law,” known formally as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, was an overarching attempt by Congress to protect children from lead exposure. The broad measure ensnared youth off-highway vehicles. Sales of bikes for kids 12 and under were being banned because of the lead in parts like batteries, engine cases, control cables and footpegs. Understandably, an uproar ensued in the OHV community. Neil was a single father and a lifelong
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dirt biker who dreamed of riding with his 7-year-old daughter, Grace. He didn’t want to miss out on that opportunity. Thankfully, members like Neil responded to the call to action from the AMA and its partners, and the lead-law ban was defeated for kid-sized OHVs. Little did Neil know then, but over time he would become one of the greatest beneficiaries of that victory. “Had I not bought that bike when I did, and had the AMA not done what they had
done to defeat the lead law, where would we be?” Neil asks.
Spreading The Love The significance of the lead-law win for Neil is clear when you fast-forward five years. Grace’s Suzuki DR-Z has been joined by “at least” 14 other kids’ bikes. Neil has added bikes for his wife Susan (they married last fall) and her son Jesse Lewis, 10, as well as a number of additional dirt bikes that he uses to spread the love of motorcycling among the Bouchillon’s southern Ohio community of Proctorville. “It started with just another dirt bike so Grace’s friend, GiGi, could ride with us,” says Neil, who works as an attorney in private practice in Huntington. “But as soon as I saw the self esteem that these
Corey Mays
By James Holter
Tools For The Job To be a dirt bike rider, you need, among other things, a dirt bike. These models represent different sizes of beginner-friendly options. If your son or daughter shows the interest and skill for a more a more aggressive or specialized machine, competition-oriented minibikes are available from these manufacturers and others (such as Cobra in motocross, Sherco in trials and KTM in motocross and off-road).
BEGINNERS ONLY
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Yamaha’s two-stroke PW50 has been starting motorcycling careers for more than three decades. It’s easy to ride, easy to work on, reliable as a claw hammer and offers the right performance for young riders. It has a throttle limiter, oil injection (no mixing fuel) one speed and an automatic clutch. It’s also relatively inexpensive, going for $1,440.* Other models: KTM’s 50 Mini is comparable in size, but offers liquid cooling, disc brakes, updated suspension and a more contemporary design. Modern looks and performance come at a price, however. Its MSRP is $3,299. Although it is no longer listed as a current model on Suzuki’s website, the JR50 is Suzuki’s answer to the PW50. Used ones are readily available.
*Prices are the most current model MSRP reported on the manufacturers’ websites at presstime. Additional destination, setup and registration charges may apply.
TIME TO SHIFT
Susan says that all of the kids, regardless of background, benefit from the emotional lift and self-confidence provided by riding dirt bikes. “For these kids, to say, ‘I actually rode a dirt bike,’ is a big boost,” she says. Susan says that the kids helped make a scrapbook for Neil to thank him for giving them the opportunity to learn to ride. One girl, Kelly, who Susan describes as “very academically smart,” wrote an especially touching letter that addressed how riding filled an athletic void that otherwise existed in her life. “All the kids feel like they’re a part of the group when they’re here,” Susan says. “We don’t leave out anybody.” Susan says that positive attitude is a Continued on page 40
The $1,399 Honda CRF50F (and its various permutations) has been the go-to four-stroke beginner bike since 1968. It oozes fun, simplicity, and the broad power delivery of the proven four-stroke engine is versatile enough to put a smile on the faces of kids young and old. Equipped with a three-speed transmission, it has an automatic clutch, ideal for beginners. Other models: Although technically replaced by the CRF110 in 2013, the CRF70 is a slightly larger, slightly more powerful version of the CRF50.
MORE POWER
Kawasaki’s $2,299 KLX110 owns the sweet spot of easy-to-ride and performance, with enough power to keep kids coming back for years. It’s also worth noting that while no selfrespecting parent would thrash their kid’s minibike around a motocross
CLUTCH PERFORMER
Suzuki DR-Z125 ($3,099) offers smooth performance, a five-speed transmission, ground clearance to get over trail obstacles and a manual clutch. For $100 more, you get the DR-Z125L, which comes with a disc front brake and 2-inch larger diameter wheels in the front and rear. Other models: Honda’s CRF80F, CRF100F and CRF125F; Yamaha’s TTR125 and TTR125L; and Kawasaki’s KLX140 and KLX140L all feature a manual clutch and similar styling.
track, this bike size is popular among the pit-bike racing crowd. Other models: Honda’s CRF110F and Yamaha’s TTR110 are comparable to the KLX110 in many ways but brand and graphics. Pick your favorite color and ride.
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Benefits
UPSIZE ME
The size is larger, but the idea is the same. The $3,640 Honda CRF150F is intended to give larger riders a safe, predictable, reliable and capable off-roading experience. It has electric start and, like all of Honda’s off-highway bikes, meets California Air Resources Board and EPA off-road emissions standards. Note that a similarly named model, the CRF150R is a highperformance, closed-course motocross race bike and is not designed for a beginner.
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girls got from riding, I realized just how beneficial it could be.” Susan says that GiGi (also known as Georgia Hankins) was pretty nervous when she first tried riding. For Susan, that apprehension was a familiar feeling. “What was fun for me is I had never ridden either, so I learned to ride with these kids,” Susan says. Everyone has gotten over the first-ride jitters pretty quickly, though. That’s when the fun really begins. “A feeling of accomplishment sets in,” Susan says. “For the kids, and me too, it was a feeling like, ‘I can’t believe I’m actually doing this!’” It wasn’t long before the Bouchillons started welcoming more young riders into the mix. They recruited a lot of new dirt bikers at Grace’s ballet class. “The parents would bring the girls over to ride, and the neighborhood would come out and watch because it’s not common to see six or eight girls riding around with their pony tails sticking out under their helmets,” Neil says. “For some of the boys in the neighborhood, it was something to see because these are feminine girls. They are the ballet types, which I think actually complemented their ability to ride because of the coordination and flexibility they’ve developed.” By this point, there was no turning back. Other kids, including friends of Jesse, joined the fun, learning to ride dirt bikes responsibly under the watchful eyes of Neil, Susan and the kids’ parents. Neil says that over the past five years they’ve probably taught “about 50” kids how to ride, and have taken several of them on day trips to nearby public riding areas. “The first time that we ventured out of our yard and to some real trails was really exciting,” Susan says. “It was at Hanging Rock [part of the Wayne National Forest trail system] in Southern Ohio. We now go there pretty regularly, and it’s one of our favorite places to ride.”
Continued from page 39
big part of the success of their loosely organized riding club, which the kids refer to as “the Bouchillon Mud Bugs.” “It’s not about making these kids into the world’s best off-road racers,” she says. “It’s about realizing the positive benefits of accomplishment. We do have some who race hare scrambles, but we have some kids who are reluctant to go up hills or down hills. It’s about spending time with them to help them overcome their fears.” Susan refers to their group as a “real social network” and is proud that it includes kids from all economic backgrounds and across social circles. “Gunner [Short, 15], who rides with us, is on the local basketball team, and they are phenomenal players,” she says. “He rides with the younger kids and is so accepting of them and helpful regardless of whether they are athletes or not.”
Family Affair Neil says that he’s inspired by memories of dirt bikes breaking social barriers among his friends when he was young. “I started riding in 1973 on a Honda QA 50,” Neil says. “We’d go to the De Soto National Forest in Mississippi and ride. Everybody in the neighborhood had dirt bikes. We rode together. We ate together. We had fun get-togethers. But that died down. I don’t know if it was the price of gas or whatever, but everybody in our area just got out of doing it.” Neil’s family remembers those good times on the trails fondly. “Many years later, I was having dinner
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with my dad and he said to me that the closest we ever were as a family was when we were riding dirt bikes together,” Neil says. “He recognized the importance of riding together, not just to our relationship, but in strengthening the community.” Although Neil never quit riding himself (he currently has a KTM 200 XCW and competes in Southern Ohio hare scrambles), the benefits of recreational trail riding were just a memory until Grace and her friends started riding. “The parents come over and watch, and in many ways it’s like it was when I was a kid,” Neil says. “The kids are outside and playing. They’re getting exercise. They’re making decisions. They’re having experiences. Then, one thing we always do whether we’re at our house or at a trail, is we sit down and eat together. All the other parents say that this is some of the best quality time they have with their kids, and these are parents who otherwise might not be involved in dirt biking.” Neil admits that he can’t do it alone. In addition to Susan, who he calls their “lead social coordinator,” and the kids, who help wash the bikes and gear, his friends Tim Shephard, Greg Shephard and Ron Mallory help maintain the bikes. In addition to East End Cycle (“Susan and I got engaged in that shop,” Neil shares), Huntington’s Cycle Center and Lancaster Sport Cycle in Lancaster, Ohio, support Neil and Susan’s efforts to introduce new riders to the sport. “Our neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are also very generous with their property,” Susan adds. “Mr. Chapman really enjoys sitting on his front porch and just watching the kids ride, and if we ever miss a
weekend, they call and ask when we’ll be riding again. They are wonderful people.”
Responsibility Neil is an attorney. Susan is an insurance claims adjuster. They understand risk and take a careful approach to any riding that happens on their watch. “Everybody understands where the dangers are,” Neil says. “We show them where to ride. Everybody rides in the same direction. There are ground rules. It’s obviously non-negotiable that everyone wears safety gear and that parents are involved. We don’t do double or triple jumps. There’s a time and a place for more aggressive riding, and it’s not in the backyard. It’s at the racetrack.” In addition to safety, Neil says they teach the kids to respect the rights of others. “We live in a neighborhood, so we’re very conscious about noise,” he says. “I have FMF Q2 silencers on all of the two strokes, and I keep the packing in the fourstroke exhausts fresh. We don’t ride during church hours, and we don’t ride late at night, and if I see that we’re creating too much dust, we quit riding for the evening.” Both Neil and Susan feel that any risk concerns are properly managed and that the kids have just as much fun as they would in a less safe environment. The most important thing, Susan says, isn’t the risk of riding. It’s the benefits that come with it. “I never had anything to do with dirt bike riding before I met Neil,” Susan says. “Now I can’t imagine living without it.”
Corey Mays
Susan helps GiGi and Jesse get suited up to ride.
2014 www.AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com
AMA Members Call (800) 262-5646 before May 27, 2014, to order advance discounted tickets.
GO RIDE
A few of the hundreds of AMA-sanctioned events this month, detailed on the following pages.
1
The Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club is hosting a gem of a hare scrambles on March 16 in Logan, Ohio. Gates open at 8 a.m. and sign up starts at 9 a.m. Info: www. hockingvalleymc.com.
2
3
The AMA Pro Road Racing Championship kicks off March 13-15 on the famed high banks of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Following the season opener, the gladiators of the asphalt tracks move on to Wisconsin, Alabama, Ohio and New Jersey. See the full schedule on page 44.
James Stewart, Ryan Dungey, Justin Barcia and Chad Reed are just some of the AMA Supercross stars hoping to keep Ryan Villopoto from earning another AMA Supercross Championship. The 2014 series is in full swing, so be sure to catch the action March 1 in St. Louis, Mo., March 8 at Daytona Beach, Fla., March 15 in Detroit, Mich., or March 22 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Info: www.amasupercross.com
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3
3 1,2
2
3
2
2,3,4,5,6
4
Motorcycle inventor, designer and AMA Hall of Famer Craig Vetter, will be the featured speaker at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Daytona Breakfast on March 14 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Be sure to attend this prestigious event and support the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a 501(c) (3) organization. Info: www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
5
The 64th annual Alligator Enduro hosted by the Daytona Dirt Riders is set for March 9, beginning at the Strickland Ranch property on U.S. 1 north of Interstate 95 in Favoretta, Fla. Info: www.daytonadirtriders. com.
6
To watch riders defy gravity and do the seemingly impossible on two wheels, head out to Ocala, Fla., March 8-9, for some amateur and youth observed trials competition, hosted by the Florida Trials Association Motorcycle Club. Info: www.floridatrials.net.
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COMING UP
The world will be focused on the United States as the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix visits America for two rounds: at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on April 13 and at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Ind., on Aug. 10. Info: www. fim-live.com.
MARCH EVENTS ALABAMA
LOUISIANA
(720) 220-4698, RMPEVENT.COM
COMPETITION
FLORIDA
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
COMPETITION
ENDURO
MAR 22: PELL CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM
ENDURO
MAR 29: FOREST HILL: 2 DAY EVENT, ACADIANA DIRT RIDERS, INC., (337) 519-2520, ACADIANADIRTRIDERS.COM
ARIZONA
MAR 9: ORMOND BEACH: DAYTONA DIRT RIDERS, (386) 615-0722, DAYTONADIRTRIDERS.COM
RECREATIONAL
MOTOCROSS
ADVENTURE RIDE
MAR 1: CITRA: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOCROSS OF MARION COUNTY, INC., (352) 591-2377, MXMARIONCOUNTY.COM
MAR 29: TUCSON: 2 DAY EVENT, TUCSON DUAL SPORT, LLC, (520) 979-8398, TUCSONDUALSPORT.COM DUAL SPORT RIDE MAR 29: TUCSON : 2 DAY EVENT, TUCSON DUAL SPORT, LLC, (520) 979-8398, TUCSONDUALSPORT.COM COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES MAR 23: PEORIA: OFF CAMBER MOTORCYCLE CLUB CALIFORNIA COMPETITION DESERT SCRAMBLES MAR 23: (Includes ATVs) RIDGECREST : SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIRT DIGGERS, (562) 432-5215, DIRTDIGGERSMC.COM ENDURO MAR 1: HOLLISTER: TIMEKEEPERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (408) 739-5762 GRAND PRIX MAR 1: (Includes ATVs) SAN BERNARDINO: 2 DAY EVENT, PRAIRIE DOGS MC, (714) 231-6718, PRAIRIEDOGSMC.COM
OBSERVED TRIALS MAR 8: OCALA: FLORIDA TRAILS ASSOCIATION MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (352) 732-9574, FLORIDATRIALS.NET MAR 9: OCALA: FLORIDA TRAILS ASSOCIATION MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (352) 732-9574, FLORIDATRIALS.NET HAWAII COMPETITION
HARE & HOUND MAR 22: CALDWELL: 2 DAY EVENT, DIRT INC, (208) 459-6871 ILLINOIS
MAR 8: DUQUOIN : INDIAN HILLS MX, LLC, (618) 542-6203, INDIANHILLSMX.COM MAR 9: DUQUOIN: INDIAN HILLS MX, LLC, (618) 542-6203, INDIANHILLSMX.COM INDIANA
MAR 15: HOLLISTER: 2 DAY EVENT, GHOSTRIDERS MC, (408) 265-2122, GHOSTRIDERSMC.NET
COMPETITION
MAR 15: (Includes ATVs) ANZA: 2 DAY EVENT, GET-XTR-EME, (805) 236-5866, GET-XTR-EME.COM
MAR 23: (Includes ATVs) CULVER: PLYMOUTH BLACKHAWKS MC, INC., (574) 259-0103, PLYMOUTHBLACKHAWKSMC.COM
COLORADO COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAR 2: BERTHOUD: ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROMOTIONS, INC.,
ARENACROSS MAR 7: ALBUQUERQUE: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, AREANACROSS.COM MAR 8: ALBUQUERQUE: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM NORTH CAROLINA COMPETITION
MAR 9: (ATV only) LEONARDTOWN: BUDDS CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM
MOTOCROSS
MAR 16: LEONARDTOWN: BUDDS CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM MAR 22: MECHANICSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM
MAR 22: (Includes ATVs) PARK HILLS: 2 DAY EVENT, MISSOURI DIRT RIDERS, (314) 504-7287
COMPETITION
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
MAR 16: HALEIWA: HAWAII MOTORSPORTS ASSOCIATION, (808) 668-6276, RIDEHMA.COM
MOTOCROSS
MAR 29: SAN JOSE: P & D PROMOTIONS INC., (408) 249-4336, SANJOSEINDOOR.COM
COMPETITION
COMPETITION
MAR 9: (Includes ATVs) LUCERNE VALLEY: HUNTINGTON BEACH MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (661) 510-3245, HUNTINGTONBEACHMC.COM
SHORT TRACK
MARYLAND
MAR 15: HALEIWA: HAWAII MOTORSPORTS ASSOCIATION, (808) 668-6276, RIDEHMA.COM
COMPETITION
MAR 1: (Includes ATVs) SAN BERNARDINO: 2 DAY EVENT, PRAIRIE DOGS MC, (714) 231-6718, PRAIRIEDOGSMC.COM
MAR 9: NEW IBERIA: DOWN SOUTH MOTO CROSS, (337) 380-1551
MISSOURI
HARE & HOUND
HARE SCRAMBLES
NEW MEXICO
MOTOCROSS
MOTOCROSS
IDAHO
MAR 23: SHAMONG: SOUTH JERSEY ENDURO RIDERS, (609) 268-9272, SJER.ORG
HARE SCRAMBLES
MOTOCROSS MAR 22: RICHWOOD: 2 DAY EVENT, LACHANCE RACING, (573) 701-8674, HTTP://SITE.ROMPMX.COM/HOME NEVADA COMPETITION DESERT SCRAMBLES MAR 1: LAS VEGAS: WILD BUNCH, (702) 610-7364, MRANRACING.ORG NEW JERSEY COMPETITION ENDURO MAR 16: GREENBANK: METEOR MC, (856) 889-2300, METEORMC.COM
MAR 30: (Includes ATVs) RAEFORD: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 3235497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM OKLAHOMA COMPETITION ARENACROSS MAR 1: TULSA: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM PENNSYLVANIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES MAR 29: PAXINOS: 2 DAY EVENT, SOUTH PENN ENDURO RIDERS, (717) 938-0690, SOUTHPENNENDURORIDERS.COM MOTOCROSS MAR 2: SHIPPENSBURG: DOUBLIN GAP MX PARK INC, (717) 249-6036, DOULINGAP.COM MAR 9: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 582-3717, PAGODAMC.ORG MAR 29: SHIPPENSBURG: DOUBLIN GAP MX PARK INC, (717) 249-6036 MAR 30: SHIPPENSBURG: DOUBLIN GAP MX PARK INC, (717) 249-6036 SHORT TRACK MAR 23: (Includes ATVs) HANOVER:
HARE SCRAMBLES
MOTOCROSS MAR 29: (Includes ATVs) ROSSVILLE: WILDCAT CREEK MX, (765) 379-2482, WILDCATCREEKMX.COM COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAR 30: (Includes ATVs) ROSSVILLE: WILDCAT CREEK MX, (765) 379-2482, WILDCATCREEKMX.COM
March 2014
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MarcH eVents TRAIL-WAY SPEEDWAY, (717) 3594310, TRAIL-WAYSPEEDWAY.COM SOuTH cArOLINA cOMPETITION MOTOcrOSS MAR 9: (Includes ATVs) GASTON: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 3235497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM MAR 15: (Includes ATVs) HAMER: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 3235497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM MAR 16: (Includes ATVs) HAMER: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 3235497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM
PRODUCTIONS, (931) 692-7223, MIDSOUTHRACE PRODUCTIONS.COM TEXAS
BNCMPARK.COM MAR 18: WORTHAM: FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY, LLC., (713) 9623386, FREESTONEMX.COM
MOTOcrOSS MAR 23: (Includes ATVs) SUTHERLIN: BIRCH CREEK PROMOTIONS, LLC, (434) 489-2992, BIRCHCREEKMXPARK.COM
ArENAcrOSS
MAR 23: HOUSTON: SCOREKEEPERS INK, (281) 4544440, RIOBRAVOMX.COM
MAR 14: HIDALGO: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, AREANCROSS.COM
cOMPETITION
cOMPETITION
ArENAcrOSS
MOTOcrOSS
MAR 29: SALT LAKE CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM
MAR 22: WEST RICHLAND: 2 DAY EVENT, HRMC, INC., (509) 496-2958, HORNRAPIDSMX.COM
cOMPETITION
MAR 15: HIDALGO: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 2167482, ARENACROSS.COM ENDurO
uTAH
MOTOcrOSS
cOMPETITION
MAR 23: BLACKWELL: ROSS CREEK TRAIL RIDERS, (325) 669-8866, ROSSCREEKTRAILRIDERS.COM
MOTOcrOSS
MOTOcrOSS
MAR 2: (Includes ATVs) BLOUNTVILLE: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM
MAR 1: WORTHAM: 2 DAY EVENT, FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY, LLC., (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM
cOMPETITION
MAR 29: (Includes ATVs) ALTAMONT: 2 DAY EVENT, MID SOUTH RACE
MAR 9: CROSBY: SCOREKEEPERS INK, (281) 843-6686,
MAR 16: DAHLGREN: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE
TENNESSEE
SERVICES, (540) 623-3426, VCHSS.ORG
MAR 5: ST. GEORGE: ST GEORGE MX, (435) 705-4125, STGEORGEMX.COM VIrgINIA grAND PrIX
WASHINgTON
WEST VIrgINIA cOMPETITION MOTOcrOSS MAR 8: HEDGESVILLE: TOMAHAWK MX, LLC, (304) 229-6682, TOMAHAWKMX.COM MAR 9: HEDGESVILLE: TOMAHAWK MX, LLC, (304) 229-6682, TOMAHAWKMX.COM
2014 eVents HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS AMA MOTOrcycLE HALL OF FAME MotorcycleMuseuM.org The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
July 5: Hagerstown, Md.: Hagerstown Half Mile July 19: Elma, Wa.: Grays Harbor Raceway July 26: Sacramento, calif.: Sacramento Mile Aug. 2: castle rock, Wa.: Castle Rock TT
Sept. 28: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC Oct. 12: Oregonia, Oh.: Dayton MC
2014 LucAS OIL AMA PrO MOTOcrOSS proMotocross.coM
Motorsports Park July 19-20: Lexington, Oh.: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Sept. 13-14: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park
May 24: San Bernardino, calif.: Glen Helen National
2014 MONSTEr ENErgy AMA SuPErcrOSS aMasupercross.coM
May 31: Sacramento, calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic
Feb. 15: Arlington, Texas: Cowboys Stadium
June 7: Lakewood, colo.: Thunder Valley National
Feb. 22: Atlanta: Georgia Dome
Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Recognizing those who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling.
Aug. 5: rapid city, S.D.: Sturgis Half Mile
Dirt-Track! All-American Motorcycle racing: Celebrating the storied history of the dirt oval.
Aug. 17: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria TT
June 14: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point National
Aug. 23: New kent, Va.: Colonia Downs MIle
June 28: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National
Aug. 31: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile II
Jul. 5: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National
Mar. 22: Toronto: Rogers Centre
Sept. 28: Santa rosa, calif.: Santa Rosa Mile
Jul. 12: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National
Apr. 5: Houston: Reliant Stadium
Oct. 11: Pomona, calif.: Flat Track Season Finale
Jul. 19: Millville, Minn: Spring Creek National
2014 AMA PrO HILLcLIMB aMaproracing.coM
Jul. 26: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National
2 Wheels + Motor, A Fine Art Exhibition: The spirit, excitement and adventure of motorcycling is expressed through fine art. Founder’s Hall: Honoring the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s generous contributors. July 11-13, Lexington, Ohio: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Information: www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com.
Aug. 8: Indianapolis, Ind.: Indy Mile
June 1: Spring grove, Pa.: White Rose MC
Aug. 9: New Berlin, N.y.: Unadila National
2014 AMA PrO FLAT TrAck aMaproracing.coM
June 8: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC
Aug. 16: crawfordsville, Ind.: Indiana National
Mar. 13: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona Flat Track I
June 18: canaan, N.H.: Ridge Runner/ Laconia Bike Week
Mar. 14: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona Flat Track II
July 13: West Branch, Mich.: Ogemaw Hills Bike Week
May 25: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile
Aug. 3: Muskegon, Mich.: Muskegon MC *All Star Challenge
June 15: knoxville, Ia.: Knoxville Half Mile
Sept. 21: Spring grove, Pa.: White Rose MC
AMA PrO rAcINg
44
June 28: Lima, Oh.: Lima Half Mile
AmericanMotorcyclist.com
Aug. 23: Tooele, utah: Utah National
2014 AMA PrO rOAD rAcINg aMaproracing.coM Mar. 13-15: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway May 30: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America June 21-22: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber
Mar. 1: Indianapolis: Lucas Oil Stadium Mar. 8: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway Mar. 15: Detroit: Ford Field Mar. 29: St. Louis: Edward Jones Dome Apr. 12: Seattle: Century Link Field Apr. 26: East rtherford, N.J.: MetLife Stadium May 3: Las Vegas: Sam Boyd Stadium
AMA PrO-AM cOMPETITION Feb. 15-16: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, AMA Amateur Naional Area Qualifier; www.arizonacyclepark.com Feb. 27-Mar. 2: Pell city, Ala.: Mill Creek Motocross Park, Spring Classic; www. rpmsportsonline.com March 2: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway, The United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com March 2: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway, Texas Winter Series; www.freestonemx.com
2014 EVENTS March 1-2: Hollister Hills, Calif.: Hollister Hills, AMA AMateur National Area Qualifier; www.2xpromotions.com March 15-16: Hamer, S.C.: South of the Border, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.victory-sports.com March 16: Porterville, Calif.: Porterville OHV Park, Road to Mammoth-King of the West Rnd 3; www.2xpromotions.com March 18-22: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway, James Stewart Spring Championship; www. freestonemx.com March 22-23: Richland, Wash.: Horn Rapids MX, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.hornrapidsmx.com March 30: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park; www.racewaypark.com March 30: Turlock, Calif.: Oatfield Raceway, Road to Mammoth-King of the West Rnd 4; www.2xpromotions.com April 6: Birdsboro, Pa.: Pagoda Motorcycle Club; www.pagodamc.com April 6: Sanford, N.C.: Devil’s Ridge Motocross; www.devilsridgemotox.com April 5-6: St. George, Utah.: St. George MX, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.stgeorgemx.com April 9-13: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway, California Classic; www.2xpromotions.com April 12-13: Manheim, Pa.: Sleepy Hollow MX Park, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.sleepymx.com April 13: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com April 20: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trails Motosports, JM Racing Suspension Spring-Shootout; www. lincolntrailmotosports.com April 26-27: Livingston, Tenn.: Thunder Valley, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.victory-sports.com May 4: Berwick, Pa.: Evansville Motocross Park; www. evansvillemxpark.com May 3-4: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Dutch Sport Park, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.dutchsportsparkmx.com May 11: Hedgeville, W.Va.: Tomahawk MX, MAMA MX Series; www.mamamx.com May 11: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge; www.sunsetridgemx.com May 10-11: Little Falls, Minn.: MotoCity Raceway, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.motocityraceway.com May 11: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway, Road to Mammoth-King of the West Rnd 6; www.2xpromotions.com May 18: Kellogg, Minn.: Motokazie Motocross; www.motokazie.com May 18: Wallkill, N.Y.: Walden MX, Walden MX Spring Pro-AM; www.waldenmx.com May 24-25: Southwick, Mass.: Moto 338, Motocross
League of American; www. motocrossleagueofamerica.com May 25: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; www.pineridgeraceway.com May 26: Brush, Colo.: Sweney Cycle Park; www.sweneycyclepark.com May 29-30: Rancho Cordova: Hangtown Motocross, Pro National Amateur Day; www.hangtownmx.com May 31: Pecatonica, Ill.: Stateline MX; www.statelinemx.com June 1: Mt. Carroll, Ill.: MC Motopark; www.mcmotopark.com
Acres, Baja Brawl; www.bajaacres.com
www.unlimitedsportsmx.com
Aug. 31: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; www.pineridgeraceway.com
Nov. 30: St. George, Utah: St. George MX; www.stgeorgemxw.com
Sept. 7: Seward, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway; www.pvrmx.com
AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Sept. 7: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; www.pineridgeraceway.com
2014 AMSOIL AMA ARENACROSS ARENACROSS.COm
Sept. 7: Mason, Ill.: Crossroads MX, World of Powersports Crossroads Cup; www.crossroadsmx.com
Feb. 14-16: Nampa, Idaho: Idaho Center
Sept. 13-14: Reynolds, Ga.: Silver Dollar MX, Vurb Classic (MLA); www. motocrossleagueofamerica.com Sept. 21: New Castle, Del.: Blue DIamond MX, Delaware State Championship; www.bdmxpark.com
June 28-29: Mammoth Lakes, Calif.: Mammoth Moutain, Monster Energy Mammoth Motocross; www.2xpromotions.com
Sept. 21: Tigerton, Wis.: Fantasy Moto, Midwest Mega Series; www.fantasymoto.com
June 29: Blountville, Tenn: Muddy Creek Raceway, Thor United States Mega Series-Pro National Amateur Day; www.victory-sports.com July 6: Clifford, Pa.: Hurrican Hills MX; www.hhmotocross.com July 6: Altamont, Tenn.: Fast Farms MX; www.midsouthraceproductions.com July 6: Buchanan, Mich.: Red Bud Motocross, Pro National Amateur Day; www.redbudmx.com
Sept. 20-21: Garwin, Ia.: Oak Ridge MX, Motocross League of America (MLA); www. motocrossleagueofamerica.com Sept. 28: Dalton, Ga.: Lazy River MX, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com Oct. 5: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park; www.racewaypark.com
July 13: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com
Oct. 12: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain MX Park; www.monstermx.com
July 19-24: Ponca, Okla.: Ponca City MX, Ponca City Amateur Championship (MLA); www. motocrossleagueofamerica.com
Oct. 11-12: Duquoin, Ill.: Indian Hills Motocross, Motocross League of America (MLA); www. motocrossleagueofamerica.com
Aug. 10: Crystal Falls, Mich.: Valley Raceway MX; www.valleyracewaymx.com
Oct. 19: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com
Aug. 10: Malvern, Oh.: Malven Motocross, Battle of Ohio; www.omxa.net
Oct. 26: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, Western Pro-Am; www. arizonacyclepark.com
Aug. 24: Nashport, Oh.: Briarclif MX, Battle of Ohio; www.omxa.net
Nov. 1-2: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek MX, Motocross League of America (MLA); www.motocrossleagueofamerica.com
Aug. 24: Edgewood, Tex.: Buffalo Creek; www.buffalocreekmx.com Aug. 24: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek, Viking Clash; www.springcreekmx.com Aug. 30-31: Millington, Mich.: Baja
Feb. 21-23: Reno, Nev.: Livestock Events Center Mar. 1-2: Tulsa, Okla.: BOK Center Mar. 7-9: Albuquerque, N.M.: Tingley Coliseum Mar. 14-16: Hidalgo, Texas: State Farm Arena Mar. 29-30: Salt Lake City: EnergySolutions Arena
AMA INDOOR DIRT TRACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP STEVENACERACING.COm Feb. 22: Duquoin, Ill.
2014 GEICO AMA ENDUROCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP ENduROCROSS.COm May 2: Las Vegas: The Orleans Arena May 15: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the America’s June 21: Sacramento, Calif.: Sleep Train Arena Aug. 23: Atlanta: Gwinnett Center Oct. 4: Denver, Colo.: National Western Complex Oct. 11: Salt Lake City, Utah: Energy Solutions Arena Oct. 18: Everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena Nov. 15: Boise, Idaho.: Idaho Center Nov. 22: Ontario, Calif.: Citizen Business Bank Arena
Nov. 23-26: Gainsville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, Mini Olympics-Supercross; www.unlimitedsportsmx.com
2014 KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP NATIONAlENduRO.COm
Nov. 27-29: Gainsville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, Mini Olympics-Motocross;
Mar. 2: Pelion, S.C.: Rhonda Dennis, Columbia Enduro Riders; (788) 422-0329
Check Out the All-New AMA CLASSIFIEDS! YOUR ONLINE MARKETPLACE FOR MOTORCYCLES, POWERSPORTS & MORE.
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March 2014
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2014 eVenTS Mar. 23: Blackwell, Texas: Joseph Roberts, Ross Creek Trail Riders; (325) 669-8866, RossCreekTrailRiders.com
July 18-20: Howard, Colo.: Bill Markham, ITS Offroad; (719) 942-3372, ITSOffroad.com
Apr. 6: West Point, Tenn.: TJ Kennedy, NATRA; (972) 977-4112, natra-westpoint.net
May 3, Youth; May 4, Amateur: Primm, Nev.: Ronald Maas, Sunland Shamrocks MC/Big 6 GP; (818) 7674594, ShamrocksMC.com
May 18: Park Hills, Mo.: Michael Silger, Missouri Mudders; (636) 639-6373, MOMudders.com
Sept. 6, Youth; Sept. 7, Amateur: Anza, Calif.: Justin Shultz, SoCal MC/ Big 6 GP; (949) 981-6776, SoCalMC.com
Mar. 8: Savannah, Ga.: Half Mile, Oglethorpe Speedway; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; www.stevenaceracing.com
June 1: Arrington, Va.: Chuck Honeycutt, April Fools Promotions; (757) 375-5665, VCHSS.org
Oct. 4, Youth; Oct. 5, Amateur: ridgecrest, Calif.: Chris Cory, Viewfinders MC/Big 6 GP; (661) 4508150, ViewfindersMC.com
Mar. 10: Barberville, Fla.: Half Mile, Volusia County Speedway; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; www.stevenaceracing.com
2014 AMA HArE ANd HOUNd amaracing.com
Mar. 11: Barberville, Fla.: Short Track, Volusia County Speedway; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; www.stevenaceracing.com
June 29: Marquette, Mich.: Nick Zambon, UP Sandstormers; (906) 2287010, UPSandstormers.com July 27: Cross Fork, Pa.: Peter Burnett, Brandwine Enduro Riders; (610) 883-7607, BEW.us
Mar. 22, Youth; Mar. 23, Amateur: Murphy, Idaho: No ATVs. Bill Walsh, Dirt Inc. (208) 459-6871, DirtIncRacing.com
Aug. 10: Grand Junction, Colo.: Thomas Jundtoft, Bookcliff Rattlers MC; (970) 250-9942, bookcliffrattlersmc.com
Apr. 12, Youth; Apr. 13, Amateur: lucerne Valley, Calif.: Justin Shultz, SOCal MC; (949) 981-6776, SoCalMC.com
Aug. 31: Union, S.C.: Duane Wellington, Greenville Enduro Riders; (864) 9086109, GreenvilleEnduroRiders.com Sept. 14: Matthews, Ind.: Doug Spence, Muddobbers; (765) 998-2236, MuddobbersMC.com
2014 AMA EAST HArE SCrAMBlES amaracing.com Mar. 23, Youth & Amateur: Park Hills, Mo.: Gregory Kinkelaar, Missouri Dirt Riders; (314) 504-7287, MODirtRiders.com June 14, Youth Bikes & ATV; June 15, Amateur Bikes & ATV: Berwick, Pa.: Duane Fisher, Evansville MX Park; (570) 759-2841, EvansvilleMXPark.com July 13, Youth & Amateur: Battle Creek, Mich.: Byron Kibby, Battle Creek Motorcycle Club; (269) 2098184, BattleCreekMotorcycleClub.com Aug. 16, Youth; Aug. 17, Amateur: Athens, Ohio: Kevin Brown, Athens Motorcycle Club; (740) 590-3490, AthensMotorcycleClub.com Sept. 20, Youth; Sept. 21, Amateur: Bartow, Fla.: Keith Finnerty, Central Florida Trail Riders; (407) 774-9090, CFTRiders.com Oct. 4, Youth; Oct. 5, Amateur: Plainview, Ill.: Ron Whipple, WFO Promotions; (309) 314-3343, WFOPromotions.com
46
Redding Dirt Riders; (530) 921-1233, reddingdirtriders.com
Apr. 26, Youth; Apr. 27, Amateur: lucerne Valley, Calif.: Gary Alspaugh, Vikings MC; (805) 680-6336, VikingsMC.org May 3, Amateur and Youth: Jerico, Utah: Neil Dansie, Sage Riders; (801) 369-5939, SageRidersMC.com May 17, Amateur and Youth: Caliente, Nev.: Zack Livreri, Silver State Trailblazers; (702) 994-6823, http://sites. google.com/site/silverstatetrailblazers/ Aug. 23, Amateur and Youth: Caliente, Nev.: Zack Livreri, Silver State Trailblazers; (702) 994-6823, http://sites. google.com/site/silverstatetrailblazers/ Sept. 20, Youth; Sept. 21, Amateur: Yerington, Nev.: Erek Kudla, Get-Xtr-Eme; (805) 236-5866, Get-Xtr-Eme.com Oct. 11, Youth; Oct. 12, Amateur: lucerne Valley, Calif.: Darren Moen, 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MC; (714) 863-7170, 100sMC.org
2014 AIrES AMA/NATC MOTOTrIAlS amaracing.com May 24 -25: Texas Creek, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Trials Association; (719) 5646476, RockyMountainTrials.org May 31-June 1: Sedan, Kan.: Ark Valley Trials Assocation; (316) 644-7774, AVTATrials.com
2014 AMA WEST HArE SCrAMBlES amaracing.com
June 21-22: Tremont, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600, RauschCreekRacing.com
Feb. 15, Youth; Feb. 16, Amateur: Paicines, Calif.: Ed Tobin, Salinas Ramblers; (831) 384-4495, SalinasRamblersMC.com
June 28-29: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Ashley Jackson, South Eastern Trials Riders Association; (423) 9428688, TrialsTrainingCenter.com
Mar. 1, Youth; Mar. 2, Amateur: San Bernardino, Calif.: Craig Hunter, Prairie Dogs MC/Big 6 GP; (714) 2316718, PrairieDogsMC.com
2014 AMA/NATC EAST YOUTH MOTOTrIAlS amaracing.com
Mar. 15, Amateur; Mar. 16, ATV & Youth: Anza, Calif.: Erek Kudla, Get-XtrEme; (805) 236-5866, Get-Extr-Eme.com
July 4-6: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Ashley Jackson, South Eastern Trials Riders Association; (423) 9428688, TrialsTrainingCenter.com
Apr. 12, Youth; Apr. 13, Amateur: Chappie-Shasta OHV AreaShasta lake, Calif.: Russel Smith,
2014 AMA/NATC WEST YOUTH MOTOTrIAlS amaracing.com
AmericanMotorcyclist.com
2014 AMA VINTAGE dIrT TrACK amaracing.com
May 4: Henry, Ill.: Half Mile; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; www.stevenaceracing.com May. 17: Tar Heel, N.C.: Short Track, Tar Heel Speedway; (910) 258-2272; richard. lovette@robeson.k12.nc.us May 18: Tar Heel, N.C.: TT, Tar Heel Speedway; (910) 258-2272; richard/ lovette@robeson.k12.nc.us June 20: Harpursville, N.Y.: Short Track; Square Deal Riders; (607) 7253069; williamsracing12@yahoo.com; SquareDealRiders.com June 21: Harpursville, N.Y.: Short Track; Square Deal Riders; (607) 7253069; williamsracing12@yahoo.com; SquareDealRiders.com July 12: Ashland, Ohio: Half Mile; AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days; Ken Saillant, (800) 262-5646; ksaillant@amacycle.org; AmericanMotorcyclist.com Aug. 9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Short Track; Mid-America Speedway; (317) 871-4392; info@midamspeedway.com; MidAmSpeedway.com Aug. 29: Springfield, Ill.: Short Track; Illinois State Fairgrounds; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing, (270) 442-7532; SteveNaceRacing.com Sept. 20: Cuddebackville, N.Y.: Short Track; Tri-Sate M/C Ltd.; (845) 566-4956; TriStateClub.com Sept. 21: Cuddebackville, N.Y.: Short Track; Tri-Sate M/C Ltd.; (845) 566-4956; TriStateClub.com
2014 AMA VINTAGE MOTOCrOSS amaracing.com May 18: Athens, Oh.: Action Sports Moto-Park; www. actionsportsracing.com July 19-20: lexington, Oh.: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Aug. 3: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge Motocross, www.sunsetridgemx.com Aug. 24: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports, www. lincolntrailmotorsports.com Sept. 14: Coldwater, Mich.: Log Road Motocross, wwwlogroadmx.com Oct. 4: Greensburg, Ky.: Russell Creek Motocross
Oct. 18: Paoli Peaks, Ind.: Mammoth East, www.podium1motoplex.com
2014 AMA ATV HArE SCrAMBlES amaracing.com Mar. 22: Park Hills, Mo.: Gregory Kinkelaar, Missouri Dirt Riders; (314) 504-7287, MODirtRiders.com June 14-15: Berwick, Pa.: Amateur and Youth, Duane Fisher, Evansville MX Park; (570) 759-2841, evansvillemxpark.com Jul. 13: Battle Creek, Mich.: Joe Wathen, Battle Creek Motorcycle Club; (269) 729-9691, BattleCreekMotorcycleClub.com Aug. 16: Athens, Ohio: Kevin Brown, Athens Motorcycle Club; (740) 590-3490, AthensMotorcycleClub.com Sept. 20: Bartow, Fla.: Keith Finnerty, Central Florida Trail Riders; (407) 7749090, CFTRiders.com Oct. 4: Plainview, Ill.: Ron Whipple, WFO Promotions; (309) 314-3343, WFOPromotions.com
AMA FEATUrEd SErIES 2014 BIG 6 AMA WEST COAST GrANd PrIx SErIES Big6racing.com Mar. 1-2: Glen Helen, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway, Prarie Dogs GP Apr. 5-6: Palms, Calif.: Rodeo and Motoplex, Hilltoppers GP May 3-4: Primm, Nev.: Buffalo Bills Casino, Shamrocks GP Sept. 6-7: Anza, Calif.: The Ranch, SoCal GP Oct. 4-5: ridgecrest, Calif.: Ridgecrest Fairgrounds, Viewfinders GP Nov. 1-2: Goran, Calif.: Quail Valley, Prospectors GP dec. 6-7: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway, Vikings GP
2014 EAST COAST ENdUrO rIdErS ENdUrO SErIES ecea.org Mar. 16: Greenbank, N.J.: Sandy lane Enduro, Meteor Motorcycle Club; (856) 889-7300, meteormc.com Mar. 23: Shamong, N.J.: Curly Fern Enduro, South Jersey Enduro Riders; (609) 268-9272, sjer.org Apr. 6: Chatsworth, N.J.: Pine Barons Clock run, Pine Barons Enduro Riders; (609) 654-6300, pber.webs.com Apr. 13: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Greenbrier Enduro, Tri-County Sportsmen Motorcycle Club; 1 (888) 274-4469, teamhammer.org May 4: delaware City, del.: delaware State Enduro, Delaware Enduro Riders; (302) 8344411, delawareenduroriders.com May 25: Heckscherville, Pa.: Broad Mountain Enduro, Reading Off Road Riders; (610) 921-3592, rorr.org June 1: Grier City, Pa.: Shotgun Enduro, High Mountain Dirt Riders; (570) 954-7799, hmdr.org
2014 EVENTS June 8: Deposit, N.Y.: Ridge Run Enduro, Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club; (973) 919-4780, ridgeriders.org June 29: Blain, Pa.: Foggy Mountain Enduro, Susquehanna Off Road Riders; (717) 533-2242, sorrmc.com July 13: Gillett, Pa.: Barbed Wire Enduro, Southern Tier Enduro Riders; (607) 382-8534, ster-mc.org July 27: Cross Fork, Pa.: Rattlesnake National Enduro, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 368-7332, ber.us Aug. 10: Three Springs, Pa.: Green Marble Enduro, Green Marble Enduro Riders; (410) 6389367, greenmarbleenduroriders.org Aug. 17: Berkshire, N.Y.: Speedsville Enduro, Ithaca Dirt Riders; (607) 6578248, ithacadirtriders.com Aug. 24: Mauricetown, N.J.: Beehive Enduro, Competition Dirt Riders; (609) 319-7496, competitiondirtriders.org Sept. 7: Shippensburg, Pa.: Michaux Enduro, South Penn Enduro Riders; (717) 265-6055, southpennenduroriders.com Sept. 21: Brandonville, Pa.: Moonshine Enduro, Valley Forge Trail Riders; (484) 948-5361, vftr.org Nov. 9: Warren Grove, N.J.: Stump Jumper Enduro, Motorcycle Compeition Inc.; (609) 575-7820, ride-mci.com Nov. 23: New Lisbon, N.J.: Pine Hill Enduro, Central Jersey Competition Riders; (732) 558-6475, cjcrmc.org
2014 EAST CoAST ENDuRo RiDERS HARE SCRAMBLES SERiES EcEa.org Mar. 1-2: Tri-County Hare Scrambles, Tri-County Sportsmen MC; (888) 274-4469
(609) 319-7496 Nov. 15-16: Delaware Hare Scrambles, Delaware Enduro Riders; (302) 834-4411
2014 EAST CoAST ENDuRo RiDERS DuAL SPoRT SERiES EcEa.org
Sept. 13-14: MMC Hare Scrambles, Meteor Motorcycle Club; (856) 889-7300 Sept. 27-28: Ridge Hare Scrambles, Ridge Riders MC; (973) 919-4780
June 14-15: Wortham, Texas: Freestone MX (Youth)
June 7-8: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City MX (Youth, Amateur)
oct. 25-26: Chatsworth, N.J.: Meteor Dual Sport, Meteor Motorcycle Club; (856) 889-7300, meteormc.com Nov. 1-2: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: TCSMC National Dual Sport, Tri-County Sportsmen MC; 1 (888) 274-4469, teamhammer.org
2014 WoMEN’S MoToCRoSS mxSporTS.com Mar. 9-10: Daytona Beach, Fla.: RCSX Daytona; (304) 284-0101 Mar. 22: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Spring Championship; (713) 962-3386 Apr. 13: San Bernardino, Calif.: California Classic; (559) 761-0887 June 29: Mammoth Lakes, Calif.: Mammoth Mountain; (559) 761-0887 Aug. 31: Millington, Mich.: Baja Brawl; (989) 871-3356 oct. 5: Englishtown, N.J.: KROC Raceway Park; (732) 446-7800 oct. 19: Blountville, Tenn.: Top Gun Showdown; (423) 323-5497 Nov. 29: Gainesville, Fla.: Winter Olympics; (312) 689-3461
AMA AMATEuR CHAMPioNSHiPS
NorThEaST rEgioNal champioNShip
Aug. 2-3: Shotgun Hare Scrambles, High Mountain Dirt Riders; (570) 954-7799
Aug. 10: Bastogne, Belgium
oct 12: Pine Grove, Pa.: Rorr Dual Sport, Reading Off Road Riders; (610) 921-3592, rorr.org
May 17-18: MCi Hare Scrambles, Motorcycle Competition Inc., (609) 575-7820
Jul. 19-20: Anthracite Hare Scrambles, Valley Forge Trail Riders; (610) 476-3747
SouTh cENTral rEgioNal champioNShip
June 14-15: Houston, Texas: Three Palms (Amateur)
RoCkY MouNTAiN ATv/MC AMA AMATEuR NATioNAL MoToCRoSS CHAMPioNSHiP mxSporTS.com
June 21-22: Reading Hare Scrambles, Reading Off Road Riders; (610) 921-3592
WoRLD CHAMPioNSHiP Fim-liVE.com
Feb. 23: Warren Grove, N.J.: Restore Our Shore Dual Sport, Motorcycle Competition Inc.; (609) 575-7820, ride-mci.org
Mar. 29-30: oXBo Hare Scrambles, South Penn Enduro Riders, (717) 938-0690
June 14-15: GMEW @ Rocket Hare Scrambles, Green Marble Enduro Riders; (410) 683-9367
June 21-22: Walnut, ill.: Sunset Ridge MX (Youth)
June 21-22: Armagh, Pa: Pleasure Valley Raceway (Youth) June 28-29: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point (Amateur)
SouThEaST rEgioNal champioNShip June 7-8: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway (Youth) June 14-15: Chatsworth, Ga.: Lazy River (Youth)
mid-EaST rEgioNal champioNShip May 31-June 1: Crawfordsville, ind.: Ironman (Amateur) June 7-8: Buchanan, Mich.: Redbud (Youth)
oct. 4-5: Sahara Sands Hare Scrambles, Pine Barons Enduro Riders; (609) 654-6300
NorTh cENTral rEgioNal champioNShip
oct. 25-26: ormond Farms Hare Scrambles, Competition Dirt Riders;
June 14-15: Mt. Carroll, ill.: MC Motopark (Amateur)
NorThwEST rEgioNal champioNShip
SouThwEST rEgioNal champioNShipS May 31-June 1: Hesperia, Calif.: Competitive Edge (Youth, Amateur)
NaTioNal champioNShip July 27-Aug. 2: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: National Championship, Loretta Lynn’s Ranch
AMA DiRT TRACk GRAND CHAMPioNSHiP STEVENacEraciNg.com
FiM iNTERNATioNAL SiX DAYS oF ENDuRo Fim-liVE.com May 31-June1: idaho City, id., West Qualifier: Peter Reynolds, Boise Ridge Riders; (208) 384-5141, BoiseRidgeIdaho.org June 14-15: Wellston, ohio, East Qualifier: William Depue Jr., Appalachian Dirt Riders; (740) 384-6379, ADROhio.org Nov. 3-8: 2014 iSDE: San Juan, Argentina
FiM TRiAL DES NATioNS Fim-liVE.com Sept. 13-14: St. Julia., Andorra
AMA DuAL-SPoRT/ADvENTuRE SERiES
June 23-26: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds
AMA HiLLCLiMB GRAND CHAMPioNSHiP VallEySpriNg hillclimb.com Aug. 15-17: Bay City, Wis.: Mike Bronk, Valley Springs Motorcycle Club; (715) 594-3726
AMA HuSqvARNA NATioNAL DuAL-SPoRT SERiES amEricaNmoTorcycliST.com
AMA iCE RACE GRAND CHAMPioNSHiP NaacTioNSporTS.com
Mar 15-16: Bartow, Fla.: CrossFlorida Adventure Ride, Dixie Dual Sport, Inc, Robert Frey; 727-919-8299; www.dixiedualsport.com
Feb. 8-9: Cadillac, Mich.: Mitchell State Park
AMSoiL AMA AMATEuR NATioNAL ARENACRoSS arENacroSS.com May 3-4: Las vegas: South Point Arena
kENDA AMA TENNESSEE kNoCkouT GRAND CHAMPioNSHiP
TENNESSEEkNockouTENduro.com
Aug. 17: Sequatchie, Tennessee
iNTERNATioNAL CoMPETiTioN: u.S. RouNDS/WoRLD CHAMPioNSHiPS FiM RoAD RACiNG WoRLD CHAMPioNSHiP GRAND PRiX Fim-liVE.com April 13: Austin, Texas: Circuit of The Americas Aug. 10: indianapolis: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
FiM RoAD RACiNG SuPERBikE WoRLD CHAMPioNSHiP Fim-liVE.com July 13: Monterey, Calif: Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca
FiM MoToCRoSS oF NATioNS Fim-liVE.com Sept. 28: kegums, Latvia
FiM JuNioR MoToCRoSS
Mar 29-30: Tuscon, Ariz.: 2 Sun Adventure, Tuscon Dual Sport, LLC, Chris Dodds; 520-979-8398; www.tuscondualsport.com Apr 26-27: Brooksville, Fla.: Devil’s Creek DS/ADV Ride, Dixie Dual Sport, Inc, Robert Frey; 727-919-8299; www.dixiedualsport.com May 17-18: McArthur, ohio: Hanging Rock 200 , Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www.kaeppnerswoods.com Jun 7-8: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Great Adventure, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343; www.durtydabbers.com Jun 7-8: Bixby, Mo.: Show Me 200, Midwest Trail Riders Assoc., Robert Kaufman; (314) 434-5095; www.ridemtra.com Jun 14-15: odell, ore.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com Jun 7-8: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride For Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; www.widualsportriders.org Jun 28-29: Fort Rock, ore.: Fort Rock National Dual Sport, Lobos MC, Billy Toman; (503) 656-5801; www.lobosmc.com/
March 2014
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2014 EVENTS Aug 2-3: Walden, Colo.: Moose Run Dual Sport Rally, Front Range Riders, Deborah Nielsen; none; www.frontrangeriders.com
Nov 8-9: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrailriders.org
Aug 10-11: Columbus, Ind.: Buffaloe 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772; www.stoneylonesomemc.com Aug 16-17: Tillamook, Ore.: Rat Dog Dual Sport, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com
Creek DS/ADV Ride, Dixie Dual Sport, Inc, Robert Frey; 727-919-8299; www.dixiedualsport.com
200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www.kaeppnerswoods.com
Nov 1-2: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 (856) 7852754; www.teamhammer.org
May 3-4: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Adventure Tour, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 649-3633; www.familyoffroadadventures.com
Nov 8-9: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrailriders.org
Nov 28-29: Palmdale, Calif.: LABarstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.district37ama.org
May 17-18: McArthur, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200 , Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www.kaeppnerswoods.com
Nov 1-2: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 (856) 7852754; www.teamhammer.org
May 17-18: Tolland, Mass.: Berkshire Big Adventure, Berkshire, Ross Mauri; 845-729-1715; www.mudslinger.org
Nov 15-16: Hammonton, N.J.: Pine Barrens 500, Cross Country Cycles, Jack O’Connor; 732-714-8874; pinebarrens500.org
Sep 6-7: Golden Pond, Ky.: Land Between the Lakes 200, KT Riders, Jesse Thomas; (270) 522-3703; www.lbl200.com
Jun 7-8: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Great Adventure, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343; www.durtydabbers.com
Sep 27-28: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Dual Sport , Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 649-3633; www.familyoffroadadventures.com Sep 27-28: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; www. widualsportriders.org Oct 11-12: McArthur, Ohio: Baby Burr National Dual Sport, Enduro Riders Association, Steve Barber; (614) 5827821; www.enduroriders.com Oct 26-27: Chatsworth, N.J.: Meteor Ride in the Pines, Meteor MC, Jeff Fitzpatrick; (609) 654-5015; www.meteormc.com
AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ NATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Jun 8: Atlanta, N.Y.: Thrills in the Hills, Wayne County MC Club, John Albanese; 315-946-3082; www. waynecountymc.com
Mar 15-16: Bartow, Fla.: CrossFlorida Adventure Ride, Dixie Dual Sport, Inc, Robert Frey; 727-919-8299; www.dixiedualsport.com
Jun 14-15: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com
Mar 29-30: Tucson, Ariz.: 2 Sun Adventure, Tucson Dual Sport, LLC, Chris Dodds; 520-979-8398; www.tuscondualsport.com
Aug 10-11: Columbus, Ind.: Buffaloe 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772; www.stoneylonesomemc.com
Apr 26-27: Brooksville, Fla.: Devil’s
Sep 20-21: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker
Nov 28-29: Palmdale, Calif.: LABarstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.district37ama.org
AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM March of Dimes Bikers For Babies Rides: Nationwide: www.bikersforbabies.org Rides For Kids Events: Nationwide: www.rideforkids.org
No matter what or how you ride, the AMA has a special card for you. Want one? Just let us know by renewing early, or telling us when you renew via our online signup form at AmericanMotorcyclist.com, or calling (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646).
ES ED FORC U.S. ARM
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New! from Road Dog Publications In this collection of stories, Kirk Swanick tells the story of growing up a gear head behind both the wheels of muscle cars and the handlebars of motorcycles. In the title story, “A Tale of Two Dusters,” join Kirk and his colorful sidekicks as they navigate the ups and downs of wrenching and wrecking hot rods, going to school, and growing up on the back of a scrambler. Those who grew up in the 1970s culture of muscle cars and motorcycles will relate to the episodes of moto-craziness and find it hard not to grin at the mostly harmless hooliganism of the era. The second half of this book is full of colorful stories inspired by riding and wrenching those fun-filled hot rods of the two-wheeled variety. In these stories, Kirk not only relates his experience with the mechanical challenges of motorcycles, but also describes the great rewards granted to those who are lucky enough to ride them. Distributed to the trade by:
P U B L I C A T I O N S
www.roaddogpub.com
1-800-462-6420
278 pages, ISBN 978-1-890623-40-1 (paperback), 978-1-890623-41-8 (eBook) Kindle version from amazon.com • Nook version available from bn.com
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AMA Trademarks The following represent active, registered trademarks, trademarks and service marks of the AMA. Usage of any AMA trademark or registered trademark without our permission is prohibited. Please contact smaher@ama-cycle.org for more information or assistance. (800) AMA-JOIN® • AMA Dragbike™ • AMA Endurocross® • AMA Pro Grand National Championship™ • AMA Pro Racing® • AMA Race Center™ • AMA Racer® • AMA Racing® • AMA Supermoto® • AMA Supercross® • AMA SX Lites™ • AMA U.S. Drag Racing Championship® • AMA U.S. Flat Track Championship® • AMA U.S. Hillclimb Championship® • AMA U.S. Motocross Championship® • AMA U.S. Supercross Championship® • AMA U.S. Supersport Championship® • ATV Hare Scrambles National Championship Series™ • ATV Motocross National Championship Series™ • Amateur National Motocross Championships™ • American Motorcyclist Association® • Arenacross® • Dirt Track Grand Championships™ • Grand National Enduro Championship™ • Gypsy Tour® • Hare & Hound National Championship Series™ • Hare Scrambles Championship Series™ • Hare Scrambles National Championship Series™ • Kids Just Want To Ride® • Motorcycle Hall of Fame® • Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum® • Motorcyclist of the Year™ • National Adventure Riding Series™ • National Dual-Sport Series™ • National Enduro Championship Series™ • Protect Your Right to Ride® • Protecting Your Right to Ride® • Ride Straight® • Rights. Riding. Racing.® • Road Race Grand Championships™ • Vintage Grand Championships™ • Vintage Motorcycle Days® • Vote Like A Motorcyclist®
GUEST COLUMN FORTY RIDES IN FORTY YEARS In 1974, a rag-tag group of eight motorcycle riders got together in Utica, Mich., for a 900-mile round trip heading north to Marquette. Many of these guys were meeting for the first time. For some, this would be the only long-distance run they would ever make with this group. For others, it was the beginning of a tradition. In August 2013, two of those riders, myself and Randy Spangler, along with six others, met for the 40th annual ride. Spangler had been on 39 rides (missing 2001 with a stator failure) and others had ridden on more than 25. Marquette was the destination again and accommodations still consisted of camping out, but many changes had taken place over those 40 years. For this trip, there were no 350 Hondas with pup tents and sleeping bags strapped on. For the 40th, four of the full-dressed bikes pulled trailers. The additional storage space that once held a supply of adult beverages was now taken up by c-pap machines, electric tent heaters, air mattresses and pumps to inflate them. On some of the early trips, Marion Sheppard, then in his mid-40s, was “the old guy.” Now, a whole group of old guys—some nearing the age of 70—were making the latest run. The first trip took place after Spangler talked to a couple of his the engine in my R90/6 BMW. I limped friends about taking a ride to see an about five miles to the campground. The old college buddy, Larry Gould, and his end of the needle-bearing cage for one of ette, Doug hu Sc n ya Br : L-R el, 82, wife, Pauline, in the Upper Peninsula. the rocker arms had broken and bearings herd, Joe Rang The group in 19 ep Sh n rio Ma , Moore McKinney, Larry Jerry Mattson. d Word spread and guys showed up at were found loose inside the rocker cover. an r gle an Sp Randy Rick Schuette, the appointed time and place. After some thought on the subject, a thin At least one terrified rider approached metal washer was fashioned from a beer can. The bearings were put the Mackinaw Bridge that day. Earlier, with straight faces, some of back in the cage and the washer installed to keep them in place. The his “friends” told him to make sure he watched out for the expansion temporary fix got me home. joints on the bridge, as they thought his front tire might be too narrow Potential mechanical malfunctions were not the only thing to make and drop through. They knew better, he didn’t. some riders nervous. Climbing New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington in The first nine runs were all made to Marquette. Maybe it was the 1997 and again in 2012 proved to be less than enjoyable for a few of temperature of the first year, which was exceptionally hot, but it the guys. One trip up the road that started as two-lane blacktop and became a yearly event that everyone had to take a “bath” in the creek ended as a narrow dirt and gravel combination at the top was enough that ran behind the Gould home. Guys soaped up near the bank, then for some. The second visit had several guys waiting at the bottom rinsed off by jumping into the ice-cold water. The second part could while three others took a trip up the mountain. take a person’s breath away. It wasn’t fun, but one way or another, The only major accident to occur in the 40 years happened on everyone was destined to take a dip. the second run. A non-bike owner had gotten to Marquette by riding In 1982, the trip to Marquette was longer, as the group took the double with a friend. The former passenger borrowed a bike and lost S. S. Badger across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin and did some control during a ride into town. The single-vehicle accident resulted in touring along the way. This included a trip to Copper Harbor, north of him staying an extra week in Marquette, in the hospital. The bike was Houghton. patched up and ridden back downstate by the unhappy owner. These four-day weekend ventures were growing longer. The In 2009, on the ride to Pennsylvania to see the Hershey factory, longest one lasted 14 days. Lancaster and Gettysburg, a side trip was made to Washington, D.C. Over the years, the group rode to several states including New This resulted in one of the highlights of all the trips taken. A brother of Jersey, Maine (via Quebec), Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Colorado, one of the riders provided a private, guided tour of the Pentagon. This Georgia, Wyoming and South Dakota for two trips to Sturgis. left a positive impression on all the bikers. A total of 24 guys have been on the runs. For eight riders, once The run to Traverse City, Michigan, in 1987 was the shortest at 400 was enough. The lowest number of riders was six and the highest miles, while the 5,200-mile trip to Montana’s Glacier National Park in 12. The core eight “regular” riders are almost all retired now. 2007 was the longest. They worked, or are still working, as policemen, engineers, Now in his 80s, Marion is still riding his Gold Wing in Arizona where manufacturing managers, a construction equipment operator, a he spends the winters. The rest of us seem to be riding a little less banker and an auto repair technician. Several are military veterans. each year, but like they say, “It’s been a good run.” As a biker, having some mechanical ability is always a plus. Woe In 2014, the trip will be to Georgia and points in the southeast to the rider who has a bike problem on the road. You then became United States. The annual rides will continue for a while. the focal point of ribbing for the rest of the trip, and maybe longer. My turn came in 1997 in central Ohio when an awful racket came from Jerry Mattson is an AMA member from Whitehall, Mich.
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AmericanMotorcyclist.com
David Matuzeski, RIVERSEDGE Photography
Coming Back For More By Jerry Mattson
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James Claeys, Seattle, member of the Bad Chickens Motorcycle Club, on a 2014 Indian ® Chief ® Vintage through Lebec, CA
STAYCATIONS ARE DANGEROUS. People say riding a motorcycle is dangerous. But for those who can’t imagine life without two wheels, NOT RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IS DANGEROUS. That’s why Allstate offers protection with one purpose: to keep riders riding.
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Subject to terms, conditions, availability and qualifications. New Motorcycle Replacement is an optional coverage. Claims will be settled based on customer choice to obtain original equipment manufacturer parts for their bike make and model. Actual savings will vary and may depend on coverages selected. Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL and Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Bridgewater, NJ. © 2014 Allstate Insurance Company