American Motorcyclist March 2016 Dirt (preview version)
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NAVIGATION
American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2016. 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. 8.
March 2016
Volume 70, Number 3
Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com
STREET COVER Are restrictive laws from other countries going to dictate U.S. riders’ rights?
DIRT/COMPETITION COVER
To switch the version you receive, call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services. Want to read both versions? Call the above number to get both delivered to your home for just $10 more a year. Members can read both versions online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine for free.
PAGE 22. U.S. 14 end to end with Douglas Weir.
AMA Hall of Famer Bill Werner offers tuning tips for competition.
The AMA Championship Banquet honored the top competitors of the 2015 season during a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, Ohio.
PAGE 22. Tuning for competition with two of racing’s best.
Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations and Business Member Programs
DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES
John Bricker, Mailroom Manager
Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator
Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations
Nick Haris, Western States Representative
Rick Podliska, Deputy Director
Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway
Michael Sayre, Grassroots Coordinator
Elizabeth Starek, Staff Assistant
Casey Wright, Government Affairs Manager, On-Highway
STATE CHAPTERS
Marie Wuelleh, State Chapter Manager
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director
Dave Coleman, Network Architect
MARKETING
Amanda Donchess, Membership Marketing Manager
Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Manager
Hannah Saunders, Marketing Coordinator
MEMBER SERVICES
Christina Dolin, Member Services Representative
Tiffany Pound, Member Services Manager
Cristy Wiles, Member Services Representative
Agree? Disagree? Let us know! Send your letters to submissions@ama-cycle.org; or mail to 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.
RIDING ALONE
I wanted to thank the AMA Roadside Assistance folks for the professional and prompt service that was provided to my wife on Jan. 22, 2016. She was driving home during the evening rush hour and her car became disabled. Being stranded on the interstate during rush-hour traffic is very scary and the service team did an excellent job securing her vehicle and rescuing her from a precarious situation.
As a side note, I’m a transportation engineer at the Ohio Department of Transportation, and I can attest to the dangers of standing on the shoulder of a busy freeway. We routinely park our work vehicle on the shoulder when performing inspections of buried drainage infrastructure. Despite the bright flashing lights and the recent adoption of the “Move Over Ohio” law, many drivers do not move to an adjacent lane when feasible.
I encourage travelers to recognize, apply, and promote this simple act for disabled vehicles in addition to roadside workers, which was the intended group for the law.
Jeffrey E. Syar Columbus, Ohio
I have been riding for over 50 years and have been an AMA member since 1981. I started riding my first motorcycle in 1965 on a Ducati 90 and thought I had the world by the tail. Over the years, my bride and I have had 13 bikes, including an infamous
tremendous scenery and experiences.
also own seven chain saws. I have noticed a huge difference in gasoline over the years as the manufacturing process has changed. Years ago the color of gasoline
barley pops. Now gasoline looks just like
The common thread in these stories is that gasoline has changed dramatically over the years and now has a shelf life
lot of carburetor trouble in motorcycles,
are getting better at labeling pumps, but sometimes even premium fuel contains ethanol.
Recently, due to concerns about using ethanol in ATVs, boat motors and recreational vehicles, more gas stations are carrying premium fuel with no ethanol. Since I started using exclusively premium gasoline and ATF every time I fill a motorcycle, tractor or small engine, I have not had a carburetion problem.
So, in the great ethanol debate, maybe we should be lobbying Congress to go ahead and allow E15, but also encourage gas stations to provide some pumps with no ethanol, providing customer choice. All gas stations may not be equipped to handle a separate tank just for ethanol-free fuel, but in every town there will probably be a least one, and motorcyclists will find it. I will gladly pay more for pure gasoline to avoid engine problems, especially at current fuel prices.
Ed Hass
AMA Charter Life Member Ellsworth, Wis.
will do likewise to clean carburetors.
has ethanol and the normal response is
Thanks, Ed, for your note. The problem with forcing more E15 into the marketplace is that distributors are virtually eliminating E0 availability. Per the Environmental Protection Agency’s November ruling, the amount of E0 nationally will go from 9.2 billion gallons in 2015 to just 130 million in 2016. We also advise against adding automatic transmission fluid to your fuel. Today’s fuels are formulated with detergents, while ATF was not designed for combustion and will significantly increase harmful exhaust emissions.
In your February issue, Scott Marek presents good reasons why riding solo is more doable these days (more dependable bikes and cell phones).
I have been riding solo since I first sat on a motorcycle. Four years ago, I was 64 years old. Since then I have upgraded from a 1200 Sportster to a Softtail Heritage. By now I count 75,000 miles under my belt. To enjoy solo rides, apart from technicalities, I think is in your personality.
I like to be alone in the seat and on the road. I like it for weeks! I like the unexpected and the newness every day. I like to adapt to weather, accommodations, irregularities and surprises. I like to feel capable and in balance, not only on the wheels, but inside me as well. I like the Zen of solo traveling.
I also like the family-like greetings from bikers everywhere on the road, the gas station, the cafes and the motels.
I want to send my gratitude to all of you who ride for the sake of riding. I really can’t see any other reason to do it.
Mette Helena Elfving Reno, Nev.
AGAINST THE ODDS
In 2003, when my son Braden (Brady) Lee Parker was 4 years old, he informed me that his dad, Robert Douglas (Doug) Parker, was our Walmart parking lot angel and that was the reason we always got such a great parking spot at Walmart. His dad was killed in a motorcycle accident a year prior to that.
At age 10, Brady asked me to buy him a dirtbike. My quick and immediate response was “No, absolutely not.” But after a year of him begging, I reluctantly gave in, only after he promised me that his dad and father in heaven would protect him.
We bought a used inexpensive Roketa bike and he began riding. Since then, it has been an amazing journey. That first bike led to a newer bike, and he then began racing.
I look back and laugh. When we hit the race track, it was a boy and his bike and his little brother, and a mom and her picnic basket. No tools, no spare tires, just a bike, a brother, and a basket.
His first full year racing in 2012 in the Missouri State Championship Series, he placed sixth overall in his 85cc Senior class. The bike that got him there was a 2004 KX85 we bought from Brad Hall of Chesterfield, Ill., and it was as sweet a bike as the guy we got it from.
In 2013, he won his first state championship in the Missouri State Motocross Championship Series on a 125cc Yamaha that his racing friend
In 2014, sitting in first place, seventh race of the year, we woke up at our motel to find everything had been stolen overnight. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to finish the championship that year.
This past year, 2015, Brady took a sixth place trophy in the Missouri State series on a 125cc Honda.
His plans for 2016 are to take his 2004 YZ250 two-stroke and race with all he’s got, and beyond that he wants to be racing with the pros someday.
We just want to say thank you to the AMA and all the motocross people we have met along the way. You have made a difference for this single mom and her young motocross racing son’s life.
I also want to encourage those thinking about pursuing motocross, that if we can do it, anyone can! See you in the winner’s circle!
Bernard Fulton, Mo.
A roundup of recent comments on Facebook (www. facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist, www.facebook. com/amasupercrosschampionship). Instagram and Twitter (@AMA_Riding, @AMA_Racing).
book giveaway…
be riding, nothing is better than researching and reading about them. Love to read about various brands’ histories.
named 2015 AMA Athlete of the Year in
In response to the Ask the MSF feature from the February issue about whether road riders should be in neutral or first gear when stopped…
Pete Rainwater: I agree with this well-written and well-thought-out response. BTW, I am a former MSF instructor who has provided the same basic instruction to students.
@Sweeneyphoto: Well deserved. Congrats @r_sipes
On Branden Walther receiving the 2015 AMA Sportsman of the Year award…
@Hazbeenz: Thanks @ama_racing for recognizing such quality individuals such as Branden and his family!
Joe Racine: I almost always keep it in first. Even if you position yourself an escape position, it will take valuable seconds to get the bike in gear and that may take too long. Inexperienced or experienced shouldn’t make a difference in this situation.
Nick Knudt: You can’t get the holeshot if you’re in neutral.
Sandi
REPRESENTING YOUR INTERESTS
AMA Board Improves Procedures
Over the last several years, the AMA Board of Directors has made numerous improvements to the way it does business. These improvements include the implementation of term limits, improvements to board election procedures and a change in the make-up of the board to provide more individual member seats than business member seats.
By
The effect of those changes has been more apparent in the last couple of years as the first group of term-limited board members reaches the limits of their terms. The most recent member to leave the board due to term limits is Northwest Region individual member representative Perry King.
A well-known actor of stage, screen and television for more than 40 years, Perry is an avid motorcyclist and has served the board tirelessly since 2008. He was originally appointed to fill a vacancy on the board and has been instrumental in bringing about positive change within the AMA. In addition to his AMA Board service, Perry has served with distinction as emcee for the annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony since 2009 and has done so free of charge. We hope that Perry will be willing to continue in this role for years to come.
The voting to replace Perry recently concluded with the election of Ted Cabral, who will join the board at its next scheduled meeting in April. Ted, a 38-year member from Penngrove, Calif., began attending AMA-sanctioned flat track races with his father in the early 1970s. He was the general manager of Cycle West Honda/Suzuki in Petaluma, Calif., for more than 20 years. In the
1980s, he held a professional AMA motocross license and later worked as a technician on professional motocross and road racing teams. More recently, in 2013, Ted was appointed to the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission and currently serves as chairman. He also is a member of the California State Parks Transformation Advisory Committee.
One of the unforeseen byproducts of term limits is what to do if qualified candidates do not come forward to contest a vacancy on the AMA Board. This situation occurred in both the Southwest and South Central regions in the previous two election cycles. One of the seats was filled by a special election that yielded only one candidate and the other was filled by appointment by the board.
In addition to Perry King, North Central region individual member Jim Viverito was also set to “term out” in February of this year. While there were two candidates who came forward to run for the Northwest board seat, there were no candidates from the North Central region.
In its last two meetings, the AMA Board of Directors decided to address this lack of interest and has amended the AMA Code of Regulations with respect to term limits. The code previously allowed for individual directors to serve only two consecutive three-year terms. The new language allows a director who has already served two consecutive terms to run for a third term if approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the entire board.
Under the provisions of the new regulation, Jim sought and received the
AMA Board’s approval to run for a third term. The board has authorized a special election for the North Central region’s individual member director position. Candidates interested in running for the board seat should contact the AMA at elections@ama-cycle.org or (614) 856-1900 to request an application. Applications will be accepted through March 31.
Additionally, the AMA Board has abolished the requirement that a candidate for the board obtain the signatures of at least 50 current AMA members from the candidate’s region. The board felt that the signature requirement was a barrier to those otherwise interested in running for office and that the current candidate evaluation process conducted by the board’s Nominating Committee negated the need for the signature process.
The ability for a candidate to overcome not being selected by the Nominating Committee to run for the board, however, remains intact. Candidates for the board not selected by the Nominating Committee may still be placed on the ballot if they obtain at least 250 signatures of current AMA members.
There is no compensation for serving on the AMA Board of Directors, but it can certainly be very rewarding if you are willing to dedicate your time to the organization and our mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. Yes, at times it can also be a thankless task, but a strong AMA Board made up of representatives of the membership is essential for good governance.
Rob Dingman is AMA president and CEO.
Rob Dingman
Perry King
Jim Viverito
Ted Cabral
TWO BUDGET WINS
approved Dec. 18, Congress included two provisions likely to benefit motorcyclists during the coming year.
The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 – PATH Act – extends a tax break for motorsport entertainment complexes that allows owners to depreciate the cost of renovations or construction over seven years instead of the 39 years for most other owners of nonresidential property.
The extension applies to construction or renovations that are placed in service during 2015 and 2016.
“This provision benefits track owners, race promoters, workers and the communities that are home to motorsports facilities,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “The shorter time frame for recovering their investment serves as incentive for track owners to move forward with expansion plans and upgrades.”
Also included in the PATH Act is an extension through 2016 of the federal tax credit for buying an electric motorcycle. The credit is 10 percent of the purchase price to a maximum of $2,500. However, the new law excludes three-wheeled electric motorcycles from the tax credit.
President Obama signed the bill Dec. 18.
track owners, race promoters, workers and the communities that are home to
The shorter time frame for recovering their investment serves as incentive for track owners to move forward with expansion plans and upgrades.”
AMA vice president of government relations
Council passed an ordinance in October restricting off-highwayvehicle use on private property within the city limits. But riders say the law is a compromise that prevented much more stringent restrictions from being enacted.
AMA member and Macedonia resident Mike Hawkins was one of the OHV riders who met with city officials after introduction of an ordinance so restrictive that some residents thought OHV use would be illegal in the city. City officials say the new law will not prevent people from using their OHVs, but it will prevent abuse.
The original proposal called for a 500-foot setback from nearby homes and a 250-foot setback from homes on the same property. Riders would have been required to stay at least 100 feet away from sidewalks and streets. And no riding would have been permitted on lots of less than an acre.
Hawkins says he owns four acres, but probably would not have been able to ride on his property under the proposed regulations.
Under the adopted ordinance, riders can come within 10 feet of sidewalks, streets and property lines. Vehicles can be ridden for two hours a day between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. or dusk, whichever is earlier.
The city also requires landowners to buy a $5 permit for using their land to ride on. If riders violate the city’s rules, the permit can be revoked for a year. Reinstatement carries an additional $25 fee. The penalty for not buying a permit is $10. Violations of the ordinance also can be cited as misdemeanors. The ordinance also outlaws the use of competition vehicles and allows only “unaltered stock mufflers.”
“We tried to come up with a solution that would still let parents teach their kids to ride in their backyard, but, at the same time, have some respect for their neighbors,” Hawkins says.
released by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council.
The AMA is one of 11 organizations that funded the project.
Written by U.S. Forest Service veteran Dick Dufourd, the guide includes information about the design, planning, construction, maintenance and management of OHV trail systems that are sustainable and fun to ride.
The initial printing of 200 copies was a limited edition that included the NOHVCC 25th Anniversary logo on the cover. The next printing will be available for about $30, to cover the cost of production.
More information is available at www. greatohvtrails.com.
Existing Uses
its plan for 48,000 acres it bought in miles southeast of Seattle) and assured recreational access will be permitted that is “consistent with historic, legal use.”
All of the land, known as the Central Cascade Forest, will be open to nonmotorized uses, such as hunting and bird-watching. But there are 29.5 miles of single-track motorcycle trails on the land, as well.
The Nature Conservancy property is interspersed with U.S. Forest Service lands, so those using the trails are likely to pass through the Nature Conservancy holdings without noticing.
However, under the land’s previous owners – Plum Creek Timber –unapproved ATV riding occurred, according to a report in the Yakima Herald. ATVs will not be allowed on The Nature Conservancy lands.
Subcommittee on Federal Lands conducted a hearing in December on the Clear Creek National Recreation Area and Conservation Act (H.R. 1838) and the California Minerals, OffRoad Recreation, and Conservation Act (H.R. 3668), both of which are of great significance to off-road enthusiasts from California and nearby states.
H.R. 1838, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.), would allow offroad vehicles to return to the 75,000-acre Clear Creek Management Area southeast of Hollister, Calif., and establish the 21,000-acre Joaquin Rocks Wilderness area, a compromise proposal that has bipartisan support among California’s congressional delegation.
Clear Creek, which offers about 240 miles of trails, was closed to motorized vehicles by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in 2008 after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency raised concerns about naturally occurring asbestos. Asbestos is a known carcinogen. The EPA claims that the dust kicked up by dirt bikes and allterrain vehicles presents a health hazard for riders and others.
Serpentine Area of Critical Environmental Concern was opened to some motorized traffic on a very limited basis.
H.R. 3668 would designate 965,000 acres of the Mojave Trails area in the Mojave Desert as a special management area that would be closed to renewable energy development. The bill also would designate 1,200 miles of roads and trails for OHV use and include a “no net loss” provision for trails and roads to prevent closures.
The bill also would designate six National OffHighway Vehicle Recreation Areas at Spangler Hills, El Mirage, Stoddard Valley, Rasor, Dumont Dunes and Johnson Valley. El Mirage, Spangler Hills and Johnson Valley would be expanded.
H.R. 3668 also would transfer 4,600 acres to the city of Apple Valley for creation of an OHV park. The bill would prohibit the president from designating any national monuments on land that is part of an OHV area or special management area.
H.R. 3668, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.), is similar to the California Desert Conservation and Recreation Act (S.B. 434) sponsored by U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).
But studies by the International Environmental Research Foundation found that the lifetime risk from asbestos for those riding at Clear Creek five days a year was about the same as for someone who smokes less than one cigarette a day for that same year.
Under the Resource Management Plan adopted by the BLM in 2014, the
Feinstein has been battling unsuccessfully since 2009 to get Congress to pass her bill, and in late 2015 asked President Obama to sidestep Congress and designate the Mojave Trails National Monument, the Sand to Snow National Monument and the Castle Mountains National Monument through the American Antiquities Act of 1906.
insurance company Equity Red Star finds that motorcyclists are 23 percent less likely, on average, to make a claim on their car policy, indicating that riders are safer than other drivers behind the wheel of a car. Even after adjusting the figures to account for differences in the age of car drivers and motorcyclists, the company still reports riders are 21 percent better behind the wheel. The insurer examined 200 million policies between 2007 and 2012. ERS is a Lloyd’s underwriting business that has been a motor insurer for more than 60 years.
founder and CEO Steve Huffman
than-attentive motorcyclist. Huffman
Atlantic Monthly
Apple Watch. His response: “No, but I have a Pebble
destroying the “pumpkins”
resulting from wind and water erosion over perhaps millions of years. The destructive visitors are depriving others of the enjoyment of this unique feature.
Feinstein (D-Calif.)
relations, with Amy Showalter of The Showalter Group Inc.
advocacy outreach to strengthen its position
That effort included the creation of a fully integrated advocacy resource center that serves as an information storehouse for all issues related to motorcycling and government.
“At the core is the belief that AMA
members and motorcycling advocates should be informed of the processes of government relations,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “The changes affected real-world outcomes, such as preventing unfair dirt-bike bans in select counties.”
The Showalter Innovation Award recognizes innovations and results in the grassroots and political action committee profession. Among the past winners are companies like Pfizer, International Paper, Southwest Airlines, Kraft Foods, and New York Life. Past nonprofit winners include The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Citizens for a Sound Economy and the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network.
moratorium on the construction of motorsports facilities on residential properties of less than 4.5 acres and enacted temporary restrictions on existing tracks in rural residential and agricultural areas.
The restrictions include:
• A maximum of two vehicles on a track at one time
• Tracks must be situated on a 1-acre area at least 100 feet from all property lines
• Riding is limited to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Dennis Larratt, an AMA member and co-founder of the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition, says the regulations are “arbitrary and rigid,” but believes some compromises can be achieved.
County officials say they want to strike a balance between residents who use their land for recreation and others who come to rural areas for solitude.
Dec. 11 in Naples, Fla., at the annual
of Commissioners heard a consultant’s environmental assessment and storm
water mitigation plan for an off-highwayvehicle park on 272 acres near the Minnesota River.
The consultant, I+S Group, worked with Great Outdoors Consultants of Fort Collins, Colo., and the National Off-Highway Vehicle
Conservation Council on the report.
The cost of acquiring the property and developing OHV trails is estimated at $1.3 million.
Residents near the proposed park have told county officials that sound, dust and other issues cannot be mitigated, and they want the county to stop spending money on the project.
Recreational Trails Program for 15 to 25 miles of off-highway-vehicle trails along a section of Sand Mountain in Jackson, DeKalb and Marshall counties. The grant is part of $1.6 million the state awarded for 15 trails projects. The remainder of the grant from the Federal Highway Administration will go to the state’s parks, public trust lands and city parks.
CONNECTICUT
federal guidelines for recommended Wilderness areas and failed to provide adequate opportunity for public comment.
PENNSYLVANIA
S.B. 1058, introduced by 14 senators, would prohibit law enforcement agencies from engaging in motorcyclist profiling, would require training of officers concerning conduct that constitutes profiling and would provide that a victim of profiling could bring a private lawsuit against any police officer or police department that engages in motorcyclist profiling. In the action, the victim may be awarded injunctive relief, actual damages, punitive damages and reasonable attorney fees and costs.
WEST VIRGINIA
The cost of a basic rider course through the Connecticut Rider Education Program run by the state Department of Transportation is increasing from $200 to $220 in 2016. The intermediate rider course rose to $130 from $115, and the experienced rider course is now $100, up from $85. The cost of the sidecar, trike, three-wheeled course increased to $220 from $200. State law requires prospective riders to pass a training course conducted by CONREP or a private school to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s licenses.
MISSOURI
500 memorials.
And a good reason to ride.
First Responders charities
A bill filed by state Rep. Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark) would make the failure to wear a motorcycle helmet a secondary offense. Under current law, motorcyclists may be stopped by a law enforcement officer for failing to wear a helmet while riding. If Miller’s bill is enacted, a helmet citation could be issued only if the motorcyclist is pulled over for another violation first.
MONTANA
The BlueRibbon Coalition and other advocacy groups are suing the U.S. Forest Service over a plan that bars motorized access to some areas of the Kootenai National Forest. The plan designates 115,000 acres as recommended Wilderness and eliminates mechanized and motorized
H.B. 2150, sponsored by 11 delegates, would make it illegal for anyone to modify a motorcycle exhaust system in a way that makes it louder than 95 decibels as measured under SAE Standard J1169. At the same time, H.B. 2251, introduced by Delegate Ralph M. Rodighiero (D-Logan) includes loud exhaust notes, engine revving and vehicle stereo systems in its prohibitions on disturbing the peace.
WISCONSIN
Two bills that would create a state off-road motorcycle program are under consideration by the state Assembly.
A.B. 470, sponsored by state Rep. Jeffrey Mursau (R-Crivitz) and S.B. 395, introduced by state Sen. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon), would create the Off-Highway Motorcycle Council to make recommendations to the state Department of Natural Resources on matters related to trails, routes and other OHM issues. The motorcycle program would be operated in a manner similar to the state’s ATV program.
Ride On With Member Exclusive Savings
2015 AMA CHAMPIONSHIP BANQUET
and ATV racers and organizers during the AMA Championship Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 23, at the
of the Year.
President and CEO Rob Dingman congratulated and thanked them for their contributions to the sport of motorcycling.
“Your participation in AMA-sanctioned racing strengthens the association, empowers the motorcycling community and furthers our common interests,” Dingman said. “It makes it harder for those who want to end recreational riding and racing to threaten our lifestyle, and it ensures that next year, and for many years to come, we can continue to honor you and future champions in the manner that we will here tonight.”
The AMA Championship
Year Matt Stewart from USA Supermoto.
individual racers, the AMA also recognizes outstanding event organizers and supporters at the annual banquet.
AMA National Championship Series and AMA Grand Championships—as well as a rider from ATV competition. Also honored were the AMA Female, Vet/Senior and Youth Racers of the Year.
AMA racing staff nominate riders for these awards, and AMA members vote for the winners.
The AMA also announced the 2015 AMA Sportsman of the Year at the banquet. The AMA Sportsman of the Year Award honors an individual in the AMA racing community who exemplifies the spirit of fair competition and sportsmanship.
Other award winners included: Motocross Organizer of the Year
Freestone MX
Off-Road Organizer of the Year
Rhode Island Trials Club
Husqvarna rider Ryan Sipes, who in 2015 became the first American rider to claim top individual honors in the International Six Days Enduro, was named the 2015 AMA Athlete of the Year from among racers who compete in AMA National Championship Series.
media personalities Laurette Nicoll and Greg White, recognized racers who finished first, second and third in AMA national championship competition.
The AMA’s highest competitive honors, the AMA Athlete of the Year Awards, recognize riders from each of the two categories of national championship competition—
“It has been a whirlwind since it happened,” Sipes said after accepting the award. “Winning the ISDE has definitely been the coolest thing I’ve ever done—the only championship I’ve won. So what’s next? Obviously, I want to go back to Six Days and win again. I want the team to win.”
Track Racing Organizer of the Year
USA Pro Supermoto
ATV Organizer of the Year
Racer Productions
(Grand National Cross Country Series)
Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (Ride for Kids)
Recreational Off-Road Organizer of the Year
AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country ATV XC1 Champion and GNCC overall ATV champion Walker Fowler, from Rogers, Ohio, was the AMA ATV Athlete of the Year.
District 37 Dual Sport Club of the Year
Enduro Riders Association
AMA Media Award
“I just want to thank the AMA for the nomination and all the AMA members for voting for me,” said
Thunder Roads Ohio
team. “This is a heck of an honor. All these riders here this evening have some exceptional talent to be recognized here tonight. This caps off a great year for us.”
The AMA Sportsman of the Year Award was presented to Branden Walther.
start of a moto, Walther stopped to help
named the 2015 AMA Athlete of the Year from AMA Grand Championship competition by virtue of his performance at the 2015 Rocky Mountain ATV/
KTM rider and 2015 GNCC WXC
Female Racer of the Year Award.
The 85cc (9-11) and 85cc (9-11) Limited champion at the Rocky Mountain ATV/
announced as the 2015 AMA Youth Racer
Sponsors and supporters of the 2015
North America, SENA, Motion Pro, EVS,
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interviews AMA ATV Athlete of the Year Walker Fowler.
Sportsman of the Year Branden Walther.
For the Ohio Motorized Trails Association, grassroots activism “is all there is,” says longtime club president and AMA Life Member Bill Kaeppner.
“Activism is every on-road and off-road rider writing one letter a year to their representative,” he says. “Activism is at least one call a year.”
In Ohio, the off-road community has become somewhat disjointed, with many riders content to “belong” to online forums, Kaeppner says.
“OHV riders talking to each other as a virtual club is not activism,” he explains.
Kaeppner says the state’s OHV activity doesn’t measure up to competing interests, such as the Ohio Horseman’s Council.
“The OHC has more trails in Ohio than all the surrounding states combined,” he says. “They pay no fees to ride Ohio public property. They have an associate member club in every county in Ohio. OHC members write letters to their representatives.”
So, the OMTA is making a concerted effort to recruit OHV riders to local clubs and to encourage the clubs across the state to band together with OMTA to exert stronger political leverage when issues arise on the local or state level.
into how OMTA is going about it.
most success with?
over the years. One of the first was
legislation. OMTA stopped legislation that would have made it mandatory to have a driver’s license to operate an off-road motorcycle or ATV. That would have effectively raised the minimum age to engage in motorized recreation to 16.
We removed the minimum age for a rider with a parent or guardian.
OMTA stopped regulations to allow “confiscation” for first-time trespass.
We were instrumental in legislation to remove liability from land owners who allow motorized recreation for free or for a fee, including 4x4s.
We were instrumental in adding motorized recreation to a bill to remove liability for contractors designing and installing public and private recreation.
With our [legislative] champions, we established a meaningful state recreational vehicle [SRV] fund and citizen board. We are actively working with Ohio Department of Natural Resources officials on a daily basis. We were able to stop what we considered dubious uses of SRV money.
We worked with the Toledo Trail Riders to gain added trail. We are working with the Perry Trail Riders to preserve the allpurpose-vehicle area in the Perry State Forest.
We also have a guide for landowners. We have stopped a number of draconian township regulations.
We have the tools and resources, from education to litigation, for clubs in Ohio. We are currently working to legislate a better SRV board.
may have no effect on another.
benefits. The first is the camaraderie of folks with like passions—friendships that last a lifetime. I still ride with people I met over 45 years ago at a club meeting. Clubs let you know you are not alone.
Clubs also multiply the members’ impact. If the club donates to charity, it elevates everyone.
Every club will end up with a natural leader. When that person contacts others “in the club’s name,” they carry more weight. When they contact their individual representatives, they gain weight by being in a club.
Having a network of clubs makes getting the word out more efficient.
joining together create political capital— and that is capital they can use across
expos invigorates clubs and may increase in the works now.
who want to become more involved?
Second, open your mouth! Really. A
county to nation. If your sport is really
Just write one letter identifying yourself,
relationships with your representatives; having member club leaders call on and establish their own bridges; finding out which legislators have common interests; finding out who is willing to be your champion.
You need to have more than one tool in
Third, join a face-to-face club. If you are reading this, you are already an AMA member. Get your friends to join if they are not. Join your state organization. If you have an extra $20, join other [motorized] organizations. It does help.
You can be a superstar with one hour a week average, no matter your party affiliation.
Join your local party and run for a local precinct office. It’s free, and it gives you clout when you call your elected officials.
A
on, changing it based on altitude and temperature. Chassis maintenance also was important.
Mechanics such as Antti Kallonen and tuners such as Bill Werner walk us through
they build for their racers. Kallonen also discusses how off-road racing teams have evolved over time.
Building a Cross-Country Racer
Antti Kallonen is the Factory FMF/KTM Team Manager, but he got his start in the United States as KTM factory racer Juha Salminen’s mechanic in 2005.
Kallonen says that for, Grand National Cross Country competition, Salminen chose a two-stroke, which was a popular choice back then. Salminen also liked to keep the same settings for every race because he didn’t want to be distracted by wanting to try a new setup mid-season.
“We mainly focused on chassis and handling, and to keep the bike from fishtailing,” Kallonen says. “We tuned the engine a little bit, but nothing major.”
Kallonen says getting the broadest usable power range out of the two-strokes was essential. Measuring powervalve springs and swapping them out when they became fatigued ensured that the bike had the right power delivery. The jetting was another major aspect he worked
“With two-strokes, there’s much more vibration,” Kallonen says. “So we made sure springs and stuff like that were changed every race. Many times those springs can get tired and you don’t really notice it and the power can go down.”
Factory Off-Road Racers
Off-road models weren’t always as wellequipped for the terrain as they are now.
“[The year] 2005 is when the U.S. saw a big market for a cross-country specific model,” Kallonen says. “Juha’s first year was based on a 250SX model, so I changed it over to an 18-inch rear wheel and started to build it more off-road capable. That’s when KTM was working hard to build a cross-country model line.”
Kallonen says feedback from Salminen, other team riders and consumers, was the foundation for KTM’s successful XC line of factory-built off-road race models.
Another shift also happened during the mid-2000s. Before then, KTM sponsored riders, but the rider hired a mechanic and worked out of a garage. When Kallonen started managing the KTM team in 2006, he brought with him the practice from Europe to have everyone in house, both mechanics and riders.
Kallonen says the transition to factory-
hired mechanics and the expansion of in-house race team operations, allowed riders to focus more intensely on racing.
“It’s a huge part of a rider’s success,” Kallonen says. “Obviously, the rider is the main component, but success depends on everything that goes behind it. The unsung heroes of mechanics and staff that get the riders to the races [also play a key role]. We have a staff of 15 to 20 guys working on our success, but at a race you may only see one or two guys. We have personnel to do suspension, engines, chassis and more. There’s a person specialized for each category.”
Dirt Track Magic
The Harley-Davidson XR750 debuted in 1972. The bike was born after the AMA did away with its 500cc overhead valve vs 750cc side-valve engine rule for Grand National Championship competition.
In 1974, Harley-Davidson hired racer Gary Scott and assigned AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bill Werner as Scott’s traveling mechanic. Over the years, Werner tuned not only for Scott, but also for Jay Springsteen and Scott Parker, all of whom would become AMA Grand National Champions and Hall of Famers. Harley outsourced its race team and Parker hired Werner independently in 1985. In 1987, Harley brought the race teams back under the operation of the company. Werner continued to work for Parker, but he was employed by HarleyDavidson Motor Co.
Werner’s reputation as one of history’s preeminent dirt-track tuners is well-
had two defining qualities: a brutal whoop section and an extremely short start. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Emig and his team focused on setting up Emig’s 2000 Yamaha YZ250 so it could attack those obstacles with perfection.
Enzo Racing worked on the chassis and suspension setup for the event, held in Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena, and Emig was able to dial in the bike with just a few compression and rebound adjustments the night of the race.
For the power, Emig’s team, Strategic 3 Motosports, enlisted FMF Racing and Terry
Varner to build the engines. The design worked, and Emig was able to dominate both nights of competition.
Essentially competing as a privateer that year, Emig’s 1999 U.S. Open of Supercross win was not only a classic example of an under-funded rider beating the world’s best factory teams, it was also Emig’s final win as a professional racer.
The U.S. Open triumph capped a successful AMA Motocross and Supercross career for Emig. In all, Emig won four AMA national championships, an FIM World Supercross title and was a six-time member of the U.S. Motocross des Nations team.
continued to be active as a team owner and later became an ambassador for motocross by making appearances at amateur racing events across the country. Today, he’s a well-known commentator on AMA Supercross broadcasts.
Following the 1999 win, Emig was poised to make a return to pro competition, but practice injuries slowed his comeback and he decided to retire. He
Emig’s YZ250 is on loan from Yamaha Motor Corp. USA. To see it and many other motorcycles that helped shape the history of motorcycling in America, visit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio.
DAVID BAILEY: 1990s MOTOCROSS ICON
Motocross and Supercross racer in the 1980s. He won the AMA 250cc National Motocross Championship and AMA Supercross Championship in 1983 and went on to win the AMA 500cc National Motocross Championship in 1984 and 1986.
Bailey tallied 30 AMA national race victories during his eight-year professional career, which was cut short in his prime after a practice crash left him paralyzed just before the start of the 1987 season. After his injury, Bailey reemerged in the early 1990s as an expert motocross television commentator.
Bailey was born on Dec. 31, 1961, in San Diego. When he was 10, he started traveling the country with his stepfather, Gary Bailey, a motocross star of the 1960s who ran a traveling racing school. David started racing mini-bikes about that time.
At first, David Bailey’s results were not noteworthy, but eventually his practice paid off. By the time he was in his late
teens, he started winning on the amateur level.
Bailey turned pro in 1979, riding Bultacos. His best finish in his rookie season was a 14th overall in the 250cc outdoor national at Mount Morris, Pennsylvania.
In 1980, Bailey became one of the first Team Green Kawasaki support riders. His results improved rapidly. He cracked the top 10 at a couple 250 nationals and one Supercross.
After finishing seventh in the final standings of the AMA 250 Motocross Championship in 1981, Bailey earned a factory ride with Honda for the 1982 season and began to turn in some consistently strong performances. He earned five podium finishes in the 250 outdoor series and one in Supercross.
The 1983 season was a turning point for Bailey. His off-season training paid off and he opened the year with his first AMA national victory in the Anaheim Supercross. Bailey went on to win the AMA Supercross title. He then won the 1983 AMA 250 National Motocross title as well, after tallying three national victories.
Bailey finished runner-up to Jeff Ward by a single point in the AMA Supercross series in 1984. Honda wanted to spread its talent around in motocross and moved Bailey to the 500cc series, where he dominated, winning eight straight races in the 10-race season.
The 1986 season was a busy one for Bailey. He competed in three series: Supercross, and 250cc and 500cc motocross. He won the 500cc title over Honda teammate Ricky Johnson, but was runner-up to Johnson in both the 250 Motocross and Supercross championships.
Following his injury, Bailey remained athletically competitive. He later became a leading chair marathon triathlete.
David Bailey was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2004.
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR hall of fame—we couldn’t exist without there’s a new way for you to show that on the wall in the Hall of Fame entrance
$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!
MANY MEASURES, ONE GOAL?
SAY EFFORT TO REDUCE MOTORCYCLE
USE IS AFOOT.
INFLUENCE
even bans on older bikes are among the dozens of
trying to tighten the rules even further.
European and Asian nations enacted mandatory helmet laws in the 1970s, and motorcyclists in those countries accepted the laws as a way to make riding safer. But they didn’t suspect then that those laws were individual governments’ and international organizations’ first steps toward marginalizing motorcycles under the guise of “safety.”
In the intervening years, the United Nations, the European Union, international philanthropies and public/private partnerships have developed agendas that include standardizing motorcycle equipment and motorcyclists’ behavior worldwide.
U.S. agencies, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are part of these efforts and have been pushing for new laws and regulations that directly affect American motorcyclists’ right to ride and their right to decide the amount of risk they are willing to accept.
In 1976, the U.S. Department of Transportation stopped assessing financial penalties on states that did not have universal helmet laws, and many states repealed or modified their requirements, allowing riders to make this personal decision on their own. The federal penalty was reenacted in 1991, but was elilminated in 1995.
But the agencies did not stop efforts to convince states to return to universal mandatory motorcycle helmet laws.
“These rules, regulations and requirements are being put in place under
actually the reduction of risk, no matter what level Americans are willing to accept.
“If we allow governments to determine the amount of risk that is acceptable and to force us into ‘safer’ and ‘safer’ options, how long will it be before motorcycles are banned altogether as the ‘less safe’ alternative to cars?” Allard asks.
Reports from the World Health Organization and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s International Transport Forum call for all nations to adopt similar motorcycling provisions, with no regard for the wishes of stakeholders.
Public/private partnerships, such as the Global Road Safety Partnership, and private groups, such as the Bloomberg
extreme congestion and reduce the number of car-motorcycle crashes. limits for powered two-wheelers.
Philanthropies, have entered the discussion, also recommending uniform regulations, especially in developing countries.
U.S. agencies then cite these trends and reports to justify their attempts to enact stricter regulations on American motorcyclists.
RECOMMENDATIONS
United States, calls for reciprocal approval of vehicle systems, parts and equipment.
Among the items under consideration for worldwide standardization: mandatory anti-lock braking systems, stricter exhaust emissions standards, sound emissions
restrictions, turn signal visibility standards and the location and identification of operating controls.
“While standardizing the location of turn-signal indicators or the symbol for a high-beam headlight may seem insignificant or even desirable to riders, in the longer term, agreements such as these could mean much more important decisions will be taken out of the hands of U.S. voters and motorcyclists,” Allard says.
The 2015 WHO report targets three key “risk factors” for stronger laws and increased enforcement that affect motorcyclists:
• Use of motorcycle helmets: mandatory helmet use by all riders, with a helmet-quality standard;
• Speed: a national urban maximum speed limit of about 30 mph;
• Drunk driving: driving laws with a blood alcohol content of less than or equal to 0.05 percent, as well as
0.02 percent for young and novice drivers. The U.S. standard in most jurisdictions is 0.08 percent BAC.
The OECD’s research report, titled Improving Safety for Motorcycle, Scooter and Moped Riders, also calls for compulsory helmet use.
In Australia, the government adopted laws that forbid certain types of visors and bans mounting a camera on motorcycle helmets, reports Mark Hinchliffe, publisher of MotorbikeWriter.com.
Paris banned cars and motorcycles registered before 2000 from major areas of the city during certain hours as a way to curb pollution. And other French cities are considering even harsher bans.
The Fédération Française des Motards en Colère (French Federation of Angry Bikers) protested the move, flooding the streets with thousands of riders using the slogan that “The PTW (powered twowheeler) is a solution, not pollution.”
In Sweden, the government’s current focus is on reducing the speed of motorcyclists. And the European Union has made obtaining a motorcycle license complicated and prohibitively expensive, according to some critics.
BATTLES
(SMC, the Swedish Motorcyclist
A 2015 effort collected 30,000
to discard its 30-point plan to reduce motorcyclists’ speed. However, the speed theme continues to dominate discussions.
“The one and only thing that is pushed forward from the Swedish Transport Administration is speed,” Nordqvist says. “Most of the things that we bring to the table are rejected. The other stakeholders state that we need something that is as efficient in reducing accidents as ABS. Having a valid A license [the highest motorcyclist classification in Europe], riding sober, safer barriers, safer roads, conspicuity are examples that are not seen as something that can reduce motorcycle
speed adaptation from riders is seen as a measure to reduce fatalities.”
Nordqvist says European regulations have not reduced traffic crashes.
“It is a combination of things: Safer
bikes, safer roads, older riders, improved education,” she says.
Motorcycle licensing also has a big impact on crashes and fatalities, she says.
SMC is translating and publishing a study that compares licensed and unlicensed riders who are injured or killed in traffic crashes.
“This is a huge problem in Sweden,” she says. “Thirty percent of all those killed on a motorcycle neither have a valid license nor own a bike. They aren’t motorcyclists, but their deaths affect us in terms of new restrictions and laws.”
At the same time, European drivers’ license requirements in effect since 2013 have resulted in a 50 percent drop in the number of new licensed riders in some countries.
“The scheme means that you must take a test three times to get A1, A2 and then A license at 16-18, 18-20 and 20-22 years of age, depending on the national laws,” Nordqvist says. “If you don’t have a license for bikes and want to ride a Harley or sportbike, you have to wait until 24 years to get a license.
“The costs are extreme,” she continues. “Administration costs and compulsory tests in Sweden would cost $800!”
Associations, says the impetus behind Europe’s proposals is the focus on vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists.
“For the European Commission, road safety is an important policy item,” he says. “The goal is to have a reduction of casualties of 50 percent by 2020,” starting with 2009.
While the numbers for car drivers are on schedule to meet that goal, the numbers for vulnerable road users are not.
“For motorcyclists this means, for example, a focus on personal protection equipment, including helmets,” Willigers
percent of the riders do wear a helmet.
“Other items the E.C. focuses on are improving awareness of PTW riders by other road users, encouraging research and technical developments aimed at increasing PTW safety and safer infrastructure—for example, safer guardrails,” he explains.
“Finally, better enforcement. But that is a national matter and not an E.U. thing, although they initiated cross-border enforcement for road-safety-related matters like drunk driving, speeding.”
The technical developments include intelligent transportation systems, road
systems and anti-tampering measures. And the focus on personal protective
“The European motorcyclists have and affordable initial training for riders,” Willigers says, “because we see that as the best thing to increase road safety for motorcyclists.”
effort led by the insurance industry to ban sportbikes in the United States in the 1980s. Cities, such as Myrtle Beach, S.C., have tried to limit the number of motorcyclists on the streets by enacting tough laws with stiff penalties.
In 2013, the AMA discovered a draft PowerPoint presentation from a CDC committee that included “potential for reduced motorcycle use” in its analytic framework for reducing crashes, injuries
infrastructure and better enforcement.
separate tests with combined costs of nearly $800.
and fatalities.
The AMA scored a major victory in 2015 with the passing of the Fixing
of motorcycle-only checkpoints and reestablishes the Motorcyclist Advisory Council for the U.S. Department of Transportation.
But federal agencies and state legislatures—often urged by insuranceindustry lobbyists—continue their pursuit of mandatory helmet laws for all riders, mandatory anti-lock braking systems on all motorcycles–including dual-sport and dirt bikes–and other legislation and regulations that restrict rider’s rights and choices.
“Only the vigilance, dedication, hard work and political savvy of motorcyclists who have joined together with the AMA and state motorcycle rights organizations can turn back these misguided Washington bureaucrats,” Allard says. “The types of regulations they are proposing and enacting do not help prevent motorcycle crashes or injuries. Yet they clearly infringe on our riding freedoms and inhibit our enjoyment of our roads and trails.”
SHOULD DO
encourage them to take action, too.
Get to know your local officials, let them know you and your motorcycling friends vote, and explain how their actions directly affect motorcyclists.
And Vote Like A Motorcyclist!
GOOD IDEAS IN THE DISCUSSION
especially where motorcycles figure
The OECD also proposed changes in the way motorcycles interact with other vehicles on the road, including:
• Promote appropriate behavior among riders and road users in general
• Improve vehicle safety features
• Introduce “self-explaining” and “forgiving” roads—roads that guide drivers and riders to adopt appropriate speed and behavior, along with traffic-calming measures
• Conduct more research to extend understanding of powered two-wheeler mobility and crash mechanisms.
“Some OECD recommendations are a step in the right direction,” Allard says. “The safety and needs of motorcyclists must be a part of the overall transportation discussion. And efforts to educate other road users and make them more aware of motorcyclists in their midst will help make the roadways safer for everyone.”
Some countries already are trying to better accommodate riders.
Mark Hinchliffe, who publishes MotorbikeWriter.com in Australia, says some jurisdictions are undertaking pilot projects that allow motorcycles and scooters to park on sidewalks in areas where they do not disrupt the flow of foot traffic.
Australian governments also are recognizing the benefits of lane splitting to alleviate congestion and reduce the number of rear-end collisions, he says.
In Taiwan and Malaysia, where a high percentage of all fatal crashes involve a motorcycle, a pilot project has established motorcycle-only traffic lanes. Preliminary results indicate a 39 percent reduction in the number of crashes.
“We encourage the United States and other countries to be responsive and creative in approaching vehicle and rider safety issues,” Allard says. “Rather than banning equipment or behavior that carries some degree of risk, elected officials and government agencies should listen to their constituents and focus their attention on measures that reduce the number and severity of crashes.”
A few of the AMA-sanctioned events this month, listed on the following pages.
1
Dixie Dual Sport Inc. will kick off the first event of the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series and the Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series, March 4-6, in Brooksville, Fla. Info: www.dixiedualsport.com
2
Pasadena Motorcycle Club will operate a Poker Run on March 13 in Pasadena, Calif. Info: www.pasadenamc.com
3
The Pagoda Motorcycle Club is hosting a motocross race on March 20 in Birdsboro, Pa. Info: www.pagodamc.org
4On March 13, in Ellerbe, N.C., Windy Hill Sports will host a motocross race. Info: www. windyhillsportsmx.com
5In Tucson, Ariz., Tucson Dual Sport LLC is hosting a dual sport and adventure ride on March 19-20. It’s a round of the Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series and the Yamaha Super Ténéré AMA National Adventure Riding Series. Info: www.tucsondualsport.com
The eighth round of the Arizona Motorcycle Riders Association Off-Road Championship Series will be a Grand Prix at Canyon MX in Peoria, Ariz., on April 3. It’s hosted by Off Camber MC. Info: www.amraracing.com
MARCH EVENTS
ALABAMA
COMPETITION
ENDURO
MAR 20: STANTON: PERRY MOUNTAIN M/C CLUB, (205) 340-4298 ARIZONA
RECREATIONAL
DUAL SPORT RIDE
MAR 19: TUCSON: 2 DAY EVENT, TUCSON DUAL SPORT LLC, (520) 979-8398, TUCSONDUALSPORT.COM
CALIFORNIA
RECREATIONAL
POKER RUN
MAR 13: PASADENA: PASADENA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (626) 807-9268, PASADENAMC.COM
COMPETITION
CROSS COUNTRY
MAR 27: GRIZZLY FLATS: 2 DAY EVENT, EARTHSCAPE CUSTOM DIRT WORKS, (916) 320-0687
DESERT SCRAMBLES
MAR 26: (Includes ATVs) RED MOUNTAIN: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIRT DIGGERS, (310) 913-1362, DISTRICT37AMA.ORG
ENDURO
MAR 5: HOLLISTER: TIMEKEEPERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (650) 823-3034, TIMEKEEPERSMC.COM
EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES
MAR 12: (Includes ATVs) BARSTOW: 2 DAY EVENT, HUNTINGTON BEACH MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (661) 510-3245, HUNTINGBEACHMC.COM
HARE SCRAMBLES
MAR 19: HOLLISTER: 2 DAY EVENT, GHOSTRIDERS MC, (408) 265-2122, GHOSTRIDERSMC.COM FLORIDA
RECREATIONAL
ADVENTURE RIDE
MAR 4: BROOKSVILLE: DIXIE DUAL SPORT, INC., (727) 919-8299, DIXIEDUALSPORT.COM
DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD
MAR 4: BROOKSVILLE: DIXIE DUAL SPORT, INC., (727) 919-8299, DIXIEDUALSPORT.COM
LOUISIANA
COMPETITION: ARENACROSS
MAR 12: LAFAYETTE: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM
NEBRASKA
COMPETITION: ARENACROSS
MAR 5: OMAHA: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM
NEVADA
COMPETITION: CROSS COUNTRY
MAR 12: TOULON: 2 DAY EVENT, WESTERN STATES RACING ASSOCIATION, (775) 853-6911, WESTERNSTATESRACING.COM
NEW JERSEY
COMPETITION: ENDURO
MAR 20: SHAMONG: SOUTH JERSEY ENDURO RIDERS, INC., (609) 268-9272, SJER.ORG NORTH CAROLINA
COMPETITION: MOTOCROSS
MAR 13: (Includes ATVs) ELLERBE: WINDY HILL SPORTS, (910) 895-5438, WINDYHILLSPORTSMX.COM OHIO
RECREATIONAL: SWAP MEETS
MAR 13: BRILLIANT: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (740) 219-2716, ABATE.COM
PENNSYLVANIA
COMPETITION: MOTOCROSS
MAR 20: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 582-3717, PAGODAMC.ORG
VIRGINIA
COMPETITION: GRAND PRIX
MAR 20: SANDY LEVEL: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (434) 509-9363, VCHSS.ORG
CLUB1924
Daytona Bike Week March 4-13
Rolling Thunder Run May 27-30
Americade Motorcycle Rally June 7-11
Laconia Motorcycle Week June 11-19
Thunder in the Valley Motorcycle Rally June 23-26
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days July 8-10
Bu alo Chip Sturgis August 8-14
Ray Price Bikefest September 23-25 Sponsored
The AMA Beta National Dual-Sport Series features the country’s best organized dual-sport rides. Events include miles of well marked, challenging trail connected by scenic backcountry roads. The challenging, national caliber terrain is designed to bring out the best in each rider.
2016 EVENTS
MOTOCROSS
FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS www.fim-live.com
Sept. 25: Maggiora, Italy
FIM JUNIOR MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP www.fim-live.com
Aug. 21: Orlyonok, Russia
MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS www.amasupercross.com
Feb. 20: Arlington, Texas: AT&T Stadium
Feb. 27: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome
March 5: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (note: not a Feld Motor Sports produced race)
March 12: Toronto, Canada: Rogers Centre
AmericanMotorcyclist.com a Riding a Dual Sport
March 19: Detroit, Mich.: Ford Field
April 2: Santa Clara, Calif.: Levi’s Stadium
WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP (WMX) www.racewmx.com
March 7: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona Amateur Supercross
March 19: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Spring Championship
April 9: San Diego, Calif.: California Classic Motocross Championship
May 20: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Hangtown Classic
June 19: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway
Aug. 28: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman Raceway
Sept. 3: Millington, Mich.: Baja Brawl
Oct. 2: Englishtown, N.J.: Kawasaki Race of Champions
Oct. 9: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek MX
Nov. 26: Alachua, Fla.: Winter Olympics
National Championship
AMA ATV MOTOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY CST www.atvmotocross.com
March 8: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (Pro points only)
April 9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Lucas Oil Stadium
April 16: St. Louis, Mo.: Edward Jones Dome
April 23: Foxboro, Mass.: Gillette Stadium
April 30: East Rutherford, N.J.: MetLife Stadium
May 7: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium
LUCAS OIL AMA PRO MOTOCROSS www.promotocross.com
May 21: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic
May 28: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen National
June 4: Laktewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National
June 18: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point National
June 25: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National
July 2: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National
July 9: Southwick, Mass.: Southwick National
July 16: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National
July 23: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National
Aug. 13: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla National
Aug. 20: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National
Aug. 27: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman National
April 9-10: Kemp, Texas: Underground MX Park
April 23-24: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway
May 7-8: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman Raceway
May 21-22: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway
June 4-5: Tallassee, Ala. Monster Mountain
June 18-19: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX
July 2-3: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek MX Park
July 16-17: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla MX
July 30-31: Buchanan, Mich.: Redbud MX
Aug. 13-14: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn Ranch National Championship AMA AMSOIL ARENACROSS SERIES www.arenacross.com
Feb. 20-21: Tampa, Fla.: Amalie Arena
March 5-6: Omaha, Neb.: CenturyLink Center
March 12-13: Lafayette, La.: Cajondome
April 1-3: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena
April 9-10: Salinas, Calif.: Salinas Sports Complex
April 16-17: Tacoma, Wash.: Tacoma Dome
2016 EVENTS
July 30: Ely, Nev.: Coyotes
Aug. 27: Caliente, Nev.: Silver State Trailblazers
Sept. 17: Pioche, Nev.: Bushwackers
Nov. 5: Logandale, Nev.: Darkside
Featured Series
MOTORCYCLE RACING ASSOCIATION OF NEVADA (GRAND PRIX SERIES) www.mranracing.org
March 5: St. George, Utah: Groundshakers
Sept. 3: Cedar City, Utah: Jackrabbits
Oct. 8: Mesquite, Nev.: Wildbunch
Oct. 22: Mesquite, Nev.: Gamblers
Featured Series
MOTORCYCLE RACING ASSOCIATION OF NEVADA (NIGHT TEAM RACE SERIES) www.mranracing.org
June 4: Jean, Nev.: Wild Bunch
June 25: Jean, Nev.: MRAN
July 9: Jean, Nev: MRAN
July 22-23: Searchlight, Nev: Bushwackers
Featured Series
TRIALS INC. www.trialsinc.org
April 16-17: Fly, Ohio: Trail Run Trial (17th is Vintage Cup Series Round)
April 23-24: Southington, Ohio: Cleveland
May 14-15: Tippecanoe, Ohio: Tippecanoe
June 4-5: Sidell, Ill.: Illinois
June 18-19: Toronto, Ohio: Toronto (19th is Vintage Cup Series Round)
July 23-24: Canfield, Ohio: Canfield
Aug. 20-21: Little Hocking, Ohio: Wildwood
Sept. 3-4: Newark, Ohio: Newark (4th is Vintage Cup Series Round)
Sept. 17-18: Columbus, Ind.: Stoney (18th is Vintage Cup Series Round)
Oct. 1-2: Bedford, Ky.: Saddleback (2nd is Vintage Cup Series Round)
Oct. 15-16: Taylorsville, Ky.: Vintage Cup Finals
Featured Series
VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP HARE SCRAMBLE SERIES www.vchss.org
March 20: Sandy Level, Va.: River’s Edge
April 3: Dillwyn, Va.: CVTR
April 17: Arrington, Va.: April Fools
May 1: Martinsville, Va.: Blue Ridge 1
May 15: Bristol, Va.: Harleywood
May 29: Dendron, Va.: Reddy Hole
June 12: Spring Grove, Va.: TDR, Eastover
June 26: Rural Retreat, Va.: Hillbilly
Aug. 7: Martinsville, Va.: Blue Ridge 2
Aug. 21: Penhook, Va.: Sandy Bottom
Sept. 4: Rural Retreat, Va.: Coyote Run
Sept. 11: Spring Grove, Va.: Peninsula
Sept. 25: Rural Retreat, Va.: Iron Mountain
Oct. 9: Rural Retreat, Va.: Rattlesnake
Oct. 30: Spring Grove, Va.: Pipsico Featured Series
WESTERN CHECKPOINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP www.westchec.org
May 1: Georgetown, Calif.: CERA - D36
June 23-24: South Fork, Colo.: SFPRRMEC
Sept. 20: Campwood, Ariz.: ATR - AMRA
Oct. 15: Chimney Rock, Utah: Sageriders MC - USRA
Oct. 30: Elkins Flat, Calif.: Polka Dots MC - D36
Nov. 5: Upperlake, Calif.: Hayward MC - D36
Nov. 13: Stoneyford, Calif.: Valley Climbers MC - D36
Featured Series
WESTERN NEW YORK OFFROAD ASSOCIATION www.wnyoa.net
April 24: Newfield, N.Y.: Dream Riders
May 8: Odessa, N.Y.: Tompkins Trail Riders / Seneca Highland
May 22: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Valley View Dirt Riders
May 29: Richford, N.Y.: Broome-Tioga Sports Center
June 12: Odessa, N.Y.: GNCC at Tomahawk
June 19: Colesville, N.Y.: Full Action Cycles
June 26: South Edmeston, N.Y.: Thunder Ridge
July 10: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Conover Racing
July 24: Homer, N.Y.: Knobby Acres
Aug. 7: TBD: Scooters
Aug. 14: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Victory Mountain Dirt Riders
Aug. 28: Speedville, N.Y.: Cross Country Customs
Sept. 10-11: New Berlin, N.Y.: GNCC at Unadilla
Sept. 18: Moravia, N.Y.: Twisted Fence at Sand Hill
Oct. 9: Hapursville, N.Y.: The Finale
SPECIALTY
National Championship
AMA ICE RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.americanmotorcyclist.com
Feb. 13-14: Waterford, Mich.: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES www.americanmotorcyclist.com
March 4-6: Brooksville, Fla.: Dixie Dual Sport, Inc. - Devil’s Creek Adventure Ride
March 19-20: Tucson, Ariz.: Tuscson Dual Sport, LLC. - 2 Sun Adventure 2016
April 16-17: Bybee, Tenn.: Appalachian Trail Riders - Slate Creek Adventure Ride
June 4-5: Odell, Ore.: Northwest Tour & TrailBlack Dog Adventure Ride
June 4-5: Bixby, Mo.: Midwest Trail Riders Association - Show Me 200 Adventure Ride
June 4-5: Lock Haven, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club - Durty Dabbers Adventure Ride
June 11-12: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, Inc. - 2016 Ride for Research
June 27-July 1: Colorado Springs, Colo.: Exit Tours M/C - Pikes Peak Region Adventure Tour
Aug. 20-21: Tillamook, Ore: Northwest Tour & Trail - Rat Dog Adventure Ride
Sept. 10-11: Pineola, N.C.: Appalachian Trail Riders - Blue Ridge National Adventure Ride
Sept. 2-6: Southern California Motorcycle Association Three Flags Classic: sc-ma. com, scmariskmanager@gmail.com, (602) 705-4902
AMA NATIONAL GYPSY TOUR www.americanmotorcyclist.com
Thunder in the Valley (FIM North America Rally)
June 23-26: Johnstown, Pa.: JohnstownThunder.com, jstcvb@ visitjohnstownpa.com, (800) 237-8590
AMA PREMIER POKER RUN www.americanmotorcyclist.com
Corn Roast Poker Run
Aug. 20: Mansfield, Ohio: MansfieldMotorcycleClub.com, karlae1764@ embarqmail.com, (419) 526-5964
AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS www.americanmotorcyclist.com
March of Dimes - Bikers for Babies (events nationwide): BikerForBabies.org
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation - Ride for Kids (events nationwide): RideForKids.org
HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS
AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME www.motorcyclemuseum.org
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: The main floor of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame celebrates Hall of Fame inductees, the heroes of the track, road, trails and halls of government who have elevated the sport to new heights. Now featuring the 2015 inductees.
Founder’s Hall: Honoring the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s generous contributors.
The Birth of a Hurricane: How AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Craig Vetter reimagined BSA for an American market.
Sam Swope: Philanthropist, Motorcyclist: Motorcycles that represent the generous, charitable giving of Sam Swope.
Motorcycle Toys and Collectibles Exhibit: A collection of more than 1,000 motorcycleinspired toys.
AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com
July 8-10: Lexington, Ohio: Demo. bikes from manufacturers, visit the swap meet, watch or compete in vintage racing, meet AMA Hall of Famers, attend seminars and more.
AMA Trademarks
The following represents active, registered trademarks, trademarks and service marks of American Motorcyclist Association, Inc. (AMA). Usage of any AMA trademark or registered trademark without our permission is prohibited. Please contact smaher@ama-cycle.org for more information or assistance.
(800) AMA-JOIN® • AMA Dragbike® • AMA Endurocross® • AMA Motorhead® • AMA Pro Grand National Championship® • AMA Pro Racing® • AMA Race Center™ • AMA Racer®
uneasily at my heavily loaded bike. I had qualms.
Two days earlier, I’d awakened to sun streaming over me in the Sky Hook Motel in Mitchell, Ore.—a cheering sight, given the previous day’s rain and my plan to reach Prineville by way of NF-27. My maps disagreed as to whether this mountain backroad was paved, but just south of the Ochoco Divide Campground on U.S. Highway 26, a ribbon of tarmac disappeared into the trees so I turned right and began a winding climb.
Pine needles carpeting the curves discouraged deep lean angles, but vast forests, crystal-clear in the crisp alpine air, inspired a grin that grew with each new vista. Three miles or so in, I rounded a bend and saw a bright yellow sign announcing, “Pavement Ends.”
Fueled by endorphins, I rode onto the sketchy gravel road. A few hundred feet in, my squirming bike broke the natural high. My Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure was up to the challenge but, with little offasphalt experience, I wasn’t.
“Don’t be stupid,” I told myself and reluctantly began a U-turn. Precarious balance gave gravity the upper hand and my top-heavy Strom (and I) went down. I hit rocky dirt muttering, “Dammit, I’m in trouble now!”
I didn’t sit long. A pickup broke the silence and the couple in it stopped to help. Bike upright and reloaded, I canceled my SOS, returned to U.S. 26, and headed to the Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond for a weekend with a friend.
Two days later, as I prepared to continue my journey, I recalled the spill and hesitated by my bike. I felt fear rising. Encountering a situation I couldn’t handle by myself raised a question that shook me.
Am I too old to ride alone?
I’m well-acquainted with fear. My father’s fears molded his life and set the direction of mine. Dad loved flying more than anything. He qualified as an instructor and earned every rating he needed to become a commercial pilot. But fear convinced him he couldn’t live this dream and enslaved him to a profession he loathed. I followed his example and fear became what I knew, until his final stories. I nursed my father through his last weeks of life and he repeatedly told me tales I already knew. In particular, there were two—one about flying, the other about dancing— and I listened more attentively, realizing that each revealed joy lost to fear. They expressed a dying man’s grief for a life lived without soaring or swirling.
With Dad’s last laments in mind, I vowed that my final stories would ring with celebration, not regret.
terra firma dropped away precipitously a few feet to my right, tempting me to hug the double yellow.
Climbing the pass with my eyes on the road, majestic panoramas slipped by unappreciated. Jagged lava spires, arising within reach at the pavement’s edge, accentuated the eeriness of the black flows draping the summit. Gliding through hair-pin turns under the sunflecked canopy of the west descent, the air was moist, soothing and richly fragrant. The ride was perilous, yet glorious—a dangerous heaven.
Leaving the pass, I cruised north on state Highway 126 then headed for the Pacific Ocean on U.S. Highway 20. I rode through forests and fields under brilliant blueness, reveling in all but the Albany and Corvallis traffic.
Late in the day, with 70 miles of U.S. Highway 101 yet to cover, I paused in Newport. Fog, rain and the settling darkness made the last 30 miles treacherous.
Only a neighboring campfire was visible as I pulled into the Cape Lookout Campground. I lit a small candle lantern and pitched my tent as mosquitoes sampled my face and hands, then crawled into my down bag, grateful for the ocean rhythms carrying me into sleep.
I’d watched videos of women hoisting gravel. I suspected that mattered.
I began facing fears that had, for 40 years, chained me to work that I despised. I asked myself what made me happy and followed the answers. At 63, when I inexplicably fell in love with a well-used
bikes heavier than mine, but never in 2001 Honda Shadow VLX, I learned to ride and discovered a joy unlike any I’d known.
Uninjured but annoyed, I crawled out from under the bike. I’d planned to explore Smith Rock State Park, but I might be going nowhere for hours if I couldn’t right my bike alone. After several failures that added scratches and weakened my legs, I gave up and signaled for road service with my SPOT device, then unfolded my chair.
I chose state Highway 242, a 36-mile jaunt over the McKenzie Pass, simply because my map designated it a scenic route. It proved challenging. Tight blind bends link the short straight stretches and I white-knuckled the bars each time I passed courteous cyclists who pedaled single file to let me by. Riding east to west,
difficulties I can envision, and I turn back
My father’s deathbed regrets taught me that joy has a price. We pay it by risking the dangers of our particular heaven, having come to terms with the reality that we may not always beat them. My heaven of solitary rides on lonely roads is becoming more challenging as I age, but I’m not ready to give it up. I prepare for the when I realize I should.
worth that risk.
That’s the best I can do, for it’s in my nature to ride solo as long as I can. My heaven is dangerous, after all, and it’s
Suzanne Shafer is an AMA member from Milton Freewater,
