American Motorcyclist 05-2014 Street Version

MAY 2014

Insurance Discrimination: Know Your Risks, Know Your Rights

Photo Duncan Kendall

Touring U.S. Rt. 50: A Midlife Odyssey

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AMA REWARDS

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

STAYING INFORMED American Motorcyclist

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

THE ESSENTIALS AMA Roadside Assistance

The Best Deal In Towing Get peace of mind with AMA Roadside Assistance, which covers all your vehicles, as well as those of your family members living with you.

Best of all, you can get this coverage at no additional charge. For details, call (800) 262-5646.

Lodging

Save At Choice Hotels, Motel 6, Red Roof Inn At Choice hotels, save15 percent off the best available rates at participating Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Rodeway Inn and Econo Lodge hotels.

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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.

EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals

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

Motorcycle Shipping

Ride Where You Want In the United States, call Federal Companies, an agent for Specialized Transportation, Inc., at (877) 518-7376 for at least $60 off standard rates. For international shipments, call Motorcycle Express at (800) 245-8726.

To get your discount, be sure to have your AMA number handy. Motorcycle Express also offers temporary international insurance.

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS ActionStation/Bohn Body Armor

Save 10 percent on complete product line—plus bonus.

Go to www.actionstation. com/ama/ and use coupon code AMAB4U at checkout.

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BikeBandit.com

Get 10 percent off your order at BikeBandit.com by entering your AMA number at checkout.

Exclusions apply. See www.BikeBandit.com for details.

Go to www.AIMExpoUSA.com and enter code AMA2013 to save on tickets.

Save 25 percent. Visit www. bikerrainchaps.com/ama/ and use the code AMA-0414EASTER at checkout to receive your discount.

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

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AMA members can place free ads in the AMA member classifieds at AMA.Sprocketlist.com or AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Shop > Classifieds.

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Car Rentals

Save Money When You Drive Get up to 25 percent off prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency. For Avis, enter discount code: D388100. For Budget, enter code: Z942000.

AMA Gear

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

Details at www.MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Rider Accident Medical Plan

All members of the AMA are eligible to purchase coverage. Benefits are paid when a covered member is injured. See http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Membership/ Members_Only/DiscountCodes for details.

AMA Supercross And AMA Arenacross Tickets

Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Supercrossonline.com and use password AMA14.

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

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AMA members save on advanced adult one-day general admission. The promo code is “NAAMA1410” when you buy your tickets online from www.motorcycleshows.com.

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

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine offers a 20 percent subscription discount to AMA members. RoadRUNNER is the touring expert of North America, providing info on the best places to ride. AMA discount code is CRIAMA at www.roadrunner.travel/promo/ ama.

Sam’s Club

AMA members save $10 or $25 on Sam’s Club membership with a special members-only coupon. Visit the Members Only section on www.AmericanMotorcyclist. com to download the coupon.

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Seminars & Members-Only Benefits at the Show!

OCTOBER 16-19 2014

ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

ORLANDO/FL NATIONAL CONVENTION

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Visit us online at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com for more details.

Featuring the AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony

TRIM SAFETY

NAVIGATION

Navigation Photo

The Indian marque is one of motorcycling’s most historic, and it has the enthusiastic fan base to match.

That’s why you can bet the Indian “Motocycle” love will be rampant this July 11-13 at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days featuring Indian Motorcycles as Marque of the Year.

Join us as we celebrate the brand’s past and present at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. More info: www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com.

Photo by Yve Assad

8. LETTERS

You write, we read.

12. WAYNE ALLARD Battling discrimination.

16. RIGHTS

Fighting motorcycle-only checkpoints, reining in the IRS, reopening Rattlesnake Bay’s off-highway vehicle trails, talking with U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Clear Creek update, and testing E15 in Illinois.

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 2014.

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.

May 2014 Volume 68, Number 5 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com

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24. RIDING

The latest news, rides, interviews and more from the world of motorcycling.

34. HALL OF FAME

A post-war hot rod, Hall of Famer Max Bubeck, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days update and “67” by Dale Bert.

42. COVERAGE DENIED

As medical insurance companies look for ways to save money, they are denying coverage to those injured during perfectly legal activities. One of those activities is motorcycling. Here are some tips on making sure you are covered, as well as an update on what the AMA is doing to fight this unfair discrimination.

48. EVENTS CALENDAR What to do, where to go.

58. FRANK L. PALMERI

Sunday bikes and Monday bikes.

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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

ENJOYING TRAIL FREEDOMS

Over the last few years, I have gained a greater appreciation of the efforts that the AMA and individuals like Roy Garrett (recipient of the 2014 Friend of the AMA Award) have made to support off-road riding and keeping riding areas open for all of us to enjoy.

Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a Bike Bandit gift card worth $100. Didn’t win? No worries. You can still take advantage of your 10% AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com.

Your April 2014 article, “Following the Money Trail,” emphasized the positive impact these riding areas have on the local economies. I have personally Steve Reedy been riding the Michigan ORV trails for 25 years, and twice a year a group of us Indiana riders make the journey to enjoy these trails. We spend our money at local hotels, restaurants, gas stations and motorcycle dealerships (and the local hospital on rare occasions).

During the last two years, I have started taking my two young sons to enjoy the riding in Michigan. This past October, we enjoyed four perfect days of riding aboard a KTM 450 XC-F, Honda CRF100 and a Honda XR80. After a long, cold winter, we are looking forward to our next trip.

The annual license fee is a good value and investment for the future of the sport.

I only hope these riding areas remain open for my sons to enjoy for many years.

Thanks again for all the hard work!

Steve Reedy Columbus, Ind. DOWNSIZING Thanks for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation column “Movin’ On Up” (April 2014).

I’ve been riding for about 50 years, the first 30 on dirt and sport bikes and the last 20 on heavyweight cruisers and touring rigs. I never met a bike I couldn’t ride, but last summer when I turned 68, I decided I didn’t want to have to shove 700 pounds around my garage every time I wanted to take a spin.

So I sold my last behemoth and bought a new Honda CB500x. With about 50 horsepower pushing 400 pounds, it’s plenty fast for my needs, handles like a dream, and I can actually push it into the garage. Big bikes have their place, but for my needs, mostly day trips in the beautiful Texas hill country where I live, the Honda is perfect. And it gets about 65 mpg, no matter how I ride it.

Downsizing may not be for everyone, but it rekindled my

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love of riding in a big way.

Bill Schiffmann Charter Life Member Lago Vista, Texas RIDING HATFIELD-MCCOY It was a pleasure reading your write-up on the Hatfield-McCoy trail system in the April issue. My son and I visited there last summer and had a blast. The staging areas were spacious and easy to find.

The trails, which took us through some absolutely gorgeous country, were well marked and surprisingly uncrowded.

We rode Little Coal River, Ivy Branch and Bearwallow trail systems, and the staff and rangers at the visitors center were helpful and friendly. It was fantastic to be able to come down out of the mountains and ride into town (Logan, W.Va., in our case) for gas and provisions before heading back up the trail.

It was a great experience and off-

highway enthusiasts of all kinds should consider visiting to support this great concept, if nothing else. The United States could use more systems like Hatfield-McCoy, and to get them we must support the existing systems by giving them our business.

Ben Cain Naperville, Ill. WORKING TOGETHER I want to extend my thanks for all of the help that AMA provided helping get the Rattlesnake Bay ATV trails reopened (see page 18). Had it not been for all of you, I don’t know if we would’ve been able to get this done. Everyone that I have had contact with at AMA, from membership staff to government relations, has been great! It makes me proud to be a part of such a top-notch organization.

Following nearly two years of letterwriting and phone calls, I thought that maybe this was a lost cause, but I kept at it. During a follow-up telephone call with U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker’s office, it was determined that we had come around full circle once again.

At the end of my conversation with Sen. Wicker’s office, I mentioned reaching out to the AMA for help. They agreed that it couldn’t hurt. So, what I felt was a Hail Mary play actually turned out to be exactly what was needed. In fact, in hindsight, I should have consulted the AMA considerably sooner.

I can’t remember how many people I sent my first message to at AMA but I know that it only took one round. I started to receive feedback almost immediately. Before I knew it, OffHighway Government Affairs Manager Steve Salisbury and I had been connected and the momentum had begun. Steve took everything I gave him (useful and maybe not so useful) and built from there. My singular voice became a diverse, unified voice rather quickly and we accomplished our goal thanks to everyone and their efforts.

It’s scary to think of where we may be without all of you, and I can’t say “Thank You” enough.

I share in the hope that other AMA members will be inspired by this and be more proactive in their areas. This has been a wonderful teaching opportunity for me. My son, along with the other kids that ride in our club, have learned a very valuable lesson through this.

This experience will hopefully serve as a reminder for them as they carry the torch later in the pursuit to protect all of our rights to ride. Just knowing

Sound Off!

A roundup of recent comments on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist

Ben Cain

that we/they have the AMA on our side is comforting to say the least.

Dale Tallman Blazing Saddles Trail Riders DON’T GET FLIPPED I really enjoy reading Rick Wheaton’s articles. I just wanted to comment on “In Praise of the Flip Up,” March 2014. I love my flip-up helmet, as does he. I use mine on my motorcycle in the spring and fall.

However, many helmets are not designed for riding with the helmet unlocked (mine included). I was not aware that any were safe in the unlocked position, but Rick said his was. So I would like to warn everyone that you better check with the helmet manufacturer before you ride with it up.

Bob Washburn Norridgewock, Maine

On legislation that would end federal funding of motorcycleonly checkpoints: Don Jacobs: Good. I’m tired of being singled out because I prefer two wheels over four wheels.

On reports that “black boxes” might be coming to modern cars and motorcycles: Charles Hood: Why I ride vintage bikes with nothing more sophisticated than a CDI ignition.

Helping to identify this photo , submitted by a member who found it in his collection but couldn’t identify the riders: Jeff Henderson: 16 Jimmy Chann, 71 Bobby Hill, 7 Billy Huber, 1 Chet Dykgraff @ Milwaukee Mile

On news that E15 is coming to filling stations in Missouri: Dan Bogardo: This is ridiculous.

It doesn’t save the consumer any money at the pump.

In fact, the price of gas is more and mpg is worse. I hate ethanolblended fuel for any engine.

COMMUNICATIONS

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla. Perry King, Executive Committee Member Northern California

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

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

ACCOUNTING 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

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES

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Russ Brenan, Vice Chair Irvine, Calif.

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

Jordan Brannan, Museum Admissions and Collections Assistant Connie Fleming, Manager of Events and AMHF Operations Beth Owen, Receptionist/Donor Relations Specialist Paula Schremser, Program Specialist Katy Wood, Collections Manager

CONNECT WITH US

Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, 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

AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

Motion Pro, Inc. 867 American Street, CA 94070 Tel: 650-594-9600 I Fax 650-594-9610

Contact any member of the AMA Board of Directors at www.AmericanMotorcyclist. com/about/board

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 Racing Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES John Bricker, Mailroom Manager Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk 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 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

VIEWPOINT

ON HEALTH INSURANCE, MOTORCYCLIST BEWARE There is an old Latin term that you have probably heard before. It’s “caveat emptor,” which means “buyer beware.” This caution is truer today than it ever has been for the motorcycle rider buying health insurance.

You may have the opportunity to get health insurance through a third party such as your employer or you may be making the purchase as an individual.

By Wayne Allard In either case, be sure to read the exclusionary fine print closely where it talks about risky or hazardous activities. You would expect such exemptions if you are a bull fighter, mountain climber, parachutist, explosives expert or test pilot. The provision may just mention “risky” or “hazardous” activities without being specific.

Beware!

The coverage may be referring to you as a motorcyclist or allterrain vehicle rider.

Motorcyclists face discrimination. It’s a fact of life, but something we are fighting every day.

To be effective in fighting for motorcyclists’ rights, we need to know when motorcyclists are discriminated against, and we need help from motorcyclists at the local level or nationwide, depending on the issue.

Right now, the AMA is focusing on health-insurance discrimination against motorcyclists, and we want specific examples of motorcyclists suffering as a result. We need to show lawmakers that the discrimination is very real, and that it affects real people.

Health-insurance discrimination—excluding coverage for motorcycle- or ATV-related injuries in health insurance plans—is discrimination that has been going on for decades. You can read more about this situation in “Coverage Denied,” page 42.

The AMA and others fought for language to be included in the Congressional Record years ago that indicated the clear intent of Congress was to eliminate such discrimination when it passed the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act in 1996.

But the federal agencies charged with implementing the law told employers they could refuse to cover injuries related to riding a motorcycle, ATV, horse, etc. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act—known by many as Obamacare—did nothing to remedy the loophole or prevent future discrimination.

Therefore, the AMA plans to continue this important battle.

You may want to compare U.S. practices with situations in other countries. Rider groups in Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia say that the healthcare systems in their countries do not permit discrimination based on the source of injury.

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While the AMA is hard at work on Capitol Hill, it’s important that you look at your health insurance policy to be sure that you are covered if you are involved in a motorcycle crash. Check your policy under “Exclusions” to see if it excludes coverage for motorcycle-related injuries.

The wording can be ambiguous, with language that denies coverage for injuries suffered while participating in “extreme” activities, without defining what those activities are. If so, contact your insurance company and get a written response.

If you learn that motorcycle-related injuries aren’t covered in your company’s or organization’s health-insurance policy, we want to know. Contact us at grassroots@ama-cycle.org. Your confidentiality will be protected.

The AMA wants your assistance to help us fight insurance discrimination and other threats to motorcycling. You can also act individually to protect riding freedoms. The AMA provides many valuable tools to help you fight for your right to ride.

Sign up to receive AMA News & Notes at http://capwiz.com/ amacycle/mlm/signup/ to keep informed on hot topics, news affecting the motorcycling community and opportunities to communicate with your elected officials.

You can also opt in to receive AMA Action Alert emails by signing up at the same link. When you receive AMA Action Alerts, you will be notified how and when you can make a difference on important issues.

Each of us can do our part to protect our riding freedoms by being AMA members and inviting our family and friends to join.

More members mean more political clout, and with more clout we will have a better chance of ending health-insurance discrimination against motorcyclists and other threats to our riding freedoms.

Wayne Allard is AMA vice president for government relations.

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BIPARTISAN SENATE BILL TARGETS MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINTS

A bipartisan bill introduced in early March by U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) and Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) would prohibit the use of federal funds for establishing motorcycle-only checkpoints.

The Senate bill is similar to H.R. 1861, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013 by U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.).

The “Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act” would prohibit the U.S. Secretary of Transportation from granting funds to any government entity for a program to create checkpoints for the operator of a motorcycle or a passenger.

The AMA fully supports these bills and urges its members to tell their elected officials in the House and Senate to vote for these measures.

“During the past two years, federal, state and local governments spent more than a half million dollars on motorcycleonly checkpoints,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “The AMA believes that money could be better spent supporting programs that conduct rider education, reduce distracted driving and encourage motorist awareness of motorcycles.”

The AMA has tracked motorcycle-only

New York State Police - Traffic Services Section

Legislation Would Cut Federal Funding

checkpoints since they were first enacted in New York.

The state of Georgia used funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in March 2011 to establish motorcycle-only checkpoints as thousands of motorcyclists rode through the state on their way to Daytona Beach, Fla., for Bike Week.

Another motorcycle-only checkpoint was established in northern Virginia during one of the nation’s most visible motorcycle rallies—Rolling Thunder—over the 2011 Memorial Day weekend.

Motorcycle-only checkpoints were also

5 QUESTIONS WITH...

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE MEMBER JEANNE SHAHEEN

As a member of the powerful Senate appropriations committee, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) has a seat at the table during debates about how the federal government spends its money.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen Recently, Sen. Shaheen stepped up on the issue of motorcycle(D-N.H.) only checkpoints by introducing the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act. This bill will prohibit federal funding of all motorcycle-only checkpoints.

We asked Shaheen about that issue, and here are her responses.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: How did the issue of motorcycle-only checkpoints come to your attention?

SEN. JEANNE SHAHEEN: As any Granite Stater will tell you, motorcycles are an important part of our state’s identity and economy. The New Hampshire State Legislature passed a law prohibiting the use of federal funds for motorcycle-only checkpoints, which is how I became aware of the issue.

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AM: Why do you oppose federal funding for these traffic stops?

JS: Motorcyclists must have their vehicles inspected just like those driving cars. We don’t have checkpoints stopping passenger vehicles to check their tire pressure, and we shouldn’t for motorcycles. It’s a matter of simple fairness.

AM: What do you believe would be a better use of these federal funds?

set up in Utah at a time when thousands of riders were attending a world-class road-racing event.

California, Missouri, North Carolina, Illinois, New Hampshire and Virginia have passed legislation curbing these checkpoints.

If passed, this federal bill will ensure that riders across the country are safeguarded from this ineffective and prejudicial practice.

For more information go to: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ rights/motorcycleonlycheckpoints.aspx.

JS: As motorists in New Hampshire know, maybe motorcyclists more than any, there are many bridges and roads throughout the state in dire need of repair. I think rehabilitating damaged bridges, roads and other infrastructure would be a better use of federal dollars.

AM: What can members of the AMA and others interested in this issue do to help get the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act passed and signed into law?

JS: Contact your members of Congress and let them know that you oppose motorcycle-only checkpoints.

Anything else to add?

In June every year, motorcycles blanket New Hampshire on their way to Laconia for the annual Laconia Motorcycle Week, which is celebrating its 91st year in 2014. Come on up and tour beautiful New Hampshire!

AM:

JS:

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Nonprofits Could Be Impacted By Regulations

Wayne Allard, AMA’s vice president of government relations, told a congressional subcommittee in February that a proposed Internal Revenue Service rule would stifle nonpartisan speech and create a de facto communications blackout period around elections.

The IRS proposal would, among other things, classify any communication to the public that even mentions a political candidate within 60 days of an election as political activity.

Nonprofits organized as 501(c)(4) corporations, such as the AMA, could lose their tax-exempt status for violating the rules.

“The proposed rule the IRS seeks to implement will stifle nonpartisan speech in a manner that leads to a less informed electorate,” Allard told the subcommittee.

Since the late 1950s, the IRS has allowed 501(c)(4) nonprofits to participate in issue-based advocacy, as long as their primary focus remained social welfare.

Communications about legislation or public policy have never been restricted for this IRS class of non-profit organization.

The IRS proposal would outlaw material “without regard to whether the public communication is intended to influence the election or some other, non-electoral actions.”

Allard offered his comments to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Job Creation & Regulatory Affairs.

MISSISSIPPI TRAIL AREA TO REOPEN Clubs, AMA Rally to Save Rattlesnake Bay

The AMA joined off-road-vehicle enthusiasts in Mississippi and the state’s tourism officials to win preliminary approval for the reopening of the Rattlesnake Bay ATV Trail System and for a fee structure to support trail maintenance in the DeSoto National Forest.

In late February, the U.S. Forest Service’s Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee unanimously approved the proposal, and officials say they hoped to open the trails to the public this summer.

The vote means Rattlesnake Bay could be open to the general public for OHV use for the first time since 2003.

Alison Koopman, regional landscape architect for the Forest Service, says the regional forester will render a final decision.

The AMA’s involvement began when member Dale Tallman Jr. expressed the local riders’ frustrations in a letter to the organization.

Steve Salisbury, AMA’s government affairs manager for off-highway issues, helped unite several Mississippi rider groups into the Friends of Rattlesnake Bay and joined them in lobbying the Forest Service, the RRAC and local and state officials.

“Local riders worked for years to try to get the trails reopened, but met with frustration,” says Salisbury. “When an AMA member in Mississippi contacted us, we were happy to get involved, and we are elated with the results.”

The Rattlesnake Bay trail system is in the special use permit area for the Camp Shelby Military Training Site near

Dale Tallman Jr.

AMA TELLS CONGRESS TO REIN IN IRS

Hattiesburg, Miss.

Riders can expect a curving trail that follows the contours of the region, avoiding steep slopes, wet drainages and other sensitive areas.

“The committee appreciates what the AMA did to get support from users because we need to consider those affected,” says Jack Terrell, an AMA life member, chairman of the Recreation Resource Advisory Committee and senior project manager for the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council.

The Forest Service committee approved a $10 daily fee for trail use and a $60 annual operator fee.

Trails covered by the fees include Rattlesnake Bay, the Little Tiger ATV Trail System, the Chickasaw ATV Trail System and the Bethel Motorized Trail System (which includes a motorcycle loop and ATV trail).

ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS DEMAND MORE E15 TESTING Small Engine Damage Feared

The Illinois General Assembly is urging Congress to require more scientific testing of E15 vehicle fuels in light of studies that show the fuels can harm small engines and void many car manufacturers’ warranties.

HR 254, requested by ABATE of Illinois, calls for testing the effects of E15 on all types of internal combustion engines.

The fuels contain 15 percent ethanol, by

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volume, compared to the widely available E10 fuels. E15 has not been approved for use in motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles.

HR 254, adopted in support of federal HB 875, cites studies by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute that conclude use of E15 can be detrimental to small engines.

The resolution was forwarded to members of the Illinois congressional delegation and majority and minority leaders.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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Congress advanced another step toward voting on bipartisan legislation that would reinstate the tracking and reporting requirements for payments made under the Equal Access to Justice Act. The lack of transparency and oversight has led to abuse of this program by groups that use taxpayer money to sue in an effort to stop off -highway vehicle recreation on public lands.

These lawsuits can ultimately lead to restrictions on responsible motorized access—without public comment—through what the U.S. Chamber of Commerce calls a “sue-and-settle” strategy.

Introduced by U.S. Reps. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), this bill—H.R. 2919, the Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act— would return the EAJA to its original intent, instituting targeted reforms to reinstate and track reporting requirements intended to make spending under the act more transparent.

Severe Restrictions Stifle Access

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced the reopening of the 31,000-acre Serpentine Area of Critical Environmental Concern in California’s San Benito and Fresno counties to extremely limited use by street-licensed vehicles and pedestrians.

Under the decision signed Feb. 11 by the California state director of the BLM, vehicles licensed for highway use may obtain permits to enter the Serpentine area, and the BLM retains the right to limit the number of annual visitor-use days “to reduce human health risks associated with exposure to naturally occurring asbestos.”

Currently, the BLM is limiting vehicle touring to five days a year and pedestrian activity to 12 days a year.

The BLM decision also means that, on those few days, all-terrain vehicles will have access to the parts of the Clear Creek Management Area that were never closed, but were rendered inaccessible by the other restrictions.

Street-licensed vehicles can tow or haul the ATVs to the trailheads.

The BLM also says about 5,070 acres of public lands within the Clear Creek Management Area “exhibit Wilderness characteristics” and “will be managed to emphasize primitive, non-motorized recreation opportunities.”

roy gArreTT reCeives 2014 Friend oF The AMA AwArd Off-Highway Activist

~ A JC Motors Company ~

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

AMA Life Member Roy Garrett, of Plainfield, Ind., is the recipient of the 2014 Friend of the AMA Award in recognition of his innovative work.

A member of ABATE of Indiana DIRT, Garrett has been a fixture in the offhighway riding community for many years, promoting responsible off-highway recreation.

The AMA was impressed by the ability of Indiana’s on- and off-highway clubs and organizations to work together to protect the riding freedoms of all of the state’s riders.

“I joined the AMA in 1970 when I started racing motorcycles,” Garrett says. “I started working club and district business in 1983. I was an AMA congressman in the late eighties. The AMA helped us start DIRT in 1994. I have been the president or vice president since

Bureau of Land Management

Groups Against OHVs Have Abused Program

CleAr Creek MAnAgeMenT AreA reopens

The 75,000-acre Clear Creek area, which includes the Serpentine ACEC, was closed in 2008 after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency raised concerns about asbestos exposure.

Subsequent testing by the International Environmental Research Foundation—at the request of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division of California State Parks— concludes that “there is clearly an opportunity to allow OHV recreation at CCMA.” The state of California is conducting further testing.

it started. I am currently the off-road director for ABATE of Indiana DIRT, and the road captain for Stoney Lonesome M/C. I am very pleased and honored to receive this award from the AMA.” Imre Szauter, the AMA’s on-highway government affairs manager, presented the award during the recent Hoosier Motorcyclists’ Roundtable and the Motorcycle Expo.

Photo by AMA Life Member Gary Sellers

Congress AdvAnCes TAx-Money TrAnspArenCy Bill

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s tatewat ch GeorGia House Bill 1047, sponsored by Rep. Sam Moore (R-District 22), would permit motorcycle operators to lane split if the vehicle being overtaking is traveling no more than 30 mph and the motorcyclist is traveling no more than 10 mph faster than the vehicle being overtaken.

Also, House Bill 869, sponsored by Rep. John Yates (R-Griffin), would permit lightweight vehicles, such as motorcycles, to proceed through an intersection controlled by a trafficactuated signal if, after coming to a complete stop and waiting for 60 seconds, the operator determines their vehicle wasn’t detected.

Kansas House Bill 2543, proposed by the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, would exempt motorcyclists from paying tolls on the Kansas Turnpike.

Louisiana Senate Bill 317, sponsored by Sen. Gary L. Smith (D-Norco), would prohibit the establishment of checkpoints where the only vehicles subject to or targets for inspection are motorcycles.

MichiGan The Michigan House voted to let offroad recreation vehicle drivers go without a helmet and eye protection on private property.

Washington governor Wants task Force Groups Would Study Outdoor Recreation

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee hopes to bring together public, private and nonprofit groups to form a Blue Ribbon Parks and Outdoor Recreation Task Force.

The goal would be to develop a strategic plan and provide solid policy direction to better leverage the state’s outdoor assets.

The task force would include representatives from outdoor recreation businesses and other key industries, recreation and conservation nonprofit organizations, elected officials and other opinion leaders.

The governor’s plan calls for as many as six listening sessions across Washington to ensure the state’s diverse range of interests is fully represented.

The task force would deliver its strategic plan and recommendations to the governor in September.

The exemption is similar to one that exempts helmet requirements for snowmobile operators on their land.

The legislation would exempt property owners, family members and invited guests from the helmet requirement while riding on the property owner’s land. The bill now goes to the state Senate.

Missouri House Bill 1655, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Springfield), would offer adult motorcycle operators and passengers the option of wearing a helmet while riding.

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nebrasKa Legislators supporting a repeal of the state’s mandatory helmet law proved unable to muster the 33 votes needed to end a filibuster of the bill.

State Sen. Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins had made repealing the helmet law a priority.

Although he thought he had the 25 votes he needed to pass his bill, the bill’s opponents would not let it go to a vote.

The proposal would have required helmets for riders younger than 21 and eye protection for all riders. Nebraska has had a helmet law in place since 1989.

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To the San Antonio, Texas, police oďŹƒcers who located and arrested a man who posted a video on Facebook showing him riding recklessly and illegally through traďŹƒc on a motorcycle. Alberto Rodriguez, 27, was arrested for suspected motorcycle theft. He also had several outstanding warrants.

Prosecutors were considering additional charges.

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To Charles Jaco, a reporter on KTVI-Fox2 news in St. Louis, for his Tweet denigrating motorcyclists and perpetuating stereotypes.

Jaco noticed an unusual number of motorcycles near the Missouri state capitol and Tweeted, “Lots of Harleys at State Capitol today. Assume #MOLeg ďŹ nally getting around to legalizing meth?â€?

The motorcyclists were testifying on laws that prohibit motorcycle sales on Sundays.

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To KTVI-Fox2 television personality Charles Jaco in St. Louis for apologizing via Twitter for his remark suggesting that the presence of motorcyclists near the Missouri state capitol meant the legislature was thinking about legalizing methamphetamine and for removing his Tweet.

To Suolk County, N.Y., Legislator Thomas F. Barraga (R-West Islip), for saying that no one in his county should ride motorcycles or bicycles.

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MID-LIFE ODYSSEY

Across The Country On U.S. Route 50 By Ron Daigle

Amy Arrington Photography

In January 2013, after begrudgingly celebrating my 50th birthday—and just a couple years after embarking on my motorcycling life—I decided to ride across the country, from my home in Hoschton, Ga., to that Holy Grail of motorcycling, the Pacific Coast Highway. I would do this via one of the few remaining two-lane highways that crosses this country, one that seemed particularly appropriate given my age—U.S. Route 50.

The thought of making this trip was a bit intimidating, especially since I had been riding for a relatively short amount of time.

I would be away from my family for three weeks or more, spend many consecutive days riding long hours, and travel through some uninhabited areas of the country— alone. But as I started researching and planning, I became more and more excited at the prospect. I thought about some of the advantages of riding alone. I would be in control of all aspects of the trip including the route and where and when to stop, all without discussion or justification.

With my decision made, I told my family and friends about the trip. I also started a blog, “Riding 50 at 50,” several months before the day of departure. I did these things with an ulterior motive in mind: They made it harder for me to chicken out.

Despite this journey being the experience of a lifetime, I knew it would be easy to back out, but with family and friends aware of my intentions, and my blog entries posted, I had passed the

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point of no return. I was going.

Nights were spent researching, planning and plotting a course with two main goals: avoiding interstate highways and riding some great motorcycle roads.

The trip would take less than a month, barring weather surprises, and would total more than 6,600 miles.

One of the perks of being an eighth grade science teacher is that I get over two months each summer to do with as I please. So the week after school let out, on a perfect morning in late May, I hugged my wife and started my FJR 1300.

With the release of the clutch and a little throttle, my adventure began.

I headed northwest through Rome, Ga., bypassing the Atlanta traffic and then into Alabama where I would spend the first night. The next day, I enjoyed the first technical riding of the trip, on Highway 160 near the southern border of Missouri.

This seldom-traveled scenic route offers beautiful long distance views alternating north and south as it snakes along for more than 60 miles, much of which follows a ridge line. Turns of all types, near perfect pavement, and no traffic—it was a real treat for just my second day out.

After having a nice visit and good night’s

Looking south from a stop along Highway 24 in Utah as I rode west.

sleep at the home of an old friend, I headed north past Springfield to intersect the two-lane road where I would do the bulk of my traveling: Highway 50. The twisties and sweepers provided by Highway 160 were replaced with the straightest, longest road I’d ever seen. I would be looking out at distant horizons for the next two days.

It was tornado season in Kansas and several touched down during the time I was riding through the state, but none in my path. Eastern Kansas is beautiful, with rolling grasslands and the occasional shade tree where small groups of cattle often gather. In contrast, western Kansas is flatter with less grass, more dirt, and thousands of cattle crammed into feed yards. This is where I first encountered what would be the biggest riding challenge of the trip: extremely strong crosswinds.

The full fairing of a sport-touring bike catches the wind like a sail, and the challenge of riding in constant 20 mph side winds was exacerbated by 30-35 mph gusts. I would ride leaning the bike hard into strong crosswinds while feeling envious of guys riding cruisers with their low centers of gravity and exposed V-twins that allowed some wind to pass through. Unlike driving in a car, where you’re more of a spectator, motorcycle riding makes you an active participant

Riding through the Black Canyons on Colorado’s Highway 92, sheer cliffs plunge into emerald lakes, with no guardrails to block your view.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Taking a break along Colorado 550, otherwise known as the Million Dollar Highway.

in the surrounding environment, but you have to take the good with the bad.

The cattle yards of western Kansas gave way to the tumbleweeds of eastern Colorado, which grew surprisingly large.

Another potential hazard here were the dust devils that always seemed to lurk in the distance, causing me to pace myself so as not to intersect with any that might cross the highway.

Twenty minutes out of Cañon City where I spent my first night in Colorado, the real fun began. The road snaked along, bordered by sheer walls of copper-colored rock on one side and the serpentine Arkansas River on the other. Sweeper after sweeper revealed a prize at the apex—distant views of the majestic Rocky Mountains with their snow capped peaks.

Emerging from the canyons as the road started to gain elevation, I started looking for a place to pull over to put on warmer gear. I had to ride a while before I caught sight of a restaurant/gift shop on the roadside. It was then I noticed the letters on the front of the building, “Monarch Crest, Continental Divide, Elevation 11,312 feet.” I was in the middle of those snow-peaked mountains I had seen in the distance all morning.

What a day! After spending the morning carving up curves in the Arkansas River valley, I climbed upward into the Rocky Mountains, crossed the continental divide, and it was still only early afternoon. I had also reached the first destination road of my trip, U.S. Route 550, otherwise known as the Million Dollar Highway. To this point, I had been riding west for the most part since leaving Atlanta, but now it was time for my first big detour. Highway 550 would take me south through the San Juan Mountains, providing some of the most dramatic views the Rockies have to offer, coupled with twisty roads the entire way.

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

I spent the night in Durango, Colo., in a historic downtown area where I treated myself to a night in a luxury hotel from the turn of the century. I figured I was due after traveling over 2,000 miles in five days with mainly budget accommodations.

The next day with Colorado at my back, I headed north into Utah as the road rambled between, around and sometimes right through massive stone monoliths scattered about the desert. The landscape was right out of the Warner Brother’s Road Runner cartoons I watched as a kid.

The views morphed as the meandering pavement changed my approach angle and sluggish clouds played with the sun’s rays. Changes to the outline cut by great multi-hued plateaus against the blue sky created a slide show as time moved slowly in this deserted land.

Stopping at Bryce Canyon National Park, I took an hour or so to hike among the hoodoos, tall spires of rock carved out over the millennia to form an alien landscape. After that it was back on the bike for me, hustling toward my next destination road, Utah’s Highway 12. This is a wonderful thoroughfare that runs through southern Utah.

I then rode through the Dixie National Forest to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

During these days in Colorado and Utah, It seemed like every time I would think, “It doesn’t get any better than this,” it would. With such a diversity of scenery and enticing roads, this part of the country is a must do for any motorcyclist.

The next morning I rode through Zion National Park and took a few hours to enjoy another great hike before beginning the utilitarian riding I would endure the rest of the day. There are few options when crossing southern Nevada, so up the onramp I went to merge onto the first super

The boulders off the coast seemed larger and the coastline more rugged as the PCH made its way into Sonoma county north of San Francisco.

slab of the trip, Interstate 15. The stifling heat caused me to stop every 30 minutes for yet another sport drink. I rode fast through the desert, dissecting Las Vegas without a thought of stopping to place a single bet.

Leaving behind the oven of southern Nevada in June, I crossed the California state line where the twisty roads resumed.

Eastern California indulges riders with miles of rolling hills blanketed with tan grasses and spotted with shade trees; this would be my backdrop for the afternoon.

As I pulled onto California Highway 58, another fantastic byway, a road sign gave me pause, “No Facilities Next 90 Miles.”

I was reminded that I’m alone. Within minutes, however, any reservations I had faded, as the deserted road carved its way through the undulating landscape.

I spent the night in San Luis Obispo, and the next morning within 20 minutes of leaving the hotel a second horizon appeared in the distance: the Pacific Ocean. Looking north up the Pacific Coast Highway with the ocean to my left and scenic hills to my right, I was brimming with mixed feelings. It seemed like both an end and a beginning. I had come so far, finally arriving at my ultimate destination road, yet I was just beginning the ride.

I rode north through Morro Bay and up the coast, passing through beach towns at first, then to more undeveloped land as the road became a ledge carved into the steep cliffs at Big Sur. The beach on my left switched back and forth from sand to jagged rock as the miles passed. I rode to Monterey Bay before stopping in Santa Cruz, where I would stay with my nephew and enjoy my first day off the bike since the trip began.

Rested and stocked with clean clothes, I continued north through San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. I followed the coast past Muir Woods—home to some

of the world’s tallest trees—and into Marin County as the views and road continued to amaze and thrill.

The stories about this road are many. If you ride a motorcycle, you simply have to find time to see this part of the world. The abundance of spectacular views is almost numbing. Add in the great curves and elevation changes, and it’s motorcycling nirvana.

I chose an interesting route just north of Point Arena, Calif., to make my way back across the coastal mountains. Mountain View Road almost seemed like a paved hiking trail winding through the forest.

This got me to Boonville Road, which took me to my stopping point for the night, Ukiah, Calif. From there, my route took me through the towering trees of the Tahoe National Forest and around Lake Tahoe on my way back to Highway 50. The desolate stretch of road where Highway 50 runs through northern Nevada is called “The Loneliest Road in America.” Lonely maybe, but traveling through northern Nevada was certainly more pleasant than the previous week’s scorching ride through the desert on I-15.

The towns were few and far between as I made my way toward the state line, but passing through the little town of Ely in the early afternoon, something caught my eye.

It was a drug store with an old-fashioned soda fountain. There was a 30-foot-long curved counter behind which hand made shakes and malts were prepared for those lucky enough to stop in. After enjoying one of these treats, it struck me that I just didn’t want to ride any more that day, a spur of the moment decision that turned out to be fortuitous. My unplanned stop resulted in a memorable overnight stay as I discovered the Hotel Nevada, a historic landmark with a funky decor in the lobby/ casino area. In 1929 when this hotel was built, it was actually the tallest building in the state. My room was one floor below

The dramatic red rock cliffs and long range views made an evening ride on I-70 heading from Utah to Colorado the best interstate ride I can imagine.

the top—five stories up!

I crossed through Utah the next day and rode into northern Colorado, where Highway 50 merged with Interstate 70.

The views here are expansive. Just past Grand Junction, I took another planned detour to ride Highways 65 and 92.

Highway 65 is a scenic trail that climbs into the mountains past alpine forests and lakes. The ride on Highway 92 through the Black Canyon National Park is more dramatic, as jagged rock canyon walls plunge down for hundreds of feet into emerald green lakes or rivers. Having no guardrails and sheer drops, this twisty road is no place to test your limits.

In one day I went back and forth several times between elevations ranging from 4,000 to 12,000 feet before my final descent into the canyons. I kept thinking about the breathtaking views that appeared one after the other, and how at times just a turn of the head would result in dramatic changes of scenery.

Riding back east through Kansas was no different than the ride out west— straight, flat and, yes, very windy. The only difference was that I was leaning the bike hard to the right instead of the left because the wind was still coming from the south. “At least my tires will wear evenly,” I thought.

Having seen the country by motorcycle, I now have a much better understanding of how vast it is. If you feel that America is too crowded, take this trip. I can assure you that we have plenty of room left.

Pulling in the drive I was happy to be home safe. Nothing makes you appreciate being back with family more than being away. There will be other trips, and I will relish each of them more knowing there’s a place to return to where I am most wanted and most want to be—home.

Ron Daigle is an AMA member from Hoschton, Ga.

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Ask The MSF

THE BRAKING PROCESS Q: Although I don’t want to be accused of “over thinking” what should be put into practice as a reflexive maneuver, how do you break down the braking process and all its elements—front brake, rear brake, weight transfer, turning (if applicable), throttle and clutch management?

A: For brevity, we’ll describe how to quickly reduce (scrub) speed without stopping, and how to achieve a quick stop while traveling in a straight line, without linked or ABS brakes.

will gently apply the rear brake without upsetting their path of travel.)

In Theory To achieve optimum braking performance, both the front and rear brake controls must be used in unison.

As you apply the brakes, the mass of the motorcycle wants to keep moving forward, and the resulting force acts through the forks (the “fork dive” you’re familiar with), pushing the front tire harder into contact with the ground while lightening the downward force on the rear tire.

On a typical motorcycle, the front tire can supply over 70 percent of the total braking force. But it cannot supply this force the instant you apply the brakes—if the force of the moving motorcycle mass hasn’t yet pushed the front tire into more intimate contact with the ground, there will be insufficient traction available at the front contact patch and the tire will skid along the surface. A skidding front tire cannot provide the lateral force needed to keep the bike upright, and doesn’t have as much stopping power as a rolling tire near its limit of adhesion. This is why MSF stresses the concept of “progressive” application of the brake controls.

Even though the front tire can ultimately supply more braking force than the rear tire, it is important to get into the habit of using both brakes during every stop, because the rear brake contributes to the overall braking force and stability of the bike, and you want to respond reflexively if a panic situation arises. (There are a few instances where using the rear brake alone could be a good choice. For instance, if cornering at a significant lean angle and they decide to reduce speed, advanced riders

In Practice Scrubbing speed: Release the throttle, then squeeze the front brake lever and press down on the rear brake pedal simultaneously, while varying the amount of force applied to each control depending on how quickly you need to stop. As the bike slows, so will the engine, and it will be necessary to downshift.

In one motion, squeeze the clutch lever, select a lower gear, and blip the throttle to match the engine speed to the new, lower gear selection—all while maintaining the front and rear braking force necessary to slow the bike. Multiple downshifts may be necessary during braking and this drill rapidly becomes multi-tasking at its finest.

Still, for advanced riders, it is a skill worth mastering, and it is extremely satisfying to downshift while braking hard and without upsetting the bike. The crisp bark of the engine during each downshift will sound terrific, and you will be in the right gear when you’re ready to get back on the gas.

Quick stop: To achieve maximum or emergency braking, you want to increase pressure on the front brake lever and rear brake pedal rapidly, but in a progressive manner that will not cause either tire to skid. Avoid “grabbing” or “stabbing” at the brakes, as the harsh application is more likely to cause a skid. Squeeze the clutch lever and begin downshifting—without blipping the throttle or releasing the clutch.

By the time you are fully stopped, the clutch should still be pulled in and the bike should be in first gear.

After stopping, check your mirrors and maintain situational awareness. Continue riding or move to a safe area if necessary.

Body position is important. Look well ahead during the stop, keep your body centered over the motorcycle, and brace yourself by squeezing your knees against the tank.

Braking is a critical skill that should be practiced often, away from traffic.

Practice is especially important if you have recently purchased a new motorcycle.

Discovery of each motorcycle’s unique braking characteristics—including how much braking force can be applied before its tires begin to skid—is vital to safe, rapid stops.

While we can’t touch on all the finer points here, you can find a more detailed analysis of proper braking at the MSF’s “An Adventure in Motorcycle Physics” course on Apple’s iTunes U. Find out more about the MSF at www.msf-usa.org.

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TESTING OUR LIMITS

Protecting Freedoms Through Sound Education By Bob Laford In 2013, the Red Knights acceptable limits. It’s worth noting received a sound meter grant that every Harley-Davidson I tested from the AMA. As the group’s that had stock pipes was within assistant state representative limits. Many of the aftermarket for Massachusetts, I wanted to exhausts were also within limits. share some data and anecdotal There was one specific test stories of our experience with that I performed that made the

By Bob Laford the sound equipment.

AMA’s investment, and my time, My guesses on how many worthwhile. The 750cc Japanese motorcyclists I would cross paths with cruiser that tested at 112 decibels at functions was close to the actuality belonged to a 17-year old who had just in the field. Between my chapter’s received his license, and this was his first Massachusetts events and the Red bike. He, his father and I had a lengthy Knights’ International Convention held conversation about the public’s perception in Rutland, Vt., in August, I estimate that of motorcycles and the restrictions being the sound testing was made available to placed on us because of the actions of about 800 riders. a small percentage of the riders. What What surprised me was the small made the biggest impression was when percentage of riders who took advantage the conversation turned to hearing loss. of the testing. I did about 60 actual As a 30-year firefighter/EMT, I have tests. I spoke with at least three times some occupational hearing loss, and as that many, so the sound testing sites did a safety professional I know that hearing draw interest and allowed some valuable protection is invaluable in saving our discussions—but getting riders to bring hearing. By the time the pair headed their bikes in for a review was sometimes off on their rides, the father had made a like pulling teeth! decision to see that a more acceptable One fellow came out and said that if exhaust be placed on his son’s bike. That he had his bike tested he could no longer encounter was a success. “play dumb” about how loud it was. One In all cases, I’m confident the availability story to share is that the two loudest of the of the testing encouraged all riders bikes at 112 db were not American-made to think a bit more about how sound plays V-twins, as many might presume. One was a role in the freedoms we enjoy as riders, a sport bike, and the other was a 750cc and the role sound might play in our loss Japanese cruiser. of those freedoms.

Of course, none of the loud bikes were stock. In fact, if I learned anything it was Feedback on excessive sound? Email that if a bike remains stock, it remains within submissions@ama-cycle.org.

BOARD ELECTIONS FOR 2015 Southeast, South Central Regions

Individual member representatives on the AMA Board of Directors will be elected to serve the Southeast and South Central Regions starting in 2015.

For information about obtaining a candidate application, email AMA Director of Administrative Services Sean Maher at smaher@ama-cycle.org or call (614) 856-1900.

The candidate application deadline is Aug. 1.

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YAMAHA SR400: JUST KICK IT 1970s Cool, (Some) 2015 Tech

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HCVB122 2014 AMA_MAY 1/3 Page (4.625”x4.75”) Full Color 1/14 DVD328 AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Nostalgia never goes out of style. It’s a powerful emotion that drives purchases ranging from vintage t-shirts to modern American musclecars.

Outside the cruiser segment, though, major motorcycle companies have been reluctant to embrace the past, believing modern technology and performance mix best with cutting-edge style.

But there are classic-inspired exceptions—Kawasaki’s W650, Suzuki’s TU250 and Honda’s CB1100.

Now, Yamaha is getting into the fun with the 2015 SR400.

Other than an electronic ignition and fuel injection, however, the bike isn’t much changed from its 1970-era inspiration. It even eschews electric start for a kickstart-only engine.

The $5,990 Yamaha SR400 is powered by a 399cc air-cooled fourstroke, single-cylinder powerplant. It’s a single-overhead-cam, two-valve engine.

A vintage teardrop fuel tank carries 3.2 gallons, which will provide decent range at claimed 60-miles-per-gallon (or better).

Who will buy the SR400? Most likely long-time middle-aged riders who have some money to burn on a second or third around-town bike, as well as beginning riders who don’t mind spending a little more to chase something money can’t buy: the past.

Engine: SOHC, two-valve 399cc air-cooled four-stroke Bore x Stroke: 97.0x62.7mm Compression Ratio: 8.5:1 Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection Transmission: Five speed Front Suspension: 5.9-inches travel Rear Suspension: 4.1-inches travel Front Brake: Hydraulic disc, 268mm Rear Brake: Drum, 150mm Front Tire: 90/100-18 Rear Tire: 110/90-18 Seat Height: 30.9 inches Wheelbase: 55.5 inches Fuel Capacity: 3.2 gallons Wet Weight: 384 pounds Color: Dark Grey Metallic MSRP: $5,990

Target Market We asked our Facebook fans what they thought of the 2015 Yamaha SR400. Here’s a sample. Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist or email us at submissions@ama-cycle.org.

James Viverito: Being an owner of an original ’78 SR500, I really like this bike.

I wish they had gone the other way with displacement, though. An SR600 or 650 single would have likely had me buying one!

Maybe next year!

Gordon Lunde: Looks like a great starter bike, exactly what we need more of here in the States.

John G. Rice: It would be good if we could get ourselves weaned from the “mine’s gotta be bigger than yours” mindset and embrace real-world practical fun bikes like this one. There’s nowhere you can’t go at legal speeds on a bike this size. I clearly remember attending a Pridmore track school where a young lady on an SR500 easily rode around a lot of hyperbikes everywhere except the back straight.

Greg Miller: Now if Yamaha will only bring back the XS650.

Michael Jansen: Hello, café racer!

Eric Lundquist: Maybe this means I can get newish spares for my SR500!

John Sieck: I could use one of these. I had a 1981 SR500 that I wish I still had.

Tom Steele: Excellent! Takes me back. I’d buy one for summer back road fun on weekends.

Joe Medrow: Having grown up in the ’60s-’70s, I liked all the small bikes of the time. Now my boys are getting into riding,

and, through no pushing on my part, these are the kind of bikes they’re looking at as starter bikes. (I like ‘em, too!)

Bobby Powell: I would buy it and I just might. I was looking at restoring a YR2, this would be easier.

Thomas Holland: I’d ride the tires off that thing. I wish Honda did something smaller than the CB1100F in a retro-styled standard.

John Maxson: Would I buy one? Probably yes—used. It would be a nice contrast to my Concours. I would really like to see it with a larger engine but it will likely be a fun bike either way.

Adam Randall: Kick only, real bike Kelly Cole: Excellent! Just right for the times. www.facebook.com/ AmericanMotorcyclist

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RULES OF LANE SPLITTING Laws That Still Apply As many motorcyclists know, California is the only state that allows motorcycles to lane split. With its year-round riding climate and miles upon miles of great roads, California has more motorcycles than many other states, as well as a large number of out-of-state visitors. This means that the number of riders potentially exposed to the option to lane

By David Kinaan split is significant.

In the April issue, “Lane Splitting Safely” discussed the practice of lane splitting in California and offered some safety-related tips for those riders who choose to split traffic. Safe practices are guidelines, though, and not laws. Now I want to make sure you are familiar with some of the laws that can affect you while you are splitting lanes.

California Vehicle Code Section 22350: The Basic Speed Law

California Vehicle Code Section 21755: Unsafe Passing on the Right, or Shoulder Passing

This statute states, in part, that anyone operating a motor vehicle (car or motorcycle) has to do so in accordance with posted speed limits, and at a speed that is no greater than what is reasonable and prudent having due regard for weather, visibility and the traffic on—and the surface and width of—the highway, and in no event at a speed that endangers the safety of persons or property.

This means, on a multi-lane road with a posted speed limit of 45 mph, while traffic is congested and flowing at 20 mph, you can split traffic at a reasonable speed. Usually, a reasonably safe speed is no more than 10 mph faster than the flow of traffic. You would probably be within the law if you were splitting traffic in this scenario at up to 30 mph. Even though the posted speed limit is 45, you would most likely be in violation of the basic speed law if you were to split 20 mph traffic at 45 mph.

A vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions that allow for the movement to be accomplished safely. Under no circumstances may a vehicle pass another vehicle on the right by travelling outside of the main traveled portion of the highway, or on the right shoulder.

It should be common sense, but in most cases there must be two or more lanes of traffic in the same direction for a rider to legally split lanes. If there is only one lane and you chose to pass a vehicle, you must do so within the law. You can pass on the left where you have a broken yellow line and you can pass safely. You may pass on the right under certain circumstances, but you may not use the right shoulder, or untraveled portion of the highway, to pass on the right.

California Vehicle Code Section 21658: Unsafe Lane Change or Lane Straddling This statute addresses whenever a roadway has been clearly divided into two or more lanes for traffic in the same direction, a vehicle shall be operated as nearly as practical entirely within one lane and shall not move from the lane until the movement can be made with reasonable safety.

This means, while you are splitting traffic, you can only move from one lane to another when it is safe to do so.

This also applies to the other drivers on the roadway. A common conflict occurs when a driver changes lanes and a motorcycle splitting traffic comes upon that vehicle. More than likely, the motorcyclist, who should be looking ahead, will see the driver changing lanes and be able to slow and avoid a conflict with that vehicle.

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California Vehicle Code Section 22107: Unsafe Turning No vehicle shall turn from a direct course, or move left or right upon a highway, until the turning movement can be made with reasonable safety, and in the event another vehicle may be affected by the movement, an appropriate signal shall be given prior to the turning movement.

This one applies to motorcycles splitting lanes much in the same way and as an unsafe lane change applies. In addition, this section requires the operator of any vehicle to give an appropriate signal prior to making the turning movement, which includes moving left or right upon a roadway, when that turning movement may affect another vehicle.

If a conflict occurs, you can safely bet that turning movement will be deemed to have affected the other vehicle.

California Vehicle Code Section 22108: Turn Signal Any signal of an intention to turn left or right shall be given continuously for 100 feet prior to beginning the turn. This statute can apply to changing lanes without signaling for 100 feet prior to the lane change.

For the car driver, this becomes extremely important to warn the upcoming motorcyclist of an impending lane change. For the motorcyclist, you must be extremely aware of the position of the vehicles to your left and right. Watch for that turn signal, and for the telltale signs of a driver who is planning a lane change and failed to signal. Look for the driver’s head turning, watch for the driver changing their hand position on the steering wheel, etc.

California Vehicle Code Section 23103: Reckless Driving Any person who operates a motor vehicle upon a highway with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. Splitting lanes at an excessively high speed can lead to a charge of reckless driving.

California Vehicle Code Section 2800.1: Attempt to Evade Any person, while operating a motor

Splitting traffic is a skill that will take a rider time to develop and will take the rider’s undivided attention. Once mastered, and practiced safely, splitting traffic can make for a safe and even flow of traffic for all who travel the roadways in California. vehicle and with the intent to evade, willfully flees or otherwise attempts to elude a pursuing peace officer, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

It should be noted that 23103 and 2800.1 are misdemeanors and can carry hefty fines up to and including county jail.

If a violation of either of these sections causes an injury to someone other than the violator, the violation could escalate to a felony and carry steep fines and send an offender to state prison.

Drivers of other vehicles upon the highway have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and in accordance with law also. Splitting lanes, when done with reasonable regard for the safety of all motorists on the highway, is legal in California. A driver who takes it upon himself or herself to discourage a motorcyclist from splitting lanes may find themselves in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 22400, Impeding Traffic. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist is illegal and could cause

injury to the rider. Additionally, California Vehicle Code Section 22517 makes it illegal to open a car door where it could impede the safe flow of traffic, including motorcyclists.

The vehicle code sections listed above are not all of the laws that apply to motorcycles and vehicles on the road.

These sections are offered to give you an idea of how the California Vehicle Code applies to the practice of splitting lanes and how various laws are in place to ensure the practice is accomplished safely for all vehicles on the roadway.

Splitting lanes is a skill that will take a rider time to develop and will take the rider’s undivided attention. Once mastered, and practiced safely, splitting traffic can make for a safe and even flow of traffic for all who travel the roadways in California.

Sergeant David Kinaan retired in 2012 as the supervisor of the California Highway Patrol Academy Motorcycle Training Unit.

Sergeant Kinaan was an active member of the CHP for nearly 29 years.

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“Win this bike! For more information, visit: http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/rafflebike.aspx

A POST-WAR HOT ROD Indian’s Iconic 1947 Chief

Few motorcycles in the world are as classic or recognizable as an Indian Chief.

With its muscular V-twin engine and deeply skirted fenders, the iconic machine has always stood apart from the crowd.

That’s even more the case with this bike, a 1947 model complete with a hot-rod paint job in keeping with its era.

Even better, this particular Indian Chief is this year’s AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame raffle bike, meaning you can enter to win it with a suggested donation of $5 per entry ticket at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

The Chief started its illustrious model life in 1922, though that early machine was much different than this 1947 model.

It featured a 1,000cc motor that was enlarged a year later to 1,200cc (73ci). The sculpted fenders that came to define the Indian look debuted in 1940.

WWII ended production of civilian models, with the factory output reserved for a limited number of military machines.

When the war ended in 1946, Indian struggled to quickly return to the production numbers it had enjoyed during the war. The Chief was the only motorcycle offered in 1946 and 1947, and demand was high.

The 1947 model carried over the ‘46’s hydraulically damped girder fork that came from the military-bike development effort.

The ’47 also was the first to carry the chrome script “Indian” logo on the tank— previous models sported an Indian-head design. The front-fender light was also reworked to feature a face.

According to the book Indian Motorcycles by Jerry Hatfield and Hans Halberstadt, the special

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

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“rainbow” paint job was invented by John Polovik in 1942, and was considered by the Indian factory as a factory option, according to restorer Bob Stark.

Ultimately, the multi-layer paint scheme required too much work and expertise, and was never officially adopted. This ’47 was restored and painted in the same colors.

The bike is on display at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, and will be given away at this year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, which will feature Indian Motorcycles new and old as Marque of the Year. For information on a chance to win this bike, visit www.motorcyclemuseum. org/rafflebike.aspx For information on AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2014, July 11-13 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, see page 36, or visit www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com Photos Rainer Ziehm

May 2014

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Hall of Famer

AN INDIAN ‘MOTOCYCLE’ ENDURO ACE

Max Bubeck tamed the deserts and the woods from the 1930s to the 1970s Californian Max Bubeck became an icon for winning enduros and setting land-speed records on Indians during a career that spanned over 40 years from the 1930s to the 1970s. After retiring from competition in the late-1970s, Bubeck continued to be active in motorcycling, doing everything from restoring classic Indian motorcycles to sponsoring antique motorcycle meetings.

Bubeck was born in Los Angeles on June 28, 1917. He purchased his first motorcycle— an Indian 101 Scout—from his brother when he was 16. Bubeck learned his offroad riding skills in the mountains north of the growing city.

By the middle 1930s, Bubeck had traded in his Indian V-Twin and began riding and racing the company’s fourcylinder model.

In 1937, a friend told Bubeck of an event put on by a local club, called the Greenhorn Enduro. The race was held annually over the mountains to the deserts north of Los Angeles. Bubeck finished fourth novice in the ’37 race.

“It turns out that I was lucky to finish fourth that first year,” Bubeck recalled.

“The top three had to race expert the next year. So I got one more year in the novice ranks!”

The Greenhorn Enduro was temporarily discontinued after the 1939 race due to World War II. After spending the war years working for airplane manufacturer Lockheed, Bubeck picked up where he left off, racing in various off-road events.

In 1947, the 130-pound Bubeck won the Greenhorn aboard a 530-pound Indian 4.

“I didn’t know it couldn’t be done, so I did it,” Bubeck said.

Bubeck’s riding expertise wasn’t confined to mountain trail riding. In 1948 he rode an Indian “Chout”—a mix of Chief and Scout parts—built with partners Frank

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Chase and Pop Schunk, to a record speed of 135.58 mph on the Rosamond Dry Lake. The speed was the fastest time ever recorded by an unstreamlined Indian.

In the late 1940s, Bubeck again went against popular opinion and began racing Indian’s vertical twins, then considered uncompetitive. Bubeck and Ed Kretz teamed up to develop the new bike and figured out many ways to make the machine better, which led to the introduction of the Indian Warrior in the late 1940s.

One of Bubeck’s most popular wins came in 1950 aboard the new Warrior. That year, he won the Cactus Derby, a long-distance desert race and mountain race originating in Riverside, Calif.

The race was unique in that it started at midnight. That year, Bubeck’s bike lost its lighting barely an hour into the race.

He managed to continue by riding with other riders and using their lights. Bubeck still won.

Bubeck’s last major win came in 1962.

That year, the 44-year-old racer again won the Greenhorn Enduro (on a 1949 Indian Warrior), a full 15 years after he’d last won the race. In all, Bubeck competed in 32 Greenhorn Enduros (from 1937 to 1979) and finished the rugged race 24 times.

For years after, Bubeck hopped up Indians, and during the 1970s became a distributor for Hodaka motorcycles.

After retiring in the early 1980s, Bubeck continued his love affair with Indians, restoring old bikes and making crosscountry trips on the classic American machines.

When inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999, Bubeck still rode every week with a local group, and staged an annual antique motorcycle ride through Death Valley. He died in 2011 at the age of 93.

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE: AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS MARQUE OF THE YEAR

Old And New Indian Machines Will Be Showcased July 11-13

Indian Motorcycle will be celebrated as the 2014 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Marque of the Year, July 11-13, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days featuring Indian Motorcycle as Marque of the Year will include special recognition, displays and race classes for historic Indian-brand motorcycles (including Indian “Motocycles” from the early days), as well as participation from the new Indian Motorcycle.

Attendees at the three-day festival of vintage motorcycling will experience a special Indian Motorcycle-themed tent on the Mid-Ohio infield featuring beautiful examples of classic Indian machines, as well as the latest machines from the new Indian Motorcycle. In addition, a full demo fleet of Indian Motorcycles will be at the event, allowing enthusiasts to get a first-hand feel for the company’s lineup.

“Few of motorcycling’s great brands have as much history as Indian Motocycle, which began in 1901 and helped define the preWWII motorcycling era with iconic models like the Indian Scout and Chief,” says AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “With the modern revival of the Indian Motorcycle name being backed by Polaris Industries, we’re excited to celebrate the brand’s iconic motorcycling history, as well as its future.”

Indian Motorcycle Vice President Steve Menneto says the company is looking forward to showcasing its new models to some of motorcycling’s most die-hard enthusiasts.

“It is a real honor to our entire team for Indian Motorcycle to be selected Marque of the year for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” Menneto says. “We know that enthusiasts of all brands come to this event, and the chance to not only celebrate where the Indian Motorcycle came from but to display and ride where we are heading is going to make a for a fantastic weekend.”

AMA members can call (800) 262-5646 to purchase a weekend pass to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days for $45, or a one-day pass for $25 through May 27, saving $5 off the regular advance purchase rate. The AMA member discount is in addition to the regular $10 savings on advance ticket purchases, and there is no service charge for AMA members when purchasing through the AMA, making the savings even greater.

On Display At The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

“67” By Dale Bert

What it is: An airbrushed image of a racing motorcycle at speed, one of two paintings on display by the Chino, Calif., artist and motorcyclist What the artist says: “I have always been told art should evoke emotion. It is much easier to evoke anger or sadness, but serenity is also an emotion. Sometimes in our world today, it is much harder to take the viewer to a place away from their stress, allow them to calm down and relax, to remember a moment when their worries just disappeared. There is simple beauty in most of the things around us. Sometimes you just have to look at it from a different perspective.”

See it: “67” 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!

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BOOTS

Today’s Top Rain Gear Protects You Better

Motorcycling is an inherently open-air experience, a liberating, exhilarating romp through the world—and all the atmosphere that goes with it.

That can mean wind, sun, cold and rain, sometimes lots of rain.

Thanks to modern technology, though, the negative effects of excessive environmental moisture can be positively muted. Rain gear is better than ever, and the range of options continues to grow, from single-piece full-coverage riding suits complete with armor to thin, unobtrusive overcoats.

Here’s a look at some of today’s best protection from the elements, covering a range of options and budgets.

JACKETS

Designed for adventure and off-road riders, KLIM’s Latitude Misano Jacket targets increased mobility and lighterweight while providing exceptional durability. At $629.99-$699.99, the Latitude is built to a high standard with a Gore-Tex shell and Cordura fabric laminate in the main body and extra protection in high abrasion zones. It offers ample ventilation and adjustable cinch straps for fit. CE-rated armor is integrated into the jacket.

Info: www.klim.com

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

While not designed for extreme cold weather, the $230 SIDI Tour Rain Boots are designed to keep your feet dry while offering slightly breathable coverage. They have a Lorica outer construction with a perforated Teflon-treated nylon lining. A removable arch provides internal support, while extra protection is provided in the heel, ankle and toe. A zipper and Velcro closure system provides a first defense against moisture, while an internal gaiter offers extra protection.

Info: www.motonation.com

A well-made waterproof jacket can last for years—or a leaky one can make every ride in the wet miserable. Here’s a range of options that should keep you comfortable in even the worst conditions.

KLIM Latitude Jacket

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SIDI Tour Rain Boots

Firstgear Kilimanjaro

The $319.95 Kilimanjaro sits at the top of Firstgear’s Legacy series. The Hypertex 400-denier nylon outer shell is waterproof and breathable, while the jacket includes CE-approved D3O T5 Intelligent armor at the shoulders and elbows. The well-vented jacket features numerous waterproof pockets for storage and a removable insulated liner with neoprene wrist gaiters.

An under-helmet rain hood stows in collar.

For fit, there are stretch panels at the shoulder and inner elbows, along with an adjustable collar.

Info: www.firstgear-usa.com

ICON Patrol Waterproof Jacket

With its headquarters in Portland, Ore., ICON should know something about dealing with the rain. The $400-$420 Patrol features a waterproof Hycor nylon body in a range of colors. It’s seam-sealed and uses waterproof YKK zippers as well as a magnetic storm flap. The jacket is reinforced with a back pad and CE-rated armor. The removable external hydration packet can carry a 1.5-liter waterpack (not included).

Info: www.rideicon.com

Few things are more miserable than soggy, wet feet. Proper foot coverage and protection can make even the most torrential conditions seem bearable.

BIKE COVER

Don’t just park your bike and walk away.

Consider protecting your pride and joy from the elements, as well.

Guardian Motorcycle Covers The Guardian WeatherAll Plus cover is made out of heavy-duty polyester with a protective, water-repellent treatment. It includes heat shields for immediate use after riding, a sewn in elastic shock cord and comes with a draw-string backpack for storage. A vent system allows moisture to escape. Available in 11 sizes.

Info: www.dowco-inc.com

Tourmaster Solution 2.0 WP Road Boot

The $129.99 Solution 2.0 boot combines a water-repellent leather upper and a waterproof, breathable membrane. There are leather stretch panels as well as a shock-absorbing nylon shin and ankle guard. The foot bed is designed to deaden vibration, while a thermoplastic heel cup and toe cap offer additional protection.

Info: www.tourmaster.com

FLY Street Gear Boot Rain Cover Maybe you don’t need better boots.

Maybe you just need an extra layer for your boots. The $29.95 FLY Street Gear Boot Rain covers are made of heavy-duty nylon to keep your boots and lower leg dry while blocking wind.

Info: www.flyracing.com/street

AMA Member Tested

Rev’It USA Chronos GTX Jacket MSRP: $669.99 Info: revitusa.com

As I took the Rev’It USA Chronos GTX Jacket out of its box, my fist

By Jason Lisica impression was of the color—not quite white but something that perfectly straddled the line between silver and light tan. At $669.99, I definitely expected the Chronos to deliver luxury-level comfort, and I wasn’t disappointed. The thick Gore-Tex liner is very comfortable, and, at least in this reviewer’s opinion, the style is very fashionable.

My jacket was a large, and I was a bit skeptical of the fit. I’m 6-foot and 175 pounds. This would typically put me at the right size for a large, but it’s rare that I don’t have to go XL for arm length. Thankfully, the Rev’It must be made a bit on the large size because they nailed it for me. Arm length was good and it didn’t feel bulky around the chest. However, the jacket was a bit long for my personal preference. One of my pet peeves is when the stomach area curls or bulges when you sit on the bike. With a waist-length jacket like this, the seated stomach bulge is noticeable.

The most surprising element for me was the out-of-the-box placement of

the armor. Everything was anatomically correct. The elbows bent easily and the shoulders felt protected.

I live and ride in Northern California, and conditions were perfect with 50 mph winds and heavy rain to test the waterproof claims of the Chronos. The jacket itself was indeed breathable, having large mesh panels and a webbed inner lining.

The liner was warm and did not let in the slightest hint of moisture. An especially nice feature was the adjustable neck snap, allowing me to regulate the amount of air intake to the neck and chest area.

Overall, I felt the jacket itself was very well made, and the placement of the zippers and snaps was ideal. The wrists fit snugly, and the bendable areas left nothing to chance for protection. The outer shell repelled water as promised and dried quickly.—Jason Lisica May 2014

39

DON’T POUR ON ME

GLOVES

Your hands connect you to your motorcycle. Keep them comfortable in the rain with some quality gloves or glove covers.

Rev’It USA Centaur GTX Gloves

Built with nasty weather in mind, Rev’It USA’s Centaur GTX gloves—available in both mens and womens sizes and fit—include a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane with a textile upper and goatskin palm. Impact protection is provided on the knuckles, palm and fingers with Temperfoam technology. The reflective gloves retail for $129.99 Info: www.revitusa.com

FLY Street Gear Glove Rain Cover

If you have a favorite glove that you wish you could wear in all conditions, consider picking up the FLY Street Gear Glove Rain Cover. The waterproof “over-glove” goes on over your regular glove and provides a waterproof, and windproof, barrier. It has a silicone grip that helps you hold onto the bars in the rain. It comes in sizes S-XL and is $24.95.

Info: www.flyracing.com/street

KLIM Powerxross Glove

This is one serious glove, designed to keep even the gnarliest adventure rider’s paws dry in the toughest conditions. The Powerxross Glove is constructed with Gore-Tex and a full leather palm for comfort and control. The wrist strap closure has been approved to help provide a snug “performance fit.” The $89.99 glove features silicone-injected knuckle pads, a built-in goggle squeegee, an embossed neoprene cuff and reflective material.

Info: www.klim.com

WHAT YOU WEAR

EXTRA PROTECTION

Sometimes you don’t want one piece of gear to do it all. For the ultimate in flexibility, there’s the tried-and-true rain suit solution. Put it on when it rains. Take it off when it doesn’t.

We asked: “What’s your favorite rain gear? Any tips for dealing with wet weather on the bike?”

Adam Keeling: Rain, Aerostich.

Sunny, Aerostich.

Snow, Aerostich. I don’t have to stop riding to throw anything on. Just keep riding through any conditions.

Rory Anderson: Don’t have room for rain gear. It’s just water.

FLY Street Gear Two-Piece Rain Suit This $79.95 jacket and pant combo uses a polyester shell with a slick inner liner so it’s easier to get the suit on and off. A high-waist design should keep water from coming up under the coat, while removable shoe straps hold the pants in place. Vents remove hot air from inside the gear. Comes in sizes S-5XL. Info: www.flyracing.com/ street

BikeBandit.com Rain Suit

Bikebandit.com’s $62.96-$67.95 rain MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER suit is PVC coated with polyester lining. It includes two jacket pockets, two zippered pockets in the pants, an adjustable drawstring waist and Velcro wrist straps. A hood can be folded into a corduroy collar.

AMA members get a discount on regular priced items from BikeBandit.com.

Info: www.bikebandit.com

Schampa WarmSkin Balaclava

Schampa gear is quality, and MEMBER BENEFIT the WarmSkin PARTNER Balaclava is no exception. The $14.99 balaclava is one of the warmest and best fitting on the market. (Plus, AMA members get a 15 percent discount on Schampa gear.) The WarmSkin fabric wicks and breathes to keep you dry, while the flatseaming process prevents annoying pressure points.

Info: www.schampa.com

Dan Baze: I discovered on my way to Sturgis in 2002 the most critical piece of rain gear info ever: It only works if you put it on before the rain starts!

Ellen Smith: Buy good rain gear. It is worth the price. That includes waterproof boots.

John Merrick: Cabela’s GoreTex Thinsulate Guide Wear fishing bibs for us fullfigured fellows, matching coat as well. With a little ingenuity, you can add in armor.

BILT Tornado Jacket And Overpants

The $34.99 BILT Tornado Rain Motorcycle Jacket is an affordable weatherready shell for use on or off the bike. It has a 70-denier exterior that’s designed to be completely waterproof.

Storm flaps protect the zippers, while there’s reflective tape on the arms, chest and back. There’s an adjustable Velcro waist belt, elasticized cuffs. The $24.99 BILT Tornado Pants complete the package.

Info: www.cyclegear.com

Glen Comeaux: Klim Latitude jacket and Adventure Rally pants

Biker Rain Chaps

Biker Rain Chaps aren’t only one of MEMBER BENEFIT the more convenient PARTNER pieces of weatherresistant gear, at $19.99 they’re also one of the most affordable (AMA members get 25 percent off that). The chaps protect your legs from rain, wet roads, fog, wind and dew. Biker Rain Chaps store in their own carrying sack and go on easily.

Eight sizes are available.

Info: www.bikerrainchaps.com/ ama/

Jon Skipper: Pledge or Rain-X on the bike’s windshield and helmet face shield keeps water beading up and rolling off.

Wear a two-piece, sealedseam suit with bib-type pants and jacket with under-helmet hood. Start smoothly. Stop smoothly.

Get out and ride in the rain. It’s fun if you’re dry! www.facebook.com/ AmericanMotorcyclist May 2014

41

COVERAGE DENIED Insurance Discrimination Threat Hangs Over Motorcycling

By Jim Witters Street motorcyclists and offhighway riders who hoped that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act would require health-insurance policies to cover treatment for injuries sustained while riding are in for a big disappointment, experts say.

The president’s signature healthcare reform legislation, which began rolling out in January, failed to close the gaping loophole in the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act that allows employers and insurance companies to exclude “risky activities” from coverage.

Instead, employers and insurers can continue to establish arbitrary standards of behavior and determine health-care coverage based on the source of the injury.

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It’s not just motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders who are affected.

Other activities typically excluded by health-care plans include hang gliding, skydiving, bungee jumping, parasailing and rock climbing. Also excluded: automobile, aircraft or speed-boat racing; reckless operation of a vehicle or other machinery; “ultimate fighting;” use of explosives; and travel to countries with advisory warnings.

While injuries resulting from these activities can result in costly medical bills, motorcycle and ATV riding are arguably everyday activities enjoyed by an estimated 22 million Americans.

All too often, injured motorcyclists and ATV riders don’t realize the limits of their health-care coverage until they are lying in a hospital bed.

Devastating effect

Kent Stuermer of Roseburg, Ore., crashed his Honda CR250 in December, breaking his neck and hand and tearing ligaments in his shoulder.

The results: $173,000 in medical bills that his health-care plan won’t cover, and the prospect of those expenses rising to more than $250,000 when all the treatments and rehabilitation are complete.

“That’s more money than I’ve made in my whole life,” Stuermer says.

Stuermer’s C2 vertebra is secured with a screw. He is wearing a neck brace. His arm and hand are in a cast. He can’t work his truck-driving job. And the 56-yearold and his wife are scraping by on her $700-a-month Social Security check and drawing down their savings account.

The Stuermers bought their policy

directly, because his employer does not provide health-care benefits.

“I should be the poster boy for the campaign to get people to read their insurance policies,” Stuermer says. “Most everybody trusts their insurance agent.

You look the policy over a little bit, see you have $2 million in coverage, then sign it.”

The exclusion for injuries sustained in dirt bike crashes is on page 22 of Stuermer’s policy.

When he found out in mid-February that his policy would not cover his medical bills, Stuermer called his insurance agent.

The agent reminded him that he had 10 days to read the 50-page policy before signing it.

Stuermer wrote a letter to the insurer, called a lawyer and enlisted the help of a state lawmaker. But no one has been able to help.

“We are just up against a hard wall here,” Stuermer says.

Injured firefighter

Lt. James Baker, a firefighter in Sebring, Fla., crashed his motorcycle along U.S. 27 while off-duty in June 2009. He was not wearing a helmet.

The city’s insurance carrier denied his claim for about $86,000 in medical expenses, saying the employees’ policies called for riders to wear helmets, even though Florida law does not require them.

The provision had been added to the policy in 2005 to exclude “activities of a hazardous nature,” but the city failed to inform the affected workers.

The city eventually reached a settlement with Baker, who successfully argued that he sustained no head injuries in the crash, so the helmet requirement was irrelevant.

But the result could have been much more dire.

Jumping through hoops

Even if your health insurance policy covers your motorcycle-related injuries, collecting your benefits may take extra time and effort.

Pennsylvania AMA member Jeffrey Goelz, a Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified RiderCoach who has been riding for 27 years, was involved in a crash with a car in September.

His 2002 Suzuki GSF Bandit 1200S was totaled.

Kent Steurmer had been riding dirt bikes for more than 40 years when a 2013 crash damaged a vertebra. He faces hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills.

“I was whisked away in an ambulance, in only my boots, gloves and helmet.

Everything else was cut off me in the road,” Goelz says. “The treatment I received was based on the thought I had medical insurance on my motorcycle policy. I didn’t, as my previous insurance covered me for such things, and I didn’t read the fine print when we switched providers.”

At a follow-up visit with his primarycare physician, Goelz was told that his employer-provided health insurance plan would not cover his care.

He contacted the insurer and learned that his plan would cover much of the expense, but the health-care providers were required to verify coverage on each and every visit.

“This took days,” Goelz says.

“Sometimes appointments had to be moved. But it needed to be done every time, and took far too long to approve.”

Goelz’s lawyer told him that, because Pennsylvania is a “no-fault” state, Goelz couldn’t collect reimbursement from the car-driver’s insurance company.

“I have yet to see a penny for pain and suffering,” he says. “My FSA (Flexible Spending Account) is almost empty because of the expenses I’ve had to incur because my health insurance would refuse me treatment without a ton of red tape.”

The ordeal affected more than just his physical health, Goelz says.

When he got on a training bike in October to teach a motorcycle-safety class, anxiety consumed him.

“Even on a little 250, in a parking lot, demo’ing exercises I could do in my sleep, my heart was pounding, and I would almost hyperventilate,” he says. “I remember one day not being able to do the figure 8 in the box, something I had great proficiency with.”

For about four months, Goelz didn’t get back onto a bike. He sold his other bikes.

By February, he was ready to try again.

“I put a deposit on a new (used) bike (a 2009 Suzuki GSF1250S),” Goelz says.

“I would rather be anxious on two wheels and work through these issues than watch spring pass me by like a dog pressed against a window.”

The economics

Employers and insurers say they must exclude “risky behavior” from coverage to help contain the rising costs of health care and health-care coverage, several studies show.

But a study by the University of North Carolina’s Highway Safety Research Center shows that the average costs of motorcyclists’ injuries are actually slightly lower than the costs for other accident victims.

High-risk activities rarely enter the discussion about what drives U.S. healthcare and insurance costs ever higher.

David Cutler, a health economist who has worked for President Obama on health care issues, told PBS NewsHour that three factors account for most of the high cost of U.S. health care: • Administrative expenses, which account for about 25 percent of healthcare costs; • Doctors’ pay, drug costs and durable medical equipment prices are much higher here than in other countries; and • Americans receive more care for the same illness or injuries than people elsewhere.

Meanwhile, a Harvard University study shows that unpaid medical expenses represent the biggest cause of bankruptcy in the United States, representing 62 percent of all personal bankruptcies.

The study also states that 78 percent of those filing for bankruptcy because of overwhelming medical expenses had some form of health insurance.

May 2014

43

Kevin Lucia, a research professor and project director at the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute, says no federal standards affect individual or small-group policies and “there is a huge amount of flexibility for large companies” under the ACA and other laws.

His associate, David L. Cusano, says that each state must determine which exemptions are going to be allowed under policies issued within its borders.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners agrees with that assessment.

None of the ACA rating provisions applies to self-insured employer plans, so there would be no effect on the use of motorcycle-rider status to determine employee contribution rates, according to an NAIC spokesperson.

And those plans are not subject to state insurance law, so the question of whether state laws address it is not relevant for them.

Fully insured group plans are subject to state laws, but not to the ACA rating requirements.

Most people in the United States are covered under self-funded employer plans, Lucia says.

History of discrimination The AMA became involved in the issue of lifestyle discrimination in the 1990s when members alerted AMA staff that employers were canceling healthinsurance coverage for motorcycle riding.

Because of the AMA’s hard work alongside other groups, HIPAA contained a provision prohibiting employers from denying health-care coverage to motorcyclists and others engaged in legal activities when injured.

But the federal agencies that implemented the law subverted the intent of Congress. Their rules forbid the exclusion of motorcyclists and ATV riders from overall coverage under the employer’s plan, but allow lifestyle restrictions in the payment of claims.

Two attempts to close the loophole failed.

In 2005, U.S. Reps. Ted Strickland of Ohio and Michael C. Burgess of Texas

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Duncan Kendall

ACA brings no change

Jeffrey Goelz, injured in a crash in on his motorcycle in Pennsylvania, found that being insured did not always mean easy access to health care. His insurer required him to obtain advanced approval for each appointment for treatment.

co-sponsored a bill that would protect individuals injured in recreational activities.

That bill was not enacted.

In 2007, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine reintroduced the HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act, which also faltered.

Cusano says the agencies implementing HIPAA “wanted employers to have flexibility” in determining the scope of their health-insurance coverage.

as riding a motorcycle or ATV, be covered without qualification under the minimum requirements of all the plans offered in the federal and state exchanges?

• Will the change in minimum requirements under the ACA require all private insurers to include coverage, without qualification, for lifestyle choices such as riding a motorcycle or ATV? At press time, four months later, Secretary Sebelius had yet to respond.

Recent action

States slow to act

The AMA sent a letter on Nov. 7 to Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, seeking answers to two questions: • Will injuries resulting from activities that contribute to active lifestyles, such

Cusano, who served as chief legal counsel to Coventry Health Care, Inc. on implementation of the ACA, says motorcyclists and others with an active lifestyle must turn to the states for relief.

He says employers or insurance providers submit their plans, including

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exemptions, to the state insurance regulators, and the regulators decide whether the requested exemptions fall in line with state law.

According to a 2010 report from the National Conference of State Legislatures, 29 states and the District of Columbia have statutes that protect employees’ from adverse employment actions based on their off-duty activities.

These statutes provide three different levels of protection: • Use of tobacco only; • Use of lawful products; and • Any and all lawful activities. Four states—California, Colorado, New York and North Dakota—offer statutory protection for employees who engage in lawful activities.

But most of those laws protect workers only from being dismissed or disciplined for their “risky behavior” off-duty and away from the employers’ premises.

The statutes do not address exclusion of lifestyle choices from the employer’s health care plan.

Only Colorado specifically prohibits discrimination in health care coverage for participants in “motorcycling; snowmobiling; off-highway vehicle riding; skiing; or snowboarding.” (See Colorado Revised Statutes section 10-3-1104.)

Time for local action

With no help on the horizon at the federal level, those who wish to end this type of lifestyle discrimination must focus on convincing their state legislators to adopt state laws and regulations recognizing motorcycling and ATV riding as legitimate activities.

Stuermer has asked his state representative in Oregon to press for a law like Colorado’s that prohibits lifestyle discrimination based on the nature of the injury.

“By the grace of God, somehow we’ll make it,” Stuermer says. “But what if this happened to someone with a wife and two kids? What if this happened to 40 families?”

The AMA encourages other states to use the Colorado law as a starting point for efforts to end this type of discrimination within their jurisdictions.

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Ensuring You ArE insurEd Lawyers Say Coverage Worth Extra Dollars The first step to take to ensure that you and your family are adequately protected is to read your current health insurance and vehicle insurance policies and take note of the levels of coverage, the maximum out-of-pocket expenses you could incur and any exclusions.

Then talk to your insurance agent to determine the types and amounts of additional coverage you need.

And the time to do that is now— before you are involved in a crash.

Anthony Castelli, a Cincinnati, Ohio, accident and personal injury attorney and AMA member, says the best type of insurance to buy is uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage.

Liability coverage pays if you injure someone else.

“But what if someone injures you and has very little or no insurance?

Where are you going to turn to get compensated?” Castelli says. “That’s where uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance comes in. That’s what you purchase from your insurance company, and it pays you in the event that the person who caused your injury had very little insurance.”

Say the person who caused your injury carried $12,500 in liability insurance.

“Heck, if they put you in the emergency room and you had some significant follow-up, that’s going to eat that up,” Castelli says. “And if you’ve got a real serious injury, you’re going to have much more compensation than you’re entitled to.”

Castelli recommends buying at least $100,000 of uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage.

“It’s not that expensive,” he says.

Pennsylvania attorney Edgar Snyder recommends adding or increasing

uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage and bodily injury liability coverage, as well as taking advantage of “stacking,” if it is available in your state.

Stacking increases your benefits, if all your vehicles are covered under the same insurance policy.

For example, if you have $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence limits on each vehicle, and you have three vehicles on your policy, with stacking you are entitled to coverage in the amount of $300,000 per person and $900,000 per occurrence, Snyder says.

For the other types of coverage, he recommends: • Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence.

• Bodily injury liability coverage of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence. Many states have minimum coverage amounts for this coverage, which is designed to cover any claims against you if you’re found legally responsible for causing a crash.

Snyder advises to check with your agent to find out whether you can add medical coverage to your vehicle policy or whether you need to buy a supplemental health insurance plan.

“Keep in mind that some states may not allow you to have medical benefits on your motorcycle insurance policy, so it’s critical that you have other medical insurance,” Snyder says. “If you don’t and you’re in an accident, your medical bills will add up quickly.”

Carrying that additional coverage eases the stress on you and your family as you ride. And, if you are involved in a crash, it can provide the financial support you need while you are off work, receiving care and recovering.

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GO RIDE

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

1

5

Time to break out your dual-sport bike or adventure-tourer and run the roads and trails in the AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series and the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series. This month, the Husqvarna series features the Hanging Rock 200 in McArthur, Ohio, on May 17-18, while the Yamaha series features the Yosemite Adventure tour in Buck Meadows, Calif., May 3-4; the Hanging Rock 200 in McArthur, Ohio, May 1718, and the Berkshire Big Adventure in Tolland, Mass.

May 17-18. For the full schedules, see page 55.

The 2014 AMA Pro Motocross season gets under way with the Glen Helen National in San Bernardino, Calif., May 24, followed by the Hangtown Motocross Classic on May 31 in Sacramento, Calif. For the full schedule, see page 52.

1 1 1,5 3

2

You have two chances this month to catch the action of the AMSOIL AMA Grand National Cross Country series. Don’t miss the exciting racing on May 10-11 in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. and May 24-26 in Morgantown, W.Va. For the full schedule, see page 53.

2

2,4

3

Year after year, the AspenCash Rally—set for May 15-18 this year—dishes out heaps of camaraderie and good times for street riders. AspenCash is an AMA National Touring Rally held in Ruidoso, N.M. Info: www.motorcyclerally.com.

4

Join hundreds of other motorcyclists for a scenic ride through Tennessee and support a good cause at the same time at the Middle Tennessee Ride For Kids that starts and ends at Jim Warren Park in Franklin, Tenn., May 18. Registration is 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The escorted ride starts at 10 a.m. rain or shine. Info: www.pbtfus.org/rideforkids.

COMING UP If you’re a touring rider and haven’t experienced Americade, plan to be in Lake George, N.Y. June 2-7. This AMA National Convention features motorcycle tours, meals, parties and all the fun you can stand. Info: www.tourexpo.com.

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Laconia Motorcycle Week is June 14-22 in Laconia, N.H. This weeklong AMA Gypsy Tour is jam-packed with action, motorcycle racing and motorcycling activities. Info: www.laconiamcweek.com.

MAY EVENTS ALABAMA RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY MAY 29: BIRMINGHAM: BMW RIDERS ASSOCIATION INC.

6686, 2XPROMOTIONS.COM MAY 29: RANCHO CORDOVA: 2 DAY EVENT, DIRT DIGGERS NORTH M.C. INC, (800)-HANGTOWN, HANGTOWNMX.COM

COMPETITION

MAY 31: HESPERIA : 2 DAY EVENT, COMPETITIVE EDGE MX PARK, (760) 947-9054, RIDECEMX.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

SHORT TRACK

MAY 18: KINGMAN: CENTRAL ARIZONA TRIALS INC, (602) 840-3640, CENTRALARIZONATRIALS.ORG

MAY 3: LODI: STOCKTON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 9561505, STOCKTONMC.ORG

ARIZONA

ARKANSAS RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN MAY 16: MARBLE FALLS: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION, (870) 743-4062 MAY 29: EUREKA SPRINGS: MOTOMARATHON ASSOCIATION, (303) 641-1062, MOTOMARATHON.COM COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAY 24: SHERWOOD: 2 DAY EVENT, DIRT BIKE MIKE LLC, (501) 282-1864, DIRTBIKEMIKE.COM CALIFORNIA RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE MAY 3: BUCK MEADOWS: 2 DAY EVENT, FAMILY OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES, (209) 649-3633, FAMILYOFFROADADVENTURES. COM ROAD RUN MAY 14: TORRANCE: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG ROAD RALLY MAY 13: RANCHO CUCAMONGA: RUN FOR THE WALL COMPETITION CROSS COUNTRY MAY 25: GRIZZLY FLATS: 2 DAY EVENT, EARTHSCAPE CUSTOM DIRT WORKS, (916) 421-7268 ENDURO MAY 4: GEORGETOWN: CALIFORNIA ENDURO RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (925) 413-2434, CERA.ORG MAY 10: OMO RANCH: POLKA DOTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) RIDGECREST: 2 DAY EVENT, BADGERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (661) 242-2712, BADGERSMC.ORG MOTOCROSS MAY 4: RANCHO CORDOVA: 2X PROMOTIONS LLC, (740) 2976686, 2XPROMOTIONS.COM MAY 10: PALA: 2X PROMOTIONS LLC, (740) 297-6686, 2XPROMOTIONS.COM MAY 17: SNELLING: 2X PROMOTIONS LLC, (740) 2976686, 2XPROMOTIONS.COM MAY 18: SNELLING: 2X PROMOTIONS LLC, (740) 297-

COLORADO RECREATIONAL POKER RUN MAY 18: COLORADO SPRINGS: COLORADO SPRINGS TOURING CLUB, (719) 635-0138 COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAY 4: DACONO: IMI MOTORSPORTS INC, (303) 8334949, IMIMOTORSPORTS.COM MAY 18: MILLIKEN: TWO RIVERS RACING LLC, (970) 587-5770 MAY 26: BRUSH: CACTUS PROMOTIONS LLC, (970) 768-0519, BRUSHMX.COM OBSERVED TRIALS MAY 4: LAPORTE: ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRIALS ASSN, (719) 395-8505, ROCKYMOUNTAINTRIALS.ORG MAY 24: CANON CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRIALS ASSN, (719) 564-6476 DELAWARE COMPETITION ENDURO MAY 4: DELAWARE CITY: DELAWARE ENDURO RIDERS, INC., (302) 229-1805, DELAWAREENDURORIDERS. COM MOTOCROSS MAY 31: SEAFORD: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (443) 359-1089, SPEEDCITI.COM GEORGIA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAY 3: WASHINGTON: AONIA PASS M.X., (706) 678-3737 MAY 4: WASHINGTON: AONIA PASS M.X., (706) 678-3737 IDAHO RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY MAY 3: BOISE: IDAHO COALITION FOR MOTORCYCLE SAFETY, (208) 941-1689, IDAHOBIKERSRIGHTS.ORG

MAY 18: BARTONVILLE: PEORIA MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (309) 697-4981, PEORIATT.NET TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL MAY 18: (Includes ATVs) OTTAWA: VARIETY RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 434-3669, VARIETYRIDERS.COM COMPETITION HILLCLIMB MAY 10: WHITE CITY: CAHOKIA CREEK DIRT RIDERS, (618) 946-4316, CAHOKIACREEKDIRTRIDERS.COM MOTOCROSS MAY 4: (Includes ATVs) BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM

MAY 18: (Includes ATVs) MIDDLEBURY: GOSHEN IRON HORSEMEN, (574) 825-3399 MAY 4: (Includes ATVs) CULVER: PLYMOUTH BLACKHAWKS MC, INC., (574) 259-0103, PLYMOUTHBLACKHAWKSMC. COM

ADVENTURE RIDE

MAY 4: (Includes ATVs) AKRON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM MAY 25: (Includes ATVs) PIERCETON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM IOWA COMPETITION

MAY 11: MASON: CROSSROADS MX AND OFF-ROAD PARK, LLC, (618) 686-2769, CROSSROADSMX.COM

MAY 17: (Includes ATVs) CEDAR RAPIDS: CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 775-0893, CVTR.ORG

MAY 11: WALNUT: 4P PROMOTIONS INC, (815) 3799534, SUNSETRIDGEMX.COM

MAY 17: WINTERSET: 2 DAY EVENT, RIVERSIDE RACEWAY, (515) 266-7545, RIVERSIDERACEWAY.NET

MAY 17: (Includes ATVs) BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 2773478, BETDIRT.COM MAY 18: CASEY: LINCOLN TRAIL MOTOSPORTS, (217) 932-2041, LINCOLNTRAILMOTOSPORTS. COM MAY 24: BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 2342271, MOTOBYRON.COM MAY 25: BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 2342271, MOTOBYRON.COM MAY 31: PECATONICA: PRO SHOW INC, (815) 275-6686, STATELINEMX.COM OBSERVED TRIALS MAY 17: TILTON: 2 DAY EVENT, TRIALS INC, (502) 515-6514, TRIALSINC.ORG ROAD RACE

MAY 4: (Includes ATVs) MONTEZUMA: FV MOTO X, (641) 623-3456, FVMOTOX.COM

MAY 25: (Includes ATVs) MONTEZUMA: FV MOTO X, (641) 623-3456, FVMOTOX.COM KANSAS COMPETITION OBSERVED TRIALS MAY 31: SEDAN: 2 DAY EVENT, ARK VALLEY TRIALS ASSOCIATION (AVTA), AVTATRIALS.COM LOUISIANA COMPETITION ENDURO MAY 3: CRAVENS: 2 DAY EVENT, LOUISIANA TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (225) 444-5502, SERA & TSCEC MOTOCROSS MAY 3: KENTWOOD: WILDWOOD MX PARK, (225) 776-2305 MAY 4: KENTWOOD: WILDWOOD MX PARK, (225) 776-2305 MARYLAND

MAY 17: SOUTH BELOIT: AMERICAN SPORTBIKE RACING ASSOCIATION, (817) 246-1127, ASRARACING.COM

RECREATIONAL

TTS

MAY 4: LITTLE ORLEANS:

MAY 3: (Includes ATVs) BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 2773478, BETDIRT.COM

MASSACHUSETTS RECREATIONAL

MOTOCROSS

MAY 16: WOODSTOCK: WOODSTOCK RACING LLC, (815) 337-3511, WOODSTOCKMX.COM

WESTERN MARYLAND MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, (443) 695-2793

MOTOCROSS

MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) PECATONICA: PRO SHOW INC, (815) 275-6686, STATELINEMX.COM

ADVENTURE RIDE

MAY 17: TOLLAND: 2 DAY EVENT, BERKSHIRE TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (860) 201-4416, MUDSLINGER.ORG COMPETITION OBSERVED TRIALS MAY 4: WRENTHAM: KING PHILIP TRAIL RIDERS, (508) 479-5681, KINGPHILIPTRAILRIDERS.COM MICHIGAN RECREATIONAL BIKE BLESSING MAY 18: BALDWIN: PARA-DICE MC, (616) 893-3542 COMPETITION 1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) LAKE ODESSA: I-96 SPEEDWAY LLC, (616) 642-0555, I96SPEEDWAY.COM MOTOCROSS MAY 3: BLOOMINGDALE: DUTCH SPORT PARK, (269) 683-4418, DUTCHSPORTPARKMX.COM MAY 4: BLOOMINGDALE: DUTCH SPORT PARK, (269) 683-4418, DUTCHSPORTPARKMX.COM MAY 4: (Includes ATVs) CADILLAC: CADILLAC MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (231) 884-3729, CADILLACMC.COM MAY 10: MILLINGTON: BAJA MX INC, (989) 871-3356, BAJAACRES.COM MAY 11: MILLINGTON: BAJA MX INC, (989) 871-3356, BAJAACRES.COM MAY 11: (Includes ATVs) PORTLAND: PORTLAND TRAIL RIDERS, (517) 647-7045, PORTLANDTRAILRIDERS.COM MAY 17: NEWAYGO: BIG AIR MOTOCROSS, (231) 652-5225, BIGAIRMOTOCROSS.COM MAY 18: NEWAYGO: BIG AIR MOTOCROSS, (231) 652-5225, BIGAIRMOTOCROSS.COM MAY 18: MILLINGTON: BULLDOG RIDERS M/C, (810) 241-7741, BULLDOGSMX.COM MAY 31: BELDING: GRATTAN RACEWAY, (616) 691-7221, GRATTANMX.COM

MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) ALTON: SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC, (618) 372-4355 SPLINTERCREEK.COM INDIANA

COMPETITION REL-ENDURO - ISDE

RECREATIONAL

MAY 31: IDAHO CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, BOISE RIDGE RIDERS, (208) 384-5141, BOISERIDGERIDERS.ORG

ROAD RUN

ILLINOIS

HILLCLIMB

MAY 4: COLUMBIA CITY: OLD FORT MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (260) 489-3707

RECREATIONAL

MAY 26: KOKOMO: MIDNIGHT RIDERS MC, (765) 452-7654

POKER RUN

COMPETITION

May 2014

49

MAY EVENTS OBSERVED TRIALS MAY 4: WHITMORE LAKE: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (517) 849-9231, MOTATRIALS.COM

MAY 2: LAS VEGAS: SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA, (888) 234-2334, THEORLEANSARENA.COM

SHORT TRACK

GRAND PRIX

MAY 17: (Includes ATVs) DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM

MAY 3: (Includes ATVs) PRIMM: 2 DAY EVENT, SUNLAND SHAMROCKS, (818) 767-4594

TTS

MAY 17: LAS VEGAS: SILVER STATE TRAILBLAZERS, (702) 994-6823

MINNESOTA RECREATIONAL TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL MAY 17: THEILMAN: 2 DAY EVENT, GOLDEN EAGLES CYCLE CLUB, GOLDENEAGLES.COM COMPETITION ENDURO MAY 31: HUNTERSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, RIVER VALLEY ENDURO RIDERS, (612) 247-2039 HILLCLIMB

MAY 3: (Includes ATVs) PRIMM: 2 DAY EVENT, SUNLAND SHAMROCKS, (818) 767-4594 NEW JERSEY RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN MAY 25: BRIDGEWATER: DAWN PATROL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (908) 722-2664, DAWNPATROLMC.COM COMPETITION ROAD RACE MAY 4: MILLVILLE: AMERICAN SPORTBIKE RACING ASSOCIATION, (817) 246-1127, ASRARACING.COM NEW MEXICO

MAY 11: (Includes ATVs) RED WING: INDIANHEAD MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (651) 764-1220, INDIANHEADMC.ORG

MAY 30: VADITO: NEW MEXICO OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE ALLIANCE (NMOHVA), NMOHVA.ORG

MAY 11: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM MOTOCROSS MAY 4: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM MAY 10: LITTLE FALLS: RM PROMOTIONS, (218) 894-2826, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM MAY 11: LITTLE FALLS: RM PROMOTIONS, (218) 894-2826, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM MAY 18: BROOKSTON: ECHO VALLEY MOTOCROSS PARK, (218) 348-4754, ECHOVALLEYMOTOCROSS.COM MAY 18: BROOK PARK: BERM BENDERS RACEWAY, (320) 679-2582, BERMBENDERS.COM MAY 18: KELLOGG: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 244-9996, MOTOKAZIE.COM MAY 25: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM MAY 26: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM OBSERVED TRIALS MAY 17: THEILMAN: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG MAY 18: THEILMAN: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG NEVADA COMPETITION ARENACROSS

50

HARE SCRAMBLES

RECREATIONAL

MAY 4: CAMBRIDGE: NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (763) 656-3866, NORSEMENMC.ORG

AmericanMotorcyclist.com 14AMA_Husqvarna_Natl_Dual_Sport_Series.indd 1

HARE & HOUND

MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) RED WING: INDIANHEAD MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (651) 764-1220, INDIANHEADMC.ORG

HARE SCRAMBLES

www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com

ENDUROCROSS

MAY 18: FLUSHING : MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (248) 583-1437, MOTATRIALS.COM

MAY 18: (Includes ATVs) DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM

Apparel Sponsorship By

MAY 3: LAS VEGAS: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 2167482, ARENACROSS.COM

2/18/14 11:32 AM

DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD

MAY 24: (Includes ATVs) CAROGA LAKE: ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN.COM MAY 25: (Includes ATVs) CAROGA LAKE: ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN.COM SPEEDWAY MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) ACCORD: ACCORD SPEEDWAY INC, (845) 6263478, ACCORDSPEEDWAY.COM SHORT TRACK MAY 4: (Includes ATVs) PATTERSONVILLE: ELECTRIC CITY RIDERS, (518) 542-2144, ELECTRICCITYRIDERS.COM NORTH CAROLINA RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN MAY 4: PITTSBORO: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG SCHOOLS - ROAD MAY 19: PISGAH FOREST: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 637-0947, MOTOMARK1.COM COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAY 18: (Includes ATVs) IRON STATION : IRON STATION MOTORSPORTS, INC., (704) 732-8200, ALLANEMOTORSPORTS.COM OHIO RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 17: MCARTHUR: 2 DAY EVENT, BUCKEYE DUAL SPORTERS, (740) 380-3050, KAEPPNERSWOODS.COM

MAY 17: LAS CRUCES: 2 DAY EVENT, AERODYNE PROMOTIONS, LLC/ GASIT OFF ROAD RACING, (575) 524-8316, NMDRC.COM

FAMILY ENDURO-OFF ROAD

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 17: GREENVILLE: TREATY CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (937) 4590508, TREATYCITYMC.COM DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD

COMPETITION

MAY 4: SAN YSIDRO: NEW MEXICO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (505) 780-2551, NEWMEXICOTRIALS.COM NEW YORK RECREATIONAL POKER RUN MAY 4: SLOATSBURG: RAMAPO MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (201) 767-3594 ROAD RUN MAY 24: MELVILLE: IDONTKNOW MC, (631) 676-5159 TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL MAY 10: HANCOCK: 2 DAY EVENT, BEAR CREEK SPORTSMEN, (732) 2711616, BEARCREEKSPORTSMEN.COM COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES MAY 4: (Includes ATVs): DREAM RIDERS, (607) 589-6337 MOTOCROSS MAY 4: (Includes ATVs) WALLKILL: WALDEN MX, (845) 895-2537, WALDENMX.COM MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) NEW BERLIN: UNADILLA ENTERPRISES, LLC., (607) 965-8450, UNADILLAMX.COM MAY 11: (Includes ATVs) NEW BERLIN: UNADILLA ENTERPRISES, LLC., (607) 965-8450, UNADILLAMX.COM

MAY 31: TORONTO: OHIO VALLEY BSA OWNERS CLUB, (724) 945-6018 POKER RUN MAY 4: PORTSMOUTH: PORTSMOUTH MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 353-0927, PORTSMOUTHMC.NET MAY 17: DOVER: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (330) 340-8882, ABATE.COM MAY 24: GALLOWAY: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (614) 332-0148, ABATE.COM ROAD RUN MAY 17: ARCHBOLD: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (419) 796-8370, ABATE.COM TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL MAY 31: (Includes ATVs) JEFFERSON: 2 DAY EVENT, LAKE COUNTY OFF ROAD, INC., (440) 290-6839, HTTP:// LAKECOUNTYOFFROAD.ORG SWAP MEETS MAY 31: TORONTO: 2 DAY EVENT, OHIO VALLEY BSA OWNERS CLUB, (724) 945-6018 COMPETITION ENDURO MAY 4: NORWICH: OHIO WOODS RIDERS, (614) 204-1438, OHIOWOODSRIDERS.COM HILLCLIMB MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) WATERFORD:

MAY EVENTS PIONEER MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (740) 678-0082, PIONEERMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM MAY 11: (Includes ATVs) WATERFORD: PIONEER MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (740) 678-0082, PIONEERMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM HARE SCRAMBLES MAY 17: ATHENS: 2 DAY EVENT, ACTION SPORTS PROMOTIONS INC., (740) 591-7223, ACTIONSPORTSRACING.COM

MAY 3: GLENSIDE: MOTORCYCLISTS FOR JESUS MINISTRIES, PA CHAPTER, (215) 887-2289, RIDERSFORTHESON.COM MAY 18: SCHUYLKILL HAVEN: SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 3851460, SCHUYLKILLCOUNTY MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM MAY 18: LANDISVILLE: KENNETH A NEIDINGER MEMORIAL RIDE, (717) 951-7665, KENNYSMEMORIALRIDE.COM ROAD RALLY

MAY 31: CHILLICOTHE: CHILLICOTHE ENDURO RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (740) 649-9026, CHILLICOTHEENDURO.COM

MAY 15: BIRD IN HAND: RETREADS MOTORCYCLE CLUBMID ATLANTIC REGION, (856) 241-8979

MOTOCROSS

COMPETITION

MAY 4: (Includes ATVs) SUGAR GROVE: CENTRAL OHIO COMPETITION RIDERS INC., (740) 983-3937, COCR MX

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

MAY 17: ATHENS: 2 DAY EVENT, ACTION SPORTS PROMOTIONS INC., (740) 591-7223, ACTIONSPORTSRACING.COM MAY 17: NASHPORT: 2 DAY EVENT, OHIO MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (740) 763-0935, BRIARCLIFFMX.COM MAY 18: DAYTON: DAYTON MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (937) 263-9321, DAYTONMC.COM OBSERVED TRIALS MAY 3: TORONTO: 2 DAY EVENT, TRIALS INC, (502) 515-6514, TRIALSINC.ORG OREGON RECREATIONAL POKER RUN MAY 10: TIGARD: ROSE CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (503) 7063969, ROSE-CITY-MC.ORG ROAD ENDURO MAY 10: TIGARD: ROSE CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (503) 7063969, ROSE-CITY-MC.ORG PENNSYLVANIA RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE MAY 18: LAWTON: BACK MOUNTAIN ENDURO RIDERS, (570) 675-1814, BMER.ORG POKER RUN MAY 10: WAYNESBURG: PATRIOT’S DREAM RIDING ASSOCIATION, INC., (724) 833-2922 MAY 17: LEBANON: PA MOTOR MAIDS

MAY 17: (Includes ATVs) GRATZ: SHIPPENSBURG MC, (717) 7960294, BAERMOTORSPORTS.COM ENDURO MAY 25: HECKSCHERVILLE: READING OFF ROAD RIDERS, (610) 921-3592, RORR.ORG GRAND PRIX MAY 4: BETHLEHEM: BUSHKILL VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 258-3208, BIKEHILLCLIMB.COM HARE SCRAMBLES MAY 3: SKIPPACK: BLUE COMET MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 4891240, BLUECOMETMC.COM MOTOCROSS MAY 17: HANOVER: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (717) 698-5635, HAPPYRAMBLERS.ORG MAY 18: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 5823717, PAGODAMC.ORG MAY 25: HANOVER: HAPPY RAMBLERS, (717) 698-5635, HAPPYRAMBLERS.ORG OBSERVED TRIALS

TTS

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 11: PARKESBURG: E PA PISTON POPPERS MC INC, (484) 336-9160

GRAND PRIX

MAY 3: TIGERTON: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-2863, FANTASYMOTO.COM

SOUTH CAROLINA RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE MAY 18: CHESTER: FAMILY RIDERS, (803) 385-8402, CAROLINADUALSPORTERS.COM TENNESSEE

MAY 25: BRISTOL: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (276) 669-0981, VCHSS.ORG MOTOCROSS

ADVENTURE RIDE

MAY 4: (Includes ATVs) WYTHEVILLE: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

MAY 24: WESTPOINT: 2 DAY EVENT, NORTH ALABAMA TRAIL RIDERS ASSN, (256) 810-7229, NATRA-WESTPOINT.NET

MAY 24: SUTHERLIN: 2 DAY EVENT, BIRCH CREEK PROMOTIONS, LLC, (434) 4892992, BIRCHCREEKMXPARK.COM

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RUN MAY 18: FRANKLIN: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG COMPETITION CROSS COUNTRY MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) HURRICANCE MILLS: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM TEXAS RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY MAY 16: BRENHAM: BRITISH MOTORCYCLE OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF HOUSTON, BMOAONLINE.COM COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAY 4: EDGEWOOD: KINGDOM MOTORSPORTS LLC, (214) 9399321, BUFFALOCREEKMX.COM MAY 9: FLORESVILLE: RMX EVENTS, LLC DBA: CYCLE RANCH, (855) 571-6686, HTTP:// CYCLERANCHMX.COM UTAH

MAY 4: SPRING GROVE: WHITE ROSE MC, (717) 229-2621, WHITEROSEMC.ORG

COMPETITION

SHORT TRACK

MAY 3: (Includes ATVs) LITTLE SAHARA: SAGE RIDERS MC, SAGERIDERS.COM

MAY 3: (Includes ATVs) SPRING RUN: PATH VALLEY SPEEDWAY, (717) 368-5902, PATHVALLEY.COM

MAY 4: MARTINSVILLE: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (276) 632-5931, VCHSS.ORG

HARE & HOUND

VIRGINIA

WASHINGTON COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAY 10: WASHOUGAL: WASHOUGAL MX PARK, LLC, (360) 601-5347, WASHOUGHALMXMPK.COM

MAY 4: TIGERTON: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-2863, FANTASYMOTO.COM MAY 10: ATHELSTANE: PINE RIDGE RACEWAY, LLC, (920) 4347015, PINERIDGERACEWAY.COM MAY 11: ATHELSTANE: PINE RIDGE RACEWAY, LLC, (920) 4347015, PINERIDGERACEWAY.COM MAY 11: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 265-1582, AZTALANMX.COM MAY 17: (Includes ATVs) BARABOO: CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 2206853, CMJRACEWAY.COM MAY 18: (Includes ATVs) MARSHFIELD: MARSHFIELD T&T RIDERS, INC., (715) 384-4555, HTTP://T-N-TRIDERS.COM

COMPETITION

MAY 25: ATHELSTANE: PINE RIDGE RACEWAY, LLC, (920) 4347015, PINERIDGERACEWAY.COM

CROSS COUNTRY

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 24: (Includes ATVs) MASONTOWN: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM

MAY 10: WAUZEKA: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (319) 624-2003, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG

WEST VIRGINIA

MOTOCROSS MAY 10: HEDGESVILLE: MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, TOMAHAWKMX.COM MAY 11: HEDGESVILLE: MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 375-1059, MAMAMX.COM ROAD RACE MAY 26: SUMMIT POINT: AMERICAN SPORTBIKE RACING ASSOCIATION, (817) 246-1127, ASRARACING.COM WISCONSIN COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES MAY 4: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 319-6889, BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM

MAY 11: WAUZEKA: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (319) 624-2003, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG SHORT TRACK MAY 17: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 319-6889, BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM MAY 30: (Includes ATVs) PLYMOUTH: SOUTHEASTERN SHORT TRACKERS, LTD, (262) 339-7430, DAIRYLANDCLASSIC.COM TTS MAY 18: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 319-6889, BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM

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

MAY 17: SKIPPACK: BLUE COMET MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (267) 2613580, BLUECOMETMC.COM MAY 18: COLUMBIA: THUNDERBIRD MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (717) 898-0871 MAY 18: KRESGEVILLE: ZINC CITY MC, (570) 992-4214 MAY 26: LEBANON: LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (717) 270-9797 MAY 31: DENVER: CLASSIC HARLEY-DAVIDSON, (610) 9167777, CLASSICHARLEY.COM ROAD RUN

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May 2014

51

2014 EVENTS HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG

High Adventure. No Hassle.

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

For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding.

THE ADVENTURE is out there

comteit Ge

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. Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Recognizing those who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling.

Dirt-Track! All-American Motorcycle Racing: Celebrating the storied history of the dirt oval.

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.

AMA PRO RACING AMA PRO FLAT TRACK AMAPRORACING.COM

May 25: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile June 15: Knoxville, Ia.: Knoxville Half Mile June 28: Lima, Oh.: Lima Half Mile 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 Aug. 5: Rapid City, S.D.: Sturgis Half Mile Aug. 8: Indianapolis, Ind.: Indy Mile Aug. 17: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria TT

Aug. 23: New Kent, Va.: Colonia Downs MIle Aug. 31: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile II Sept. 28: Santa Rosa, Calif.: Santa Rosa Mile Oct. 11: Pomona, Calif.: Flat Track Season Finale

AMA PRO HILLCLIMB AMAPRORACING.COM

June 1: Spring Grove, Pa.: White Rose MC June 8: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC June 18: Canaan, N.H.: Ridge Runner/Laconia Bike Week July 13: West Branch, Mich.: Ogemaw Hills Bike Week Aug. 3: Muskegon, Mich.: Muskegon MC *All Star Challenge

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

www.yamaha-motor.com

Apparel Sponsorship by

Sept. 21: Spring Grove, Pa.: White Rose MC Sept. 28: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC

Oct. 12: Oregonia, OH: Dayton MC

LUCAS OIL AMA PRO MOTOCROSS PROMOTOCROSS.COM

May 24: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen National May 31: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic June 7: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National June 14: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point National June 28: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National Jul. 5: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National Jul. 12: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National Jul. 19: Millville, Minn: Spring Creek National Jul. 26: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National Aug. 9: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadila National Aug. 16: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Indiana National Aug. 23: Tooele, Utah: Utah National

AMA PRO ROAD RACING AMAPRORACING.COM

May 30: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America June 21-22: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park July 19-20: Lexington, Oh.: MidOhio Sports Car Course Sept. 13-14: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS AMASUPERCROSS.COM

Apr. 5: Houston: Reliant Stadium

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 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 3-4: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Dutch Sport Park, AMA Amateur National Area Qualifier; www.dutchsportsparkmx.com May 4: Wallkill, N.Y.: Walden MX, Walden MX Spring Pro-Am; www.mamamx.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 24-25: Southwick, Mass.: Moto 338, Motocross League of American; www.motocross leagueofamerica.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, Calif.: 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 June 1: Berwick, Pa.: Evansville Motocross Park; www.evansvillemxpark.com June 8: Nashville, Ill.: Holzhauers MX, Mid-America MX Series; www.thetrackatholzhauers.com June 28-29: Mammoth Lakes, Calif.: Mammoth Moutain, Monster Energy Mammoth Motocross; www.2xpromotions.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.: Hurricane Hills MX; www.hhmotocross.com July 6: Altamont, Tenn.: Fast Farms MX; www.midsouthrace productions.com July 6: Buchanan, Mich.: Red Bud Motocross, Pro National Amateur Day; www.redbudmx.com July 13: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com July 19-24: Ponca, Okla.: Ponca City MX, Ponca City Amateur Championship (MLA); www.motocrossleagueof america.com Aug. 10: Crystal Falls, Mich.: Valley Raceway MX; www.valleyracewaymx.com Aug. 10: Malvern, Oh.: Malven Motocross, Battle of Ohio; www.omxa.net Aug. 24: Nashport, Oh.: Briarclif MX, Battle of Ohio; www.omxa.net 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 Acres, Baja Brawl; www.bajaacres.com Aug. 31: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine

2014 EVENTS Ridge Raceway; www. pineridgeraceway.com Sept. 7: Seward, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway; www.pvrmx.com Sept. 7: Mason, Ill.: Crossroads MX, World of Powersports Crossroads Cup; www.crossroadsmx.com Sept. 13-14: Reynolds, Ga.: Silver Dollar MX, Vurb Classic; www.motocrossleagueof america.com Sept. 21: New Castle, Del.: Blue DIamond MX, Delaware State Championship; ww.bdmxpark.com Sept. 21: Tigerton, Wis.: Fantasy Moto, Midwest Mega Series; www.fantasymoto.com Sept. 20-21: Garwin, Ia.: Oak Ridge MX, Motocross League of America (MLA); www.motocross leagueofamerica.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 Oct. 12: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain MX Park; www.monstermx.com Oct. 11-12: Duquoin, Ill.: Indian Hills Motocross, Motocross League of America (MLA); www.motocrossleague ofamerica.com Oct. 19: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com Oct. 26: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, Western Pro-Am; www.arizonacyclepark.com Nov. 1-2: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek MX, Motocross League of America (MLA); www.motocross leagueofamerica.com Nov. 23-26: Gainsville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, Mini Olympics-Supercross; www.unlimitedsportsmx.com Nov. 27-29: Gainsville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, Mini Olympics-Motocross; www.unlimitedsportsmx.com

Nov. 30: St. George, Utah: St. George MX; www.stgeorgemxw.com

AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMSOIL AMA GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES GNCCRACING.COM Apr. 12-13: Union, S.C.: VP Racing Fuels Big Buck Apr. 26-27: Springville, Ind.: Dunlop Limestone 100 May 10-11: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Parts Unlimited Loretta Lynn’s May 24-25: Morgantown, W.V.: Rocky Moutain ATV*MC Mountaineer Run June 7-8: Millfield, Oh.: Wiseco John Penton June 21-22: Snowshoe, W.V.: AMSOIL Snowshoe Sept. 6-7: New Berlin, N.Y.: Can-Am Unadilla Sept. 20-21: TBA, Pa.: Car-Mate TBA Oct. 4-5: St Clairsville, Oh.: ITP Powerline Park Oct. 25-26: Crawfordsville, Ind.: AMSOIL Ironman

GEICO AMA ENDUROCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP ENDUROCROSS.COM

May 2: Las Vegas: The Orleans Arena May 15: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the Americas 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

KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP NATIONALENDURO.COM

AMA SUPERMOTO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

May 18: Park Hills, Mo.: Michael Silger, Missouri Mudders; (636) 639-6373, MOMudders.com

AMARACING.COM

June 1: Arrington, Va.: Chuck Honeycutt, April Fools Promotions; (757) 375-5665, VCHSS.org

Apr. 19-20: Lake Havasu City, Ariz.: SARA Park

May 30-June 1: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: In conjuction with AMA Pro Racing Road Race Championship

June 29: Marquette, Mich.: Nick Zambon, UP Sandstormers; (906) 228-7010, UPSandstormers.com July 27: Cross Fork, Pa.: Peter Burnett, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 883-7607, BER.us Aug. 10: Grand Junction, Colo.: Thomas Jundtoft, Bookcliff Rattlers MC; (970) 250-9942, bookcliffrattlersmc.com Aug. 31: Union, S.C.: Duane Wellington, Greenville Enduro Riders; (864) 908-6109, GreenvilleEnduroRiders.com Sept. 14: Matthews, Ind.: Doug Spence, Muddobbers; (765) 9982236, MuddobbersMC.com

AMA EAST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.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) 209-8184, 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) 3143343, WFOPromotions.com

July 5-6: Denver, Colo.: In conjunction with NASCAR event July 26-27: Salt Lake City, Utah: During Bike Jam at Miller Motorsports Park Sept. 13-14: Sturgis, S.D.: downtown street race

AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM

Apr. 12, Youth; Apr. 13, Amateur: Chappie-Shasta OHV Area-Shasta Lake, Calif.: Russel Smith, Redding Dirt Riders; (530) 921-1233, reddingdirtriders.com May 3, Youth; May 4, Amateur: Primm, Nev.: Ronald Maas, Sunland Shamrocks MC/Big 6 GP; (818) 767-4594, ShamrocksMC.com June 14, Youth & C Amateur; June 15, Pro, A & B Amateur: Elkton, Ore.: Jared Achepohl, ETRA, Inc.; (541) 912-8296, ETRA.net Sept. 6, Youth; Sept. 7, Amateur: Anza, Calif.: Justin Shultz, SoCal MC/Big 6 GP; (949) 981-6776, SoCalMC.com Oct. 4, Youth; Oct. 5, Amateur: Ridgecrest, Calif.: Chris Cory, Viewfinders MC/Big 6 GP; (661) 450-8150, ViewfindersMC.com

SRT AMA HARE AND HOUND AMARACING.COM

Apr. 12, Youth; Apr. 13, Amateur: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Justin Shultz, SOCal MC; (949) 981-6776, SoCalMC.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) 2365866, Get-Xtr-Eme.com Oct. 11, Youth; Oct. 12, Amateur: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Darren Moen, 100s MC; (714) 863-7170, www.100sMC.org

AIRES AMA/NATC MOTOTRIALS AMARACING.COM

May 24 -25: Texas Creek, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Trials Association; (719) 564-6476, RockyMountainTrials.org May 31-June 1: Sedan, Kan.: Ark Valley Trials Assocation; (316) 644-7774, AVTATrials.com June 21-22: Tremont, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600, RauschCreekRacing.com June 28-29: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Ashley Jackson, South Eastern Trials Riders Association; (423) 942-8688, TrialsTrainingCenter.com

AMA/NATC EAST YOUTH MOTOTRIALS AMARACING.COM

July 4-6: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Ashley Jackson, South Eastern Trials Riders Association; (423) 942-8688, TrialsTrainingCenter.com

AMA/NATC WEST YOUTH MOTOTRIALS AMARACING.COM

July 18-20: Howard, Colo.: Bill Markham, ITS Offroad; (719) 9423372, ITSOffroad.com

AMA VINTAGE DIRT TRACK

YOU CAN HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. AMA members do it all—long-distance rides, off-road 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.

May 2014

53

2014 EvEnts 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) 725-3069; williamsracing12@yahoo.com; SquareDealRiders.com June 21: Harpursville, N.Y.: Short Track; Square Deal Riders; (607) 725-3069; williamsracing12@yahoo.com; SquareDealRiders.com July 12: Ashland, Ohio: Half Mile; AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days; Ken Saillant, (800) 2625646; ksaillant@ama-cycle.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; www.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

AMA VINTAge MOTOCrOSS amaracing.com

May 18: Athens, Oh.: Action Sports Moto-Park; www. actionsportsracing.com

July 11-13: Lexington, Oh.: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, MidOhio Sports Car Course

June 14-15: Nashport, Oh.: Ohio National, Briarcliff MX

Aug. 3: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge Motocross, www.sunsetridgemx. com

June 28-29: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek ATV National, Spring Creek MX Park, Spring Creek

Aug. 24: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports, www. lincolntrailmotorsports.com

July 12-13: New berlin, N.Y.: Northeastern ATV National, Unadilla Valley Sports Center

Sept. 14: Coldwater, Mich.: Log Road Motocross, www.logroadmx.com Oct. 4: greensburg, Ky.: Russell Creek Motocross Oct. 18: Paoli Peaks, Ind.: Mammoth East, www.podium1motoplex.com

AMA ATV HAre SCrAMbLeS

July 26-27: buchanan, Mich.: RedBud ATV National, RedBud MX Aug. 9-10: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: ATV Dirt Days, Loretta Lynn’s

AMA FeATureD SerIeS ALL STAr NATIONAL FLAT TrACK SerIeS

amaracing.com

stEvEnacEracing.com

June 14-15: berwick, Pa.: Amateur and Youth, Duane Fisher, Evansville MX Park; (570) 759-2841, evansvillemxpark.com

May 23: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria Speedway, Short Track

July 13: battle Creek, Mich.: Joe Wathen, Battle Creek Motorcycle Club; (269) 729-9691, BattleCreekMotorcycleClub.com

May 24: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds, TT June 21: Ashland, Oh.: Ashland County Fairgrounds, Half Mile

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) 774-9090, CFTRiders.com Oct. 4: Plainview, Ill.: Ron Whipple, WFO Promotions; (309) 314-3343, WFOPromotions.com

MTN.DeW ATV MOTOCrOSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP atvmotocross.com

July 4: Frederick, M.D.: Rodney Farris Memorial at the 92nd Annual Barbara Fritchie Classic, Half Mile Aug. 4: billings, Mont.: Billings Motorsports Park, Half Mile Aug. 6: Sturgis, S.D.: Mead Co. Fairgrounds, Half Mile Aug. 15: Lewistown, Ill.: Spoon River Speedway, Short Track Aug. 30: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Short Track Sept. 20: York, Pa.: York Expo Center Randy Texter Memorial, Half Mile

May 17-18: Mount Morris, Pa.: ATV Stampede, High Point Raceway, High Point MX

AMA MrAN NIgHT rACe DeSerT SCrAMbLe SerIeS

May 31-June 1: Walnut, Ill.: ATV Showdown, Sunset Ridge MX, Sunset Ridge National

June 7: Nelson Hills, Nev.: Wild Bunch

mranracing.com

June 28: Pabco rd., Nev.: Gamblers July 12: Jean, Nev.: Jackrabbits

PENNSYLVANIA SEVEN MOUNTAINS DUAL SPORT & ADV. RIDES

July 25-26: Searchlight, Nev.: Bushwackers

bIg 6 AMA WeST COAST grAND PrIx SerIeS Big6racing.com

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

eAST COAST eNDurO rIDerS eNDurO SerIeS EcEa.org

Entry: patraiIriders.org TWO DAYS- JUNE 21-22 54

AmericanMotorcyclist.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) 834-4411, www.delawareenduro

riders.com May 25: Heckscherville, Pa.: broad Mountain enduro, Reading Off Road Riders; (610) 921-3592, www.rorr.org June 1: grier City, Pa.: Shotgun enduro, High Mountain Dirt Riders; (570) 954-7799, hmdr.org June 8: Deposit, N.Y.: ridge run enduro, Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club; (973) 919-4780, www.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 July 27: Cross Fork, Pa.: rattlesnake National enduro, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 368-7332, www.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) 657-8248, www.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

Oct. 25-26: Ormond Farms Hare Scrambles, Competition Dirt Riders; (609) 319-7496 Nov. 15-16: Delaware Hare Scrambles, Delaware Enduro Riders; (302) 834-4411

eAST COAST eNDurO rIDerS DuAL SPOrT SerIeS EcEa.org

Oct 12: Pine grove, Pa.: Rorr Dual Sport, Reading Off Road Riders; (610) 921-3592, rorr.org Oct. 25-26: Chatsworth, N.J.: Meteor Dual Sport, Meteor Motorcycle Club; (856) 889-7300, www.meteormc.com Nov. 1-2: Port elizabeth, N.J.: TCSMC National Dual Sport, TriCounty Sportsmen MC; 1 (888) 274-4469, teamhammer.org

WOMeN’S MOTOCrOSS mxsports.com

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) 4467800 Oct. 19: blountville, Tenn.: Top Gun Showdown; (423) 323-5497 Nov. 29: gainesville, Fla.: Winter Olympics; (312) 689-3461

AMA AMATeur CHAMPIONSHIPS rOCKY MOuNTAIN ATV/ MC AMA AMATeur NATIONAL MOTOCrOSS CHAMPIONSHIP mxsports.com

Nov. 23: New Lisbon, N.J.: Pine Hill enduro, Central Jersey Competition Riders; (732) 5586475, www.cjcrmc.org

northEast rEgional championship

eAST COAST eNDurO rIDerS HAre SCrAMbLeS SerIeS

June 28-29: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point (Amateur)

EcEa.org

May 17-18: MCI Hare Scrambles, Motorcycle Competition Inc., (609) 575-7820 June 14-15: gMeW @ rocket Hare Scrambles, Green Marble Enduro Riders; (410) 683-9367 June 21-22: reading Hare Scrambles, Reading Off Road Riders; (610) 921-3592 Jul. 19-20: Anthracite Hare Scrambles, Valley Forge Trail Riders; (610) 476-3747 Aug. 2-3: Shotgun Hare Scrambles, High Mountain Dirt Riders; (570) 954-7799 Sept. 13-14: MMC Hare Scrambles, Meteor Motorcycle Club; (856) 889-7300 Sept. 27-28: ridge Hare Scrambles, Ridge Riders MC; (973) 919-4780 Oct. 4-5: Sahara Sands Hare Scrambles, Pine Barons Enduro Riders; (609) 654-6300

June 21-22: Armagh, Pa: Pleasure Valley Raceway (Youth)

northEast arEa qualifiEr April 12-13: Fredricksburg, Pa.: Sleepy Hollow; 570-419-6555 April 19-20: Hedgesville, W.Va.: Tomahawk; 304-582-8185 April 26-27: Dillwyn, Va.: Actiontown MX Park; 434-5486043 May 3-4: export, Pa.: Steel City; 304-284-0084 May 10-11: New berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla Valley Sports Center; 607-965-8450 May 17-18: Winchester, N.H.: Winchester Speed Park; 603239-6406 southEast rEgional championship June 7-8: blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway (Youth) June 14-15: Chatsworth, ga.: Lazy River (Youth) southEast arEa qualifiEr April 12-13: Henderson, N.C.:

2014 EVENTS North Carolina Motorsports Park; 252-767-6671 April 26-27: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain; 334-318-8475 May 3-4: Washington, Ga.: Aonia Pass; 706-678-3737 May 24-25: Danville, Va.: Birch Creek Motorsports; 434-5486043 MID-EAST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP May 31-June 1: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman (Amateur) June 7-8: Buchanan, Mich.: Redbud (Youth) MID-EAST AREA QUALIFIER April 12-13: Rossville, Ind.: Wild Cat Creek MX; 765-379-2482 April 26-27: Livingston, Tenn.: Thunder Valley; 423-323-5497 May 3-4: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Dutch Sports Park; 269-6834418 May 10-11: Millington, Mich.: Baja Acres; 989-871-3356

Amateur) NORTHWEST AREA QUALIFIER April 26-27: Porterville, Calif.: Porterville OHV Park; 740-2976686 May 10: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal; 360-601-5347 May 17-18: Turlock, Calif.: Oatfield Raceway; 740-297-6686 SOUTHWEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS May 31-June 1: Hesperia, Calif.: Competitive Edge (Youth, Amateur) SOUTHWEST AREA QUALIFIER May 17-18: Turlock, Calif.: Oatfield Raceway; 740-297-6686 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

AMA HILLCLIMB GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP

April 26-27: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports; 217-932-2041 May 3-4: Tigerton, Wis.: Motozone; 920-419-2863 May 10-11: Little Falls, Minn.: Little Falls Raceway; 218-8942826 May 17-18: Winterset, Iowa: Riverside Raceway; 515-2667509 May 24-25: Byron, Ill.: Byron Motosports Park; 815-234-2271 SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP June 14-15: Wortham, Texas: Freestone MX (Youth) June 14-15: Houston, Texas: Three Palms (Amateur) SOUTH CENTRAL AREA QUALIFIER April 12-13: Prentiss, Miss.: Golden Pine; 601-506-8669 April 26-27: Ponca City, Okla.: Ponca City MX; 205-669-8857 May 3-4: Kentwood, La.: Wildwood MX; 225-776-2305 May 10-11: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley MX; 303-6971003 May 17-18: Yantis, Texas: Johnsonville MX Farm; 903217-7965 May 24-25: Little Rock, Ark.: Tony Wynn MX; 501-282-1864 NORTHWEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP June 7-8: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City MX (Youth,

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

VALLEYSPRING HILLCLIMB.COM

Aug. 15-17: Bay City, Wis.: Mike Bronk, Valley Springs Motorcycle Club; (715) 594-3726

AMSOIL AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL ARENACROSS ARENACROSS.COM

May 3-4: Las Vegas: South Point Arena

KENDA AMA TENNESSEE KNOCKOUT GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP TENNESSEEKNOCKOUT ENDURO.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

AMA HUSQVARNA NATIONAL DUAL-SPORT SERIES

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM Apr. 26-27: Brooksville, Fla.: Devil’s Creek DS/ADV Ride, Dixie Dual Sport, Inc, Robert Frey; 727919-8299; www.dixiedualsport.com May 17-18: McArthur, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www.kaeppners woods.com June 7-8: Lock Haven, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Great Adventure, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343; www.durtydabbers.com June 7-8: Bixby, Mo.: Show Me 200, Midwest Trail Riders Assoc., Robert Kaufman; (314) 434-5095; www.ridemtra.com June 7-8: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride For Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; www. widualsportriders.org

June 21-22: Big Bear City, Calif.: Big Bear Run, Big Bear Trail Riders, Jim Nicholson; (818) 391-3083; www.bigbeartrailriders.com June 28-29: Fort Rock, Ore.: Fort Rock National Dual Sport, Lobos MC, Billy Toman; (503) 656-5801; www.lobosmc.com/

FIM JUNIOR MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Aug. 10: Bastogne, Belgium

Aug. 2-3: Walden, Colo.: Moose Run Dual Sport Rally, Front

Sept. 28: Kegums, Latvia

FIM-LIVE.COM

Aug. 16-17: Tillamook, Ore.: Rat Dog Dual Sport, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com Aug. 29-Sept. 1: Hood River, Ore.: Dual Sport Northwest, Sound Rider!, Tom Mehren; (206) 650-9102; www.soundrider.com Sept. 6-7: Golden Pond, Ky.: Land Between the Lakes 200, KT Riders, Jesse Thomas; (270) 5223703; www.lbl200.com Sept. 13-14: Columbus, Ind.: Buffaloe 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772; www. stoneylonesomemc.com Sept. 13-15: Reno, Nev.: Ride Reno 200, Dust Devils MC, Gary Lambert; (775) 224-0361; www. dustdevilsmc.com

Sep 27-28: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; www.widualsport riders.org Oct. 11-12: McArthur, Ohio: Baby Burr National Dual Sport, Enduro Riders Association, Steve Barber; (614) 582-7821; www.enduroriders.com Oct. 25-26: Tuckerton, N.J.: Meteor Ride in the Pines, Meteor MC, Jeff Fitzpatrick; (609) 6545015; www.meteormc.com Nov. 1-2: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 (856) 785-2754; www.teamhammer.org Nov. 8-9: Wickenburg, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrail riders.org Nov. 28-29: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.district37 ama.org

June 14-15: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 6818881; www.blackdogdualsport.com

July 19-26: Newberry, Mich.: 30th Annual “Michael R Burlingham Memorial” Six Days of Michigan, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Lewis Shuler; (517) 781-4805; www.cycleconservationclub.org

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Range Riders, Deborah Nielsen; none; www.frontrangeriders.com

Sept. 27-28: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Dual Sport , Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 6493633; www.familyoffroad adventures.com

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May 31-June1: Idaho City, Id., West Qualifier: Peter Reynolds, Boise Ridge Riders; (208) 3845141, BoiseRidgeIdaho.org

AMA DIRT TRACK GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP June 23-26: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds

June 21-22: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX (Youth)

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July 27-Aug. 2: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: National Championship, Loretta Lynn’s Ranch

May 17-18: Nashport, Ohio: Briarcliff MX; 740-763-0935

June 14-15: Mt. Carroll, Ill.: MC Motopark (Amateur)

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AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM Apr. 12-13: Bybee, Tenn.: Slate Creek 500, Appalachian Trail Riders, John Strange; 865-3220193; www.volunteerriders.com Apr. 26-27: Brooksville, Fla.: Devil’s Creek DS/ADV Ride, Dixie Dual Sport, Inc, Robert Frey; 727919-8299; www.dixiedualsport.com May 3-4: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Adventure Tour, Family

Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 649-3633; www. familyoffroadadventures.com May 17-18: Tolland, Mass.: Berkshire Big Adventure, Berkshire Trail Riders, David Seften; 860-201-4416; www. mudslinger.org May 24-25: Westpoint, Tenn.: Factory Creek Adventure Ride, NATRA, John Bowling; 256-8107229; www.natra-westpoint.net June 1: Atlanta, N.Y.: Thrills in the Hills, Wayne County MC Club, John Albanese; 315-946-3082; www.waynecountymc.com June 14-15: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 6818881; www.blackdogdual sport.com Aug. 16-17: Tillamook, Ore.: Rat Dog Dual Sport, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com Sept. 5-9: Buena Vista, Colo.: Continental Divide Adv Tour, Exit Tours, Michael Brown; (719) 2071189; www.coloradodual sport.com Sept. 13-14: Columbus, Ind.: Buffaloe 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772; www.stoneylonesomemc.com Sept. 13-15: Reno, Nev.: Ride Reno 200, Dust Devils MC, Gary Lambert; (775) 224-0361; www.dustdevilsmc.com Sept. 20-21: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www. kaeppnerswoods.com Oct. 25-26: Chatsworth, N.J.: Meteor Ride in the Pines, Meteor MC, Jeff Fitzpatrick; (609) 6545015; www.meteormc.com Nov. 1-2: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 (856) 785-2754; www.teamhammer.org Nov. 8-9: Wickenburg, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 8261092; www.arizonatrailriders.org Nov. 14-16: Hammonton, N.J.: Pine Barrens 500, BMW of Manhattan Motorcycles, Jack O’Connor; 732-714-8874; pinebarrens500.org; info@ pinebarrens500.org Nov. 28-29: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.district37 ama.org

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AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM July 11-13: Lexington, Oh.: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days; AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com

NATIONAL CONVENTIONS

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM June 2-7: Lake George, N.Y.: Americade; Americade.com

May 2014

55

2014 EVENTS Sept. 17-21: Ruidoso, N.M.: Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally; MotorcycleRally.com

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June 26-29: Johnstown, penn.: Thunder in the Valley

May 15-18: Ruidoso, N.M.: Aspencash Rally; MotorcycleRally. com

July 28-aug. 3: tulsa, okla.: 37th Annual National Bikers Roundup

June 8-11: Rapid City, S.D.: Star 2014; ridemsta.com July 17-24: Snowshoe, W.V.: 2014 Roadrunner Motorcycle Touring & Travel Annual Touring Weekend; http://www.roadrunner.travel/events/ touring-weekend/.com aug. 29-Sept. 1: Hood River, ore.: Rally in the Gorge; soundrider.com/ rally

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AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM apr. 23-27: laughlin, Nev.: Laughlin River Run; laughlinriverrun.com

aug. 4-10: Sturgis, S.D.: Sturgis; SturgisMotorcycleRally.com aug. 28-31: Killington, V.t.: Killington Classic; killington

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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.

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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.

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May 2014

57

Sean O’Donnell

Guest Column

Sunday BikeS and Monday BikeS It’s Good To Have Options

By Frank L. Palmeri

Not long ago, I was out on my recently restored barn find, a 1973-1/2 BMW R75/5, tooling around the beautiful hills and valleys of upstate New York. On the way home, I pulled into a gas station to top off. After putting my gloves back on, I hit the starter button and nothing happened. The silence was deafening. I checked the key and switches. Everything was fine, but no joy.

This bike has a side-mounted kickstarter, but my technique must be off, because I couldn’t even get that to work.

Then I tried pushing and popping the clutch. I got a real good workout, but that didn’t work either. Finally, just for laughs, I hit the starter button again and she fired right up. How about that?

The next day, I had to ride from Albany, N.Y., where I live, to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to take a train into Manhattan for a business meeting. At 4:30 a.m., while it was still dark out, I rolled my 2003 BMW K1200RS out of the garage and into the driveway, hit the button and took off.

Soon, I was on Interstate 87 South slicing and dicing with early morning FedEx and UPS trucks heading down the road at a cruise-controlled 75 mph. When I got to the Metro North train station, I ditched all my riding gear in the cavernous cases on the big K bike, and then joined the swarm of commuters heading into Manhattan via rail.

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When the meeting was over, I made it back to the train station, put on my riding gear, hit the button and not long after pulled into my driveway. No drama at all.

The R75/5 is what I call a Sunday bike, and the K1200RS is what I call a Monday bike. A Sunday bike is the kind of bike that many riders say has “character.” This usually means it is vintage, most likely with carburetors, points and maybe even a kickstarter.

A Monday bike, like my K1200RS, is usually modern, probably fuel-injected and with computer-controlled ignition—in other words, just push the button and go.

In 35 years of riding, I’ve determined it’s the Sunday bikes that make me appreciate the Monday bikes so much, and that there’s a place for both in the garage.

A Sunday bike will almost certainly have a carburetor. While these simple devices have done an admirable job of running all kinds of internal combustion engines for decades, they can have issues. (I vividly remember a carb blowing right off a friend’s bike when his engine backfired.) They can leak, get clogged and have jets fall out from the vibration.

Still, when you’re on a Sunday ride (no business meeting to get to), you might not mind having to fashion a jet needle out of a toothpick on the side of the road. Think about it—what other device can a guy still fix with the multi-tool carried on his belt, get home and then have a great story to tell because of it?

A Monday bike will surely be fuel-injected and computer-controlled. If you’re as old as I am, you will remember having to carry around spare spark plugs, and being careful not to flood the engine when starting. EFI has taken all that voodoo away. Youngsters have no idea what it was like “back in the day.” That’s why, when you really need to be somewhere, you reach for the modern bike.

Leave the spare plugs at home. Just push the button and go. Gotta love it.

Now, some say Monday bikes lack the character that Sunday bikes have, but I

have to disagree. I look at it this way: When I get on my K1200RS, I know I can burn two tanks, get three states away, have a cup of coffee, burn another two tanks and return home to watch the football highlights with absolutely no issues. The bike just works, and it works so well that you can spend long, long hours in the saddle just enjoying the ride.

That, to me, is character in the same way a Swiss watch has character. Precision and dependability never go out of style.

Where you get character with a Sunday bike is what it does to you as a rider. When I first got my Norton Commando, I knew nothing about working on bikes. Owning that bike forced me to get tools (lots of them) and learn how to use them. When Sunday bikes are running right, there’s nothing better. The problem is there’s just no way something from the ’70s or earlier is ever going to run right for long without vigilant upkeep.

When I had my Commando on the road, I was fanatical about the maintenance. I made many long journeys on that bike, including several trips to the sorely missed and over-the-top Sport Bike Rally in Parry Sound, Ontario. I had some parts fall off along the way, and a cracked header pipe, but only once in maybe 20 years did that bike leave me stranded.

I like to keep at least one Sunday bike and one Monday bike on the road at all times. This way I have multiple ways to enjoy the endlessly fascinating sport of motorcycling. Plus, when a friend comes by and wants to borrow a bike, I can toss him the keys to the Sunday bike and say, “if you can start it, you can ride it.” That’s always fun, especially with something like my BSA Victor, a big kick-start single with a ferocious kick back.

Sunday bikes provide the promise of adventure. Monday bikes just get the job done. If you have room in the garage for both, you are a lucky rider indeed.

Frank Palmeri is an AMA member from Schenectady, N.Y.

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Nate Hudson, Long Beach, member of BA MOTO Club , raises some dust on his 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100 ®.

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