American Motorcyclist May 2015 Competition/Off-Road

ANDREW PUTT RIDING WORLD TRIALS

ADVOCATING FOR MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS

Photo Patrick Cavan Brown

SWAP MEET BIKE SHOWS, DEMO RIDES RACING, SEMINARS

20 Great Sweepstakes Prizes worth $33,500 in 2015!

2015 AMA MEMBER

The 2015 AMA member sweepstakes is better than ever!

Members who join or renew their AMA membership from Jan. 1, 2015, through Dec. 31, 2015, are automatically entered to win one of these awesome motorcycling prizes!

Only new and renewing members are eligible, so don’t delay!

NAVIGATION

American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2015. 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 2015

Volume 69, Number 5

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

Vintage racing, bike shows, a swap meet and more—it’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 10-12 in Lexington, Ohio. This and more must-do motorcycling events are in our calendar section, starting on page 42.

STREET COVER

Surj Gish chooses to split lanes. He wants you to have the freedom to make that choice as well.

22. Motorcycles and mutts—a perfect combination.

DIRT COVER

Andrew Putt is riding the U.S. round of the World Trial Championship this July 25-26 when the event returns to its inaguaral location of 40 years ago.

To switch the version you receive, call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services. Want to read both versions? Call the above number to get both delivered to your home for just $10 more a year. Members can read both versions online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine for free.

PAGE

PAGE 26. Updates from the world of racing.

WE KNOW CABLES

American V-Twin, Metric Cruiser, Street/Sport, MX/Off-Road and ATV

• Meet or exceed OEM specifications

• High quality fittings with premium housing

COMMUNICATIONS

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

James Holter, Director of Communications/Managing Editor

Jim Witters, Government Affairs Editor

Heather Wilson, Associate Editor

Mark Lapid, Creative Director

Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer Halley Immelt, Graphic Designer

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

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

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, Chair

Schenectady, N.Y.

Perry King, Vice Chair, Northern California

Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla.

Paul Puma, Executive Committee Member, Laguna Beach, Calif.

Jeff Skeen, Executive Committee Member, San Diego, Calif.

Russ Brenan, Irvine, Calif.

Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.

• Inner nylon sleeve for longer life and smooth operation

• Stainless steel inner wire - no corrosion

Find what we offer for your motorcycle, use our Search by Vehicle at MotionPro.com

OE REPLACEMENT & CUSTOM CABLES Can’t find cables for your special project bike or custom motorcycle?

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

AMA StAff

Roger Pattison, Taos Ski Valley, N.M.

Robert Pearce, Murrieta, Calif.

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.

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

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

EXECUTIVE

Rob Dingman, President/CEO

Jeff Massey, Chief Operations Officer

Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer

Donna Perry, Executive Assistant to President/CEO

Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs

ACCOUNTING

Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager

Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator

Ed Madden, System Support Specialist

Peg Tuvell, Member Fulfillment Specialist

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Bob Chaddock, Vice President, Administration

Sean Maher, Director

AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

Connie Fleming, Manager of Events and AMHF Operations

Jordan Cavallaro, Museum Admissions and Collections Assistant

Beth Owen, Receptionist/Donor Relations Specialist

Paula Schremser, Program Specialist

Katy Wood, Collections Manager

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES

Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing

Rob Baughman, Road Riding Coordinator

Kip Bigelow, MX Manager

Joe Bromley, District Relations Manager

Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator

Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations

Marcy Day, Racing Administrative Assistant

Chris Harrison, Road Riding Manager

Alex Hunter, MX Assistant Manager

Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator

Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager

Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager

Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)

Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager

Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS

Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Business Member Programs

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES

John Bricker, Mailroom Manager

Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator

Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations

Joshua Habursky, Grassroots Coordinator

Nick Haris, Western States Representative

Sean Hutson, Government Affairs Manager, On-Highway

Sharon Long, Legislative Affairs Coordinator

Rick Podliska, Deputy Director

Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway

Marie Wuelleh, Government Affairs Specialist

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director

Dave Coleman, Network Architect

MARKETING

Mark Christian, Director of Marketing

Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Specialist

MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY

Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative

Christina Dolin, Member Services Representative

Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative

Jeremiah Hassler, Call Center Manager

Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative

Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative

MEMBER LETTERS

Letter

of the

Month RIDER FUNDS

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

Thank you for your article in the March issue regarding the diversion of state motorcycle safety training funds away from their intended purpose. Please add Nebraska to your list of states where this “bait and switch” plundering has begun.

many riders are even aware of it, so they pay insurance and think they are covered. This needs to be changed.

On the subject of E15, we can fight a good fight, but it will happen eventually, so shouldn’t we pressure motorcycle manufacturers to produce cycles capable of running on E85 now so if E15 becomes a reality, there will at least be some bikes on the road that won’t have an issue?

The Nebraska Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund was self-funded by motorcyclists through fees on registration and licenses, and generated around $270,000 per year to help underwrite student tuition for Motorcycle Safety Foundation-certified safety training. In 2011, our legislature raided this fund and diverted current and future funds to the Nebraska Highway Trust Fund for highway construction. The amount of money involved, while modest compared to the hundreds of millions of dollars that flows through the trust fund from other sources, was a significant incentive for broadening safe rider training and thus reducing accidents and fatalities in our state.

This rapacious action gives new, literal meaning to the term “highway robbery.” Given the power of those involved in this shortsighted and disingenuous raid on our own money, I am not confident it can be reversed, but I thank the AMA for exposing these practices in other states, and for standing ready to assist.

Dave Fischer AMA Life Member Lincoln, Neb.

MAKING IT RIGHT

When the AMA first adopted the policy of including its Roadside Assistance Program free with the automatic annual membership plan, I jumped right on board. Over those years, I have used this service three times, two of these with incidents involving my automobile. I was always impressed with the service provided, especially since it was free.

Several weeks ago, I was stuck away from home with a dead battery in my bike. No problem. I just whipped out my AMA Membership card, looked on the backside and dialed the number for Roadside Assistance. I was kept on hold for 20 minutes with the same cheerful recording looping over and over again. Thinking that perhaps this number had changed, or that AMA might have contracted with a new towing service, I dialed the AMA headquarters and explained my problem. The lady at the other end of the line immediately dialed the correct number and patched me in. Same recording as before. After another 15 minutes of waiting, I hung up and contacted a local motorcycle towing service that got us to the nearest dealer for my brand. The cost for this service was $93.

Several days later, I dialed the AMA Roadside Assistance number and was immediately connected with customer service. When I explained my experience, no explanation for why I had this communication problem could be determined. It was suggested that I could

plead my case in writing and file a claim for reimbursement. I had a “yeah, sure” attitude about recovering this cost.

In about three weeks, I received a letter from Road America. Thinking that it was probably a solicitation for travel insurance or some such thing, I almost tossed it in the trash. However, I took the time to open it and—oh-ma’-gosh!—it was a short letter and a check for $93, from the contractor for the AMA Roadside Service.

Thank you AMA and Road America for coming through, and providing exemplary customer service.

Gary Prickett AMA Charter Life Member

Thanks for the note, Gary. Unfortunately, mistakes can happen. But we’re happy to make it right when they do—and we insist the partners we work with do the same.

WORK TO BE DONE

As a motorcyclist and AMA member, I am proud of the work we all do for the motorcycling community. There are two things I would like to touch on.

One is insurance. In New York state, motorcyclists are not covered under New York’s no-fault insurance laws, which means if you get hurt in an accident your insurance company will not pay for any medical whatsoever. So your only recourse is to get a lawyer and sue the other driver—if there was another vehicle involved. I find this appalling. Plus, not

Doug Attridge Mattituck, N.Y.

Thanks for the note, Doug, we share your sentiments about insurance. Regarding E15 and the pressure to roll it out nationally, market forces will dictate what the manufacturers do. Our objections revolve around the absence of any testing for motorcycles and ATVs and the very real possibility that inadvertent misfueling will cause significant damage to a number of the 22 million motorcycles and ATVs currently in operation. The best recourse is to pressure those in government to pass motorcyclist-friendly legislation rather than laws that hurt or ignore us.

DRIVER COMPLIANCE

I have been working for the military and living overseas for over 10 years now in both Germany and Italy. I will admit that riding in Italy took awhile to get used to because of their very aggressive style of driving. But in time I was able to adjust.

I will attest to what many readers have said thus far that lane splitting in Europe is a norm, and when you follow the local news, most accidents are not from lane splitting.

While driving to Germany from Italy, I had encountered a couple of traffic jams or “staus” as they are called in Germany. A stau is quite common in Germany and you plan your trips to include this wait, which can sometimes last for 5-10 kilometers if not more. I was in my lane waiting for traffic to move when I started to see the cars in front of me part like the Red Sea did for Moses. Then there was a line of motorcycles that slowly moved between them, navigating the stau. I joined them, and it was amazing to see the cars actually move out of the way to let the motorcycles move forward.

The key to lane splitting is to get both parties, the car driver and motorcyclists, to understand the concept and drive responsibly, thus creating a safe environment for traffic to flow. In the end, it is always about all parties involved driving safely regardless of their mode of transportation—something I hope to

continue when it is my turn to rotate back to the good ol’ USA!

Safe travels, my friends.

Corey Kerzmann, President

GKMMC

Chapter 93

Good Benefit

A few months back, I read a letter from a member about the great service he received from AMA Roadside Assistance. It prompted me to write about my dealings with a company that provides an AMA member discount, Anthony’s Leatherworks.

I race speedway and have no sponsors, so I am always looking for the best quality at the best price, and that is exactly what I got from Anthony’s Leather Works. I walked in without calling ahead and was treated as if I had been dealing with them for years. I was looking to get my race suit repaired and my last name and rider number sewn on.

The picture I included doesn’t fully show the craftsmanship because I went with a single color instead of the popular twocolor because speedway racing can be very hard on leathers. (A 500cc methanolburning motorcycle with no brakes that launches 0 to 60 in under 3 seconds tends to throw you more often than we like.)

I didn’t like the first mockup, and in less time than it took me to decide which one I liked, they revised the design and emailed a winner back to me. I approved it, and in two days the leathers were ready. The total time for the repairs and embroidery was less than two weeks.

They do repairs, re-dying, alterations, laser-cut lettering and more. They are true professionals at their craft and just a pleasure to do business with. If you need work done I would recommend them, and will be having more work done as they are altering and lettering my Bates Leathers next. This is a great member benefit.

Greg Willis

West Covina, Calif.

Thanks, Greg. For the record, the AMA member discount from Anthony’s

Sound Off!

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

in response to the second round of voting for March #MotorcycleMadness between a 1942 Harley-davidson WlA and a 1988 Buell rr1200 …

John W faulconbridge: This one was tough. Both are iconic for different reasons. Had to go with the WLA, but the Buell was pretty amazing.

in response to #WorldBookday giveaway…

Sue A rutherford:

I’ve been riding a Yamaha on dirt for a year and now a Harley on the street. I’m convincing more women to try riding every day. I love to share with potential riders. We need more women out there.

in response to a callout for old daytona Bike Week photos… patty nale davis: My father-in-law and his ‘51 Panhead on Daytona Beach during Bike Week 1954. He and my motherin-law also camped on the beach.

Leatherworks is 10 percent. They also do boots and road gear.

CluB Support

It was our honor to meet with Rob Baughman, road riding coordinator for the AMA, at our clubhouse during Daytona Bike Week. It was good to see that the AMA has recognized that the members who are road riders make up an important part of the AMA. We are a large part of the AMA membership and are most often seen by the non-riding public.

Our club, the Daytona 200 MC (www.daytona200mc.com), was established in 1943 by Daytona Beach locals who offered to be the flagmen for the AMA when they first began the Daytona 200 races on the beach. In the beginning, they called themselves the Daytona Beach Motorcycle Club and were mentioned in the 1947 AMA magazine that they chartered with them that February.

We began as a dirt and street club and founded the Alligator Enduro in 1949 and ran it for over 20 years until the two interests split when the Daytona Dirt

Riders was formed.

Today, we at the Daytona 200 MC hold the Alligator Road Tour on the Wednesday of Bike Week each year where we take visitors on a guided ride throughout the Florida countryside.

Many of the people who choose to camp with us during Bike Week and Biketoberfest events do so because we are an AMA Club, and we hope to continue to work with the AMA for many years into the future.

Once again, thanks to the AMA and Rob Baughman for taking the time to come and visit with us during the Daytona Bike Week. It really meant a lot to quite a few of us. Included is a picture of Rob standing next to one of our early historic flags.

Fred Martz, President Daytona 200 MC

Greg Willis

Rob Baughman

BENEFITS OF AMA MEMBERSHIP

Supplementing Your Support

The AMA’s greatest resource is our members. Whether it is your membership dues or your grassroots efforts to fight for our motorcycling freedoms, you are the lifeblood of this organization. Members are without question the AMA’s most essential constituency, bound by our support of the common mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.

auto, property, life and pets are covered by the new Nationwide partnership. Banking services, including loans for motorcycle and powersports purchases, also will be available with various incentives.

By Bruce Moffat

Many partners that share our goals support the AMA as well. Some companies have joined the association as business members. Other organizations are chartered as event promoters. Chartered clubs are not-for-profit groups that bring together like-minded motorcyclists under the AMA umbrella.

Then there are companies with which we have established financial relationships that benefit our members and are an asset to our association. Some of these may also be business members or chartered organizations, but all are important to our success. They advertise in this magazine, sponsor our events and the events of our partners, and they contribute to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. When you do business with these companies, by association, you also demonstrate your support for the AMA and your commitment to protecting your freedom to ride and race.

In turn, these relationships can benefit you financially. Many of these same businesses are AMA member-benefit providers. These are companies that have established formal agreements with the AMA to give you, our members, discounts on their products or services.

One of those companies is Nationwide Insurance.

The AMA negotiated significant benefit opportunities with Nationwide on your behalf so you can save money on insurance, financial services and more. As a result of our agreement, AMA members will be contacted directly by Nationwide to explain these new benefits. Some of you have already received communication from Nationwide and others of you will receive these notices over the next few months.

Insurance products for motorcycle/powersports,

In addition, a new cash-back AMA-themed credit card will be available. As many of you know, an AMA-themed credit card from another provider was recently discontinued. We heard from members who were disappointed in losing that benefit and asked for a replacement. This new card is available with nine motorcycle-themed images. You also can create your own card with an image you provide.

Details about the new AMA member discounts and special benefits from Nationwide will be forthcoming in the communications that Nationwide sends you about these products. We are confident that you will be pleased with the advantages you will receive as an AMA member.

As with any AMA member benefit, you are under no obligation whatsoever to purchase these services. They are simply provided to you if you are interested.

I’m also pleased to add that there is more to our relationship with Nationwide than simply saving money on insurance or banking. When you take advantage of these benefits from Nationwide, the company will further contribute financially to the AMA and support our efforts to protect the motorcycle lifestyle and promote the future of motorcycling. These contributions include royalties, advertising, event sponsorship and donations.

In fact, as you ride around this beautiful country of ours this spring, summer and fall attending AMA events, you may encounter Nationwide Insurance representatives explaining these latest member benefits. We encourage you to learn more from them about the special benefits you can receive as an AMA member.

Your AMA membership dues will always be the most important resource for our association. But it’s also important that the AMA pursue additional avenues of revenue to further strengthen our hand against the forces that oppose the motorcycle lifestyle. The full scope of our relationship with Nationwide is one example of the AMA working hard to supplement your support of our mission.

No other motorcycling organization is in a position to lobby the federal government on our members’ behalf as effectively as the AMA. A stronger AMA ultimately means more and better riding and racing opportunities for all of us. And more resources make us stronger.

Thank you again for your support. Your membership dues, and your support of the companies that support the AMA, are critical to our motorcycling future.

Bruce Moffat is the chief financial officer of the AMA.

FEE FREE DAYS ON PUBLIC LANDS

Visit Federal Public Lands for Free

The federal government has announced the list of days when the public can access the nation’s land without paying fees.

The AMA urges you to take advantage of these fee-free days to explore public lands across the United States.

Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees for federal lands. Other fees, such

as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties, are not included, unless stated otherwise. Certain sites may require additional entrance fees applied to trail maintenance. Please contact your local field office in order to determine if this specific fee will be waived.

The days on which there will be no fees on federal lands are:

APRIL 18-19

Opening Weekend of National Park Week, fee free at National Park Service properties.

JUNE 13

National Get Outdoors Day, a fee-free day through the U.S Forest Service properties.

AUG. 25

National Park Service Birthday, fee free at National Park Service properties.

SEPT. 26

For National Public Lands Day, fees will be waived at lands managed by the National Park Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service.

AMA SUPPORTS LANE-SPLITTING BILLS IN FOUR STATES

Responsible Technique Reduces Congestion,

The AMA supports the efforts of motorcyclists and legislators in four states who are working to protect riders while reducing traffic congestion by permitting lane splitting in their states.

Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington state have considered bills this session that would legalize and regulate the practice.

Lane splitting or lane filtering occurs when a motorcyclist uses the space between cars to pass slowly moving or stopped traffic.

Numerous studies, including two released in October 2014, show that lane-splitting riders were less likely than other

Protects Riders

motorcyclists to be the victims of rearend collisions and were less likely to suffer injury when crashes occurred.

The AMA position statement on lane splitting can be found here: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ Rights/PositionStatements/ LaneSplitting.aspx.

OCT. 11

In honor of National Wildlife Refuge Week, all amenity fees will be waived at properties managed by the Fish & Wildlife Service.

NOV. 11

In honor of our nation’s veterans, the DOI will waive amenity fees on all of America’s public lands.

AMA SUPPORTS BILL TO PROTECT RIDERS FROM UNSAFE FUEL

Bipartisan Senate Legislation Seeks End To Corn Ethanol Mandate

The AMA supports S. 577, the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015, which would help curtail the spread of potentially harmful E15 gasoline blends to service stations across the country.

Fuel blends containing higher than 10 percent ethanol by volume are not approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles. And using E15 or higher blends can cause damage to engines and fuel systems, as well as void a manufacturer’s warranty.

The widespread availability of E15 would increase the chances for misfueling. S. 577 was introduced by U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.).

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)

• More Amp hours for more accessories • Factory activated, AGM, maintenance-free • Large heavy-duty flush terminals with multiple connections and built in brass nuts (GYZ32HL, GYZ20H, GYZ20HL)

TECHNOLOGY WATCHDOG

BLINDSPOT MONITORING SYSTEMS SLOW TO

SPOT BIKES

Study Says Motorcycles Detected 26 Percent Slower

A study of motor-vehicle safety systems by AAA found that motorcycles are detected 26 percent more slowly than a typical car, indicating that drivers should not rely on blind spot detection devices or lane-departure warnings.

The study carries implications for riders and motorists alike, as the auto industry increases the use of vehicleto-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure technology and testing continues on autonomous cars.

The AMA has urged national and state lawmakers and regulatory agencies to consider motorcycles

when drafting legislation governing new technology. And the AMA has encouraged carmakers and aftermarket manufacturers to include motorcycles when testing their systems.

Reliance on technology to avoid crashes may lull drivers into a false sense of security, further jeopardizing motorcyclists in traffi c situations.

Motorcyclists must place themselves in the best position to be seen by drivers. Also, drivers must continue to use proven techniques—such as a quick glance over the shoulder—before attempting maneuvers.

SENATE REPORT EXPOSES V2V VULNERABILITIES

Hackers Can Unlock Doors, Take Control Of

A congressional study overseen by U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) showed that vehicle monitoring and control systems are subject to attacks that could jeopardize the safety of the vehicle owner and fellow motorists.

Vehicle systems are vulnerable to manipulation through wireless networks, smartphones, infotainment systems and malicious CDs, the report concludes.

Hackers were able to control cars, “causing them to suddenly accelerate, turn, kill the brakes, activate the horn, control the headlights, and modify the speedometer and gas gauge readings. Additional concerns came from the

Cars

rise of navigation and other features that record and send location or driving history information.”

The AMA has urged U.S. lawmakers and regulatory agencies to delay introduction of additional vehicle technology until it can be made safe and secure.

The AMA is concerned about motorcyclists’ safety as they ride near vehicles vulnerable to hacking. And the AMA wants the private data collected by monitoring and control systems to remain secure.

“Drivers have come to rely on these new technologies, but the automakers haven’t done their part,” Markey says.

In 2013, several auto manufacturers assured the AMA that their detection systems would spot motorcycles, as well as other vehicles.

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. acknowledged that larger vehicles, such as cars, are more easily detected than motorcycles and even larger motorcycles are detected more readily than smaller motorcycles.

BMW Group, Ford Motor Co. and Mercedes-Benz USA LLC said their systems were tested with motorcycles and were designed to detect them.

CONGRESS MEMBERS PUSH VEHICLE WIFI Measures Would Require Untested Tech

U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced S.B. 424, the Wi-Fi Innovation Act, which would require the Federal Communications Commission to open the upper 5.8 GHz and lower 5.9 GHz band spectrum to unlicensed devices.

The senators’ bill would eliminate the FCC and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ability to ensure the technology is free from interference.

The AMA opposes the bill on the grounds that more testing is needed.

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.)

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)

NHTSA SAYS HELMET USE INCREASED IN 2014

Highway Riders, Southern States Showed Largest Increases

Helmet use among all motorcyclists rose from 60 percent in 2013 to 64 percent in 2014, according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Overall helmet use peaked at 71 percent in 2000 and fell to 48 percent in 2005. But helmet use typically has been between 58 percent and 65 percent since 1994, according to the NHTSA report.

Helmet use among motorcyclists on expressways increased significantly to 81 percent, up from 64 percent in 2013, the study shows.

Helmet use among motorcyclists in the southern states also increased significantly to 78 percent, up from 65

percent in 2013, according to the NHTSA.

The study, conducted by the National Occupant Protection Use Survey, included observation of 684 motorcycles and 806 motorcyclists.

Helmet use in states with universal mandatory helmet laws was 89 percent, just 1 percentage point higher than in 2013, the study shows. Use in states without universal mandatory helmet laws was 48 percent in 2014, compared to 49 percent the year before.

Use of non-DOT-compliant helmets fell to 5 percent from 7 percent in 2013.

CHANGE IN NATIONAL MONUMENTS LAW PROPOSED

Senator Would Limit Presidential Authority

U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) has introduced a bill that would require the president to obtain congressional approval and certify compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 before designating federal land as a national monument.

S. 228, the National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2015, also would require that the president determine that the state in which the proposed national monument would be located has enacted legislation approving the designation.

The AMA has objected to presidential designation of national monuments without congressional approval and in the absence of input from state and local jurisdictions and from those who use federal lands for motorized and other recreation.

U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)

IT’S IN THE DETAILS.

You know every inch of your bike. Not just the engine size, or the color code of the paint. It’s the special details that only you know about. Like the way the exhaust opens up just right at 3,200rpm. Or that scuff on the footpeg you picked up while riding through Deal’s Gap.

It’s the details that make your bike unique, and no one knows this more than GEICO. With GEICO Motorcycle insurance, you’ll get coverage specific to your bike, and a team of people who love motorcycles as much as you do.

When it comes to insurance, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Trust the details to GEICO Motorcycle.

STATEWATCH

CALIFORNIA

A.B. 334, introduced by Assemblyman Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova), would require the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to ensure that the profiling of motorcycle riders is addressed in the course of basic law enforcement training and offered to law enforcement officers in conjunction with existing training regarding profiling and would require all local law enforcement agencies to adopt a written policy designed to condemn and prevent the profiling of motorcycle riders and to review and audit any existing policies to ensure that those policies do not enable or foster the practice of profiling motorcycle riders.

CONNECTICUT

Proposed Bill 517, introduced by state Sen. L. Scott Frantz (R- Riverside), would eliminate the requirement that an operator of a three-wheeled vehicle obtain a special license or endorsement, as is required for motorcycles, provided the operator has received training provided by a dealership.

MARYLAND

H.B. 917, introduced by state Delegate Benjamin Kramer (D-Montgomery County), would prohibit a police officer at a motor vehicle checkpoint from targeting only motorcycles for inspection or evaluation, unless the stop is part of an investigation.

H.B. 918, also introduced by Kramer, would require the Police Training Commission to issue a written statement that condemns motorcyclist profiling by police officers and develop a course of study on motorcyclist profiling. The companion bill, S.B. 717, was introduced by state Sen. Wayne Norman (R- Bel Air).

H.B. 16, introduced by state Delegate Cheryl Glenn (D-Baltimore), would prohibit in Baltimore City the sale of any vehicle that

is prohibited from use in the city under any state or local law. This law would ban the sale of off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles inside the city limits.

NEW MEXICO

H.B. 2, sponsored by state Rep. Larry A. Larrañaga (R- Albuquerque), would transfer $500,000 from the state’s dedicated OffHighway-Vehicle Trail Safety Fund to the state parks budget. The trail safety fund, established by the 2005 OHV Act, receives revenue from OHV registration fees.

NEW YORK

S.B. 2381, introduced by state Sen. Mike Nozzolio (R-Fayette), would exempt motorcyclists over the age of 21 from the requirement to wear a helmet when operating or riding a motorcycle.

S.B. 3574, introduced by state Sen. Adriano Espaillat (D- Manhattan) would prohibit more than 50 motorcyclists from gathering and riding as a group unless they obtain a permit from the New York City Department of Transportation.

S.B 3076, introduced by state Sen. Catherine Young (R- Olean), would exempt all-terrain vehicles from registration requirements if the vehicle is operated on the owner’s land or land owned by a private club or association and no payments are made by the owner of the ATV.

OREGON

S. 424, introduced by state Sen. Jeff Kruse (R-Roseburg), provides that a retail dealer, non-retail dealer or wholesale dealer may sell or offer for sale gasoline that is not blended with ethanol if the gasoline is for use in motorcycles.

Also, H.B. 2512, introduced by state Rep. Brian L. Clem (D-Salem), would allow motorcycle and moped riders to ride on the road shoulder when traffic has stopped

PENNSYLVANIA WOMAN DENIED SENTENCE REDUCTION

Motorcycle Passenger Killed In Crash

the motorcycle from behind.

Bucks County, Pa., Judge Wallace H. Bateman sentenced Redonggo-Beff ert to 12 years in state prison.

A Bensalem, Pa., woman was denied reconsideration of her sentence in connection with a 2011 crash that killed 30-year-old motorcycle passenger Janel Cook and severely injured motorcyclist Michael Martell.

Pauline Redonggo-Beff ert, 48, pleaded guilty in 2013 to involuntary manslaughter, vehicular homicide and related crimes.

She admitted to driving drunk at a speed of 92 mph in a 40-mph zone. She also ran a red light before striking

Redonggo-Beff ert’s lawyer argued that the sentence exceeded the state’s mandatory minimum of three years to six years for vehicular homicide while driving under the infl uence.

By pleading guilty, Redonggo-Beff ert had “accepted responsibility” and has been well behaved while incarcerated, her attorney said.

or slowed to 25 mph or less and the motorcyclist is traveling less than 30 mph.

TENNESSEE

H.B. 1102, introduced by state Rep. Timothy Hill (R-Blountville), would permit lane splitting when traffic is traveling at 45 mph or less and the motorcyclist does not exceed posted speed limits. Lane splitting would not be permitted in a marked school zone when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation.

VERMONT

H. 166, introduced by state Reps. Alison H. Clarkson (D-Woodstock) and Bill Frank (D-Underhill), would prohibit from street use any motorcycle with a muffler lacking interior baffle plates or other effective muffling devices or a device or modification that amplifies the noise emitted by the vehicle. Fines for violating the statue would range from $100 for a first offense to $350 for the third or subsequent offenses.

WASHINGTON

H.B. 1244, co-sponsored by state Reps. Matt Shea (R-Spokane Valley), Elizabeth Scott (R-Monroe) and seven others, would reduce motorcycle rider liability for actions required of helmet manufacturers. Specifically, the bill would absolve

CHARGES LODGED AGAINST WOMAN ACCUSED IN FATAL CRASH

North Carolina Prosecutors Seek Felony Conviction

Wake County, N.C., prosecutors have fi led charges of second-degree murder and aggravated felony death by vehicle against a Raleigh woman accused of driving drunk at an excessive speed and killing a Cary motorcyclist.

Kiera Jo Sprouse, 23, is accused in connection with the death of Thomas John Anstey, 50.

Prosecutors say Sprouse’s car was traveling at 113 mph when she hit the back of Antsey’s Honda motorcycle in January. Sprouse had a pending DWI

motorcycle helmet retail purchasers from responsibility for assuring that their helmets meet federal standards.

Also, S. 5198, introduced by state Sen. Don Benton (R-Vancouver), would require motorcycle helmets only for riders and passengers younger than age 18.

WEST VIRGINIA

S. 17, authored by state Sen. Ron Stollings (D–Boone), would allow the

charge in Pitt County, N.C., when the crash occurred and had an alcoholrelated conviction in New York, they say.

Sprouse also faces charges of felony hit and run causing death, failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision, no operator’s license, no insurance, expired registration plate, and driving while impaired.

Police found Sprouse’s car abandoned on the highway and arrested her later at her home.

governing body of a municipality located within a county participating in the HatfieldMcCoy recreational trail project to regulate the use of unlicensed off-road motorcycles operated in compliance with legislative rules established by the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority on any street, road or avenue within the municipal corporate limits. The bill also would grant counties in the Hatfield-McCoy area permission to do the same.

MASTER CLASS IS IN SESSION

FIM Trial World Championship Returns To Inaugural U.S. Site

by Heather Wilson

Forty years ago, the first U.S. round of the FIM Trial World Championship was held at held at Steppingstone Ranch in West Greenwich, R.I.

The U.S. round introduced the sport to American shores in a world-class manner. That history makes this year’s Wagner Cup—named for Wiltz Wagner, a founding member of the North American Trials Council—special. The event returns to the site of the first U.S. World Trials round on July 25-26. Hosted by the Rhode Island Trials Club, it will be the seventh round of the 2015 world championship series.

“The best in the world will be there,” says Gary Bourque, the clerk of the course for this year’s event. “The riders are phenomenal. Anyone who’s witnessed what they can do is in awe.”

U.S. Contender

Sixteen-year-old Sherco USA rider Andrew Putt from Venetia, Pa., is no stranger to trials competition. He’s been riding trials since he was 11 and riding off-road since he was 5. This year, he is competing in nearly all rounds of the FIM

From 1964 to 1967 the championship was called Challenge Henry Groutards.

Trial World Championship.

“I did one round of the World Trials last year,” says Putt. “[This year,] I’m doing all rounds except Japan and Great Britain.”

Putt says that he and his dad used to ride off-road bikes. Then in 2010, his dad bought them trials bikes to cross-train.

“We went to a local trials event in Ohio and they suggested that we go to a national in Tennessee,” Putt says. “Then we were hooked. We sold all the off-road bikes, and we are all trials now.”

Putt says he loves trials riding because of the competition.

“I practice every day to try to get results,” Putt says. “I love going to nationals and seeing my friends from across the U.S. Plus, going to Europe to compete against people on a whole different level is really cool.”

Putt says he does a lot to improve his balance, both on and off the bike.

“A lot of what I do in the gym is attributed to balance,” Putt says. “A lot of trials guys ride trials bicycles too. I practice my balance in the garage with the bike not running. It is an essential skill.”

From 1968 to 1974, it was known as the Trial European Championship.

World Trials History

Since 1975, it’s been known as the Trial World Championship.

Trials 101

If you’ve never been to a trials competition, here’s a quick run-down of how the event is set up and scored.

There are usually 12 sections that include various obstacles that create a “loop.” The riders have six and a half hours to complete the loop three times.

The sections are bordered by ribbon.

Cards mark the different “lines” (difficulty level) that send riders over and around various obstacles, such as a rock or a log. Riders’ front number plates will display the color that corresponds to the line they will be riding.

Each rider has a designated “minder,” a person who helps point out lines. A rider will attempt to “clean” each section, or score a zero. In trials competition, the lower the score, the better.

There are many ways that a rider can “fault” and be assessed points. Essentially, every time a rider puts his or her foot down (touches the ground), one point is assessed. A larger mistake, such as the machine moving backward or a crash, is called a “failure” and results in five points.

The riders are scored by “observers” who watch the rider complete the section.

Most trials competitors opt to wear three-quarter helmets so they can see the front tire clearly to be able to navigate the course. They also wear specialty boots that are lighter and less stiff than motocross or off-road boots. This flexibility allows riders to be able to feel the footpegs and flex their feet more.

World Di erences

In Europe, trials is a mainstream discipline. A lot of European riders start riding trials when they are only 3 or 4 years old.

Putt says one of the biggest differences between U.S. and European riders is just the style of riding.

“The Europeans ride a lot more consistently,” Putt says. “They are very technical riders. They do a lot of small, minute moves—which is definitely a change from the U.S. rounds. The European riders really enjoy training together. They are constantly pushing each other. I think that’s the thing we need to do more of in the U.S. to progress.”

Also, in the United States, there’s no minimum or maximum weight limit when

In 1975, Great Britain’s Malcolm Rathmell won the U.S. round of the World Trials on his Montesa. But it was Great Britain’s Martin Lampkin on the Bultaco factory trials team who won the inaugural FIM Trials World Cup championship that year.

Patrick Cavan Brown

it comes to your bike. However, when competing in the World Trial, many U.S. riders actually have to add weight to the bike to meet the requirement.

“Last year, the bike had to weigh 70 kilograms [about 154 pounds],” Putt says. “This year, it has to weigh 73 kilograms. To meet this requirement, we distribute lead around the bike.”

40 Years Later

Event promoter and Vice President of the Rhode Island Trials Club Dave Allen says the course will be designed to test the world-class skills of the competitors.

“The FIM Trial World Championship is as extreme as you can get for trials,” Allen says.

The weekend will include multiple attractions for fans. Road riding groups are encouraged to make a weekend out of it and ride to the event to spectate. MotoGiro USA, along with the Iron Adventure Run in Sturbridge, Mass., are two of the many confirmed groups planning to ride to the event.

“Riders are doing things that people think are unfathomable,” says Brad Baumert, AMA Life Member and U.S. importer for Spanish trials bike manufacturer Sherco. “People that do this on a world level do things that are unreal. From a spectator perspective, the motorcycle enthusiast can identify with what the riders on the trials bike are experiencing.”

Visit www.facebook.com/wtc2015usa or www.wtc2015usa.com for details.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, JULY 24

2 p.m.

• Vintage Trials Event - Pre-entry: $20

SATURDAY, JULY 25

8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

• World Trials Competition

• Vintage Trials Bike Show - Free entry

• MotoGiro Group Ride for 1968 and older small displacement bikes. Ride starts at Twisted Throttle parking lot and finishes at Steppingstone Ranch

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

• Mike Steidley Extreme Trials Bicycle Demo

7 p.m.

• Neal Vitullo and The Goods Concert

SUNDAY, JULY 26

8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

• World Trials Competition

• Vintage Trials Bike Show - Free entry 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

• Mike Steidley Extreme Trials Bicycle Demo

KALEY JOHNSON: AMA ICE RACER OF THE YEAR

Three Championships On The Ice by Heather Wilson

Kaley Johnson of Twin Lake, Mich., secured three championships at the AMA Ice Race Grand Championship in Edgerton, Wis., on Feb. 14-15. That performance also earned her the award for AMA Ice Racer of the Year.

This was her seventh year competing in the event, but the 17-year-old has been riding on ice since she was 9 years old. She also competes in dirt track.

“I got into ice racing because my dad is part of the Muskegon Motorcycle Club [an AMA-chartered club],” Johnson says. “He was always into the racing thing, and my brother started racing on ice, so that’s how I got into it.”

She loves ice racing because of the speed.

“It’s faster than what dirt is,” Johnson says. “It’s a lot more hooked up than most people think. With studs in the tires, it’s way faster than anybody would imagine it to be. Plus, racing on the ice is good practice for the dirt. My brother and I go out on the weekends and put in a bunch of laps on the lakes around us.”

However, she says dealing with the cold can be difficult.

“This past weekend I got a bunch of frostbite on my face with it being so cold,” Johnson says. “I get frostbite really easily. It’s hard to keep going when you’re

freezing. I have a neck warmer I tuck into my helmet, but that doesn’t always help.”

Toughing it out in the frigid temperatures was well worth it for Johnson, though.

“Winning AMA Ice Racer of the Year is something that I’ve been hoping for since my brother, Kyle, got it in 2011 and 2012,” she says. “He’s always wanted me to get it and bring it back to our family.

Emmett Sund: AMA Youth Ice Racer of the Year

Ten-year-old Emmett Sund from Edgerton, Wis., captured the award for AMA Youth Ice Racer of the Year at the AMA Ice Race Grand Championship.

Sund won the 65cc modified class and took second in the 85cc modified class at the event.

Sund started racing dirt track when he was 7 years old, but it wasn’t until the AMA Ice Race Grand Championship, when his parents brought him to Lake Koshkonong, that he raced on the ice.

“Winning AMA Youth Ice Racer of the Year makes me happy,” says Sund, who adds that he wasn’t expecting to win the honor.

Kaley Johnson

Mike Barton

RACE RECAPS

Adam McGill, Kailub Russell Excel In Georgia Mud

On March 14, Round 2 of the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series, presented by Maxxis took place at Aonia Pass Motocross Park in Washington, Ga.

The Maxxis General GNCC was a mudder, but CST/Lonestar/DeRisi/Tire Blocks/Spider Graphics-backed Adam McGill didn’t mind. He grabbed the XC1

victory, while Brycen Neal and Walker Fowler snatched second and third. McGill has the points lead headed into Round 3.

The following day in the motorcycle classes, Factory FMF/KTM’s Kailub Russell grabbed the holeshot and went on to clinch the victory. Josh Strang and Thad DuVall grabbed the remaining two podium spots. Russell, Stang and DuVall are first through third in points.

Info: www.gnccracing.com

Amateur Dirt Track Invades Bike Week

A half-mile event opened a series of amateur dirt track races on March 7, at Oglethorpe Speedway in Savannah, Ga. Another half-mile event followed on March 9, at Volusia Speedway Park. The final round of the series, a short track, took place the next day at the same venue.

A few AMA Major Event No. 1 plate recipients include Cameron Smith, for his 450cc Modified and 450cc Open Singles class wins, and Tyler Scott for wins in three classes.

Info: results.americanmotorcyclist.com

AMA Amateur Road Racing Kicks O For 2015

On March 8, the ASRA Team Challenge Series launched its 2015 season at Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale, Ga.

Twenty-three teams entered the event with the team LB Sports from Deer Park, N.Y., winning the 75-lap race aboard a Suzuki

Ken Hill

Lisa Theobald

Shan Moore

Chew and Mia

Ricky Brabec Battles Back In Barstow

THR-backed Ricky Brabec secured the overall win at the Feb. 22, SRT AMA Hare and Hound National Championship Series round in Barstow, Calif.

At the beginning, FMF KTM’s Ivan Ramirez led the chase. Brabec was close to 40th off the start, due to struggling to start his bike. At the 15-mile marker, however, Brabec was up to fourth and eventually chased down Ramirez, Nick Burson and Skyler Howes to take the win. Info: www.nationalhareandhound.com

Amateur Supercross In The Speedway Kyle Regal Doubles Up In Southhaven

On March 8-9, the Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross Championship returned to Daytona International Speedway for its sixth annual event. Entries totaled more than 1,400. Monster Energy Team Green Kawasaki’s Darian Sanyei claimed the championships in 450 A/Pro Sport and 250 All-Star A/B classes. Husqvarna Racing’s Jalek Swoll swept both the Mini Sr. 1 and Mini Sr. 2 classes and finished sixth in the Super Mini (12-16) main event.

GSX-R1000. Grease Monkey Racing captured second place, while MDM/Bubble Gum Racing took third.

ASRA competitors then headed to the Daytona International Speedway on March 14, to compete in a series of ASRA Championship Sprint events.

Info: www.asraracing.com

Andrew DeLong Fires Back In National Enduros

The second round of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Championship Series, Presented by Moose Racing, took place on March 1 in Pelion, S.C., where 720 riders competed in the Sandlapper Enduro.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Andrew DeLong captured the overall by winning four of the six tests over the 77mile, tight and sandy course. He beat FMF/ KTM’s Kailub Russell by nearly one minute.

In the points standings, Russell still has a seven-point lead on DeLong due to DeLong’s eighth-place finish at round one.

In the women’s class, Shawn Davidson took first, Kendall LaFollette took second and Mandi Mastin rounded out the podium. Info: www.nationalenduro.com

Info: www.racedaytona.com

The ninth round of the AMSOIL AMA Arenacross Championship Series, featuring Ricky Carmichael’s Road to Supercross, took place March 14 in Southaven, Miss. In the Arenacross class, Husqvarna TiLUBE TUF Racing’s Kyle Regal captured his fourth overall victory for the season.

Motosport.com/Haeseker Racing KTM’s Daniel Blair did the same in the Eastern Regional Arenacross Lites Class.

Info: www.arenacross.com

Cody Webb Wins AMA EnduroCross Opener

The GEICO AMA Endurocross Championship Series kicked off on March 6 in Daytona Beach, Fla., during Daytona Bike Week. FMF/RPM/KTM Team Maxxis rider Cody Webb took the top spot on the podium, followed by Rockstar/Lucas Oil Husqvarna’s Colton Haaker. Factory Beta’s Kyle Redmond rounded out third. In the Women’s class, Factory Beta’s Morgan Tanke captured the win over Shelby Turner and Tarah Geiger, who finished second and third.

Info: www.endurocross.com

Mark Kariya

CMSport photo

Drew Ruiz

ShiftOne Photography

EVALUATE PRODUCTS, PROVIDE HONEST REVIEWS

Apply To Be An AMA Member Tester

The AMA is seeking members of various skill levels and riding disciplines who are passionate about testing and reviewing products for street and off-road motorcycles.

The applicant must be a proficient writer, as reviews will be published in American Motorcyclist, on www.americanmotorcyclist. com and various AMA social media outlets.

This is a volunteer opportunity, and only a few applicants will be accepted.

Think you have what it takes? Email submissions@ama-cycle.org with the subject line “Member Tested Applicant.”

AMA SUPERMOTO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SET FOR 2015

Series Expands To All Regions

Two new venues join the AMA Supermoto National Championship Series for 2015: New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H., and Muscle Man Honda Circuit in Tucson, Ariz.

“We’re excited to see the AMA Supermoto National Championship Series continue to grow for 2015,” says AMA Director of Racing Bill Cumbow. “This series provides a showcase for America’s top Supermoto talent, and the teams and sponsors that support the sport. It also gives the grassroots amateur community opportunities to compete on the country’s best tracks so they can hone their skills and become the pros of tomorrow.”

With the championship coming to the East Coast at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, it completes the series’ reach to nearly every region of the country. Muscle Man Honda Circuit, the other new track for 2015, will host the finale. This venue is one of the most challenging Supermoto tracks in the United States. The setup for 2015 will include metal jumps and a paved motocross section.

The AMA Supermoto National Championship Series includes novice, youth, intermediate, age- and displacement-based classes, as well as the country’s top riders. Registration is at www.amanationalsupermoto.com.

TWO-DAY

HARE

SCRAMBLE TO CHALLENGE RIDERS

‘Tough Like RORR’ Riders Chase $10,000 Purse

Racers will compete for a $10,000 purse at the AMA-sanctioned “Tough Like RORR” four-race hare scramble in Tamaqua, Pa., on July 4-5.

On Saturday, July 4, racers will take to the trail and run a one-hour hare scramble in the morning (Race 1) and another 1-hour hare scramble in the afternoon (Race 2).

There will be 20 riders on a starting row, and each race will have its own course approximately 4 miles in length.

“Our hare scrambles are usually a little tougher than some people are used to because of the rocky terrain and tight woods sections,” says Mark Moyer, president of Reading Off Road Riders, which is hosting the event.

All Pro/AA riders will advance to Race 3 the next day, which will be approximately 11 miles in length. Additionally, the top half of each A, B, C and 45+ class, based on combined times from races 1 and 2,

will continue to Race 3 until a 100-rider total is reached.

Class awards will be presented based on Saturday results, but only those riders who advance to the second day will have a shot at the $10,000 purse.

Race 3 will start five riders on a row, similar to enduros, with the order determined by the best combined times from races 1 and 2. The top 50 riders from Race 3 will advance to the final race.

The finale will start riders in a single row with a dead engine start. Riders will have to run to their bikes in a Le Mans-style start. Visit www.rorr.org for more info.

MALCOLM SMITH DONATES HUSQVARNA TO AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

‘On Any Sunday’ Bike Added To Permanent Collection

One of America’s most famous motorcycles has been added to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s permanent collection: the 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross that AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Malcolm Smith rode in the iconic motorcycling movie, “On Any Sunday.”

The motorcycle, previously on loan for display at the Hall of Fame, was donated by Smith, who is known affectionately as “Malcolm” by his legions of fans.

“A true legend of motorcycling, Malcolm Smith is one of the Hall of Fame’s most recognizable members,” says AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “This Husqvarna has launched many motorcycling dreams, and we’re honored to give it a permanent home in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

Smith said that he was moved to donate the bike so it would continue to promote motorcycling as a fun pastime.

“Many remember ‘On Any Sunday’ as the reason they started riding,” Smith said, “Whenever I’m at a motorcycle event, people always tell me that watching me enjoy riding so much in the movie was the reason they got into bikes, and they’re so happy they did. I always ask them what their lives would have been like if they hadn’t discovered motorcycles. They can’t imagine it!

“I’m happy to donate my ‘On Any Sunday’ Husky to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, where it can continue to inspire people about motorcycling and remind everyone how

much fun it is,” Smith says.

Now, those who remember this Husqvarna as the motorcycle that inspired them to ride can admire it as a part of the permanent collection of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Fans will be able to learn more about Malcolm in the upcoming book Malcolm! The Autobiography, which will include an entire chapter on “On Any Sunday.”

For information, see www.themalcolmbook.com.

AMA REWARDS

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

HOW YOUR AMA MEMBERSHIP PAYS FOR ITSELF

And Motel Discounts (Choice Hotels, Red Roof Inn)

(BikeBandit.com, Schampa, Heat Demon And More)

– 2 nights

$750 per

expenses on gear/parts/accessories

THE ESSENTIALS

AMA Roadside Assistance

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

Lodging

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

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

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

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) 5187376 for at least $60 off standard rates. For international shipments, call Motorcycle Express at (800) 2458726. To get your discount, be sure to have your AMA number handy. Motorcycle Express also offers temporary international insurance.

Car Rentals

Save Money When You Drive Get up to 25 percent off prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency. For Avis, enter discount code: D388100. For Budget, enter code: Z942000. AMA Members save up to 25% on year-round Hertz rentals with discount code CDP# 497193.

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

Rider Accident Medical Plan

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

Insurance, Credit Card, Finance and Banking

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

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.

AMA Members also receive exclusive discounted pricing on the Bohn Bodyguard System at www.bohnarmor-pants.com/ama/.

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame

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

powered by AMA/Sprocketlist Online

Classifieds

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

AMA Supercross And AMA Arenacross Tickets

Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Supercrossonline.com and use password SXAMA5. AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Arenacross.com and use password AMA5OFF. Certain restrictions apply, call (800) 2625646 for details.

Anthony’s Leatherworks

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

Biker Rain Chaps

Save 25 percent. Visit www. bikerrainchaps.com/ama/ and use the code AMA-0415-EASTER at checkout to receive your discount.

Brooks Leather

AMA members receive a 10 percent discount off all jackets, chaps, vests, rain suits, race suits, and gloves. You can shop online at www.brooksleather. com or at any participating Brooks dealer. Just present the code AMABRO when ordering.

Cardo Systems, Inc. 10 percent discount for AMA members when presenting their membership card on Cardo’s scala rider® motorcycle communication products at participating authorized dealers only.

EVS Sports

AMA Members receive 10 percent off and free shipping on all orders. Simply use the code AMAEVS15 during checkout at www.EVSSports.com.

Gear Brake GEARBRAKE detects when you decelerate, even in instances of downshifting and engine braking where the brake is not applied, and automatically lights your taillight with a flashing alert! AMA members receive a 15 percent discount at gearbrake.com with the promo code: AMASAFE.

Heat Demon

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

International Motorcycle Shows

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

LifeLock Identity Theft Protection

Get 30 free days and 10 percent off. Use promo code AMACYCLE at www.LifeLock.com or by calling (800) 543-3562.

MAD Maps

The best routes made easy. Save 20 percent. Use promo code AMATHXU at www.MADmaps. com.

MYLAPS

MYLAPS provides a 20 percent discount off MSRP or any current sales price on web-orders or orders coordinated by the AMA for all Motorized Products to AMA members. To receive the discount, enter code AMA789HJK at checkout.

Powertye Tie-Downs

Save 10 percent. Enter code TYES4AMA at checkout from www.powertye.com/ama.

Rider Magazine

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 information on the best places to ride. AMA discount code is CRIAMA at www. roadrunner.travel/promo/ama.

Sam’s Club

As an AMA Member, you can join or renew your Sam’s Club membership and receive a $10 gift card (for a Sam’s Savings membership) or a $25 gift card (for a Plus membership) using a special members-only certificate. Visit the Members Only section on www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com to download the coupon.

Schampa Cold-Weather

Gear

Save 15 percent. Enter SCHAMA during checkout at www.Schampa. com.

Sena

The Global Leader in Bluetooth and ‘Audio Action Camera’ Innovation for Powersports, Motorsports and Outdoor Sports – is now offering AMA members an EXCLUSIVE 15 percent discount on its product lineup. Log into the ‘Members Only’ section on the AMA website to get the code and #RideConnected.

Shark Kage

A multi-functional ramp which adds the functionality of a bed extender, cargo cover, work table, cargo box and sunshade; all-inone product! Enter code AMA20 to take advantage of the AMA exclusive 20 percent discount.

Shock Sox

Street ~ Dirt ~ Off-Road ~ SHOCK SOX, “The 10-Second Removable Fork Seal Protector.” Get 10 percent off your order by entering your AMA number during checkout at ShockSox. com. For colors, sizes and model-applications, visit www. ShockSox.com

Spot LLC

AMA Members receive unprecedented and exclusive service credit on SPOT Spot Trace, Gen 3, and Satellite Phone products in addition to existing device promotions. Visit the Members Only section on www. AmericanMotorcyclist.com to view details.

TomTom

TomTom would like to offer you a 10 percent discount on any TomTom Product (excluding accessories). Visit www.tomtom. com to place your order and enter AMA10_TT2015 at check out to receive your discount.

US Chrome

AMA Members save big at US Chrome! We offer a $30.00 discount on cylinder plating and Dealer Pricing on Wiseco, Wossner, ProX and Vertex piston kits. For more information visit the Members Area of the website.

SIDI IS the OffIcIal BOOt Of

aMa RIDIng SeRIeS

Participants Can Win A Pair

Sidi, makers of top-of-the-line footwear for motorcyclists, is the official boot of the Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series, the Yamaha Super Ténéré AMA National Adventure Riding Series and the AMA Premier Touring Series.

“Sidi is well known in the market for producing extremely comfortable boots of the highest quality with many safety features,” says AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey. “Sidi Crossfire, Adventure and Sidi’s Gore Tex boots perfectly match the riding conditions and performance demands that AMA members encounter in our recreational riding series. We warmly welcome the company’s support, and we trust that series participants will do so, as well.”

AMA members who participate in the Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series,

the Yamaha Super Ténéré AMA National Adventure Riding Series and in AMA Premier Touring Series events will earn chances to win one of two pairs of SIDI boots being given away.

“The AMA has been doing a great job for a very long time providing riders with more and more riding opportunities for all motorcyclists, and Sidi is very proud to be a part of their program for many years to come,” says Bill Berroth with Sidi’s USA importer Motonation.

The Beta AMA National DualSport Series, created by the AMA in 1987, has become increasingly popular as offroad and street riders alike

have turned to dual-sport recreation to experience the freedom of two wheels. When larger adventure bikes grew in popularity, the AMA started the Yamaha Super Ténéré AMA National Adventure Series to appeal to riders of these bikes. This series also has grown and now boasts rounds in all regions of the continental United States.

The AMA Premier Touring Series includes the premier road riding events and challenges that are on the AMA recreational calendar.

It includes AMA Grand Tours, AMA National Rallies, AMA Gypsy Tours, AMA Road Riding Conventions and more.

To find an AMA-sanctioned recreational riding event near you, see the calendar section of this magazine, or visit the AMA website at www.american motorcyclist. com/riding/.

POLARIS INDUSTRIES JOINS AS AMA BUSINESS MEMBER

Victory And Indian Motorcycle Owners Can Choose Themed A nity Cards

Polaris Industries has become an AMA business member, and owners of Victory or Indian brand motorcycles can opt into a new AMA affinity program that includes Victoryor Indian-themed membership cards.

“Victory and Indian Motorcycle are proud to be a top-tier Business Member of the AMA,” says Steve Menneto, Polaris’ vice president for motorcycles. “Supporting this organization aligns with our values of protecting our riders’ rights to ensure they have the best

possible experience on the road. It is important to our organization to endorse and promote the motorcycling lifestyle.”

Other available AMA affinity membership cards include the following themes: KTM, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Star, U.S. Armed Forces, Woman Rider, Scooter and ATV. Companies that are interested in establishing an affinity relationship with the AMA are invited to contact the AMA Member Services at (800) 262-5646.

2 Years of Rider Magazine for $19.99

Join the adventure. Rider Magazine enhances your membership with an offer that’s 87% off newsstand rates. Rider takes you on favorite rides from California coastlines to quaint New England villages. You can rely on unbiased editors to offer valuable insight into buying, maintaining and equipping your bike.

AMA BOARD ACCEPTING CANDIDATE APPLICATIONS

Northwest and North Central Regions

Individual member representatives on the AMA Board of Directors will be elected to serve the Northwest and North Central Regions beginning in 2016.

For information about obtaining a candidate application, email elections@ama-cycle.org or call (614) 856-1900.

The candidate application deadline is Aug. 1.

1978 KAWASAKI Z1-R A Muscle Bike With Style

The 1970s saw a number of iconic muscle bikes from Japan, including Honda’s CB750 and CB900 as well as Yamaha’s XS11 and Suzuki’s GS1000. These bikes were fast, comfortable, reliable and relatively inexpensive, and American riders purchased them in droves.

Kawasaki’s entry into this class was the mighty Z1. Over the decade, the bike evolved into the Z1000, or Z1-R—a striking model that introduced an unapologetic sport fairing to the Japanese muscle bike motif.

This 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R, donated to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame by Ed and Mary Holland, was a limited-edition variant of Kawasaki’s original Z-1 superbike. With its distinctive squared-off looks, sport fairing and silver-blue paint, it turned plenty of heads in the late ’70s. But that styling, plus a premium price tag, meant that it didn’t exactly leap off showroom floors.

But it could certainly leap down the asphalt. The Z1-R’s 1,016cc dual-overhead cam, inline four-cylinder engine produced a claimed 90 horsepower and pushed the Z1-R to a top speed of 130 mph. What it boasted in power, though, it in some ways lacked in grace.

Although relatively light for its class at 541 pounds, the Z1-R had a reputation for dubious handling and harsh suspension.

Holland bought his bike at the end of the season, when dealers were offering discounts, and held on to it for a quarter-century before donating it to the Hall of Fame.

The Kawasaki is in stellar condition. It got its initial 500-mile service and a few minor parts were replaced, but today it still rolls on its original tires and looks much the way it did when it was uncrated at the dealership back in 1978.

You can see this vintage Kawasaki muscle bike, and other motorcycles representing the history of motorcycling in America, at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio. For times and directions, see www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

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

Grogan

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Famer

SAM ARENA Versatile Champion

Sam Arena was a top motorcycle racer from the mid-1930s to the early 1950s. Arena excelled in multiple forms of motorcycle racing: dirt track, road racing, speedway and hillclimbing.

Arena was born on Oct. 30, 1912, in San Jose, Calif. As he got older, he began working at a local motorcycle dealership and took up racing on the dirt ovals of Northern California.

After making a name for himself in California competition, Arena was invited to race the 1935 Jacksonville, Fla.,

200-Mile Road Race National for Pitts Harley-Davidson of Miami. He had a massive lead with just eight laps to go. Wanting to be safe, his crew called him in for gas, but fueling problems stranded him in the pits for 8 minutes. Arena finished a disappointing fifth, but everyone knew that he was a contender.

Following his breakout performance, Arena would race as part of the famous Putt Mossman U.S. speedway team in Australia, New Zealand and England. Perhaps his best-known victory was at

2015 RAFFLE BIKE

RESTORATION IN PROGRE S S

the AMA Pacific Coast Championship at Oakland, Calif., in 1938. Arena shocked the star-studded field in that race and not only won, but broke the old record by more than 17 minutes.

Following a long layoff from racing due to World War II and starting his own dealership, Arena returned to the thrill of competition—this time in professional hillclimbing.

There, too, Arena proved one of the best, winning four AMA National Hillclimb Championships from 1946 to 1950.

Sam Arena was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998. He passed away in 2002.

VINTAGE MATCHLESS, AJS, RICKMAN PARTS AVAILABLE

World-Class Collection

Vern Phillips was one of the most accomplished collectors of Matchless and AJS competition vintage motorcycles. Over several years, he assembled an impressive cache of racing parts, expertly restored engines, Rickman racing frames and a wide selection of new-old-stock parts.

A professional engineer, Phillips was a master builder of vintage race bikes and put great care into purchasing, restoring and assembling top-quality motorcycles.

Vern Phillips passed away in 2009. His wife, Rose Phillips, donated a significant portion of his collection to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame to be sold to further its mission.

“Many of these parts are in excellent or like-new condition, and nearly all of them are very good quality,” said Bruce Moffat, chief financial officer of the AMA, which manages the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. “The engines are quite possibly the cleanest competition-worthy examples of their kind in the world.”

Parts in the collection include numerous engines, frames, frame parts, carburetors, fasteners, controls of all kinds, bearings, bushings, seals, magneto parts, chassis

parts, sprockets, shock absorbers, fork legs, tachometers and speedometers, air cleaners, alternators, seat pans and tail pieces, fenders, wheels and more.

Some of the more valuable pieces include original Rickman Metisse MK 3 frames, a race-modified G80CS engine in excellent/like-new condition, a G3C trials engine, and a Matchless G80S rolling chassis. Many more parts are of similar quality and value.

Moffat says that the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame welcomes inquiries about Mr. Phillips’ parts from collectors, vintage racers and other motorcycle aficionados.

“True lovers of history, Mr. and Mrs. Phillips intended for this donation to benefit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, and it’s our duty to carry out their wishes and make this collection available to fellow enthusiasts,” Moffat says.

To inquire about items in the Vern Phillips’ collection, email bmoffat@ ama-cycle.org or call (614) 856-1900, ext. 1296.

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!

RIDE AWARE, BE NOTICED, STAY SAFE.

Motorcycle Awareness Month Campaign Alerts Motorists, Encourages Rider Safety

By Jim Witters

Daniel Gallatin rode his 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan just about everywhere, weather permitting.

So when the 68-year-old volunteer firefighter, member of the local honor guard and 20-year AMA member headed for his daughter’s Hickory Township, Pa., home in May 2013, it seemed like a routine trip.

But, as Gallatin turned into his daughter’s driveway, 43-year-old Laura Gargiulo drove her Toyota Sequoia into the rear of his Vulcan, tossing Gallatin and the bike to the street and dragging him for 100 feet.

According to the criminal complaint, Gargiulo told police that she failed to see the motorcycle turn into the driveway because she was texting on her phone.

It’s a scene that unfolds far too often, killing or injuring innocent people and devastating families and communities.

Nearly 80 percent of crashes involve some form of driver inattention within three seconds before the event, according to a report from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

“Distracted driving is one of the top issues facing all roadway users, but particularly motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.

Mary Lou Gallatin and her daughter, Michelle GallatinBaughman, hold a photo of Dan Gallatin, who died in a 2013 motorcycle crash.

Awareness Campaign

Motorcycle Awareness Month, launched by the AMA in the early 1980s and picked up by many state motorcycle-rights organizations and AMA-sanctioned clubs, is observed every May. The designation presents an opportunity to educate the non-riding public about issues that affect motorcyclists every time we roll out of the driveway or onto a trail.

While the majority of legislative changes that pertain to awareness apply only to highway users, off-road riders can benefit greatly from increased awareness on the trails, as well.

The AMA Government Relations Department is monitoring more than 900 bills in state legislatures that would affect motorcycling safety or rights.

The AMA issues alerts to motorcyclists to share information and call for action in support or opposition to government proposals. The association also writes directly to state and federal elected officials and agency chiefs on behalf of the motorcycling community and initiates and responds to press coverage of topics of interest to riders.

Three issues that are garnering the attention of road riders this year are distracted driving, lane splitting and motorist-awareness training.

Here is an update on the efforts underway, along with some off-road advice from the National Forest Service.

Distracted Driving

Daniel Gallatin’s death left a huge void.

For his family, there was the loss of a father and husband. Gallatin’s son, Brian, said during Gargiulo’s trial, “What struck me hardest was that there would be no new memories.”

But Gargiulo also removed a valuable asset from the community. Gallatin served as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for more than 40 years. He donated to local charities, participated in blood drives and performed at military funerals as a member of the New Castle Area Honor Guard.

He is gone because Gargiulo was texting while behind the wheel of her SUV.

Court records show that Gargiulo’s fine for texting while driving was $50. Including the penalties for the other charges she pleaded guilty to, Gargiulo was sentenced to nine to 23-1/2 months in jail (with work release); was allowed to petition for release after four months of incarceration; received three years probation; paid an additional $200 fine, and restitution to Mary Lou Gallatin of $6,523.

Gargiulo was paroled Sept. 14.

The Gallatin family believes the penalties for killing someone should be

much harsher. The AMA agrees.

Nationally, at any given moment during daylight hours, more than 660,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone, according to www.distraction.gov, the federal government’s website dedicated to reducing distracted driving.

But using a cell phone or smartphone to talk or text is just one distraction. The website also lists:

• Eating and drinking

• Grooming

• Reading, including maps

• Using a navigation system

• Adjusting a radio

But, because text messaging requires visual, manual and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Five seconds is the average time a driver’s eyes are off the road while texting. At 55 mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field. Texting drivers cover that distance virtually blindfolded.

Sean Hutson, AMA’s government affairs manager for on-highway issues, says state legislatures are considering nearly 140 bills that deal with distracted driving.

“These bills range from prohibiting minors from using personal electronic devices to a general prohibition of everyone using personal electronic devices,” Hutson says. “Additionally, there are 69 bills that we have labeled under the term ‘traffic offense.’ These bills include everything from allowing a motorcyclist to proceed through a stoplight that has not recognized the motorcycle to enhanced penalties for vehicular homicide.”

Bills in Texas and Florida also would treat motorcyclists as “vulnerable road users,” affording extra protections and enacting harsher penalties for violations that result in harm to riders.

The Gallatin family—Brian, his sister, Michelle Gallatin-Baughman and their mother, Mary Lou Gallatin—is slowly healing. And they are working to ensure that fewer families have to hear the news that a loved one has been lost.

“We won’t let it destroy us,” says Mary Lou. “It made us stronger and so determined to fight for stricter laws involving texting and distracted driving.

“Dan loved God, and he loved his family. And I know he would be so very proud of Michelle, Brian and myself for working to get the laws changed.”

The Gallatin family is working with state Rep. Jaret Gibbons to increase the penalties for distracted driving incidents that result in severe injuries or death.

“The higher penalties in my bill, which will be titled ‘Daniel’s Law’ after Mr.

Gallatin, will be on par with those currently provided for injuring or killing another person while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” Gibbons says. “It is my hope that these increased penalties will help people to understand the seriousness of the danger created to other motorists and pedestrians by distracted driving.”

The AMA supports legislation that would enhance such penalties.

“This approach is promising, because enhanced penalties for violations resulting in injury or death to other roadway users hold violators more accountable for their actions,” Allard says.

Lane-splitting Legislation

In other nations, particularly in Europe and Asia, lane splitting, also called lane filtering, is an accepted—and expected— riding technique. California is the only state where lane splitting is currently allowed and routinely practiced.

Now, California and four other states—Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Washington—are considering some form of formal, legalized lane splitting in 2015. The legislation is intended to establish maximum speeds and acceptable speed differentials between the motorcyclist splitting lanes and other traffic.

Surj Gish, AMA member, editor in chief at CityBike Magazine in the San Francisco Bay Area and “lane splitting advocate guy” at LaneSplittingIsLegal.com, has been splitting lanes since he began riding motorcycles on the street.

“I’m a year-round moto-commuter, so I reckon I take at least 50 percent of my commute time back for living life,” Gish says. “I’ve driven my commute—Oakland to San Francisco—three times in the last three years, and it was never less than 60 minutes. Once, it was 90 minutes. On my bike, it’s always about 25 minutes.”

But every time the lane splitting idea is floated—even among motorcyclists—two big concerns arise: 1) It’s not considered safe; 2) Riders are cutting in line.

“Splitting is safer than not splitting,” Gish says. “Sure, if you’re splitting badly—too high of a delta, or at excessive speeds—the safety equation starts to get negative. But at a reasonable delta, say 10 to 15 mph, and at reasonable speeds, the data is pretty convincing. Splitting helps keep riders safe. The risks of various types of serious injuries—and most importantly, fatalities—drop by about half.”

A 2014 University of California Berkeley study found that lane splitting is no more risky than motorcycling in general. In fact, motorcyclists are less likely to suffer head or torso injury or be killed while lane splitting than other motorcyclists.

The study also found that lane-splitting

motorcyclists are less vulnerable to rearend collisions, spend less time in traffic jams and improve the overall traffic flow.

The AMA emphasizes that when lane splitting is made legal, it remains an option for motorcyclists, not a mandate. Only those who feel safe and comfortable splitting lanes should use this technique.

“I’m disappointed when I hear things like ‘splitting lanes is stupid’ from some of my fellow riders,” Gish says. “If you don’t live somewhere with congestion, or if you’re not comfortable splitting, no worries—don’t do it. But don’t insult riders who get it and therefore choose to utilize the excellent tool that lane splitting is.”

Gish also discounts the argument that lane-splitting riders are selfish, unwilling to wait their turn.

“The cutting in line thing is simply false,” Gish says. “Splitting takes bikes out of the traffic mix—we go by and essentially disappear from traffic patterns. We don’t slow down drivers.”

Motorcycle

Awareness:

Conspicuity—being seen—is a key component to your safety.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s approach is termed “strategic conspicuity,” which the organization describes as “a rider-based solution that challenges a rider to be aware, use judgment, have a strategy, and selfreflect on the many possible responses to hazards that are under the control of the motorcyclist.”

Sherry Williams—past director of quality assurance and research for the MSF and now chair of the Motorcycles and Mopeds Standing Committee for the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies—explained the concept during a presentation to the AMA International

Gish has been working with AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris and other supporters of lane splitting to ensure that the proposed California legislation accomplishes its intent and does not morph into a bill with unreasonable restrictions.

The AMA Board of Directors adopted a position statement that cites California’s ongoing success with the practice and “endorses these practices.” The AMA will assist groups and individuals working to bring legal lane splitting to their states.

Gish says riders who would like lane splitting in their states should be prepared for some hard work.

“Pay attention to legalization efforts in other states, and copy those playbooks,” he says. “Two years ago, in Nevada, AB 236 almost passed. The process that bill went through is worth looking at.”

Gish’s website offers resources, including studies and data, to help the effort. And the AMA stands ready to assist

What You Can Do

Women’s Conference Carson City, Nev., in July 2012.

Here are some suggestions:

• T shapes are more easily seen and recognized than stock headlights during daytime riding. Auxiliary lighting on the hand guards, front forks and the helmet help other motorists see motorcyclists.

• White reflective helmets are 24 percent more visible than black helmets. Reflective or fluorescent gear increases conspicuity 37 percent.

• Reflective materials on panniers or trunks/bags increase rearward visibility.

• When assessing your riding environment, be aware of traffic controls and roadway features, escape paths, other highway users and surface conditions.

motorcyclists and groups seeking to change the laws.

“Get a lot of folks involved, get a sympathetic legislator to first listen, then eventually propose a bill,” Gish advises.

And, after lane splitting becomes law, significant efforts will be required to educate the law enforcement community and the general motoring public on the benefits of the technique and the need to be alert for lane-splitting riders, Haris says.

Such a campaign could make use of public service announcements and campaigns, traditional broadcast and print media, social media and other forms of information sharing, Haris says.

Making Motorists Aware

“I didn’t see him.”

It’s perhaps the most common excuse motorists utter after a crash with a motorcyclist.

The Hurt Report, the most comprehensive motorcycle crash causation study to date, stated in 1981 that the most common cause of motorcycle crashes is another vehicle violating the motorcyclist’s right-of-way.

Tammy Bower of Peck, Mich., lost her 19-year-old son, Nathan, when a woman failed to double check traffic before pulling out of a side street in 2009.

She drove directly into Nathan’s motorcycle. The impact killed him instantly.

“She hit him so hard that it knocked his helmet off,” Bower says. “It took the sole off his shoe.”

The woman whose car killed Nathan was not charged.

“The police said it was just an accident, that she just didn’t see him coming,” Bower says.

Bower family friend Lisa Cook-Gordon was determined that Nathan’s death

Surj Gish of LaneSplittingIsLegal.com believes lane splitting is safer and more efficient for all motorists.

Auxiliary lights are one way to increase conspicuity.

Matthew James Photographers

would not be in vain. With the Bowers’ consent, she approached a Michigan state legislator with the idea of using drivertraining courses as a way to increase awareness of motorcyclists on the roads.

“It’s a no-brainer, “ Cook-Gordon says. “It doesn’t cost anything.”

The law, called Nathan’s Law or Nathan’s Act and signed by Gov. Rick Snyder in October, includes motorcycleawareness and safety instruction in all of the state’s courses for new drivers.

“This law informs young drivers about how to drive around motorcycles,” CookGordon says. “Once word got out, we got support from ABATE [of Michigan Inc.], from the bicyclist groups and from a group representing people with disabilities.”

Cook-Gordon already has been

contacted by ABATE of Indiana and by families in Iowa and Ohio seeking advice on bringing Nathan’s Law to their states.

The Bowers, meanwhile, have turned their attention to efforts to ensure that drivers whose actions cause motorcyclist deaths face severe penalties.

“She got no ticket, nothing,” Bower says of the woman who hit Nathan.

The Bowers also are launching a foundation to promote Nathan’s Law in other states. Bower says she would like a portion of the funding to come from fines paid by drivers who violate motorcyclists’ rights of way.

“The next step is to educate all drivers, whether through relicensing tests or through information distributed when people renew their licenses,” Cook-

Ask the

All the brightcolored clothing, reflective tape and auxiliary lighting won’t be enough to protect you unless motorists are attentive.

“Don’t count on your efforts to be conspicuous to guarantee others will see you. They must still be looking for you,” says Dr. Ray Ochs, vice president of training systems for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. “Ride as if invisible.”

This month’s “Ask the MSF” provides more detail about that.

Q: My uncle was a long-time rider.

Gordon says. The goal is to alert every driver to the presence of motorcycles and teach them proper techniques for safely traveling with them.

“It’s overwhelming to lose a son, then to have something like this law get passed,” Bower says. “It means so much. It gives us a sense of why he was taken from us. And it gives us a sense of purpose.

“It’s like Nathan is still out there, saving lives.”

O -Road Awareness

Awareness also plays an important role when riding off road.

Chad Wilberger, forest recreation program manager at Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio, says mishaps occur when riders fail to respect other trail users, leave designated trails and encounter unexpected hazards, and when riders operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In national forests and other riding areas where the trails support two-way traffic and are wide enough for all-terrain vehicles or even Jeeps, meeting oncoming traffic can pose a danger.

“The Wayne National Forest does not have a posted speed limit on its motorized trail system,” Wilberger says. “These trails allow riders of all skill and experience levels on them. Therefore, we ask riders to be cognizant of this fact and ride safely, always being considerate of other riders that may also be using the trails.”

Leaving the trails to avoid such encounters is unacceptable, he says.

Off-trail riding harms the water, soil, vegetation and wildlife, as does riding through streams and wet areas.

“These trails belong to the riders. If they take care of them and use them responsibly, the trails will remain open for them and future generations.”

Ride 'Invisible’

He always said his accident-free record was because he rides “like I’m invisible.”

Uncle was big on short sayings but wasn’t much for scientific explanations. What’s the logic behind this advice?

A: Safe motorcycling is a dynamic blend of physical skills and mental strategies. The MSF and other rider safety organizations have taught the “ride like you’re invisible”

concept for years.

Here’s why: Every rider eventually realizes that car drivers don’t always notice motorcyclists.

During the quick glance that drivers make before turning or changing lanes, they might notice the car or truck behind you, but the narrow profile of a motorcycle may get lost. To compensate for the limitations of other motorists, maximize your conspicuity and pretend you’re invisible. If you assume that others on the road can’t see you, you will develop a more aware mindset.

The Bower family attended the ceremony during which Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed Nathan’s Law, which requires motorcycle-awareness training for drivers.

GO RIDE

1

On May 17, Berm Benders Raceway is hosting a motocross race in Brook Park, Minn. The race is a round of the 2015 Civil Series. Info: www. bermbendersraceway.com

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

2

The Middle Tennessee Ride for Kids takes place on May 17 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The event is one of dozens held across the country every year to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s mission to eliminate the challenges of childhood brain tumors by funding medical research and family support programs. Info: www.rideforkids.org

6

The Idaho Coalition For Motorcycle Safety is conducting a road rally on May 2 in Boise, Idaho. Info: www. idahobikerrights.com

3

5

The Wisconsin Observed Trials Association is hosting an observed trials competition on May 16-17 in Wauzeka, Wis. Info: www.wisconsintrials.org

The final round of AMA Arenacross, promoted by Feld Motor Sports, takes place in Las Vegas, Nev. on May 1-3. Pros race on Friday and Saturday, and amateurs race on Sunday. Ricky Carmichael will be available for fans to meet at the track party on Friday. Info: www.arenacross.com

4

Check out the speedway racing action at the Industry Hills Expo Center hosted by Industry Racing on May 27. The event is located in City of Industry, Calif., and includes youth and amateur entries. Info: www. industryracing.com

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is approaching quickly! Join thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts July 10-12 in Lexington, Ohio. Participate in demo bike rides from manufacturers, a giant swap meet or compete in vintage racing. Info: www. amavintagemotorcycledays.com

MAY EVENTS

ARKANSAS

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RALLY

MAY 15: MARBLE FALLS: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION, (870) 743-4062, HUBINFO.COM

CALIFORNIA

RECREATIONAL

ADVENTURE RIDE

MAY 2: BUCK MEADOWS: 2 DAY EVENT, FAMILY OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES, (209) 649-3633, FAMILYOFFROAD ADVENTURES.COM

DUAL SPORT RIDE

MAY 16: STONYFORD: 2 DAY EVENT, OAKLAND MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (510) 534-6222, OAKLANDMC.ORG

FAMILY ENDURO-OFF ROAD

MAY 9: AMADOR: POLKA

DOTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, POLKADOTSMC.COM

ROAD RUN

MAY 3: TORRANCE: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS. ORG

MAY 12: ONTARIO: RUN FOR THE WALL, RFTW.ORG COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAY 3: GEORGETOWN: CALIFORNIA ENDURO RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (925) 413-2434

MAY 9: OMO RANCH: POLKA DOTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (916) 538-1550, POLKADOTSMC.COM

EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES

MAY 9: (Includes ATVs) RIDGECREST: BADGERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (661) 242-2712, BADGERSMC.ORG MOTOCROSS

MAY 9: HOLLISTER: 2 DAY EVENT, A.M.P. RACING, LLC, (209) 656-9682, AMPFGFIMOTOCROSS.COM

MAY 14: RANCHO CORDOVA: 2 DAY EVENT, DIRT DIGGERS NORTH M.C. INC, (800) hangtow, HANGTOWNMX.COM

MAY 22: (Includes ATVs) SAN BERNARDINO: GLEN HELEN RACEWAY, INC., (909) 384-9342, GLENHELEN.COM

MAY 30: SAN BERNARDINO: 2 DAY EVENT, GLEN HELEN RACEWAY, INC., (909) 384-9342, GLENHELEN.COM

SPEEDWAY

MAY 8: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS MOTORCYCLE SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM

MAY 15: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS MOTORCYCLE SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM

MAY 22: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS MOTORCYCLE SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223,

FASTFRIDAYS.COM

MAY 27: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM

MAY 29: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS MOTORCYCLE SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM COLORADO

RECREATIONAL POKER RUN

MAY 18: COLORADO SPRINGS: COLORADO SPRINGS TOURING CLUB, (719) 635-0138

TRAIL RIDE

MAY 29: BOULDER: MOTOMARATHON ASSOCIATION, (303) 641-1062, MOTOMARATHON.COM

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 3: MILLIKEN: TWO RIVERS RACING LLC, (970) 587-5770

MAY 25: BRUSH: CACTUS PROMOTIONS LLC, (970) 7680519, BRUSHMX.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 16: COTOPAXI: 2 DAY EVENT, ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRIALS ASSN, (719) 239-1234, ROCKYMOUNTAIN TRIALS.ORG

DELAWARE

COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAY 3: DELAWARE CITY: DELAWARE ENDURO RIDERS, INC., (302) 229-1805, DELAWAREENDURORIDERS. COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 2: SEAFORD: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (443) 359-1089

FLORIDA

RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN

MAY 3: SARASOTA: JOHN EDWARD TRIBUTE, (941) 650-1457

MAY 16: JACKSONVILLE: PEDIATRIC CANCER TREATMENT FOUNDATION, (828) 329-9250, PCTFFOUNDATION.ORG

GEORGIA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 2: WASHINGTON: 2 DAY EVENT, AONIA PASS M.X., (706) 678-3737

MAY 24: (Includes ATVs)

DALTON: LAZY RIVER MOTOCROSS, (706) 278-1620, LAZYRIVER MOTOCROSS.COM IDAHO

COMPETITION

ISDE QUALIFIER

MAY 30-31: IDAHO CITY: BOISE RIDGE RIDERS: BOISERIDGERIDERS.ORG

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RALLY

MAY 2: BOISE: IDAHO COALITION FOR MOTORCYCLE SAFETY, (208) 941-1689, IDAHOBIKERRIGHTS.ORG

MAY 2: COEUR D’ALENE: ABATE OF NORTH IDAHO, (208) 771-1774, ABATEOFNORTHIDAHO BIKERS.ORG

ILLINOIS

RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN

MAY 17: BARTONVILLE: PEORIA MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (309) 697-4981, PEORIAMOTORCYCLE CLUB.NET

COMPETITION

GRAND PRIX

MAY 31: LASALLE: MIDWEST OFF ROAD RIDERS, HILLCLIMB

MAY 16: WHITE CITY: CAHOKIA CREEK DIRT RIDERS, (217) 2482839, CAHOKIACREEK DIRTRIDERS.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 9: (Includes ATVs)

BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 2773478, BETDIRT.COM

MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271

MAY 23: BYRON: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM

MAY 31: CASEY: LINCOLN TRAIL MOTOSPORTS, (217) 932-2041, LINCOLNTRAIL MOTOSPORTS.COM

SCRAMBLES

MAY 2: (Includes ATVs) BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 2773478, BETDIRT.COM

INDIANA RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN

MAY 17: COLUMBIA CITY: OLD FORT MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (260) 504-6388

ROAD RUN

MAY 25: KOKOMO: MIDNIGHT RIDERS MC, (765) 452-7654, MIDNIGHT-RIDERS-MC.COM COMPETITION

HILLCLIMB

MAY 17: (Includes ATVs) MIDDLEBURY: GOSHEN IRON HORSEMEN, (574) 825-3399

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 3: (Includes ATVs) CULVER : PLYMOUTH BLACKHAWKS MC, INC., (574) 259-0103

MOTOCROSS

MAY 3: (Includes ATVs) AKRON: READS RACING, (574) 8931649, READSRACING.COM

MAY 24: (Includes ATVs) PIERCETON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING. COM

MAY 30: (ATV only) CRAWFORDSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, MX SPORTS, INC., (304) 284-0084, ATVMOTOCROSS. COM

IOWA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 2: SHELL ROCK: NEW HARTFORD RACING INC, (319) 885-6469, NEWHARTFORDRACING.COM

MAY 3: SHELL ROCK: NEW HARTFORD RACING INC, (319) 885-6469, NEWHARTFORDRACING.COM

MAY 9: (Includes ATVs) CEDAR RAPIDS: CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 775-0893, CVTR.ORG

MAY 16: GARWIN: 2 DAY EVENT, RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM

MAY 16: GARWIN: 2 DAY EVENT, RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM

MAY 23: (Includes ATVs) CEDAR RAPIDS: CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 775-0893, CVTR.ORG

KENTUCKY

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 3: (Includes ATVs) BEDFORD: NICKOTA MOTORSPORTS PARK LLC, (502) 525-1167, NICKOTAMOTOR SPORTS.COM

MAY 9: LONDON: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTO-VATED SPORTS, (606) 401-6640, DANIELBOONE MOTOCROSS.COM

LOUISIANA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 17: BREAUX BRIDGE: EVO MX, (832) 646-2455, GRAVITYALLEY MOTOCROSS.COM

MARYLAND

RECREATIONAL

ADVENTURE RIDE

MAY 3: LITTLE ORLEANS: WESTERN MARYLAND MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, (443) 695-2793

DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD

MAY 3: LITTLE ORLEANS: WESTERN MARYLAND MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, (443) 695-2793

MASSACHUSETTS

COMPETITION

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 3: WRENTHAM: KING PHILIP TRAIL RIDERS, (508) 479-5681

MICHIGAN

RECREATIONAL

BIKE BLESSING

MAY 16: ST JOHNS: ROAD RIDERS FOR JESUS, (517) 930-0338

MAY 17: BALDWIN: PARA-DICE MC, (616) 893-3542

COMPETITION

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

MAY 9: (Includes ATVs) LAKE ODESSA: I-96 SPEEDWAY LLC, (616) 642-0555, I96SPEEDWAY. COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 2: MILLINGTON: 2 DAY EVENT, BAJA MX INC, (989) 871-3356, BAJAACRES.COM

MAY 10: (Includes ATVs)

CADILLAC: CADILLAC MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (231) 884-3729, CADILLACMC.COM

MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) PORTLAND: PORTLAND TRAIL RIDERS, (517) 647-7045, PORTLANDTRAILRIDERS.COM

MAY 16: NEWAYGO: 2 DAY EVENT, BIG AIR MOTOCROSS, (231) 652-5225, BIGAIRMOTOCROSS.COM

MAY 30: BELDING: 2 DAY EVENT, GRATTAN RACEWAY, (616) 691-7221, GRAHAMMX. COM

MAY 31: MIDLAND: POLKA DOTS M/C, (989) 832-8284, POLKADOTSMC.NET

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 3: FLUSHING: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (810) 252-2627, MOTATRIALS.COM

MAY 17: WHITMORE LAKE: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (517) 849-9231, MOTOATRIALS.COM

MAY 31: METAMORA: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (248) 634-2184, MOTATRIALS.COM

SHORT TRACK

MAY 16: (Includes ATVs) DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMB MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

TTS

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

MINNESOTA COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAY 30: HUNTERSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, RIVER VALLEY ENDURO RIDERS, (612) 247-2039 HILLCLIMB

MAY 31: (Includes ATVs) RED WING: INDIANHEAD

MAY EVENTS

MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (651) 764-1220, INDIANHEADMC. ORG

MAY 31: (Includes ATVs) RED WING: INDIANHEAD MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (651) 764-1220, INDIANHEADMC. ORG

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 3: CAMBRIDGE: NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (763) 263-0385, NORSEMENMC.ORG MOTOCROSS

MAY 3: MILLVILLE: HIWINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

MAY 3: BROWERVILLE: MOTO CITY RACEWAY & RECREATION INC, (218) 894-2826, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM

MAY 9: LITTLE FALLS: 2 DAY EVENT, RM PROMOTIONS, (218) 894-2826, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM

MAY 10: MILLVILLE: HIWINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

MAY 17: KELLOGG: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 6011169, MOTOKAZIE.COM

MAY 17: BROOK PARK: BERM BENDERS RACEWAY, (320) 9802680, BERMBENDERS RACEWAY.COM

MAY 24: MILLVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, HI-WINDERS, (507) 7532779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

MAY 31: MANKATO: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 6011169, MOTOKAZIE.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 23: GILBERT: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (612) 730-1770, UMTA.ORG

MAY 24: GILBERT: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (612) 730-1770, UMTA.ORG

MISSOURI

COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAY 17: PARK HILLS: MISSOURI MUDDERS, (636) 639-6373, MOMUDDERS.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 3: BIXBY: MIDWEST TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (314) 434-5095, RIDEMTRA.COM MONTANA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 16: BILLINGS: 2 DAY EVENT, BILLINGS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (406) 671-5151, BILLINGSMOTORCYCLE CLUB.US

NEVADA

COMPETITION

ARENACROSS

MAY 1: LAS VEGAS: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-

7482, ARENACROSS.COM

MAY 2: LAS VEGAS: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS. COM

ENDUROCROSS

MAY 1: LAS VEGAS: TEN: THE ENTHUSIAST NETWORK, INC., (888) 234-2334, ENDUROCROSS.COM

GRAND PRIX

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

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 16: LAS VEGAS: SILVER STATE TRAILBLAZERS, (702) 994-6823

NEW JERSEY

COMPETITION ROAD RACE

MAY 3: MILLVILLE: AMERICAN SPORTBIKE RACING ASSOCIATION, (817) 246-1127, ASRARACING.COM

NEW MEXICO

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 16: LAS CRUCES: 2 DAY EVENT, AERODYNE PROMOTIONS, LLC/ GAS-IT OFF ROAD RACING, (575) 6496677, GASITOFFROAD.COM

NEW YORK

RECREATIONAL

ADVENTURE RIDE

MAY 31: ATLANTA: WAYNE COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (315) 946-3082

POKER RUN

MAY 17: SLOATSBURG: RAMAPO MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (201) 767-3594, RAMAPO.ORG

ROAD RUN

MAY 23: HUNTINGTON: IDON’TKNOWMC, (631) 6765159, IDONTKNOWMC.COM

TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL

MAY 16: HANCOCK: 2 DAY EVENT, BEAR CREEK SPORTSMEN, , BEARCREEK SPORTSMEN.COM

COMPETITION

CROSS COUNTRY

MAY 9: (Includes ATVs) ODESSA: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 2840084, GNCCRACING.COM

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

MAY 31: (Includes ATVs) MALTA: ELECTRIC CITY RIDERS, (518) 542-2144, ELECTRICCITYRIDERS.COM

ENDURO

MAY 31: WINDSOR: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 7253069, SQUAREDEALRIDERS. COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 3: (Includes ATVs)

WALLKILL: WALDEN MX, (845) 895-2537, WALDENMX.COM

MAY 23: (Includes ATVs)

CAROGA LAKE: ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN. COM

MAY 24: (Includes ATVs) CAROGA LAKE: ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN. COM

MAY 31: (Includes ATVs)

AUBURN: FROZEN OCEAN MOTOCROSS INC, (315) 7845466, FROZEN-OCEAN.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 31: ALMA: DISTRICT 4 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (716) 0372457, DISTRIC4TRIALS.COM

SHORT TRACK

MAY 2: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 725-3069, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

MAY 16: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 725-3069, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

NORTH CAROLINA

RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN

MAY 3: APEX: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

ROAD RALLY

MAY 3: CARUSO: CONCOURS OWNERS GROUP, (828) 2358350, BLUERIDGE MOTORCYCLECAMP.COM

SCHOOLS - ROAD

MAY 2: BREVARD: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 637-0947, MOTOMARK1. COM

MAY 9: BURLINGTON: MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 6370947, MOTOMARK1.COM

MAY 16: WILKESBORO: MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 6370947, MOTOMARK1.COM

MAY 16: CHARLOTTE: MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 6370947, MOTOMARK1.COM

COMPETITION MOTOCROSS

MAY 9: MAYSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, JIMMY WEINERT RIDING PARK, (845) 313-6590, JWTFMX.COM

MAY 9: ELIZABETH CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOPROMO, LLC, MAY 16: HENDERSON: 2 DAY EVENT, KRUSTY RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (252) 767-6671, NCMP.NET

MAY 22: SPARTA: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION, (336) 372-2501, ALLEGHANEYINN. COM

SHORT TRACK

MAY 9: TAR HEEL: TAR HEEL SPEEDWAY, LLC, (910) 258-

2272, TARHEELSPEEDWAY. WIX.COM

MAY 10: TAR HEEL: TAR HEEL SPEEDWAY, LLC, (910) 2582272, TARHEELSPEEDWAY. WIX.COM

TTS

MAY 22: (ATV only) WADESBORO: 2 DAY EVENT, PERIMETER PARK MOTORSPORTS, , PERIMETERPARK MOTORSPORTS.COM

OHIO

RECREATIONAL

ADVENTURE RIDE

MAY 16: MCARTHUR: 2 DAY EVENT, BUCKEYE DUAL SPORTERS, (740) 380-3050, KAEPPNERSWOODS.COM

POKER RUN

MAY 3: PORTSMOUTH: PORTSMOUTH MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 353-0972

MAY 16: DOVER: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (330) 340-8882, ABATE.COM

MAY 30: GREENVILLE: TREATY CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (937) 459-0508, TREATYCITYMC.COM

ROAD RUN

MAY 2: SUNBURY: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (614) 319-3644, ABATE.COM

ROAD RALLY

MAY 16: ARCHBOLD: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (419) 579-0018, ABATE.COM

COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAY 31: CHANDLERSVILLE: OHIO WOODS RIDERS, (614) 204-1438, OHIOWOODSRIDERS.COM

HILLCLIMB

MAY 9: (Includes ATVs) WATERFORD: PIONEER MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (740) 678-0082, PIONEERMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM

MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) WATERFORD: PIONEER MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (740) 678-0082, PIONEERMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 3: (Includes ATVs) SUGAR GROVE: CENTRAL OHIO COMPETITION RIDERS INC., (740) 983-3937, COCRMX.COM

MAY 23: NASHPORT: 2 DAY EVENT, OHIO MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (740) 763-0935, BRIARCLIFFMX.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 16: TIPPECANOE: 2 DAY EVENT, TRIALS INC, (330) 3431676, TRIALSINC.ORG OKLAHOMA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 2: PONCA CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE. COM

OREGON

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD

MAY 24: JOSEPH: PLATED 4 DIRT LLC., (541) 263-1665, PLATED4DIRT.COM

POKER RUN - OFF-ROAD

MAY 3: JACKSONVILLE: MOTORCYCLE RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (541) 531-9697

POKER RUN

MAY 9: TIGARD: ROSE CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (503) 706-3969, ROSE-CITY-MC.ORG ROAD ENDURO

MAY 9: TIGARD: ROSE CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (503) 706-3969, ROSE-CITY-MC.ORG

PENNSYLVANIA

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD

MAY 17: LAWTON: BACK MOUNTAIN ENDURO RIDERS, (570) 675-1814, BMER.ORG

POKER RUN - OFF-ROAD

MAY 17: HARRISBURG: ARMED FORCES BROTHERHOOD, INC., (717) 774-7911

POKER RUN

MAY 3: NEW PROVIDENCE: GENTLEMEN MC SPORTSMEN, (717) 284-2270

MAY 9: RED HILL: FREEDOM RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (215) 262-0578, FREEDOMRIDERSPA.COM

MAY 16: LEBANON: PA MOTOR MAIDS, (610) 275-2634

MAY 16: SKIPPACK: BLUE COMET MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 489-1240, BLUECOMETMC.COM

MAY 17: KRESGEVILLE: ZINC CITY MC, (570) 992-4214

MAY 17: OLEY: READING MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (610) 987-6422, READINGMC. COM

MAY 24: SCHUYLKILL HAVEN: SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 385-1460

MAY 25: LEBANON: LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (717) 270-9797, LEBANONVALLEYMC.COM

ROAD RUN

MAY 2: GLENSIDE: MOTORCYCLISTS FOR JESUS MINISTRIES, PA CHAPTER, (215) 234-8611

MAY 17: WILLOW STREET: KENNETH A NEIDINGER MEMORIAL RIDE, (717) 9517665, KENNYSMEMORIALRIDE. COM

MAY 31: DANVILLE: MOTORCYCLE MIRACLE TOUR, (570) 745-3835

ROAD RALLY

MAY 15: BEDFORD: 2 DAY EVENT, CONCOURS OWNERS GROUP, (814) 623-9006, TRAVELLODGE. COM

COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAY 24: POTTSVILLE: READING OFF ROAD RIDERS, (610) 9213592, RORR.ORG

GRAND PRIX

MAY 3: BETHLEHEM: BUSHKILL VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 258-3208, BIKEHILLCLIMB. COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 2: SKIPPACK: BLUE COMET MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 4891240, BLUECOMETMC.COM

MAY 30: 2 DAY EVENT, SOUTH PENN ENDURO RIDERS, MOTOCROSS

MAY 2: MT MORRIS: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, RACERPRODUCTIONS. COM

MAY 10: FREDERICKSBURG: SLEEPY HOLLOW MOTO CROSS, (717) 639-5988, SLEEPYMX.COM

MAY 16: HANOVER: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (717) 698-5635, HAPPYRAMBLERS.ORG

MAY 17: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 5823717, PAGODAMC.ORG

MAY 23: FREDERICKSBURG: 2 DAY EVENT, SLEEPY HOLLOW MOTO CROSS, (717) 639-5988, SLEEPYMX.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 3: SPRING GROVE: WHITE ROSE MC, (717) 229-2621, WHITEROSE.ORG

MAY 17: VALLEY VIEW: RAUSCH CREEK POWERSPORTS, (570) 682-1075, RAUSCHCREEKRACING.COM TTS

MAY 10: (Includes ATVs) PARKESBURG: E PA PISTON POPPERS MC INC, (484) 336-9160, PISTONPOPPERSMC.COM

SOUTH CAROLINA

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE

MAY 17: CHESTER: FAMILY RIDERS MTC, (803) 385-8402

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 2: (ATV only) : 2 DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 3235497, VICTORY-SPORTS.OCM TENNESSEE

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RUN

MAY 17: MURFREESBORO: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 17: (Includes ATVs) LIVINGSTON: THUNDER VALLEY MOTOCROSS, (931) 498-6686, THUNDERVALLEYMOTOCROSS. COM

TEXAS

RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY

MAY 15: BRENHAM: BRI TISH MOTORCYCLE OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF HOUSTON, (832) 804-6097, BMOAONLINE.COM

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 30: WORTHAM: 2 DAY EVENT, FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY, LLC., (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM

UTAH

COMPETITION

HARE & HOUND

MAY 2: (Includes ATVs) JERICHO: SAGE RIDERS MC, (435) 650-1250, SAGERIDERSMC.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 23: TOOELE: 2 DAY EVENT, MILLER MOTORSPORTS PARK, (435) 277-8000, MILLERMOTORSPORTSPARK. COM

VIRGINIA

COMPETITION

GRAND PRIX

MAY 3: MARTINSVILLE: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (276) 632-5931, VCHSS.ORG

MAY 24: DENDRON: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (757) 871-5736, VCHSS.ORG

MOTOCROSS

MAY 24: SUTHERLIN: BIRCH CREEK PROMOTIONS, LLC, (434) 836-7629, BIRCHCREEKMXPARK. COM

MAY 30: SUTHERLIN: 2 DAY EVENT, BIRCH CREEK PROMOTIONS, LLC, (434) 8367629, BIRCHCREEKMXPARK WASHINGTON

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 9: WASHOUGAL: 2 DAY EVENT, WASHOUGAL MX PARK, LLC, (360) 601-5347, WASHOUGALMXPK WEST VIRGINIA

COMPETITION

CROSS COUNTRY

MAY 23: (Includes ATVs) MASONTOWN: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM

ISDE QUALIFIER

MAY 2-3: NEWBURG: FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO SERIES: FULLGASENDURO.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 9: HEDGESVILLE:

MAY EVENTS

TOMAHAWK MX, LLC, (304) 5828185, TOMAHAWKMX.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 2: GRAFTON: 2 DAY EVENT, TRIALS INC, (304) 592-3442, TRIALSINC.ORG

RECREATIONAL POKER RUN

MAY 17: WEST BEND: KETTLE MORAINE SPORT RIDERS ROAD RALLY

MAY 15: SPRING GREEN: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION, (608) 588-2568, MSTATWISTAR.INFO COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 3: ADAMS: MADISON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (262) 424-9361, MADISONMOTORCYCLECLUB. ORG

MOTOCROSS

MAY 10: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 790-6211, AZTALANMX.COM

MAY 17: (Includes ATVs) MARSHFIELD: MARSHFIELD T&T RIDERS, INC., (715) 384-4555, T-NTRIDERS.COM

MAY 24: ATHELSTANE: PINE RIDGE RACEWAY, LLC, (920) 4347015, PINERIDGERACEWAY.COM

MAY 31: HIXTON: CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 220-6853, CMJRACEWAY.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 16: WAUZEKA: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (920) 229-5365, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG

MAY 17: WAUZEKA: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (920) 229-5365, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG

SHORT TRACK

The AMA Beta National Dual-Sport Series features the country’s best organized dual-sport rides. Events include miles of well marked, challenging trail connected by scenic backcountry roads. The challenging, national caliber terrain is designed to bring out the best in each rider.

MAY 16: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 319-6889, BEAVERCYCLECLUB. COM

MAY 29: (Includes ATVs) PLYMOUTH: SOUTHEASTERN SHORT TRACKERS, LTD, (262) 339-7430, DAIRYLANDCLASSIC.COM TTS

MAY 17: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 319-6889, BEAVERCYCLECLUB. COM

WYOMING

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 9: ROCKSPRINGS: 2 DAY EVENT, RSMX LLC., (307) 3891477, ROCKSPRINGSMX.COM

2015 EVENTS

Motocross

Motocross of NatioNs FIM-lIve.coM

sept. 26-27: Ernee, France

fiM JuNior Motocross world chaMpioNship FIM-lIve.coM

July 19: El Molar, Spain

MoNster eNergy aMa supercross AMAsupercross.coM

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

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

May 2: las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium

MoNster eNergy cup

oct. 17: las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium

lucas oil pro Motocross chaMpioNship proMotocross.coM

May 16: sacramento, calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic

May 23: san Bernardino, calif.: Glen Helen National

May 30: lakewood, colo.: Thunder Valley National

June 6: Blountville, tenn.: Tennessee National

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

June 27: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National

July 4: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National

July 18: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National

July 25: washougal, wash.: Washougal National

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

aug. 15: tooele, utah: Utah National

aug. 22: crawfordsville, ind.: Indiana National

woMeN’s Motocross chaMpioNship rAcewMx.coM

May 15: sacramento, calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic

June 7: Blountville, tenn.: Tennessee National

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

July 5: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National

aug. 21: crawfordsville, ind.: Ironman National

MtN dew aMa atV NatioNal Motocross AtvMotocross.coM

april 18-19: Kemp, texas: Underground

May 2-3: Blountville, tenn.: Muddy Creek

May 16-17: Morris, pa.: High Point

May 30-31: crawfordsville, ind.: Ironman

June 13-14: walnut, ill.: Sunset Ridge

June 27-28: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek

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

July 25-26: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud

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

aMsoil aMa areNacross ArenAcross.coM

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

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

May 1-3: las Vegas, Nev.: South Point Arena

aMa proaM Motocross eVeNts aMaraciNg.coM

april 19: Mount carroll, ill.: MC Motopark, MCmotopark.com, (815) 238-1614

april 25-26: livingston, tenn.: The United States Mega Series - Thunder Valley, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497

april 26: rancho cordova, calif.: King of the WestPrairie City, 2xPromotions. com, (559) 761-0897

rocKy MouNtaiN atV/ Mc aMa aMateur NatioNal Motocross chaMpioNship Mxsports.coM

Northeast Area Qualifier

april 18-19: armagh, pa.: pleasure Valley raceway, (814) 695-2453

May 2-3: Mount Morris, pa.: high point, (304) 284-0084

May 16-17: winchester, N.h.: winchester speed park, (603) 239-6406

Northeast regional

May 30-31: danville, Va.: Birch creek Motorsports (youth), (434) 836-7629

June 20-21: New Berlin, N.y.: unadilla Valley sports center - amateur, (607) 965-8450

Southeast Area Qualifier

april 18-19: tallassee, ala.: Monster Mountain, (334) 318-8475

May 2-3: washington, ga.: aonia pass, (706) 678-3737

May 16-17: henderson, N.c.: North carolina Motorsports park, (252) 438-8192

southeast regional

June 13-14: gainesville, fla.: gatorback (amateur), (407) 453-2056

June 20-21: hamer, s.c.: south of the Border (youth), (423) 323-5497

Mid-East Area Qualifier

april 18-19: rossville, ind.: wild cat creek MX, (765) 379-2482

april 25-26: livingston, tenn.: thunder Valley, (423) 323-5497

May 2-3: Millington, Mich.: Baja acres, (989) 871-3356

May 9-10: london, Ky.: daniel Boone MX, (606) 231-2313

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

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

Mid-east regional

June 6-7: Buchanan, Mich.: red Bud MX (amateur), (269) 695-6405

June 27-28: Millfield, ohio: sunday creek raceway (youth), (304) 284-0084

North central area Qualifier

april 25-26: casey, ill.: lincoln trail Motorsports, (217) 9322041

May 2-3: tigerton, wis.: Motozone, (920) 419-2863

May 9-10: little falls, Minn.: little falls raceway, (612) 919-3457

May 16-17: garwin, iowa: Oak Ridge Motocross, (205) 699-8857

May 23-24: Byron, ill.: Byron Motosports park, (815) 234-2271

North central regional

June 13-14: deQuoin, ill.: indian hills (youth), (205) 699-8857

June 20-21: Millville, Minn.: spring creek MX park (amateur), (507) 753-2779

south central area Qualifier

april 18-19: alvord, texas: oak hill raceway, (940) 577-2225

april 25-26: edgewood, Texas: Buffalo Creek MX, (214) 939-4321

May 2-3: Ponca City, okla.: ponca city MX, (580) 762-3635

May 16-17: lakewood, colo.: thunder Valley MX, (303) 697-1003

south central regional

May 30-31: wortham, texas: freestone MX (amateur), (713) 962-3386

June 20-21: prentiss, Miss.: golden pines (youth), (985) 273-1317

Northwest Area Qualifier

May 9-10: washougal, wash.: washougal MX park, (360) 601-5347

May 16-17: Billings, Mont.: Billings MX, (406) 671-5151

May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports

Northwest Regional

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

Mid-West Area Qualifier

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

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

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

May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park

Mid-West Regional

June 13-14: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City OHV (Youth/ Amateur), (740) 297-6686

Southwest Area Qualifier

May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park

Southwest Area Regional

May 30-31: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway (Youth/ Amateur), (909) 384-9342

MONSTER ENERGY FIM

June 11: Vojens, Denmark

June 13: Vojens, Denmark

AMA PRO FLAT TRACK AMAPRORACING.COM

May 24: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile I

May 30: Sacramento, Calif.: Sacramento Mile

June 20: Hagerstown, Md.: Hagerstown Half-Mile

June 27: Lima, Ohio: Lima Half-Mile

Aug. 1: Castle Rock, Wash.: Castle Rock TT

Aug. 4: Rapid City, S.D.: Black Hills Half-Mile

Aug. 16: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria TT

Sept. 6: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile II

UPDATED: Sept. 19: Delmar, Del.: Roar on the Shore Half-Mile

Oct. 3: Calistoga, Calif.: Calistoga Half-Mile

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

AMA VINTAGE DIRT TRACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMARACING.COM

May 2: Henry, Ill.: Volusia Speedway Park, Half Mile

May 9: Tar Heel, N.C.: Tar Heel Speedway, Short Track

May 10: Tar Heel, N.C.: Tar Heel Speedway, Short Track

June 12: Harpursville, N.Y.: Short Track

June 13: Harpursville, N.Y.: Short Track

2015 EVENTS

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

Sept. 26: Cuddebackville, N.Y.: Short Track

Sept. 27: Cuddebackville, N.Y.: Short Track

FEATURED SERIES: AMA ALL-STAR NATIONAL FLAT TRACK SERIES

STEVENACERACING.COM

May 22: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria Speedway, Short Track

May 23: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds, TT

June 13: Bucyrus, Ohio: Crawford County Fairgrounds, Half Mile

June 19: Ashland, Ohio: Ashland County Fairgrounds, Half Mile

July 4: Frederick, Md.: Frederick Fairgrounds, Half Mile

Aug. 5: Sturgis, S.D.: Sturgis Fairgrounds, Half Mile

Aug. 15: Lewistown, Ill.: Spoon River Speedway, Short Track

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

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

June 8: King’s Lynn, England

July 11: Ashland, Ohio: Ashland County Fairgrounds, Half Mile

High Adventure. No Hassle. The best routes, roads and two-track, 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

2015 EVENTS

ROAD RACE

FIM Road RacIng WoRld chaMpIonshIp gRand pRIx (Motogp) FIM-lIve.coM MotoGP.coM

aug. 7-9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

FIM WoRld supeRbIke chaMpIonshIp FIM-lIve.coM | WorldSBK.coM

July 17-19: Monterey, calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

MotoaMeRIca Road RacIng seRIes MotoAMerIcA.coM

april 17-19: braselton, ga.: Road Atlanta

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

May 29-31: elkhart lake, Wis.: Road America

June 12-14: birmingham, ala.: Barber Motorsports Park

June 26-28: toole, utah: Miller Motorsports Park

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

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

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

aMeRIcan spoRtbIke RacIng assocIatIon chaMpIonshIp ASrArAcInG.coM

OFF-ROAD

InteRnatIonal sIx days enduRo (Isde) FIM-lIve.coM

sept. 7-12: Kosice, Slovakia

InteRnatIonal sIx days enduRo (Isde) QualIFIeRs AMerIcAnMotorcyclISt.coM

May 2-3: newburg, W.V.: Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series, FullGasEnduro.com

May 30-31: Idaho city, Idaho: Boise Ridge Riders, BoiseRidgeRiders.org

FIM tRIal des natIons FIM-lIve.coM

sept. 19-20: Tarragona, Spain

FIM tRIal WoRld chaMpIonshIp FIM-lIve.coM

July 25-26: West greenwich, R.I.: Steppingstone Ranch

kenda aMa natIonal enduRo, pResented by Moose RacIng nAtIonAlenduro.coM

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

May 17: park hills, Mo.: Missouri Mudders, MOmudders.com

June 14: upton, Wyo.: Inyan Kara Riders, pauld@rtconnect.net

July 26: cross Fork, pa.: Brandywine Enduro Riders, BER.us

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

oct. 11: Matthews, Ind.: Muddobbers MC, MuddobbersMC.org

geIco aMa enduRocRoss endurocroSS.coM

May 1: las Vegas, nev.: Orleans Arena

June 5: austin, texas: X Games, Circuit of the Americas

sept. 26: sacramento, calif.: Sleep Train Arena

oct. 3: denver, colo.: National Western Complex

oct. 17: everett, Wash.: XFINITY Arena

nov. 7: boise, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center

nov. 21-22: ontario, calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena

aMsoIl aMa gRand natIonal cRoss countRy seRIes GnccrAcInG.coM

april 25-26: springville, Ind.: Limestone 100

May 9-10: odessa, n y.: The Tomahawk

May 23-24: Masontown, W. Va.: Mountaineer Run

June 6-7: Millfield, Ohio: John Penton

June 20-21: snowshoe, W. Va.: Snowshoe

sept. 19-20: new berlin, n y.: Unadilla

oct. 3-4: somerset, pa.: Moutain Ridge

oct. 17-18: st. clairsville, ohio: Powerline Park

oct. 31-nov. 1: crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman

kenda sRt aMa natIonal haRe and hound chaMpIonshIp nAtIonAlHAreAndHound.coM

May 2: delta, utah: Sage Riders MC, SageRidersMC. com

June 6-7: snowville, utah: Big Nasty Hillclimb LLC, X12Events.com

aug. 22: panaca, nev.: Silver State Trail Blazers

oct. 24-25: lucerne Valley, calif.: 100s MC, 100smc.com

aIRes aMa/natc MototRIals natIonal chaMpIonshIp seRIes AMArAcInG.coM | MototrIAlS.coM

april 18-19: kingman, ariz. (West)

June 13-14: nehawka, neb.: mwta-trials.com (East)

June 20-21: toronto, ohio: trialsinc.org (East)

aug. 8-9: casper, Wyo. (West)

youth nationals and Women’s open

July 3-5: sequatchie, tenn.: TrialsTrainingCenter. com (East)

aug. 11-13: howard, colo.: ItsOffroad.com (West)

kenda aMa tennessee knockout extReMe enduRo tenneSSeeKnocKoutenduro.coM

aug. 15-16: sequatchie, tenn.

aMa east haRe scRaMbles seRIes aMaRacIng.coM

May 31 (amateur, youth): battle creek, Mich.: Battle Creek Motorcycle Club, BattleCreekMotorcycle Club.com

July 11 (youth bikes) | July 12 (amateur bikes & atV): berwick, pa., Evansville MX Park, EvansvilleMXpark.com

aug. 2 (amateur, youth): catawissa, pa.: High Mountain Dirt Riders, HMDR.com

nov. 7 (atV) | nov. 8 (amateur, youth): kohoka, Mo.: Midwest Motorsports

kenda sRt aMa West haRe scRaMbles seRIes AMArAcInG.coM

May 16 (youth, amateur): caliente, nev.: Silver State Trail Blazers

June 20 (youth) | June 21 (amateur): elkton, ore.: ETRA, Inc., ETRA.net

oct. 24 (amateur, atV, youth): lucerne Valley, calif.: Desert MC

nov. 7 (atV, youth) | nov. 8 (amateur): searchlight, nev.: Get-Xtr-Eme.com

FeatuRed seRIes: appalachIan chaMpIonshIp enduRo seRIes AceS-rAceS.coM

updated: May 31: chandersville, ohio: Grassman Enduro, Ohio Woods Riders

June 28: athens, ohio: Milk Run Enduro, Athens Motorcycle Club

July 19: bergholz, ohio: Lumberjack 100 Enduro, Ohio Valley Trail Riders

aug. 2: logan, ohio: Jake-Tom Enduro, Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club

aug. 9: thring springs, pa.: Three Springs Enduro, Green Marble Enduro Riders

aug. 30: Mcarthur, ohio: Little Burr Enduro, Enduro Riders Association

sept. 13: londonderry, ohio: Art Mitchell Memorial Enduro, Chillicothe Enduro Riders Association

May 3: Millville, n.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

sept. 27: lynnville, Ind.: Lynnville Area Dirt Riders Inc., LADirtRiders.com

april 25-26: Johnson Valley, calif.: Vikings MC, VikingsMC.com

July 19 (amateur, youth): Mahoney city, pa.: Valley Forge Trail Riders, VFTR.org

oct. 11: Matthews, Indiana: Muddobbers Enduro, Muddobbers Motorcycle Club

HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: The main floor of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame celebrates Hall of Fame inductees, the heroes of the track, road, trails and halls of government who have elevated the sport to new heights. Now featuring the 2014 inductees.

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

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

AMA member discount available through May 29, call (800) 262-5646 for details.

ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLING

Expanding Your Options by

I started riding adventure bikes in the late 1980s before they were routinely called that. I had a 1989 Honda Transalp that I rode in dual-sport events around central Pennsylvania before it was typical for organized rides to offer both a “dual sport” and an “adventure bike” route.

Back then, you signed the waiver, checked your insurance and headed in, regardless of the size of your motorcycle. Some of these rides were enduro trails and singletrack, and others were rocky and graveled forest roads. Either way I loved it. I couldn’t believe the places I could ride a 400- to 500-pound motorcycle. Momentum was my friend!

Today, I still participate in dual-sport rides, currently on a BMW R1200GSW or X-Challenge. I get in over my head and sometimes wish I had a smaller bike, but I still prefer adventure-class motorcycles. Tires seem to be my limiting factor. If the event is wet, it can be treacherous on street-rated tires. If it’s dry, it’s no problem.

One cool thing is that I can ride to these events and back home without hauling the bike (and gear) in the back of a truck or on the bed of a trailer. The big adventure bikes are made for this. In fact, the ride to and from the events often can be as much fun as the event itself.

It’s now common for most dual-sport events to include an adventure route that uses less, if any, singletrack and more gravel roads. We take groups of riders from Velocity Cycles, our shop in Mechanicsburg, Pa., to ride these events.

We even have an AMAchartered club (www. adventureriders.net) and host sanctioned events and attend others. I am also a member of a local off-road club called PaTRA that organizes the

Chris Roher

annual Seven Mountains Dual Sport. To find a great adventure ride is as easy as looking up the calendar for the Yamaha Super Ténéré AMA National Adventure Riding Series in the calendar section of this magazine. The national series includes the best rides in the country.

As you can tell, I’m hooked on adventure riding. So, I’m not surprised that adventure bikes are the fastest-growing segment in motorcycling. A friend of mine, Chris Cuomo, once asked me how long I think the adventure trend will be popular. Without hesitation I answered, “forever.” I don’t see this as a short-term trend. To me, adventure riding is the ultimate form of motorcycling. Who wouldn’t want to be comfortable, have nice luggage and possess the ability to explore dirt roads or carve twisty asphalt?

While it may be that 80 percent of the Earth’s roads are dirt, in my part of Pennsylvania, dirt roads are rare, other than some highly regulated forest routes. However, for me, this underscores the versatility of the adventure bike. While you can take them off-road, they are otherwise superb street bikes. I’ve spent many hours exploring mountain passes in the western United States, and adventure bikes are perfect for this. There is some wide-open country to explore, and these bikes can cover great distances. You can pack lots of gear for riding and camping, and there is no better way to go on a cross-country trip, especially when you wake up to see

beautiful snow-capped mountains that you had no idea were there when you pitched your tent in darkness the night before.

Many new adventure riders fear that if they don’t have any off-road experience that they are bound to flounder. Adventure riding isn’t as difficult as it might seem. The strange feeling of the bike moving around is odd at first, but soon you will trust the bike’s capabilities. You’ll develop a feeling for riding “loose” and avoiding a white-knuckled death grip (and the propensity to underreact or overcorrect that comes with it).

It’s important to recognize that an adventure ride is not a race. Off-road racers often ride at the edge of their abilities, so when something goes wrong a crash is more likely. When you are on a casual adventure ride, you ride far below your potential. That way, if there’s trouble, such as an unexpected loss of traction, you will be able to correct yourself safely.

A beginner adventure riding class is an important step, as well. You’ll be surprised at how much you’ll improve from just a day of instruction. For experienced riders, there are classes for you too. Even better, many schools follow up the training with a one- or two-day adventure ride, which is a great way to practice your new skills.

You are doing your part as a member of the AMA. Advocate that your friends join as well, so we can all support our freedom to ride. Also, I highly recommend joining a local club. Clubs promote and expand riding opportunities, and we all should support them. After all, it’s those opportunities that turn into the adventures that become the memories of a lifetime.

Chris Roher is an AMA member and chartered organizer. Reach him at advriders@yahoo.com or at www.adventureriders.net.