American Motorcyclist May 2016 Street by American Motorcyclist Association

WILL 2016 BE YOUR BEST RIDING YEAR EVER?

SEEING AND BEING SEEN DURING MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH

Photo Scott

A. Miller

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, EVS, Heat Demon And More)

*must maintain valid credit card and email address on ﬁle for coverage to continue

**average cost of $100/night stay – 2 nights

***average $750 per year 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% 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% off. Use the Member Discount code CP540176.

Plus, get a 20% 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 an AMA member discount of 10% 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 AMA015.

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.

Car Rentals

Save Money When You Drive

Get up to 25% 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.

patches, pins, T-shirts, hats, coolers and much more at AMAgear.com.

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 members-only moneysaving offers on insurance, a cash-back AMA-themed credit card, ﬁnance and banking. For more details see, www.nationwide.com/ americanmotorcyclist.

Cycle Trader Visit CycleTrader.com for access to nearly 400,000 motorcycles and power sports vehicles across the country. If interested in trading up, click on “Sell for Free” on the homepage and use promo code “AMACT20” at checkout for 20% off the top-of-the-line package. For more info, visit www. CycleTrader.com.

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS

ActionStation/Bohn Body Armor

Save 10% 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.bohn-armor-pants.com/ ama/.

ADVMoto

Adventure Motorcycle Magazine offers a 20% discount on all subscriptions through AdventureMotorcycle.com and 20% off ADVMoto branded items and back issues on ADVMotoShop.com. Enter discount code AMADV20 at checkout.

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame

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

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 AMASX16. AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Arenacross.com and use password AMA5OFF. Certain restrictions apply, call (800) 262-5646 for details.

Anthony’s Leatherworks

Save 10% 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.

BikeBandit.com

Visit BikeBandit.com for a 10% discounts on motorcycle parts, gear and apparel. Enter your AMA number when checking out to receive your discount. (Discount is not available on tires.)

Biker Rain Chaps

Save 25%. Visit www.bikerrainchaps. com/ama/ and use the code AMA-0416EASTER at checkout to receive your discount.

Black Wolf Mototours

Black Wolf Mototours offers allinclusive dual sport adventure tours in the Northern Rockies. Current AMA members receive 10% off any guided tour. Visit the Members Only section of AmericanMotorcyclist.com for discount code.

Brooks Leather

AMA members receive a 10% 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% discount for AMA members when presenting their membership card on Cardo’s scala rider® motorcycle communication products at participating authorized dealers only.

Colorado Motorcycle Adventures

Colorado Motorcycle Adventures offers AMA Members 10% off all motorcycle rentals and tours! Mention your AMA Membership when reserving your rental or tour. A current AMA Membership card required to receive discount.

Design Engineering, Inc.

DEI is now offering AMA members a 10% discount. Simply enter the discount code AMA10DISCOUNT during checkout.

Dowco Powersports

AMA Members save 20% on Dowco products, an industry leading manufacturer of motorcycle covers and luggage. To take advantage of the discount, use code AMA20 at checkout.

EVS Sports

AMA Members receive 10% off and free shipping on all orders. Simply use the code AMAEVS16 during checkout at www.EVS-Sports.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% discount at gearbrake.com with the promo code: AMASAFE.

Heat Demon AMA members receive 10% off all products. Visit www.heatdemon.com/AMA and use the code AMAheat16 at checkout to receive your discount.

International Motorcycle Shows

AMA members save on advanced adult one-day general admission. The promo code is “AMA16” when you buy your tickets online from www. motorcycleshows.com.

MAD Maps

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

Medjet

Learn More and Enroll – visit www. MedjetAMA.com or call Medjet at 1.800.527.7478 and reference American Motorcyclist Association. Reduced annual Medjet membership rates for AMA members under age 75 start at $225 – a savings of 16%.

MYLAPS

MYLAPS provides a 20% 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 AMA-789HJK at checkout.

Pagnol Moto

At Pagnol Moto we develop and design extremely high quality gear for riders by riders. Visit www.pagnol-moto.com and use the code 1AMAVIP at checkout to receive your AMA exclusive 10% discount.

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% 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.

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% 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-in-one product! Enter code AMA20 to take advantage of the AMA exclusive 20% discount.

Shock Sox Street ~ Dirt ~ Off-Road ~ SHOCK SOX, “The 10-Second Removable Fork Seal Protector.” Get 10% 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% discount on any TomTom product (excluding accessories). Visit www. tomtom.com to place your order and enter AMA10_TT2016 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.

Warm & Safe

Heated clothing and controllers designed by bikers. To encourage others to join the AMA we offer members an 18% discount. Enter AMA at check out to receive your discount.

NAVIGATION

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, when we focus on strategies that make riders more visible to other road and trail users. Read more on page 36.

8. LETTERS 10. VIEWPOINT

50. GUEST COLUMN

American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2016. Printed in USA.

Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $19.95 covered in membership dues.

Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing ofﬁces.

May 2016

Volume 70, Number 5

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

STREET COVER

AMA member Bill Tillman is going on a lot of group rides in 2016. How are you enjoying your motorcycle this year?

PAGE 28. AMA member Tom Mehren takes you along on a hot tub tour of the Northwest United States.

DIRT/COMPETITION COVER

Remember your ﬁrst time racing? Jackson Adams sure does. He offers some fresh perspective on getting started in a great sport.

PAGE 22. Daytona Bike Week round up—all the racing from the year’s ﬁrst big week of competition.

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.

Kevin Wing

Ken Hill

B U Y S M A R T. R I D E S M A R T.

P r o o f y o u d o n ’ t h a v e t o b r e a k t h e b a n k t o g e t u n c o m p r o m i s i n g p e r f o r m a n c e .

• Pe r f o r m a n c e - c u t w i t h a d j u s t a b l e w a i s t

b e l t s a n d s l e e v e t a k e - u p s t r a p s f o r a

g r e a t f i t

• A b r a s i o n - r e s i s t a n t 6 0 0 - d e n i e r

p o l y e s t e r o u t e r s h e l l f o r p e a c e o f m i n d

• Wa t e r p r o o f a n d b r e a t h a b l e b a r r i e r t o

t a k e o n a w i d e r a n g e o f c o n d i t i o n s

• C o r t e c h ’s Z O Q ( Z i p - O u t Q u i l t e d )

i n s u l a t e d l i n e r l o c k s o u t t h e c h i l l

• R e m o v a b l e , a r t i c u l a t e d , t r i p l e - d

COMMUNICATIONS

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

James Holter, Vice President of Communications and Marketing

Jim Witters, Managing Editor

Heather Wilson, Associate Editor

Mark Lapid, Creative Services 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.

Russ Brenan, Vice Chair, Irvine, Calif.

Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla.

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

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

Jerry Abboud, Thornton, Colo.

Ted Cabral, Penngrove, Calif.

David Foley, Milwaukee, Wis.

Tony Moseley, Fort Worth, Texas

Roger Pattison, Taos Ski Valley, N.M.

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, 2016.

AMA STAFF

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/DATA ENTRY

Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager

Lori Cavucci, Data Entry Representative

Deb D’Andrea, Data Entry Representative

Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator

Ed Madden, System Support Specialist

Nicole Weppler, Member Fulfillment Specialist

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES

Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing

Kip Bigelow, Motocross Manager

Joe Bromley, Program Development Manager

Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator

Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations

Alex Hunter, Racing Projects Manager

Michael Jolly, Off Road/Track Assistant Manager

Beth Owen, Off-Road Coordinator

Mike Pelletier, Assistant Motocross Manager

Jessica Robinson, Track Racing Coordinator

Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager

Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager

Cristy Wiles, Motocross Coordinator

Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS

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

Robert Pearce, Murrieta, Calif.

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill. (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) AmericanMotorcyclist.com

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES

John Bricker, Mailroom Manager

Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator

Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations

Nick Haris, Western States Representative

Rick Podliska, Deputy Director

Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway

Michael Sayre, Grassroots Coordinator

Elizabeth Starek, Staff Assistant

Casey Wright, Government Affairs Manager, On-Highway

STATE CHAPTERS AND RECREATIONAL RIDING

Marie Wuelleh, Recreational Riding and Volunteer Manager

Rob Baughman, Assistant Manager, Recreational Road

Riding

Serena Van Dyke, Recreational Riding Coordinator

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director

Dave Coleman, Network Architect

MARKETING AND EVENTS

Jordan Cavallaro, Collections Assistant

Amanda Donchess, Membership Marketing Manager

Connie Fleming, Events Manager

Hannah Saunders, Marketing Coordinator

Paula Schremser, Program Specialist

Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Manager

MEMBER SERVICES

Tiffany Pound, Member Services Manager

Christina Dolin, Member Services Representative

Amy Edwards, Member Services Representative

Lydia Moss, Receptionist

T h e S a b e r 4 0 3 / 4 - l e n g t h t e x t i l e j a c k e t i s p r o o f t h a t h i g h -

t e c h f e a t u r e s d o n ' t h a v e t o c o m e w i t h a h i g h p r i c e .

• 5 0 0 - d e n i e r o u t e r s h e l l w i t h w a t e r p r o o f, b r e a t h a b l e

b a r r i e r p r o v i d e s d u r a b l e , a l l - w e a t h e r p e r f o r m a n c e

• A d j u s t a b l e w a i s t p a n e l s a n d b i c e p a n d f o r e a r m t a k e - u p

s t r a p s o f f e r a s n u g , c o m f o r t a b l e f i t

• Re m o v a b l e , C E - a p p r o v e d a r m o r a n d a r t i c u l a t e d t r i p l e -

d e n s i t y b a c k p r o t e c t o r p r o v i d e a d d e d s e c u r i t y

• Z i p - O u t Q u i l t

•

• 3 6 0 - d e g r e e r e f l e c t i v e p i p

u a

•

t h e w i n d

• C o l o r s :

T H I N K R E T U R N O N I N V E S T M E N T

MEMBER LETTERS

Letter of the Month RIDE ON

“A Dangerous Heaven” (March issue) by Suzanne Shafer hit the nail on the head! At my age (62) more and more folks question why I still ride—“it’s crazy out there, man”—and, of course, they are right.

But what is the alternative? Riding has been my passion for over 45 years, and as long as I am physically ﬁt enough to safely ride, I will continue to do so.

Mark Harrigan

Danville, Calif.

FOLLOW THE SUN

Most of us have seen “Wild Hogs,” a movie about a riding club trying to recapture their past and coming across a biker gang. The movie helped create a tourist attraction for the little-known town of Madrid, N.M.

The town was an anthracite mining town dating back to the early 1800s and, prior to the movie, had recently developed into an artistic community (similar to New Paltz, N.Y.). I recently did a ride there from Roswell, north of Clines Corner, on Route 285. It had some nice twisties once in the mountains. It was a nice ride, even with the brief cold front and snow ﬂurries.

When we searched for Maggie’s Diner— which is not really a diner but a building that was built for the movie and left behind for the sole purpose of selling movie memorabilia—less than a hundred yards past it we found a great little restaurant. On the return to Roswell, we went south through a string of little towns, including Corona, N.M.

I moved to New Mexico for the reason that it affords me the ability to ride year round. I ride with friends or by myself if no one wants to come.

Lee De Leonard Jr. Roswell, N.M.

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.

GOOD READ

The April 2016 issue really slowed me down.

1) J.R. Clark of Oakland, Calif., had an excellent letter about lane splitting realities of a Bay Area commute;

2) Rob Dingman’s “No Excuse Needed” was a welcome prod to get outside;

3) The update concerning three new national monuments in California was very interesting. (Absent any real House+Senate+Executive Branch cooperation, I’m siding with the President erring on the side of nature; sorry, but there you go.);

4) The E15/ethanol labeling article wisely reminds me to pay more attention at the pump;

5) A great feature on a new wave of helmet technology and challenges of head injury prevention (“Helmet Tech Aims High”); and ﬁnally,

6) Kudos to Ron Daigle’s terrific essay explaining the physics and expressing the pleasure of taking a curve—his writing also found just the right balance.

Good stuff, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you. Future issues of American Motorcyclist will get the closer look your efforts deserve.

Sean Coleman New York, N.Y.

SALT MATTERS

Congratulations to the AMA for joining the Save the Salt Coalition!

My forthcoming book, “The Unlikely 1,” includes specifi c mention of the AMA’s essential work in making amateur motorcycle racing safe, accessible and, well, possible. Without the AMA and its capable staff and its support, it is unlikely that events like the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, where I fulfi lled a life-long dream of capturing an AMA No. 1 plate, could even happen, let alone fl ourish.

I will deﬁnitely update the manuscript to include recognition of the AMA in this important effort to save the Bonneville Salt Flats.

I have also taken up this cause and work to encourage others to do the same in the motorcycling community: “Bonneville Salt Flats in Jeopardy,” RideApart, November 2015 (www. rideapart.com/articles/bonneville-saltﬂats-jeopardy).

All the best for much continued success!

Gary Ilminen Lone Rock, Wis.

SIGNS POINT THE WAY

Like Douglas Weir (“From End To End,” March issue), I have enjoyed riding a few national roads from end to end. I ﬁgured if I just follow the signs, there’s no need to look at a map while en route. I live near Detroit, Mich., and I’ve traveled U.S. 27 from Fort Wayne, Ind., to Miami, Fla.

Then I returned via U.S. 441 from Miami to Lake City, Tenn. The following year I took U.S. 322 from Cleveland to Atlantic City, N.J. There are several other great roads I’d like to take that begin (or end) in my home state.

Dave Raetz Rochester Hills, Mich.

ENJOYING

END TO END RIDES

The March issue really hit home with me. “From End To End” reminded me of some trips I’ve taken. I’ve done U.S. 2 from Everett, Wash., to Superior, Wis. I’ve also ridden U.S. 50 from Sacramento to Ocean City, Md.

Both rides had some high points and some not-so-high points. U.S. 2 is pretty nice until you leave Glacier National Park and then it gets a bit straight and ﬂat. U.S. 50 is spectacular through Colorado. Utah and Nevada are cool because of the scenery, and West Virginia is great. Now I want to ride U.S. 99 but need to do more research.

Also, “A Dangerous Heaven” hit home with me. I just turned 68 and sometimes wonder if I’m getting too old. Nah, I think I’ll ride from the Washington coast this spring to Washington, D.C., for Rolling Thunder. You don’t quit riding because you got old, you got old because you quit riding.

Michael Preston Ocean Shores, Wash.

CROSS

COUNTRY TOUR

Thank you for the entertaining and informative article in the March issue by Douglas Weir. My wife and I are also great fans of end-to-end travel on our Harley Tri-Glide. Our ﬁrst end-to-end ride was in 2012 on U.S. 20 From Boston to Newport, Ore.

It took a couple of trips to do it all, but we made it. Signage is a little iffy in Albany, N.Y., and we had to zig and zag to re-ﬁnd it. Once in Boston as you get past Harvard Yard, it just turns into city streets. And there’s no “end” sign on either end of U.S. 20, either.

After reaching Oregon, we turned south on U.S. 101, rode to northern California and picked up U.S. 50 just outside of Reno, Nev. We stayed with U.S. 50 to St.

Sound Off! Louis before turning the handlebars toward home. Our next end to end was U.S. 2 from Maine to Washington State. Route 2 disappears at the New York/Vermont border and reappears again at the western end of the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace, Mich. We detoured to Glacier National Park and the Going to the Sun Road. We again detoured onto Washington state route 20, which is the Cascades

Scenic Byway, ending our westward travel at the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park. We rode state highways home this time, covering the Columbia River Gorge, Snake River Gorge, the Beartooth and Chief Joseph Highways and the Route 14A alluded to by Mr. Weir. He’s right. It should be considered one of the 10 best motorcycle roads in America.

Lester Hayward Lodi, N.Y.

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

In response to counting down to Daytona Bike Week and being asked how many years members have attended...

John Keith Wynn: Have not missed a year since 1965. My favorite

memory is racing every night at Memorial Stadium until 11 or 12 then going to Lester’s Diner for the giant cups of coffee and lying about how you could have won if you had one more lap.

Michael Herrold: Lost count... Many in my younger years, but it has been over 25 years.... See ya’ll March 5...

In response to an AMA press release about the AMA sanctioning the Daytona 200 this year…

Abel Rivas (@Bikernole): @ama_ racing @DISupdates Fantastic news! Getting my tickets today! #bikeweek #AMA #Daytona200

In response to a historic photo from a Daytona Bike Week flat track event…

@Movinon: Cool picture! From 1980 to 1987, I was AMA class A speedway rider No. 254. And one of these years soon I’m going to make it to Bike Week! Thanks, AMA, for all you do for us motorcyclists!

My wife, Mary, and our Harley TriGlide during a U.S. 20 detour to the Iron Mountain Road in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

SPREADING THE WORD

Take Control Of Your Visibility On The Road

The purpose of Motorcycle Awareness Month is to remind car, truck and SUV drivers that there are other more vulnerable users on the road, namely motorcycle riders. Each year with the approach of summer, travelers start their vacations, newly licensed operators enjoy the freedom of driving and commercial truckers log more miles thanks to longer daylight hours. It is a time to encourage greater awareness and practice defensive driving on the part of all vehicle operators.

In addition to supporting Motorcycle Awareness Month proclamations and publicity in cities and states throughout the country, the AMA has advocated for policies at every level of government to increase awareness of motorcycles.

• We pushed the federal government to install awareness signs on the interstate highway system, reversing their policy to only allow directional signage.

• We are engaging cities and counties that are adopting the goal of zero road deaths— Vision Zero—to include motorcycles in all of their plans.

• We have been working with industry and the National Highway Trafﬁc Safety Administration to develop enhanced electronic infrastructure that identiﬁes the presence of motorcycles in vehicle warning and crash avoidance systems, such as automatic braking systems.

It almost goes without saying that the increasing presence of systems designed to better detect motorcycles is not a guarantee of safety. Both riders and drivers will need to continue to use caution and not become complacent or dependent on these new technologies.

The bottom line? Motorcycle Awareness Month is all about watching for motorcycles, but the responsibility still rests with drivers and riders to share the road. The promise of emerging technologies and enhanced efforts to stress careful driving on our nation’s public thoroughfares can’t replace good driving habits and defensive driving skills.

The value of Motorcycle Awareness Month is in the elevation and repetition of our message. When we remind all drivers on our nation’s roads and highways that the summer months experience the highest use and crash rates, driving carefully and responsibly—and looking for motorcycles—just makes good sense.

Wayne Allard is the AMA’s vice president of government relations.

Wayne Allard

Nick Fancher

AMA SUPPORTS CARNEGIE EXPANSION

California OHV Area Would Gain 3,100 Acres

The AMA supports the proposed expansion of the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area in California and has cautioned state authorities not to bow to public pressure to restrict or prohibit responsible offhighway-vehicle recreation.

“The expansion lands were bought nearly 20 years ago with OHV Trust Fund money,” says Nick Haris, AMA western states representative. “Any attempt to classify the current planning process as an opportunity to determine if motorized recreation will be allowed on these lands is misleading and disingenuous.”

The purchase of the 3,100 acres next to Carnegie SVRA was done speciﬁcally to expand offhighway-vehicle recreation and was reviewed and approved by the state legislature at that time.

“The OHV community has long enjoyed this important SVRA, which has been part of the California State Parks system since 1980, when the site was

purchased by the California Department of Parks and Recreation,” Haris says. “Before that, the 1,500-plus acres were privately owned and enjoyed by generations of motorized recreationists, including a period when it was operated as a private motorcycle park.

“Members of the public wishing to restrict or prohibit OHV recreation were heard from by the legislature at the time of the purchase,” Haris says, “and should not be allowed to mislead the council at this time regarding this matter.”

The Carnegie expansion complies with existing statutes that direct California State Parks to implement and administer a program to manage and enhance off-highway motor vehicle recreational uses. This plan will not only meet the increasing regional demand for quality and sustainable OHV recreation, but also will provide new opportunities for increasingly popular touring and backcountry experiences for larger vehicles, Haris adds.

HOUSE PASSES ‘SUE-AND-SETTLE’ BILL

Law Would Halt Regulation By Litigation

A bill to curb sueand-settle strategies by environmental groups has passed the U.S. House.

The sue-and-settle strategy comes into play when an environmental group ﬁles a lawsuit against a federal agency alleging failure to meet regulatory deadlines or follow proper procedures. The group then offers to settle the lawsuit if the agency agrees to certain conditions.

public comment and public hearings on the proposal.

These out-of-court settlements—which are not subject to public comment or scrutiny—can result in defacto rules and regulations. The tactic puts decisionmaking in the hands of one special interest group.

H.R. 712, the Sunshine for Regulations and Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2016, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), would require federal agencies that are seeking to enter into a consent decree or settlement agreement to publish the proposed agreement in the Federal Register and online at least 60 days before it is ﬁled with the court and provide for

“This legislation is of interest to our western state off-road members, especially, because of the apparent cooperation between environmental groups and U.S. Forest service managers,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “Environmental groups ﬁle lawsuits that are excessive against the U.S. Forest Service. Then the Forest Service and environmental groups say they have settled their differences, and the compromise is close to what the environmental groups wanted all along.”

The AMA supports responsible recreational access to public lands for the use of off-highway motorcycles, dual-sport motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.

This access should be administered by professional land managers to meet the needs of participants, protect the land and promote responsible use.

ARKANSAS CITIES SUED OVER SOUND

Former Cop Wants Rally Crackdown

A former Texas law enforcement ofﬁcer has sued ofﬁcials of Fort Smith, Ark., and Fayetteville, Ark., in federal court for what he says is their failure to regulate the sound of motorcycles at the Steel Horse Rally and the Bikes, Blues & BBQ festival.

Rickey Holtsclaw, of Uniontown, Ark., claims that law enforcement in the two cities are not enforcing laws against excessive noise or laws regarding the types of mufﬂers that may be legally

used on motorcycles.

Ofﬁcials from the Steel Horse Rally in Fort Smith told the local newspaper that the municipal code provides exceptions for excessive sound, and the rally obtained a permit under that exception.

The Bikes, Blues & BBQ organizer says his permit allowing louder sound during the festival generally has applied to music during the event, not to motorcycles. He says most of the bikes at the event sport legal mufﬂers.

David Dufﬁ n

U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.)

INYO, SEQUOIA, SIERRA FOREST PLANS

AMA Opposes Wilderness Recommendations

The AMA joined 54 other groups in a letter to the National Forest Service opposing Wilderness designations for lands in the Inyo, Sequoia and Sierra National Forests.

The Forest Service issued a Draft Wilderness Evaluation in January that claimed resource damage, but staff members were unable to substantiate the claims when challenged.

The opposition letter states that this calls into question the entire evaluation. The letter further points out that:

• The Forest Service lacks resources to manage current Wilderness;

• Wilderness recommendations reduce volunteerism by disenfranchising the OHV community;

• Wilderness designations harm forest health in the form of deteriorating conditions, wildﬁres and damage to watersheds and wildlife habitats;

• OHV and mountain bikers have a right to seek primitive solitude; and

• Wilderness recommendations create unsustainable conditions that violate the Forest Service’s priority of stewardship.

FEINSTEIN REINTRODUCES DESERT BILL

Bill Would Designate Five OHV Areas in California

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) has introduced legislation that would designate ﬁve existing off-highwayvehicle recreation areas encompassing 142,000 acres in the California desert as permanent OHV Recreation Areas.

The Desert Conservation, Off-Road Recreation and Renewable Energy Act is a revised version of desert legislation the senator introduced in 2015, which also included the designation of three new national monuments.

President Barack Obama used his authority under the American Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate the Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow and Castle Mountains national monuments covering more than 1.8 million acres of California desert. Following the president’s executive action, Feinstein pledged to introduce legislation to address the aspects of her 2015 bill that Obama did not include in his monument designations.

RIDING GUIDE

Ozarks MOTORCYCLE

U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.), whose district includes the affected desert area, introduced a similar bill, H.R. 3668, the California Minerals, Off-Road Recreation, and Conservation Act. It, too, would set aside areas for responsible OHV activity.

Feinstein says her bill, introduced Feb. 23, “includes all of the carefully negotiated provisions from the bill introduced last year, minus the three monuments.... Of note, the legislation includes permanent protection for ﬁve off-highway recreation areas covering 142,000 acres.”

Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, says that the Feinstein bill is under review. The AMA currently supports the Cook bill in the House of Representatives.

In addition to creating the OHV riding areas, the Feinstein bill would:

• Designate ﬁve new Bureau of Land Management wilderness areas covering 230,000 acres;

• Designate 18,610 acres of BLM land in Inyo County as the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, preserving it for continued recreational use;

• Designate 77 miles of waterways as Wild and Scenic Rivers;

• Add 39,000 acres to Death Valley National Park and 4,500 acres to Joshua Tree National Park.

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

Chris Horgan

STATEWATCH

ARIZONA

H.B. 2052, introduced by state Rep. Randall Friese (D-Tucson), would require motorcycle riders to wear helmets unless they pay a fee when registering their bikes. The fee would be determined by the state Department of Transportation. Failure to wear a helmet while riding would be a secondary offense.

Riders cited under the law would be fined $500, $200 of which would go to the Highway User Revenue Fund, and $300 would go to the Spinal and Head Injuries Trust Fund. Currently, only riders younger than 18 are required to wear helmets in Arizona.

ILLINOIS

H.B. 6080, introduced by state Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon), would prohibit the state from using federal Recreational Trails Program money for the construction of highways and from placing RTP money in the Road Fund in the State Treasury.

KANSAS

H.B. 2436, introduced by state Rep. and Speaker of the House Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell), would allow applicants for a motorcycle license endorsement to complete their test on a three-wheeled

motorcycle. Those applicants who pass the test on a trike would receive a license restricting them to riding three-wheeled motorcycles. The licensing would not apply to autocycles.

MARYLAND

H.B. 559, sponsored by 31 delegates, would allow motorcyclists 21 or older to ride without a helmet if the rider has held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years and has completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Passengers may ride without a helmet if the operator of the motorcycle meets the criteria for riding helmetless.

Also, S.B. 233 would require the state Police Training Commission to include a statement in its policies condemning the profiling of motorcyclists and include antiprofiling training in courses of study for law enforcement officers.

MICHIGAN

H.B. 4853, introduced by 14 state representatives, would double the fee for the state-required motorcycle safety course to $50. Fees from the courses may be used only for funding the administration and implementation of the motorcycle safety

education program.

Also, H.B. 4651, sponsored by state Rep. Julie Plawecki (D-Dearborn Heights), would raise the $100 fine for riding a motorcycle without the proper endorsement to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second offense.

MISSISSIPPI

H.B. 109, introduced by state Rep. William Tracy Arnold (R-Booneville), would allow motorcyclists to use the shoulder of the road to proceed around “stalled traffic,” if the traffic is moving at a speed of less than 30 mph and the motorcycle travels no more than 10 mph faster than other traffic. The bill also would prohibit other motorists from impeding motorcyclists engaging in this maneuver.

MISSOURI

H.B. 1464, sponsored by state Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Springfield), would allow motorcyclists 21 and older to ride without a helmet. The bill also would require motorcyclists to take a two-day training course, prove they have two years of riding experience and carry vehicle and medical insurance if they want to ride without a helmet. Burlison is a member of Freedom of Road Riders of Missouri.

AMENDMENT WOULD ELIMINATE RFS Senator Says Mandate Is Outdated

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has introduced an amendment to the Energy Policy Modernization Act (S. 2012) that would repeal the federal Renewable Fuel Standard.

AMA Attends RFS Hearing

Cassidy says the RFS is outdated. Under current RFS rules from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. market will experience an increase in the amount of ethanol blended into motor fuels, which increases the risk that motorcycle and all-terrain-vehicle owners may inadvertently misfuel and damage their vehicles.

None of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in use in the United States is approved by the EPA to operate on ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Using higher-ethanol blends in those vehicles is illegal and may cause engine and fuel system damage and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Yet the RFS mandates issued in November by the EPA would require more E15 or higher-ethanol fuel blends at retail outlets.

At this time, the AMA favors a revision of the RFS, but not a repeal of the law. The AMA supports H.R. 704, the RFS Reform Act of 2015, introduced by U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.).

Meanwhile, Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations, attended the February hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on “Oversight of the Renewable Fuel Standard.”

In addition, the AMA submitted a letter to U.S. Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), the chairman of the committee, and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), ranking member of the committee, thanking participants for the hearing and voicing the concerns of motorcyclists about the Renewable Fuel Standard.

The AMA’s comments stated:

• The Renewable Fuel Standard volume requirements announced in November by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency increase the risk of inadvertent misfueling for motorcyclists and all-terrain-vehicle owners by mandating the widespread availability of higher-ethanol fuel blends, such as E15.

• E15 fuel is a blend of 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent ethanol and represents a 50 percent increase in ethanol over the common E10 blend most Americans currently use in their vehicles.

• The practical effect of the EPA’s action is that ethanol production will exceed the “blend wall.” That means more E15 and less E10 on the market. And, there will be a substantial reduction of E0, which is crucial to the safe operation of popular older and vintage motorcycles.

• The EPA has made it illegal for motorcyclists and ATV users to use E15 fuel, and yet seems to have little interest in the misfueling issue. It appears that the EPA does not consider the concerns of motorcyclists and ATV owners, despite knowing that none of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and ATVs in use in the United States is approved to use E15 or higher ethanol blends.

L-R: The AMA’s Wayne Allard, Sen. Jim Inhofe, Sen. Ben Cardin

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)

U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)

RIDE, RIDE, RIDE

Eight Ways to Make

2016 the Best Ever

We all know that the more time you spend on your motorcycle, the better you feel. So, what better way to ensure that 2016 is the best motorcycling year ever than to ﬁgure out ways to get on that bike as often as possible.

Here are eight suggestions to help you do just that.

Get To A Rally

The summer months bring ample opportunity to get to a motorcycle rally. Plan a trip around a big national event, such as Laconia Motorcycle Week, Americade or the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Or scoot over to one of the many smaller, more localized events like the Hollister (Calif.) Freedom Rally, the National Bikers Roundup or the Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest.

Rallies offer food, entertainment, vendor booths and interaction with large numbers of people who are just as passionate about riding as you are.

Participate In A Group Ride

While rallies are the perfect setting for meeting new people from a variety of

backgrounds and locales, group rides provide the opportunity to get on the open road with a few good friends.

AMA Charter Life Member Bill Tillman of DeBary, Fla., says he enjoys the weekly group rides organized by the local Fraternal Order of Eagles. They call themselves the Eagle Riders.

“We just moved to this area a couple of years ago, and I had no one to ride with,” Tillman says. “The Eagle Riders is a great group of people who welcomed me right away.”

Group rides are about sharing the open road and beautiful scenery. Whether snaking along mountain roads, cruising the ﬂatlands or high-tailing it through the desert, the camaraderie builds with each mile traveled.

Stops along the route for fuel and

food allow you to talk about the previous section of road and anticipate the next leg of the journey.

Tillman says his group schedules a lunch ride every Friday and a breakfast ride on Sundays.

“I try to ride with them every chance I get,” he says. “We usually get six to 12 riders. And it’s a very diverse group, agewise, with people in their late 30s up to people in their 70s. Quite a few veterans ride with us.”

The group explores new roads and untapped destinations, avoiding interstate highways and congested urban centers.

“It’s a chance to get away from things and just enjoy the scenery with a great group of people,” Tillman says.

For some tips on group riding, visit americanmotorcyclist.com/riding.

Sean O’Donnell

Scott A. Miller

Bill Tillman from DeBary, Fla., enjoys riding with friends.

Take A Motorcycle Vacation

AMA member Renée Torci Brogan of North Billerica, Mass., tells us on the AMA Facebook page that her trip to South Dakota’s Badlands National Park last year “was awesome.”

“This year we hope to ride southern Colorado and New Mexico,” she says. “Can’t wait!”

Motorcycling vacations are an adventure in themselves, whether riding solo, taking along a friend or two or sharing the trip with a spouse or other loved one.

Planning vacations sparks excitement, and adding a motorcycle or several to the mix can add an extra jolt of adrenaline.

Motorcycles are fuel efﬁcient, easy to park and fun to ride. And most modern bikes can carry a bag or two to hold your traveling essentials.

Go On Tour

You don’t need to be a rock star. Just plan a route, pack some clothes and strike out on an adventure.

Whether in a group or riding solo, the AMA LongRider program, presented by Shinko Tires, offers recognition to AMA members who log 25,000, 50,000,

100,000, 250,000, 500,000, 750,000 and 1 million miles.

For something a little more structured, check out the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré Adventure Riding Series or the Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series. Each series offers organized events that guarantee a fun ride with a friendly group.

Enter A Competition

AMA-sanctioned racing—the gold standard of amateur competition in America—is exciting, accessible and affordable. Nearly every weekend, thousands of competitors of all ages and skill levels tackle the track and trail in a wide variety of motorcycle disciplines.

All it takes to get started is an AMA membership, a motorcycle and a copy of

the AMA Amateur Competition Rulebook from www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Once you pick your racing niche, ﬁnd an event nearby and go for it!

AMA-sanctioned events provide a family-friendly environment and the opportunity for everyone to get involved.

Experience AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

Each year, tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts gather at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. You should be one of them this year.

The event,

Presented by

which benefits the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, features nearly 1,000 independent vendors, vintage-motorcycle racing, the country’s largest motorcycle swap meet, seminars, stars from the sport’s past and present, bike shows and more.

For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com/events/ amavintagemotorcycledays.

competition events surely holds something of interest to you, your riding buddies and your family. Why not organize a group ride to see a motorcycle race in person?

Whether it’s motocross, speedway racing, Supercross, road racing, hillclimb, dirt track or land speed records, nothing beats experiencing the sounds, the smells and the excitement firsthand.

hard to go wrong when you hop onto your motorcycle for a ride.

The sensation of traveling on two wheels, without the insulation of a steel shell or the cacooning comfort of air conditioning, can’t be matched.

Even unexpected bad weather, glitches in the GPS, wrong turns and dead ends become stories to share over a meal or a drink at day’s end.

In a post on the AMA Facebook page, AMA member Ronnie Wagenseller of Elizabethton, Tenn., probably sums it up best: “I’m going to ride every day I get a chance.”

The AMA sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events each year, working with more than 1,100 chartered clubs and promoters. To find a ride or event that suits you, take a look at the national listing of AMAsanctioned events at www.americanmotorcyclist. com/events/search.

Product Comparo: Bohn Armor Pants vs Kevlar Jeans

ActionStations Boss Paul English talks about the diﬀerences in lower body protection options

Kevlar reinforced jeans are popular with riders of all kinds of bikes.

Draggin Jeans were among the ﬁrst on the market, and there are now many similar versions available. Many riders are interested in how these compare to the Bohn Pants.

Q: Paul, please explain the diﬀerences between Kevlar riding jeans and the Bohn Pants.

PE: In short kevlar has great abrasion resistance and is excellent for gravel rash when you’re sliding down the road With the Bohn System we’re focusing more on Impact Protection - the vulnerable ‘corners’ you land on and damage - knees, hips, and elbows and shoulders with the shirts. An unprotected impact in these places can put you in the ER and oﬀ work And hurts!

Q: But won’t your armor grind through in a wreck?

PE: Actually in over 15 years, we’ve never seen our armor signiﬁcantly damaged at all! This is because in a crash, we tend to bounce and slide, scrubbing the speed oﬀ.

Q:The Bohn System has to be worn under jeans as an extra layer, isn’t that hot and a hassle?

PE: Positioning armor snugly against your body is the best way of providing comfortable and discrete protection so that it ’s in the right place if you have a fall Yes, it ’s deﬁnitely an extra step compared to jeans - but on the other hand you can then wear your own jeans, or whatever pants you choose It gives you a lot more options

Q: But isn’t it hot?

PE: The only time you notice the Bohn Pants being hot is in the heat of the summer when you’re a standstill, say sitting on your bike at a light At that time of year eveything’s hot! Otherwise they breathe really well in all seasons; and we do have options of a mesh shell material and also a winter thermal solution.

Q: What about putting armor into kevlar jeans?

PE: Some companies do have this option, which on ﬁrst impressions is a good idea But what actually happens is the armor ‘ﬂops’ around the outside of your leg as it ’s attached to the jeans - so you can imagine that it won’t be in the right place if you actually do hit the ground

Q: So do I need to upsize your jeans for the Bohn Pants?

PE: Surprisingly most people find that their existing regular-fit, or relaxed jeans fit perfectly over the Adventure Pants - that ’s because the armor mainly fits where your jeans are loose

Q: Don’t the Bohn Pants make your jeans look bulky?

PE: No one can see you have anything but your jeans on!

Q: And you make armored shirts too?

A: We think of the pants and shirts as ‘A System’ that protects you without having to wear full armored gear - specially in the heat

Q: OK so what ’s the best choice?

PE: As a lifelong rider myself - I love to h accessories and gear Many riders are ha jeans, and most are very well made. We’ Bohn Adventure Pants and the amazing reports we get, but everyone has diﬀeren My suggestion is to give us a we’ve a Great Can’t Lose 90 Day Trial Oﬀ

the Case for

i usually weaR a Base layeR any way, comfoRtaBle undeR my jeans, and feels Good on toP. so this Bohn BodyGuaRd system is like that But with slim Pads set into Pockets all aRound.

But fiRst heRe’s the PRoBlem. i dont Ride fast, am caReful and usually consideRate. But its the otheRs - tRaffic, tRucks, doGs and deeR, GRavel and diesel sPills. fact is i’m moRe neRvous than i was.

But i Really like RidinG in jeans and my favoRite jacket and don ’t want to Get all suited uP every time i Ride. sPecially in the summeR when most of us Ride.

Basically wheRe you’d land if you wRecked. once i have them on you can BaRely see oR feel it’s theRe, and my noRmal jeans fit RiGht oveR.

so they’Re comfoRtaBle to weaR all day on the Bike, and aRe cool which is imPoRtant. theRe’s lots of imPRessive cRash RePoRts on the site, But i haven’t Been down myself. thankfully. it woRks foR me, i feel secuRe.

so when i heaRd aBout this Bohn GeaR - it’s like aRmoRed lonG john’s, it Got me thinkinG.

A re made in the USA too!

you should check it out online, and i’d say Give ‘em a tRy, as you Get 90 days to actually use them without hassle. i Got the Pants fiRst , But theRe’sa Good deal foR the Pants/shiRt comBo. made in the usofa too.

Serena Van Dyke (right), AMA recreational riding coordinator, with Corey McKenzie, president of the Misguided Motorcycle Club of Newcomerstown, Ohio, an AMA social club charter.

AMA AT EASYRIDERS SHOW

Seminar Details How To Charter A Club

The AMA and Thunder Roads Ohio magazine collaborated at the Easyriders Bike Show in Columbus, Ohio, on a seminar about chartering clubs with the AMA. Twenty clubs were represented at the seminar, which was presented by Serena Van Dyke, AMA recreational riding coordinator. She explained the beneﬁts of chartering a club through the AMA.

After the seminar, AMA Road Riding Assistant Manager Rob Baughman and AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant answered questions from the participants. Van Dyke says similar seminars may be offered at motorcycle events in the future. For information about obtaining a charter for your club, email clubs@amacycle.org.

BRAKING IN CORNERS

Q: What is trail braking and how do I use it?

A: Trail braking refers to using the brakes beyond the entrance to a curve or turn and gradually releasing brake pressure as lean angle increases. This is an advanced skill and not recommended for beginner riders.

Trail braking causes the front suspension and front tire to remain “loaded” during primary steering inputs. The beneﬁts include: improved frontwheel traction during turn-in, helping a rider change motorcycle direction more easily with less steering input, reduced maximum brake pressure necessary to slow the bike (because a rider is braking for a longer period of time), and the ability to continue to slow mid-corner, if needed.

Freddie Spencer, three-time world road racing champion, explains the concept in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation book, “Motorcycling Excellence.”

According to Spencer, after the motorcycle enters the corner, the rider continues to brake after the turn-in point and, while the bike is leaned over, gently “trailing” off the brakes as the bike approaches the apex.

“Think of it in terms of percentages,” Spencer explains. “Imagine that you initiate braking and go to your maximum brake pressure—say 30 percent—fairly rapidly. Still on the brakes, you turn in and then start trailing off the brakes as you enter the corner. Thirty percent, then 20, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ... until you near the apex, get off the brakes entirely, and roll on the gas.”

This skill obviously requires signiﬁcant experience, good judgment and timing.

Because the rider is managing the traction used for braking and for cornering, a well-developed sense of available traction and traction reserve is needed for successful application of trail-braking. It should not be attempted until the fundamentals of basic cornering have been learned and you have an excellent sense of the proper entry speed for different kinds of curves.

As with any new skill or technique, it should be used ﬁrst on lightly traveled roads, or better yet, in the context of formal, advanced-level training.

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME CREATES NEW CATEGORY

AMA Life Members With 25 Years Or More To Vote

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame has made changes that will increase the Hall of Fame’s inclusiveness and expand the population of eligible voters.

A Highly Qualiﬁed Candidate category allows the independent Hall of Fame Selection Committees to nominate candidates whose accomplishments have taken place outside the public eye but have played a signiﬁcant role in motorcycling.

Also, starting with the Hall of Fame Class of 2016, all AMA Life Members with at least 25 consecutive years of membership can vote for Hall of Fame inductees. This includes all AMA Charter Life Members and paid AMA Life Members who have at least 25 consecutive years of membership.

“Over the past few years, we have implemented changes to improve the management of the museum and bring transparency to the selection process, and now we are proud to

do even more to expand the inclusiveness of motorcycling’s Hall of Fame—for nominees and for voters,” says AMA Board Chair Maggie McNally-Bradshaw.

The Highly Qualiﬁed Candidate category gives the independent Hall of Fame Selection Committees a tool to recognize advocates and other behind-the-scenes workers whose accomplishments have played a major role in motorcycling.

To participate in the Class of 2016 vote, AMA Life Members with at least 25 consecutive years of membership must have have a valid email address on ﬁle with the AMA. Eligible voters with a valid email address on ﬁle will be contacted to vote in May.

AMA Life Members with at least 25 consecutive years of membership who believe they do not have updated information on ﬁle with the AMA are invited to update their information now by emailing their

AMA Members Get Free Museum Admission

In addition to the improvements to the Hall of Fame voting process, the AMA also announced a big beneﬁt for AMA members: free entry into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame museum.

The museum, located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, showcases motorcycles and memorabilia related to AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers. Whether you’re a street rider, engineering buff or a dirt track or racing fan, there’s something for you to enjoy.

In announcing the change, the AMA said the free entry for members, who previously paid $5 to visit the museum, was in recognition of the past and ongoing ﬁnancial support that the AMA contributes to the preservation of the Hall of Fame and the facility.

Members should bring a valid AMA card to ensure free entry.

AMA number, name, postal address, phone number and email address to lifemembers@ama-cycle.org.

For more information about the Hall of Fame, see www.motorcycle museum.org.

NEW ONLINE AMA CLASSIFIEDS

AMA Partners With CycleTrader.com

AMA members will receive a 20 percent discount at CycleTrader.com on top-ofthe-line classiﬁed ads to sell or trade their motorcycles.

AMA members can take advantage of the discount by using a promo code found in the members-only section of the AMA website. Additionally, powersports enthusiasts can search bikes for sale on Cycle Trader through the Classiﬁeds link at www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

The partnership also includes a new

resource page on CycleTrader.com, showcasing information on the AMA for potential new members. CycleTrader.com features nearly 400,000 units for sale and attracts more than 2 million visitors each month. This provides greater exposure for the AMA to recruit new powersports enthusiasts to become AMA members.

“CycleTrader.com is excited to work with the AMA to showcase the value of becoming an AMA member to those enthusiasts shopping on our sites every

day,” says Tim Custer, director of strategic initiatives for CycleTrader.com. “AMA is known as the place to go for events, beneﬁts, riding, racing and more. We want enthusiasts visiting CycleTrader.com to learn more about the beneﬁts of AMA membership.”

For information about all AMA-member discounts and how to take advantage of them, see www.americanmotorcyclist. com > Membership Info > Beneﬁts of Membership.

DOWCO GUARDIAN WEATHERALL PLUS MOTORCYCLE COVER

MSRP: $88.99-$128.99 Info: www.dowcopowersports.com

breathable, 300D polyester fabric with a mildew-resistant undercoating and doublestitched and taped seams.

A soft cotton lining protects your windshield, heat resistant lower material won’t melt on hot exhaust pipes, and an elastic shock cord with an under-bike web strap, combined with built in vents, keep the cover secured.

The cover is large when in its storage bag, which could make it cumbersome to pack, and there is no antenna hole in the back of the cover, leaving any antenna slightly bent. Other than these small things, it is a great cover.

By Gordon Comerford

Rain, dust, ultraviolet rays and our divebombing feathered friends all threaten to foul our efforts to protect our bike’s shiny finish. Motorcyclists have two choices when faced with these perils—leave the bike hidden in a cozy garage or get out and enjoy riding. I’m betting the first choice is not an option most of you would consider. So a quality motorcycle cover is essential for protecting your pride and joy from the elements when you do park outside. I had the opportunity to put the Guardian WeatherAll Plus Motorcycle Cover to the test. I received the XL size that is designed to fit large touring bikes and cruisers. The cover is constructed from waterproof, but

Dowco added a stitched slot to run a locking chain through your front wheel for added security. There is a sewn-in pouch for an optional security system.

I tried the cover on my Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic and Road Glide Limited. It ﬁt very well and covered nearly every inch. I also tried it on a Can-Am Spyder for fun. It covered the body, but would not cover the front wheels.

Since there was no rain in the forecast, I tested the water prooﬁng with my garden sprayer. The result was a dry motorcycle. The wind picked up while I was simulating rain, and the cover stayed in place.

If you are looking for a quality cover and don’t have pesky antennas to contend with, the Guardian WeatherAll is a well-made cover with a lifetime warranty that will help you defend your motorcycle against all the threats Mother Nature throws at it.

HYDRO-THERAPY TOUR

Immersion Therapy In The Paciﬁc Northwest

By Tom Mehren

Back in 2013, I concocted a sort of “hot tub” tour through Oregon.

Together with a dozen other riders, we rode the route on a Monday through Friday and luxuriated daily in a hot pool each night along the trek.

Fast forward to 2015. It had been a long, nonstop summer, work-wise.

Keep in mind that, as an AMAsanctioned event and tour promoter, I ride motorcycles for a living. So, it’s hard to say whether I’m working or playing. Nonetheless, I was ready to relax.

With one annual tour behind me, along with our annual Rally in the Gorge, I still had one more tour to go in October. But I was longing for some miles on empty roads with no one in my rearview mirror.

I thought about doing an overnight one Friday. Sure, try to get a room during September anywhere in the Paciﬁc Northwest on short notice for a Friday night. It’s not going to happen. So I concocted a four-day trip that would start on a Sunday and get me back to Seattle the following Wednesday.

And then I booked it: the Hydro Therapy Tour.

Riding in the Paciﬁc Northwest around the fall or spring equinox is a crap shoot. The chance of rain is high. But, with a water theme, I don’t mind the thought of it. And I know there will be a hot pool at every stop to greet me if I arrive waterlogged. Sunny weather will simply be a bonus.

The route kicks off in Centralia, Wash., and follows a series of backroads too intricate to produce on a map here.

Heading out of town, the excursion turns south through a myriad of twisties before arriving in Winlock, Wash., home of the world’s largest chicken egg.

The egg had changed slightly since I saw it in 2013. It now carries the logo of the Seattle Seahawks football team on each side.

Continuing south along more backroads, I climb up into the mountains above Longview. This leg is an attempt to skirt the city trafﬁc before traveling over the Columbia River and into Rainier, Ore.

The hills north of Portland, Ore., are a spider web of fantastic roads. We rise from the river using Fern Hill Road and Apiary Road before heading into Vernonia, Ore.

A favorite stop here is The Blue House Café. Bicyclists ﬂock there by the dozens, and there’s even indoor bicycle parking to aid them on rainy days. But it’s not raining today—bonus!

The ﬁnal section of the day’s trip takes me into Forest Grove, Ore., the long way, via the small town of Timber. My destination for the day is the Grand Lodge, a McMenamins hotel.

The McMenamins group is an outof-the-ordinary chain of restaurants and hotels that make visitors feel like they stepped into some sort of Alice-inWonderland fairytale world. Each guest room is named after a person of note from the past who may or may not have had a connection with the reason the building was erected.

The Grand Lodge was originally built by the Freemasons as a retirement home and later—rumor has it—they agreed

to a 100-year lease on the building with McMenamins for $1. My room honors Shivas Irons, a mysterious character from the 1971 novel “Golf in the Kingdom,” by Michael Murphy.

Arriving early, I have time to take a soak in the wonderful 102-degree soaking pool nestled among the outdoor greenery on the Northwest corner of the property before taking in dinner and a Seahawks game in the downstairs Doctors Ofﬁce Bar, which takes its name from the room’s original purpose as a dental ofﬁce in the retirement home.

The next morning, I eat some breakfast and suit up for a morning soak before venturing out on the road again.

The journey south from Forest Grove can be a bit boring, but I hop on my favorite road-less-traveled and ride into McMinnville, then head toward the airport to start a maze of ascents and decents through the Eola Hills west of Amity. These hills play host to a myriad of farms that grow wheat, cherries, grapes, squash and even Christmas trees. And now and then a neighbor will decorate the yard in an artsy sort of way. My stash of connecting roads offers little trafﬁc and plenty of corners to play in.

Upon arriving in Independence, things settle down for a while as the route crosses over the Willamette River at Albany and then heads west through Lebanon and Sweet Home.

But it’s that sign on the east end of Sweet Home, advising large semis to turn around now, that lets you know there’s more fun in store.

Up S.R. 20 and into the Cascades, the road just gets tighter and tighter. At Springﬁeld Junction, it’s time to ride south to my next water destination, the Belknap Hot Springs.

Once there, you’ll ﬁnd well-landscaped

AMA member Bruce Scott is having a word with a giant chicken in Winlock, Wash.

grounds and you can get a lodge room, cabin, tent spot or even an RV hookup if you have an entourage. The hot springs were developed for public enjoyment in the late 1800s and have been going strong ever since. The average high temperature in the summer is 72 degrees, which just happens to be the high on the day I pull in.

Because I arrive after the summer rush, meals are not available on the grounds. I planned ahead and brought food, because the nearest restaurant is 9 miles west. I know I’ll enjoy a late afternoon soak and don’t want to deal with gearing up after that.

At Belknap, there are two hot pools. I soak my bones in the lower pool in the afternoon and the upper pool (which opens earlier) the following morning. I also enjoy a short hike on the nearby mountain bike trail and back to the outdoor sanctuary of water gardens just across the river from the resort.

Following breakfast and a soak, I pack my bags and head across the lava fields laid down by the volcanic eruptions of the Three Sisters thousands of years ago. The fall colors are kicking in, and they show well against the black lava along the Santiam Scenic Byway. The route heads north into Detroit, a good stop for gas and a cup of coffee.

With autumn settling in, I switch on the heated seat and grips, don my jacket liner and press north past Brietenbush

Every ride gives away a new Honda motorcycle and other prizes.

Events span the country from April – October and all bikes are welcome.

Crazy art located on the route in the Eola Hills south of McMinnville

Hot Springs on Forest Service 46. At its terminus, this run goes to the right up F.S. 58, and I add in a 1-mile side trip to the High Rock area for a look across the valley to the south face of Mount Hood.

The hot, dry summer of 2015 has taken its toll on the now almost non-existent glaciers the mountain is so well known for. This day, it was naked compared to the depth of snow I recall from when I climbed the mountain in 1977.

Heading east to S.R. 26, I continue past Government Camp and down to an area called Zig Zag, where I leave the main highway to ride the Old Barlow wagon trail. This section of the trail is a smooth paved roadway featuring some of the finest twisties and scenery in the region. Even though the road is known as the Mount Hood Scenic Byway, the name seems to attract few takers and one can enjoy the solitude that makes riding a road like this too much fun.

For the final section of the ride, I tack on a trip to Oregon’s grand overlook, the Vista House on Crown Point.

This early 20th Century chunk of architecture is one of the finest rest stops ever placed along a paved roadway, with stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area east to Bonneville and west to Portland.

Winding my way west on the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, I roll into Troutdale, dismount and check in to the Edgefield Hotel.

This historic hotel, another McMenamins

property, has roots in the early 1900s when it served as a poor farm, hospital and retirement home. Today, the property features several restaurants, plenty of rooms and an outstanding hot pool and spa facility. What makes this hot pool so nice is that temperatures vary throughout the pool. You can soak in hot water near a source inlet, or move away and cool down, as needed. As a result, my afternoon soak lasts an hour and a half.

In the morning, I grab breakfast on the property and head back to the pool for my final soak of the trip. Being the good editor I am, I take along my cell phone to snap some pics. The only problem is the phone gets so excited, it decides to take a soak of its own and unexpectedly joins me in the pool. Lesson learned: Enjoy these hot pools, and leave the phone back in your room.

The Hydro-Therapy Tour — a treat for all your motorcycling senses, and then some!

For a GPS file of this tour’s circuitous route, email Tom at tmehren@mm411.com.

The Official Online Store of the American Motorcyclist Association

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

Photos Alison Grogan

1991 YAMAHA YZR500

Wayne Rainey’s Favorite Grand Prix Bike

Wayne Rainey was the top World Championship 500cc Grand Prix rider of the early 1990s, winning three consecutive world titles riding for Yamaha in 1990, 1991 and 1992. He was also a star of AMA Superbike racing during the 1980s, winning that championship in 1983 with Kawasaki and again for Honda in 1987.

His greatest triumphs, of course, were his world titles, and Rainey says this bike, his 1991 Yamaha YZR500 factory racebike, was his favorite from all of his Grand Prix campaigns.

Powered by a V4 two-stroke, this Grand Prix racer wasn’t based on a production street motorcycle. It was custom built by Yamaha to be a pure competition machine.

The engine and frame are prototype, custom-designed Yamaha parts, while the forks and shock are specially valved Ohlins. The wheels sport Marchesini rims, and the brakes are made by Brembo. Power is delivered through a dry clutch and a six-speed

cassette-type transmission.

Out of 15 rounds in 1991, Rainey garnered six wins, four second-place ﬁnishes, three third-place showings and a ninth. There was one race he did not start.

Rainey successfully defended his world title in 1992, but experienced a career-ending injury while leading the Italian Grand Prix during his 1993 campaign. He returned to the sport the next year as a team owner and manager, retiring from that role following the 1998 season. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999 and named a Hall of Fame Legend in 2015.

Today, Rainey is the president of MotoAmerica, which is the AMA and FIM North America championship road racing series.

The favorite race bike of one of America’s greatest racers, this YZR500 is currently on loan by Rainey to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio.

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Famer

DAVID HOUGH: SAFER THROUGH EDUCATION

David Hough is a longtime motorcyclist and journalist. For more than 30 years, his daily motorcycle commutes through city trafﬁc provided an ongoing stream of experiences from which he wrote articles about riding skills and accidentavoidance tactics. His work has appeared in numerous motorcycle publications, but he is perhaps best known for the monthly skills series “Proﬁcient Motorcycling” in Motorcycle Consumer News

Hough ﬁrst started riding a motorcycle in 1965 as a straightforward mode of transportation for his daily commute, but his natural curiosity about all things mechanical made him wonder about the behavior of two-wheelers. He realized that, “riding motorcycles involved not only mechanics but also the dynamics of how to control them.”

In the mid-1970s, while working full-time in the Flight Training Center at Boeing, Hough started writing about his riding experiences and occasionally contributed to Road Rider, a small Southern California magazine. He also offered safety tips at local motorcycle

club meetings and taught several “road survival” courses. When the Motorcycle Safety Foundation came into existence, he became an MSF-certiﬁed RiderCoach.

The “Proficient Motorcycling” column debuted in the May 1984 issue of Road Rider, after editor Bob Carpenter asked Hough to write a six-part skills series, which he intended to publish every other month for one year. Hough didn’t want to label it as a safety column, because he didn’t think people rode motorcycles to be safe. But he figured readers might rise to the challenge of becoming more proficient.

Hough wrote that his original commute to work aboard a motorcycle “extended to a 40-year passion. I absorbed more than a few lessons about motorcycle dynamics and experienced the joys and challenges of long-distance touring, group riding, foreign

travel, three-wheeled motorcycling, offpavement riding, ﬁghting for motorcyclists’ rights, rider training, and, yes, writing about it all.”

David Hough’s best-known book is probably “Proﬁcient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well.” It is a winner of the American Library Association’s Gold Seal Award. Hough wrote four books in all, including

it’s about the

one that focused on the skills to safely operate a motorcycle/ sidecar combination. Hough is also a twotime winner of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s National Award for Excellence in Motorcycle Safety Journalism. For his contributions

to motorcycle safety and advocacy, Hough was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

and the destination

Tara Staton

Seeing And Being Seen Help Ensure You Enjoy The Ride

By Jim Witters

here is a big difference between knowing that motorcycles share the roadways and being truly aware of nearby motorcycles and other vehicles at all times.

Not surprisingly, a 2012 British study found that drivers’ attitudes about motorcyclists affect how they interact with motorcyclists on the road.

Motorcycle Awareness Month T

According to “Public Attitudes Towards Motorcyclists’ Safety: A Qualitative Study From The United Kingdom,” car drivers tend to view the roadway as a space for cars and view motorcycles—and pedestrians and bicycles—as intruders. Three researchers at the University of the West of England authored the study.

This mindset leads to a competitive atmosphere on the roads, “particularly in urban areas where a ‘survival of the ﬁttest’ mindset prevailed,” the researchers wrote.

U.S. motorcyclists certainly can attest that the same attitude prevails on American roadways.

“THE GREATEST EMPATHY TOWARDS MOTORCYCLISTS COMES FROM DRIVERS WHO ARE MOTORCYCLISTS THEMSELVES.”

— Public Attitudes Towards Motorcyclists’ Safety: A Qualitative Study From The United Kingdom, 2012

“The most negative attitudes towards motorcyclists on the road tend to come from the least experienced drivers, and this group, in turn, also has poorer skills in dealing with motorcyclists on the road,” the study found. “The greatest empathy towards motorcyclists comes from drivers who are motorcyclists themselves…. Car drivers who are also motorcyclists have fewer accidents with motorcyclists when driving than drivers with little or no motorcycling experience. Drivers who have family members or close friends who ride motorcycles are less likely to collide with motorcycles, and showed better observation of motorcycles than drivers who did not. It is suggested that they are mentally prepared for motorcyclists and this is as a result of empathy rather than just experience alone.”

Motorcyclists are working across the United States to spread that empathetic message.

The AMA, AMA-chartered clubs and state motorcyclist rights organizations work year-round to call attention to motorcyclists, both on and off the highway. And those same groups encourage motorcyclists to ride responsibly and practice the skills that help them detect and avoid situations that place them in jeopardy.

Motorcycle Awareness Month, launched with the AMA’s assistance in the early 1980s and adopted by many state motorcyclist rights organizations, government entities and AMA-chartered clubs, is observed each May.

Kevin Wing

The National Highway Trafﬁc Safety Administration acknowledges that “motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle driver on the roadway.” The agency operates a campaign that focuses on motorcycle safety to remind drivers that they share the road with motorcyclists.

On the trails, several states have established Trail Ambassador programs that provide volunteers along the trails and at trailheads to monitor riding areas, offer assistance to other riders, spot and report hazards, and alert law enforcement to riders who are operating illegally or unsafely.

Here is a look at some of the activities designed to increase awareness of motorcyclists, on-road and off.

On The Road

Many highway campaigns rely on messages on billboards and bumper stickers that implore motorists to stay alert, watch for motorcyclists and check twice before turning or changing lanes. Within the past few years, similar messages that discourage distracted driving have appeared, whether due to texting, talking on the phone, reading, eating or applying makeup behind the wheel.

ABATE of Ohio, for example, has been promoting May as Motorcycle Awareness Month for 30 years, says Mike Stock, an AMA Life Member and ABATE’s safety and education director.

“Education and awareness are the best ways to lower crashes and save lives,” Stock says.

In addition to placing yard signs with the “Look Twice Save a Life” message, erecting signs around the state and sponsoring billboards, ABATE stages a Motorcycle Awareness Rally in the spring that includes a run to the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, and the reading of proclamations from the governor and from mayors across the state.

“The ‘Look Twice Save a Life’ slogan has been our biggest attention getter, with the sign being put in thousands of yards,” Stock says. “We have produced 4,696 to date, and they are sold at ABATE functions, online, in retail stores and from ABATE members to support Motorcycle Awareness.”

ABATE of Ohio also has carried its message to younger drivers and riders.

“For 11 years, we have been going into drivers’ education schools and talking to the new drivers about motorcycle awareness in a one-hour presentation, using videos and using a script to cover all meaningful information,” Stock says.

ABATE of Ohio also works closely with Motorcycle Ohio, the state’s rider training and education agency.

“Educating our fellow motorcyclists is a major part of making awareness work,” Stock says. “Supporting Motorcycle Ohio is a big part of what we do. Training riders is the ﬁrst step in making the roads safe.”

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has its own outline of key messages for drivers, with an eye toward protecting one particular vulnerable party— motorcyclists:

• Look For Motorcyclists: Use your eyes and mirrors to see what’s around, and check the blind spots with a quick head turn when you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections. Look, and look again.

• Focus On Driving: Hang up the phone, stop ﬁddling with the infotainment system, settle the passengers, and drive.

• Use Your Turn Signals: Signal your intentions for everyone’s safety.

• Give Two-Wheelers Some Room: Don’t tailgate or pass too closely.

• Take Your Time: Nothing is as important as the safety of your loved ones, yourself, and the others with whom you share the road.

“All these principles can be boiled down to this paraphrase of the Golden Rule: Drive near others as you would have others drive near you,” says Ken Glaser, MSF director of special projects.

State Efforts

Awareness campaigns also try to capture the attention of state and federal agencies and legislators, who have the power to effect changes in driver and rider training and education and increase the sentencing options for judges in cases where distracted driving results in a crash.

The AMA advocates legislation that includes enhanced penalty options to be determined by the courts in cases where distracted driving results in a crash.

In addition, the AMA supports training programs for motorcyclists—including advanced skills courses—and more thorough education for motorists.

Allstate Insurance sponsored a cross-country trip in 2015 by motorcyclist Nate Hudson, who visited the capital of each state to lobby for a new question

“EDUCATING OUR FELLOW MOTORCYCLISTS IS A MAJOR PART OF MAKING AWARENESS WORK. … TRAINING RIDERS IS THE FIRST STEP IN MAKING THE ROADS SAFE.”

— Mike Stock, Safety and education director, ABATE of Ohio

BELOW: Motorcycle awareness posters from the National Highway Trafﬁc Safety Administration.

on state automobile driver’s license tests to increase awareness about sharing the road with motorcycles. Thirty-three states participated in the program by sending representatives to meet Hudson. In all, Hudson met with 136 state ofﬁcials during his 111-day, 21,000-mile excursion.

Whether spurred to action by Hudson’s visit or by constituent motorcyclists, legislators in several states are taking steps to increase awareness of motorcyclists on the roads.

A new law in Michigan, for example, requires motorcycle- and bicycleawareness and safety instruction in all of the state’s courses for new drivers.

New York Assemblyman David F. Gantt (D-Rochester) introduced A.B. 8506, which would require that the state’s ﬁve-hour pre-licensing course include a motorcycle safety and awareness component and that the driver’s license examination include two questions concerning motorcycle safety and awareness. State Sen. Kevin S. Parker (D-Brooklyn), introduced the companion bill, S. 2757.

In Illinois, State Rep. Thomas Bennett (R-Watseka) sponsored H.B. 1410, which would require behind-the-wheel instruction to incorporate motorcycle safety and awareness to ensure that students understand their surroundings when operating a motor vehicle.

California, Colorado, Ohio, Texas and other states have ongoing campaigns to help motorcyclists and motorists better understand each other’s perspective.

“Look Learn Live” is a Texas motorcycle safety and awareness campaign developed by the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas A&M Transportation Institute and the Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition.

The program emphasizes motorist awareness of motorcyclists. The “look” message involves checking for riders when turning left, sharing the road and avoiding riders in the driver’s blind spot.

Intersection Safety Tips

The “learn” message encourages motorcyclists to take basic training courses and courses aimed at more experienced riders.

“Live” touts riding sober and always wearing protective gear.

The Texas campaign also encourages motorcyclists to wear bright-colored clothing, keep their bike’s headlights on in the daytime and clearly signal their intentions while riding.

In Colorado, a similar state campaign called “Live to Ride” is intended to “help motorcyclists of all skill levels ride safely, have fun, and most importantly, stay alive.”

Live to Ride focuses three safety messages: Get training, ride sober and wear proper protective gear.

On The Trail

For off-road riding, motorcyclists and all-terrain-vehicle riders need to observe many of the same courtesies as street riders, says Steve Salisbury, AMA government affairs manager for offhighway issues.

“Many off-highway motorcyclists are involved in other outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking or boating,” Salisbury says. “Their involvement in those groups should include a conscious effort to represent the motorized community as

Motorcyclists and other drivers should exercise special caution at intersections. All drivers should look each way twice before driving through an intersection. Instead of a cursory glance, drivers should pay careful attention to approaching vehicles. Additionally, motorcyclists should ride defensively. Motorcyclists who assume that they are not visible to other drivers may be more likely to practice intersection safety and avoid accidents. Other intersection safety tips for motorcyclists include:

• Anticipating that drivers who are turning or backing out of driveways may not see the motorcycle;

• Paying special attention to vehicles that may unexpectedly pull out from side streets and driveways;

• Slowing down when vision is obscured by buildings, shrubbery, parked vehicles, and other

obstructions of a clear path;

• Avoiding riding in a vehicle’s blind spots to ensure that the motorcycle remains visible at all times;

• Avoiding riding between vehicles at intersections, which signiﬁcantly increases the risk of a motorcycle crash;

• Allowing passenger vehicles to be the

well, including educating non-motorized folks on responsible motorized practices and shared use of roads and trails.”

The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council warns against riding a dirt bike or ATV on paved surfaces, except when crossing a road and where permitted by law.

Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.

And be familiar with local rules, paying special attention to trail widths and whether trails carry one-way or two-way trafﬁc.

Chad Wilberger, forest recreation program manager at Wayne National Forest in Ohio, says trail users should understand that “riders of all ages and skill levels visit the forest to ride the trails and camp at the trailheads.”

Among the guidelines at the Wayne National Forest:

• Respect Other Riders: Be courteous. Trails are two-way, so watch for oncoming trafﬁc.

• Respect The Land: Ride only on designated trails and implement the “Pack-it-in/Pack-it-out” principle.

• Respect The Rules: This means you must ﬁrst know the rules, so take the initiative to learn what’s in place where you ride.

Source: Texas Department of Transportation

ﬁrst to pull up to an intersection, as these vehicles have higher visibility; and

• Wearing bright colors such as yellow, white, or neon to increase visibility at intersections and on the road in general.

Kevin Wing Nick Fancher

MAY EVENTS

ARIZONA COMPETITION

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 15: KINGMAN: CENTRAL ARIZONA TRIALS INC, (602) 370-7546, CENTRALARIZONATRILAS.ORG ARKANSAS

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RUN

MAY 13: MARBLE FALLS: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION, (870) 743-4062, HUBINFO.COM

CALIFORNIA

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE

MAY 14: BANNING: ORANGE COUNTY DUALIES, (714) 335-9810, DUALIES.COM

MAY 21: STONYFORD: 2 DAY EVENT, OAKLAND MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (510) 5346222, OAKLANDMOTORCYCLECLUB.CAMP9. ORG/EVENT-2147772

POKER RUN

MAY 14: PASADENA: 2 DAY EVENT, PASADENA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (626) 844-7157, PASADENAMC.COM

ROAD RUN

MAY 18: ONTARIO: RUN FOR THE WALL, (432) 288-1958, RFTW.ORG COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAY 1: GEORGETOWN: CALIFORNIA ENDURO RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (925) 413-2434, AMA-D36.ORG

MAY 7: AMADOR: POLKA DOTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (916) 606-5108, POLKADOTSMC.COM

EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES

MAY 7: (Includes ATVs) RIDGECREST: BADGERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (661) 242-2712, BADGERSMC.COM

HARE & HOUND

MAY 14: (Includes ATVs) JOHNSON VALLEY: 2 DAY EVENT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (760) 220-6484, SOCALMC.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 14: TRACY: 2 DAY EVENT, RED NECK ROOSTERS, (925) 787-9810, AMA-D36.ORG/OLD-CROW/ MILE

MAY 22: SACRAMENTO: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 368-7182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 8: JUNCTIONCITY: 2X PROMOTIONS LLC, (740) 297-6686, 2XPROMOTIONS.COM

MAY 19: RANCHO CORDOVA: 2 DAY EVENT, DIRT DIGGERS NORTH M.C. INC, (800) HANGTOWN, HANGTOWNMX.COM

COLORADO

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 1: LAKEWOOD: COLORADO

MOTORSPORTS PROMOTIONS LLC, (303) 909-7003, TVMX.COM

MAY 15: DACONA: IMI MOTORSPORTS INC, (303) 833-4949, IMIMOTORSPORTS.COM

MAY 22: MILLIKEN: TWO RIVERS RACING LLC CONNECTICUT

COMPETITION

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 15: MERIDEN: MERIDEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, NEWENGLANDTRIALS.COM

DELAWARE

COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAY 1: DELAWARE CITY: DELAWARE ENDURO RIDERS, INC., (302) 229-1805, DELAWAREENDURORIDERS.COM

FLORIDA

RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN

MAY 21: JACKSONVILLE: PEDIATRIC CANCER TREATMENT FOUNDATION, (828) 329-9250, PCTF-FOUNDATION.ORG

COMPETITION

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 21: OCALA : 2 DAY EVENT, FLORIDA TRAILS ASSOCIATION MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (941) 735-0220, FLORIDATRIALS.NET

MAY 21: OCALA: 2 DAY EVENT, FLORIDA TRAILS ASSOCIATION MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (941) 735-0220, FLORIDATRIALS.NET

GEORGIA

ENDURO

MAY 22: GREENSBORO: CHEROKEE CYCLE CLUB INC., (404) 256-2189, CHEROKEEENDURORIDERS.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 1: (Includes ATVs) DALTON: LAZY RIVER MOTOCROSS, (706) 278-1620, LAZYRIVERMOTOCROSS

MAY 14: (Includes ATVs) DALTON: LAZY RIVER MOTOCROSS, (706) 278-1602, LAZYRIVERMOTOCROSS.COM

IDAHO

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RALLY

MAY 7: COEUR D’ALENE: ABATE OF NORTH IDAHO, (928) 710-1640, ABATEOFNORTHIDAHOBIKERS.ORG

MAY 7: SANDY POINT PARK: IDAHO COALITION FOR MOTORCYCLE SAFETY, (208) 941-1689, IDAHOBIKERSNIGHT.COM

ILLINOIS

TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL

MAY 15: (Includes ATVs) OTTAWA: VARIETY RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 434-3669, VARIETYRIDERS.COM

COMPETITION HILLCLIMB

MAY 7: WHITE CITY: CAHOKIA CREEK DIRT RIDERS, (314) 805-6306, CAHOKIACREEKDIRTRIDERS.COM

MAY 28: (Includes ATVs) NEOGA: CENTRAL ILLINOIS M/C

MAY 29: (Includes ATVs) NEOGA: CENTRAL ILLINOIS M/C

MOTOCROSS

MAY 1: BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-4227, MOTOBYRON.COM

MAY 1: (Includes ATVs) GALESBURG: GALESBURG MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (309) 344-1714, GALESBURGMC.COM

MAY 1: WASHINGTON PARK: ARCHVIEW MX PARK, LLC, (618) 719-3438, ARCHVIEWMXPARK.COM

MAY 8: (Includes ATVs) WALNUT: 4P PROMOTIONS INC, (815) 379-8534, SUNSETRIDGEMX.COM

MAY 15: BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-4227, MOTOBYRON.COM

MAY 21: MOUNT CARROLL: 2 DAY EVENT, MC MOTOPARK INC., (815) 238-1614, MCMOTOPARK.COM

MAY 28: BYRON: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 14: OREGON: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (920) 229-5365, WISCONTRIALS.ORG

MAY 15: OREGON: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (920) 229-5365, WISCONTRIALS.ORG

TTS

MAY 14: (Includes ATVs) BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 277-3478, BETDIRT.COM

MAY 21: (Includes ATVs) BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 277-3478, BETDIRT.COM

MAY 29: (Includes ATVs) NEOGA: CENTRAL ILLINOIS M/C

MAY 30: (Includes ATVs) NEOGA: CENTRAL ILLINOIS M/C

INDIANA

RECREATIONAL

FUN RUN

MAY 15: COLUMBIA CITY: OLD FORT MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (260) 504-6388

ROAD RUN

MAY 30: KOKOMO : MIDNIGHT RIDERS MC, (765) 452-7654

COMPETITION

CROSS COUNTRY

MAY 14: SPRINGVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC

HILLCLIMB

MAY 15: (Includes ATVs) MIDDLEBURY: GOSHEN IRON HORSEMEN, (574) 825-3399

MOTOCROSS

MAY 7: (ATV only) CRAWFORDSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, MX SPORTS, INC., (304) 284-0084, ATVMOTOCROSS.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY EVENTS

MAY 1: LIGONIER: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (574) 596-5346, MOTATRIALS.COM

IOWA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 7: (Includes ATVs) CEDAR RAPIDS: CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 775-0893, CVTR.ORG

MAY 14: SHELL ROCK: NEW HARTFORD RACING INC, (319) 885-6469, NEWHARTFORDRACING.COM

MAY 15: SHELL ROCK: NEW HARTFORD RACING INC, (319) 885-6469, NEWHARTFORDRACING.COM

KENTUCKY

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 8: (Includes ATVs) BEDFORD: NICKOTA MOTORSPORTS PARK LLC, (502) 525-1167, NICKOTAMOTORSPORTS.COM

LOUISIANA

COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAY 15: CRAVENS: LOUISIANA TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (225) 572-8399, SERARACING MARYLAND

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE

MAY 1: LITTLE ORLEANS: WESTERN MARYLAND MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, (443) 695-2793

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 21: MECHANICSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (443) 669-3007, MAMAMX.COM

MASSACHUSETTS

RECREATIONAL

ADVENTURE RIDE

MAY 21: TOLLAND: 2 DAY EVENT, BERKSHIRE TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (860) 484-1331, MUDSLINGER.ORG

SCHOOLS - ROAD

MAY 12: ASHFIELD: RIDING IN THE ZONE MOTORCYCLIST TRAININGRIDER EDUCATION, (413) 522-3323, RIDINGINTHEZONE.COM

COMPETITION

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 1: WRENTHAM: KING PHILIP TRAIL RIDERS, (508) 479-5681, KINGPHILIPTRAILRIDERS.COM MICHIGAN

RECREATIONAL

BIKE BLESSING

MAY 14: SAINT JOHNS: ROAD RIDERS FOR JESUS, (517) 930-0338, MICHIGANRRJ.WEEBLY.COM

MAY 15: BALDWIN: PARA-DICE MC, (616) 893-3542

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 15: COPEMISH: TWIN BAY TRAIL RIDERS, (231) 645-7905

MAY 22: JEROME: TOLEDO TRAIL RIDERS, INC., (517) 917-0493, BUNDYHILLOFFROAD. COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 1: MILLINGTON: BULLDOG RIDERS MC, INC., (810) 241-1774

MAY 8: (Includes ATVs) PORTLAND: PORTLAND TRAIL RIDERS, (517) 243-8404, WWWPORTLANDTRAILRIDERS.COM

MAY 14: (Includes ATVs) BLOOMINGDALE: 2 DAY EVENT, DUTCH SPORT PARK, (269) 683-4418, DUTCHSPORTSPARKMX.COM

MAY 22: MIDLAND: POLKA DOTS M/C, (989) 832-2828, POLKADOTSMC.NET

MAY 22: (Includes ATVs) CADILLAC: CADILLAC MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (231) 884-4099, CADILLACMC.COM

MAY 28: MILLINGTON: BAJA MX INC, (989) 871-3356, BAJAACRES.COM

MAY 29: MILLINGTON: BAJA MX INC, (989) 871-3356, BAJAACRES.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 15: FLUSHING: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (810) 252-2627 SHORT TRACK

MAY 14: (Includes ATVs) DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM TTS

MAY 15: (Includes ATVs) DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

COMPETITION

MINNESOTA

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

MAY 21: (Includes ATVs) NEW ULM: FLYING DUTCHMEN CYCLE CLUB, (507) 354-2306, FLYINGDUTCHMENMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

MAY 22: (Includes ATVs) NEW ULM: FLYING DUTCHMEN CYCLE CLUB, (507) 354-2306, FLYINGDUTCHMEN

MOTORCYCLCECLUB.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 8: CAMBRIDGE: NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (763) 263-9835, NORSEMENMC.ORG/EVENTS/CAMBRIDGE. HTM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 1: MILLIVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-3277, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

MAY 8: BROWERVILLE: MOTO CITY RACEWAY & RECREATION INC, (218) 894-2826, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM

MAY 14: LITTLE FALLS: 2 DAY EVENT, RM PROMOTIONS, (218) 894-2826, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM

MAY 15: BROOK PARK: BERM BENDERS RACEWAY, (320) 980-0268,

BERBENDERSRACEWAY.COM

MAY 21: MANKATO: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 601-1116, MOTOKAZIE.COM

MAY 29: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-3277, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

MAY 30: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-3277, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 7: THEILMAN: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (612) 730-1770, UMTA.ORG

MAY 8: THEILMAN: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (612) 730-1770, UMTA.ORG MISSOURI

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 22: PARK HILLS: MISSOURI MUDDERS, (636) 639-6373, MHSCRACING.COM

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 21: WINIFRED: 2 DAY EVENT, INSECTO INC, DBA:BURNT TIMBER CROSS COUNTRY, (403) 366-2916, BRAWLINTHEBREAKS.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 14: BILLINGS: BILLINGS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, BILLINGSMOTORCYCLECLUB.US

COMPETITION

ARENACROSS

MAY 6: LAS VEGAS: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM

MAY 8: LAS VEGAS: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 21: CALLENTE: SILVER STATE TRAILBLAZERS, (702) 994-6823 NEW JERSEY

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 14: EAGLESWOOD: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTORCYCLE COMPETITION INCORPORATED, (347) 446-2122, RIDE-MCI.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 8: (Includes ATVs) MILLIVILLE: FIELD OF DREAMS, (856) 765-3799, NJMPFOD.COM NEW MEXICO

RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN

MAY 19: MESCALERO: GOLDEN ASPEN RALLY ASSOCIATION, (575) 973-4977, MOTORCYCLERALLY.COM

COMPETITION

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 1: SAN YSIDRO: NEW MEXICO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (505) 780-2551, NEWMEXICOTRIALS.COM

ROAD RACE

MAY 8: ALBUQUERQUE: SANDIA

MOTORCYCLE ROADRACING, INC., (800) 647-5028, SMRI-RACING.ORG

NEW YORK

RECREATIONAL

CRUISE-IN

MAY 14: NEW ROCHELLE: EMPIRE CHAPTER OF THE HARLEY OWNERS GROUP, (914) 525-3409, EMPIREHOG.COM

DICE RUN

MAY 15: SLOATSBURG: RAMAPO MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (201) 767-3594, RAMAPOMC.COM

FUN RUN

MAY 1: ALBANY: ROAMERS MC, (518) 9610250, FACEBOOK.COM/ROAMERSMC ROAD RALLY

MAY 16: CASTLETON: ABATE OF NY, INC., (315) 367-3356, HTTP://ABATENY.ORG TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL

MAY 14: HANCOCK: 2 DAY EVENT, BEAR CREEK SPORTSMEN, (908) 334-1637, BEARCREEKSPORTSMEN.COM

COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAY 1: FULTON: ARCADIA BARK BUSTER, (315) 359-3435, ARCADIABARKBUSTERSINC HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 8: (Includes ATVs) ODESSA: TOMPKINS TRAIL RIDERS, (607) 592-5138, WYNOA.NET

MOTOCROSS

MAY 8: (Includes ATVs) NEW BERLIN: UNADILLA ENTERPRISES, LLC., (607) 965-8450, UNADILLAMX.COM

MAY 15: (Includes ATVs) CAROGA LAKE : ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN.COM

MAY 21: NEW BERLIN: 2 DAY EVENT, UNADILLA ENTERPRISES, LLC., (607) 965-8450, UNADILLAMX.COM

MAY 22: (Includes ATVs) WALLKILL: 2 DAY EVENT, WALDEN MX, (845) 399-1533, MXWALDEN.COM

MAY 22: NEW BERLIN: UNADILLA ENTERPRISES, LLC., (607) 965-5845, UNADILLAMX.COM

MAY 28: (Includes ATVs) CAROGA LAKE: 2 DAY EVENT, ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN.COM

NORTH CAROLINA

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RUN

MAY 1: APEX: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORTHEKIDS.ORG

MAY 27: SPARTA: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION, (888) 372-2501

TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL

MAY 23: PIGSAH FOREST: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 698-6349, MOTOMARK1.COM

COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAY EVENTS

MAY 29: N WILKESBORO: UNIFOUR TRAIL

BIKE CLUB

RECREATIONAL

ADVENTURE RIDE

OHIO

MAY 21: MCARTHUR: BUCKEYE DUAL SPORTERS, (585) 356-9088, KAEPPNERSWOODS.COM

DUAL SPORT RIDE

MAY 21: MCARTHUR: BUCKEYE DUAL SPORTERS, (585) 356-9088, KAEPPNERSWOODS.COM

POKER RUN

MAY 21: NORTH CANTON: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (614) 314-3644, ABATE.COM

ROAD RUN

MAY 1: PORTSMOUTH: PORTSMOUTH MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (606) 922-0972, PORTSMOUTHMOTORCYCLECLUB.NET

ROAD RALLY

MAY 21: WESTERVILLE: OHIO 12-1 COMBAT VETERANS MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, (334) 447-1292, OHIOCVMA.ORG/ FISHERHOUSE.ASPX

COMPETITION

CROSS COUNTRY

MAY 28: (Includes ATVs) MILLFIELD: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 7: NASHPORT: 2 DAY EVENT, BRIARCLIFF MX LLC, (740) 763-0935, BRIARCLIFFMX.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 14: TIPPECANOE: TRIALS INC, (502) 515-6514, TRIALSINC.ORG

MAY 15: TIPPECANOE: TRIALS INC, (502) 515-6514, TRIALSINC.ORG

OKLAHOMA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 8: NORMAN: OKLAHOMA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES, (405) 579-2777, OKLAHOMAMOTORSPORTSCOMPLEX.COM

MAY 22: EL RENO: OKLAHOMA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES, (405) 570-1736, ANGELRIDGERACEPARK.COM

RECREATIONAL

OREGON

POKER RUN - OFF-ROAD

MAY 1: (Includes ATVs) JACKSONVILLE: MOTORCYCLE RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (541) 531-9697, MOTORCYCLERIDERSASSOCIATION.ORG ROAD ENDURO

MAY 7: TIGARD: ROSE CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (503) 706-3969, ROSE-CITY-MC.ORG

TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL

MAY 14: (Includes ATVs) BEND: OFF ROAD RIDERS FOR VETERANS, (206) 999-3426

PENNSYLVANIA

RECREATIONAL

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.

DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD

MAY 22: LAWTON: BACK MOUNTAIN ENDURO RIDERS, (570) 696-4838, BMER.ORG POKER RUN

MAY 1: GENTLEMEN MC SPORTSMEN, (717) 284-2270, GENTLEMENMCSPORTSMEN.COM

MAY 7: GLENSIDE: MOTORCYCLISTS FOR JESUS MINISTRIES, PA CHAPTER, (215) 8854474, MJMRIDERSFORTHESON.COM

MAY 7: RED HILL: FREEDOM RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (215) 262-0578, FREEDOMRIDERSPA.COM

MAY 14: LEBANON: PA MOTOR MAIDS, (610) 275-2634

MAY 15: LANDISVILLE: KENNETH A NEIDINGER MEMORIAL RIDE, (717) 951-7665, KENNYSMEMORIALRIDE.COM

MAY 15: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 582-3717

MAY 22: SCHUYLKILL HAVEN: SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 385-1460

MAY 30: LEBANON: LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (717) 270-9797

ROAD RUN

MAY 15: HARISBURG: ARMED FORCES BROTHERHOOD, INC., (484) 331-1066

ROAD RALLY

MAY 19: BIRD IN HAND: RETREADS MOTORCYCLE CLUB - MID ATLANTIC REGION, (717) 818-5482, MIDATLANTICRETREADS.COM

MAY 20: WILLIAMSPORT: 2 DAY EVENT, CONCOURS OWNERS GROUP, (863) 646-2653, GENETTIHOTEL.COM

SCAVENGER HUNT

MAY 14: NEW HOLLAND: MASON DIXON 20-20 RIDERS CLUB, (818) 326-3783

COMPETITION

ENDURO

MAY 1: BETHLEHEM: BUSHKILL VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 428-1231, RACE4AREASON.WIX.COM11RACE4AREASON

MAY 29: POTTSVILLE: READING OFF ROAD RIDERS, (844) 440-7677, RORR.ORG

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 14: SKIPPACK: BLUE COMET MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 489-1240, BLUECOMETMC.COM

MAY 21: FRACKVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, SOUTH PENN ENDURO RIDERS, (717) 269-7922, SOUTHPENNENDURORIDERS.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 1: HANOVER: HAPPY RAMBLERS, (717) 554-5095, MXMOM@COMCAST.NET

MAY 1: SUGAR GROVE: MAPLE SHADE MX, (814) 489-3266, MAPLESHADEMX.COM

MAY 7: HANOVER: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (443) 669-3007, WWWMAMAMX.COM

MAY 15: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 582-3717, PAGODAMC.ORG

MAY 21: (ATV only) MOUNT MORRIS: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 2840084, ATVMOTOCROSS.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 1: SPRING GROVE: WHITE ROSE MC, (717) 229-2621, WHITEROSE.ORG

SHORT TRACK

MAY 28: DELTA: BALTIMORE COUNTY TRAIL RIDERS ASSOC., BCTRA.COM TTS

MAY 8: (Includes ATVs) PARKERSBURG: E PA PISTON POPPERS MC INC, (484) 336-9160, PISTONPOPPERSMC.COM

SOUTH CAROLINA

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE

MAY 15: CHESTER: FAMILY RIDERS MTC, (803) 385-8402, CAROLINADUALSPORTERS.COM TENNESSEE

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RUN

MAY 15: MURFREESBORO: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORTHEKIDS.ORG

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 21: LIVINGSTON: 2 DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORYSPORTS.COM

MAY 28: BLOUNTVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 28: SEQUATCHIE: SOUTHEASTERN TRIALS RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (423) 942-8688, TRIALSTRAININGCENTER.COM

MAY 29: SEQUATCHIE: SOUTHEASTERN TRIALS RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (423) 942-8688, TRIALSTRAININGCENTER.COM

TEXAS

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 21: YANTIS: 2 DAY EVENT, JOHNSONVILLE MX FARM, (903) 217-7965

UTAH

HARE & HOUND

MAY 14: (Includes ATVs) JERICHO: 2 DAY EVENT, SAGE RIDERS MC, (435) 650-1250, SAGERIDERSMC.COM

VIRGINIA

RECREATIONAL POKER RUN

MAY 1: RICHMOND: RICHMOND RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (804) 389-3052, HTTP:// RICHMONDRIDERS.COM/2016-POKER-RUN/

COMPETITION GRAND PRIX

MAY 1: MARTINSVILLE: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (276) 252-6801, VCHSS.ORG

MAY 15: BRISTOL: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (276) 669-0981, VCHSS.ORG

MAY 29: DENDRON: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (757) 871-5736, VCHSS.ORG

WASHINGTON

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 28: WASHOUGAL: 2 DAY EVENT, WASHOUGAL MX PARK, LLC, (360) 601-5347, WASHOUGALMXPK.COM

WEST VIRGINIA

RECREATIONAL

SCAVENGER HUNT

MAY 26: MARTINSBURG: 2 DAY EVENT, MASON DIXON 20-20 RIDERS CLUB, (410) 9786374, MASONDIXON20-20.ORG WISCONSIN

RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN

MAY 7: TBA: KETTLE MORAINE SPORT RIDERS, (920) 904-0881, KETTLEMORAINESPORTRIDERS.COM

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 1: ADAMS: MADISON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (414) 659-2684, MADISONMOTORCYCLECLUB.ORG

MOTOCROSS

MAY 8: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 790-6211, AZTALANMX.COM

MAY 15: (Includes ATVs) MARSHFIELD: MARSHFIELD T&T RIDERS, INC., (715) 384-4555, T-N-TRIDERS.COM

MAY 20: TIGERTON: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-9286, FANTASYMOTO.COM

MAY 22: TIGERTON: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-9286, FANTASYMOTO.COM

MAY 28: ATHELSTANE: 2 DAY EVENT, PINE RIDGE RACEWAY, LLC, (920) 434-7015, PINERIDGERACEWAY.COM

SHORT TRACK

MAY 14: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 319-6889, FACEBOOK/BEAVERCYCLECLUB

MAY 21: (Includes ATVs) LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (262) 754-0686, AZTALANMX.COM

TTS

MAY 15: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 319-6889, FACEBOOK/BEAVERCYCLECLUB WYOMING

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

MAY 21: ROCK SPRINGS: 2 DAY EVENT, RSMX LLC., (307) 389-1477, ROCKSPRINGSMX.COM

MAY 22: CHEYENNE: LARAMIE COUNTY RIDERS ASSOCIATION INC, (307) 421-1825, LCRAMX.COM

2016 EVENTS

MOTOCROSS

FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS www.fim-live.com

Sept. 25: Maggiora, Italy

FIM JUNIOR MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP www.fim-live.com

Aug. 21: Orlyonok, Russia

MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS www.amasupercross.com

April 23: Foxboro, Mass.: Gillette Stadium

April 30: East Rutherford, N.J.: MetLife Stadium

May 7: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium

LUCAS OIL AMA PRO MOTOCROSS www.promotocross.com

May 21: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic

May 28: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen National

June 4: Laktewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National

June 18: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point National

June 25: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National

July 2: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National

July 9: Southwick, Mass.: Southwick National

July 16: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National

July 23: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National

Aug. 13: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla National

Aug. 20: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National

Aug. 27: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman National

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP (WMX) www.racewmx.com

May 20: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Hangtown Classic

June 19: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway

Aug. 28: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman Raceway

Sept. 3: Millington, Mich.: Baja Brawl

Oct. 2: Englishtown, N.J.: Kawasaki Race of Champions

Oct. 9: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek MX

Nov. 26: Alachua, Fla.: Winter Olympics

National Championship

AMA ATV MOTOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY CST www.atvmotocross.com

April 23-24: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway

May 7-8: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman Raceway

May 21-22: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway

June 4-5: Tallassee, Ala. Monster Mountain

June 18-19: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX

July 2-3: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek MX Park

July 16-17: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla MX

July 30-31: Buchanan, Mich.: Redbud MX

Aug. 13-14: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn Ranch

National Championship

AMA AMSOIL ARENACROSS SERIES www.arenacross.com

April 22-24: Nampa, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center

May 6-8: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena (Amateur National Championship)

National Championship

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ATV/MC AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP, PRESENTED BY AMSOIL www.mxsports.com

Aug. 1-6: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn Ranch

NORTHEAST AREA QUALIFIERS

April 23-24: Fredericksburg, Pa.: Sleepy Hollow MX

May 7-8: Seward, Pa.: Pleasure Valley

May 14-15: Winchester, N.H.: Winchester Speedpark

May 21-22: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla MX

NORTHEAST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 4-5: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway (Amateur)

June 11-12: Shippensburg, Pa.: Doublin Gap MX Park (Youth)

SOUTHEAST AREA QUALIFIERS

April 23-24: Reynolds, Ga.: Silver Dollar Raceway

April 30-May 1: Wytheville, Va.: Pro Sport Motocross

May 14-15: Dalton, Ga.: Lazy River MX

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

May 28-29: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway (Amateur)

June 18-19: Henderson, N.C.: North Carolina Motorsports Park (Youth)

Mid-East Area Qualifiers

April 23-24: Chillicothe, Ohio: ChilliTown MX

April 30-May 1: Bronson, Mich.: Log Road MX

May 7-8: Nashport, Ohio: Briarcliff Motocross

May 14-15: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Dutch Sport Park

May 21-22: Livingston, Tenn.: Thunder Valley MX

2016 EVENTS

Mid-East Regional Championships

June 4-5: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud MX (Youth)

June 25-26: Millington, Mich.: Baja Acres (Amateur)

North Central Area Qualiﬁers

April 23-24: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX

April 30-May 1: Maize, Kan.: Bar 2 Bar MX Park

May 14-15: Little Falls, Minn.: Little Falls Raceway

May 21-22: Mount Carroll, Ill.: McMotopark

May 28-29: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway

North Central Regional Championships

June 11-12: Byron, Ill.: Byron Motorsports Park (Amateur)

June 18-19: Tigerton, Wis.: Motozone (Youth)

South Central Area Qualiﬁers

April 23-24: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway

April 30-May 1: Amarillo, Texas: Bowers MX

May 21-22: Yantis, Texas: Johnsonville MX Farm

May 29-30: Brush, Colo.: Sweney Cycle Park (Sunday / Monday races)

South Central Regional Championships

June 11-12: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley Motocross Park (Amateur)

June 25-26: Alvord, Texas: Oak Hill Raceway (Youth)

Northwest Area Qualiﬁers

May 7-8: Junction City, Ore.: Eugene MX Park

May 14: Billings, Mont.: Billings MX (Saturday only)

Northwest Regional Championship

May 28-29: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park (Youth/ Amateur)

Mid-West Area Qualiﬁers

April 16-17: California City, Calif.: Cal City MX Park

UPDATED: April 30-May 1: Turlock, Calif.: Incase Amp

May 14-15: Hollister, Calif.: Hollister Hills SVRA

May 21-22: Rocksprings, Wyo.: Rock Springs MX

Mid-West Regional Championship

June 4-5: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City OHV (Youth/Amateur)

Southwest Regional Championship

June 11-12: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway (Youth/Amateur)

National Championship

AMA VINTAGE MOTOCROSS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.americanmotorcyclist.com

July 9-10: Lexington, Ohio: MidOhio Sports Car Course

Featured Series

KING OF THE WEST SERIES www.2xpromotions.com

April 24: Snelling, Calif.: Oatﬁeld Raceway

April 30-May 1: Lake Elsinore, Calif.: Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park

DIRT TRACK

AMA PRO FLAT TRACK www.amaproracing.com

May 14: Phoenix, Ariz.: Turf Paradise

May 21: Sacramento, Calif.: California Expo Fair

May 29: Springﬁeld, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds

June 18: Oklahoma City, Okla.: Remington Park

June 25: Lima, Ohio: Allen County Fairgrounds

July 30: Charlotte, N.C.: Charlotte Motor Speedway

Aug. 9: Rapid City, S.D.: Black Hills Speedway

Aug. 14: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria Motorcycle Club

Aug. 20: TBA

Sept. 4: Springﬁeld, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds

Sept. 17: TBA

Oct. TBA: TBA

National Championship

AMA DIRT TRACK GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.amaracing.com

July 1-6: Du Quoin, Ill.

National Championship

AMA VINTAGE DIRT TRACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.amaracing.com

April 30: Henry, Ill. (Half Mile)

May 1: Henry, Ill. (Half Mile)

June 17: Harpursville, N.Y. (Short Track)

June 18: Harpursville, N.Y. (Short Track)

July 2: Oshkosh, Wis.: Oshkosh Speedzone (3/8 Mile)

July 3: Oshkosh, Wis.: Oshkosh Speedzone (3/8 Mile)

July 9: Ashland, Ohio: Ashland County Fairgrounds (Half Mile)

Aug. 12: Indianapolis, Ind.: Marion County Fairgrounds (Short Track)

Aug. 13: Indianapolis, Ind.: Marion County Fairgrounds (Short Track)

Aug. 28: Jerseyville, Ill.: (Half Mile)

Sept. 24: Cuddebackville, N.Y.: Oakland Valley Race Park (Short Track)

Sept. 25: Cuddebackville, N.Y.: Oakland Valley Race Park (Short Track)

Series

ALL-STAR NATIONAL FLAT

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)

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

July 25: Ashland, Ohio: Ashland County Fairgrounds (Half Mile)

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

Aug. 14: 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)

ROAD RACE

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP www.worldsbk.com

July 8-10: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

ROAD RACING SERIES www.motoamerica.com

April 29-May 1: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

May 13-15: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

June 3-5: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America

June 10-12: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park

June 23-25: Tooele, Utah: Utah Motorsports Park

July 8-10: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Sept. 9-11: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

Championship

ROAD RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.asraracing.com

July 1-3: Plymouth, Wis.: Road America

Championship

VINTAGE ROAD RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.americanmotorcyclist.com

July 9-10: Lexington, Ohio: MidOhio Sports Car Course

May 28-30: Summit Point, W. Va.: Summit Point Circuit

June 11-12: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

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

Aug. 13-14: Joliet, Ill.: Autobahn Country Club

Sept. 24-25: South Beloit, Ill.: Blackhawk Farms Raceway

Oct.14-16: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

Featured Series

AMERICAN SPORTBIKE RACING ASSOCIATION (TEAM CHALLENGE) www.asraracing.com

May 21: South Beloit, Ill.: Blackhawk Farms Raceway

June 16-19: Loudon, N.H.: New Hampshire Motor Speedway

July 1: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America

July 17: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

Aug. 21: Summit Point, W. Va.: Summit Point Circuit

Sept. 18: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

Oct. 15: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

Featured Series

AMERICAN SPORTBIKE RACING ASSOCIATION (USGPRU SERIES) www.asraracing.com

May 28-30: Summit Point, W. Va.: Summit Point Circuit

June 11-12: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

July 1-3: Elkhart Lake, Wis: Road America

Aug. 13-14: Joliet, Ill.: Autobahn Country Club

Aug. 27-28: Bloomingdale, Ga.: Roebling Road Raceway

Sept. 24-25: South Beloit, Ill.: Blackhawk Farms Raceway

OFF-ROAD

FIM INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS ENDURO www.ﬁm-live.com

Oct. 11-16: Circuito de Navarra, Spain

AMA INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS ENDURO QUALIFIERS www.americanmotorcyclist.com

April 23-24: Romney, W. Va.: Full Gas Sprint Enduro

June 4-5: Idaho City, Idaho: Boise Ridge Riders

Sept. 10-11: Isola 2000, France

National Championship

AMSOIL GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES PRESENTED BY MAXXIS www.gnccracing.com

April 30-May 1: Society Hills, S.C.: Moree’s Hunting Preserve

May 14-15: Springville, Ind.: Lawrence Co. Recreational Park

May 28-29: Millﬁeld, Ohio: Sunday Creek Raceway

June 11-12: Odessa, N.Y.: Seneca Highland

June 25-26: Snowshoe, W. Va.: Snowshoe Mountain Resort

Sept. 10-11: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla MX

Sept. 24-25: Masontown, W. Va.: Marvin’s Mountain Top

Oct. 1-2: St. Clairsville, Ohio: Powerline Park

Oct. 29-30: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman Raceway

2016 EVENTS

National Championship

KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.nationalenduro.com

May 22: Greensboro, Ga.: Cherokee Cycle Club

June 19: Huntersville, Minn.: River Valley Enduro Riders

July 24: Cross Fork, Pa.: Brandywine Enduro Riders

Aug. 28: Chandlersville, Ohio: Ohio Woods Riders

Sept. 18: Park Hills, Mo.: Missouri Mudders

Oct. 23: Skiatook, Okla.: Oklahoma Trail Riders

National Championship

AMA ENDUROCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.endurocross.com

Aug. 27: Atlanta, Ga.

Sept. 3: Sioux Falls, S.D.

Sept. 10: Salt Lake City, Utah

Sept. 24: Phoenix, Arix.

Oct. 1: Denver, Colo.

Oct. 22: Everett, Wash.

Nov. 5: Boise, Idaho

Nov. 19: Ontario, Calif.

National Championship

KENDA SRT AMA HARE AND HOUND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.nationalhareandhound.com

May 14 (ATV/Youth) | 15 (Amateur): Delta, Utah: Sage Riders Motorcycle Club

UPDATED: June 11: Plymouth, Utah: Big Nasty LLC

Aug. 27 (Amateur/Youth) No ATVs: Panaca, Nev.: Silver State Trailblazers

UPDATED: Sept. 17: Red Mountain, Calif: JackRabbits MC

Sept. 24 (No ATVs): Yerington, Nev.: Get-Xtr-Eme

Oct. 22 (Youth) | 23 (Amateur): Lucerne Valley, Calif: 100’s MC

National Championship

AIReS AMA/NATC MOTOTRIALS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.mototrials.com

May 21-22: Ocala, Fla.: Florida Trials Association

May 28-29: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Southeastern Trials Riders Association

June 18-19: Tillamook, Ore.: Columbia Observed Trials Association

June 25-26: Canon City, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Trials Association

National Championship

AMA VINTAGE HARE SCRAMBLE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.americanmotorcyclist.com

July 8: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

National Championship

AMA VINTAGE TRIALS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.americanmotorcyclist.com

July 10: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

National Championship

TENNESSEE KNOCKOUT EXTREME ENDURO www.tennesseeknockoutenduro.com

Aug. 20-21: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Trials Training Center

Regional Series

AMA/NATC YOUTH MOTOTRIALS REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP www.mototrials.com

June 22-24: Canon City, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Trials Association (West)

June 30-July 2: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Southeastern Trials Riders Association (East)

Regional Series

AMA EAST HARE SCRAMBLE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.americanmotorcyclist.com

May 7 (Youth Bikes/Youth ATV) | May 8 (Amateur Bikes/Amateur ATV): Clifford, Pa.: District 6 Sports Association

July 16 (Youth Bikes) | July 17 (Amateur Bikes): Mahanoy City, Pa.: Valley Forge Trail Riders

July 30 (Youth Bikes) | July 31 (Amateur Bikes): Catawissa, Pa.: High Mountain Dirt Riders

Aug. 28 (Bikes/ATV): Speedsville, N.Y.: Cross Country Customs

Oct. 9 (Youth Bikes/Amateur Bikes): Rural Retreat, Va.: Rattlesnake Riders

Regional Series

KENDA SRT AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.westharescramble.com

UPDATED: May 21 (Amateur/ Youth): Panaca, Nev.: Silver State Trailblazers

Updated: Sept. 3 (Bikes/ATV/ Youth): Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Vikings Motorcycle Club

Sept. 3 (ATV/Youth/Amateur): Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Vikings Motorcycle Club

UPDATED: Oct. 1 (ATV/Youth) | 2 (Amateur): Plaster City, Calif.: RoadRunners Motorcycle Club

UPDATED: Nov. 5 (Youth/ Amateur): Longdale, Nev.: Darkside Motorcycle Club

Regional Series

KENDA FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.sprintenduro.com

April 23-24: Romney, W. Va.: ISDE Qualiﬁer

June 4-5: Altamont, Tenn.

July 9-10: Connelly Springs, N.C.

July 30-31: Brazil, Ind.

Aug. 13-14: Young Harris, Ga.

Nov. 12-13: Union, S.C.

Regional Series

AMA DISTRICT 37 BIG 6 GRAND PRIX SERIES www.big6racing.com

April 30-May 1: State Line/Primm NV: Primm Casino Resort

Oct. 1-2: Ridgecrest, Calif.: Desert Empire Fairgrounds

Nov. 5-6: Gorman, Calif.: Quail Canyon MX

Dec. 3-4: TBA

Regional Series

KENDA SRT AMA WEST ATV CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.americanmotorcyclist.com

April 23: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Vikings M/C

May 14: Delta, Utah: Sage Riders MC

Sept. 17: Red Mountain, Calif.: NHHA

Oct. 1: Ocatillo Wells, Calif.: RoadRunners M/C

Oct. 22: Lucerne Valley, Calif: 100’s MC

Featured Series

APPALACHIAN CHAMPIONSHIP ENDURO SERIES www.aces-races.com

June 5: Wellston, Ohio: Appalachian Dirt Riders

UPDATED: June 19: New Straitsville, Ohio: New Straitsville Enduro Riders

July 17: McArthur, Ohio: Enduro Riders Association

Aug. 7: Three Springs, Pa.: Green Marble Enduro Riders

Aug. 14: Logan, Ohio: Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club

Aug. 28: Chandlersville, Ohio: Ohio Woods Riders (In conjunction with National Enduro)

Sept. 4: Athens, Ohio: Athens Motorcycle Club

Sept. 18: Bergholz, Ohio: Ohio Valley Trail Riders

Oct. 9: Matthews, Ind.: Muddobbers Motorcycle Club

Nov. 13: Treaty City, Ohio: Treaty City Motorcycle Club

Featured Series

CROSSROADS RACING SERIES www.crossroadsracingseries.com

UPDATED: April 23: Odon, Ind.: Parsons MX Compound

UPDATED: June 4-5: Bedford, Ky.: Saddleback East

UPDATED: June 11-12: Springville, Ind.: Lawrence County Recreational Park

UPDATED: July 2-3: Staunton, Ind.: Staunton MX Park

UPDATED: July 23-24: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports

UPDATED: Aug. 13-14: Bedford, Ind.: Stone City Ranch

UPDATED: Sept. 3-4: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports

UPDATED: Oct. 22-23: Staunton, Ind.: Staunton MX Park

Featured Series

EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ENDUROS) www.ecea.org

May 1: Delaware City, Del.: Delaware Enduro Riders

May 29: Heckscherville, Pa.: Reading Off-Road Riders

June 12: Deposit, N.Y.: Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club

June 26: Blain, Pa.: Susquehanna Off Road Riders

July 10: Gillett, Pa.: Southern Tier Enduro Riders

July 24: Cross Fork, Pa.: Brandywine Enduro Riders

Aug. 7: Three Springs, Pa.: Green Marble Enduro Riders

Aug. 14: Berkshire, N.Y.: Ithaca Dirt Riders

Aug. 28: Mauricetown, N.J.: Competition Dirt Riders

Sept. 11: Shippensburg, Pa.: South Penn Enduro Riders

Sept. 25: Mahanoy City, Pa.: High Mountain Dirt Riders / Valley Forge Trail Riders

Oct. 16: Warren Grove, N.J.: Motorcycle Competition Inc.

Oct. 30: New Lisbon, N.J.: Ocean City Competition Riders

Nov. 20: New Lisbon, N.J.: Central Jersey Competition Riders

Featured Series EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (HARE SCRAMBLES) www.ecea.org

April 23-24: Millville, N.J.: Competition Dirt Riders

May 14-15: Sahara Sands, N.J.: Motorcycle Competition Inc.

May 22-23: Berwick, Pa.: South Penn Enduro Riders

June 4-5: Three Springs, Pa.: Rocket Raceway

June 18-19: Tamaqua, Pa.: Reading Off Road Riders

July 16-17: Mahoney City, Pa.: Valley Forge Trail Riders

July 30-31: Catawissa, Pa.: High Mountain Dirt Riders

Aug. 20-21: Clifford, Pa.: Meteor Motorcycle Club

Sept. 17-18: Mount Cobb, Pa.: Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club

Oct. 1-2: Wellsboro, Pa.: Southern Tier Enduro Riders

Oct. 22-23: Sahara Sands, N.J.: Pine Barrons Enduro Riders

Nov. 12-13: New Castle, Del.: Delaware Enduro Riders

Featured Series IOWA ATV HARE SCRAMBLE SERIES www.iatvhss.com

April 30-May 1: Centerville, Iowa

May 28-29: Mount Pleasant, Iowa

June 18-19: Kahoka, Mo.

July 9-10: St. Charles, Iowa

July 30-31: Thurman, Iowa

Sept. 18-19: Beaconsﬁeld, Iowa

Oct. 8-9: Carlisle, Iowa

Aug. 19-20: Carlisle, Iowa: Heartland Challenge

Featured Series

MOTORCYCLE RACING ASSOCIATION OF NEVADA (DESERT SERIES) www.mranracing.org

April 30: Caliente, Nev.: Groundshakers

May 21: Panaca, Nev.: Silver State Trailblazers

July 30: Ely, Nev.: Coyotes

Aug. 27: Caliente, Nev.: Silver State Trailblazers

Sept. 17: Pioche, Nev.: Bushwackers

Nov. 5: Logandale, Nev.: Darkside

Series

RACING ASSOCIATION OF NEVADA (GRAND

SERIES) www.mranracing.org

Sept. 3: Cedar City, Utah: Jackrabbits

Oct. 8: Mesquite, Nev.: Wildbunch

Oct. 22: Mesquite, Nev.: Gamblers

2016 EVENTS

MOTORCYCLE RACING ASSOCIATION OF NEVADA (NIGHT TEAM RACE SERIES) www.mranracing.org

June 4: Jean, Nev.: Wild Bunch

June 25: Jean, Nev.: MRAN

July 9: Jean, Nev: MRAN

July 22-23: Searchlight, Nev: Bushwackers

Featured Series TRIALS INC. www.trialsinc.org

April 23-24: Southington, Ohio: Cleveland

May 14-15: Tippecanoe, Ohio: Tippecanoe

June 4-5: Sidell, Ill.: Illinois

June 18-19: Toronto, Ohio: Toronto (19th is Vintage Cup Series Round)

July 23-24: Canﬁeld, Ohio: Canﬁeld

Aug. 20-21: Little Hocking, Ohio: Wildwood

Sept. 3-4: Newark, Ohio: Newark (4th is Vintage Cup Series Round)

Sept. 17-18: Columbus, Ind.: Stoney (18th is Vintage Cup Series Round)

Oct. 1-2: Bedford, Ky.: Saddleback (2nd is Vintage Cup Series Round)

Oct. 15-16: Taylorsville, Ky.: Vintage Cup Finals

Featured Series

VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP HARE SCRAMBLE SERIES www.vchss.org

May 1: Martinsville, Va.: Blue Ridge 1

May 15: Bristol, Va.: Harleywood

May 29: Dendron, Va.: Reddy Hole

June 12: Spring Grove, Va.: TDR, Eastover

June 26: Rural Retreat, Va.: Hillbilly

Aug. 7: Martinsville, Va.: Blue Ridge 2

Aug. 21: Penhook, Va.: Sandy Bottom

Sept. 4: Rural Retreat, Va.: Coyote Run

Sept. 11: Spring Grove, Va.: Peninsula

Sept. 25: Rural Retreat, Va.: Iron Mountain

Oct. 9: Rural Retreat, Va.: Rattlesnake

Oct. 30: Spring Grove, Va.: Pipsico Featured Series

WESTERN CHECKPOINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP www.westchec.org

May 1: Georgetown, Calif.: CERA - D36

June 23-24: South Fork, Colo.: SFPR - RMEC

Sept. 20: Campwood, Ariz.: ATR - AMRA

Oct. 15: Chimney Rock, Utah: Sageriders MC - USRA

Oct. 30: Elkins Flat, Calif.: Polka Dots MC - D36

Nov. 5: Upperlake, Calif.: Hayward MC - D36

Nov. 13: Stoneyford, Calif.: Valley Climbers MC - D36

Featured Series

WESTERN NEW YORK OFFROAD ASSOCIATION www.wnyoa.net

April 24: Newﬁeld, N.Y.: Dream Riders

May 8: Odessa, N.Y.: Tompkins Trail Riders / Seneca Highland

May 22: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Valley View Dirt Riders

May 29: Richford, N.Y.: BroomeTioga Sports Center

June 12: Odessa, N.Y.: GNCC at Tomahawk

June 19: Colesville, N.Y.: Full Action Cycles

June 26: South Edmeston, N.Y.: Thunder Ridge

July 10: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Conover Racing

July 24: Homer, N.Y.: Knobby Acres

Aug. 7: TBD: Scooters

Aug. 14: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Victory Mountain Dirt Riders

Aug. 28: Speedville, N.Y.: Cross Country Customs

Sept. 10-11: New Berlin, N.Y.: GNCC at Unadilla

Sept. 18: Moravia, N.Y.: Twisted Fence at Sand Hill

Oct. 9: Hapursville, N.Y.: The Finale

SPECIALTY

National Championship

AMA LAND SPEED GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP / BONNEVILLE MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS www.bonnevillespeedtrials.com

Aug. 27-Sept. 1: Wendover, Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats (AMA national records and FIM world records)

National Championship

AMA HILLCLIMB GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.americanmotorcyclist.com

July 29-31: Neoga, Ill.

Featured Event

MIKE COOK’S BONNEVILLE SHOOTOUT www.landspeedevents.com

Sept. 15-20: Wendover, Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats

RECREATION

AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES www.americanmotorcyclist.com

June 4-5: Odell, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail - Black Dog Adventure Ride

June 4-5: Bixby, Mo.: Midwest Trail Riders Association - Show Me 200 Adventure Ride

June 4-5: Lock Haven, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club - Durty Dabbers Adventure Ride

June 11-12: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, Inc.2016 Ride for Research

June 27-July 1: Colorado Springs, Colo.: Exit Tours M/C - Pikes Peak Region Adventure Tour

Aug. 20-21: Tillamook, Ore: Northwest Tour & Trail - Rat Dog Adventure Ride

Sept. 10-11: Pineola, N.C.: Appalachian Trail Riders - Blue Ridge National Adventure Ride

Sept. 17-18: Logan, Ohio: Buckeye Dual Sporters - Buckeye Dual Sporters

Sept. 24-25: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, Inc.Big Woods 200

Sept. 24-25: Boyce, La.: Acadiana Dirt Riders - Acadiana Adventure 400

Oct. 22-23: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Arizona Trail Riders - Howlin’ at the Moon

Nov. 25-26: Palmdale, Calif.: District 37 Dual Sport - L.A.Barstow to Vegas

BETA AMA NATIONAL DUAL SPORT SERIES www.americanmotorcyclist.com

June 4-5: Bixby, Mo.: Midwest Trail Riders Association - Show Me 200 Dual Sport Ride

June 4-5: Odell, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail - Black Dog Adventure Ride

June 4-5: Lock Haven, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club - Durty Dabbers

June 11-12: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, Inc.2016 Ride for Research

Aug. 12-14: Salida, Colo.: Exit Tours M/C - Colorado 2-Day

Aug. 13-14: Columbus, Ind.: Stoney Lonesome M/C - Buffalo 500

Aug. 20-21: Tillamook, Ore: Northwest Tour & Trail - Rat Dog Dual Sport Ride

Sept. 10-11: McArthur, Ohio: Enduro Riders Association - Baby Burr National Dual Sport

Sept. 10-11: Golden Pond, Ky.: KT Riders - Land Between Lakes 200

Sept. 17-18: Logan, Ohio: Buckeye Dual Sporters - Nut Cracker 200

Sept. 24-25: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Family Off-Road AdventuresYosemite Dual Sport Adventure

Sept. 24-25: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, Inc.Big Woods 200

Oct. 1-2: Mount Solon, Va.: Washington Area Trail RidersShenandoah 500

Oct. 22-23: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Arizona Trail Riders - Howlin’ at the Moon

Nov. 25-26: Palmdale, Calif.: District 37 Dual Sport - L.A.Barstow to Vegas

Nov. 5-6: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: TriCounty Sportsmen M/C - Hammer Run

Nov. 12-13: Oracle, Ariz.: Trail Riders Of Southern Arizona - There Will Be Dust

AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS www.americanmotorcyclist.com

Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Southern California Motorcycle Association 15 Best Roads: sc-ma.com, scmariskmanager@gmail.com, (602) 705-4902

Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Southern California Motorcycle Association USA Four Corners Tour: sc-ma. com, scmariskmanager@gmail.com, (602) 705-4902

July 3-24: Sister’s Centennial Motorcycle Ride: SistersMotorcycleRide.com, alisa@ motoadventuregal.com, (562) 3953830

Sept. 2-6: Southern California Motorcycle Association Three Flags Classic: sc-ma.com, scmariskmanager@gmail.com, (602) 705-4902

AMA NATIONAL GYPSY TOUR www.americanmotorcyclist.com

Thunder in the Valley (FIM North America Rally)

June 23-26: Johnstown, Pa.: JohnstownThunder.com, jstcvb@ visitjohnstownpa.com, (800) 2378590

AMA PREMIER POKER RUN www.americanmotorcyclist.com

Corn Roast Poker Run

Aug. 20: Mansﬁeld, Ohio: MansﬁeldMotorcycleClub.com, karlae1764@embarqmail.com, (419) 526-5964

AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS www.americanmotorcyclist.com

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation - Ride for Kids (events nationwide): RideForKids.org

AMA NATIONAL ROAD RIDING CONVENTION www.americade.com

June 7-11: Lake George, N.Y.: Americade. Americade attracts thousands of riders and is a laidback, road-riding touring destination with a family friendly atmosphere.

HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME www.motorcyclemuseum.org

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

Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: The main ﬂoor of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame celebrates Hall of Fame inductees, the heroes of the track, road, trails and halls of government who have elevated the sport to new heights. Now featuring the 2015 inductees.

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

The Birth of a Hurricane: How AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Craig Vetter reimagined BSA for an American market.

Sam Swope: Philanthropist, Motorcyclist: Motorcycles that represent the generous, charitable giving of Sam Swope.

Motorcycle Toys and Collectibles Exhibit: A collection of more than 1,000 motorcycle-inspired toys.

July 8-10: Lexington, Ohio: Demo. bikes from manufacturers, visit the swap meet, watch or compete in vintage racing, meet AMA Hall of Famers, attend seminars and more.

The Rally in the Gorge

90 degree valve stems

AMA Trademarks

The following represents active, registered trademarks, trademarks and service marks of American Motorcyclist Association, Inc. (AMA). Usage of any AMA trademark or registered trademark without our permission is prohibited. Please contact jmassey@ama-cycle.org for more information or assistance.

(800) AMA-JOIN® • AMA Dragbike® • AMA Endurocross® • AMA Motorhead® • AMA Pro Grand National Championship® • AMA Pro Racing® • AMA Race Center™ • AMA Racer® • AMA Racing® • AMA Racing Land Speed Grand Championships® • AMA Supermoto® • AMA Supercross® • AMA SX Lites® • AMA U.S. ISDE Team™ • AMA U.S. Jr. Motocross Team™ • AMA U.S. Motocross Team™ • Amateur National Motocross Championships® • American Motorcyclist Association® • Arenacross® • ATV Hare Scrambles National Championship Series® • ATV Motocross National Championship Series® • Dirt Track Grand Championships™ • Grand National Enduro Championship® • Gypsy Tour®

• Hare & Hound National Championship Series® • Hare Scrambles Championship Series® • Hare Scrambles National Championship Series® • Kids Just Want To Ride® • Motorcycle Hall of Fame® • Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum® • Motorcyclist of the Year® • Motostars® • National Adventure Riding Series® • National Dual-Sport Series® • National Enduro Championship Series® • Protect Your Right to Ride® • Protecting Your Right to Ride® • Ride Straight® • Rights. Riding. Racing.® • Road Race Grand Championships® • Vintage Grand Championships® • Vintage Motorcycle Days® • Vote Like A Motorcyclist®

GUEST COLUMN

ACCEPTING CHANGE

Adjusting Attitude And Equipment To Keep Riding Longer

My limitations are health related. I’ll be 70 in a few weeks, and I am starting preparations for the coming riding season here in northeastern Ohio.

According to the Merriman Webster dictionary, passion is deﬁned as “a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something.” My passion for motorcycles and touring continues, even though, along with advancing age came several chronic health issues that limit my mobility, endurance, and strength.

To keep riding and touring I have to accommodate my limits.

Sometimes passion can be ignited by a simple passing event.

I was 11 in 1957 when a couple of my older brother’s friends dropped by. One was on a Triumph, the other on a Cushman Eagle. They didn’t stay long. When my brother got into his car, away they went, with the V8 roar of the car, the sound of a parallel-twin exhaust, and the thump-thump-thump of a single at full throttle.

To add to it, my brother and the Triumph rider did a drag race out of the driveway. I was hooked.

Seven years later, I was still hooked.

My friend had a homemade rolling chassis made of hay rake caster wheels, gas pipe and angle iron for sale. A sprocket, chain, antique lawn mower motor and a centrifugal clutch later and I was in seventh heaven running the township roads at 12 mph.

There have been gaps in my riding since then due to raising children and ﬁnancial issues, but the passion remained.

Around 55 to 60 years old, various issues started to intrude on my riding.

The hips hurt when mounting and dismounting a motorcycle. As time passed, it got worse and was followed by cramps after I mounted.

Next it was pain in the left hand from frequent manipulation of the clutch lever, followed by my ankle and toes hurting while shifting gears.

It was looking bad before I discovered maxi scooters.

Step-through frame, automatic transmission, 400cc to 650cc motors. Enough power to easily cruise at 70 to 80plus mph uphill into a head wind, and top speeds in excess of 100 mph.

Woot!

I get to ride and tour for a while longer. The effort to keep riding is ongoing, though:

• The tractor seats I have mounted so my sciatic nerve doesn’t get crushed;

• The auxiliary lights built and mounted aid night driving;

• The charging system added to the scooter powers a battery for the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure machine) so I can sleep comfortably where there is no electricity;

• Windshield modiﬁcations to increase my comfort, so I can ride more miles in a day.

Coming up with the ideas and making these aids to riding comfort has made several winters pass more quickly.

Ohio has a lot of great motorcycle roads. I am fortunate to live in the glacial moraines, and the county and township roads are fabulous. That means steep hills to climb and descend, combined with sharp, tight curves from time to time.

My favorite long day-to-overnight-trip

by James Mullin

roads are found south of U.S. 30 and east of State Route 3. This area transitions from the moraines to the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountains.

There is a large Amish community there, and there are a lot of back roads with no utility lines. They are challenging to ride and are so quiet and tranquil when you stop to rest, or simply soak in the scenery.

This is why I ride—and have for the last ﬁve decades. Unencumbered views, the scents of the passing countryside, the feel of the sun, rain, temperature and wind, the magical feel of the machine as I dive into a curve, climb a hill and head for the horizon.

Look for me on my maxi-scooter running the moraines of northeastern Ohio, the Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio, down through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee and into the North Carolina mountains, pushing a smile down the road.

James Mullin is an AMA member from Wadsworth, Ohio.

Palmedes Photography