Life At The Track: Motocross Families Race As A Team
Off-Road Groups Have Common Purpose
Photo
YOUR JOURNEY IS ABOUT STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE.
INNOVATIONS FOR MILES. Equal parts cruiser and sport-tourer, the CTX1300 has a 1261cc V-4 that delivers endless torque for the city and top-end power and comfort for longer rides. Plus, it’s loaded with advanced features like available ABS, traction control and Bluetooth® audio. The CTX1300 is different for all the right reasons.
American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2014. Printed in USA.
Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $19.95 covered in membership dues.
Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices.
August 2014
Volume 68, Number 8
Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com
STREET EDITION
States adopt mandatory safety training requirements, and clubs sound off on sound testing.
DIRT EDITION
Families that race together stay together, and off-highway groups work to expand access.
To switch the version you receive, call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services. Want to read both versions? Call the above number to get both delivered to your home for just $10 more a year. Members can read both versions online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine for free.
PAGE 26. TEAM MALISKA
PAGE 26. GET TRAINED
PAGE 20. AMERICA’S BEST CITIES FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
Sometimes, the best way of saying something is also the simplest. The Battlax Sport Touring T30.
Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations
Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing
Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator
AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)
Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator
D’Andra Myers, Organizer Services Coordinator
Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager
Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager
Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator
Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager
Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager
DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES
John Bricker, Mailroom Manager
Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator
Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Marie Wuelleh, Government Affairs Assistant
Danielle Fowles, Grassroots Coordinator
Nick Haris, Western States Representative
Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant
Sharon Long, Legislative Coordinator
Rick Podliska, Deputy Director
Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager - Off-Highway
Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager - On-Highway
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Rob Baughman, Network Administrator
Dave Coleman, Network Architect
Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst
MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY
Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative
Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative
Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative
Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager
Kimberly Jude, Member Services Representative
Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative
Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative
MEMBER LETTERS
Letter of the Month
BE CAREFUL OUT THERE
Send your letters (and a high-resolution photo) to submissions@ama-cycle.org; or mail to 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.
There have been numerous articles, opinions, letters, etc., written to the AMA regarding mufflers, lane splitting, insurance issues, motorcycle-only checkpoints, public relations, etc. I am writing about a very real, ever-growing and extremely dangerous threat to our pastime, and that is the many different problems posed by the repli-racer crotchrocketeers who treat our roads like their own private Isle of Man. We’ve all seen them, after they have blasted past us doing a ton on crowded roads that are strewn with pot holes, road kill, and chunks of dismembered retread. You think the slightly “too loud” muffler on my Harley is enraging J.Q. Public and his “perception” of bikers? What about these selfish idiots weaving through traffic at speeds that would make Mike Hailwood blanch, while doing wheelies and stoppies? They act like their $600 helmets will keep them safe.
Recently, the son of a friend of mine was driving his car on a Westchester County, N.Y., parkway at 55 mph when he was rear ended by one of those rocketeers. The force of the impact was enough to spin his car 90 degrees, where he was promptly T-boned by the next racer. The first rider walked away with bumps and bruises. The second was DOA. My friend’s son is physically fine, but has trouble sleeping, and will live with the memories of being in a fatal motor vehicle accident for the rest of his life. I wasn’t a physics major, but I can’t imagine what the requisite speed would be for a 400-plus pound bike to spin a 2,400-pound car moving in the same direction.
I’m a Charter Life Member of the AMA, a 24-year member of ABATE of N.Y., and have logged more than 250,000 miles since I first climbed on a Bridgestone 90 back in ‘68. I’m pretty sure I can securely say that most of these kamikaze pilots are not involved in the AMA, so even if you publish this letter, they won’t see it, let alone read it.
I truly wish I could offer suggestions, let alone solutions, to alleviate this pockmark on our sport. But I can’t. Somehow, however, it needs to be addressed and dealt with because this suicidal behavior will kill riding for us all.
Campbell Whitford Stormville, N.Y.
ONE GREAT ROAD
Thank you for publishing Chris Malvone’s “On the Road to Renewal” (June 2014). I really enjoyed it. I made a note of his top 10 roads. I’ve ridden most of them but not all. I will defi nitely try to make up for that defi cit soon. Of note was California Highway 155. Last summer my wife and I rode from our home in Texas to Fairbanks, Alaska, (my Gold Wing and her VTX) with a goal of visiting as many national parks as possible. By pure accident we stumbled on 155 along the way. Every couple of days we’d blog about our adventure. After riding 155, this is what I sent out: “If you are a motorcycle rider, pay attention to this. Highway 155 from Kernville west for 30 miles was the best motorcycle road I have ever ridden.
Granted, I haven’t ridden all the great ones. But after 43 years of riding, I’ve ridden quite a few, and this was the best one of my life. I need to go back and check, but it seems like we had 5,000
feet of elevation change over about eight miles and then back down for eight more, followed by another 15 miles or so of twisty turns. I can’t even begin to guess how many hairpin turns we had over 30 miles. It was great. If we had to come home tomorrow, the whole trip would be worth it for those 30 miles.”
Fortunately for us, we didn’t have to come home after riding 155. We ended up riding 11,700 miles over 47 days. It was great. But this summer we are already planning a return trip to Highway 155.
I certainly recommend this road to all riders.
Scott Finnell Georgetown, Texas
CHEAP TRAVELS
I could have written this same article [as Chris Malvone], but we did much of the same route only in the reverse direction. We started out in North Carolina and went up the coast to Maine and then across the northern parts of the country and a little into Canada. We made a left turn at the Oregon coast and headed southward. We then took another left to do the southern portions of the United States. We took fi ve weeks and traveled more than 10,000 miles through 30 states. Is our bucket list empty? No way. It only whetted our appetite for more.
We kept track of all expenses and kept within a budget. Including tires, oil changes, food, fuel and lodging the total cost was $6,022—34 days or $177 per day. Our plan was to stay below $200 per day. Looks like we did fi ne. Many people spend this much for a week long vacation in a place that is crowded with people who are not happy being there. And it’s only one week. This was fi ve weeks.
We are in the early stages of planning another long two-wheeled adventure.
Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a Bike Bandit gift card worth $100. Didn’t win? No worries. You can still take advantage of your 10% AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com.
Scott Finnell
Howard Bond
There’s so much more to see and do. I am on my 11th bike and just passed the 325,000-mile mark for total miles on two wheels.
And thank you AMA for keeping us all updated on issues that pertain to all motorcyclists.
Howard Bond Myrtle Beach, S.C.
OnE CLaSS WiLL DO
The “Women of Off-Road Racing” article in the July issue was great. I really appreciated the coverage of all the different disciplines. What I personally would find really cool, though, would be a look at track racing, especially road racing, land speed racing and dirt track. At these events, it’s traditional for the men and women to race against each other rather than in their own classes. There aren’t many sanctioned and organized sports that do that!
Alexia Bennett Darwin, Ohio
Sound Off!
On E15 ethanol…
Pete Livorsi: I am noticing more and more gas stations in the Chicago area converting their pumps to blender types. Makes me nervous to think what may happen to motorcycles, ATV’s and other small engines if the E15 lobbyists get their way. Let’s face it, congressional voting is nothing more than an auction. Votes go to the highest bidder. Need to stay vigilant on this matter.
On top motorcycling vacation spots…
Tim Wisner: I will have to wait until I have ridden everywhere before I can choose a favorite.
Get ready for Daytona Beach’s Biketoberfest® 2014. Four days of sun, sand, concerts, bike races and so much more. Don’t miss the time of your life. Come seize the day. Better yet...
A roundup of recent comments on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist OCTOBER 16 - 19, 2014 For more information, visit Biketoberfest.org or call 1-866-296-8970.
On motorcycle thefts…
John G. Rice: I guess my old bikes aren’t all that attractive. I once had a thief steal the cover off mine...and leave the bike!
On cool motorcycling photos…
Jessica Skeans: Pioneer Motorcycle Club Hillclimb, 85 junior and senior classes waiting to go.
Photo courtesy of the Daytona Beach News Journal
VIEWPOINT
ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
Motorized Recreation Excluded From Great Outdoors Month
In proclaiming June Great Outdoors Month, President Obama noted: Our natural landscapes provide refuge for those seeking solitude. They attract tourism, create jobs, and honor our history and cultural heritage. They are family campgrounds, arenas for recreation, and backdrops for countless adventures.
By Steve Salisbury
Of course, the AMA endorses all manner of outdoor recreation for their many benefits. I know of very few powersports enthusiasts who don’t also visit parks to sightsee, hike, camp or mountain bike and certainly don’t see a need to curtail the activities of those who choose only automobile or humanpowered activities. It is hard to argue that outdoor recreation doesn’t positively affect both the participating individual and the communities in which he or she does so.
The state of Colorado supported those assertions. The 2014 Colorado Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan included the following: “Colorado’s economy and quality of life are integrally connected to the abundant and diverse array of outdoor recreation opportunities found within our state. Outdoor recreation contributes more than $34.5 billion statewide in annual economic activity and generates over $4.9 million in annual federal, state and local tax revenue while creating 313,000 jobs. Equally important is the fact that outdoor recreation plays an important role in promoting public health, tourism, environmental stewardship and efforts to connect more Coloradans to the outdoors.”
However, current policies seemingly serve only the hale and hearty and ignore those who are less-abled and need assistance to enjoy America’s natural beauty.
In fact, the Great Outdoors Month proclamation ignored the millions of responsible OHV users who contribute hundreds of millions of dollars (not to mention volunteer hours) annually to the economy through their purchases of vehicles, trailers, fuel, food and lodging. And the president failed to note the financial support for local, state and federal programs made by motorcyclists and all-terrain-vehicle operators who buy permits, pay gas taxes and pay fees to use our public lands.
Study after study shows that OHV users provide more economic benefits to the areas in which they ride than those who visit OHVrestricted Wilderness areas.
Among the more notable, an August 2012 report by Southwick Associates for the Outdoor Industry Association lists more than $47.5 billion in spending on vehicles, parts, maintenance, insurance, registration, apparel and storage related to motorcycling and off-road riding.
Also, a June 2011 issue brief published by the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University concludes, “Specifically, we find a significant negative relationship between the presence of Wilderness and county total payroll, county tax receipts and county average household income.”
In proclaiming June Great Outdoors Month, the president went on to say: “Together, let us ensure our children and grandchildren will be able to look upon our lands with the same sense of wonder as all the generations that came before.”
We’re afraid that is just about all that today’s children and future generations will be able to do: view America’s natural wonders from afar, on a video screen or in a photograph. Instead of developing the next generation of environmental stewards,
current policies are locking up millions of acres of public land from taxpayers. Lost will be the experience of recreating responsibly on—and appreciating the conservation of—America’s public lands.
The Great Outdoors Month proclamation also referenced First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Outside! Initiative, encouraging “children to get active while getting to know the great outdoors.”
Yet his message ignored the health benefits and bonding that occur when families and friends gather to enjoy a day or a weekend of off-road adventures astride their off-road motorcycles, ATVs or other OHVs of choice.
A common comment we hear in Washington from AMA members is that public lands are our lands. Policies that unnecessarily increase designated Wilderness to disallow motorized recreation hardly encourage everyone to enjoy what is theirs. And that applies especially to decisions that circumvent Congress and dismiss the accomplishments of advocates of motorized- and non-motorized recreation who collaborate on effective and acceptable travel management plans.
The off-highway motorcycle community has proven itself to be made up of responsible stewards who volunteer innumerable hours to build and maintain sustainable trails. We’ve demonstrated that by taking part in our sport and providing enormous economic benefits to local and state economies.
Enlightened anti-OHV activists know they have to be careful not to curtail motorized recreation too much, since our community is the goose that lays the golden trail-funding egg through our gasoline taxes, which support the Recreational Trails Program.
As off-road enthusiasts talking to off-road enthusiasts, we hope you had a great month of outdoor recreation in June, as the riding season got into full swing for many. Whether you choose to visit public lands on or off your motorcycle or ATV, we also hope that you keep our hard-earned legacy in mind.
Remember this, and remind your riding friends: There is a very real need for everyone in the motorized community to be involved in increased stewardship and access-to-public-lands advocacy. As our user numbers increase and the positive economic impact we have on our communities expands, our commitment to the AMA needs to grow as well to help ensure our voice is heard in future designations, such as Great Outdoors Month.
Steve Salisbury is the AMA off-highway government affairs manager.
THREE QUESTIONS WITH… U.S. SEN. TIM JOHNSON (D-S.D.)
Sen. Johnson is chairman of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee and serves on several other committees, including the powerful Appropriations Committee. He is retiring at the end of this term and took a few moments to talk about motorcycling and tourism.
AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is celebrating its 74th anniversary this year. What impact has this event had on your state?
SEN. JOHNSON: The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally started out as a small gathering in the late 1930s and early 1940s, before becoming a regional draw in the 1960s. Now, every motorcycle enthusiast knows where Sturgis is, and many attend year after year.
The rally attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each August. It is estimated that
motorcyclists spend hundreds of millions of dollars during the Rally.
AM: What is your favorite route in South Dakota?
or the Prairie Potholes Region in eastern South Dakota, you will get a one-of-a-kind riding experience.
Many of the roads throughout the state will take the rider through small communities, and those who stop at a convenience store, gas station, or city park are sure to be greeted with a friendly South Dakota welcome.
SEN. JOHNSON: South Dakota offers the motorcycle tourist a unique riding experience. There are numerous roads throughout the Black Hills that give the rider a true sense of the aesthetic beauty of the Black Hills.
There are the Pigtail Bridges on Iron Mountain Road leading to Mount Rushmore, the Pinnacles Highway in Custer State Park, and the scenic S-curves through beautiful Spearfish Canyon.
Whether you ride through the forests in western South Dakota, the stunning geologic formations of the Badlands, the open expanses of farmland and prairies,
AM: Is there anything you would like to add?
SEN. JOHNSON: I have enjoyed my rally experiences, and I encourage those who have never been to Sturgis and South Dakota to put it on their vacation bucket list. If they’ve been to Sturgis before, I’d encourage them to come back. There’s always something new to see and experience.
FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION BILLS INTRODUCED
Two Proposals Contain Issues Affecting Motorcyclists
The transportation bills announced by the Obama administration and the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works retained funding for the Recreational Trails Program.
The RTP is an $85 million annual program that funds motorized recreational trails. This program is paid for through the excise tax that off-highway-vehicle users pay when fueling an OHV.
The president’s proposal, called the GROW America Act, also would boost funding by 22 percent for the highway trust fund by using tax revenue generated from a one-time repatriation of corporate profits.
The act also would increase the
funding for intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and vehicle-tovehicle (V2V) communications.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says motorcycles will be included in future research related to ITS and V2V.
In the Senate, S. 2322—the MAP-21 Reauthorization Act, introduced by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)—is but one portion of the total transportation bill.
Important for all motorists—whether on two or four wheels—is that this proposal would continue highway funding for the next six years at current levels, plus inflation. This would provide planners with enough certainty to undertake long-term projects.
U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.)
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)
PENNSYLVANIA CONSIDERS LIABILITY RELIEF
Change Would Help Landowners With Off-road Tracks, Trails
The AMA is supporting Pennsylvania H.B. 544, which has the potential to alleviate some off-highway-vehicle management issues and generate significant economic activity throughout the state.
SILURIAN VALLEY SOLAR PROJECT WOULD IMPACT TRAILS
AMA Voices Concerns To BLM
In addition, the AMA supports state Rep. Daniel Moul’s amendment A-06122 to the bill, but only that amendment.
Amendments offered by other legislators would clearly reverse the intent of the bill, such that private property owners would be discouraged from opening their land to responsible recreation of any sort.
The intention of H.B. 544 was to provide reasonable liability relief to landowners willing to open their properties to responsible OHV recreation.
Similar legislation has reduced illegal OHV use in other states and, more importantly, served as an impetus in creating billion-dollar recreation industries for some Eastern states.
AMA PART OF NATIONAL RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD ‘DAY OF ACTION’
Group Calls For Overhaul Of Federal Ethanol Policies
A diverse group of organizations, including the AMA, has come together as “Smarter Fuel Future,” a coalition that coordinated a “Day of Action” in May in Washington, D.C.
Wayne Allard, AMA’s vice president for government relations, used the national stage to declare the federal government’s Renewable Fuel Standard a failed strategy that must be completely reconsidered because America’s engines, environment and food supply are endangered by the production, distribution and use of ethanol.
A massive California solar project approved by the federal government would be located alongside the famous Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad OffHighway-Vehicle Trail.
Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations, sent a letter to Katrina Symons, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Barstow field manager.
Allard outlined the AMA concern that the project may diminish the quality of the Tonopah and Tidewater OHV Trail by degrading its scenic attributes and potentially repurposing part of the trail for maintenance of the solar project.
“The trail is one of the few
expedition-quality OHV routes in the California desert,” Allard wrote. “Changes to the surrounding landscape that reduce the trails’ appeal to riders would adversely affect the local economy.”
The Silurian Valley solar project site is along State Route 127, about 10 miles north of Baker. The plan includes arrays of photovoltaic panels, 44 miles of service roads, and operation and maintenance facilities.
The project site encompasses 7,219 acres of public lands administered by the BLM in San Bernardino County.
AMA staff members and others called on officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to maintain its proposed 2014 renewable volume obligation.
U.S. Rep. Daniel Moul (R-Pa.)
ALLARD TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS ON CLEAR CREEK ACCESS
AMA Supports H.R. 1776 To Allow OHVs
Wayne Allard, AMA’s vice president for government relations, testified before Congress in May in favor of legislation that would create the country’s first national OHV area in California’s Clear Creek Management Area.
The AMA supports H.R. 1776, the Clear Creek National Recreation Area and Conservation Act, which would reopen the CCMA for recreational use and designate about 21,000 acres of U.S. Bureau of Land Management land adjacent to Clear Creek as the Joaquin Rocks Wilderness.
The legislation would guarantee future access to the management area for offhighway-vehicle enthusiasts.
The bill is innovative in that it allows the BLM and state and local governments to form partnerships to improve the recreation experience in the CCMA.
Currently, the entire management area is closed to off-highway motorcycles due to concerns about naturally occurring asbestos.
However, the state of California’s Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission published a study that revealed the levels of ambient asbestos to be less than the equivalent of smoking one cigarette a year.
The AMA’s concerns with the current BLM Record of Decision include:
• Many staging areas for OHV access are located in the Serpentine area; and
• Many trails run through the Serpentine area, which is situated in the middle of the CCMA, so restricting access to the Serpentine would eliminate routes.
The current policy permits enthusiasts to access the CCMA for only five days a year if participating in motorized recreation and non-motorized recreation just 12 days a year.
The 75,000-acre CCMA has been ranked as one of the top 10 places to ride by Dirt Rider magazine.
Down to the town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, for keeping its confusing parking laws a secret. Troy R. Bennett, a columnist for the Bangor Daily News, couldn’t fi t his motorcycleand-sidecar rig into the motorcycle-only parking spaces, so he parked in and paid for a car space. He received a ticket for parking a motorcycle in a car/truck space, even though no signs were posted that informed him of the restriction. Bennett called it “a crime so made-up it’s not on the form.”
Up to Ohio motorcyclists Robert Woodland Sr. and Robert Woodland Jr., who interrupted an early-morning ride in May to help rescue a family of four, including a 4-month-old child, from a burning house. Woodland Sr. is a former firefighter.
Down to the driver who told police she was looking at her cell phone when she plowed into four motorcycles at a red light in Valley View, Ohio. Seven of the motorcyclists were injured, one seriously.
Up to the town of Brampton, Ontario, Canada, for creating a partnership with the Brampton Motorcycle Association for Motorcycle Mondays. The events, which run through the summer, are described as “meet and greets” and “show and shines.”
Troy R. Bennett
Off-Highway Issue Survey 2014
Every two years, the AMA’s Government Relations Department surveys association members to assist in establishing government relations policies and priorities. It is important for us to know how you ride and what you consider to be the important issues in motorcycling so that we can do the best job of setting AMA government relations priorities. This month, members are asked to share their views regarding offhighway motorcycling issues. Off-highway riding enthusiasts have done a great job of supporting this survey in past years. We hope you’ll continue that support by taking a few minutes to complete and return this survey by Sept. 30. If you don’t want to deface your copy of American Motorcyclist, please feel free to make a photocopy of the survey, complete the survey online, or download a PDF copy from www.americanmotorcyclist.com/offhighwaysurvey.aspx.
1. Are you an AMA member?
1.1 Yes 1.2 No
2. What is your ZIP code?
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5
3. What is your age?
3.1
4. What is the last grade or class you completed in school? (Check one box only.)
4.1 Grade 8 or less
4.2 Some high school
4.3 High school graduate
4.4 Some college
4.5 College graduate
4.6 Post-graduate
5. What was your total household income last year? (Check one box only.)
5.1 Under $20,000
5.2 $20,000-$24,999
5.3 $25,000-$34,999
5.4 $35,000-$49,999
5.5 $50,000-$74,999
5.6 $75,000-$99,999
5.7 $100,000-$124,999
5.8 $125,000-$149,999
5.9 More than $150,000
6. What is your political party affiliation? (Check one box only.)
6.1 Democratic
6.2 Republican
6.4 Other (minor party, independent, etc.)
6.5 Not registered to vote
7. How many of the following motorized vehicles do you currently own?
7.1 ___ Street motorcycles
7.2 ___ Off-highway motorcycles
7.3 ___ ATVs
7.4 ___ Dual-sport motorcycles
7.5 ___ ROHVs (side-by-sides)
8. If you included a dual-sport motorcycle in your response to question 7, did you modify it to make it street legal in your state? (If you, or a previous owner, added lights, and/or other accessories to an off-highway motorcycle to make it street legal answer “Yes.” If your dual-sport motorcycle was originally manufactured for on-highway use, answer “No.”)
8.1 Yes
8.2 No
9. How many total miles did you ride your dual-sport motorcycles, off-highway motorcycles and/or ATVs in the last 12 months? (Check one box only.)
9.1 0-499
9.2 500-999
9.3
9.5
Mail in, or complete online at
10. Are your off-highway motorcycles or ATVs registered in your state as part of an off-highway vehicle program?
10.1 Yes
10.2 No
11. Your off-highway vehicles or dual-sport motorcycles are primarily used for: (Check one box only.)
11.1 Organized competition events
11.2 Organized Recreational events
11.3 Recreational riding, one day or less (not part of an organized event)
11.4 Backcountry touring (overnight or longer)
12. How many competitive or organized events did you participate in during 2013?
12.1 ___ Off-highway motorcycle events
12.2 ___ Dual-sport events
12.3 ___ ATV events
12.4 ___ Adventure tour events
12.5 ___ ROHV (side-by-side) events
13. In what type of competition do you most frequently participate? (Check ONLY one box.)
13.1 Enduro
13.2 Motocross
13.3 Hare & hound/harescrambles
13.4 Observed trials
13.5 Flat track
13.6 Other ________________________________
13.7 Don’t compete
14. How would you divide your recreational off-highway mileage among these five areas? (Your answers should total 100%.)
14.1 ___% National forest
14.2 ___% Federal Bureau of Land Management
14.3 ___% State land
14.4 ___% County/city/local public facility
14.5 ___% Private land
15. How far do you travel one way to the place you ride most often?
15.1 Less than 50 miles
15.2 50-100 miles
15.3 More than 100 miles
16. How many people, including yourself, are usually in your group when offhighway riding?
16.1 1 or 2
16.2 3 or 4
16.3 5 or more
17. How much do you and your group usually spend for food, accommodations and fuel on one of these trips?
17.1 $0-$99
17.2 $100-$199
17.3 $200-$299
17.4 $300 or more
18. How many gallons of fuel did you use for riding off-highway last year?
18.1 Less than 50
18.2 50 to 74
18.3 75 to 100
18.4 More than 100
19. Do you feel that special fees are an acceptable method for funding construction, operation and maintenance of recreational riding opportunities?
19.1 Yes
19.2 No
20. If your answer to question 19 is “yes,” which method do you prefer? (Check one box only.)
20.1 Annual registration fee
20.2 Per site, day-use fee
20.3 Other
Off-Highway Issue Survey 2014 (continued)
21. What do you feel is an acceptable annual registration fee per off-highway vehicle (motorcycle or ATV)? (Check one box only.)
21.1 $1-$15
21.2 $16-$30
21.3 $31-$50
21.4 More than $50
22. What do you feel is an acceptable day-use admission fee per person? (Check one box only.)
22.1 $1-$15
22.2 $16-$30
22.3 More than $30
23. Of the following issues, check the box on the left of that which you feel was the most important issue that motorcycle and ATV enthusiasts faced during the past two years. (Check one box only.)
23.1
23.5
23.6
24. In question 23 above, please check the box to the right for each issue with which you are not familiar.
25. Of the following issues, check the box on the left of that on which you think the AMA spent the most time. (Check one box only.) 25.1
31. If yes, with which of these groups did you volunteer? (Check all that apply.)
31.1 U.S. Forest Service
31.2 Federal Bureau of Land Management
31.3 Other federal agencies
31.4 State agency
31.5 County/local agency
31.6 Private property
32. Did you contribute financially to the AMA’s government relations efforts (Defender membership, AMPAC, etc.)? (Check all that apply.)
32.1 2012
32.2 2013
32.3 Didn’t contribute
33. Of the issues listed below, which do you believe has contributed the most to the loss of riding areas? (Check one box only.)
33.1 Excessive sound
33.2 Endangered species habitat
33.3 Irresponsible riders
33.4 Wilderness designation
33.5 Resource damage
33.6 Trespass
33.7 Land development
34. Check all of the motorized recreation advocacy activities in which you participated during the past year. (Check all that apply.)
34.1 Testified at a public hearing
34.2 Attended a public hearing but didn’t testify
34.3 Sent a letter to a politician or a government agency
34.4 Made a phone call to a politician or government agency
34.5 Wrote a letter to the editor or otherwise commented through the press
34.6 Attended a public land land-management meeting
34.7 Used e-mail to communicate with riders or to send messages to a politician or a government agency
34.8 Involvement in party politics or a campaign
34.9 Applied for a trails grant
34.10 Participated in party politics or a campaign
34.11 Used an AMA alert to contact a politician or government agency
34.12 Used social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to communicate with riders or to contact a politician or government agency
34.13 Didn’t participate in any of these activities
35. Under what age are governmental bans on the operation of off-highway motorcycles and ATVs appropriate? (Check one box only.)
35.1 4 years and younger
35.2 8 years and younger
35.3 12 years and younger
35.4 16 years and younger
35.5 No mandated age bans are acceptable
26. In question 25 above, please check the box to the right for the one issue on which you feel the AMA should have spent the most time. (Check one box only.)
27. Which of the following terms best describes your opinion of the AMA’s Government Relations Department?
27.1
27.3
27.4 Ineffective
28. In your opinion, where should the AMA’s Government Relations Department be concentrating its off-highway vehicle efforts? (Check one box only.)
28.1 Federal agencies (Forest Service, BLM, EPA)
28.2 U.S. Congress
28.3 State legislatures
28.4 State agencies (DNR, DEP, state park dept.)
28.5 County/local agencies (including riding opportunities on private property)
29. Are you a member of a formal or informal riding club or organization?
29.1 Yes, and it is AMA chartered
29.2 Yes, but it is not AMA chartered
29.3 Yes, but I don’t know if it is AMA chartered
29.4 Not a member of any club
30. Have you participated in any volunteer trail maintenance or riding area cleanup projects in the past 12 months?
30.1 Yes
30.2 No
36. Which methods of addressing youth OHV safety concerns do you feel are appropriate? (Check all that apply.)
36.1 Rider fit (must demonstrate ability to reach all controls, etc.)
Government Relations alerts can be sent to the following email address
STATEWATCH
DELAWARE
House Bill 56, sponsored by Rep. Daniel B. Short (R-Seaford), limits motor vehicle data-reporting devices to prohibit the use by insurance companies of such data for anything other than considering premium discounts, requires disclosure to the insured of others who may gain access the data, and otherwise prohibits insurance companies from releasing data to others. Signed into law May 8 by Gov. Jack Markell, the bill takes effect immediately.
LOUISIANA
On May 28, Gov. Bobby Jindal signed into law SB-317, which requires the following addition to the Louisiana Revised Statutes:
Provisions prohibiting the establishment of checkpoints where the only vehicles subject to or targeted for inspection are motorcycles, as defined. The law takes effect Aug. 1.
MICHIGAN
CALIFORNIA ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS RAISE QUESTIONS
AMA Seeks Information from NHTSA chief
The California Highway Patrol and local police departments have been spending federal money to set up and run Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations around the state.
During the operations, extra officers patrol roads frequented by motorcyclists and areas where motorcycle crashes are known to occur. The funds for the operations come from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grants.
While the AMA supports the grants’ goal of making the roads safer, the association is concerned that MSEOs have been deployed primarily to target motorcyclists, instead of focusing on overall driving behaviors—such as distracted driving—that make the roads more dangerous for all motorists.
The AMA wrote a letter to NHTSA Administrator David Friedman seeking information about the operations and their affect on motorcyclists’ rights. No response was received by the magazine’s publication deadline.
Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation in May encouraging motorcycle operators to
apply for a full operating endorsement rather than a temporary permit. H.B. 4781 allows a motorcyclist to apply for a temporary instruction permit only twice during a 10-year period. The permit enables a motorcyclist to ride for a period of 180 days, during daylight and without a passenger under the supervision of a fully endorsed motorcycle operator. Previously, there was no limit to the number of times a person could be granted a temporary permit.
MISSOURI
The Missouri General Assembly passed a bill that allows motorcycle and all-terrain vehicles (power sports equipment) to be sold, statewide, on Sundays. Kathi Harness, who lobbied for the bill on behalf of Worth HarleyDavidson of Kansas City, said the governor has until July 14 to approve the legislation. Some members of the Missouri Power Sports Dealers Association oppose the move and are expected to push for a veto.
Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-La.)
YOUR JOURNEY COULD LEAD YOU AROUND THE CORNER OR 300 MILES AWAY.
2014 GOLD WING F6B®
STREAMLINED FOR THE CITY AND POWER FOR EVERYTHING ELSE. This bike can do it all well. It’s nimble in the city and eats up the open road. Style-wise, its shorty windscreen and sleek, integrated hard bags make sure you’re going to get the thumbs-up wherever you decide to take the 1832cc of flat-six power.
Top 10 CiTies For MoTorCyClisTs
metropolis? No Problem. These urban Centers Offer motorcycling Respite
There are benefits—twisty roads outside your front door, garage space, low living expenses—to living in the middle of nowhere if you ride. But the reality for many of us is much more urban—traffic, stoplights, on-street parking, public transportation…
While motorcycles offer a lot of practical benefits to city dwellers, dwelling in the city can put some of the more fun parts of riding out of easy reach.
But some cities are less inconvenient than others, and a few are downright havens.
Focusing on major urban areas—only one on our list dips below 200,000 inhabitants—and taking advice from you, our members, we considered factors such as traffic and weather, as well as real estate’s three most-important qualities (location, location, location) to come up with this very unscientific list of the top 10 U.S. cities for motorcyclists.
There may be better places to live and ride, but if you have to live in the big city, these locales have a lot to offer.
No. 10: Boston, Mass.
Population: 645,966
We admit some handicapping for this jewel of the Northeast, but if you’re going to live with serious winters, Boston is a decent big city for motorcyclists.
First, Boston is a major city, with the conveniences you’d expect. There are world-class restaurants, great neighborhoods and plenty of opportunity.
While the great riding around Boston might not be obvious, it’s there if you look. Sweeping backroad rides take you north into New Hampshire and west toward Amherst. There’s the expected traffic, but a ride around Cape Cod is always a good time, and the old-country feel that permeates the New England area is something that you just can’t get out West.
No. 9: Cincinnati, Ohio
Population: 297,517
Cincinnati is a city of balance and compromise. It offers a big-city reputation with a small-town feel. With amenities such as great urban dining and professional sports teams, as well as defined neighborhoods with their own atmospheres, there’s a lot to like about this old Ohio River town.
While Cincinnati has milder weather than most of Ohio, there are definitely four seasons, with plenty of cold and snow in the winter months to keep most motorcyclists off the roads.
The appeal of Cincinnati is its proximity
to a variety of riding. There are the undiscovered curves of southern Ohio, the rolling hills of Kentucky and the incredible
routes that twist their way through West Virginia coal country.
No. 8: Albuquerque, N.M. Population: 556,495
The negative qualities portrayed in AMC’s hit “Breaking Bad” aside, the reality of living in Albuquerque is far more normal. For sure, there are great neighborhoods to call home in this cosmopolitan, if a bit isolated, desert community.
Once you’ve settled down, there’s a long list of roads to explore, most extending from the Interstate 40 and
25 corridors that cross through the city. But they all have one thing in common: breathtaking desert backdrops. Meteorologically speaking, all weather, from so-called “walking rain” to brilliant sunsets to lighting storms (best enjoyed off the bike), can be stunning.
Above all, Albuquerque captures the essence of the Wild West. Everything feels just a little less planned and a bit more free, whether you’re enjoying the open roads or relaxing in your own backyard desert oasis afterward.
No. 7: Reno, Nev.
Population: 233,294
Although Reno’s downtown is dominated by the casino scene, there’s wide variety in the neighborhoods, which are clean, safe and easy to get around.
The surrounding area offers numerous options for riding, from the the Tahoe Basin to Yosemite National Park. You can ride north on Nevada Route 447, skirting Pyramid Lake for some laid-back curves, or south toward Las Vegas and the backdrop of red rock desert.
Reno also serves as a gateway between the lushness of northern California and the more barren landscapes east. (The so-called Loneliest Road in America is the stretch of U.S. 50 across the state.) It’s not the greatest for twisties, but there’s plenty to explore and endless horizons to chase.
No. 6: Birmingham, Ala.
Population: 212,113
Although Birmingham’s nightlife may be a bit muted, The Magic City serves up a more refined slate of festivals, art shows, culinary options and cultural experiences.
Speaking of the finer things, the suburb of Leeds, Ala., is home to the world-class Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Situated on the grounds of the Barber Motorsports Park—a 700-plus-acre
motorsports facility that includes a 16turn, 2.38-mile road course—the museum offers a grandiose display of pristine motorcycles from all over the world.
The summer weather is humid, hot and a bit rainy, but riding seasons are long, winters are mild and the surrounding roads are excellent.
West of the city is the sprawling Bankhead Lake and great routes with names like Groundhog Road, Goodwater Road and Smith Camp Road. Lay Lake and even more tight twisties are south, while east is the Talladega National Forest and Cheaha State Park, which boast a number of great scenic byways.
If you hanker for the long summers, lush backdrops and ample curves of the South, Birmingham has you covered.
No.
5: Salt Lake City, Utah Population: 191,180
Salt Lake City seems bigger than its population suggests. It offers a bustling downtown area and a vibrant cultural community, and like most cities, there’s a neighborhood for every lifestyle.
Although Salt Lake City winters can be tough, and snowfall at times significant, the summers are dry and sunny. When the weather cooperates, the riding around Salt Lake City is amazing.
East, there’s Utah Routes 150 and 35 through the Uinta-Wasatch Cache National Forest. North, there’s a great twisty loop that runs from I-80 to the East Canyon Reservoir, while even farther north are some amazing rides toward Bear Lake.
The wide-open playground south of the city is arguably better, with Moab, Canyonlands National Park, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and more offering more paved bliss and glorious eye candy than you can imagine.
For race fans, there’s Miller Motorsports Park straight west on Interstate 80 and, just a little bit farther, the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats.
No. 4: Winston-Salem, N.C. Population:
236,411
Any one of the so-called Piedmont Triad of cities, which also includes Greensboro and High Point, could have made this list, but Winston-Salem gets the nod due to its proximity to the amazing routes found amid the convergence of three states.
Some of America’s best-known motorcycling roads are less than a day’s ride away, from Virginia’s Crooked Road to North Carolina’s Tail of the Dragon to Tennessee’s Cherohala Skyway, as well as a number of other black-top attractions that are among the most-accessible great riding roads the world has to offer.
The entire area is very motorcycle friendly, with an attitude that doesn’t just accept bikers, but embraces what twowheeled tourists bring to the economy.
As for Winston-Salem itself—perhaps the most affordable city on our list—the town is a haven for the arts, with a number of institutions of higher learning that offer a diversity of experiences.
No. 3: Portland,
Ore.
Population: 609,456
The top three cities on our list are big— more than half a million people big. After all, we not looking for great places just to live and ride, but great cities—period.
Portland is undoutedly one of them. The city caters to mobility, and the restaurants and coffee shops are among America’s best. After-ride libations? Perhaps no American town has more microbreweries.
Winters are relatively mild, and while there is a long rainy season, summer riding months are dry.
If you’re into the café racer or retroscooter subcultures, you may never want to leave the city limits, but if you do, west is the undulating Pacific coast, and east is the Columbia River Gorge—home to the must-attend Rally in the Gorge. There are amazing roads and scenery, including the
eye-popping Mount Hood. The majestic Cascade Mountain Range runs along the spine of Oregon and nearby Washington State. Beyond is wonderful high-desert openness with plentiful two-lane twisties and small towns to explore.
No. 2: Austin, Texas
Population: 885,400
With a great nightlife, bolstered by an amazing live music scene, a vibrant tech industry and cutting-edge coolness,
“third-coast” Austin boasts some of the best big-city selling points.
Although temperatures can get toasty in July and August, weather can’t be beat 10 months of the year, with sunshine and just enough rain to keep things green.
The public transportation system may be lacking, but that only means the freedom and maneuverability of a bike pay even bigger dividends. As for the riding
outside of the city, it’s some of the best.
Nearby, there are some great routes northwest (Lime Creek Road toward Marble Falls), southwest toward Canyon Lake, and west toward Johnson City.
Farther west, Texas Hill Country boasts some of the best year-round riding in America, with minimal traffic, great curves, smooth pavement and gorgeous backdrops. The two-lane twisties offer an enormous smorgasbord of motorcycling adventure, as far as you are willing to ride.
No. 1: San Francisco Population: 837,442
What San Francisco gives up in cost and congestion, it earns back with uniqueness and diversity, whether you are looking for that perfect condo or a
special night out. And the food? World class.
As for riding, even city routes are interesting, whether it’s the hills that twist between the urban canyons or the aweinspiring rides over the bay.
But what makes San Francisco the best motorcycle city in America is simple. If you venture outside the city limits—a ride no doubt facilitated by the freedom of legal lane splitting in the Golden State— you’re rewarded with some of the best motorcycle roads in the world.
The Pacific Coast Highway goes south, its coast-hugging curves delivering you to the motorcycling mecca of Monterey— home to Laguna Seca—and beyond.
North is more PCH, not to mention the picturesque Napa and Sonoma Valleys and some of the finest national forest riding in the country.
Head east and curve your way around California Route 130 or longer routes that lead you to the seemingly endless backroads of Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
San Francisco has it all—unparalleled big-city living with amazing motorcycling a short ride away. What more could an urbanbound American motorcyclist want?
Runner-ups
They may not have made it into the top 10, but these cities are among the standouts that were nominated for our list: Charleston, W.Va., Charlotte, N.C., Denver, Colo., Little Rock, Ark., Los Angeles, Calif., Milwaukee, Wis., Nashville, Tenn., Richmond, Va., Sacramento, Calif., St. Louis, Mo., San Antonio, Texas, San Diego, Calif., and Tucson, Ariz.
What big cities did we miss? Let us know at submissions@ama-cycle.org.
Honda’s Gold Wing
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AMA Race Center
Your one-stop online source for all your motocross, Arenacross and ATV Motocross results from AMA-sanctioned events. Search by event, date, and even your name! http://results.americanmotorcyclist.com
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You’ll find everything you need— from races to rules to advice, at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing. And as an AMA Competition Member, you’ll receive the competition edition of American Motorcyclist magazine.
AMA Roadside Assistance
Available at no extra charge if you choose to automatically renew your AMA membership.
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At Choice hotels, save15 percent off the best available rates at participating Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Rodeway Inn and Econo Lodge hotels. Use the Member Discount code #00947556.
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Plus, get a 20 percent discount off available rates at Red Roof Inn. For discounts, call (800) RED-ROOF and use the code VP+ 503343. You can also make reservations online at www.redroof.com. Just enter the code VP+ 503343 in the field labeled “VP+/ID#” when making reservations. The discount will be automatically applied.
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EagleRider offers a 15 percent discount at corporate locations on HarleyDavidson, Honda, BMW and Polaris rentals and tours. Call (888) 900-9901 or book at www. AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Membership/EagleRider.aspx, using discount code AMA014.
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Ride Where You Want
In the United States, call Federal Companies, an agent for Specialized Transportation, Inc., at (877) 518-7376 for at least $60 off standard rates. For international shipments, call Motorcycle Express at (800) 245-8726. To get your discount, be sure to have your AMA number handy. Motorcycle Express also offers temporary international insurance.
Car Rentals
Save Money When You Drive
Get up to 25 percent off prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency. For Avis, enter discount code: D388100. For Budget, enter code: Z942000. AMA
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AMA Gear
Buy AMA Stuff Online
Find unique patches, pins, posters, T-shirts and books at AmericanMotorcyclist.com and at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio. Details at www.MotorcycleMuseum.org.
Rider Accident Medical Plan
All members of the AMA are eligible to purchase coverage. Benefits are paid when a covered member is injured. See http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ Membership/Members_Only/DiscountCodes for details.
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Save 10 percent on complete product line—plus bonus. Go to www.actionstation. com/ama/ and use coupon code AMAB4U at checkout. AMA Members also receive exclusive discounted pricing on the Bohn Bodyguard System at www.bohn-armorpants.com/ama/.
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Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Supercrossonline.com and use password AMA15. AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Arenacross.com and use password AMA5OFF. Certain restrictions apply, call (800) 262-5646 for details.
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RACING AS A FAMILY
Motocross: The Ultimate Team Sport By
Family is a big part of motocross. Indeed, many of the people trackside at an amateur motocross race are related. Almost every rider has an entire family behind them. Moms and dads make sure everything is running smoothly. Brothers and sisters help get ready and cheer on their siblings.
Maranda Maliska
The racers barely take any breaks. All they have time to do is grab a drink of water and fix any minor problems on the bike.
There are some pros to having an entire day to practice. We can help our brothers on their techniques and pick certain lines to ride. It helps the rider a lot when there are many people watching them from different angles. I usually watch from the bleachers while our dad stands on the track giving the racers some advice.
The next day, we wake to the sounds of motorcycles warming up and bulldozers making last-minute track changes. It’s race day!
I lead my brother in some stretches. My dad always makes omelets. The smell of race gas circulates through the air, and the weather is beautiful.
It’s the perfect day for racing.
Morning practice is only 15 minutes, giving the riders just enough time to get used to track changes. Families group around the riders at the starting gates.
We all give them advice.
“Try your hardest,” Amanda Gardner tells Blake. “Ride to your best ability. Good luck and I love you.”
The starts are the most nerve-racking part of the race because it has so much to do with the finishing order. Riders often move up or down through the pack as the race goes on, but you often finish close to where you are off the start.
“I hate the starts,” says my mom, Heather Maliska. “I am so nervous, I don’t want to look, but at the same time, I want to see how Justin does.”
The race itself is over in short order, but all the preparation, practice and dedication is worth the thrill of the competition.
By Maranda Maliska
All this is true in my family, and it’s true in many, many more.
California motocrosser Blake Gardner, 10, has two sisters: Megan, 13, and Amanda, 16. They always help pack up for the weekend’s big race.
“With everybody’s help, it only takes an hour, unlike if I have to pack up by myself,” says Blake’s dad Dave Gardner.
“It has become part of my life,” Amanda says. “When I’m not there, I’m not home.”
We see the Gardners often, including at a recent race. On the other side of
the track, our family arrives. We find a great place to park the camper and start unloading. We have a normal routine so we don’t get in each other’s way. My dad unloads the motorcycles, my mother starts to cook dinner if we arrive early at the track, and my 10-year-old brother, and racer, Justin Maliska, plays with my other brother, Travis, 4, so he doesn’t get in the way of our dad.
We have a lot of friends at the track— and don’t think the brothers do all the racing. Kayla Calnan, a great friend of ours and one of the best female riders out there, can pin it. When you first meet her, you might not think she’s a tough, fast motocross racer, but nothing slows her down—just like Blake and Justin.
“It is nice living in Southern California because there are so many motocross tracks right outside your door,” says Kayla’s dad Ramzey Calnan.
Saturday is practice day and one of the most tiring days. Every 30 minutes, another class of riders is out on the track.
“When the checkered flag comes out, the butterflies in my stomach go away and I can breathe again,” Amanda Gardner says. “Seeing Blake cross the finish line makes me so happy. I feel like I have done my job.”
Knowing your little brother or sister has placed makes everyone in the family feel like they have accomplished something. Everyone works so hard together.
“Last weekend, Blake got first place in 65cc 9-11 and second place in 65cc Open,” says Karen Gardner. “I was so proud of him, and he was proud too. He worked really hard to get where he is today. Now he is first in points in his age and is overjoyed.”
Of course, winning is great, but for all of us, doing our best and working together as a team is its own reward.
The Maliska family belongs to Southern California’s motocross community. Do you have a racing family story? Tell us at submissions@ama-cycle.org.
Conrad Lim
Pictured (tallest to shortest): Ivan Maliska, Maranda Maliska, Heather Maliska, Travis Maliska and Justin Maliska
BILLY JANNIRO TAKES AMA SPEEDWAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OPENER
Costa Mesa Kickoff Delivers Top First-Round Action
Four-time AMA National Champion
Billy Janniro opened with a seven-win display in the first round of the 2014 AMA Speedway National Championship Series at Costa Mesa Speedway.
It will be tough to bet against Janniro in the four-race series as he heads into the second round with the maximum 21 points. The chasing pack provided close and exciting racing, but considering they all took points off each other throughout the night, Janniro has a six-point lead heading to Ventura on June 28.
Tyson Burmeister took second in the final in one of the best performances of his career, finishing with 15 points. In Heat 17, he gave Janniro his toughest challenge, but the defending champ ultimately finished out front.
Charlie Venegas won four of his heats, but a third in his other heat gave ground to Janniro. A last place in the final meant he stayed on 15 points, but is placed second in the standings by virtue of more race wins on the night than Burmeister.
Last year’s fourth-place rider, Max Ruml, recovered from a slow start with three heat wins. His third in the final puts him fourth in points. Buck Blair, with 12 points from his heats and a third place in the semi finals, is right behind and in striking distance of a podium spot.
For the first time, the series has four rounds at four venues. Round 2 was scheduled for Ventura Raceway on June 28. Round 3 visits Industry Raceway on Aug. 9, and the series concludes at Fast Fridays Speedway in Auburn on Sept. 19.
BRAD BAKKEN GETS FIRST NATIONAL ENDURO WIN Nick Fahringer Gains In Points Race
Brad Bakken grabbed his first-ever national victory with an impressive performance at the Jester National Enduro in Arrington, Va., taking advantage of the absence of point leader Charlie Mullins who dislocated his wrist earlier in the week.
The Jester National Enduro was a new addition to this year’s Kenda AMA National Enduro Championship Series. Held on the 5,000-acre Oakridge estates and featuring never-before-used single-track, the event quickly sold out its 600-entry allotment.
Bakken got a quick start in the 65-mile contest, winning the opening test of the day and building a cushion that he would rely on for the rest of the race. Test one was the only test the N-Fab/Am Pro Yamaha rider won all day, but it gave him enough of an edge to hold off runner-up fi nisher Nick Fahringer by 15 seconds to claim his fi rst series win.
“I’m just really excited to get my first overall win, and especially to get it here in Virginia,” said Bakken afterwards. “I knew going in it was going to be a fun event because it’s kind of like a home race for me.”
Bakken’s win was the first for
Yamaha since Mullins won the championship in 2010 before switching to KTM. Bakken’s win was also the first for a 250F.
Fahringer came on strong in the end to secure second after getting off to a slow start. The AirGroup Husqvarna racer was eighth fastest in the six-anda-half-mile opening section, which put him in a hole from the get-go. However, the Ohio rider won tests two, four and five to move up into contention for the win.
“I dug down deep, and I think I beat Brad in all the rest of the tests, but I just put myself in too deep of a hole in that first test,” Fahringer said after the race. “But honestly, this was a home race for Brad and he made me work for it and I just came up a little short.”
Grant Baylor rounded out the podium, the KTM factory support rider finishing 24 seconds behind Fahringer.
Despite the absence of Mullins, the FMF/KTM rider still holds the lead in the series points standings thanks to his 40-point lead heading into the Virginia race. However, after the Jester National, Fahringer is just 15 points back, with Bakken another six points out.—Shan Moore
Shan Moore
SMAGE UNDEFEATED AFTER KANSAS MOTOTRIALS
Sherco USA Rider Dominating Field
Pat Smage continued his domination of the 2014 Aires AMA/NATC MotoTrials National Championship Series on May 31 and June 1 with a pair of wins at rounds three and four of the series in Sedan, Kan.
Smage finished Saturday’s round with a total of just two penalty points, the Sherco USA rider going 1-1-0 over the three laps. Meanwhile, Gas Gas USA’s Martin
Matejicek, from the Czech Republic, was much improved over his American MotoTrial debut at Colorado’s first round, finishing second overall with a total of 22 points.
Sherco USA teammates Logan Bolopue and Daniel Blanc-Gonnet battled for the final step of the podium, with Bolopue finding his groove on the final lap to take
U.S. WORLD TROPHY TEAM ANNOUNCED
American Team Hopes To Improve On 2013’s Second-Place Finish
The AMA has announced the U.S. World Trophy Team for the 89th International Six Days Enduro, the world’s premier off-road world championship event. Leading the U.S. riders in San Juan, Argentina, Nov. 3-8, will be Mike Brown, Thad Duvall, Charlie Mullins, Zach Osborne, Taylor Robert and Kailub Russell.
Antti Kallonen, who guides KTM’s off-road racing teams in North American competition, manages the U.S. team.
“Our Trophy team is a strong, experienced team that will work well together toward our goal of winning the World Trophy,” Kallonen says. “Despite our loss of Team Captain Kurt Caselli, our team is motivated and ready to step up and win for Kurt. Kurt, along with his dad, was the most influential person to push the AMA-led effort and the U.S. team to the next level. This year’s race being in South America means there is no home advantage for the European teams, and
I’m expecting us to take advantage of this and provide a strong result.”
In 2013, the U.S. World Trophy Team finished second, equaling its finish from 1982. The U.S. squad has never won the prestigious event.
“It is a longstanding American dream to win Six Days,” says AMA OffRoad Manager Chuck Weir. “Last year, our riders showed us what they can do on the world stage. For 2014, we’re ready to take our game to the next level. Our goal is no less than a team world championship at the ISDE this November.”
Brown, from Bluff City, Tenn., will serve as team captain.
“I’m honored to once again represent the United States at the ISDE, and I’m humbled to serve as team captain this year,” says Brown, who races Husqvarna motorcycles. “I hope to make Kurt proud in Argentina and help lead the U.S. riders to a world championship.”
Robert, from Scottsdale, Ariz., was the
third by a four-point margin over Gonnet.
On Sunday, Smage got off to a somewhat shaky start, taking a five in the second section of the day when his rear wheel went out of bounds in a relatively easy part of the section. The Sherco rider took another four points before the end of the lap for a total of nine points for the opening lap.
Like he’s done so many times before, Smage knuckled down over the next two laps, logging a four and a two for laps two and three, and finishing out the day with a total of 15 points to take his fourth-straight win of the series.
Matejicek, who is getting better with each event, was solid on Sunday, but the Gas Gas rider was still a bit off of Smage’s pace and in the end claimed the runner-up position with a total of 47 for the day.
Bolopue and Blanc-Gonnet continued their battle over third, with Bolopue once again finding his way to the final step of the podium after beating out BlancGonnet by 18 points, 81 to 99.
At the halfway point in the series, Smage holds a 20-point lead in the championship standings over Matejicek, 120 points to 100. Bolopue is third overall with 81 points, while Blanc-Gonnet is fourth with 70.—Shan Moore
top-finishing American in 2013 and the KTM rider will play a big role in the U.S. effort this year.
“I’m excited to return to Six Days to compete against the rest of the world,” Robert says. “We have a great team put together and the conditions in Argentina are expected to be similar to what we see on the West Coast. I’m looking forward to great results.”
Mullins, from Hickory, N.C., also will race a KTM at Six Days. Osborne, from Abingdon, Va., and Duvall, from Williamstown, W.Va., will race Hondas.
Brown, Robert, Mullins, Osborne and Duvall were members of the U.S. World Trophy Team in 2013. New to the U.S. World Trophy Team is Russell, from Kingston, Ohio. A KTM rider, he made his Six Days debut in 2013 when he was a member of the U.S. Junior Trophy Team.
The World Trophy Team is one of three premier teams that represent the United States at the ISDE. The others are the Junior Trophy Team, which fields four riders under age 23, and the Women’s Trophy Team, which fields three female riders. Several club team members also represent the United States at the event.
Shan Moore Simon Cudby
Taylor Robert
AMA Member Tested
BELL MOTO-9 CARBON
MSRP: $549.95
Info: www.bellhelmets.com
For me, the Bell Moto-6 was a milestone in dirt-bike helmet design. Adding to the greatness was the option of the Jeremy McGrath replica graphics by Troy Lee Designs. Having that lightweight, comfortable helmet with the eye-catching signature graphics of Mr. Supercross always garnered attention.
pads were snug. You might investigate optional cheek pads to fine tune your fit. Once riding, I was never uncomfortable. The visor is easy to adjust. The screws have tabs that lift up for grasping. If your gloves aren’t too thick, adjusting is doable without removing them. The roost guard around the front is just the right size to complement the clip-on goggle nose guard on my Smith goggles.
I’m still waiting for an air-conditioned motocross helmet. But until then, venting will have to do. The Moto-9 offers more than 15 vents to flow air over the top and out the back. The airflow is on par for a premium helmet—noticeable, not necessarily exceptional.
Fast forward more than a decade. The new Moto-9 Carbon is another great helmet and further evidence that Bell has made a fine comeback.
The Moto-9 Carbon is primarily fiberglass with a carbon fiber top layer sealed under a deep clear coat. It looks great in the sun if you appreciate the pattern of well-laid carbon fiber. The medium I tested was 3.7 pounds on my kitchen scale and put it to within one ounce of another premium brand I wear.
Initially, I thought the shell looked big with all its angles, moldings, and vents, but the helmet feels small when it’s on. I’m a consistent medium and my impression is the Moto-9 runs comparatively small and favors a round, oval crown over an oval crown. The cheek
The liner comes out effortlessly for cleaning. The Moto-9’s cheek pads are held in with small, powerful magnets, making emergency helmet removal easy with just a downward pull. There is even a magnet in the end of the chinstrap that holds itself to the D-rings when you have the helmet cinched.
I’m seeing more Bell helmets back out on the track again. I think for good reason. The new Moto-9 has the features and quality to stand with its premium competition. Now, if Bell only offered it in a retro McGrath replica.—Tom Berry
JAY SALLSTROM SAILS AT FREEMANSBURG HILLCLIMB
‘Perfect’ Ride Secures Win
Round two of the AMA Pro Hillclimb Championship in Freemansburg, Pa., on June 8 appeared set until Jay Sallstrom unleashed a perfect ride in the second half to take the Unlimited Class win by nearly a half-second. John Koester and Nick Drummer each chalked up repeat wins in Xtreme and Pro Sport classes. First half Unlimited Class competition was dominated by Vinny Nuzzolilli with a 9.116-second run, and E.T. Scott Wentz Jr. was second at 9.757 seconds. Everyone else was over 10 seconds. It all changed in the second half when Sallstrom crested in just 8.671 seconds.
In Xtreme Hillclimb, Sallstrom set an early pace at 9.187 seconds. Koester bested him by nearly twotenths at 9.007 seconds. Phil Libhart wedged into third in his first run with a 9.449 E.T. The order of the top three didn’t change after the half.
In Pro Sport, Nick Drummer rode last in the order and topped the hill, and all the other riders, with a 14.429-second ride.
KAILUB RUSSELL IN CONTROL OF GNCCs
Charlie Mullins Out With Injury
Through the first seven rounds of the 2014 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Maxxis, an AMA National Championship, it’s been a head-to-head battle for the XC1 title between Factory FMF/KTM teammates Kailub Russell and Charlie Mullins. However, with Mullins removed from championship chase due to a recent injury, reigning champ Russell was poised to take over the points lead, and he did so in a dominant fashion at the 25th running of the Wiseco John Penton GNCC in Millfield, Ohio.
The stage was set at Sunday Creek Raceway for a beautiful and dry day of racing. The day began with sunny skies and warm temperatures but a few rain showers in the hour leading up to 1 p.m. start made for an interesting afternoon.
N-Fab AmPro Yamaha rider Paul Whibley got off to a great start, but the two-time champ fell back to eighth place on the opening lap. Russell capitalized on a mistake by Whibley and took control of the pace right away and led for the duration of the three-hour race.
By Tom Berry
Jeff Whitehead Hill K.
SOUND STRATEGY: EDUCATING RIDERS AND THE PUBLIC
Nine More Groups Armed With Decibel-Measuring Devices
The AMA’s Sound Meter Grant Program made it possible for nine more organizations to obtain sound meter kits in 2014 and begin testing vehicles in their clubs and communities. Since the program’s inception, the AMA has awarded 87 kits to groups around the country.
The sound testing kit consists of a Type 2 sound meter, tachometer, training materials, spark arrester probe, personal protective equipment and a storage case.
The 2014 recipients include ABATE of Illinois (represented here by “Hunter” John Harris, off-road legislative representative); Albany-Schenectady Harley Owners Group (James Diegel, club AMA representative); AMA District 16 (Brett Lobajeski, dual-sport and road referee); and the Arizona Motorcycle Rider Association (Brian Jones, association secretary).
They also include Big Bike Riders’ Children’s Foundation (Ron Catronio, chairman of the board); Redding Dirt Riders (Karl Hankins, president); Shaft Twisters (Pat O’Connor, member and grant writer); Tri-State Motorcycle Club Ltd. (Gerry O’Neill, president); and Wisconsin Off-Highway Motorcycle Association (Bryan Much, member of WOHMA, the Governor’s State Trails Council and the Governor’s Off-Road Vehicle Council).
We asked each of the 2014 recipients about the program and their plans for the sound meters. Here’s an excerpt from their responses.
AM: What prompted your organization to apply for a sound meter grant?
ABATE’S HARRIS: ABATE of Illinois does not ever want a noise ordinance or law at the state, city or county level.
HOG’S DIEGEL: Loud exhausts on motorcycles have been a longstanding issue within our community and surrounding areas. Applying for the sound meter grant program was our first step in the process of creating an awareness campaign.
AMA DISTRICT 16’S LOBAJESKI: All of our AMA-sanctioned dual sport rides require a sound check. With almost 200 riders, the mornings can get quite busy and an extra meter helps things flow faster.
RDR’S HANKINS: I was at the Chappie-
Shasta OHV area one day, and there was a young rider with a really loud motorcycle riding around. I had just read about the AMA sound meter grants in the American Motorcyclist magazine and the idea was born. I thought, if I was annoyed by this single bike’s loud noise, how do the nonriders feel about it?
WOHMA’S MUCH: In working to expand our riding opportunities, I realized how important it is to convince other groups that we are very active in policing ourselves with regard to excessive noise and adverse behaviors.
AM: What specific goals do you hope to accomplish by using the meter?
BBR’S CATRONIO: We hope to create
more and better awareness of local noise pollution.
RDR’S HANKINS: Sound testing during tech inspection prior to our events—a poker run, AMA West Harescrambles and AMA-sanctioned family and championship enduros—educational seminars/safety days; and compliance with recreational permits.
ST’S O’CONNOR: We want to foster public awareness and increase rider awareness.
TSMC’S O’NEILL: To educate all motorcycle and ATV owners on being sensitive to and respecting the rights of those individuals/citizens not involved in the motorcycling community and also to educate and encourage our youth riders in the importance of respecting the rights of others and promoting being responsible citizens, since they are the future of our sport.
AM: How receptive is your organization to this type of testing?
ABATE’S HARRIS: It has become an issue with some people on what is noise and what is not. When you have motorcyclists running straight pipes or dirt bikes without baffles, they can be very loud and illegal. It’s those motorcyclists that cause us the problems 90 percent of the time.
AMRA’S JONES: This is a part of racing today, and we work closely with the Arizona State Land Trust, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and private land owners to ensure we don’t lose more riding areas.
COLORADO COLLABORATION FORMS BASIS FOR FUTURE
Diverse Groups Reach Compromise, Stand United For Hermosa Creek
By Jim Witters
What started four years ago as a community discussion about watershed protection in the San Juan National Forest in Colorado evolved into a wide-ranging collaboration involving divergent interests and resulted in compromises and the writing of a proposal for federal legislation.
Off-highway motorcyclists were involved from the outset.
The Hermosa Watershed Protection Act of 2013 is designed to protect the water supply, set aside and protect pristine lands and provide diverse recreational opportunities, including off-highwayvehicle use.
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced S.841 on April 25, 2013. And U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton (R-Cortez) introduced H.R. 1839 on May 6, 2013.
The House Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation held a March 6 hearing on H.R. 1839.
Along its path to the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C., the bill garnered support from OHV riders, environmentalists, snowmobilers,
bicyclists, hikers, businesses, politicians and activist groups.
All the groups involved in its drafting remain hopeful that the bill will pass and be signed into law by the president.
The constituent parties praise the process that led to agreement and tout the promise of continued cooperation on similar issues.
Not the first attempt
This eff ort marked the “fi fth time since 1969 that the community discussed the value of the Hermosa watershed to the quality of life and economic stability in our community,” says Ed Zink, whose family has ranched and operated a hunting business in the area since the early 1900s.
“These bills exemplify the model the American Motorcyclist Association supports, in which various groups work together to protect Wilderness, while guaranteeing off-highway-vehicle access in other areas,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.
“Once again the value of high-quality water was rated as the highest value the resource provided,” says Zink, who has operated retail bicycle/sporting goods and motorcycle/snowmobile businesses since 1968 and served on citizen advisory boards to both the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management for the past 45 years.
The four previous discussions about Hermosa were initiated by administrative actions of the Forest Service, according to
by location. An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old. Fuel charges are extra. Rental must begin by 12/31/12. 12/31/13.
U.S. Sen Michael Bennet (D-Colo.)
U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton (R-Cortez)
Grand Junction
Denver
Durango
Zink. The most recent effort resulted from the local “water community, especially the Trout Unlimited Five Rivers Chapter.”
“They were discussing the possibility of designating the Hermosa as a Wild and Scenic stream, which TU wanted and the Colorado water users didn’t want,” Zink says. “Early on in the process, it became obvious that to protect the water requires that the land from which the water fl ows is protected. This focus required that all water and land users must be at the table.
“They all came, and everyone helped reach the agreement.”
Recalcitrant agency
The BLM’s plan called for retaining a Wilderness Study Area, which would have prevented OHV access to an area that the off-road community viewed as valuable for motorized recreation.
“The BLM was reluctant to allow motorized recreation in the study area, but a lot of the locals thought it had already been released, because a Wilderness Area had been designated,” says Scott Jones, the Colorado Snowmobile Association representative to the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition and a participant in the Hermosa working group.
“The BLM could have grandfathered motorized use, because it was part of the 1976 plan, but the agency didn’t want to budge,” Jones says. “So we got the senator and the congressman involved.”
Bennet, Tipton roles
“We were working on Hermosa Creek from the beginning,” says Adam Bozzi, Bennet’s communications director.
Bennet staff members sit on the River Protection Workgroup steering committee that created the Hermosa Creek Workgroup process.
“We also attended meetings of the Hermosa Creek workgroup that drafted the original report,” Bozzi says. “Then we worked with the Hermosa Creek Drafting Committee to translate the workgroup report into legislation.”
In addition, Bennet hosted a community meeting and hike into the Hermosa Creek watershed.
“Once it was clear that all of the key stakeholders and local governments had reached a broadly supported consensus, he committed to introducing the legislation,” Bozzi says.
Tipton became involved early in 2013, after the local stakeholders voiced support for the preservation of the watershed and
“the multiple use recreation opportunities it provides,” says Jason Eastman, Tipton’s deputy press secretary.
“When it comes to public lands, the Hermosa Creek Watershed included, Congressman Tipton believes that any possible change in designation or management should be done through a bottom-up process, driven by community support and broad consensus,” Eastman says. “This effort has broad consensus and support, and was locally driven from the ground up. As such, Congressman Tipton agreed to introduce legislation.”
Professional facilitator
With the interests of environmentalists, motorized recreational users, sportsmen, hunters, hikers, mountain bikers, businesses and community activist groups at stake, the working groups held the potential for internal strife and deepening rifts.
“At first it was a little adversarial,” says Jones. “We usually shut down when they propose a new Wilderness Area.”
Other groups had deeply entrenched public stances they had to put on the table for group discussion, if a true compromise was the goal.
Enter Marsha Porter-Norton, a Durangobased professional facilitator.
“The discussions were incredibly diverse, with over 40 people participating in almost every meeting, and with over 100 attending the first few meetings and remaining on an email tree,” Porter-Norton says. “The meetings were civil but also, participants did not shy away from talking about very complex topics.”
The organizing group—the River Protection Workgroup Steering Committee—designed the process:
• Examining values;
• Gaining accurate information about Hermosa Creek;
Members of the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition ride the Hermosa Creek trailes. and were one of the groups that helped craft the protective legislation.
Courtesy
• Brainstorming the levels of protection desired and protection tools; and
• Working to find consensus.
Once the principles and parameters were in place, Bennet’s staff wrote the legislation, with support from Tipton’s office and from U.S. Sen. Mark Udall.
Keys to compromise
“The whole nature of having a Wilderness Area in combination with a Special Management Area seem to be tools that allow the various interests to get their needs met,” Porter-Norton says. “Some would have liked more Wilderness. Some might have desired no Wilderness at all. The SMA is more flexible.
“The combination of these two tools seems to create a sweet spot for compromise.”
Jones agrees.
“This proposal has some Wilderness and a management area, and they are releasing the Wilderness Study Area. That was the tipping point for us,” he says.
The San Juan Citizens Alliance—a group that promotes environmental, social, and economic justice—sought more than 50,000 acres of Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River status for many of
“The BLM was reluctant to allow motorized recreation in the study area, but a lot of the locals thought it had already been released, because a Wilderness Area had been designated. The BLM could have grandfathered motorized use, because it was part of the 1976 plan, but the agency didn’t want to budge. So we got the senator and the congressman involved.”
— Scott Jones, the Colorado Snowmobile Association representative to the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition
the streams in the Hermosa watershed, says Jimbo Buickerood, public lands coordinator for the organization.
His group proved willing to trade some of those initial demands for the greater good.
“We see the benefits as ones that will come to the entire community, as well as visitors to the area,” Buickerood says. “If we were to see it in a ‘myopic sense’ of what our group, or any other group or interest, would gain specifically, then the legislation would never have progressed as far as it has to date.”
Foundation laid
“In general, I feel our communities benefit from working out complex natural resource issues,” says Porter-Norton.
“We benefit by bearing in mind long-term conservation values, but also considering economic, recreational and water planning values, as well.
“Also, ensuring that tools are available to protect water quality in an entire watershed was a rallying point everyone agreed with. Everyone wants clean water to drink, bathe in, and for growing crops and other uses. That universal goal brought people together,” she explains.
Jones describes the process: “The Hermosa legislation has developed a blueprint for management of public lands outside the traditional planning process within the (federal) agencies.”
Buickerood says he hopes the Hermosa experience “will transfer to other mutual benefits related to stewardship of public lands and collaboration related to resolving other ‘tough to crack’ issues related to natural resources in the region.”
Bennet sums it up this way: “The middle-ground agreement that they came up with shows that we can still work together to find common sense solutions to move forward together.”
discounT
on spoT peRsonAl TRAckeRs
Exclusive Benefit On Service
AMA members now can subscribe to the leading satellite personal tracking system for less. The SPOT family of products, which includes the SPOT Gen3 satellite GPS messenger, SPOT Global Phone and all new theftalert tracking device, SPOT Trace, will provide AMA members with an unprecedented and exclusive service credit on SPOT products.
SPOT uses satellite technology to work virtually anywhere on the planet. It allows users to log their travels online in near real-time. In addition, SPOT messaging devices can, at the push of a button, locate the user and send a pre-programmed text or e-mail message to friends, family or if necessary, send an SOS alert to emergency responders via GEOS (the International Emergency Response Coordination Center).
The recently launched SPOT Trace allows motorcyclists to track their bike and receive alerts when movement is
detected.
Discounts apply to the SPOT Gen3, SPOT Global Phone and SPOT Trace. Learn more about these devices at www.FindMeSPOT.com/ama. For details about how to take advantage of these discounts, visit www. americanmotorcyclist.com > Member Discount Codes.
AMA RoAd RAce GRAnd chAMpionship heAdinG To Millville, n.J.
Set For Sept. 6-7 At New Jersey Motorsports Park
Amateur road racers will race for AMA national No. 1 plates on Sept. 6-7 when the 2014 AMA Road Race Grand Championship heads to New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, N.J.
“America’s top amateur road racers deserve a top-notch track and a great program,” says AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “Working with our event partners at the American Sportbike Racing Association and the Championship Cup Series, we’ll provide that venue for amateur racers across a number of skill-, age- and displacement-based classes.”
The AMA Road Race Grand Championship will run in conjunction with CCS classes. As always, the 2014 AMA Road Race Grand Championship will welcome racers from all clubs and organizations, and is open to all licensed road racing AMA members.
The whole ASRA/CCS family is excited to be working with the AMA again on the AMA Road Race Grand Championship,” says ASRA LLC President Kevin Elliott. “This prestigious event is doing what it is intended to do: bring the best of amateur road racing to the forefront of the sport.”
Riders will get ample track time and an opportunity to race against the country’s fastest amateur racers. The best compete for the AMA Road Racing Horizon Award, which is awarded to the rider showing the most promise for success in the professional ranks.
“By hosting the event at New Jersey Motorsports Park, on the same Thunderbolt Circuit that AMA Pro Road Racing will use for its final event, the AMA Horizon Award will take on even more significance,” Elliott adds. “We will witness what amazing athletes there are coming onto the national stage by their performance at the AMA Road Race Grand Championship.”
For more information, see www.ccsracing.us.
Jen Muecke
BONNEVILLE IS CALLING
AMA Land Speed Grand Championships Will Be Aug. 23-28
The world’s fastest motorcyclists will compete for their place in history Aug. 23-28 as they race for records at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials.
Over a typical running of the sixday event, the AMA clocks numerous provisional record-setting runs in classes featuring everything from 50cc mini-bikes to 3,000cc top-speed machines.
“The Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, also known as the AMA Land Speed Grand Championships, is one of the most unique competition events that we sanction,” says AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “Every year the competition gets even more fierce, and we expect 2014 to be one of the most challenging ever.”
Delvene Manning, owner of Deliciate Promotions LLC and the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials and former daughter-in-law of long-time event promoter and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Denis Manning, says that she’s excited to take the reins of the event.
“Denis shepherded land-speed racing into a new era, drawing competitors from all corners of the country and all backgrounds to chase their place in the record books,” she says. “We have everyone from weekend warriors to factory teams at this event, and we’re looking forward to carrying on the grand tradition of AMA championship land-speed racing on the Bonneville Salt Flats.”
A number of high-profile attempts are
expected this year. One is the Castrol Rocket, a 1,000-horsepower motorcycle with an eye on the outright land-speed record. Backed by Castrol and Triumph, the Hot Rod Conspiracy/Carpenter Racing Castrol Rocket will be ridden by former Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo.
DiSalvo will be chasing the current record of 376.363 mph set by rider Rocky Robinson and builder Mike Akatiff in 2010.
“The outright land-speed record is one of motorcycle competition’s great triumphs,” Saillant says. “It is an enormous undertaking to compete for titles that push the frontiers of human achievement, and the investment, practice and teamwork that goes into just a few seconds of time at speed on the track is both mind-boggling and awe-inspiring.”
For more information, see www.bonnevillespeedtrials.com.
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1992 YAMAHA YZ125
Jeff Emig’s First Championship
This 1992 Yamaha YZ125 is the bike that started AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Emig’s professional championship run. In the 1990s, Emig had one of the most successful careers of any U.S. racer with four AMA National Championships and three stints on title-winning FIM Motocross of Nations teams. With this Yamaha, Emig claimed the 1992 AMA National Motocross Championship.
The Yamaha was considered underpowered as a production bike, but Emig’s personal mechanic, Steve Butler, and Yamaha’s engine technician, Bob Oliver, tuned it into one of the most powerful bikes on the circuit.
Emig says that one strength of the YZ125
was its “mono-jet carburetor.” The pilot jet was closed off so that all fuel was fed through the main jet, with custom-filed needle jets used for fine tuning.
Small bore 125cc two-stroke engines were very temperamental, and Emig’s finesse on the track, and his team’s expertise off it, turned this Yamaha into one of the most legendary bikes in AMA Motocross history.
This bike is on loan to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame from Jeff Emig, who was inducted in 2004. You can see it, along with many of the other machines that have shaped the history of American motorcycling, at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, features the people and machines that have defined the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling in America. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that receives support from the AMA and from the motorcycling community. For info and directions, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.
Photos Rainer Ziehm
Hall of Famer
Mike Bast: speedway ChaMpion
Mike Bast was the top American speedway rider of the 1970s. A prolific performer, Bast compiled an amazing win record in speedway racing after the sport’s U.S. revival in the late 1960s. He established a record of seven American Speedway Championships, including an incredible streak of five consecutive titles from 1975 through 1979.
Bast was born in Los Angeles in 1953. He grew up in Van Nuys, Calif., in a family of motorcycle racers. Mike and his older brother, Steve, watched their Uncle Harlan race off-road and flat track races while growing up.
“We couldn’t wait to get old enough to race,” Mike says of his childhood. “I started riding when I was 9 and racing when I was 10.”
At first, the Bast brothers raced TTs and scrambles around Southern California, before getting flat-track experience on short tracks in the area. Mike’s first racing bike was a 50cc Honda C110. One of his first big wins came at the Grand Prix at Corriganville (later known as the Hopetown GP) in 1965 when he won the 50cc amateur class.
Bast’s future in racing took a sharp turn in 1968 when his family saw a poster advertising speedway races at Whiteman Stadium in Pacoima, which was close to their home. Whiteman Stadium was built on the corner of the Whiteman Airport. A quarter-mile asphalt track was built and later an eighth-mile speedway track was fashioned inside that oval.
Former speedway racer Dude Criswell began promoting the races, trying to revive the sport of speedway in America.
The competition utilized powerful 500cc single-cylinder alcohol-burning motors stuffed inside spindly-looking motorcycles with narrow tires. Riders raced on tight little bullring oval dirt tracks with no brakes and managed the bikes with delicate throttle control through the turns, pitching them sideways at seemingly impossible angles.
The Basts went to check out the racing at Whiteman and saw a few old speedway bikes circulating.
“We got our Bultaco short track bikes and came out the next week,” Bast says. “We didn’t know it at the time, but we were right there in the middle of the rebirth of speedway racing here in America.”
A year or so after Bast began racing speedway, he witnessed an exhibition put on by speedway world champions Ivan
Mauger and Barry Briggs, both of New Zealand.
“We were all racing American short track style [leaning the bikes into the turns] trying to ride like Sammy Tanner, Don Hawley and Eddie Mulder,” Bast says. “Mauger and Briggs showed us how to ride the real speedway style. We’d never seen anything like it before. They gave a school to us and taught us how to ride those old vintage bikes.
“Pretty soon Jack Milne began importing Jawa speedway bikes and selling them out of his shop in Pasadena,” he says. “Around 1970, we all had stateof-the-art speedway bikes. The sport really began to flower after that.”
With Speedway racing popping up all across California, Bast, still in his teens, found himself starting to earn very good money.
“In 1970 and ’71, I was averaging $2,000 per week racing speedway,” he says. “We started getting a percentage of the gate, and at a lot of these races we were packing 8,000 to 10,000 spectators in those little stadiums.
“I never had a trade. I just kept racing five nights a week,” Bast says. “Before we knew it, we were living a dream.”
In 1971, Bast surprised everyone by winning his first American Speedway Championship in a runoff against Mike Konle at the Costa Mesa Speedway at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Southern California. He was just 18 years old at the time.
“My dream was always to be a champion, and when I crossed the line I had tears in my eyes,” Bast says of winning his first national title. “I put my whole life into speedway racing and I was in awe that I won the championship.”
Bast lost the title to Rick Woods in ’72, before coming back to win the championship for a second time in 1973. Mike’s brother, Steve, won his second title in 1974. Then Mike went on his run of five consecutive U.S. championships, making him the undisputed king of speedway racing in America.
peak at only 32.
Bast was one of the key riders who played a major role in speedway racing’s rebirth in America, paving the way for American riders like Bruce Penhall, Sam Ermolenko, Billy Hamill and Greg Hancock, all of whom went on to win World Speedway titles.
He won his early titles riding a Jawa and his last four titles came aboard Westlake speedway racing bikes.
Bast continued to race through 1985. By then he was a family man and he retired while he was still riding at his
After retiring from full-time competition, Bast co-founded a construction company and later moved to Northern California. He and his wife, Dee, had three children. He stayed involved in the sport by working with up-and-coming riders.
Mike Bast was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.
Put yourself in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR hall of fame—we couldn’t exist without the generous support of our donors. Now there’s a new way for you to show that support in a very visible way: My Hall of Fame. The idea is simple: A $20 charitable donation gets you a 3-inch-square space on the wall in the Hall of Fame entrance foyer that hangs during the campaign year. Want a bigger space? A 6-inch square is an $80 donation, and an 8-inch square is a $180 donation. You also get an official certificate noting that your picture is on display in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Hang your picture, your kid’s picture, your company logo, almost anything. It’s up to you! Get in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame today!
A few of the hundreds of AMA-sanctioned events this month, detailed on the following pages.
2
The fastest racers on the planet will be at it once again at the AMA Land Speed Grand Championships— Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials Aug. 23-28 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Info: www. bonnevillespeedtrials.com.
1
There’s a full slate of dual-sport rides on the schedule for August in the AMA Husqvarna National DualSport Series. Catch the dualsport ride in Walden, Colo., on Aug. 2-3; the Rat Dog Dual Sport Aug. 16-17 in Tillamook, Ore., and the Dual Sport Northwest ride Aug. 29-Sept. 1 in Hood River, Ore. For the full schedule, see page 51.
4
It’s one of the biggest and most storied motorcycling events on the planet. Just say the name—Sturgis—and every biker knows what you’re talking about. This AMA National Gypsy Tour happens Aug. 4-10 in Sturgis, S.D. Info: www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com.
3
The all-American sport of AMA Pro Racing Flat Track features competitors battling on the dirt oval this month in TT action in Castle Rock, Wash., on Aug. 2, at the Sturgis Half Mile in Rapid City, S.D. on Aug. 5, at the famous Indy Mile in Indianapolis on Aug. 8 and at the famed Peoria TT in Peoria Ill., on Aug. 17. For the full schedule, see page 49.
5
The high-flying racers in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Series will be at Unadilla in New Berlin, N.Y., on Aug. 9, at Indiana National in Crawfordsville, Ind., on Aug 16 and in Tooele, Utah, on Aug. 23. For the full schedule, see page 49.
Mark your calendars now!
The 2014 AMA National Convention is coming together for Oct. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla. Taking place amid the grand hoopla of the AIMExpo, which will reveal a smorgasbord of motorcyclerelated product, the AMA National Convention will include the annual AMA member meeting and business member meeting, motorcycling-related seminars and the 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
ARIZONA
RECREATIONAL
GRAND TOUR
AUG 28: TUCSON: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLING ASSN, (562) 298-6236, SC-MA.COM CALIFORNIA
RECREATIONAL
DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD
AUG 9: BIG BEAR CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, BIG BEAR TRAIL RIDERS, INC., (818) 391-3031, BIGBEARTRAILRIDERS.COM
AUG 16: PIONEER: 2 DAY EVENT, RACERS UNDER THE SON NORTH (RUTS-NORTH), (916) 276-7226, RUTSNORTH.ORG
POKER RUN
AUG 16: (Includes ATVs) POINT RICHMOND: RICHMOND RAMBLERS MC, (510) 620-0762, RICHMONDRAMBLERSMC.ORG COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
AUG 10: (Includes ATVs) SAN BERNARDINO: UNITED MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (562) 319-3409, UEAMC.COM
AUG 22: SNELLING: A.M.P. RACING, LLC, (209) 656-9682, AMPGFIMOTOCROSS.COM
RECORD TRIALS
AUG 24: CEDAR RIDGE: DELICIATE PROMOTIONS LLC, (530) 263-7276, BONNEVILLESPEEDTRIALS.COM
SPEEDWAY
AUG 1: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM
AUG 8: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM
AUG 9: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM
AUG 10: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM
AUG 15: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM
AUG 20: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM
AUG 22: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM
AUG 27: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM
AUG 29: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM
AMA M OTO rcycLE H A LL OF FAME MoTorcyclEMuSEuM org
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Recognizing those who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling.
Bike c r aft: New-world craftmanship meets old-school motorcycles.
2 Wheels + Motor, A Fine Art Exhibition: The spirit, excitement and adventure of motorcycling is expressed through fine art.
Founder’s Hall: Honoring the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s generous contributors.
July 11-13, Lexington, Ohio: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Information: www. amavintagemotorcycle days.com.
AMA PrO r AcI N g
A MA PrO FLAT Tr Ack
a M a proraciNg c oM
July 19: Elma, Wash.: Grays Harbor Raceway
July 26: Sacramento, ca lif.: SAC Mile
Aug. 2: ca stle ro ck, Wash.: Castle Rock TT
Aug. 5: r a pid c i ty, S.D.: Sturgis Half Mile
Aug. 8: Indianapolis: Indy Mile
Aug. 17: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria TT
Aug. 23: New ke nt, Va.: Virginia Mega MIle
Aug. 31: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile II
Sept. 28: Santa ro sa, ca lif.: Santa Rosa Mile
Oct. 11: Pomona, ca lif.: Flat Track Season Finale
AMA PrO H I LLcLIMB
a M a proraciNg c oM
July 13: West Branch, Mich.: Ogemaw Hills Bike Week
Aug. 3: Muskegon, Mich.: Muskegon MC All-Star Challenge
Sept. 21: Spring g r ove, Pa.: White Rose MC
Sept. 28: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC
Oct. 12: Oregonia, OH: Dayton MC
2014 EVENTS
LucAS O I L AMA PrO M OTO crO SS pro M oTocroSS co M
June 14: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point National
June 28: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National
Jul. 5: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National
Jul. 12: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National
Jul. 19: Millville, Minn: Spring Creek National
Jul. 26: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National
Aug. 9: New Berlin, N.y : Unadila National
Aug. 16: c r awfordsville, Ind.: Indiana National
Aug. 23: Tooele, u t ah: Utah National
AMA PrO rOAD r AcI N g
a M a proraciNg c oM
July 11-13: Monterey, ca lif.: FIM Superbike World Championship. GEICO Motorcycle U.S. Round
July 19-20: Lexington, Oh.: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Aug. 8-10: Indianapolis, Ind.: 2014 RedBull Indianapolis GP
Sept. 13-14: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park
MTN DEW ATV AMA PrO M OTO crO SS NATIONAL cH AMPIONSHIP
aT VM oTocroSS co M
July 12-13: New Berlin, N.y. : The NYCM Insurance
Northeastern ATV National, Unadilla Valley Sports Center
Oct. 11-12: Duquoin, Ill.: Indian Hills Motocross, Motocross League of America (MLA); motocrossleague ofamerica.com
Oct. 19: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek, Thor United States Mega Series; www.victory-sports.com
Oct. 26: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, Western Pro-Am; www.arizonacyclepark.com
Nov. 1-2: Pell c i ty, Ala.: Mill Creek MX, Motocross League of America (MLA); motocross leagueofamerica.com
Nov. 23-26: g a insville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, Mini Olympics-Supercross; www.unlimitedsportsmx.com
Nov. 27-29: g a insville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, Mini Olympics-Motocross; www.unlimitedsportsmx.com
High Adventure. No Hassle. The best routes, roads and twotrack, mapped by local experts. A great challenge with like-minded riders. A full weekend’s activities, with camping, campfires, food and prizes. For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding
n ov. 30: s t g e orge, u t ah: St. George MX; www.stgeorgemxw.com
ama national championship se R ies
a m soil ama gR a nd
n ational cRo ss countRy
s e R ies
gNCCR aCiNg.COM
s e pt. 6-7: n ew b erlin, n .y.: Can-Am Unadilla
s e pt. 20-21: tba , pa .: CarMate TBA
o c t. 4-5: s t . c la irsville, o h io: ITP Powerline Park
o c t. 25-26: c r awfordsville, i nd.: AMSOIL Ironman
g ei co ama
e ndu RocRoss ch ampionship
ENduROCROSS C OM
au g. 23: at lanta: Gwinnett Center
o c t. 4: d e nver, co lo.: National Western Complex
o c t. 11: s a lt l a ke c i ty, u t ah: Energy Solutions Arena
o c t. 18: everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena
n ov. 15: b o ise, i d aho.: Idaho Center
n ov. 22: o n tario, ca lif.: Citizen Business Bank Arena
k enda ama n ational endu Ro ch ampionship
N aTiON a l ENduRO C OM
July 27: c r oss Fork, pa .: Peter Burnett, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 8837607, BER.us
au g. 10: g r and Junction, c olo.: Thomas Jundtoft, Bookcliff Rattlers MC; (970) 250-9942, bookcliffrattlersmc.com
au g. 31: u n ion, s .c. : Duane Wellington, Greenville Enduro Riders; (864) 908-6109, GreenvilleEnduroRiders.com
s ep t. 14: m a tthews, i nd .: Doug Spence, Muddobbers; (765) 998-2236, MuddobbersMC.com
ama e ast h a R e s cR a mbles championship
a M a R aCiNg COM
2014 EVENTS
July 13, yo uth & a m ateur:
b a ttle c r eek, m i ch.: Byron Kibby, Battle Creek Motorcycle Club; (269) 2098184, BattleCreekMotorcycle Club.com
au g. 16, yo uth; au g. 17, a m ateur: at hens, o h io: Kevin Brown, Athens Motorcycle Club; (740) 5903490, AthensMotorcycleClub. com
s e pt. 20, yo uth; s e pt. 21, a m ateur: b a rtow, Fla.: Keith Finnerty, Central Florida Trail Riders; (407) 774-9090, CFTRiders.com
o c t. 12, a m ateur & yo uth: pla inview, i l l.: Ron Whipple, WFO Promotions; (309) 3143343, WFOPromotions.com
ama s u pe R m oto national championship se R ies
a M a R aCiNg COM
July 26-27: s a lt l a ke c i ty, u t ah: During Bike Jam at Miller Motorsports Park
s e pt. 13-14: s t urgis, s d : Downtown street race
ama W est h a R e s cR a mbles championship
a M a R aCiNg COM
s e pt. 6, yo uth; s e pt. 7, a m ateur: a n za, ca lif.: Justin Shultz, SoCal MC/Big 6 GP; (949) 981-6776, SoCalMC.com
o c t. 4, yo uth; o c t. 5, a ma teur: Ridgecrest, ca lif.: Chris Cory, Viewfinders MC/Big 6 GP; (661) 450-8150, ViewfindersMC.com
s Rt ama ha R e & hound national championship
a M a R aCiNg COM
au g. 23, a m ateur and yo uth: ca liente, n ev.: Zack Livreri, Silver State Trailblazers; (702) 994-6823, http://sites.google.com/site/ silverstatetrail blazers/
s e pt. 20, yo uth; s e pt. 21, a m ateur: ye rington, n ev.: Erek Kudla, Get-Xtr-Eme; (805) 236-5866, Get-Xtr-Eme.com
o c t. 11, yo uth; o c t. 12, a m ateur: l u cerne va lley,
Rocky mountain atv/mc ama a mateu R n ational m otoc R o ss c ham pionship MXSPORTS.COM
National Championship
July 27- a u g. 2: h u rricane m i lls, te nn.: National Championship, Loretta Lynn’s Ranch
ca lif.: Darren Moen, 100s MC; (714) 863-7170, www.100sMC.org
ama/natc West youth mototR i als
a M a R aCiNg COM
July 18-20: h oward, c o lo.: Bill Markham, ITS Offroad; (719) 942-3372, ITSOffroad. com
ama s peedWay n ational championship
a M a R aCiNg COM
au g. 9: c i ty of i n dustry, ca lif.
s e pt. 19: a u burn, ca lif.
ama v i ntage d i Rt tR ack
a M a R aCiNg COM
July 12: a s hland, o h io: Half Mile; AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days; Ken Saillant, (800) 262-5646; ksaillant@ama-cycle.org; AmericanMotorcyclist.com
au g. 9: i ndia napolis: Short Track; Mid-America Speedway; (317) 871-4392; info@midamspeedway.com; MidAmSpeedway.com
Aug. 29: Springfield, Ill.: Short Track; Illinois State Fairgrounds; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing, (270) 442-7532; www.stevenace racing.com
s ep t. 20: c u ddebackville, n .y. : Short Track; Tri-Sate M/C Ltd.; (845) 5664956; TriStateClub.com
s ep t. 21: c u ddebackville, n .y. : Short Track; Tri-Sate M/C Ltd.; (845) 566-4956; TriStateClub.com
ama v intage
h a R e s cR a mbles
a M a R aCiNg COM
July 11: l exington, o h .: American Motorcyclist Association, Chuck Weir; (614) 856-1900; American Motorcyclist.com
ama v intage
m oto cRo ss
a M a R aCiNg COM
July 11-13: l exington, o h io: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
au g. 3: Walnut, i l l.: Sunset Ridge Motocross, www. sunsetridgemx.com
au g. 24: ca sey, i l l.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports, www. lincolntrailmotorsports.com
s e pt. 14: c o ldwater, m i ch.: Log Road Motocross, www.logroadmx.com
o c t. 4: g r eensburg, ky.: Russell Creek Motocross
o c t. 18: pa oli pe aks, i n d.: Mammoth East, www. podium1motoplex.com
ama atv h a R e s cR a mbles championship
a M a R aCiNg COM
July 13: b a ttle c r eek, m i ch.: Joe Wathen, Battle Creek Motorcycle Club; (269) 729-9691, BattleCreek MotorcycleClub.com
au g. 16: at hens, o h io: Kevin Brown, Athens Motorcycle Club; (740) 5903490, AthensMotorcycle Club.com
s e pt. 20: b a rtow, Fla.: Keith Finnerty, Central Florida Trail Riders; (407) 774-9090, CFTRiders.com
o c t. 4: pl ainview, i l l.: Ron Whipple, WFO Promotions; (309) 314-3343, WFOPromotions.com
mtn. de W atv motocRo ss national championship
aT VMOTOCROSS COM
July 12-13: n ew b e rlin, n .y. : Northeastern ATV National, Unadilla Valley Sports Center
July 26-27: b u chanan, m i ch.: RedBud ATV National, RedBud MX
au g. 9-10: h u rricane m ills, te nn.: ATV Dirt Days, Loretta Lynn’s
ama Featu Re d se R ies
a ll sta R national Fl at tR ack se R i es STEVEN aCER aCiNg C OM
au g. 4: b illi ngs, m ont .: Billings Motorsports Park, Half Mile
au g. 6: s t urgis, s d : Mead Co. Fairgrounds, Half Mile
aug . 15: l ewistown, i l l.: Spoon River Speedway, Short Track
Aug. 30: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Short Track
s e pt. 20: yo rk, pa .: York Expo Center Randy Texter Memorial, Half Mile
ama m R a n n i ght Race dese Rt s cR a mble se R ies
MR a NR aCiNg.C OM
June 28: pa bco Rd., n ev.: Gamblers
July 12: Jean, n ev.: Jackrabbits
July 25-26: s e archlight, n ev.: Bushwackers
b i g 6 ama West coast
gR a nd pR i x s e R ies
Big6RaCiNg COM
s e pt. 6-7: a n za, ca lif.: The Ranch, SoCal GP
o c t. 4-5: Ridgecrest, ca lif.: Ridgecrest Fairgrounds, Viewfinders GP
n ov. 1-2: g o ran, ca lif.: Quail Valley, Prospectors GP
d e c. 6-7: pa la, ca lif.: Pala Raceway, Vikings GP
e ast coast endu Ro Ri de R s e n du Ro s e R ies ECE a ORg
July 13: g i llett, pa .: b a rbed Wire e n duro, Southern Tier Enduro Riders; (607) 3828534
July 27: c r oss Fork, pa .: Rattlesnake n a tional e n duro, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 368-7332, www.ber.us
au g. 10: t h ree s p rings, pa .: g r een m a rble e n duro, Green Marble Enduro Riders; (410) 638-9367, greenmarbleenduroriders.org
au g. 17: b e rkshire, n y : s pe edsville e n duro, Ithaca Dirt Riders; (607) 657-8248, www.ithacadirtriders.com
au g. 24: m a uricetown, n .J.: b e ehive e nd uro, Competition Dirt Riders; (609) 319-7496, competitiondirtriders.org
s e pt. 7: s h ippensburg, pa .: m i chaux e n duro, South Penn Enduro Riders; (717) 265-6055, southpenn enduroriders.com
s e pt. 21: b r andonville, pa .: m o onshine e nd uro, Valley Forge Trail Riders; (484) 9485361, vftr.org
n ov. 9: Warren g r ove, n J.: s t ump Jumper e nd uro, Motorcycle Competition Inc.; (609) 575-7820, ride-mci. com
n ov. 23: n ew l i sbon, n J.: pi ne h i ll e n duro, Central Jersey Competition Riders; (732) 558-6475, www.cjcrmc.org
e ast coast endu Ro Ri de R s h a R e scR a mbles
s e R ies
ECE a ORg
Jul. 19-20: a n thracite h arescrambles, Valley Forge Trail Riders; (610) 4763747
au g. 2-3: s h otgun h arescrambles, High Mountain Dirt Riders; (570) 954-7799
Aug. 29-Sept. 1: Hood River, Ore.: Rally in the Gorge; soundrider.com/rally
NATIONAL GYPSY TOURS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
July 28-Aug. 3: Tulsa, Okla.: 37th Annual National Bikers Roundup
Aug. 4-10: Sturgis, S.D.: SturgisMotorcycleRally.com
Aug. 28-31: Killington, Vt.: Killington Classic; killington classic.com
AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
March of Dimes Bikers For Babies Rides: Nationwide: www.bikersforbabies.org
Rides For Kids Events: Nationwide: www. rideforkids.org
AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Jan. 1-May 24: Big Money Rally Grand Tour: bigmoneyrally.com; bigmoneyrally@hotmail.com
AMA HUSQVARNA NATIONAL DUAL-SPORT SERIES
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
July 19-26: Newberry, Mich.: 30th Annual “Michael R. Burlingham Memorial” Six Days of Michigan, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Lewis Shuler; (517) 781-4805; www. cycleconservationclub.org
Aug. 2-3: Walden, Colo.: Moose Run Dual Sport Rally, Front Range Riders, Deborah Nielsen; www. frontrangeriders.com
Aug. 16-17: Tillamook, Ore.: Rat Dog Dual Sport, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881;
Nov. 8-9: Wickenburg, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrailriders.org
Nov. 28-29: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.district37ama.org
Nov. 8-9: Wickenburg, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrailriders.org
Nov. 14-16: Hammonton, N.J.: Pine Barrens 500, BMW of Manhattan Motorcycles, Jack O’Connor; 732-7148874; pinebarrens500.org; info@pinebarrens500.org
Nov. 28-29: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.district37ama.org
AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
AMA NATIONAL RALLIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor Grand Tour: tourofhonor.com; regis@ tourofhonor.com
March 1-Oct. 31: Team Strange Airheads 30th Anniversary Memory Lane Grand Tour: teamstrange.com/2014/ grandtours; bigmoneyrally@hotmail.com
AMA NATIONAL EXTREME GRAND TOURS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Feb. 2-Dec. 15: USA Four Corners Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycle Association
TBA: SCMA Three Flags Classic Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycle Association
Employm E nt opportuniti Es
Ever think you might like to work for the AMA? This could be just the opportunity you have been waiting for as the AMA seeks to fill the following positions:
Software Developer – The AMA is looking for a versatile .Net developer with the ability to project manage as well as develop technology solutions. Based at the Pickerington, Ohio, office, the .Net developer will participate in the development, testing and support of web- and mobile-based applications. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, experience with DotNetNuke’s Evoq Content CMS and Personify or similar association management software, five-plus years’ experience in product development in web and mobile, and database management and maintenance.
Government Affairs Manager – The AMA is seeking an experienced government relations professional to focus on on-road issues. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Legislative and/or regulatory experience strongly desired. This position is based in the AMA’s Government Relations Office in Washington, DC.
Please email cover letter, resume and salary requirements to rchaddock@ ama-cycle.org. Equal Opportunity Employer.
No matter what or how you ride, the AMA has a special card for you. Want one? Just let us know by renewing early, or telling us when you renew via our online signup form at AmericanMotorcyclist.com, or calling (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646).
Zero Vision
Why You Should Care What Happens To New York City Riders
By Jesse Erlbaum
New York City is on the front lines of a revolution in traffic planning. What is done in NYC will likely be a roadmap for many American cities. And, from where I sit, it’s not looking too good for motorcyclists.
When I started reaching out to policy makers, it was late 2008 and Michael Bloomberg had already been mayor for almost seven years. During his administration, an entirely new plan for street design was created and implemented. Roads were narrowed or closed. Parking was eliminated, and special “protected” bicycle lanes were created. Organizations like Transportation Alternatives were given a direct pipeline to have their ideas turned into action for the benefit of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Fast-forward to January of this year: A new mayor, Bill de Blasio, was sworn into office. A central pillar of his platform was “Vision Zero”—a plan with the stated goal of reducing traffic fatalities to zero. Despite that motorcyclists in NYC are the only road users whose fatalities and serious injuries are increasing (as opposed to pedestrians, bicyclists and car drivers, for whom the roads were getting safer), I didn’t expect this new plan would be any better than the last plan.
This “Vision Zero” plan is based on the work of Claes Tingvall, a Swede who once said: “We must prevent the recruiting of new motorcyclists. In long-term thinking, I regret to say that motorcycles must go.”
Tingvall later updated his statement, adding, “motorcyclists must be the most competent operators on the road.” This is undoubtedly true—though perhaps not exactly in the way Tingvall realized.
We have to be competent as motorcycle riders because this Vision Zero plan offers nothing to help us on the road. The new, 42-page “Vision Zero Action Plan” published by NYC has plenty of ideas about what to do for everybody else, but nothing about motorcycle safety. It appears we also have to become the “most competent” in the realms of politics and advocating on our own behalf because otherwise the only plan is to ignore motorcyclists to death.
The last week in May, the first Vision Zero laws were approved by the New York City Council. Included was a set of anti-motorcycle laws that elevate certain behavior to crimes punishable by up to six months in jail, such as revving your motor, doing a wheelie, “inviting” someone to race, and so on.
The purpose of these new laws is to “do something” about criminal riders, such as the people who dragged Alexian Lien from his SUV on the West Side Highway in front of his wife and child last September. I sympathize with the desire to try and stop this behavior, but these new laws won’t help. All the things they criminalize are already illegal.
There are already noise laws to address “revving” and loud pipes. “Racing” is covered by reckless driving statutes, and the New York Police Department’s failure to stop the massive “stunt rides” on public roads for the last few years has not been because they lacked any laws prohibiting it. They simply lack the will and the tactics necessary to enforce existing laws.
How do we make motorcyclists safer? We Need More Riders.
More motorcycles on the road—
particularly folks commuting year round in all weather—makes us all safer. When motorcycles and motor scooters become commonplace, car drivers start “seeing” us. They become more aware of how we move (and when legal, filter) through traffic. They start looking for a motorcycle-shaped vehicle when they are about to make a turn.
The same plan worked for bicyclists in NYC. As Paul Steely White, head of bicycle-advocacy group Transportation Alternatives said (based on public health statistics), “When you triple the number of ambient cyclists in a city you tend to at least halve the crash rate.” The same will be true for motorcyclists.
To discourage illegal riding, we need to make it easier for riders to get legal. The MSF Basic RiderCourse is cost prohibitive in New York. If we lower the cost of getting trained, more riders will do it.
Motorcycle-only checkpoints (which are common in NYC) are referred to by locals as “motorcycle stop and frisk.” They don’t make anyone safer, and only feed the image that the NYPD is an illegitimate authority that enjoys harassing riders two or three times a week during the summer.
Finally, we need to encourage a culture of law-abiding motorcycling, starting from youth. The New York City Parks Department provides 12 full golf courses, five horseback riding trails and 17 skateboard parks. At this moment, NYC Parks is building a 2,200-acre park on public land in Staten Island. Surely we have room for one place to legally ride off-highway vehicles.
More riders, ingrained with a culture of law-abiding riding, will lead to a safer generation of riders. All we need now are policy makers and leaders with sufficient “vision” to take us seriously.
Jesse Erlbaum is an AMA member from New York City.
