American Motorcyclist August 2015 Street

A GRAND TOUR HONORING AMERICA’S HEROES

WATCHING YOUR MONEY: TOLLS, FEES & TAXES

Photo Carl Costas

NAVIGATION

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

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

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

August 2015

Volume 69, Number 8

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

Riders returning from Rolling Thunder, the annual ride to Washington, D.C., raising awareness for military members missing in action, visit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

STREET COVER

Steve Brooks, who organizes the Tour of Honor, hopes you never forget America’s heroes. Read why on page 22.

PAGE 38. New Zealand is a motorcycling paradise.

DIRT COVER

AmPro Yamaha’s Corey MacDonald does more than just spin wrenches. Learn more on page 38.

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 23. The Connor Penhall Memorial Cup drew speedway racing’s biggest stars.

Jeff Guciardo

WHAT’S IN YOUR TOOLBOX?

MAKE IT MOTION PRO

COMMUNICATIONS

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

James Holter, Director of Communications/Managing Editor

Jim Witters, Government Affairs Editor

Heather Wilson, Associate Editor

Mark Lapid, Creative Director

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

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

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

AMA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, Chair Schenectady, N.Y.

Perry King, Vice Chair, Northern California

Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla.

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

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

Jerry Abboud, Thornton, Colo.

Russ Brenan, Irvine, Calif.

David Foley, Milwaukee, Wis.

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

Tony Moseley, Fort Worth, Texas

Roger Pattison, Taos Ski Valley, N.M.

Robert Pearce, Murrieta, Calif.

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.

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

AMA STAFF

EXECUTIVE

Rob Dingman, President/CEO

Jeff Massey, Chief Operations Officer

Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer

Donna Perry, Executive Assistant to President/CEO

Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs

ACCOUNTING

Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager

Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator

Ed Madden, System Support Specialist

Peg Tuvell, Member Fulfillment Specialist

AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

Connie Fleming, Manager of Events and AMHF Operations

Jordan Cavallaro, Museum Admissions and Collections Assistant

Paula Schremser, Program Specialist

Katy Wood, Collections Manager

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES

Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing

Rob Baughman, Road Riding Coordinator

Kip Bigelow, MX Manager

Joe Bromley, District Relations Manager

Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator

Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations

Marcy Day, Racing Administrative Assistant

Chris Harrison, Road Riding Manager

Alex Hunter, MX Assistant Manager

Michael Jolly, Off Road/Track Assistant Manager

Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator

Beth Owen, Racing Coordinator

Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager

Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator

Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager

Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS

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

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES

John Bricker, Mailroom Manager

Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator

Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations

Joshua Habursky, Grassroots Coordinator

Nick Haris, Western States Representative

Sean Hutson, Government Affairs Manager, On-Highway

Rick Podliska, Deputy Director

Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway

Elizabeth Starek, Staff Assistant

STATE CHAPTERS

Marie Wuelleh, State Chapter Manager

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director

Dave Coleman, Network Architect

MARKETING

Mark Christian, Director of Marketing

Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Specialist

MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY

Jeremiah Hassler, Call Center Manager

Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative

Christina Dolin, Member Services Representative

Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative

Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative

Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative

MEMBER LETTERS

WHAT A TRIP!

This is my first day back from my very first extended motorcycle trip, a thrilling and joyful two-weeklong adventure up and back down the coast of California via scenic roads, on my large V-twin. I never expected to become interested in long-distance road riding, as I am primarily an avid off-road enduro racer and trail rider, which is why I originally joined the AMA more than 25 years ago. I also participated in off-road clubs, and worked to expand access to public trails.

I used the informative tips on the member portion of the website to prepare for my trip in many ways. Then I used the AMA Roadside Assistance program to get a free tow to a dealership when my drive belt snapped. I also enjoyed a nice lodging discount with the AMA member code. Overall, I had great peace of mind that I (and my passenger) wouldn’t have had without my AMA membership.

Sam Kanter

AMA Life Member Phoenix, Ariz.

CHECK YOURSELF

I read and enjoyed the article on noise levels and the possible future legislation to prevent motorcycle noise “pollution,” for lack of a better word (“Loud & Clear,” July issue). I agree that our community needs to police itself if we are to continue to enjoy the freedoms that we now have. Aggressive riding and loud pipes only feed the stereotype that bikers are trouble makers. Thanks for the fine article.

Ken Kyzer

Charlotte, N.C.

BOTH SIDES

I have a real problem with those who believe that “loud pipes save lives.” I have a couple of Sportsters and enjoy

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

the sound of moderate exhausts on all motorcycles. I also have a Miata and have noted how I have responded to the sounds of “loud pipes” with the top down. Unless the motorcycle with loud pipes is basically right beside me, either coming or going, the loud pipes have no impact on me with respect to making the rider more conspicuous! They have no impact other than to annoy the general public and to potentially impede my rights as a motorcyclist. I have no problem with laws that limit any motor vehicles’ sound levels to reasonable limits (any and all!).

R. W. Simpson Jr. Center Strafford, N.H.

MATURITY MATTERS

I for one am tired of trying to defend motorcyclists and their motorcycles with loud pipes.

If “loud pipes save lives” were true, sensible cyclists who modify their exhaust systems would turn their exhaust to face forward because, in the majority of cases, the hazards to motorcyclists are ahead of them, not behind them.

Therefore, if you have modified your exhaust system and the noise still is aimed to the back, you are just showing off and trying to be the center of attention, which disgraces us all.

Be adult, show some maturity, and help the sport instead of harming it.

Floyd Beatty

AMA Life Member Auburn, Maine

SOUND MANAGEMENT

I readily agree that loud pipes are hurting us, but I also enjoy a good-sounding bike and I think the Environmental Protection Agency standards are too tight. If factory exhausts could sound a little “better” (yeah, that’s subjective), perhaps the appeal of louder pipes would diminish. I’ve no experience with SAE J2825, but at least it is an easily measurable/enforceable standard. Perhaps the EPA should drop theirs in favor of it.

I’d love to have a set of Norton peashooters on my old Yamaha 650 twin (shoot, I’d like to have a whole Norton again), but...

D. Mark Shifflett

AMA Life Member Newton, Kan.

HURRAY FOR VELOCETTE!

I was nearly blown over when opening our June issue’s AMA Motorcycle Hall

of Fame spread in the magazine. I have owned a 1949 Velocette L.E. for well over 40 years now. The museum’s example is splendid!

Mine is Serial No. 1007 and has been cited by the L.E. Velo Club (England) historian, Dennis Frost, as the oldest known in existence.

L.E.s are rare in the States. Its minute engine just wasn’t our thing. It should be mentioned that all L.E.s from 1951 on to 1970 were of 192cc capacity. That was the most they could safely enlarge the capacity without re-engineering.

Thanks for revealing these historic bikes.

Mike Gerald Hattiesburg, Miss.

REJECTING ETHANOL

In an effort to continue the dialogue in the ethanol thread, let me say I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Jim Jordan of Maryland who supports a complete rejection and abolishment of the ethanol additive in our conventional fuel supply. There is simply no credible argument to maintain corn in our fuel other than to serve special interests.

Kevin Kernahan Red Bank, N.J.

HOW HE REALLY FEELS...

Corn-based fuel ethanol is the poster child for disgusting, in-your-face corrupt, bipartisan crony capitalism. Ethanol produces more greenhouse gas than pure gasoline because it’s net energy negative. (It takes more energy to produce a gallon of ethanol than you get back from burning it.)

It takes a huge amount of water to produce, raises the price of all food across the world, is corrosive to internal combustion engines, and attracts water into your gasoline.

Even Al “the world has a fever” Gore has admitted ethanol is a mistake, yet it not only goes on, but there’s a push to actually increase the amount of ethanol in fuel. Our representatives in Congress continue to keep it in place because that’s what they’re being paid to do by “big agriculture” and the states where corn is a major part of the economy.

Everyone not raising corn for a living should be outraged by this, even the tree huggers. It’s just one more example of an out-of-control government oblivious to the needs and the welfare of the people.

Joe Comfort Eustis, Fla.

Letter of the Month

Sound Off!

PHONE CONTROL

I am writing in response to a member letter I read in the July 2015 article of your magazine.

Someone wrote in that cell-phone GPS technology should be used to prevent functions of the phone while the vehicle is in motion. First of all, this technology would render the phones of every passenger in a car, bus, train or boat from utilizing functions of their cell phones. Secondly, to quote Ron Paul, “If we are only free to make good decisions, we are not really free.” The last thing we need are more regulations restricting our rights—people need to be educated, not controlled. It’s this kind of thinking that forces us to wear helmets, stops lane splitting, produces motorcycle inspection stations, and countless other regulations.

Let’s stop this before some yahoo legislators make it illegal to drive anything with less than four wheels.

Carl Mann Hampton Bays, N.Y.

Responding to a post about riding Moab, Utah...

Greg Vammen: Just got back from a week long ride and I already want to go back.

Mike Stewart: No, I haven’t. Now stop rubbing it in cuz I want to.

In response to a request to sign an AMA petition regarding ethanol...

Joe Bilski: Done. And if you ride a motorcycle you should sign the petition also.

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

Commenting on the AMA Oasis at

day.

Laconia Bike Week...

James Edward Zeiser: So cool. I gotta get back there one

Brian James Ives Sr.: It’s a great time. The people of New Hampshire are great hosts.

ON THE ROAD

Member Outreach At Work

also understands that the best time to develop such relationships is before you need something from them. The number of legislators who showed up to support Charles and motorcyclists at the rally is a true testament to the hard work he has done in Pennsylvania.

By Rob Dingman

One of my favorite places to ride is the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. I got a chance to ride there again last month when I rode to Americade. It had been a couple of years since I made it back to Lake George for the world’s largest touring rally, and the AMA Oasis hospitality tent that we had on location there for the first time provided an extra incentive to attend this year.

The AMA Oasis offers a spot where AMA members can get out of the sun, get a cold drink of water and relax—and where nonmembers can learn more about the many benefits of belonging to the AMA. The AMA Oasis is set up and staffed by AMA Road Riding Department, which includes Road Riding Manager Chris Harrison and Road Riding Coordinator Rob Baughman. In addition to Americade, to date they have hosted the AMA Oasis at Thunder Beach in Panama City Beach, Fla., Rolling Thunder in Washington, D.C., and Laconia in New Hampshire. Looking ahead, the AMA Oasis will be staged at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days in Lexington, Ohio, on July 10-12, at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, S.D., on Aug. 2-9 and at the Ray Price Bikefest in Capital City, N.C., on Sept. 25-27.

On my way to Americade, I stopped in Harrisburg, Pa., to participate in the annual ABATE of Pennsylvania Rights Rally at the state capitol. I was eager to participate in this year’s rally as I had been invited there to present the 2015 AMA Dud Perkins’ Lifetime Achievement Award to AMA Life Member Charles Umbenhauer.

In January 1970, the AMA created the Dud Perkins Award and presented the inaugural accolade to its namesake, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Dudley Perkins. A champion hillclimber in his younger years who became a successful San Francisco motorcycle dealer, Perkins was one of motorcycling’s most tireless and generous benefactors through volunteerism, financial support and leadership.

The AMA Dud Perkins Award honors Perkin’s memory each year by recognizing the highest level of service to the AMA in any area of activity. The award is bestowed by the AMA Board of Directors and acknowledges a lifetime of dedication and work.

Charles Umbenhauer received the award for his many decades of advocacy on behalf of motorcyclists in the Pennsylvania legislature, with notable victories that safeguarded funding for rider education, reduced tolls for motorcycles, secured motorcycle parking at state-owned facilities and ensured that adult motorcyclists have the freedom to choose to wear a helmet.

The rally was very well-attended, not only by hundreds of motorcyclists but by an impressive number of state legislators who were all there to show their support for the state’s motorcyclists and to associate themselves with Charles.

In my remarks at the rally, I described the reasons I believed Charles has been such an effective advocate for motorcyclists over the years. He has long understood the need to develop and maintain strong relationships with elected officials and policy makers. Charles

Charles has worked behind the scenes for decades, with no expectation of personal reward or recognition, fighting injustices that unfairly target motorcyclists. He is a true champion of riders’ rights. Because of his hard work, Pennsylvania motorcyclists enjoy more freedoms, fairer laws and safer roads.

It was an honor and a privilege to present Charles with the 2015 AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award.

While at the rally, I also had the opportunity to meet Mary Lou Gallatin and Michelle Gallatin-Baughman, the widow and daughter of Daniel Gallatin, the 20-year AMA member and namesake for Daniel’s Law, Pennsylvania H.B. 853, that was featured in the May issue of American Motorcyclist. It is truly remarkable what they are trying to accomplish to ensure that other families are not forced to endure the pain of losing a loved one to a distracted driver.

AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey met me in Harrisburg for the ride to New York. It wasn’t long after leaving that it started to rain, and the rain stayed with us most of the way to Lake George. Of course it was raining—after all, we were headed for Americade! I don’t know that I can ever remember an Americade when it didn’t rain at least a little bit. My Triumph Tiger doesn’t provide nearly as much protection from the rain as I used to get from the Gold Wing I sold last summer, but then again, not much does.

The AMA Oasis offered both Jeff and me the opportunity to interact with current and prospective AMA members. The feedback we get from events like Americade is invaluable to us, as we constantly strive to improve the AMA to better serve you.

I always enjoy attending Americade. The event is excellent, there is great riding in that part of the country, and it is great to catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances. It was encouraging to speak to a number of people who told me how much they appreciated what the AMA does for its members.

In remarks at a Friday evening event, I told Americade attendees about the challenges we constantly face as motorcyclists, such as motorcycle-only checkpoints, unsafe fuels like E15, raids on funding for motorcycle safety programs and the persistent threat from distracted drivers. I talked about how the AMA derives its strength to combat these challenges from its members. I thanked those in attendance who are currently AMA members and asked for their help in recruiting their non-member friends to join the cause of promoting the motorcycle lifestyle and protecting the future of motorcycling.

I’ve said it before and it’s worth repeating: The bigger we are as an organization, the better equipped the AMA will be to overcome the challenges we face as a community. Please encourage your friends to join the AMA. While the best reason to become a member is to join the ranks that protect the future of motorcycling, with your help we have made it more attractive than ever to be a member of the AMA.

If you can, bring your friends by an AMA Oasis to learn firsthand what the AMA does to make motorcycling better for all of us.

Rob Dingman is AMA president and chief executive officer.

STUDY SHOWS LANE SPLITTING RIDERS ARE SAFER IN TRAFFIC

Speed Di erential Cited As Key Factor

Motorcyclists who split lanes in heavy traffic are significantly less likely to be struck from behind by other motorists, are less likely to suffer head or torso injuries and are less likely to sustain fatal injuries than other riders, according to a study released in late May by researchers at the University of California Berkeley.

The researchers, led by Dr. Thomas Rice of the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC), reviewed nearly 6,000 motorcycleinvolved traffic collisions between June 2012 and August 2013, including 997 in which the riders were splitting lanes at the time of the crash.

Among the U.C. Berkeley findings:

• 69 percent of lane-splitting motorcyclists were exceeding the traffic speed by 15 mph or less; speed differentials up to 15 mph were not associated with changes in the frequency of injury;

• Compared to riders who were not splitting lanes, lane-splitting motorcyclists were markedly less likely to suffer head injury (9 percent vs. 17 percent), torso injury (19 percent vs. 29 percent) or fatal injury (1.2 percent vs. 3 percent);

• Lane-splitting riders were significantly less likely to be rear-ended than non-lane-splitting riders (2.6 percent vs. 4.6 percent);

• Lane-splitting motorcyclists were more likely to be wearing a full-face helmet than other motorcyclists (81 percent vs. 67 percent);

• Compared to other motorcyclists, lanesplitting riders were more often riding on weekdays and during commuting hours, were using better helmets and were traveling at slower speeds;

• Lane-splitting riders were less likely to have been using alcohol.

The findings bolster the AMA position that responsible lane-splitting is a safe and effective riding technique that can be beneficial for riders and motorists alike. The AMA formally endorses responsible lane splitting and will continue to assist groups and individuals working to bring legal lane splitting and/or filtering to their states. To read the AMA Position Statement on lane splitting, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

AMA SUPPORTS LANE SPLITTING IN OREGON

AMA Vice President for Government Relations

Wayne Allard Testifies Before Legislative Committee

Despite direct testimony in May by former U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, and about a dozen motorcyclists and other riding advocates, an Oregon State Legislature committee killed a bill to legalize lane splitting.

AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris also presented written comments in favor of the legislation to the committee.

Allard says speakers from law enforcement agencies and the Oregon Department of Transportation opposed the bill.

But Allard emphasized to the House Committee on Transportation and Economic Development that enacting legislation “would create a safe framework for responsible, legal lane splitting.”

He says Oregon’s S.B. 694 was “a reasonable compromise that would have the potential to reduce crashes and injuries.”

Unfortunately, several committee members changed their votes in late May, and the lane-splitting bill failed to move forward.

S.B. 694 would have limited lane splitting to instances in which traffic was moving 10 mph or slower and would have allowed motorcyclists to travel no faster than 20 mph. Lane splitting would have been permitted only on highways with speed limits of 50 mph or higher.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA., CHALLENGES MX TRACKS

Proposed Plan Would Require Special Permits On Private Land

The Rockingham County, Va., Planning Commission is considering a plan to require special use permits for motocross tracks, even if they are on personal property and used only by friends and family.

Local riders and powersports dealers are concerned that any new restrictions could curtail riding opportunities and hurt business. One business owner told the local television station that people would be less likely to buy dirt bikes if they have no place nearby to ride.

The AMA initiated a petition drive opposing the change, sent alerts to area riders asking for them to oppose the amended ordinance and attended a June 2 meeting to voice opposition.

Steve Salisbury, AMA government affairs manager for off-highway issues, says the proposal is unfair, but noted a family riding dirt bikes around its property would not be affected unless someone were excavating—for example, by creating a jump.

The proposal was formally tabled during that meeting to allow county staff members time to sort through the various objections. The commission has 100 days to act on the tabled item.

Commissioners said there would be no other public meetings before they draft a recommendation for the Board of Supervisors.

AMA LAUNCHES LOCAL ACTION CENTER

Site Aimed At Helping Riders Advocate Issues With Local Governments

The AMA has launched its “Local Action Center” website to provide assistance to members interacting with their local governments on issues important to motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders. The site (https://cqrcengage.com/ amacycle/localaction) provides information about AMA efforts at the local level, cites

MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES PROJECTED TO DROP

Preliminary Data Shows Decrease For Second Straight Year

examples of successful campaigns and offers resources for effectively dealing with elected officials and government employees in your township, city or county.

A full introduction of the site can be found at http://www.americanmotorcyclist. com/blog/15-06-02/All_Politics_is_Local. aspx.

Governors Highway Safety Association.

GHSA projects the final motorcyclist fatality total for 2014 will be 4,584 – about 1.8 percent less than the 4,668 recorded in 2013. This will be the second straight year in which the fatality number has decreased, and the third decrease since 1997.

state and the District of Columbia for the first nine months of 2014.

Public comment will be permitted before a final vote by the supervisors.

Motorcyclist fatalities appear to have dropped for the second straight year, according to preliminary 2014 data from the

The report includes preliminary data from each

Compared with the first nine months of 2013, motorcyclist fatalities decreased in 27 states, increased in 19, and remained the same in four and the District of Columbia, according to the report by Allan Willams, former chief scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

CALIFORNIA OHV COMMISSION GETS UPDATE ON Q ENDUROS

AMA, Others Attend Forest Service Presentation

The AMA and other groups attended a meeting in which the U.S. Forest Service clarified for the California State Park Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission the nature of Q Enduro events being staged on public lands.

AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris—along with AMA District 36 Legislative Action Officer Dave Pickett

and Don Amador of the BlueRibbon Coalition—explained that the Q enduros are not races.

Q Enduros include timed sections that measure rider skill over the terrain.

Special test sections that encourage a rider to speed or accelerate through a section do not fit within the parameters allowed under Forest Service policy.

ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE MARKET TO EXPAND

MANDATORY

TRAINING AFTER TICKET

Las Vegas

Judge Orders Riders To Complete MSF Course

Chief Judge Bert M. Brown of the Las Vegas Municipal Court has issued a decree that a motorcyclist found guilty of a moving traffic violation must, in addition to any other penalties, complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse or Basic RiderCourse II.

The offending rider also must attend a course in basic first aid.

Both required courses come at the rider’s expense. MSF classes at the College of Southern Nevada cost $150 to $250, according to the school’s website.

The state of Nevada does not require rider training courses to obtain a motorcycle endorsement.

Study Says 55 Million Sales Expected By 2015

Electric motorcycle and scooter sales are expected to total 55 million worldwide between 2015 and 2024, according to a study released by Navigant Research.

The study examined the global markets for the vehicles and the related battery technologies. Navigant reports that increasing interest in electric two-wheelers from large manufacturers, such as Polaris Industries, Harley-Davidson Motor Co. and Yamaha helped raise projections. In addition, technological advances are making batteries more efficient and less expensive.

The result is an expectation that sales will experience stable and continuous growth for the next 10 years.

To the restaurant chain “Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill,” which generated some negative social media reaction when a photo circulated of a sign outlining a “corporate dress code” that bans “any patch or insignia denoting affiliation with any motorcycle group.”

This move by the chain goes beyond the increasingly common ban on “colors” to include AMA patches and insignia from police, veterans and religious clubs and others.

Restaurant spokesperson Jackie Pecoraro wrote: “Rather than have our security team review each individual vest and patch, we kindly ask that the vests not be worn into the establishment.”

To Michigan State Police officers, who are supplying high-visibility vests to motorcyclists who complete a rider training class in 2015. The action is part of a pilot project to increase the number of motorcyclists using high-visibility gear.

Funding comes from a federal grant. Only riders completing a publicly sponsored training class are eligible. Those attending private classes are not eligible for the vests.

The state police’s Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning says it expects about 9,000 riders will receive the vests.

The office says scientific studies show a bright yellow-green color is the most noticeable. Only 5 percent of Michigan motorcyclists were wearing high-visibility clothing or gear in 2013.

Along with increased visibility, rider training and the proper endorsement are keys to reducing motorcyclist injuries.

Terra

Conlon

IT’S IN THE DETAILS.

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

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

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

STATEWATCH

CALIFORNIA

A.B. 346, the “Identity Confirmation Act,” would require all motorists to show their full face to law enforcement officers during traffic stops. The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita), would require motorcyclists to remove their helmets during a stop

to allow the law enforcement officer to compare the rider’s face to the photograph on the driver’s license.

DELAWARE

State Senate Concurrent Resolution 8 would continue the Motorcycle Rider Education Advisory Committee, which must meet at least quarterly to monitor the Motorcycle Rider Education Program, assess future needs and recommend program improvements.

H.B. 114, sponsored by 18 legislators, would permit brake lights on motorcycles, scooters and mopeds to employ an automatic flashing system when the brake is applied. The lights may flash for no more than five seconds before converting to a continuous light.

GEORGIA

S.B. 125, which expands the state’s authority to collect tolls to regulate traffic, was signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal in May.

Gov. Deal vetoed S.B. 76, which would have allowed motorcyclists to proceed through an intersection if the signal control failed to detect the vehicle. The bill also would have removed the state’s 15-inch handlebar height restriction.

A. 3579, which limits access to data recorded by motor vehicle recording devices, commonly called “black boxes.” The owner or lessee of the vehicle retains control of any information stored by an event data recorder on the vehicle, unless a law enforcement officer accesses the data under authority of a search warrant; the information is used to improve vehicle safety, security or traffic management; or a licensed repair facility obtains the data for diagnostics and maintenance.

NEW YORK

A.B. 229 would define inattentive driving as engaging in any non-driving activity that unreasonably interferes with the operation of the vehicle or endangers other people using public highways. Violation of the statute would be considered a traffic infraction.

NORTH CAROLINA

The state House Rules Committee voted down a bill that would have given motorcycle riders 21 years and older the choice of wearing a helmet while riding and require passing motorists to allow at least 3 feet of clearance at 30 mph and an additional foot of clearance for each additional 10 mph.

OHIO

MARYLAND

H.B. 917, prohibiting motorcycleonly checkpoints, was signed by Gov. Larry Hogan. The bill allows for checkpoints established as a part of police searches or investigations.

MASSACHUSETTS

S.B. 1807 would classify motorcyclists and scooter riders—along with several other categories of individuals and vehicle operators—as “vulnerable” road users.

NEW JERSEY

Gov. Chris Christie signed into law

S.B. 146, sponsored by state Sens. Jim Hughes (R-Columbus) and Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati) would create an enhanced penalty for distracted driving when a driver is stopped for another moving violation. The legislation would require that the person cited for distracted driving pay a fine of $100 for each offense.

S.B. 167, introduced by state Sen. Frank LaRose (R-Copley), would establish the State Recreational Vehicle Fund Advisory Board to advise the state Department of Natural Resources on the use of state recreational vehicle money and study the feasibility of establishing a grant program to

MX FACILITY GETS PRELIMINARY OK IN VIRGINIA

Dozens Of Families Show Support For Track

A proposed motocross training and racing facility operated by former racer Randall Everett received approval from the Hanover County, Va., Planning Commission in May, despite protests from some in the area who feared noise from the facility would disrupt the community.

Dozens of families attended the meeting to support the plan for DEFi MX University on a 44-acre property near I-95 and U.S. 1. Supporters included about 20 children wearing t-shirts with the message “Yes to MX.”

The AMA supported Everett’s effort by issuing alerts to motorcyclists in the area, writing letters of support to the Planning Commission and attending the May meeting. If the plan is approved by the county Board of Supervisors, Everett will build a training and race track with 30 recreational-vehicle campsites. The initial approval includes a provision for three races a year.

fund recreational vehicle projects.

PENNSYLVANIA

H.B. 853, introduced by state Rep. Jaret Gibbons (D-Beaver County), would increase the penalties for drivers found guilty of causing the death of another during a traffic crash in which the driver was texting. The crime would be considered a second-degree felony. If serious bodily harm occurs, but no death, the crime would also be considered a second-degree felony. The law would be called “Daniel’s Law,” after Daniel Gallatin, who was killed by a texting driver in a 2013 crash.

H.B. 198, sponsored by 28 state representatives, would amend the state’s Lemon Law to include motorcycles. The consumer protections enacted under the 1984 Automobile Lemon Law specifically excluded motorcycles from the definition of “new motor vehicle.”

HOUSE PASSES LEGISLATION DELAYING SAGE-GROUSE LISTING

National Defense Authorization Act Contains Provision

A provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2016 would delay the listing of the greater sagegrouse as an endangered species.

The language included in NDAA would prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing the bird for 10 years, giving adequate time for effective state management plans to be developed and put into effect. The bill passed the U.S. House, 269-151.

FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS REEVALUATION OF UTAH TRAILS

BLM Has Three Years To Complete Study

A federal judge has given the Bureau of Land Management as long as three years to conduct a phased inventory of 4,000 miles of off-highwayvehicle routes in south central Utah. In a “remedy” order, U.S. District Judge Dale A. Kimball directed the BLM to conduct a new analysis of archaeological sites and the potential effect on them from OHV use.

In November 2013, Kimball rejected parts of the 2008 Richfield Resource Management Plan that designated OHV routes through 1.9 million acres, but left the plan in place during court proceedings. Before the 2008 plan, 77 percent of the land had unrestricted access.

AMA REWARDS

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

HOW YOUR AMA MEMBERSHIP PAYS FOR ITSELF

Hotel And Motel Discounts (Choice Hotels, Red Roof Inn)

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

*with membership automatic renewal

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

***average $750 per year expenses on gear/parts/accessories

THE ESSENTIALS

AMA Roadside Assistance

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

Lodging

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

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

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

EagleRider Motorcycle

Rentals

Arrive And Ride

EagleRider offers an AMA member discount of 10% (May through Oct) or 15% (Nov. through April) discount on Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW and Polaris rentals and tours. Call (888) 900-9901 or book at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com/ Membership/EagleRider.aspx, using discount code AMA015.

Motorcycle Shipping

Ride Where You Want

In the United States, call Federal Companies, an agent for Specialized Transportation, Inc., at (877) 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% off prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency. For Avis, enter discount code: D388100. For Budget, enter code: Z942000. AMA Members save up to 25% on year-round Hertz rentals with discount code CDP# 497193.

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.

Insurance, Credit Card, Finance and Banking

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

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS

ActionStation/Bohn Body Armor

Save 10% on complete product line—plus bonus. Go to www.actionstation.com/ ama/ and use coupon code AMAB4U at checkout. AMA Members also receive exclusive discounted pricing on the Bohn Bodyguard System at www.bohn-armorpants.com/ama/.

ADVMoto

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

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame

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

powered by AMA/Sprocketlist Online Classifieds

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

AMA Supercross And AMA Arenacross Tickets

Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Supercrossonline.com and use password SXAMA5. AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Arenacross.com and use password AMA5OFF. Certain restrictions apply, call (800) 262-5646 for details.

Anthony’s Leatherworks

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

Biker Rain Chaps

Save 25%. Visit www.bikerrainchaps. com/ama/ and use the code AMA0715-USA at checkout to receive your discount.

Black Wolf Mototours

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

Brooks Leather

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

Cardo Systems, Inc.

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

Colorado Motorcycle Adventures

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

Design Engineering, Inc.

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

NEW BENEFIT

Dowco Powersports

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

EVS Sports

AMA Members receive 10% off and free shipping on all orders. Simply use the code AMAEVS15 during checkout at www.EVS-Sports.com.

Gear Brake

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

Heat Demon

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

International Motorcycle Shows

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

LifeLock Identity Theft Protection

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

MAD Maps

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

Medjet

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

MYLAPS

MYLAPS provides a 20% discount off MSRP or any current sales price on web-orders or orders coordinated by the AMA for all Motorized Products to AMA members. To receive the discount, enter code AMA-789HJK at checkout.

Powertye Tie-Downs

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

Rider Magazine

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

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle

Touring & Travel magazine

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

Sam’s Club

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

Schampa Cold-Weather Gear Save 15%. Enter SCHAMA during checkout at www.Schampa.com.

Sena

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

Shark Kage

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

Shock Sox

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

Spot LLC

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

TomTom

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

US Chrome

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

Warm & Safe

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

REMEMBERING SACRIFICE

An AMA Grand Tour Honoring Heroes

Motorcyclists are not ones to easily forget. That quality extends beyond favorite routes from years past or the torque settings you memorized for the head bolts on the 1983 Honda CR125 you had as a teenager. It includes fond memories of friends, good times and bad times, and the sacrifices of those who give more than their fair share.

Motorcyclists also are among the first to acknowledge our country’s heroes— the men and women in uniform who are dedicated to the service of others and the protection of our freedoms.

One way we do that is by paying our respects at various memorials around the country. That’s the concept behind the Tour of Honor (www.tourofhonor.com), an AMA Grand Tour organized by AMA members and brothers Steve and Dave Brooks. The Tour of Honor is now in its fifth year, with ridership growing 30 percent to 50 percent each year.

Steve and Dave are longtime riders. Steve started riding in 1970. He learned about the Iron Butt Association in the 1990s and rode in the 2003 Iron Butt Rally. He credits the IBA’s Mike Kneebone with

contributing to the idea of an AMA Grand Tour created around visiting memorials. Dave is a long-distance rider as well. In 2010, he completed his first Bun Burner ride (1,500 miles in less than 36 hours).

American Motorcyclist caught up with Steve to find out more about the Tour of Honor and how riders can participate.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST : How does the Tour of Honor work?

STEVE BROOKS: The Tour of Honor is a self-directed motorcycle ride, as well as an AMA Grand Tour, from April 1 to Oct. 31, visiting selected memorials around the United States.

Each state is represented, including Alaska and Hawaii. Sites change each year and honor individuals and groups that have sacrificed their own safety and lives to protect American ideals for others, including monuments to patriots, military veterans, police and first responders.

Riders photograph their motorcycles along with their unique flag at each site, and the photos are emailed to scorers and tracked on the website. The first three riders to visit all seven memorials in a state receive a trophy, and riders who visit any seven sites during the year receive a finisher’s certificate and pin.

The goal is to highlight these memorials and to raise funds for veterans, police and fire charities, depending on rider preference.

AM: Do a lot of your participants have a connection to a fallen hero?

SB: Stories abound of riders wishing to honor family members and friends who have passed, or are still serving. There are several Gold Star parents as well as sons and daughters of fallen heroes, and the Tour of Honor definitely provides a good excuse to ride and ponder their service.

AM: What’s the most popular memorial stop among ride participants, and why do you think that is?

SB: There are several sites that riders mention being extra special to them. Probably the most commented on, and a permanent site on the Tour of Honor, is the National Vietnam Memorial in Angel Fire, N.M. For that matter, I think all of the Vietnam Veteran memorials are meaningful because of the sympathy for those veterans that received such poor treatment when they returned home.

Others that come to mind are the seawall murals in Portsmouth, Ohio. Several 9/11 memorials. Officer down memorials. Of course, we think each one is special and encourage state sponsors to research the sites for the Google Map write-ups.

Tour of Honor’s Steve Brooks at The California Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Capitol Park in Sacramento.

Carl Costas

AM: Is there a favorite route that participants talk about?

SB: Not so much a favorite route, but new roads that riders wouldn’t ordinarily take. State sponsors are good at picking local motorcycle roads that are off the super-slab. There have been numerous comments from East Coasters about California roads that they weren’t aware of before riding to Tour of Honor destinations.

AM: The ride awards the Jack Shoalmire Achievement Award to the rider who visits the most sites. Tell us a bit about Jack.

SB: Jack signed up for the first Tour of Honor and rode it like nobody else. Jack dedicated a large part of his summer riding to every state and visiting every site except in Hawaii. He’d made plans to visit Hawaii, but his tour was cut short when he died in a car accident on Aug. 27, 2011, at the age of 68.

Jack was well-known in the motorcycling community, having won two AMA national motocross championships in his younger years. Later, he became active in the Iron Butt Association, winning a Silver Medal Finish in the 2007 Iron Butt Rally [11,000 miles in 11 days].

Most important, Jack also was a highly-

decorated Vietnam veteran, earning a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Service Medals and many more.

The Jack Shoalmire Achievement Award recognizes the rider who visits the most Tour of Honor sites in a season. It includes a plaque, free Tour of Honor registration and the No. 1 flag in the following year.

His good friend and son-in-law, Barry Bennett, won the first award by riding to every Tour of Honor site the next year, carrying an urn of Jack’s ashes in his tail trunk.

AM: For someone wanting to participate in an AMA Grand Tour for the first time, what’s your advice?

SB: Go at your own pace and take some time at each site. Whether riders visit one site, or all of them, we hope to share how riding a motorcycle can enrich your travels.

One recent visit, shared by a rider on the Tour of Honor forum, was at a Japanese internment site. The only other visitor at the time was an elderly Japanese gentleman sharing memories there with his son. A conversation started and a friendship was made, and if the rider were in a cage instead, he claimed it probably wouldn’t have turned out that way.

Ask the MSF

SHARING SAFETY

Q: I want to help my non-riding friends better appreciate their role in keeping motorcyclists safe. Any tips?

A: Anything we can do to sensitize car drivers to our presence is a benefit.

Because motorcycles can be hidden in traffic, drivers must look twice before changing lanes or turning left at intersections. Also, some drivers seem to forget that turn signals help prepare other motorists to take evasive action in case they don’t notice us during their maneuvers. To keep safe, all motorists must communicate using proper signals, and not engage in distracted driving.

You could set up a small meeting for your friends using the MSF’s Host-An-Event video kit titled “Intersection.” It’s a fun, interactive way to inform non-riders how to share the road and be safer drivers.

Finally, if drivers had a direct experience with riding a motorcycle—or at least being a passenger—they may be more likely to notice us on the road. Consider taking non-riding friends on their first ride so they can experience first-hand the joy as well as the vulnerability of motorcycling.

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. 12/31/15 12/31/15.

STURGIS: THE BEGINNING

America’s Motorcycle Mecca

The Sturgis Rally is not just one of the most successful motorcycle events in the world, but also one of the longest-running.

It traces its origins to the Great Depression—1938, when the Black Hills area of South Dakota was on the verge of becoming a major tourist destination. With work on Mount Rushmore nearing completion, the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce was looking for a way to draw crowds to the monument.

A fledgling AMA club called the Jackpine Gypsies, chartered with seven members in January 1937, had an idea. They asked the chamber to put up money to stage a motorcycle race. City leaders agreed. The second weekend of August

1938 saw the first AMA Sturgis race.

For 1939, Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, a Sturgis Indian dealer and president of the Jackpine Gypsies, added a tour to Mount

Rushmore and other events, billing it all as the Black Hills Motor Classic.

The event grew steadily, receiving a post-World War II jolt from publicity from magazines and word-of-mouth.

Real growth came in the ’70s, a decade that began with about 3,000 riders arriving in Sturgis for Bike Week and ended with 10 times that many. And by 1990, 300,000 celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Sturgis is now a legendary pilgrimage for motorcyclists, with the entire region taking part. The center of it all is right where it began in 1938, the little town of Sturgis.

For more information, see www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com.

BUFFALO CHIP CAMPGROUND GETS ‘TOWN’ STATUS

The new town of Buffalo Chip, S.D., has been created, advertising itself as the “First Town Built By Bikers For Bikers.”

The municipality was created after 43 voters unanimously approved the proposal on the May 7 ballot. Meade County Commissioners certified the vote, town officials were sworn in and the town conducted its first meeting.

The famed Buffalo Chip Campground LLC, sits within the new town’s boundaries.

Gary Marshall, Blackfoot Media Group

Safety Matters

RIDE THE CURVES

Putting It All Together

By David Kinaan

While planning our longer rides and weekend trips, many of us are looking forward to riding country roads, local foothills or mountains. Eye placement and choosing your lane position will be key to enjoying a safe ride through these twisty routes. Let’s take a quick look at these concepts and how the combination of the two will lead you to the best line.

Eye placement: Keeping a high visual horizon is important whenever you are riding. Riding through curves is no exception. Keeping your visual horizon as far ahead as you can see is the best way to lead your motorcycle through turns. Remember, your visual horizon is not a fixed position, but is moving ahead as you travel around the curve. Your eyes are looking for the exit of the curve, to the next curve, and down the road. As you scan the road surface and shoulder to identify debris or poor traction, don’t fixate on single point and use your peripheral vision to adjust your path of travel.

When a rider does not look through the curve or use peripheral vision effectively, he or she must continually adjust their visual horizon, resulting in multiple corrections. As a result, the rider will need to adjust speed repeatedly to negotiate the curve and will not have a smooth line.

Choosing lane position: It’s important to use all of the available lane when cornering. There are two positions you should consider while riding through curves: the left and right portions of the lane. (Of course, you will navigate through the center of your lane as you do this.)

On a two-lane road, with one lane in either direction, choosing the right portion of the lane will put the most space between you and a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. The downside is that

By David Kinaan

it does not give you a lot of maneuvering room if you find yourself traveling a little too fast for a left-hand curve. You also may encounter more debris from vehicles running onto the shoulder on the outside of the curve. In a right-hand turn, choosing the right side of the lane limits your cornering options.

The left side path will normally keep you free of any road debris, and will give you additional run out room if you enter a lefthand curve a little too fast. (The opposite is true if you are turning right.) The danger of being too close to the centerline is that it may place you in immediate peril if a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction crosses into your lane.

Ideally you want to enter each curve on the outside of the path of travel. On a curve to the left, the right portion of the lane will give you the best view through the curve and allow you to see more of the road ahead. On a curve to the right, the left wheel path will give you the most open line of sight. But these entry positions must be varied if traffic or road conditions dictate a different lane position.

Ideal line: The smoothest line through a curve is one that maximizes your line of sight and provides a traction cushion to adjust to unexpected hazards. Typically this means entering a curve from the outside of the lane, moving to the inside at the apex of the curve and moving back

to the outside of the lane to exit. Some call this a “performance line.” Use your peripheral vision to make your surface appraisal and pick your line, dipping toward the apex or inside of the curve only after you have sighted the exit. Then countersteer your motorcycle back toward the outside of the curve as you exit.

For example, on a curve to the right, you would enter the curve in the left lane position. Keep your eyes up to find the exit of the curve and lean your motorcycle into the curve. Pick your line and you will cross the center of the lane and enter the right lane position, apexing when you have identified the exit. Move back out toward the left lane position to exit the curve.

If at some point you find yourself drifting toward the outside of the curve, or toward the edge of the road, keep your eyes up on the exit of the turn and use your eyes to lead the motorcycle where you want to go.

Less than max: Never enter a curve at your max speed. You never know what you may encounter on the roadway, and you need time to react and adjust your path of travel. Even a curve you came though recently could have been visited by a driver who left debris in your wheel path. Slow, give yourself a couple of seconds of visual lead as you enter the curve, maintain a steady throttle and don’t accelerate until you see the exit.

Keep your eyes up and have a safe and fun ride!

Sergeant David Kinaan retired in 2012 as the supervisor of the California Highway Patrol Academy Motorcycle Training Unit. He was an active member of the CHP for nearly 30 years.

Tom Bear

HIGHER ETHANOL BLENDS ON THE WAY

Federal Plans Would Encourage E-15 Availability

Thanks to the congressionally mandated Renewable Fuel Standard, nearly every gallon of gas sold in this country contains at least 10 percent ethanol, while fuel containing no ethanol has nearly disappeared from the marketplace, being relegated to a few specialty stations and marinas.

And the Obama administration— along with many potential 2016 presidential candidates—continues to push for wider distribution of higher-ethanol blends, such as E15 and E85, while seemingly ignoring the concerns of motorcyclists and allterrain-vehicle owners who are legally prohibited from using the higherethanol products.

“Just as E10 has pushed E0 fuel out of the marketplace, E15 has the potential to reduce the availability of E10 under the federal mandate to increase the distribution and use of biofuels,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government affairs. “And the proliferation of these E15 fueling stations increases the risk that motorcyclists and ATV riders will inadvertently fill their tanks with the wrong fuel and damage their fuel system or engine.”

This spring brought a double hit for riders, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued its proposed renewable fuel standards for 2014, 2015 and 2016, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $100 million grant program to subsidize the installation of 10,000 new blender pumps to accommodate E15 distribution.

The EPA’s proposal would increase the amount of ethanol from all sources in the nation’s fuel supply to 17.4 billion gallons in 2016, up from 15.93 billion gallons in 2014.

Those increases would come despite the EPA’s acknowledgement that the market cannot absorb these higher ethanol production rates. In

By Jim Witters

a regulatory announcement released Aug. 6, 2013, “EPA Finalizes Renewable Fuel Standards,” the agency stated that it “does not currently foresee a scenario in which the market could consume enough ethanol sold in blends greater than E10.”

In announcing its new targets for ethanol in May, the EPA acknowledged that “Due to constraints in the fuel market to accommodate increasing volumes of ethanol, along with limits on the availability of non-ethanol renewable fuels, the volume targets specified by Congress in the Clean Air Act for 2014, 2015 and 2016 cannot be achieved.”

The practical effect of the EPA’s action is that ethanol production will exceed the “blend wall,” the point at which no more ethanol can be mixed into the nation’s fuel supply without resulting in blends higher than 10 percent. That means more E15 and less E10 on the market.

Misfueling Fears

The EPA has publicly acknowledged that ethanol in gasoline can damage internal combustion engines by

increasing exhaust temperatures and indirectly causing component failures. The statements are found in a 2014 Federal Trade Commission rule proposal about a new label for blender pumps.

Using E15 or higher ethanol blends in motorcycles and ATVs is illegal. The EPA has not certified their use.

Yet, the USDA plan to add blender pumps across the nation will only make it harder for riders to avoid misfueling and breaking that law.

Blender pumps allow customers to select the fuel grade they prefer by pressing a button on the pump that then dispenses the selected product. But research has shown that about one-third of a gallon of fuel from the previous customer’s selection can be left in the hose and inadvertently dispensed into the tank of the next vehicle in line.

For cars and trucks with tanks holding 15 gallons or more, such residual fuels may not become an issue. But for motorcycles and ATVs, with fuel tank capacities of 3 to 5 gallons, even relatively small amounts of E15 could cause major problems.

Experts within the ethanol industry say the number of U.S. gas stations offering E15 could double by the end

MAKE THE FAST LAST.

of 2016. Leading the way are Kum & Go LC and Sheetz Inc., which plan to have a combined 125 stations offering the alternative fuel by the beginning of 2017.

from 3.4 percent in 2012 to nearly 7 percent in 2014.

The city of Chicago is considering an ordinance that would require stations to install equipment to dispense E15 and begin selling it.

The ordinance, introduced after a $20,000 political contribution by ethanol giant Archer Daniels Midland Co. to a Chicago alderman, was tabled in December at the request of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

The proliferation of E15 in the marketplace, especially through blender pumps, increases the risk that motorcyclists and ATV riders will unknowingly fuel their vehicles with a blend higher than the federally approved E10.

Renewed Interest In E0

At the same time the federal government is forcing higher ethanol blends into the marketplace, data from the federal Energy Information Administration shows that demand for ethanol-free gas, or E0, rose

Consumers want E0 for their motorcycles, ATVs, boats, lawn mowers and other equipment. Yet, the renewable fuels requirements have marginalized the product in favor of E10.

Websites, such as pure-gas.org, have sprung up to alert consumers about the availability of E0.

At least one retailer has recognized the importance of E0. Stewart’s Shops in New York State has begun offering ethanol-free fuel at some of its stations in 21 counties.

Lawmakers’ Mixed Response

In state legislatures across the country, the reaction to increased ethanol in fuels has been mixed.

Connecticut is considering the formation of a task force on the feasibility of eliminating ethanol from fuel. Hawaii has a bill that would eliminate the requirement that gas sold there contain 10 percent ethanol. Mississippi has a proposal to require stations there to sell E0.

At the same time, Iowa’s H.S.B.

A gas station in upstate New York displays a sign promoting ethanol-free gas during the 2015 Americade Rally.

Rob Dingman

186 would expand the infrastructure to support E15; Indiana wants to exempt ethanol from its motor vehicle fuel tax; and Missouri has a bill that would eliminate liability for E15 refiners and distributors.

At the federal level, U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) are working to abolish the corn ethanol mandate in the Renewable Fuel Standard. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) is a cosponsor.

U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) introduced H.R. 704, the Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act. The bipartisan bill would reduce the RFS by significant percentages each year, bringing the 2022 mandate to 21 billion gallons from 36 billion gallons. The bill also would rescind the EPA’s E15 waivers and cap the amount of ethanol content in gasoline at E10.

The AMA supports this solution to ensure motorcyclists have access to safe fuels.

Action Needed

Access to safe fuels for motorcycles remains an AMA priority, and we continue to be a watchdog for our members and for all motorcyclists and ATV riders.

“The AMA believes the federal government is moving in the wrong direction regarding ethanol in our fuel,” Allard says. “The RFS has failed to achieve its goals of reducing pollution and reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil.”

AMA members also must be vigilant and active on this issue:

• Sign the AMA petition opposing the EPA’s porposed ethanol mandates: http://bit.ly/1J4jGLG.

• Contact state and federal elected officials to urge them to support limiting or eliminating the ethanol content in your fuel.

• Email the AMA at grassroots@ ama-cycle.org when you find examples of mislabeled fuel pumps or inadequate labels.

• Vote for political candidates who support your stance.

• Tell your friends, family and fellow riders about the effects of the ethanol mandate and encourage them to get involved.

SEN. SHAHEEN: AMA HERO

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) receives an AMA Hero award from Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. The Hero awards are presented for extraordinary efforts to support motorcyclists and motorcycling. Shaheen joins U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), former Arkansas Rep. and current Arkansas Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin (R) and Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) as the 2015 recipients.

HOME ON THE ROAD

With all the amenities of a larger motorhome but the added benefit of its smaller size, a Roadtrek is the perfect place to call home after a day of riding the open road. Add in our towing capabilities, ease of driving and tons of storage space and exploring the countryside will never be the same. Visit us at Sturgis 2015 and step inside the Roadtrek of your dreams.

Contact us today at 1-888-ROADTREK (762-3873) or Roadtrek.com to find out more

ADVMOTO MAGAZINE OFFERS AMA MEMBER DISCOUNT

Do Big Things On Big Bikes

ADVMoto, or Adventure Motorcycle Magazine, is offering a 20 percent discount on subscriptions and products to AMA members.

“It’s fun, exciting and addictive to explore parts unknown on two wheels,” says AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey. “ADVMoto is a great window into that world, and we encourage our members who enjoy adventure riding to check it out.”

Since 1999, ADVMoto has featured riders, reviews and reports from America and beyond, spotlighting “ordinary people who do extraordinary things.”

The country’s premier organized adventure rides are part of the Yamaha Super Ténéré, AMA National Adventure Riding Series, presented by Moose Racing. These rides offer the best routes, roads and two-track trail for taking advantage of the capabilities of modern adventure bikes.

For more on this discount, or the national series, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

DOWCO MEMBER DISCOUNT

Get Cool Covers For Less

Now you can buy a quality cover for your motorcycle for less, thanks to a 20 percent discount and free domestic shipping from Dowco, maker of motorcycle covers, saddlebags and luggage.

The Dowco offer is valid on products purchased online at www.dowcopowersports.com. To access the savings and free shipping to the 48 contiguous states, AMA members must enter the promo code found in the Members Only section of www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

“AMA members love to ride—and they love their motorcycles,” says Dowco’s Angela Lettenberger. “We’re happy to support the AMA and its members with this discount.”

Dowco also is supporting AMA membership by providing a monthly prize available through the AMA membership sweepstakes. Each month, winners are drawn randomly from the AMA membership roster.

SPOT GEN3

MSRP: $149.99; plus $99.99 per year for tracking service (includes $50 AMA member discount) Info: www.findmespot.com

I’ve been a fan of this technology for several years and was an earlyadopter of Spot’s original GEN1 device and service. The device operates by sending digital signals directly to orbiting satellites from anywhere on the globe. These messages are transmitted back to Spot’s central command center where, if necessary, search and rescue resources are contacted to come find you. They make every effort to use the most expedient methods necessary, including helicopters.

One of the most valuable features of this product is the team and expertise that comes with it. While some riders might say they prefer a satellite phone, a phone costs five to 10 times more on an annual basis compared to a Spot GEN3 subscription and isn’t as expedient in connecting you to the right emergency responders.

Often, minutes can mean the difference between life and death, and Spot’s team knows exactly who to call immediately. Would you?

The GEN3 has all the features of the original GEN1, including a few extras. The “SOS” button (for life-threatening emergencies) is the most valuable, of course, but it also has a “Help” button (for non-lifethreatening situations) as well as the ability to send a customizable message. (The SOS and Help buttons are covered by protective lids to prevent accidental activation.)

You also get real-time tracking, which can be viewed by friends and family on Spot’s website. For an additional fee, you can subscribe to “Extreme Tracking,” which updates the online map more frequently. There’s also an “OK” button that sends a personalized message to family and friends to let them know everything’s fine.

The GEN3 is about 30 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter than the GEN1, which allows it to fit nicely in a jacket or pants pocket. To use the tracking feature, the device needs to have a clear view of the sky.

Another major upgrade is a better user interface. The buttons and flashing lights do a much better job of updating you on the device. The unit is quite sturdy and designed to withstand the rigors of riding, even if your adventures occasionally take you under water in a river crossing. The GEN3 also comes with a nifty strap and carabineer vs. the old belt clip, which is not very secure when using it on a motorcycle.

In real-time tests, the elapsed time from pressing the “OK” button to receiving it on a cell phone was less than 10 seconds (assuming a clear view of the sky and good cell coverage). Spot works in cloudy weather too, and location updates to your online tracking map are in the five- to 10-second range.

If you ride in areas where cell service is weak or non-existent, Spot’s direct uplink to satellites provides great peace of mind.

AMA members qualify for special discounts on Spot’s tracking services, and the company often discounts the units themselves. For the latest unit prices, see www.findmespot.com, and for the latest on AMA member Spot service discounts, see the Members Only area of www.americanmotorcyclist.com.—Jim Williams

AMA Member Tested

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

Photos Alison Grogan Alison Grogan

1941 HARLEY-DAVIDSON WL

Building A War-Time Legacy

When you go to war on a motorcycle, you want a motorcycle that will last.

That’s the legacy of the Harley-Davidson WL line. Introduced in 1929, the 45-cubicinch, side-valve WLs were known as rugged, reliable machines. They spawned the WLAs, which were used extensively during World War II by American forces (and the WLCs that the Canadian and British military fielded).

After the war, the WL engine made a comeback, even powering the dirt-track bike that took Jimmy Chann to the AMA Grand National Championship in 1947, ’48 and ’49. After that, Harley introduced the K-series motorcycle engine, but continued making WL engines for its commercial Servi-Cars into the 1970s.

That 45-year production run ranks the WL as one of the most enduring internal-combustion engines of all time. When Harley finally stopped

making WLs, the engine design had been in production for nearly two-thirds of Harley’s 71year history.

This WL was entirely rebuilt using newold-stock parts and is, essentially, a new motorcycle. It shows only 5 miles on its odometer.

The bike was part of the original collection that established the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum 25 years ago. It was donated to the museum by Martha Smith in honor of her husband, Lawrence “Smitty” Smith, who passed away in July 1988. The couple owned Smitty’s Harley-Davidson, and together they were prolific sponsors of AMA professional and amateur dirttrack racers.

To see this and other amazing machines from motorcycling’s past, visit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on the AMA campus in Fame Pickerington, Ohio.

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Famer

DON CASTRO: RACED THE BEST

Don Castro battled handlebar to handlebar during the 1970s with some of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time.

Many consider the early 1970s as dirt track racing’s greatest era. Castro competed against famed racers and fellow Hall of Famers Gary Scott, Kenny Roberts, Mert Lawwill, Chuck Palmgren, Gene Romero, Dave Aldana and others.

Born on Dec. 28, 1949, Castro grew up in Hollister, Calif. When he was almost 16, he got a Honda 90 so he would have a means to get to and from work. But Castro didn’t use the small bike just for transportation—he began racing around town on it. His father bought him a 500 Triumph, and Castro, at the age of 16, began competing in Sportsman TT, as well as hillclimb. Castro turned pro novice in 1968, and then junior in 1969. An off-track ankle injury kept him out of the first four rounds that year, and, despite six consecutive wins after he

returned to competition, Castro still lost out on Junior of the Year honors to Dave Aldana.

In 1970, Castro became a pro expert and got a Triumph factory ride. His first road race was at the famed Daytona track in Florida, where he finished third on a three-cylinder Triumph.

In 1971, Castro raced short track, TT, half-mile, mile and road races. He finished ninth that year aboard a Triumph. In 1972, Castro was a privateer aboard Triumphs and missed a large part of the season after his van and equipment were stolen.

The next year Castro got a factory contract with Yamaha, teaming with Roberts. At the San Jose, Calif., half-mile during the time

PICK A CARD, ANY CARD

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).

and cardsVictorynow

trials, five riders broke the old lap record. In the main event, Castro and Roberts took the lead at the start but Roberts was quickly sidelined on the first lap with ignition problems. Castro went on to win, unchallenged.

In 1974, Castro earned another National win for Yamaha: the 250cc road race at the Daytona International Speedway in a back-and-forth battle with teammate Roberts and Hall of Famer Gary Nixon.

In 1975, Yamaha pulled out of racing and Castro teamed up with Hall of Fame tuner Erv Kanemoto to race Kawasakis.

Castro retired in 1976 following surgery to repair a lingering injury that he sustained in the 1974 season.

Castro, who operates a shop called Racer’s Edge in Tres Pinos, Calif., was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2010.

ON THE OTHER

A Motorcycle Tour Of New Zealand

Story and Photos by Rick Wheaton

On a group ride—if you’re lucky—you’ll get blue skies, interesting roads, and a decent bunch of bikers to ride with. If you’re very lucky you’ll also make lasting friendships, and this was my bonus when I rode from Brazil to Chile in 2013 (see “South American Adventure,” April 2014).

On that ride—despite the difference in our ages—I buddied up with a cool and adventurous young guy from Kuwait—I’ll call him “The Dude” —and an equally adventurous and worldly-wise New Zealander.

As biker buddies do, we had a lot of fun discussing the when and where of another long ride, and New Zealand came

out on top. The indigenous Maoris call it “Aotearoa,” meaning “Land of the Long White Cloud”—is that romantic or what? It wasn’t long before the New Zealander emailed us an entire package of routes, side trips and accommodations, all in a 14-day time slot, that would take us the length of his staggeringly beautiful country. We tagged him “The Organizer.”

Rick Wheaton

t The Dude and I had to get our rented bikes in Auckland, North Island, meet The Organizer a couple days later, and make our way home from Christchurch in the South Island. Hiring the bikes was easy, we chose Paradise Motorcycle Tours (www.paradisemotorcycletours.co.nz)— New Zealand’s only approved BMW hire company—booked our flights, and started counting the days.

Fast forward to February 2015 and Day one. Thanks to our combined 18-hour jet lag, The Dude and I wake up good and early on a cloudless morning—a great start. Busting with excitement, we meet up with Trevor at Paradise’s Auckland depot, and an hour later we are on our way, weaving through the light Saturday traffic on our beautifully set-up BMWs.

I’m on a F800GS, The Dude on a watercooled R1200GS, and our bikes have all the sexy trimmings, including GPS.

t We start with an easy 135 mile ride to the Coramandel Loop, and spend the night with old friends in the seaside town of Whitianga. On the way we stop for a late breakfast at the famous Bugger Cafe. One of our Whitianga pals meets us there, complete with his treasured Bonneville.

The next day, The Dude and I ride 200 miles south, still under blue skies, to Lake Taupo where we see our first volcanoes, one instantly recognizable as Mount Doom to anyone who’s seen “Lord of the Rings.” New Zealand is a geothermal hotspot, and both islands are dotted with active volcanoes, steaming hot springs and everfascinating pools of boiling mud. Sadly some of this activity can be deadly, and

SIDE

more than one New Zealand city has been laid to waste by earthquakes. t

T Continuing south, we ride across the high desert road of the interior. We take it easy. Both Paradise Trevor and my pal with the Bonnie have told us how serious the New Zealand police are about speed limits. The maximum on any road, freeway included, is 60 mph.

About 230 miles later we’re in the windy city of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. The Organizer rides out to meet us on his BMW R1200R, and that night we enjoy his hospitality. The next day we catch the ferry across the Cook Straits to the South Island. The straits can be bumpy, but our luck with the weather holds and we make the four-hour crossing in a flat calm.

Once off the ferry, and riding to the very top of the South Island, the pace slows.

New Zealand’s population is a little over

4 million, and because nearly 3 million live in just five cities, there are no more than a million people inhabiting the rest of the country. This means New Zealand is generally very quiet, and at times the South Island seems deserted. As the roads are usually in superb condition, and mostly hilly or mountainous—long straights are rare—it makes for worldclass motorcycling.

The three of us have SENA helmet

intercoms, and the Bluetooth system works perfectly.

I don’t know who speaks the little voice alerts, but we grow to love her perky “Hello” when we switch on, and her gentle “Goodbye” as we switch off. She even manages to make “Low Battery” sound interesting.

Now the long ride down the beautiful west coast, 400 miles without a single traffic light and still in gorgeous sunshine. There are more than 3,000 glaciers on the South Island, and the blue skies make a perfect backdrop for our helicopter flight onto one of the biggest, the eight-milelong Franz Joseph glacier. We find that motorcycle boots are perfect for stomping about in the snow. †

ˇ The southwest corner of the South Island is a nearly impenetrable mass of deep fjords, so the main road turns inland here, but we stick to the coast and make a 60-mile detour to the single tiny cafe at Jackson Bay. This is possibly the furthest I have ever traveled in my life for fish and chips, but the Bay is gorgeous, our meal is delicious, and when we can eat no more, we ride our bikes onto the splendid pier and pull in our stomachs for the camera.

ˇ We ride back, past miles of sandy beaches, rejoin the main road and head inland to climb the Haast Pass. The landscape has so far been quite lovely, but around here it starts to defy superlatives. Narrow, fast flowing rivers pour out of snow covered mountains, and craggy hills are buried under ancient forests.

We ride past huge lakes, the Southern Alps reflected in their still waters, and head to Queenstown, the self-proclaimed adventure capital of the world. Catering almost exclusively to the New Zealander’s love of cutting-edge excitement, it’s the home of enormous bungee jumps, rocket propelled jet boats and extreme paragliding, pretty much anything that can induce heart failure in an old gent. T

t Foolishly putting aside my fears about motion sickness, The Dude and I take a ride on the Shotover Jet Boat. It careens down a twisting gorge, inches from the rock face, all at what feels like 1,000 mph. The Dude loves it, and wonders if the engines could be tweaked for more power. I’m ashamed that I have to be let off the boat half way round. This amuses my fellow bikers who give me “rough sea” hand signals the rest of the ride.

T Now south again to Te Anau, for a superb side trip across Lake Manapouri to the underwater power station that supplies 15 percent of the islands’ electricity. The station is a triumph of engineering and ingenuity. Water drops to a turbine hall carved out of solid rock some 800 feet below the surface of the lake, and a pair of six-mile long run-off tunnels carry the spent water to the nearest fjord.

The Organizer calls in a favor from a power company executive, and as the entire place is run by two men on site, 50 percent of the work force, Paul, gives us a private tour. This includes a 4x4 drive to see the outflow discharge into the 500foot deep “Doubtful Sound,” one of New Zealand’s most beautiful. It’s so narrow that even Captain Cook, the great 18th century explorer, didn’t sail in, doubtful he’d ever be able to sail out. †

t The following morning, we ride early to Milford Sound, possibly the most revered and photogenic spot in the whole of New Zealand. Up at dark (we must return the same day) and anxious for good weather here in particular, we climb the twisty road to the infamous one-way Homer Tunnel: narrow, permanently wet and unlit. Until recently the tunnel contained an enormous pothole, and I imagine bikers yelling “Doh!” as they swerve around it or possibly fall into it.

Down the other side now, in the early light, our first view of Milford Sound is breath-taking, the iconic 5,500-foot Mitre Peak reflecting in water as smooth as glass. The brilliant weather has held, and as Fjord-land averages 600 inches of rain a year, we’re especially grateful for yet another glorious day.

T Exhilarated by this fabulous landscape, our ride back to Te Anau is enormous fun. There’s something special about riding a powerful motorbike on twisty, hilly roads: growling up the hairpins and sweeping down through the bends. Our BMWs relish these nearly empty roads, and our intercoms add to the fun: The Dude mostly comments on my cornering and singing (poor to awful) while The Organizer—as befits a local citizen— regales us with terrifying road stories. We’ll be on some spectacular twisty section when his voice will cut in with a story about how a landslide—at the very next bend—swept a truck down into the river, or a campervan ran off the road. These stories inevitably end—in a doom-laden voice—“...and the bodies were never found.”

We’re right at the bottom of the island now, Invercargill, one of the most southerly cities on the planet, and we ride alongside the great Southern Ocean, next stop Antarctica. That morning we’d woken to drizzle and for the first time on the ride, happy to be extra warm and dry, I gladly pulled on my Aerostich one-piece suit. The Organizer scoffs, denying this tiny amount of precipitation could be called rain. “When it’s so wet you aquaplane in a straight line,” he says, “that’s when you know it’s raining.”

The next 24 hours were as perfect a New Zealand day as anyone could wish. First we enjoy some splendid hospitality, staying overnight with more of The Organizer’s family, and the next

morning we ride to a sheep farm, run by his nephew Tony, who treats us to a demonstration of dog handling. Up to this point we’d not seen any sheep on the road, and no sooner had I expressed my disappointment than a couple of his dogs expertly round up a mob, and my bike is quickly surrounded by 250 of the woolly monsters. †

2015 AMA MEMBER

Monthly Drawings!

The 2015 AMA member sweepstakes is better than ever!

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

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

• 2 – New motorcycles. Two lucky AMA members who renew or join in 2015 will win a new bike! There’s one drawing for a Yamaha Super Ténére and another drawing for a Suzuki Boulevard 109R!

• 4 – TomTom Rider GPS Units, navigation tools designed specifically for motorcyclists.

• 1 – Cardo Systems/Scala Rider G9 Communication Set. Bluetooth intercom and communication system lets you connect with up to eight other riders.

• 1 – Shark Kage Ramp. This 6-in-one multi-use ramp is the ultimate truck accessory.

• 12 – Brooks Leather gear package.

• 12 – Guardian Weatherall Plus motorcycle cover Don’t let your membership lapse!

TOLLS FEES & TAXES

Governments Seek New Ways To Shore Up Budgets

By Jim Witters

Governments faced with shrinking revenue are targeting motorcyclists, among other groups, as a source of funds, often skating along the edge of the law in an effort to balance their books.

Across the country, agencies have cut funding for road and trail maintenance and shut down access to public lands, while continuing to collect fees and taxes that were put in place to ensure responsible riders would be able to enjoy their freedom to ride.

At the same time, as gains in fuel efficiency and reduced driving result in less revenue from gasoline taxes, some state and federal lawmakers are looking for new ways to tax riders and other motorists to pay for necessary road maintenance and construction.

Other times, state officials simply park the money collected from motorcyclists and ATV riders in a special fund and refuse to spend it. The lingering balance offsets annual shortfalls in other parts of the state’s budget.

“The AMA is keeping an eye on all these actions and proposals to make sure that motorcyclists and ATV riders are not being unfairly burdened,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “Our Washington, D.C., staff is in constant contact with federal agencies and Congress. And we are working with AMA members and other motorcyclists at the state level to encourage legislation beneficial to riders while battling against bad measures.”

Tolls And Special Lanes

Motorcyclists in the state of Washington were shocked in March when they were told they would have to obtain transponders for their bikes and deposit money in a state account if they wanted to keep using the high-occupancy-vehicle lanes on I-405.

The state was converting the HOV lanes into HOT lanes, high-occupancy-toll lanes, which allow solo drivers to pay a fee and use the lanes otherwise reserved for motorcycles and other vehicles with two or more occupants.

Federal law bans states from charging motorcyclists for using HOV lanes.

Washington state officials say they have no intention of charging motorcyclists who use the HOT lanes in their state. At the same time, a rider must fork over a minimum of $30 to open an account with the state’s Good To Go! Program and mount a transponder on the vehicle.

A similar program in Georgia requires motorcyclists to carry a Peach Pass to ride in the HOT lanes along I-85 in Atlanta. But the I-495 Express Lanes on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway near Washington, D.C., do not require transponders for motorcycles.

“When this came up several years ago on I-405 with the HOV lanes, motorcycles did get access, so we thought we were cool,” says “Texas” Larry

Walker, government relations specialist for the Washington [State] Road Riders Association. “But, in the implementation of the HOT lanes, the government agency decided it needed a way to inventory motorcycles using the lanes.”

In the absence of a transponder, the system photographs the license plate of the vehicle, then routes it through an identification system to determine whether the vehicle owner should be billed.

The Washington state transportation department has offered riders free transponders (while supplies last), but still wants them to open a Good To Go! account. And many riders view that requirement as paying to use the lanes.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, responding to inquiries by U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), says that the state’s plan meets federal standards, “as, at the end of the day, motorcyclists with proper identification will not be charged tolls on I-405.”

The U.S. DOT says the state may use its choice of technology to implement the HOV/HOT program and the “offer of free motorcycle passes while they last is a fair offer to allay what may seem an initial inconvenience.”

But that answer hasn’t convinced Washington’s riders.

“Some are taking a wait-and-see approach, but some are madder than

TOLLS, FEES & TAXES

wet hens,” Walker says. “And there are some who want to file a class action lawsuit against the government. We at the Washington Road Riders Association are asking to be in the room when these issues are discussed again.”

The Washington program has not been fully implemented, Walker says.

“Maybe by the end of the summer,” he says. “We are going to look at how it goes.”

When HOV lanes were created decades ago, motorcycles were banned from them. The AMA and other motorcyclist rights organizations fought for, and won, the right for motorcyclists to use them.

“The AMA continues to work to ensure free motorcycle access to HOV and HOT lanes as more jurisdictions consider changing HOV lanes to toll express lanes,” Allard says. “We need to continue to work to educate elected officials and bureaucrats to ensure motorcyclists are considered when new tolls are proposed.”

On The Trails

Many off-road riders are willing to pay a fee to ride a trail on public lands, if the proceeds will be used to pay for trail construction and maintenance, says Steve Salisbury, AMA government affairs manager for off-highway issues.

“But there also are those in the off-highway community who view any

trail-use fees on public lands as double taxation,” he says. “It is fuel taxes paid by the motorized community that funds the federally based Recreational Trails Program.”

The Recreational Trails Program is funded by a tax on fuel bought by OHV owners. Yet the funding is used for projects that benefit non-motorized recreation, as well. OHV users are contributing an estimated $234 million annually to the trust fund. Of that total, just one-third of $85 million, plus a percentage of another one-third, is allocated to motorized recreation projects annually.

“Most off-highway riders recognize that trail management costs and strained budgets require fees,” Salisbury says. “But we don’t believe we should be paying more than our fair share.

“OHV riders pitch in on volunteer projects, including trail maintenance and construction, that benefit all trail users,” he explains. “But we are the only group that may be paying three times—through the taxes that established the park, through the RTP and, again, through daily or annual fees to ride.”

Public Access Fees

When officials at the 131 national parks monuments, historic sites and recreation areas that charge entrance fees considered raising those fees this year,

“When this came up several years ago on I-405 with the HOV lanes, motorcycles did get access, so we thought we were cool. But, in the implementation of the HOT lanes, the government agency decided it needed a way to inventory motorcycles using the lanes.”

— “Texas” Larry Walker, government relations specialist for the Washington Road Riders Association

Cory

Parris

many of them proposed larger increases for motorcyclists than for visitors using other types of entry.

For example, Yosemite National Park proposed raising the motorcycle fee to $25 per bike, instead of $10 per person.

The AMA considered that fee hike far out of proportion to the proposed increases for cars and urged its members to contact the National Parks Service, parks in their area and elected officials to highlight the unfairness of this plan.

During its civic engagement period, the park received 2,430 e-mails, 1,222 comments on the its Facebook page, and 16 mailed letters. This public input led to significant changes to the fee proposal, according to a park press release.

The fees for Yosemite are $15 per motorcycle this year, rising to $20 per motorcycle in 2016. Those fees, though higher than 2014 fees, are more in line with the increases implemented for cars.

Similar scenarios played out at other national parks and recreation areas.

“While we understand the importance of raising fees to allow the National Park Service to continue to provide clean, safe and accessible parks, the AMA does not believe motorcyclists should pay a disproportionate share,” Allard says.

Following The Money

One key to ensuring motorcyclists are treated fairly by taxing authorities is monitoring the spending of funds collected.

Money supposedly dedicated to rider education or trail projects often is channeled to other uses. Other funds are simply never spent.

For years, the Illinois governor swept special state set-aside accounts –including a rider training fund – to balance a shaky budget. And when ABATE of Illinois challenged the tactic, the courts sided with the governor.

In California, the state redirected OHV funds and borrowed from OHV recreation accounts to the tune of about $220 million. Most of that money has not been repaid.

In Texas, the state has not spent a dime from its motorcycle training and safety account since 2005, accumulating more than $16.5 million that it combines with other unspent money to balance its budget every year.

The AMA is working with state motorcycle rights organizations to correct the motorcycle safety fund issue.

As a result, state Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin) introduced S.B. 754, a bill that would increase the revenue dedicated to motorcycle education and push other legislators to end the practice of

When Yosemite National Park proposed raising the motorcycle fee to $25 per bike, instead of $10 per person, the park received thousands of comments during its civic engagement period. The fees for Yosemite are $15 per motorcycle this year, rising to $20 per motorcycle in 2016.

using motorcycle training funds to hide budgetary shortfalls.

New Mexico riders faced a different problem.

The New Mexico Off-Highway and Motor Vehicle Act of 2005 specifically earmarks for OHV programs the fees collected through OHV registrations.

But this year’s 200-page appropriations act included a transfer of $500,000 to the conservation services program of the New Mexico State Park system.

As the New Mexico Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance states, “This is especially ironic (and wrong) because by current law, OHVs are not even allowed in any state park!”

“The motorcycling community does not expect a free lunch, and lawmakers tend to respect that fact,” Allard says. “We want rider training, increased motorist awareness and accessible trails, and we are willing to chip in our personal resources to make those needs a reality— even agreeing to additional fees for special accounts intended to enhance the experiences of motorcyclists.

“But we also demand accountability.”

New Tax Strategy

Increasing fuel efficiency, a shift toward hybrid and electric vehicles and higher motorcycle ridership all have combined during the past several years to reduce the

revenue that government agencies receive from gasoline taxes.

That tax money funds road construction, maintenance and improvements. So, replacing that revenue is a high priority for governments.

One idea being floated at both the state and federal levels is a vehicle-milestraveled tax that records how far a vehicle is driven each year, then assesses a certain amount for each mile.

Oregon launched an $8.4 million pilot program called OreGo in July that will monitor the driving of as many as 5,000 volunteers who agree to pay 1.5 cents for each mile driven on the state’s public roads. They will be reimbursed for the fuel taxes paid at the pump.

Private vendors provide drivers with digital devices to track mileage, raising concerns in some circles about the privacy of data and the potential for government surveillance.

Oregon officials say they built protections to address those issues, including an option that tracks odometer readings without using GPS. Those who opt for GPS tracking are assured that their data will be destroyed after 30 days.

California, Washington State and Indiana are studying alternatives to the traditional gasoline tax to raise money for infrastructure.

GO RIDE

1

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

The AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series boasts 17 events throughout the year. On Aug. 15-16 in Tillamook, Ore., Northwest Tour & Trail will host the Black Dog Adventure Ride, one of the national caliber adventure rides that’s sure to impress. Info: www. BlackDogDualSport.com

2

The Fort Knox Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club in Lexington, Ky., is hosting a road rally on Aug. 15. Info: www. BSMCFortKnox.org

4

On Aug. 8, Freestone County Raceway in Wortham, Texas, is hosting a motocross round of the Main Event Series. Info: www. FreestoneMX.com

5

In Howard, Colo., an observed trials competition is being held by It’s Off Road LLC on Aug. 11-13. Info: www. ItsOffRoad.com

3 A poker run is being hosted on Aug. 2 by the Lebanon Valley Motorcycle Club in Lebanon, Pa. Info: www.LebanonValleyMC.com

COMING UP

6

The Door County Fair Association is hosting a half-mile dirt track race on Aug. 1 during the fair in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Info: www. DoorCountyFair.com

Each year, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony welcomes new members into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. On Oct. 17, in conjunction with AIMExpo in Orlando, Fla., six inductees will join the ranks of motorcycling’s greatest advocates and champions in a gala celebration. Tickets are $25 for a reserved seat or $90 for a reserved seat and access to the VIP Reception before the ceremony. Info: www.MotorcycleHallofFame.org

AUGUST EVENTS

ALABAMA COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

AUG 23: (Includes ATVs) TALLASSEE: MONSTER ACTION SPORTS, LLC, (334) 318-8475, MONSTERMX.COM CALIFORNIA RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN

AUG 1: SAN JOSE: SAN JOSE DONS MC, (408) 293-4501, SANJOSEDONSMC.COM COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

AUG 2: (Includes ATVs) PALMDALE: ROVERS MC, (661) 247-8746

AUG 9: (Includes ATVs) SAN BERNARDINO: UNITED MOTORCYCLE CLUB SPEEDWAY

AUG 7: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM

AUG 8: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM

AUG 9: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM

AUG 14: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM

AUG 19: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM

AUG 21: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM

AUG 26: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM

AUG 28: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223, FASTFRIDAYS.COM

SHORT TRACK

AUG 8: (Includes ATVs) LODI: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 368-7182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM

AUG 8: (Includes ATVs) CHOWCHILLA: CALIFORNIA FLAT TRACK ASSOCIATION, (415) 320-7889, CALIFORNIAFLATTRACK.COM

AUG 12: CITY OF INDUSTRY: INDUSTRY HILLS EXPO CENTER DBA: INDUSTRY RACING, (626) 330-0324, INDUSTRYRACING.COM

AUG 22: (Includes ATVs) LODI: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 368-7182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM TTS

AUG 1: (Includes ATVs) LODI: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 368-7182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM

COLORADO

MOTOCROSS

AUG 9: MILLIKEN: TWO RIVERS RACING LLC, (970) 587-5770

AUG 16: DACONO: IMI MOTORSPORTS INC, (303) 388-4949, IMIMOTORSPORTS.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

AUG 11: HOWARD: ITS OFFROAD LLC,

(719) 942-3372, ITSOFFROAD.COM CONNECTICUT

RECREATIONAL BIKE SHOW

AUG 16: EAST HAMPTON: BRITISH IRON ASSOCIATION OF CONNECTICUT, (860) 305-0171, CTBRITIRON.ORG

GEORGIA

COMPETITION ENDURO

AUG 8: MACON: 2 DAY EVENT, FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO SERIES, (304) 276-0188, FULLGASENDURO.COM

ILLINOIS

RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN - OFF-ROAD

AUG 9: (Includes ATVs) OTTAWA: VARIETY RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 434-3669, VARIETYRIDERS.COM

COMPETITION

GRAND PRIX

AUG 15: (Includes ATVs) COAL VALLEY: TRI CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (309) 799-9449, TRICITYMC.COM HILLCLIMB

AUG 29: WHITE CITY: CAHOKIA CREEK DIRT RIDERS, (217) 248-2839, CAHOKIACREEKDIRTRIDERS.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

AUG 30: (Includes ATVs) BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271

MOTOCROSS

AUG 2: (Includes ATVs) BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271

AUG 7: (Includes ATVs) GEORGETOWN: PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (217) 304-8704, PLEASURERIDERS.NET

AUG 16: (Includes ATVs) BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271

AUG 16: (Includes ATVs) COAL VALLEY: TRI CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (309) 799-9449, TRICITYMC.COM

AUG 23: MT CARROLL: MC MOTOPARK INC., (815) 238-1614, MCMOTOPARK.COM

AUG 29: BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

AUG 30: OTTAWA: VARIETY RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 434-3669, VARIETYRIDERS.COM

SHORT TRACK

AUG 15: GALESBURG: GALESBURG MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (309) 344-1714, GALESBURGMC.COM

STADIUM CROSS

AUG 7: WOODSTOCK: WOODSTOCK RACING LLC, (815) 337-3511, WOODSTOCKMX.COM

AUG 28: WOODSTOCK: WOODSTOCK RACING LLC, (815) 337-3511, WOODSTOCKMX.COM

INDIANA

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE

AUG 15: COLUMBUS: 2 DAY EVENT, STONEY LONESOME M/C, (812) 343-9772, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM

COMPETITION

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

AUG 1: (Includes ATVs) GOSHEN: GOSHEN IRON HORSEMEN, (574) 825-3399

ENDURO

AUG 8: ROSELAWN: HILL & GULLY ENDURO RIDERS, (708) 261-3433, MIDWESTENDUROS.COM

AUG 9: ROSE LAWN: HILL & GULLY ENDURO RIDERS, (708) 261-3433, VERN.SCHOLL@ATT.NET

HARE SCRAMBLES

AUG 2: COLUMBUS: STONEY LONESOME M/C, (812) 343-2716, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM

AUG 30: COLUMBUS: STONEY LONESOME M/C, (812) 343-2716, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM

MOTOCROSS

AUG 9: (Includes ATVs) SCOTTSBURG: LET’S GO RACING LLC, (812) 350-3243, HIGHFLYMX.COM

AUG 21: CRAWFORDSVILLE: MX SPORTS, INC., (304) 284-0101, MXSPORTS.COM

AUG 23: CRAWFORDSVILLE: MX SPORTS, INC., (304) 284-0101, MXSPORTS.COM

AUG 30: (Includes ATVs) LAUREL: MORGAN RACE PROMOTIONS, (513) 551-9661, HASPINACRES.COM

IOWA

ENDURO

AUG 15: DAYTON: CENTRAL IOWA ENDURO RIDERS, (402) 980-6574, IERA22.COM

AUG 16: DAYTON: CENTRAL IOWA ENDURO RIDERS, (402) 980-6574, IERA22.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

AUG 30: MOUNT PLEASANT: BURLINGTON VALLEY DUSTERS, (319) 759-6979, IERA22.COM

MOTOCROSS

AUG 1: (Includes ATVs) CEDAR RAPIDS: CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 775-0893, CVTR.ORG

AUG 15: (Includes ATVs) CEDAR RAPIDS: CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 775-0893, CVTR.ORG

AUG 22: (Includes ATVs) WATERLOO: SEVEN FOUR PROMOTIONS, SEVENFOURPROMOTIONS.COM

AUG 22: (Includes ATVs) MONTEZUMA: FV MOTO X, (641) 623-3456, FVMOTOX.COM

AUG 22: (Includes ATVs) HINTON: JOE DIRT MOTOCROSS PARK, (712) 540-3511, JOEDIRTMOTOCROSSPARK.COM

AUG 23: (Includes ATVs) MONTEZUMA: FV MOTO X, (641) 623-3456, FVMOTOX.COM

KENTUCKY

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RALLY

AUG 15: LEXINGTON: FORT KNOX BUFFALO SOLDIERS MC, (502) 509-1124, BSMCFORTKNOX.ORG COMPETITION MOTOCROSS

AUG 16: (Includes ATVs) BEDFORD: NICKOTA MOTORSPORTS PARK LLC, (502) 525-1167, NICKOTAMOTORSPORTS.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

AUG 22: BEDFORD: 2 DAY EVENT, TRIALS INC, (502) 767-5062, TRIALSINC.ORG

MARYLAND MOTOCROSS

AUG 29: MECHANICSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM

MASSACHUSETTS RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN

AUG 23: FARMINGHAM: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG COMPETITION

HILLCLIMB

AUG 30: MONSON: QUABOAG RIDERS INC, (413) 267-4414, MONSONMONSTER.COM

MICHIGAN

RECREATIONAL

FAMILY ENDURO-OFF ROAD

AUG 22: LAKE CITY: LANSING MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 631-6669, LANSINGMOTORCYCLECLUB.ORG

DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD

AUG 2: ANN ARBOR: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

ROAD RUN

AUG 2: ANN ARBOR: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL

AUG 1: BENTLEY: VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS, (989) 890-1411

COMPETITION

DIRT DRAG

AUG 21: (Includes ATVs) GRANT: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 834-5349, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

AUG 22: GRANT: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 834-5349, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

AUG 22: (Includes ATVs) STANDISH: VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS, (989) 890-1411

AUG 29: (Includes ATVs) CROSWELL: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM ENDURO

AUG 2: BENTLEY: VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS, (989) 329-2830

AUG 23: MOORESTOWN: LANSING MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 631-6669, LANSINGMOTORCYCLECLUB.ORG HILLCLIMB

AUG 9: (Includes ATVs) WEST BRANCH: PORT HURON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 327-1062, PHMC-USA.COM

AUG 22: GRANT: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 834-5349, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

AUG 23: GRANT: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 834-5349, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

AUG 9: (Includes ATVs) ROSE CITY: BENT WHEELS COMPETITION CLUB, INC., BENTWHEELS.COM

AUG 16: MIDLAND: POLKA DOTS M/C, (989) 832-8284, POLKADOTSMC.NET

AUG 30: (Includes ATVs) BATTLE CREEK:

AUGUST EVENTS

BATTLE CREEK MOTORCYCLE CLUB, BATTLECREEKMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

MOTOCROSS

AUG 1: NEWAYGO: 2 DAY EVENT, BIG AIR MOTOCROSS, (231) 652-5225, BIGAIRMOTOCROSS.COM

AUG 1: (Includes ATVs) CHRISTMAS: X-MAS FAMILY MOTORSPORTS PARK, (906) 202-2681, X-MASFAMILYMOTORSPORTSPARK. COM

AUG 2: (Includes ATVs) CHRISTMAS: X-MAS FAMILY MOTORSPORTS PARK, (906) 202-2681, X-MASFAMILYMOTORSPORTSPARK. COM

AUG 8: CRYSTAL FALLS: VALLEY RACEWAY, (906) 236-3265, VALLEYRACEWAYMX.COM

AUG 9: CRYSTAL FALLS: VALLEY RACEWAY, (906) 236-3265, VALLEYRACEWAYMX.COM

AUG 29: BELDING: 2 DAY EVENT, GRATTAN RACEWAY, (616) 691-7221, GRAHAMMX.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

AUG 2: OXFORD: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (810) 417-2892, MOTATRIALS.COM

AUG 23: ROSE CITY: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (810) 417-2892, MOTATRIALS.COM

SHORT TRACK

AUG 1: (Includes ATVs) MIDLAND: POLKA DOTS M/C, (989) 832-8284, POLKADOTSMC.NET

AUG 8: (Includes ATVs) DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM TTS

AUG 2: (Includes ATVs) MIDLAND: POLKA DOTS M/C, (989) 832-8284, POLKADOTSMC.NET

AUG 9: (Includes ATVs) DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

MINNESOTA

RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN

AUG 15: SAVAGE: MS RIVER ROAD RUN, (320) 558-4393

COMPETITION

ENDURO

AUG 8: AKELEY: 2 DAY EVENT, PAUL BUNYAN FOREST RIDER MC, (218) 770-3175, PAULBUNYANFORESTRIDERS.COM

AUG 22: DUQUETTE: 2 DAY EVENT, STRAIGHT ARROW ENDURO RIDERS, (651) 456-0224, STRAIGHTARROWS.ORG HILLCLIMB

AUG 22: (Includes ATVs) MANKATO: KATO CYCLE CLUB, (507) 381-1951, KATOCYCLECLUB.COM

AUG 23: (Includes ATVs) NEW ULM: FLYING DUTCHMEN CYCLE CLUB, (507) 354-2306, FLYINGDUTCHMENMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

AUG 2: BROOKSTON: RANGE RIDERS MC, (218) 576-5970

MOTOCROSS

AUG 2: KELLOGG: MOTOKAZIE INC,

(952) 601-1169, MOTOKAZIE.COM

AUG 2: BROWERVILLE: MOTO CITY RACEWAY & RECREATION INC, (218) 894-2826, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM

AUG 9: MANKATO: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 601-1169, MOTOKAZIE.COM

AUG 16: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

AUG 16: BROOK PARK: BERM BENDERS RACEWAY, (320) 679-2582, BERMBENDERSRACEWAY.COM

AUG 23: BROOKSTON: ECHO VALLEY MOTOCROSS PARK, (218) 348-4754, ECHOVALLEYMOTOCROSS.COM

AUG 30: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

AUG 30: LITTLE FALLS: MOTO CITY RACEWAY & RECREATION INC, (218) 894-2826, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

AUG 15: GILBERT: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (612) 730-1770, UMTA.ORG

AUG 16: GILBERT: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (612) 730-1770, UMTA.ORG

MISSOURI

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RUN

AUG 16: COTTLEVILLE: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

AUG 30: OLD APPLETON: SKY HIGH MX LLC, (573) 768-9289, SKYHIGHMX.COM

MONTANA

AUG 9: BILLINGS: BILLINGS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, BILLINGSMOTORCYCLECLUB.US

NEBRASKA

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RALLY

AUG 6: FRANKLIN: NEBRASKA BMW NIGHT RIDERS, (402) 499-4876

NEVADA

COMPETITION

HARE & HOUND

AUG 22: LAS VEGAS: SILVER STATE TRAILBLAZERS, (702) 994-6823

NEW HAMPSHIRE

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RALLY

AUG 20: LINCOLN: WESTCHESTER BEEMERS MC, (203) 912-2794, TRIOTOUR.ORG

NEW JERSEY

POKER RUN

AUG 9: HOPE: KNIGHTS OF FIRE 3 NEW JERSEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (908) 459-4101

ROAD RALLY

AUG 9: MIDDLESEX: AMERICAN LEGION POST #306 SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, (908) 482-1559

COMPETITION

ENDURO

AUG 30: MAURICETOWN: COMPETITION

DIRT RIDERS, (609) 319-7496, ECEA.ORG

NEW MEXICO

HARE SCRAMBLES

AUG 22: CUBA: 2 DAY EVENT, AERODYNE PROMOTIONS, LLC/ GAS-IT OFF ROAD RACING, (505) 250-7270, GASITOFFROAD.COM

NEW YORK

RECREATIONAL

DICE RUN

AUG 9: HAVERSTON: SECOND GENERATION MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC., (914) 393-7770, SECONDGENERATIONMA.ORG

DUAL SPORT RIDE

AUG 1: HANCOCK: 2 DAY EVENT, BEAR CREEK SPORTSMEN, BEARCREEKSPORTSMEN.COM

POKER RUN

AUG 9: HOPEWELL JUNCTION: YONKERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (914) 906-5290, YONKERSMOTORCYCLECLUB.NET

AUG 9: HOPEWELL JUNCTION: YONKERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (914) 906-5290, YONKERMOTORCYCLE.NET

AUG 23: GENESEO: CONESUS LAKE RIDERS MC, (585) 261-3205 ROAD RUN

AUG 2: CENTRAL VALLEY: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

AUG 9: BRONX: BLUE KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL LE MC CHAPTER NY 2, (917) 295-8845, BLUEKNIGHTSNY2.ORG

ROAD RALLY

AUG 15: 2 DAY EVENT, CELTIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (914) 924-2170, CELTICMCC.COM

TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL

AUG 16: E QUOGUE: LONG ISLAND RECREATIONAL TRAILS CONSERVANCY, (631) 928-1153

COMPETITION

ENDURO

AUG 15: BERKSHIRE: ITHACA DIRT RIDERS INC., (607) 657-8248, ITHACADIRTRIDERS.COM

AUG 16: BERKSHIRE: ITHACA DIRT RIDERS INC., (607) 657-8248, ITHACADIRTRIDERS.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

AUG 22: ANDOVER: 2 DAY EVENT, ARCADIA BARK BUSTER, (315) 359-3435, ARCADIABARKBUSTERS.COM

MOTOCROSS

AUG 7: NEW BERLIN: UNADILLA ENTERPRISES, LLC., (607) 965-8450, UNADILLAMX.COM

AUG 16: (Includes ATVs) AUBURN: FROZEN OCEAN MOTOCROSS INC, (315) 784-5466, FROZEN-OCEAN.COM

AUG 23: (Includes ATVs) MAPLE VIEW: SMX ASSOCIATES LLC, (315) 480-7733, MOTOMASTERS.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

AUG 2: LAKEMONT: DISTRICT 4 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (315) 945-2866, DISTRIC4TRIALS.COM

AUG 16: LOCKE: DISTRICT 4 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (315) 497-3268, DISTRIC4TRIALS.COM

SHORT TRACK

AUG 15: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 7253069, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM NORTH CAROLINA

RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN

AUG 23: FLETCHER: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

AUG 23: (Includes ATVs) SANFORD: DEVILS RIDGE MX, (919) 776-1767, DEVILSRIDGEMOTOX.COM

AUG 30: (Includes ATVs) IRON STATION: IRON STATION MOTORSPORTS, INC., ALLANEMOTORSPORTS.COM

OHIO

RECREATIONAL

CRUISE-IN

AUG 1: WILMINGTON: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (937) 302-6232, ABATE.COM

DUAL SPORT RIDE

AUG 9: ZANESVILLE: ZANESVILLE TRAIL RIDERS, (740) 819-6416, ZANESVILLETRAILRIDERS.COM

DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD

AUG 2: LOGAN: HOCKING VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 385-7695, HOCKINGVALLEYMC.COM

AUG 8: TORONTO: OHIO VALLEY BSA OWNERS CLUB, (724) 945-6018

POKER RUN

AUG 8: FAIRBORN: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (937) 626-6958, ABATE.COM ROAD RUN

AUG 8: GALLOWAY: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (614) 332-0189, ABATE.COM ROAD RALLY

AUG 28: MARIETTA: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION

SWAP MEETS

AUG 7: TORONTO: OHIO VALLEY BSA OWNERS CLUB, (724) 945-6018 COMPETITION

ENDURO

AUG 2: LOGAN: HOCKING VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 385-7695, HOCKINGVALLEYMC.COM

AUG 30: MCARTHUR: ENDURO RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (614) 582-7821, ENDURORIDERS.COM

HILLCLIMB

AUG 7: (Includes ATVs) WATERFORD: PIONEER MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (740) 678-0082, PIONEERMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

MOTOCROSS

AUG 2: BLANCHESTER: DIRT COUNTRY, (513) 625-7350, DIRTCOUNTRYMX.COM

AUG 9: DAYTON: DAYTON MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., DAYTONMC.COM

AUG 23: DAYTON: DAYTON MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., DAYTONMC.COM

OKLAHOMA

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

AUG 28: (Includes ATVs) MUSKOGEE: 2 DAY EVENT, SD RACING, (832) 877-0800, EDTRACING.COM

OREGON

RECREATIONAL

ADVENTURE RIDE

AUG 15: TILLAMOOK: 2 DAY EVENT,

NORTHWEST TOUR & TRAIL, (503) 681-8881, BLACKDOGDUALSPORT.COM

DUAL SPORT RIDE

AUG 15: TILLAMOOK: 2 DAY EVENT, NORTHWEST TOUR & TRAIL, (503) 681-8881, BLACKDOGDUALSPORT.COM

PENNSYLVANIA

CARNIVAL RUN

AUG 16: SCHUYLKILL HAVEN: SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 385-1460

AUG 16: YORK: YORK MOTORCYCLE CLUB, YORKMOTORCYCLE.COM

AUG 23: NEW PROVIDENCE: GENTLEMEN MC SPORTSMEN, (717) 284-2270

POKER RUN

AUG 2: LEBANON: LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (717) 270-9797, LEBANONVALLEYMC.COM

AUG 16: KRESGEVILLE: ZINC CITY MC, (570) 992-4214

AUG 23: REAMSTOWN: GARDEN SPOT MC, (717) 336-5451, GARDENSPOTMC.COM

ROAD RUN

AUG 2: HARMONY: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION, (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG ROAD RALLY

AUG 14: SPRING GROVE: WHITE ROSE MC, (717) 229-2621, WHITEROSE.ORG

COMPETITION

ENDURO

AUG 9: THREE SPRINGS: GREEN MARBLE ENDURO RIDERS, (301) 865-0779, GMER.US

HARE SCRAMBLES

AUG 1: CATAWISSA: 2 DAY EVENT, HIGH MOUNTAIN DIRT RIDERS, (570) 954-7799, HMDR.ORG

AUG 16: (Includes ATVs) PLYMOUTH: BACK MOUNTAIN ENDURO RIDERS, (570) 675-1814, BMER.ORG MOTOCROSS

AUG 15: BIRDSBORO: 2 DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (610) 582-3717, PAGODAMC.ORG

AUG 16: SEWARD: PLEASURE VALLEY RACEWAY, (814) 317-6686, PVRMX.COM

AUG 23: FREDERICKSBURG: SLEEPY HOLLOW MOTO CROSS, (717) 639-5988, SLEEPYMX.COM

AUG 30: BERWICK: EVANSVILLE MOTOCROSS PARK, LLC., (570) 7592841, EVANSVILLEMXPARK.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

AUG 2: MARYSVILLE: TRICKY TRYALERS MC, (717) 580-1272 SHORT TRACK

AUG 1: (Includes ATVs) SPRING RUN: PATH VALLEY SPEEDWAY, (717) 368-5902, PATHVALLEY.COM

AUG 8: (Includes ATVs) READING: SHIPPENSBURG MC, (717) 7960294, BAERMOTORSPORTS.COM SOUTH DAKOTA

AUGUST EVENTS

RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN

AUG 3: STURGIS: CITY OF STURGIS RALLY DEPARTMENT, (605) 720-0800, STURGISMOTORCYCLERALLY.COM

AUG 5: STURGIS: CITY OF STURGIS RALLY DEPARTMENT, (605) 720-0800, STURGISMOTORCYCLERALLY.COM

DUAL SPORT RIDE

AUG 1: VICINITY OF PIONEER: 2 DAY EVENT, RACERS UNDER THE SON NORTH (RUTS-NORTH), (916) 276-7226, RUTSNORTH.ORG

TENNESSEE

COMPETITION

ENDURO

AUG 15: SEQUATCHIE: 2 DAY EVENT, SOUTHEASTERN TRIALS RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (423) 942-8688, TENNESSEEKNOCKOUTENDURO. COM

MOTOCROSS

AUG 8: (ATV only) HURRICANE MILLS: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 2840084, ATVMOTOCROSS.COM

TEXAS

AUG 8: WORTHAM: FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY, LLC., (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM

UTAH

AUG 14: (Includes ATVs) TOOELE: MILLER MOTORSPORTS PARK, (435) 277-8000, MILLERMOTORSPORTSPARK.COM

RECORD TRIALS

AUG 30: WENDOVER: DELICIATE PROMOTIONS LLC, (530) 263-7276, BONNEVILLESPEEDTRIALS.COM

VIRGINIA

GRAND PRIX

AUG 16: MARTINSVILLE: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (276) 632-5931, VCHSS.ORG

AUG 30: RURAL RETREAT: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (276) 613-1239, VCHSS.ORG

WASHINGTON

RECREATIONAL

POKER RUN

AUG 1: SPOKANE VALLEY: NORTHWEST CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (509) 294-1249

ROAD RALLY

AUG 14: CLAYTON: NORTHWEST CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (508) 294-1249

WEST VIRGINIA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

AUG 22: HEDGESVILLE: TOMAHAWK MX, LLC, (304) 5828185, TOMAHAWKMX.COM

WISCONSIN

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RALLY

AUG 13: DODGEVILLE: RETREAD MOTORCYCLE INTERNATIONAL

INC. NORTH CENTRAL, (651) 459-4664

COMPETITION

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

AUG 1: (Includes ATVs) STURGEON BAY: DOOR COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION, (920) 743-5304, DOORCOUNTYFAIR.COM

AUG 8: (Includes ATVs) JUNEAU: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 885-3586, DODGECOUNTYFAIRGROUNDS. COM

AUG 22: (Includes ATVs) UNITY: RIB MOUNTAIN RIDERS MC, INC., (715) 693-3856, RACECWR.COM

AUG 23: WAUSAU: 525 SPORTS, (715) 571-0540, AUGUSTOHFEST.COM

AUG 29: OSHKOSH: SOUTHEASTERN SHORT TRACKERS, LTD, (414) 303-1331, DAIRYLANDCLASSIC.COM/ OSHKOSH

HILLCLIMB

AUG 2: (Includes ATVs) HIXTON: CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 2206853, CMJRACEWAY.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

AUG 2: HIXTON: CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 220-6853, CMJRACEWAY.COM

AUG 29: HUSTLER: CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 220-6853, CMJRACEWAY.COM

AUG 30: KETTLE MORAINE SPORT RIDERS

MOTOCROSS

AUG 9: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 790-6211, AZTALANMX.COM

AUG 22: TIGERTON: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-2863, FANTASYMOTO.COM

AUG 28: HIXTON: CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 220-6853, CMJRACEWAY.COM

AUG 29: HIXTON: CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 220-6853, CMJRACEWAY.COM

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

AUG 30: WITTENBERBER: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-2863, FANTASYMOTO.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

AUG 15: CUBA CITY: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (920) 229-5365, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG

AUG 16: CUBA CITY: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (920) 229-5365, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG

SHORT TRACK

AUG 15: (Includes ATVs) LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 531-3945, AZTALANMX.COM

AUG 16: (Includes ATVs) LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 531-3945, AZTALANMX.COM

WYOMING

OBSERVED TRIALS

AUG 8: MIDWEST: 2 DAY EVENT, WYOMING MOTORCYCLE TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (307) 247-1820, WMTA.US

2015 EVENTS

MOTOCROSS

MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS

FIM-LIVE.COM

Sept. 26-27: Ernee, France

FIM MXGP / MX2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIM-LIVE.COM

Sept. 20: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway

FIM JUNIOR MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIM-LIVE.COM

July 19: El Molar, Spain

MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS AMASUPERCROSS.COM

MONSTER ENERGY CUP

Oct. 17: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium

LUCAS OIL PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP PROMOTOCROSS.COM

July 18: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National

July 25: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National

Aug. 8: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla National

Aug. 15: Tooele, Utah: Utah National

Aug. 22: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Indiana National

WOMEN’S MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP RACEWMX.COM

Aug. 21: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman National

MTN. DEW AMA ATV NATIONAL MOTOCROSS ATVMOTOCROSS.COM

July 25-26: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud

August 8-9: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn’s

AMA PROAM MOTOCROSS EVENTS AMARACING.COM

July 18-22: Ponca City, Okla.: Ponca City MX, MotocrossLeagueOf America.com, (205) 6998857

July 19: Wytheville, Va.: Pro Sport Motocross, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497

Sept. 5-7: Millington, Mich.: Baja Acres (Pro-Am Classes race only on Sunday), BajaAcres.com, (989) 871-3356

September 5-6: Maize, Kansas: Bar 2 Bar Mx, MotocrossLeagueOf America.com, (205) 6998857

Sept. 6: Wytheville, Va.: Pro Sport Motocross, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497

Sept.12-13: Reynolds, Ga.: Silver Dollar MX, MotocrossLeague OfAmerica.com, (205) 699-8857

Sept. 13: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway, Victory-Sports. com, (423) 323-5497

Sept. 13: Lake Hills, Wis.: Aztalan Cycle Club, AztalanMX.com, (815) 790-6211

Sept. 19-20: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek Motocross, MamaMX.com

Sept. 20: Hamer, S.C.: South of the Border, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497

Sept. 26-27: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek, SpringCreekMX.com, (507) 753-2779

Sept. 27: Dalton, Ga.: Lazy River Motocross, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497

Sept. 27: Shippensburg, Pa.: Doublin Gap, Doublingap.com, (717) 249-6036

Sept. 27: Millville, N.J.: njmpfod.com, (856) 7653799

Sept. 30-Oct. 4: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City MX, AmpGFImotocross. com, (209) 656-9683

Oct. 3-4: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park, RacewayPark.com, (732) 446-7800

Oct. 10-11: Duquoin, Ill.: Indian Hills Motocross, MotocrossLeague OfAmerica.com, (205) 699-8857

Oct. 10-11: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek, Victory-Sports.com, (423) 323-5497

Oct. 10-11: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain, MonsterMX.com, (334) 318-8475

Oct. 11: Birdsboro, Pa.: Pagoda Motorcycle Club, PagodaMC.org, (610) 582-3717

Oct. 26-27: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trails Motocross, MotocrossLeague OfAmerica.com, (205) 699-8857

Nov. 7: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek Motocross Park, RPMSportsOnline.com, (205) 699-8857

Nov. 23-25: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, UnlimitedSportsMX.com, (312) 689-3461

Nov. 26-28: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, UnlimitedSportsMX.com, (312) 689-3461

Dec. 5-6: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, AZopen.com, (623) 8530750

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ATV/ MC

AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP MXSPORTS.COM

July 26-Aug. 1: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

DIRT TRACK

AMA PRO FLAT TRACK AMAPRORACING.COM

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

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

Aug. 16: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria TT

Aug. 29: Charlotte, N.C.: Don Tilley Memorial Charlotte Half-Mile

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

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

Sept. 26: Calistoga, Calif.: Calistoga Half-Mile

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

AMA VINTAGE DIRT TRACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMARACING.COM

Aug. 8: Indianapolis, Ind.: Marion County Fairgrounds, Short Track

Aug. 29: Oshkosh, Wis.: Oshkosh Speedzone, 3/8 Mile

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

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

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

AMA SPEEDWAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Aug. 8: City of Industry, Calif.: Industry Hills Expo Center

Sept. 18: Auburn, Calif.: Fast Fridays Motorcycle Speedway

FEATURED SERIES: AMA ALL-STAR NATIONAL FLAT TRACK SERIES STEVENACERACING.COM

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

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

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

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

ROAD RACE

FIM ROAD RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND PRIX (MOTOGP) FIM-LIVE.COM MOTOGP.COM

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

2015 EVENTS

FIM WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP FIM-LIVE.COM | WORLDSBK.COM

July 17-19: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca MOTOAMERICA ROAD RACING SERIES MOTOAMERICA.COM

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

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

Sept. 11-13: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO, PRESENTED BY MOOSE RACING NATIONALENDURO.COM

July 26: Cross Fork, Pa.: Brandywine Enduro Riders, BER.us

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

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

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

GEICO AMA ENDUROCROSS ENDUROCROSS.COM

Sept. 26: Sacramento, Calif.: Sleep Train Arena

Oct. 3: Denver, Colo.: National Western Complex

Sept. 19-20: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

OFF-ROAD

SIX DAYS ENDURO (ISDE)

Sept. 7-12: Kosice, Slovakia FIM

Sept. 19-20: Tarragona, Spain

Oct. 17: Everett, Wash.: XFINITY Arena

Nov. 7: Boise, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center

Nov. 21-22: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena

AMSOIL AMA GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES GNCCRACING.COM

Sept. 19-20: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla

Oct. 3-4: Somerset, Pa.: Moutain Ridge

Oct. 17-18: St. Clairsville, Ohio: Powerline Park

Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman

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

Aug. 22: Panaca, Nev.: Silver State Trail Blazers

Oct. 24-25: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: 100s MC, 100smc.com

AIRES AMA/NATC MOTOTRIALS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMARACING.COM | MOTOTRIALS.COM

Aug. 8-9: Casper, Wyo. (West)

Youth Nationals and Women’s Open

Aug. 11-13: Howard, Colo.: ItsOffroad.com (West)

KENDA AMA TENNESSEE KNOCKOUT EXTREME ENDURO

TENNESSEEKNOCKOUTENDURO. COM

Aug. 15-16: Sequatchie, Tenn.

AMA EAST HARE SCRAMBLES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMARACING.COM

July 19 (Amateur, Youth): Mahoney City, Pa.: Valley Forge Trail Riders, VFTR.org

Aug. 1 (Youth) | Aug. 2 (Amateur): Catawissa, Pa.: High Mountain Dirt Riders, HMDR.com

UPDATED: Aug. 30 (Amateur, Youth): Battle Creek, Mich.: Battle Creek Motorcycle Club, BattleCreekMotorcycle Club.com (Rescheduled from May 31 rainout)

Nov. 7 (ATV) | Nov. 8 (Amateur, Youth): Kohoka, Mo.: Midwest Motorsports

KENDA SRT AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMARACING.COM

KENDA SRT AMA NATIONAL HARE AND HOUND CHAMPIONSHIP NATIONALHAREANDHOUND.COM

Oct. 24 (Amateur, ATV, Youth): Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Desert MC

High Adventure. No Hassle.

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

For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/ Riding

Nov. 7 (ATV, Youth) | Nov. 8 (Amateur): Searchlight, Nev.: Get-Xtr-Eme.com

FEATURED SERIES: APPALACHIAN CHAMPIONSHIP ENDURO SERIES ACES-RACES.COM

July 19: Bergholz, Ohio: Lumberjack 100 Enduro, Ohio Valley Trail Riders

Aug. 2: Logan, Ohio: Jake-Tom Enduro, Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club

Aug. 9: Three Springs, Pa.: Three Springs Enduro, Green Marble Enduro Riders

Aug. 30: McArthur, Ohio: Little Burr Enduro, Enduro Riders Association

Sept. 13: Londonderry, Ohio: Art Mitchell Memorial Enduro, Chillicothe Enduro Riders Association

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

Nov. 8: Greenville, Ohio: Peace Pipe Enduro, Treaty City Motorcycle Club

FEATURED SERIES: BIG 6 AMA WEST COAST GRAND PRIX SERIES BIG6RACING.COM

Oct. 3-4: Ridgecrest, Calif.: Viewfinders MC, Ridgecrest Fairgrounds

Oct. 31 - Nov. 1: Gorman, Calif.: Prospectors MC

Dec. 5-6: Location TBA: Vikings MC

FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) - ENDUROS ECEA.ORG

July 26: Cross Fork, Pa.: Rattlesnake National Enduro, Brandywine Enduro Riders, BER.us

Aug. 9: Three Springs, Pa.: Three Springs Enduro, Green Marble Enduro Riders, GreenMarbleEnduroRiders .org

Aug. 16: Berkshire, N.Y.: Speedsville Enduro, Ithaca Dirt Riders, IthacaDirtRiders.com

Aug. 30: Mauricetown, N.J.: Beehive Enduro, Competition Dirt Riders, CompetitionDirtRiders.org

Sept. 13: Shippensburg, Pa.: Michaux Enduro, South Penn Enduro Riders, SouthPennEnduroRiders. com

Sept. 20: Brandonville, Pa.: Moonshine Enduro, High Mountain Dirt Riders/ Valley Forge Trail Riders, vftr.org

Oct. 25: New Lisbon, N.J.: Scrub Pine Enduro, Ocean County Competition Riders, OCCR.net

Nov. 8: Warren Grove, N.J.: Stumpjumper Enduro, Motorcycle Competition Inc., Ride-MCI.com

Nov. 22: New Lisbon, N.J.: Pine Hill Enduro, Central Jersey Competition Riders, CJCRmc.org

FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) - HARE SCRAMBLES ECEA.ORG

July 18-19: Mountain Top National Hare Scrambles, Valley Forge Trail Riders

Aug. 1-2: Shotgun National Hare Scrambles, High Mountain Dirt Riders

Aug. 22-23: Hurricane Lane Hare Scrambles, Meteor Motorcycle Club

Sept. 26-27: Big Bass Hare Scrambles, Ridge Riders MC

Oct. 10-11: Sahara Sands Hare Scrambles, Pine Barons Enduro Riders/South Jersey Enduro Riders

Oct. 17-18: Ormond Farms Hare Scrambles, Competition Dirt Riders

Nov. 14-15: Delaware Hare Scrambles, Delaware Enduro Riders

IATVHSS.COM

Aug. 1 (Youth & UTVs)

| Aug. 2 (Adult ATVs): Eddyville, Iowa

Aug. 21 (UTVs) | Aug. 22 (ATVs): Carlisle, IowaHeartland Challenge

Sept. 12 (Youth & UTVs)

| Sept. 13 (Adult ATVs): Beaconsfield, Iowa

Oct. 10 (Youth & UTVs)

| Oct. 11 (Adult ATVs): Carlisle, Iowa

FEATURED SERIES:

July 18-19: Nashville, Ind.: Presented by DQ Tuned

Aug. 8-9: Macon, Ga.: Paradise Off-Road Sprint Enduro

Nov. 14-15: Union, S.C.: Big Buck Sprint Enduro

FEATURED SERIES: VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP HARE SCRAMBLES SERIES VCHSS.ORG

Aug. 16: Martinsville, Va.: Blue Ridge II

Aug. 30: Rural Retreat, Va.: Coyote Run

Sept. 13: Spring Grove, Va.: Peninsula at Southwark

Sept. 27: Chatham, Va.: Joe Lloyd Memorial

Oct. 11: Rural Retreat, Va.: Rattlesnake

Nov. 1: Spring Grove, Va.: Pipsico

Nov. 8: Rural Retreat, Va.: The Hillbilly Hare Scramble

FEATURED SERIES: WESTERN CHECKPOINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP RIDECHEC.COM

Oct. 3: Chimney Rock, Utah: Sageriders MC

Oct. 18: Red Mountain, Calif.: Training Wheels MC

Oct. 25: Elkins Flat, Calif.: Polka Dots MC

Nov. 15: Stoneyford, Calif.: Valley Climbers MC

FEATURED SERIES: WESTERN NEW YORK OFF-ROAD ASSOCIATION WNYOA.NET

July 19: Odessa, N.Y.: Seneca Highland

July 26: Homer, N.Y.: Knobby Acres

Sept. 27: Jasper, N.Y.: STER

Oct. 11: Location TBD: The Finale

SPECIALTY

AMA PRO HILLCLIMB AMAPRORACING.COM

July 19: West Branch, Mich.: Ogemaw Hills

Sept. 13: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley

Sept. 27: Jefferson, Pa.: White Rose Motorcycle Club

Oct. 11: Oregonia, Ohio: Dayton Motorcycle Club

AMA SUPERMOTO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AMANATIONALSUPERMOTO.COM

AMA HILLCLIMB GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Aug. 8-9: Waterford, Ohio: Pioneer Motorcycle Club

AMA LAND

Aug. 29-Sept. 3: Wendover, Utah

COOK’S BONNEVILLE SHOOTOUT

Sept. 19-20: Logan, Ohio: Buckeye Dual Sporters

Sept. 26-27: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders

Oct. 24-25: Payson, Ariz.: Arizona Trail Riders

Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Tri-County Sportsmen MC Inc.

Nov. 13-15: Hammonton, N.J.: BMW of Manhattan Motorcycles

Nov. 27-28: Palmdale, Calif.: AMA District 37 Dual Sport

Sept. 17-21: Wendover, Utah

RECREATION

Aug. 15-16: Columbus, Ind.: Stoney Lonesome M/C

Aug. 2: Location TBA: Scooters

Aug. 23: South Edmeston, N.Y.: Thunder Ridge

Aug. 30: Speedsville, N.Y.: Cross Country Customs

Sept. 13: Moravia, N.Y.: Twisted Fence

Sept. 19-20: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla

Aug 1-2: Sturgis, S.D.: Sturgis City Park

Aug. 14-15: Salt Lake City, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park

Sept. 18-20: Sturgis, S.D.: Downtown Sturgis

Nov. 6-8: Tucson, Ariz.: Muscle Man Honda

Aug. 15-16: Tillamook, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail

Sept. 12-13: Pineola, N.C.: Appalachian Trail Riders

Aug. 15-16: Tillamook, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail

Sept. 12-13: Golden Pond, Ky.: KT Riders

Sept. 19-20: Logan, Ohio: Buckeye Dual Sporters

Sept. 26-27: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Family Off-Road Adventures

2015 EVENTS

Sept. 26-27: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders

Oct. 3-4: McArthur, Ohio: Enduro Riders Association

Oct. 3-4: Mount Solon, Va.: Washington Area Trail Riders, Inc.

Oct. 24-25: Payson, Ariz.: Arizona Trail Riders

Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Tri-County Sportsmen MC Inc.

Nov. 27-28: Palmdale, Calif.: AMA District 37 Dual Sport

Dec. 12: Tucson, Ariz.: Tucson Dual Sport LLC

The Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally

Sept. 16-20: Ruidoso, N.M.: MotorcycleRally.com AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS

Jan. 1-Dec. 15: Best 15

U.S. Roads Challenge: SC-MA.com, steve_howe@ sc-ma.com, (562) 298-6236

Jan. 1-Dec. 15: USA Four Corners Tour: SC-MA. com, steve_howe@sc-ma. com, (562) 298-6236

April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor: TourOfHonor.com

Sept. 3-7: Three Flags Classic: SC-MA.com, steve_howe@sc-ma.com, (562) 298-6236

AMA NATIONAL GYPSY TOURS

37th Annual National Bikers Roundup

Aug. 5-9: Hartsville, S.C.: nbrkcmo.com

Sturgis

Aug. 3-9: Sturgis, S.D.: SturgisMotorcycleRally.com

Killington Classic

Aug. 27-30: Killington, Vt.: KillingtonClassic.com

AMA NATIONAL TOURING RALLIES

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel Annual Touring Weekend

July 16-19: WinstonSalem, N.C.: RoadRUNNER.travel/ events/touring-weekend/

Rally In The Gorge Aug. 26-30: Hood River, Ore.: soundrider.com/rally

AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

March of DimesBikers for Babies (events nationwide): BikerForBabies.org

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation - Ride for Kids (events nationwide): RideForKids.org

SENA AMA FLASH TOUR

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Take a photo of yourself at eligible events and send it to the AMA Road Riding Department to earn points and be entered to win prizes.

This tour takes place in conjunction with AMA Oasis locations, which are key spots at major motorcycling events where the AMA offers members a chance to get a drink and relax amid the commotion.

Visit AmericanMotorcyclist. com > Riding > SENA AMA Flash Tour to view eligible events and get more information.

AMA VINTAGE GRAND TOUR

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Road riders can earn points by attending events that are part of the AMA Vintage Grand Tour.

Visit AmericanMotorcyclist. com > Riding > AMA Vintage Grand Tour to view eligible events, download the registration form, and get more information.

HALL OF FAME

EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL 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 Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

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

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

The Birth of a Hurricane: How AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Craig Vetter reimagined BSA for an American market.

Sam Swope: Philanthropist, Motorcyclist: Motorcycles that represent the generous, charitable giving of Sam Swope.

Motorcycle Toys and Collectibles Exhibit: A collection of more than 1,000 motorcycle-inspired toys.

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY AT AIMEXPO MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG

Oct. 17: Orlando, Fla.: Held in conjunction with AIMExpo. Tickets are $25 per person. VIP tickets are $90 per person and include an exclusive reception, reserved seating and AIMExpo admission.

GUEST COLUMN

NATURAL EXPOSURE

Woods Riding Revitalizes, Recharges

by Jason Ledbetter

The canopy of the old growth forest was so thick, making it so dark, that my KTM’s headlight actually was useful for lighting the trail during the middle of the day. Huge moss-covered rocks, the size of small cars, lay deposited around the forest by ancient glaciers. A few rays of light were beaming through the leaves. It had rained the day before, and the forest was lush and green, accentuated by occasional spots of vivid oranges and yellows from mushrooms, and flashes of purple and white wildflowers.

The natural beauty distracted me from concentrating on riding the trail. My body was worn and sore from riding, but I felt fantastic. It was a formative moment.

That was on the fourth day of riding at the 2014 Six Days of Michigan, just east of Newberry, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I’m sure many other riders saw the same thing that day. Maybe some riders also noticed the vivid forest.

On other occasions after I’ve been woods riding, I have felt really great. I just cannot say the same for just riding at home on open land. Riding off-road motorcycles is always exhilarating, but practicing in a field hasn’t ever made me feel fantastic the same way that riding on deep, dark forest trails has.

A few weeks ago, hectic schedules and kids caused me to miss the gym. Normally, I like to run on a treadmill so I can quantify my time and distance. It was then my lovely wife said to me, “Why don’t you just do your running in the neighbor’s woods? It’s supposed to be healthier than running on a treadmill. You breathe in the natural chemicals from the trees. I heard it on the radio.” My initial reaction was that was hogwash, but I tried it since I couldn’t make the gym. Anyway, it saved me the $12 gym fee.

Afterward, I felt fantastic.

Thinking back to my experience in the old growth forest in the Upper Peninsula, and how great I felt then, I started thinking that maybe that’s why it feels so awesome to go woods riding. Maybe there’s something more to being in a forest.

The Japanese already have a word for healthy forest immersion: shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. The working theory

is that trees emit gaseous chemicals called phytoncides also known as wood essential oils. Trees use these antimicrobial chemicals as a natural defense against disease and insects. The effects arguably do not stop with the trees. In humans, exposure to these volatile organic compounds supposedly causes a significant increase in the activity of immune system cells.

Researchers in Japan have studied the effects of phytoncides, and have found beneficial effects. Some have even exposed people to phytoncides artificially, using humidifiers, and have confirmed the results. (Many of these studies can be found in January 2010 volume of The Journal of Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, or simply search online for “phytoncides.”)

Further, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has an online article titled “Immerse Yourself in a Forest for Better Health,” and they have published wide-ranging health benefits of forest immersion and links to the supporting studies. Various effects cited include: boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, improving mood, increasing focus, accelerating recovery, increased energy level and improved sleep.

One of my favorite studies is from our home peninsula. The University of Michigan found that cognitive abilities increased from being surrounded by a forest or by looking at pictures of nature. Researchers controlled for every possibility: they tried happy people, sad people, warm weather, cold weather, pictures of cities, pictures of cities with trees (like Ann Arbor), testing at different times of day and night, different seasons and so on. What they determined is that exposure to the forest and nature causes an increase in cognitive ability.

Humans can sense the benefits of being in the forest. We experience those benefits as a great feeling. That’s why it feels so great to be out woods riding. I believe it’s not only the physical and mental challenge of riding the motorcycle, or the complex technical challenge of preparing the motorcycle that draws us to this sport, but also the forest itself.

Regardless of the reason, I am convinced. This is not hogwash. I can say confidently that riding my dirt bike in forests has a definite health benefit. Now, would anyone like to join me for a therapy session?

Jason Ledbetter is an AMA member from Ypsilanti, Mich.

Tracy Grosshans

Kenny Roberts

Bob Fox (Fox Racing Shox) and Geoff Fox (Fox Racing) Class of 2009

Ricky Carmichael Class of 2013

Willie G. Davidson 2014 Hall of Fame Legend