American Motorcyclist November 2015 Street (preview version)

NOVEMBER 2015

DENNIS ‘BUDMAN’ KOBZA: BUILDING COMMUNITY Six Motorcycling Innovators Who Are Changing Your World

Photo Eric Le

FALL TOURING AT ITS BEST

AMA REWARDS

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

HOW YOUR AMA MEMBERSHIP PAYS FOR ITSELF Are You Covered?

Value

American Motorcyclist magazine

$19.95

Included

AMA Roadside Assistance

$104

Included*

Unlimited Classified Ads On The AMA Website

$40

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AMA Online Road And Trail Guide

$19

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AMA Member-Only Website

$75

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Up To 20% Off

$187.50***

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Hotel And Motel Discounts (Choice Hotels, Red Roof Inn) Gear Discounts (BikeBandit.com, Schampa, Heat Demon And More) Protecting Your Right To Ride

Your Cost

Your Membership Dues

$49

Total Membership Value

$490.45

*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% 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 AMA1015-COLUMBUS at checkout to receive your discount.

Design Engineering, Inc.

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

Dowco Powersports

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

EVS Sports

AMA Members receive 10% off and free shipping on all orders. Simply use the code 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.

International Motorcycle Shows

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

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.

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 using a special members-only certificate.

Visit Members Only section on www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com to download the coupon.

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

Black Wolf Mototours

Medjet

Spot LLC

Brooks Leather

MYLAPS

TomTom

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.

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.

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

Pagnol Moto

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

Powertye Tie-Downs

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

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 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.

Yve Assad

NAVIGATION

Riders at Sportbike Northwest get to enjoy Maryhill Loops Road in Washington state. Actually, “enjoy” is most definately an understatement.

8. LETTERS 10. VIEWPOINT 12. RIGHTS 28. HALL OF FAME 38. EVENTS CALENDAR 46. GUEST COLUMN American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147.

Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2015.

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

STREET COVER One person can make change. A community can make a difference.

The Bay Area Riders Forum is one such community, thanks in part to Dennis “Budman” Kobza.

DIRT COVER Colleen Millsaps knows a thing or two about raising a fast kid. She shares her knowledge with those who attend her training facility in Cairo, Ga.

PAGE 24. While the U.S. team might have come up short at the ISDE, Ryan Sipes didn’t, becoming the first U.S. rider to win the individual overall.

PAGE 18. Maybe fall touring is a cliché, but we’re OK with that because, well, fall touring is awesome— especially in North Georgia.

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November 2015 Volume 69, Number 11 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com

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Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147.

Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices.

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.

it’s more than a ride, it’s a 75 year pilgrimage.

75th annual DAYTONA BEACH BIKE WEEK March 4 – March 13, 2016 America’s most famous beach invites you to come make history where history was born at the world’s premier motorcycle event: The 75th annual Daytona Beach Bike Week. Start your historic journey with 10 days of riding, entertainment, bikes shows, and celebrations in the one and only destination with an authentic American motorcycle vibe. Join us and you’ll understand why this is the ultimate motorcycle mecca. Daytona Beach, the Original American Beach.

officialbikeweek.com

TAKE CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

JAKE GAGNE ROADRACE FACTORY/ RED BULL YAMAHA, SUPERSTOCK 1000

Contact any member of the AMA Board of Directors at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ about/board Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, Chair Schenectady, N.Y.

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

Perry King, Vice Chair, Northern California Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla. Paul Puma, Executive Committee Member, Laguna Beach, Calif.

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

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

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

CAM REEL / PROGRESSIVE RATE

50MM

INTERCHANGEABLE REELS

45MM 40MM

Jerry Abboud, Thornton, Colo.

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.

Russ Brenan, Irvine, Calif.

David Foley, Milwaukee, Wis. 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

35MM

KIT INCLUDES 4 STRAIGHT RATE REELS AND 1 PROGRESSIVE RATE REEL VIEW THE INTERACTIVE CHART ONLINE FOR PERFORMANCE GAINS ON SPECIFIC YEAR, MAKE, AND MODELS

AMA STAFF EXECUTIVE

BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS

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

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

ACCOUNTING/DATA ENTRY Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager Lori Cavucci, Data Entry Representative Deb D’Andrea, Data Entry Representative Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator Ed Madden, System Support Specialist Nicole Weppler, Member Fulfillment Specialist 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

MOTION PRO, INC. I MOTIONPRO.COM I 650-594-9600

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Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing Rob Baughman, Road Riding Coordinator Kip Bigelow, Motocross 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, Program Manager Michael Jolly, Off Road/Track Assistant Manager Beth Owen, Off-Road Coordinator Mike Pelletier, Motocross Coordinator Jessica Robinson, Track Racing Coordinator Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES John Bricker, Mailroom Manager Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations Nick Haris, Western States Representative 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 Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Manager MEMBER SERVICES Jeremiah Hassler, Call Center Manager Christina Dolin, Member Services Representative Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative Troy White, Member Services Representative

LIFE IS A LIMITED TIME OFFER Introducing the Spyder® RT-S Special Series. Powered by a Rotax® 1330 ACE™ engine, it’s the most luxurious open-air riding machine ever created. Now available in limited quantities featuring black chrome wheels, exclusive Triple Black coloration and graphics, and a signature seat. This is one offer you shouldn’t refuse.

Visit CanAmSpyder.com and reserve yours before they’re gone.

©2015 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Some models depicted may include optional equipment.

Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.

MEMBER LETTERS

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.

background of how you got there (“Yes, I Ride,” October issue). All my life I’ve heard the same comments and questions from people (especially the younger women), and I tell them to buy one, learn, and ride—no excuses or you’ll never accomplish that goal.

I bought my first bike, a ‘66 BSA, when I got out of the service in 1970, and I’ve been riding since. My current ride is a 2013 Triumph Street Triple, and I love it.

Anne Koskinen Redondo Beach, Calif.

Letter of the Month HONEYMOON RIDE A great big “Thank You” to AMA members who wrote articles about their favorite roads in the United States. For seven years, I saved every article, and this year my husband and I took our dream vacation: a 9,800-mile honeymoon around this beautiful country, with the articles in my duffle bag. What an amazing trip!

Let me add a couple of our favorite roads to the list. First, Route 65 in Colorado through Grand Mesa National Park: It has awesome views of the valley and a gorgeous river at the top. Next, there is a 100-mile continuation of the beautiful curves found on Tail of the Dragon on the Tennessee/North Carolina border: After Route 129, pick up Route 28 into Route 64 (Highlands Road). It was our best day of riding in the six weeks we were traveling.

Maureen Griffin-Damone Curtis Damone Copiague, N.Y. RE: FREEDOM Gary Karasik (“Legal Matters” page 10, October issue) is exactly correct when he reminds us that in the United States, any behavior is permitted unless it is prohibited. Thus, there is no need for a law that legalizes behavior not already illegal.

The problem is lack of understanding on the part of administrators in state departments of transportation and public safety, prosecutors, the judiciary, the law enforcement community and the public.

Until they are educated, and regardless if there is or is not a law “permitting” lane splitting, police will keep issuing citations to lane splitters for “reckless driving,” “careless driving,” negligent driving,” “dangerous driving” or whatever the equivalent “crime” is in your jurisdiction.

Chuck Esposito AMA Life Member Suches, Ga.

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It’s so much fun to read about other lady riders like Carla Heller. After I passed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse and Advanced RiderCourse and rode a 550F Super Sport on a 30day trip around the United States, I felt I needed something bigger.

A salesman didn’t take me seriously, either. He went home and left me standing there, with check in hand. No problem. I went to Otto Brothers Honda and three days later rode my new Gold Wing home.

I’m sure I was out riding when the other dealer called to apologize for his actions.

Bonnie Cousins AMA Life Member

TIP TAKE 2 Tom [Mehren]’s concern [in the October issue’s “Tips & Tricks” column] that polarized lenses might mask the glare from fuel spills is valid, but I can’t remember the last time I encountered a fuel spill on the highway.

(Because I was wearing polarized lenses? I think not.) And if it has been raining, I expect water puddles.

I feel my most dangerous areas on a motorcycle are intersections. Polarized lenses allow me to see into cars at intersections, by cutting window glare, revealing the face and potential action of the driver. I’m convinced that ability has saved me from incidents many times.

James Garton Milwaukee, Wis. WOMEN RIDERS Thank you, Carla Heller, for a wonderful article about being a woman rider, and the

HOV/HOT CONFUSION Having read “Tolls, Fees and Taxes” (August issue), I found the comments on HOV/HOT lanes interesting. Here in California, we have five different agencies managing the various HOV/HOT lanes plus toll roads, each with a different view of how to handle motorcycles.

Los Angeles has two HOT sections managed by LA Metro. On these sections, motorcycles can use the HOT for free — no transponder required. However, if you have personalized plates, they need to be registered with the LA Metro Fast Track site to avoid a citation in the mail. (There is a check box to indicate it is a motorcycle, so no foul there.)

The I-15 Express Lanes are also free to motorcyclists. Again, no transponder is required, and based on personal experience, personalized plates do not cause a problem there.

The 91 Express Lanes require a transponder for all vehicles, motorcycles

Sound Off!

included. Motorcycles can use the 91 without charge, except for Eastbound between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays.

The Transportation Corridor Agencies operate the 73, 133, 241 and 261 toll roads in Orange County. These are not HOT lanes, so are outside this discussion.

The Alameda County Express Lanes appear to require transponders for all vehicles, but motorcycles are free.

The Bay Bridges all appear to require transponders for all vehicles, with motorcycles paying the carpool fare.

Lastly, the 125 Expressway in San Diego is a toll road, requiring transponders on all vehicles, motorcycles included.

Fortunately, the FastTrack transponder is good on all the toll roads and expressways in California.

It gets confusing knowing what rules are in effect in what areas. And this is just in California. The signs are often confusing as well and do not spell out the exact requirements for transponders. It would be nice if the rules were consistent throughout the state/nation and there was interoperability between the various manufacturers of toll tags.

John Gretzinger Los Angeles, Calif.

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

In response to a request for members’ beautiful bikes and landscape shots…

In response to a #WhereRidersBelong pic of the day from Beast Custom Cycles...

Jeff Pochik: That’s a very nice looking bike.

In response to a #TwoWheelTuesday feature of a BSA at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days…

Harold Olaf Cecil, Stonehenge, Wash.

In response to Ryan Sipes winning the individual overall at the ISDE… Charles Plewa: Way to make history.

Many more great rides I hope. @mikelong811: Awesome job, Sipes.

Congratulations

Save on rentals with your AMA membership.

Make your reservations today.

Visit budget.com or call 1-800-527-0700.

Lynn Musgrove-Duponte: Sweet! Dad was a BSA nut.

Get more out of your American Motorcyclist Association membership. Book a rental with Budget and mention BCD # Z942000 to save up to 20% on every rental. Plus, use coupon # UUGZ039 and get a FREE single upgrade.

Terms and Conditions: Coupon # UUGZ036 is valid for a one-time, one-car-group upgrade on an intermediate (Group C) through full-size, four-door (group E) car.

Maximum upgrade to premium (group G). Offer valid on daily, weekend, weekly, and monthly rates only. The upgraded car is subject to vehicle availability at the time of rental and may not be available on some rates at some times. Coupon valid at participating Budget locations in the U.S. and Canada. One coupon per rental. A 24-hour advance reservation with request for upgrade is required. May not be used in conjunction with any other coupon, promotion or offer. For reservations made on budget.com, upgrade will be applied at time of rental. Renter must meet Budget age, driver and credit requirements. Minimum age may vary 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.

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TRIM SAFETY

VIEWPOINT

ETHANOL DEBATE HEATS UP Don’t Be Fueled By E15

What lights up AMA social media whenever something is posted about it? The issue of ethanol in motor fuel.

Despite the passion this topic stirs up, many may still not be aware of its relevance

By Rob Dingman to motorcyclists. Just what is ethanol, and what is the issue about anyway?

Corn ethanol is a type of biofuel made from corn. Biofuels are any energy source made from a living organism, such as a plant.

A government mandate called the Renewable Fuel Standard was initiated by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and extended and expanded by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

It requires increasing amounts of renewable fuels such as ethanol to be blended into the fuel we buy at the gas pump.

The RFS requires transportation fuel sold in the United States to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels. Under this program, fuel with 10 percent ethanol content, which is known as E10, has virtually replaced E0, or fuel with no ethanol content, in the marketplace.

Congress developed the RFS to reduce greenhouse gases, expand the nation’s renewable fuels sector and reduce our nation’s dependence upon foreign oil. While these are certainly laudable goals, the policy ignores the roughly 22 million motorcycles and ATVs currently in use in this country because ethanol can wreak havoc on engines not designed for its use.

Corrosion, swollen or dissolved seals and gaskets, and heatdamaged engine parts are all possible. That’s why E15 (fuel with 15 percent ethanol) is not approved for use in motorcycles by the Environmental Protection Agency—which establishes the ethanol volume requirements—and why its use can void your warranty.

Perhaps you are thinking, “I just won’t use it.” If the EPA gets its way, you may not have a choice.

Because the RFS requires more and more renewable fuels to be forced into the marketplace each year, the only way to achieve the required volume is to blend higher percentages of ethanol

into the fuel we use. The EPA is expected to publish a rule by the end of November that will lead to more widespread distribution of E15. This means that E15 will become more and more common and E10 (which most modern motorcycles are designed to use) may become harder to find.

Just as the proliferation of E10 has pushed E0 almost completely out of the marketplace—which caused great concern among vintage bike enthusiasts—it is only a matter of time before E15 will do the same thing to E10. If it is available at all, motorcyclists may have to pay a premium for gas with less ethanol content.

The EPA is also proposing federal grants and “contract mechanisms” to increase the amount of higher-than-E10 ethanol blended fuels into the marketplace and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently unveiled a $100 million plan to double the number of higher-ethanol-blend fuel pumps. This grant program will increase the number of blender pumps in the market, which will increase the risk of inadvertently misfueling with E15 leftover in the hose from a previous user.

When the AMA raised concerns about the potential for misfueling, the government’s mitigation plan was to mandate a 4-gallon minimum fuel purchase—more fuel than most motorcycle fuel tanks can hold! You really can’t make this stuff up. The rule was eventually revised following our complaints, but it is still easily misunderstood, misapplied or ignored by state governments and producers, distributors and vendors.

We’ve since pushed back even harder. When the EPA issued its proposed rule in May, the AMA’s comments were submitted along with a petition signed by nearly 30,000 people who opposed the E15 mandate.

We suspected an overwhelming number of Americans agreed with us, and now we have the data to prove it. A poll commissioned by the AMA revealed that 70 percent said they oppose increasing the amounts of ethanol blended into gasoline, while 78 percent said they had very serious concerns about E15 use. Those currently seeking the highest office in the land might want to take notice as voters are less likely to support a presidential candidate who supports the ethanol mandate.

Now is the time of year when those of us who live in climates that don’t allow for year ‘round riding must begin to think about winterizing our motorcycles and ATVs. It is important to remember that any amount of ethanol in your fuel can cause damage if it is left to sit in a gas tank, fuel line or carburetor for even a relatively short period of time. Repair costs associated with ethanol damage can be significant.

There is no doubt that motorcycle manufacturers are working on models that will run on fuel with increased amounts of ethanol.

But even if all of the motorcycle manufacturers certified their machines to run on E15 tomorrow, there are many, many vintage and current model motorcycles that were not engineered to accommodate any ethanol in gas, and they should not be forced to run on gas with increasing amounts of ethanol.

The AMA will continue to stay on top of this important issue for as long as it takes, and your voice is encouraged and welcomed in the discussion.

Let us know your thoughts at www.facebook.com/ americanmotorcyclist, and on Twitter and Instagram at @AMA_Riding and @AMA_Rights. You also can join the conversation by using the hashtag #RFSBroken.

Rob Dingman is AMA president and CEO.

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BARRETT TRAIL REOPENS

Sierra Nevada Route Had Been Closed Since 2012 The Barrett 4-Wheel-Drive Trail, which connects Wright’s Lake to Barrett Lake in California, has reopened following reconstruction of three segments to protect sensitive meadows.

The rugged 6-mile route has been used by recreationists since the 1960s and provides one of the most challenging off-highwayvehicle experiences in the Sierra Nevada.

The Barrett trail was one of 18 routes in the Eldorado National Forest travel system identified as in need of corrections to comply with the environmental protection guidelines in the U.S. Forest Service’s Sierra Nevada Plan, according to the agency.

The routes were closed in 2012 to complete further analysis and make corrections.

Feinstein Asks Obama To Sidestep Congress

Two bills that she U.S. Sen. Dianne introduced for those areas Feinstein (D-Calif.) has asked President Obama to during the past six years have not moved through bypass Congress to create three national monument Congress.

The AMA opposes areas in California, the act of bypassing encompassing more than 1 million acres between Palm Congress to unilaterally create new national Springs and the Nevada U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) state line. monuments.

The senator wants the The areas Feinstein seeks president to invoke the Antiquities designation for are Mojave Trails, Sand Act of 1906 to make the designations. to Snow and Castle Mountains.

Castle Mountains

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Proposal Would Prohibit OHVs On 715,000 Acres

H.R. 3336, the Colorado Wilderness Act of 2015, introduced by U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), would designate as Wilderness 32 areas totaling 715,000 acres, making the land off limits to off-highwayvehicle enthusiasts.

None of the proposed Wilderness included in DeGette’s bill is located within the district she U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) represents. This means the residents living in these areas—and those most impacted—have limited options to voice their disapproval because they are not her constituents.

Wilderness is one of the most restrictive classifications for public land. Once land is designated as Wilderness, no vehicles— including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles or bicycles—are allowed on that land.

The AMA opposes the bill and has called upon Colorado residents to send letters of opposition to their elected officials.

David Lamfrom

SENATOR SEEKS THREE NEW MONUMENTS

MORE WILDERNESS DESIGNATIONS SOUGHT IN COLORADO

NHTSA SEEKS NEW RULES FOR HELMETS

South Bay Riders

AMA Tells DOT Current Rules Are Sufficient

The AMA contacted the U.S. Department of Transportation in July to voice its support for the existing requirement that every motorcycle helmet sold in the United States be certified by its manufacturer to meet the DOT standard.

The AMA letter to the U.S. DOT came in response to a proposal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to set new federal standards for helmet construction. The AMA believes the proposed standards would stifle manufacturers’ ability to provide motorcyclists with helmets that use advanced technology.

The proposed law also would include a testing procedure for law enforcement officers to use in the field to check helmet liner thickness.

CALIFORNIA OHV AGENCY ACQUIRES 25,000 ACRES Move Preserves Kern County Land For Riders

open riding areas.

“If the property had been purchased by a private party, the parcels could have been fenced to exclude OHV recreation and further fragment the existing checkerboard of BLM land,” according to an OHMVR update.

“Acquiring the land helped ensure that continued, sustainable OHV recreation in the area will continue now and into the future.”

Funding for the acquisition came from the OHV Trails fund.

Courtesy of California State Parks

The California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division has acquired approximately 25,000 acres in eastern Kern County that is surrounded by U.S. Bureau of Land Management property used for OHV recreation.

The land acquisition was approved in November 2014 as the Eastern Kern County State Vehicle Recreation Area, Onyx Ranch project. The site is adjacent to the Dove Springs and Jawbone Canyon

To coroners in six South Carolina counties set to begin stenciling road surfaces with a cross and the message “Look Twice, Save a Life” at locations where fatal motorcycles crashes occurred. Participating counties include Anderson, Laurens, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg.

“I hope with (drivers) seeing that, they’ll be more aware of the next motorcycle they pass,” Rick Allison, president of the state’s Motorcycle Awareness Alliance, told a local TV station. “Just take a little bit more time and check your surroundings.”

OHVS PERMITTED ON SOME INYO COUNTY, CALIF., ROADS

The Inyo County, Calif., Transportation Commission has approved the use of some off-highway vehicles on designated county roads as part of a pilot project authorized under A.B. 628.

The Independence No. 1 combined-use route opened July 14. And two more roads began combined use in late July and early August. Several other routes approved by the commission are pending approval by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

The openings are part of the planned Adventure Trails System of the Eastern Sierra.

The combined-use roadways can be used to link existing off-highway motor vehicle trails on U.S. Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service property to create a unified trail system.

“This plan would provide more opportunities for OHV riders by connecting riding areas and providing

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Sara Manley/BLM

Pilot Project Limits Scope To 10 Miles

easier access to lodging, restaurants and fuel in local communities,” says AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris. “But the AMA urges all OHV enthusiasts to operate their vehicles in accord with the manufacturer’s instructions, including restrictions when it comes to riding on paved or hardened surfaces.”

The pilot program ends Jan. 1, 2017.

For the combined-designation to become permanent, the pilot project must demonstrate that the project preserves traffic safety, improves natural resource protection, reduces off-highway-vehicle trespassing on private land and minimizes the impact on county residents.

To law enforcement and court officials in Oakwood Hills, Ill., for issuing citations and fines to motorcyclist Dan Homan for riding his 2002 Harley-Davidson Road King with his daughter and niece in a two-seat sidecar. Despite Homan’s presentation of Illinois law exempting sidecars from seatbelt requirements, the judge found him guilty. Homan has hired a lawyer and plans to file an appeal.

FEDERAL AUTOCYCLE BILL INTRODUCED Elio Motors Behind Move To Standardize Definition

U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) has introduced a bill (H.R. 2892) that would create a national definition of “autocycle” and eliminate the ambiguity created as states adopt varying standards for the enclosed three-wheeled vehicles.

“From time to time, regulations have to be updated to keep pace with American ingenuity and innovation,” Moolenaar told Boston.com.

He added that “outdated regulations” are holding back the business developing these vehicles.

The House bill is a companion to S. 685, U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) introduced by U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.).

More than 25 states have enacted or are developing classifications for three-wheeled vehicles that meet some standards for motorcycles, but feature automobile-type steering wheels, seats and other features.

The AMA maintains a neutral position on autocycle bills at both the state and federal levels.

OHIO CITY WANTS STRICT LIMITS ON OHV RIDING

One Vehicle, One Hour A Day On Two Acres Or Less The Macedonia, Ohio, City Council is considering new measures to regulate dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles that would require a $5 annual permit to operate the vehicles on private property and limit riding to one hour a day.

The proposal also would allow just one off-road vehicle at a time on properties of less than two acres, while no more than two OHVs could operate on larger parcels.

Vehicles would be subject to the community’s existing noise ordinances, but would be required to use an

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unaltered stock muffler.

This proposed ordinance stems from a single situation in one neighborhood.

Steve Salisbury, AMA government relations manager for off-road issues, says all motorcyclists should be concerned about such overly restrictive ordinances.

“You may think that this doesn’t affect you if you don’t live in Macedonia,” he says. “Be assured that every town that unreasonably restricts off-road motorcycling makes it far easier for others to do the same.”

AMA ASSISTS NEW JERSEY RIDERS

Political Action Session Offers Effective Approach

STATEWATCH ILLINOIS House Joint Resolution 89 would ask President Barack Obama to require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to adhere to the Congressional standards for Renewable Fuel Standards’ blending rules. The resolution is intended to demonstrate legislative support for the state’s corn growers and ethanol industry. The EPA has recommended RFS blending rules for 2014, 2015 and 2016 that fall below the Congressional mandates, but still increase the amount of ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply.

Motocross Track Demolished After Unsuccessful Appeal The Harper family of Rockingham County, Va., lost its appeal before the Board of Zoning Appeals and the family was forced to demolish the motocross track they had used for 14 years.

The case stemmed from neighbor complaints about noise. But the county’s ruling concerned a code violation: The track was not a permitted use on agricultural land.

The AMA attempted to help the Harpers keep the track open, writing a letter to county officials, attending the zoning appeals meeting and rallying supporters.

The Rockingham County Planning Commission is considering a provision that would allow tracks on private property if the owner obtains a special-use permit.

National Park Service

AMA staff members conducted a political action training session in August for about 30 members of the East Coast Enduro Association gathered in Burlington, N.J. The training was an overview of the new political action capabilities of the AMA, showcasing ways the AMA can assist local and regional groups in legislative and regulatory battles with online and offline techniques.

The ECEA is engaged in a conflict over access to public land in New Jersey, where they hold enduro events. The AMA and ECEA have been working together for several years on a variety of projects, and the training fortifies this working relationship.

VIRGINIA FAMILY LOSES BATTLE WITH NEIGHBORS

NATIONAL PARK MONITORS VEHICLE SOUND Grand Teton Meter Alerts Riders

The National Park Service installed a sound meter at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming to monitor real-time sound levels during the summer months as part of the park’s noise reduction program.

According to the park, the meters target motorcycles in particular.

Measurements include sound from vehicles, construction work, maintenance activities and other park operations. The meter displays the sound level in green, yellow, red or black to alert people to the sound being emitted.

In addition to the meter monitoring, park officials provided visitors with information about ways to reduce the impact of their vehicles.

The roadside meter was on loan from the National Park Service’s Natural Sounds Program office and was moved around the park during the summer.

According to the park’s press release, “The NPS hopes to reach motorcycle riders in particular with this information.

Riding a motorcycle through Grand Teton is an exciting way to experience the park’s scenic beauty. However, low-frequency sound—like that from some motorcycles— travels farther and can have greater harmful effects on wildlife and park resources than typical passenger cars and trucks. Not all motorcycles are loud, but all riders can be part of the solution by taking actions to minimize their own noise levels.”

AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris says, “The AMA supports the use of sound meters, because they can provide consistent measurements and repeatable results. But we believe every possible source of excessive sound should be treated equally. Motorcycles should not be singled out for enforcement.”

NORTH CAROLINA H.B. 6 would define an autocycle as a three-wheeled motorcycle that has a steering wheel, foot controls, completely enclosed seating and other features, but is otherwise manufactured to meet the federal safety requirements of a motorcycle. The bill would not require the operator to straddle the seat.

Autocycle drivers would not need a motorcycle license. The requirement for a completely enclosed seating area excludes the Polaris Slingshot, leaving that vehicle in the motorcycle category.

OHIO S.B. 146, sponsored by state Sen. Jim Hughes (R-Columbus) and Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati) would create a $100 additional fine for distracted drivers who are pulled over for another violation and found to be using a handheld electronic communications device or “engaging in any activity that is not necessary to the operation of a vehicle and impairs…the ability of the operator to drive the vehicle safely.” In lieu of paying the fine, the driver may attend a safety course for distracted drivers.

The bill has passed the Senate.

PENNSYLVANIA H.B. 471 would remove the requirement that gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a minimum percentage of ethanol.

Under existing law, all gasoline sold in the state must contain at least 10 percent cellulosic ethanol by volume. Cellulosic ethanol is ethanol made from the inedible parts of plants. The bill passed the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on a 23-3 vote. It was next to be heard by the Appropriations Committee before a vote by the full House.

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THE GOLDEN SEASON

For Many, Fall Is The Best Time To Ride By Phil Buonpastore The autumn sunlight slants in, backlighting a never-ending parade of yellow, orange and red-leafed maples, oaks, poplars and elms on the side of the mountain as I ride one of a hundred twisting roads of North Georgia. Around every turn is another brilliant display of color. Even the painted double yellow lines and diamond-shaped orange road signs blend with nature’s gold and copper color scheme.

In peak season in October, surrounded by such amazing scenery and with the sun’s ecliptical, long-cast shadows spilling across the road like a river overrunning its banks, it is an effort to focus attention back to the road.

To motorcyclists in the southeastern United States, the roads of North Georgia, southeastern Tennessee and western North Carolina are well known and frequently ridden. Much of the region is contained within national forests, protected and pristine, and any weekend day in three seasons will find riders exploring the curves, with an occasional temperate winter’s day thrown in for good measure.

In Georgia’s autumn, the seasonal tug-of-war between northern cold fronts

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and Gulf of Mexico warming trends allow 70-plus degree days well into November, when winter finally takes hold. With the combination of temperate days, excellent roads and the jaw-dropping beauty of the autumn colors in full swing, the problem is not finding excellent roads but having time to explore them all.

The mountain town of Dahlonega works well as a base of operations, allowing you to launch into excellent day rides north, east or west and be back by dinnertime.

The town features lodging options ranging from rental houses to cabins and wellknown chain hotels, with a town square that offers a variety of restaurants and bistros.

Out of Dahlonega, Highway 19 north leads to State Road 60 toward Suches, and vistas that are gorgeous any time of the year become exceptional when steeped in autumn’s colors. The two-lane road is a well-paved ribbon of tight “S” curves and diminishing radius turns over its entire length. For an alert and seasoned rider, it can return some of the best riding of the day.

Spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretch to the horizon, and at the 5-mile mark, a look to the left into

the area known as Woody Gap reveals a valley of multicolored forest with Springer Mountain rising in the distance. Roadside stops feature information on nearby Civil War battlefields, Native American history, gold mining sites and hiking trails.

Seven miles more of carbon ribbon leads to Suches, home of the Two Wheels of Suches lodge that caters to motorcycle riders and travelers (www. twowheelsofsuches.com). Formerly known as Two Wheels Only or TWO, the entire facility has been renovated by new owner Bill Johnston. Weekends during the riding season will find the parking lot filled with bikes of all styles and vintage. Local riders, long-distance travelers, armorsuited sport bike riders and Harley riders clad in leather all congregate to talk bikes, share info on area roads or just take a break.

Continuing the ride, S.R. 60 winds its way true-to-form through the Chattahoochee National Forest for another 30 miles to U.S. Highway 76 near Georgia’s border with Tennessee and North Carolina.

S.R. 60 is part of the well-known loop ride called the “Georgia Triangle.” As the name implies, the triangle consists of

three roads—S.R. 60, S.R. 180 and U.S. 19—for a 37-mile round trip. The ride to Suches on S.R. 60 is the first leg, and making a right turn at S.R. 180, about 100 yards north of the Two Wheels of Suches lodge, continues the loop. This truly mind-boggling road is one of the most challenging in the area.

Passing Lake Winfield Scott, a small peaceful pond that acts as a reflecting pool for the foothill mountains that surround it, you’ll see a sign that states “Sharp Curves and Grades Next 5 Miles.”

This is a monument to understatement.

S.R. 180 snakes through the Sosbee Cove Scenic Area and is known for having more sharp curves and steeper grades than any other paved road in Georgia, with 10 mph speed limit signs on some curves and nary a straight section to be had in between.

Vigilance is necessary: While S.R. 180 is a pure adrenaline rush on two wheels, it also claims the largest number of motorcycle crashes in the area.

At the end of S.R. 180, the road connects into U.S. 129. Here you will find Vogel State Park (www.gastateparks.org/ info/vogel), featuring Lake Trahlyta, deep blue and surrounded by trees in peak fall color. Lodging is also available here, with everything from basic tent camping to rustic log cabins, three-bedroom cottages, motor home sites featuring water and power connections, and a general store on

site. Make reservations. Peak season runs from late April through the Thanksgiving holiday, and autumn is exceptionally popular.

U.S. 19 south is the last leg of the triangle. Like most of the roads in North Georgia, it is a continuous series of curves all the way back to S.R. 60. As U.S. 19 is wider, with more sedate curves and two-lane passing zones, it probably would be considered the least challenging of the triangle, but take nothing for granted—it can be a handlebar full as well.

If you’re up for a full day’s ride, a longer 175-mile loop ride also starts in Dahlonega. Georgia Highway 52 west begins as a sedate and gently curving highway that borders the southern end of the Chattahoochee National Forest, passing Amicalola State Park on its 39mile route to Ellijay.

Once through Ellijay’s town square, S.R. 52 begins its ascent up Fort Mountain.

Easily one of the most enjoyable roads in North Georgia, this 25-mile section is full of challenging twisties and scenic stopping points. The fall colors make an already great road even better. As S.R. 52 enters the national forest, bright sun and autumn foliage bathe the highway in an iridescent golden glow. Adjectives cannot capture the truly magical feel of the surroundings. You’ll find yourself involuntarily saying “wow” around every

curve, and having to resist the impulse to stop every mile for photographs.

The road summits near Fort Mountain State Park, then winds its way back down to the small town of Chatsworth. This is a good place to refresh and refuel—once out of the area, these options become scarcer.

Taking U.S. 411 north for 25 miles, the camel-backed highway allows some decompression time after the “rock and roll” of S.R. 52. Crossing the Tennessee state line to U.S. Scenic Highway 64/74, then going east toward the Ocoee River Gorge, the highway becomes the tancolored Old Copper Road, dovetailing with the autumn color scheme and contrasting the cobalt colored Ocoee Lake and River for miles.

The highway crosses into North Carolina on easy winding curves. Near the 27-mile mark, taking N.C. Highway 68 south through Grassy Creek leads back into Georgia at McCaysville, then returns via S.R. 60’s exhilarating tight turns and ample curves for 46 miles to Suches, then Dahlonega.

With each hour past afternoon’s peak, the sky’s colors turn progressively warmer toward the orange and reds of all sunsets, deepening the colors everywhere. Yellows becomes gold, then muted orange, red and violet, as day’s end changes the colors with each passing minute. As the

November 2015

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light is lost behind the mountains, the visual concert finishes with a symphonic finale. With a full moon rising on the horizon opposite the sunset, the ride home provides an encore almost as magnificent as the day.

Other great rides begin near the town of Helen, which is well known for its Alpine chalets, German restaurants and Bavarian charm. North Georgia’s best roads are often found close to towns featuring a full complement of lodging options, restaurants and tourist attractions. Several of the establishments cater to motorcyclists, and weekend afternoons will find motorcycles parked in front of restaurants and watering holes all along S.R. 75, which is the main drag through town.

But if you’ve come to ride, excellent options abound. On the west side of town, going north on Georgia Highway 356 past Unicoi State Park leads to Georgia Highway 197. Take that north to Lake Burton, where the moderately twisting road shows off its gorgeous scenery and lakes reflecting the autumn colors. Traffic is unusually mixed, with as many motorcyclists on the road as car/SUV drivers, owing to the area’s popularity with the two-wheeled set.

At U.S. 76, going west for 15 miles leads to S.R. 17-75 south and back to Helen. Both roads are highly recommended; the forested U.S. 76 for its sedate curves, and S.R. 75 for its extreme ones. It is an excellent loop ride any time of year, made far more enjoyable by the colors of the season.

S.R. 348, the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway, is another road not to be missed. From Helen, take Alt. S.R. 75 and proceed several miles to the entrance of a 14-mile parkway that runs near the top of the Appalachian chain, offering fantastic views from some of the highest elevations in the area. S.R. 348 connects back to the Georgia Triangle area, crossing the Appalachian Trail on its way up to Maine in the process.

Even a brief glance at a Georgia map will show many roads and areas in North Georgia to ride. Packed into a wedge loosely bordered by I-75 northwest, and I-985 northeast out of Atlanta, any road north of Lake Sidney Lanier promises an excellent return on the investment, with some of the best riding you’re likely to experience in the southeastern United States. But autumn also offers one of the best locales in the country for witnessing the yearly miracle of the changing fall colors. Make plans to see it on two wheels—it’s something you’ll never forget.

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From The Road

60 YEARS…20 BIKES The Best Of The Best

By Rick Wheaton

This August I reached 75. I never thought I’d get this old, but it’s no big deal. A bigger deal is celebrating 60 years as a biker. Back then in the United Kingdom—and I guess in some of the United States—you could take your bike test at 15, and I did, on my dad’s Vespa.

I yearned for my own bike, of course, and as soon as I’d saved enough, I bought a 98cc military-surplus paratrooper’s bike.

It was a little two-stroke, with useless brakes, a vicious clutch, one gear and no lights. In World War II, thousands were

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squashed into canisters and parachuted into Germany, presumably to terrify the enemy. The seat was collapsible, its handlebars folded away, and sometimes the collapsing and folding happened while you were riding along.

As soon as I could, I swapped this hideous thing for a bike that seduced me with just its name: Zundapp. It was jet black, twin cylinders angled forward rakishly.

Sadly, its looks belied its performance, and most mornings I’d run it down the hill from my home, letting the clutch out hopefully from time to time, until I got to sea level. There I’d abandon it and walk to school, and in the manner of two-strokes, it would start first kick when I walked back to it in the evening.

A couple of years later, I’d saved enough to buy my first “proper” bike, a baby Triumph—a Tiger Cub. Only 200cc, but her four-stroke engine was dependable and punchy, she handled beautifully with her swinging arm suspension, and she looked the business in silver and black. She was a little dream, and I wish I had her still.

That little Triumph gave me a taste for reliability and sure-footed handling. I owned half a dozen British bikes through the ’60s and into the ’70s—the Japanese invasion yet to come—and then I saw my first Honda. It was a bright yellow CB750 four. It had an excessive number of cylinders, startling color, overhead cams, disc brakes, electric start and a build quality that screamed “Made by NASA.” I remember gazing at it for 10 minutes or so, overcome with wonder and lust.

Over the next few years, I owned Honda’s delightful 400 four, a 500 twin, two CXs, and a run of VFR750s. For a long time these superb V4s had the reputation for being the best sport tourers on the planet, and I ran up enough miles to warrant owning three of them.

I remained faithful to my VFRs, but admit one exciting affair—with the infamous Suzuki water cooled GT750, a two-stroke triple. Nicknamed the “Flying Kettle” in England and the “Water Buffalo” in the United States, they were the Jekyll

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& Hyde of motorbikes. They peaked at about 7,000 rpm, an astonishing figure to someone used to the bumbling twostrokes of their youth. Up to 4,000 revs, this Suzuki was a pussy cat, but at the top end she was a howling banshee with a mid-range acceleration that could make your arms 3 inches longer.

Around this time, I was planning a long ride, just when BMW brought out its first inline-four tourer, the shaft-driven K75.

I was impressed by the German bike’s smoothness and solidity, not to mention the reputation for bullet-proof reliability.

Keen for my arms to return to their proper length, I rode one for a while—in fact, in Australia—but soon craved the excitement of something a little less Teutonic.

For a year or so I had an Aprilia Mille R, an Italian race-bred V-twin with drop-dead looks and shattering performance. She cornered on rails and made a noise like a four-engined bomber, but riding it killed my elbows and wrists.

I guess I had reached the age when comfort rose high on the list of desirable characteristics, and when I sat on a Triumph Tiger 800XC, she fit me like a bespoke suit. I love that bike, own her still.

I love her performance and handling too, but some charm might be the feeling of coming full circle from my beautiful little Tiger Cub from almost 60 years ago…

Rick Wheaton is an AMA member who writes about lessons learned riding around the world.

ADJUSTING YOUR RIDING STYLE Q: When changing the style of motorcycle you are riding, what is the most important adjustment to make?

Should your riding style change?

A: A rider needs to make adjustments anytime he or she straddles an unfamiliar motorcycle, even for one in the same category.

The adjustments relate to such factors as the bike’s riding position (seat height and relationship between seat, footrests, and handlebars), dimensional characteristics (weight, wheelbase, steering head angle, center of gravity, tire size, and tire profile), responsiveness of controls (throttle, clutch friction zone and brake pressure), and power-to-weight ratio.

Sportbikes are at one end of the spectrum, with lighter weight, shorter wheelbases, steering head angles closer to vertical, and quicker-revving engines., and they generally provide higher levels of responsiveness to throttle, brake, and

handlebar input. This means you may need to be softer with your inputs until you have accumulated some miles manipulating the controls.

• Safety tip: While in neutral, get a feel for how much throttle twist is needed to raise engine speed.

• Comfort tip: Avoid supporting all your weight on your wrists and engage your core abdominal and back muscles instead. Keep your head and eyes up to help fight fatigue and improve visual assessment of the riding environment.

Large cruiser models are at the other end of the spectrum, due to their heavier weight, longer wheelbases, steering head angles farther from vertical, and slowerrevving engines. They typically provide greater straight-line stability with more steering effort required for directional changes.

• Safety tip: Consider the turning radius for slow, tight turns and U-turns.

• Comfort tip: You might need time to get accustomed to the leaned-back, feet-

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forward, arms-raised position.

Adventure-type bikes are fairly close to their standard/naked cousins in terms of riding style, but with your knees more forward and your mid-section closer to the fuel tank. This position brings your elbows up for quicker control and helps when transferring weight to the footrests in counter-weighted turns in the dirt or on tight roads.

Bottom line: Take your time to become familiar with a different bike. You want your control operation to be solid so you and your bike can bond for a safe, comfortable time together.

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been rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic to talk about how their accident could have been avoided had they been lane splitting.

Lessons Learned

ON THE FRONT LINES OF LANE SPLITTING For Courtney Olive, Good Advocacy Requires A Personal Touch

Portland, Ore., attorney Courtney Olive became interested in motorcycle lane splitting—or lane filtering—in 2008 when he was appointed to the Oregon Governor’s Advisory Committee on Motorcycle Safety.

“One of the issues that we repeatedly heard about from the riding public was lane splitting and how riders believed that it improved their safety,” he says.

“I wanted to thoroughly research lanesplitting to understand the arguments for and against it. I found that, at the time, there wasn’t much hard data that demonstrated whether or not lane splitting was safe.”

That information void was filled in 2014 and 2015, when the California Office of Traffic Safety and the University of California at Berkeley released reports showing that splitting lanes protected motorcyclists from rear-end collisions, while easing traffic congestion.

Armed with the Berkeley study, Olive began working to get a bill passed in Oregon that would permit riders to filter through traffic, under certain conditions.

On April 2, Olive joined AMA Vice President of Government Relations Wayne Allard to testify in front of the state’s

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Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the measure.

Olive offers AMA members a few insights into his advocacy efforts.

AM: Talk about the importance of grassroots activism.

CO: Grassroots activism was 100 percent responsible for the amazing success we achieved. The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate committee that considered it, then it passed the full Senate by a strong bi-partisan majority. In the House, the bill had bi-partisan support and most of the legislators who we met with favored the bill. Ultimately, however, entrenched opposition from the Oregon Department of Transportation and City of Portland Police led to the bill’s demise.

However, we considered it a huge victory for the bill to get two legislative hearings—previous lane-splitting bills in Oregon had never gotten a hearing at all—and to pass the Senate with such strong support. Grassroots activism was absolutely critical in making that happen.

AM: Tell us a little about the Oregon lane-splitting bill.

CO: The bill, S.B. 694, was intended to be a minimally-intrusive and extremely conservative form of lane splitting. We felt this would provide the maximum congestion relief under the safest possible conditions.

AM: What advice would you offer AMA members who want to become involved in an issue?

CO: Patience is a virtue. I have been following lane-splitting issues since 2008, but it wasn’t until 2015 that the concept gained traction. And, even then, the bill did not pass.

But it’s clear lane splitting is gaining support and public acceptance. When the facts are on your side you will prevail, eventually.

AM: What strategies did you employ to move this bill forward?

CO: Our team met with dozens of legislators to educate them about the bill. We provided them with government studies, traffic engineer reports, accident investigator analyses, and other concrete evidence supporting the safety of lane splitting and demonstrating its ability to relieve traffic congestion. We testified in legislative committee hearings and worked tirelessly to make sure our testimony was fact-based and accurate. We brought in experts such as a former sheriff, rider training instructors and attorneys. We also organized testimony from riders who had

AM: Is there anything you would like to add?

CO: I would encourage all riders who believe in an issue—especially lanesplitting!—to voice their opinion to their legislators. As an example of how important citizen’s voices can be, when we met with legislators about S.B. 694, they would often start the meeting with something like: “Yes, I’ve been getting a bunch of calls and emails from motorcycle riders in my district about this bill. Tell me more about it.” It’s clear legislators listen to their constituents and, when you contact them to voice support for an issue, they really pay attention.

Paul Rich

AM: What tactic did you find most effective?

CO: The single most effective tactic was to personally meet with legislators. We would explain to them what lane splitting was (most were unfamiliar with it) and present them with the recent study from California Office of Traffic Safety and U.C. Berkeley that demonstrates that lanesplitting actually improves rider safety.

Tips & Tricks

MEASURING TREAD, STAYING DRY, RIDING SAFER AND USING BETTER BITS Cleaning Base Layers

Rain Gear Selection

If you’ve wised up to the virtues of synthetic base layers, you’ll want to keep them clean and wicking moisture. Don’t wash them with typical laundry

By Tom Mehren detergents, which can clog the pores of the fiber. Use a non-detergent laundry soap like Woolite or Nikwax Base Wash.

For touring, look for concentrated tubes of non-detergent cleaner, making it easier to be self-reliant when such cleaners aren’t available along the way.

Ask yourself: Where is the most common place rain gear fails? If you answered “the crotch” or some alternative term describing that area, you would echo the sentiment of many riders. The best way to repair a leaky seam is from the inside with a proper liquid seam sealer. The trouble is some rain gear comes with a mesh netting on the interior. You’ll need to cut the mesh to do the repair correctly, then sew the mesh closed again.

Consider this the next time you replace your rain gear.

A Penny Saved…Is A Super-Cheap Tread Gauge Take a simple U.S. penny, rotate it upside down with the head side facing you. Now place the penny into your tire tread. If you can see all of Mr. Lincoln’s head, you’re ready for a new tire. The rule of thumb is to replace your tires when the depth is 1/16-inch of tread or less. Mr. Lincoln’s head just happens to be 1/16-inch from the edge of a penny.

Anything less than 1/16-inch, and you risk hydroplaning the tire as the tread can’t wick enough water volume away to allow needed traction. If you let it go further, you risk exposing the vulnerable carcass of the tire.

Give The Gift Of Skills Sure, it’s always nice to gift new gear to someone. But some have all they need. Do something different by gifting a rider training gift certificate to a loved one. Rider training is a continuous cycle and it doesn’t hurt any of us to take a class of some type every other year or so. In some states, passing a sidecar class can get the rider an added endorsement on their license, whether they ever actually plan to own one or not. How about a track day? Maybe an off-road training class?

The choices are endless.

JIS Screwdriver Bits If you own a Japanese vehicle, Japanese Industrial Standard screwdriver bits are a better fit to the fasteners on your motorcycle. A quick search of images on the web and you’ll note there’s a bit of a difference between JIS and American Phillips heads—so much so, it makes sense why riders strip JIS Phillips-style heads so often on Japanese bikes. While the Japanese use JIS heads on all their bikes (and cars), the typical screwdriver heads sold in America are, well, American.

Member Tip: Store Documents On Your Phone This month’s member tip comes from Kathi Hiatt. Have you ever lost a wallet? It’s a hassle for days after as you replace important papers. For important documents, scan or photograph each one, then save it to your phone or a secure place on the cloud. Law enforcement officers will often accept these scans as valid identification.

While you’re at it, scan your registration, insurance card and other important documents just in case.

Tom Mehren is a long-time promoter of AMA-sanctioned events who rides 20,000 miles a year. Have a tip to share?

Email tmehren@soundrider.com. If we use it, you’ll receive a copy of Tom’s book, Packing Light/Packing Right.

SPREADING THE MESSAGE ON E15 Media Tour Follows Poll, Petition

As part of a comprehensive effort to stop the proliferation of E15 ethanol fuel in the marketplace, AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman conducted a series of media interviews via satellite in August, reaching 4.5 million people on 251 radio and TV stations.

During the satellite “media tour,” Dingman warned motorcyclists against the spread of fuel blends that contain more than 10 percent ethanol by volume.

None of the estimated 22 million

motorcycles and ATVs in use today are certified to run on high-ethanol blends, such as E15, Dingman told reporters.

The media interviews followed the release of the AMA’s national poll, which found that 78 percent of likely 2016 voters have serious concerns that higher blends of ethanol can cause severe damage in motorcycles, boats, lawn equipment and other small engines.

The AMA gathered nearly 30,000 signatures backing its message to the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in opposition to increases in the federal Renewable Fuel Standard.

The proposed EPA mandates would force more ethanol fuels into the marketplace. Forcing higher-ethanol blends such as E15 into the marketplace could result in reduced availability of E10, the fuel most Americans currently rely on for their vehicles. Further, gasoline with no ethanol may become virtually unavailable.

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1993 KAWASAKI ZX7R AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Rob Muzzy is one of motorcycle racing’s most prolific and successful tuners. He worked for Kawasaki teams that won AMA Superbike championships in 1981, 1982 and 1983.

His riders later won the Daytona 200 and the AMA Superbike Championship for Honda.

After starting his own aftermarket performance business, which thrived throughout the 1980s, Muzzy went back to work for Kawasaki and won the 1990 AMA 750cc Supersport and Superbike Championships and then moved to the World Superbike series, where he won two titles.

One of those world championship titles was earned with this 1993 Kawasaki ZX7R with Hall of Famer Scott Russell at the controls.

The year after Russell gave Kawasaki its first Daytona 200 win—and won his first AMA Superbike Championship—he earned a ride on the Muzzy-led Kawasaki World Superbike team.

The ZX7R he rode was a heavily modified version of the stock sportbike. It featured Kawasaki “works” pistons inside the four inline cylinders, each with a 71mm bore and a 47.3mm stroke. The transmission— another Kawasaki works part—was

Photos Alison Grogan

Rob Muzzy’s World Beater

modified to support multiple ratios for each gear with an adjustable primary ratio.

The forks and shocks were Öhlins, with Dunlop tires on Marchesini hubs. Both the steering head and swingarm pivot were adjustable to allow for easily customized handling characteristics. Braking duties were handled by Nissin calipers and carbon fiber rotors.

All that Muzzy-tuned tech, combined with the exceptional riding skill of Russell, resulted in four wins that year—at Hockenheim, Brno, Sugo and Donington Park— and 14 second-place finishes.

To see this world-title-winning, Hall-of-Famer raced and tuned Kawasaki, visit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, features the people and machines that have defined the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling in America.

The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that receives support from the AMA and from the motorcycling community. For info and directions, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.

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Jean Michel Bayle (left) and Hall of Famer Mike Kiedrowski

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer

JEAN MICHEL BAYLE: FRENCH INVADER Jean Michel Bayle is a multi-time AMA and FIM World Motocross Champion who later turned to road racing, where he also enjoyed success on the world stage. Over the course of his career he raced with a variety of manufacturers, including Kawasaki, Honda, Aprilia, Team Roberts KR3 and Yamaha. He has also piloted cars in off-road rally and touring car races.

Born April 1, 1969, in Manosque, France, Bayle began riding motorcycles at age 6. He raced throughout the early 1980s as an amateur, and at age 13 won the 1982 Provence Championship. In 1985, at age 16, he entered the 250cc class at the Paris Bercy Supercross, racing aboard a Kawasaki. While his Bercy results were not impressive, this was his first taste of racing against

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an international field of competitors, including many AMA Supercross stars of the time.

In 1986, Bayle finished fourth in the French National 125cc Motocross Championship. He also raced in the 125cc World Championship, where he earned points and finished 24th at season’s end.

In 1987, he switched to Honda with plans to race in the World 125cc Championship, the French National 125cc Motocross Championship, and the 250cc class of the French National Supercross series. Bayle dominated the French 125cc class, winning his first national title, and earned third-place in the World 125cc Championship. In 1988, he went on the win the World 125cc Motocross Championship, the French

National 125cc Motocross title, and the French 250cc Supercross title.

In 1989, after consulting with Honda Racing’s Roger DeCoster (also an AMA Hall of Fame member), Bayle planned to race a limited season in the United States aboard a 250cc machine, then race in the FIM World 250cc Championship, and then return to the United States to race in the AMA 500cc Motocross Championship.

Bayle acquired an AMA competition license and trained in California, then entered and won the AMA 250cc Motocross race in Gainesville, Fla. He then campaigned and won the World 250cc Championship. Ironically, the Frenchman became the FIM World Champion while licensed as a U.S.based AMA competitor. He followed up with a win at the AMA 500cc Motocross race in New Berlin, N.Y., and finished that season ranked fifth overall while racing against future Hall of Famers Jeff Ward, Jeff Stanton and Rick Johnson, among others.

In 1990 Bayle returned to the United

States to race in the AMA 125cc Motocross Championship, where he earned three overall wins and was ranked fourth overall in points. He contested the AMA 250cc Supercross Series, earning five wins and finishing as runner-up for the title.

In 1991, Bayle and Honda set their sights on winning the AMA 250cc and 500cc Motocross Championships, as well as the AMA 250cc Supercross title. Bayle went on to earn three wins and the title of the six-race AMA 500cc Motocross Championship (the remaining three races were won by Jeff Ward). He also won the AMA 250cc Motocross Championship, and took the AMA 250cc Supercross Series title with eight wins.

Bayle entered the 1992 AMA 250cc Motocross Championship, taking a win at Troy, Ohio, and earning three wins in the AMA 250cc Supercross Series, but his career would change course for the 1993 season.

Having entered the 1992 French Grand Prix 250cc road race aboard a Honda, in 1993 Bayle switched entirely to road racing. He teamed with Aprilia in the World 250cc Championship, finishing that season ranked 22nd, with a best result of eighth at the British Grand Prix.

He improved in 1994, earning topfive finishes at the British and Czech Republic Grand Prix. Bayle continued with Aprilia for the 1995 World 250cc Championship, earning pole position at the Argentina Grand Prix.

In 1996, he moved up to the World 500cc Championship riding a Team Roberts Yamaha. He earned five top-five finishes, and took pole position at the Czech Republic GP. In 1997, he rode the Modenas KR3 and finished the season ranked 19th. He continued to race in the World 500cc Championship in 1998, taking pole position and a top-five finish at Imola aboard a Team Rainey Yamaha.

He raced his final year in the World 500cc Championship in 1999 aboard the Proton Modenas KR3.

In 2002, Bayle teamed with Sébastien Gimbert and Nicolas Dussauge to win the Bol d’Or and the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle road course endurance races. In the mid-2000s, Bayle’s career took another turn as he moved to four wheels, competing in Touring Car and Off-Road Rally races in Europe.

One of the most versatile motorcycle racers in history, Jean Michel Bayle was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.

Put yourself in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR hall of fame—we couldn’t exist without the generous support of our donors. Now there’s a new way for you to show that support in a very visible way: My Hall of Fame. The idea is simple: A $20 charitable donation gets you a 3-inch-square space on the wall in the Hall of Fame entrance foyer that hangs during the campaign year.

Want a bigger space? A 6-inch square is an $80 donation, and an 8-inch square is a $180 donation. You also get an official certificate noting that your picture is on display in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Hang your picture, your kid’s picture, your company logo, almost anything. It’s up to you! Get in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame today!

8” 6” 3” 3”

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6

Individuals Who Are Changing The Way We Ride

By Jim Witters

Innovation.

For some, it’s an idea that occurs in the heat of competition. For others, it is a slowly developing concept that needs time to mature. For all, it is the fresh approach, the shift in perspective and the ability to grasp a vision and make it reality.

Custom motorcycle builder Tony Prust eased into his current business by combining his creative vision, his love of bikes and a finely tuned attention to detail mastered during his years as a finish carpenter.

“Ever since I have been able to drive or ride—or even skateboard or ride bicycles as a kid—I have had this desire to have something a little different from everybody else,” says Prust, who founded Analog Motorcycles in 2013 on that desire to be different.

One of Prust’s creations—a 1960s-70s-styled replica racer based on a 1949 parallel twin Indian Scout—earned first place in the Custom/Modified category at the 2015 Quail Gathering.

Bob Weber’s idea struck during a bicycle ride, leading to the patented “suspended layers” design that forms the basis for 6D Helmets.

Seeking solutions, transferring skills, improving the ideas of others.

Thousands of people have provided valuable contributions to the motorcycle lifestyle. Here are six who demonstrate how creative thinking, business acumen, dedication and hard work can change motorcycling for the better.

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B

ob Weber is a former professional motocross rider from New England who has spent his working life around motorcycles and motorcyclists.

He was the sales manager at White Brothers Cycle Specialties, worked in sales and management at Petersen Publishing and, until 2011, was a vice president at Troy Lee Designs.

After leaving Troy Lee, Weber dedicated himself to developing a better helmet.

“I just kept noodling the problem in my mind, thinking about how we could improve the helmet’s design using materials known today to be effective,” Weber says. “We couldn’t make the helmet too big or too heavy, but had to add suspension and threedimensional displacement capability to the interior liner.

“That’s when I called my friend and engineer Robert Reisinger and said, ‘Hey, I need some help. I have an idea! What are you doing right now?’

“He figured we could build something better, and we agreed to go for it,” Weber says.

6D helmets are designed to manage angular acceleration and “scrub off a high percentage of it, compared to traditional helmet designs. A secondary bonus is its ability to manage low-threshold energy at the same time,” Weber says.

What that means is 6D helmets have two liners inside the shell. At impact, the liners move independently, enabling the helmet to absorb more force, instead of transferring it to the rider.

“I think we have really helped the athlete,” he says. “We have [received] a lot of really amazing letters and notes from moms and dads out there about their experience with their 6D.” Helmets Weber says 6D’s success has driven other helmet companies to invest in research to improve their products.

“We can’t stop here,” he says “We have to keep improving and getting better. So to answer the question about how 6D has benefitted motorcycling: I think we built a better mouse trap, and we got some of the other brands reengaged with their engineering departments.

“No one expects to have that big crash, but when it happens you definitely want to be in the best possible helmet you can be in.”

Bob Weber

Conrad Lim

6D

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C

olleen Millsaps says the most innovative aspect of her motocross training facility in Cairo, Ga., is that “we train all ages of riders year round in every aspect of racing: technique, race strategy, physical fitness and mental toughness.

“We also believe that training riders in groups helps each individual learn to focus on themselves and also develop competitiveness on the track,” she says.

Millsaps started the 50-acre facility at a time when no one else was training motocross riders in an immersive camp setting.

“To my knowledge, there was no other facility of its kind anywhere in the world,” she says. “The concept of

sending kids to train year round is not new, but just hadn’t been done in MX.” Millsaps’ experience includes coaching high-level riders for 18 years. During that time, many of her clients have gone into the professional ranks, including her son Davi, an AMA Horizon Award winner and 2006 AMA East Coast 250 Supercross champion.

Millsaps says she “saw the need for a place where aspiring racers could have a structured program that would help them realize their dreams.”

So she and her partners created a fully equipped training facility that opened in 2003. The effort now boasts the backing of companies such as Red Bull, Factory Connection, Dunlop, Under Armour, FMF and Scott Goggles.

The training facility offers short

camps of one to eight weeks, during which riders learn the fundamentals of going fast with control on a dirt bike. The full-time annual training program is designed to prepare riders for national level amateur events or professional series.

By far the hardest part of the 48week session is keeping the riders focused on their off-track education, Millsaps says.

In 2015, for the first time, the training facility provides a full-time accredited teacher working with all the school-age kids.

“In the end, each rider will get out of the training what they put into it,” she says. “No secret recipe will replace good old-fashioned hard work.”

Colleen Millsaps

Kay Meyer

Millsaps Training Facility

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F

or Chris Carter, a Yamaha factorysupported development rider and 1970s motorcycle racer, the first business idea was a simple one.

“I started Motion Pro over 30 years ago, because I saw a need for a good source of replacement control cables,” he says. “There were many other products that I wanted to develop, but I needed a good base to start.

“I’ve always had an interest in specialty tools,” he adds. “From watching mechanics, and working on my own bikes, I saw a need for tools that didn’t yet exist.

Once I had my own system, [I was] ready to develop and manufacture these tools.”

Starting with the control cables, Carter began adding tools, parts and accessories to the product line. Motion Pro is known for providing professional-quality tools at prices the home mechanic can afford.

“One of our goals is to offer Motion tools of convenience, tools we feel make difficult or timeconsuming jobs much easier,” Carter says. “Some of my favorites are forged aluminum tire levers and our titanium wrench sets that we were able to bring to market at an affordable price.”

Carter is proud that weekend warriors, as well as professional race teams, benefit from his company’s innovations.

“We’ve made professional level products available to the motorcycle enthusiast, as well as pro riders,” he explains. “Because we’ve been successful, we’ve been able to support all types of motorcycle activities and serve as advocates for the industry, supporting our community’s issues alongside the AMA.” Carter credits the Motion Pro team for many of the company’s popular products.

“This is a great crew that continues to be engaged with the motorcycle community and industry, from event support to customer relations, and from research and development to championing the motorcyclist spirit,” Carter says.

“That’s the secret behind our innovations.”

Chris Carter

Pro Inc.

D

uring the workday, Dennis ‘Budman’ Kobza operates Dennis Kobza & Associates Inc., a design firm in Mountain View, Calif. But the rest of the time, he serves on the California Motorcycle Safety Committee and the California Motorcyclist Safety Program advisory committee.

He also is the moderator of the Bay Area Riders Forum, an Internetbased community of 54,000 registered members who exchange information and opinions on all things motorcycle and who get together for weekly meets.

Kobza found BARF – as its members affectionately call it – in April 2002, when the forum was 4 months old.

“Actually, a

Dennis “Budman” Kobza Bay Area Riders

gent named Steve Cole started it,” Kobza says. “Based on my racing experience, he appointed me a moderator in a new part of the forum called The Racer’s Corner. By the end of the year, I had organized our first charity ride, gotten us involved with the American Federation of Motorcyclists racing organization and became his partner.

“I took over completely in ’05,” he says.”I thought BARF was a good thing for the riding community, and it gave me an opportunity to reach the younger generation. I wanted to keep that going and build on it.”

The BARF web pages have been a hotbed of discussion and debate on the issue of lane splitting during 2015, as five states, including California, considered laws to codify the practice.

Kobza, who worked with the California Highway Patrol to establish its

lane-splitting guidelines, has been at the forefront of the issue, working with the AMA and other motorcycle groups and activists, meeting with the sponsors of the California bill and initiating a “Slow Your Roll” campaign to encourage safer lane-splitting practices.

Through his involvement with state agencies and elected officials, Kobza is representing the interests of California motorcyclists. Through BARF, he is providing a valuable tool for motorcyclist interaction.

“We help new riders decide what kind of bike is right, where to find training, experience the track and learn about the mental part of riding,” Kobza says.

“For me it was about connecting with people,” he says. “I enjoy talking bikes, riding bikes and I learned quickly that discussing other things with likeminded folks was fun, too.”

Eric Le

Forum

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Julie Monacella

T

ony Prust, who runs the custom motorcycle shop Analog Motorcycles in Chicago, has built a reputation for creating unique, purposeful bikes with exceptional attention to details.

“I founded Analog Motorcycles in 2008 out of passion, principal, and necessity,” Prust says. “Combining skills from my past careers and interests, including audio engineering and carpentry, I focused my interests and imagination into creating motorcycles and components that were complex in thought and design, yet simple and pure in execution, just like analog music.”

Prust’s executions are known for finding what makes a certain model cool and emphasizing that through modifications— even if that cool factor wasn’t so obvious in the stock bike.

“For me, the most innovative thing I

Tony Prust do is try to change some of these old stepchild bikes that nobody really liked into something beautiful and desirable,” he says. “I try to see the beauty in things that aren’t very beautiful.”

As a finish carpenter, Prust had been doing “some artistic stuff” with wood, challenging his creativity. But when the housing market crashed in 2008, all that remained available to him was standard framing and cabinetry work.

“I had been doing some bikes as a side gig, and I saw the growth in that market and the potential there,” he says.

“But I wanted to do bikes that people could afford, based off a sub-$1,000 motorcycle.”

Prust’s first full vintage build was completed in 2009. He decided on a name for his company and got a buddy to create a logo “just in case” the business succeeded. Analog Motorcycles “was still

Analog Motorcycles

a hobby and part-time job until 2013.

Carpentry and custom building both require thought and planning to minimize waste and to ensure precision in executing the plan.

“I strip every bike to a rolling chassis, and that’s my canvas,” Prust says.

Prust is impressed by the recent efforts of other custom builders. But what sets him apart is his focus on “very peculiar ugly ducklings” and the “very discrete details in fit and finish that are similar to high-end carpentry.”

In the end, Prust’s designs not only turn those “ugly ducklings” into highly desirable custom motorcycles—but those that stir modern passions while paying homage to the original’s heritage.

“I am a little flattered,” Prust says. “I don’t view myself as an innovator—just a guy making cool stuff.”

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Louis Parks

Lee Parks Total Control Motorcyclist Training Courses

L

ee Parks says he has developed “the only riding school to take a truly holistic approach to rider training.”

“We not only teach the physical skills of riding a motorcycle, but also include comprehensive training on the mental skills of riding, such as overcoming fear, improving concentration and having the right attitude to make better choices about riding,” he explains. “Additionally, we teach some of the critical mechanical skills of riding, such as setting up suspension systems and choosing tires for optimum performance, comfort and safety.”

The Total Control system is being adopted by more states each year as their official training program for motorcycle license endorsement. In 2015, Parks landed the contract with the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, one of the largest training programs in the nation.

Parks says his training program sprang from an absence of available courses.

“I was in college in 1987 and wanted to get into road racing, but there were no schools near me at the time,” he says.

“That meant I had to get creative. So, I set up a bunch of dirty sweatshirts in a pattern in my dorm parking lot until I found the right radius. I started slowly and methodically going faster and faster in the same turn until I started figuring out the basics of high-performance cornering.”

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Parks is the author of Total Control and Race Tech’s Motorcycle Suspension Bible.

Total Control training focuses on developing a safer rider, Parks says.

“Different people learn differently, and traditional training programs generally focus on one type of learning,” he explains. “We use auditory, visual and kinesthetic techniques for every lesson to make sure all kinds of learners get specifically what they need to break through to the next level. In our beginner program, we are unique in our honesty about the dangers of riding and not being afraid to tell some folks that riding is not a good choice for them.”

In practice, that often translates into fewer students earning a passing grade and a motorcycle license endorsement.

“Raising the standards keeps a lot of folks who did not possess the balance, skills or judgment to safely ride a motorcycle from becoming statistics in the future,” Parks explains. “It has also created increased demand for intermediate and advanced training.”

And Parks’ innovations continue.

“As our R&D team, along with other researchers around the globe, comes up with improvements to rider training, we can get them implemented in electronic files immediately,” he says “In addition to saving more lives, our method also has the benefit of saving thousands of trees, too.”

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

1

On Nov. 1, the Virginia Competition Hare Scramble Series is hosting a grand prix in Spring Grove, Va. It’s the final race of the 13-round series. Info: www.vchss.org

2

3

Field of Dreams is hosting a motocross race on Nov. 8 in Millville, N.J. It’s part of AMA District 34. Info: www.njmpfod.com

In Leaf River, Ill., the Forest City Riders Motorcycle Club is hosting an off-road dualsport on Nov. 7. It’s an AMA District 17 event. Info: www.forestcityriders.com

6

The Trail Riders of Southern Arizona are hosting an adventure ride Nov. 21-22 in Amado, Ariz. It’s part of the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series. Info: www.trsaz.org

GO RIDE

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5 6

4

COMING UP The drawing for the 1986 Honda CR250R twostroke motocrosser will be held at the AMA Championship Banquet in January 2016. Raffle tickets are available for a donation to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You can receive one ticket for a $5 donation or five tickets for a $20 donation.

This bike is ready to compete for post-vintage motocross glory or simply to show off in your living room. For full rules, see www. motorcyclemuseum.org/rafflebikerules2. aspx. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the United States to win. Info: www.americanmotorcyclist.com

4

A road run is being held by the March of Dimes of Fort Myers on Nov. 15 in Naples, Fla. The ride is a fundraiser for the nonprofit that supports medical research and health education for momsto-be. It also supports families with newborns in intensive care.

Info: www.bikersforbabies.org/ southwestflorida

5

On Nov. 7, the California Flat Track Association is hosting a TT in Chowchilla, Calif. It’s the final round of the California Flat Track Championship. Info: www. californiaflattrack.com

OCTOBER EVENTS ALABAMA

CALIFORNIA

COMPETITION

RECREATIONAL

MOTOCROSS

ADVENTURE RIDE

NOV 7: PELL CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM

NOV 27: PALMDALE: 2 DAY EVENT, AMA DISTRICT 37 DUAL SPORT, (626) 446-7386, LABARSTOWVEGAS.COM

ARIZONA

NOV 7: UPPER LAKE: HAYWARD MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (925) 2844368, HAYWARDMC.COM NOV 15: STONYFORD: VALLEY CLIMBERS MC, (707) 678-1292 NOV 22: STONYFORD: RICHMOND RAMBLERS MC, RRMC.ORG ENDUROCROSS

DUAL SPORT RIDE

RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE NOV 21: AMADO: 2 DAY EVENT, TRAIL RIDERS OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA, (520) 400-8147 DUAL SPORT RIDE NOV 21: AMADO: 2 DAY EVENT, TRAIL RIDERS OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA, (520) 400-8147

NOV 27: PALMDALE: 2 DAY EVENT, AMA DISTRICT 37 DUAL SPORT, (626) 446-7386, LABARSTOWVEGAS.COM

NOV 21: ONTARIO: TEN: THE ENTHUSIAST NETWORK, INC., (909) 244-5600, ENDUROCROSS.COM

FUN RUN

HARE SCRAMBLES

NOV 14: SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLING ASSN, SC-MA.COM

NOV 7: RANCHO: 2 DAY EVENT, DIRT DIGGERS NORTH M.C. INC, (800) 426-8696

COMPETITION

COMPETITION

DESERT SCRAMBLES

OBSERVED TRIALS

NOV 7: (Includes ATVs) LUCERNE VALLEY: HILLTOPPERS MC, INC., (562) 857-1183, HILLTOPPERSMC.COM

NOV 8: VALENTINE: CENTRAL ARIZONA TRIALS INC, (602) 370-7546, CENTRALARIZONATRIALS.ORG

ENDURO

TTS NOV 7: (Includes ATVs) CHOWCHILLA: CALIFORNIA FLAT TRACK ASSOCIATION, (415) 320-7889, CALIFORNIAFLATTRACK.COM COLORADO COMPETITION

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OCTOBER EVENTS UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX.COM NOV 26: ALACHUA: UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, (321) 303-1002, UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX.COM IDAHO COMPETITION ENDUROCROSS NOV 7: NAMPA: TEN: THE ENTHUSIAST NETWORK, INC., (208) 468-1000, ENDUROCROSS.COM ILLINOIS RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD NOV 1: MORRISON: BRUSHPOPPERS M/C, (815) 622-4099, BRUSHPOPPERSMC.COM

FACEBOOK/KAHOKA.MX NEVADA COMPETITION

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

ENDURO

NOV 7: LAUGHLIN: DARKSIDE, (702) 279-4516, MRANRACING.COM

NOV 8: GREENVILLE : TREATY CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (937) 459-0508, TREATYCITYMC.COM

NOV 7: (Includes ATVs) SEARCHLIGHT: 2 DAY EVENT, GET-XTR-EME, (805) 236-5866, GET-XTR-EME.COM SHORT TRACK NOV 21: LAS VEGAS: SMI, (844) 722-6453, SUPERPRESTIGIO.COM NEW JERSEY RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE

NOV 7: LEAF RIVER: FOREST CITY RIDERS M/C, (779) 221-9383, FORESTCITYRIDERS.COM

NOV 13: HAMMONTON: BMW OF MANHATTAN, INC., (732) 714-8874

COMPETITION

ENDURO

ENDURO NOV 8: LEAF RIVER: FOREST CITY RIDERS M/C, (779) 221-9383, FORESTCITYRIDERS.COM HARE SCRAMBLES

COMPETITION

NOV 22: NEW LIBSON: CENTRAL JERSEY COMPETITION RIDERS, (732) 558-6475, CJCRMC.ORG MOTOCROSS

NOV 1: OAKLEY: DIRT RIDERS, INC., (217) 685-1969, DIRT-RIDERS.ORG

NOV 8: (Includes ATVs) MILLVILLE: FIELD OF DREAMS, (856) 765-3779, NJMPFOD.COM

NOV 8: BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 277-3478, BETDIRT.COM

NOV 29: (Includes ATVs) MILLVILLE: FIELD OF DREAMS, (856) 765-3799, NJMPFOD.COM

NOV 15: WHITE CITY: CAHOKIA CREEK DIRT RIDERS, (217) 529-4636, CAHOKIACREEKDIRTRIDERS. COM INDIANA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES NOV 15: COLUMBUS: STONEY LONESOME M/C, (812) 343-2716, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM MISSOURI COMPETITION

NEW MEXICO

OBSERVED TRIALS NOV 8: PICKERINGTON: TRIALS INC, (614) 561-8818, TRIALSINC.ORG

RECREATIONAL POKER RUN - OFF-ROAD NOV 8: HOOD RIVER: LOBOS MC INC, (503) 871-5721 COMPETITION GRAND PRIX NOV 7: JACKSONVILLE: MOTORCYCLE RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (541) 531-9697, MOTORCYCLERIDERS ASSOCIATION.ORG

TENNESSEE COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES

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NOV 1: SPRING GROVE: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (757) 570-2839, VCHSS.ORG

TOY RUN

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NOV 14: UNION: 2 DAY EVENT, FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO SERIES, (304) 276-0188, FULLGASENDURO.COM

COMPETITION

RECREATIONAL

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.

ENDURO

NOV 8: WESTPOINT: NORTH ALABAMA TRAIL RIDERS ASSN, (972) 977-4112, NATRA-WESTPOINT.NET

OHIO

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

NOV 15: (Includes ATVs) ELLERBE: WINDY HILL SPORTS, (910) 895-4387, WINDYHILLSPORTSMX.COM

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OBSERVED TRIALS

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NOV 8: BYBEE: APPALACHIAN TRAIL RIDERS, (865) 322-0193, SETRA.ORG

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES NOV 8: (Includes ATVs) KAHOKA: MIDWEST MOTOSPORT, (319) 975-3139,

NOV 14: COLUMBUS: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (614) 332-0198, ABATE.COM

Supporting Sponsors Official Boot

MOTOCROSS NOV 7: (Includes ATVs) DILLWYN: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOPROMO, LLC, (434) 5486043, ACTIONTOWNMX.COM

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41

November 4/21/15 2015 11:01 AM

UPCOMING EVENTS April 23: Foxboro, Mass.: Gillette Stadium

MOTOCROSS

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

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

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

May 7: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium 2016 MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS AMASUPERCROSS.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.

Jan. 9: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

Jan. 16: San Diego, Calif.: Petco Park

Jan. 23: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

Jan. 30: Oakland, Calif.: O.Co Coliseum

Feb. 6: Glendale, Ariz.: University of Phoenix Stadium

AmericanMotorcyclist.com a Riding a Dual Sport

Feb. 13: San Diego, Calif.: Petco Park

Feb. 20: Arlington, Texas: AT&T Stadium

Feb. 27: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome

March 5: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (note: not a Feld Motor Sports produced race)

March 12: Toronto, Canada: Rogers Centre

March 19: Detroit, Mich.: Ford Field Presented by

April 2: Santa Clara, Calif.: Levi’s Stadium Supporting Sponsors

April 9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Lucas Oil Stadium Official Boot

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April 16: St. Louis, Mo.: Edward Jones Dome

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

2016 AMA AMSOIL ARENACROSS SERIES

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Oct. 26-27: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trails Motocross, MotocrossLeague OfAmerica.com, (205) 6998857

ARENACROSS.COM

Jan. 9-10: Cincinnati, Ohio: U.S. Bank Arena

Jan. 15-17: Baltimore, Md.: Royal Farms Arena

Jan. 22-24: Allentown, Pa.: PPL Center

Jan. 30-31: Greensboro, N.C.: Greensboro Coliseum

Feb. 4-7: Colorado Springs, Colo.: Broadmoor World Arena

Feb. 13-14: Birmingham, Ala.: Legacy Center

Feb. 20-21: Tampa, Fla.: Amalie Arena

Nov. 1: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain, MonsterMX.com, (334) 3188475

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) 853-0750

March 5-6: Omaha, Neb.: CenturyLink Center

March 12-13: Lafayette, La.: Cajondome

April 1-3: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena

April 9-10: Salinas, Calif.: Salinas Sports Complex

April 16-17: Tacoma, Wash.: Tacoma Dome

DIRT TRACK AMA PRO FLAT TRACK AMAPRORACING.COM

Nov. 20: Las Vegas, Nev.: Flat Track Season Finale

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Oct. 24 (Youth) | Oct. 25 (Amateur): Lucerne Valley, Calif.: 100s MC, 100smc.com

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Nov. 14-15: Delaware Hare 4/25/14 3:25 PM Scrambles, Delaware Enduro Riders

BIG6RACING.COM

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

FEATURED SERIES: AMA KENDA FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO SERIES FULLGASENDURO.COM

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Dec. 5-6: Location TBA: Vikings MC

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

Oct. 17: Everett, Wash.: XFINITY Arena

Nov. 7: Boise, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center

UPDATED: Nov. 20-21: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena

AMSOIL AMA GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES GNCCRACING.COM

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

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

KENDA SRT AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMARACING.COM

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

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

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

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

NATIONALHAREANDHOUND.COM

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

FEATURED SERIES: VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP HARE SCRAMBLES SERIES VCHSS.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

KENDA SRT AMA NATIONAL HARE AND HOUND CHAMPIONSHIP

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

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

Nov. 1: Spring Grove, Va.: Pipsico

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

FEATURED SERIES: WESTERN CHECKPOINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP RIDECHEC.COM

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

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

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

November 2015

43

UPCOMING EVENTS

SPECIALTY

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.

BETA AMA NATIONAL DUAL SPORT SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

AMA SUPERMOTO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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

AMANATIONALSUPERMOTO.COM

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

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

Nov. 21-22: Amado, Ariz.: Trail Riders of Southern Arizona

RECREATION

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

AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

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

Visit AmericanMotorcyclist. com > Riding > SENA AMA Flash Tour to view eligible events and get more information.

AMA VINTAGE GRAND TOUR

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

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

AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS

Nov. 21-22: Amado, Ariz.: Trail Riders of Southern Arizona

March of Dimes - Bikers for Babies (events nationwide): BikerForBabies.org

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

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation - Ride for Kids (events nationwide): RideForKids.org

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SENA AMA FLASH TOUR AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

44

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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

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

Road riders can earn points by attending events that are part of the AMA Vintage Grand Tour.

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

MOTORCYCLE TOURING GEAR

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.

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

Sound RIDER!

MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG

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.

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.

Sam Swope: Philanthropist, Motorcyclist: Motorcycles that represent the generous, charitable giving of Sam Swope.

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.

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY AT AIMEXPO MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG

Motorcycle Toys and Collectibles Exhibit: A collection of more than 1,000 motorcycleinspired toys.

Oct. 17: Orlando, Fla.: Held in conjunction with AIMExpo. Tickets are $25 per person.

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November 2015

45

GUEST COLUMN

GOING GLOBAL

The Women Who Ride Project By Rashmi Tambe I stumbled into the world of motorcycling 10 years ago. A young, newly minted motorcyclist, I absolutely loved the thrill of going fast on two wheels.

Sometimes I would ride to the local bookstore and eagerly peruse its shelves for more material to fuel my passion.

The bookshelves held the usual classics, but no work by a woman rider.

The magazine rack was worse, with no female motorcyclists and women’s bodies used to sell bikes or parts. For a new female rider, the first was disappointing, the latter a little soul-crushing.

That winter I went to a women riders meeting at a local motorcycle store. I met a woman who had ridden from Seattle to Alaska. She showed me her photos. “You can do that on a motorcycle?” I mused.

A few years later, my friend Sarah and I rode to Alaska on our dual sports.

A couple of years after that memorable trip, while researching how to fix my bike, I found a blog written by a rider in California who owned the same bike. She worked on bikes herself and wrote guides on how to do routine maintenance. That day I went to the hardware store and bought myself some basic tools. Within a few years, I was working on all my bikes, hands-on.

Then one day I read British motorcyclist Lois Pryce’s Lois on the Loose, which changed my life forever. Here was a woman on a small bike who had ridden alone across the Americas. Women did that? A whole new world of possibilities had suddenly opened up.

By this time, I had joined the AMA. I remember my delight and disbelief when I received a copy of American Motorcyclist

with a woman on the cover. It was a mother-daughter pair who had ridden across the country on a BMW. Future covers continued to feature women semiregularly—a landspeed record holder, an Olympic athlete who rode in her spare time, and motorcycle couriers, one of whom was a woman of color like me, an even rarer sight in any kind of media. My heart would lift every time I saw them and I’d delightedly read them from cover to cover. Here, finally, was a magazine that acknowledged that women riders existed and treated us with respect.

There used to be better times. Women have ridden motorcycles ever since bikes were invented. Cristine Sommer-Simmons, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, wrote The American Motorcycle Girls featuring hundreds of vintage photos of women from the 1920s riding, racing, doing daredevil stunts and riding crosscountry. The first issue of American Motorcyclist had a woman rider on the cover! Women were depicted as serious riders in ads for tires and bike parts.

What had happened in the years since, and how did our existence and legacy get erased and forgotten?

The biggest shift occurred when motorcycles started to be marketed as a way to sell masculinity to men and left women riders entirely out of the equation.

Even though women who ride are the fastest growing demographic today, the equation hasn’t changed much.

We are bereft of heroes and role models who look like us and embody our spirit.

This needs to change if we want to attract new women riders and make them feel like they belong, and to help existing ones push their boundaries.

And that is how the Global Women Who Ride Project was born.

When I started, my goal was simple: to find a woman motorcyclist in every country and tell her story. The resulting interviews would be published on the website and showcased later in a full-color coffee table book. They would include diverse riders across different races, ages, body types and physical abilities.

A year later, the Global Women Who Ride Project has featured almost a hundred motorcyclists from countries as far-flung as Nigeria, Iran, Estonia and New Zealand, to states and provinces closer to home, in the United States and Canada.

These women ride enduros, dirt bikes, sport bikes, cruisers and sidecars. Some like to ride within the city, others ride longdistance. A select few have ridden around the world. They race vintage Ariels and Rudges on race tracks, KTMs in off-road rallies or Shercos on technical trails. A few grew up in conservative countries that forbade them from riding, but they still managed to find ways around that. Some found innovative ways to keep riding around disabilities and debilitating injuries.

They talk about their Sunday rides and dream bikes, about female friendship and activism. They have innovative ideas about bike design and infrastructure to make the world more motorcycle friendly.

Many of these women have fond memories of the men in their lives who encouraged and mentored them—fathers and uncles who taught them to ride when they were little girls, brothers who would sneak them out for rides when they were way too young, and boyfriends or husbands who bought them their first bikes and take pride in their achievements.

The ever-growing gallery features interviews with iconic motorcyclists like Lois Pryce, Tiffany Coates, Melissa Holbrook-Pierson, Lisa Thomas, Doris Wiedemann, Anita Yusof, Voni Glaves, Steph Jeavons, and Anna Grechishkina.

After all, everyone deserves to have heroes who look like them.

I realize now that I had hungered to see people like me for the past 10 years.

Perhaps my work will make things easier for the next generation of riders. Together we can go back to those times when motorcycles were for everybody.

Rashmi Tambe is a motorcyclist from Seattle, Wash. She is the founder of the Global Women Who Ride Project. Follow the project at www.globalwomenwhoride.com.

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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