APRIL 2013
Go Ride! AMA Premier Touring Series Features America’s Best Rides And Rallies
Photo Matt Druin
Riding The Olympic Peninsula
THE JOURNAL OF THE
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NAVIGATION
Navigation Photo
April is “AMA Go Ride! Month” It’s time to Get Ready to Ride and then Go Ride Your Way, Go Ride with Friends, Go Ride for a Cause and Go Ride Safely. For all the info, see page 43. Photo: Nathan Fender
8. LETTERS You write, we read.
10. ROB DINGMAN Work the plan.
12. RIGHTS A federal agency may require separate E10 and E15 fuel pumps at gas stations to avoid misfueling, and an Ohio town is considering a ban on backyard riding. 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 2013. Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $10 covered in membership dues; $15 a year for non-members. Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices.
April 2013 Volume 67, Number 4 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com
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20. RIDING It’s not the heart of the season, but there’s plenty of excitement going on in the motorcycling world to entertain and inform riders of all stripes.
38. HALL OF FAME Dick Burleson’s 1978 Husqvarna 250WR, and Hall of Famer Jeremy McGrath.
43. AMERICA’S BEST RIDES AND RALLIES April is “AMA Go Ride! Month” so it’s time to enjoy your motorcycle by attending AMA rides and rallies—America’s best.
49. GO RIDE What to do, where to go.
58. TIARE HOEGERMAN Rider in soul, environmentalist at heart.
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©2013 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. †All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Products are distributed in the USA by BRP USA, Inc. Always ride responsibly and safely and observe applicable laws. Remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.
EDITORIAL OFFICES
AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
American Motorcyclist 13515 Yarmouth Drive Pickerington, OH 43147 (614) 856-1900 submissions@ama-cycle.org
Husqvarna is proud to sponsor the 2013 AMA National Dual-Sport Series
Contact any member of the AMA Board of Directors at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/ about/board
James Holter, Managing Editor Bill Kresnak, Government Affairs Editor Mark Lapid, Creative Director Jen Muecke, Designer Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing/Communications Specialist
Stan Simpson, Chairman Cibolo, Texas Maggie McNally, Vice Chairwoman Albany, N.Y. Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla.
ADVERTISING Steve Gotoski, Advertising Director (Western States) (951) 566-5068, sgotoski@ama-cycle.org
Perry King, Assistant Secretary Northern California
Zach Stevens, National Sales Manager (626) 298-3854, zstevens@ama-cycle.org
John Ulrich, Executive Committee Member Lake Elsinore, Calif. Russ Brenan, Irvine, Calif.
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, 2013.
Sean Hilbert, Hillsdale, Mich. Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis. Art More, Sun City West, Ariz. Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.
(800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) AmericanMotorcyclist.com
AMA STAFF EXECUTIVE
AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)
Rob Dingman, President/CEO Rhonda Hixon, Administrative Asst./Litigation Manager Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations Bob Chaddock, Vice President, Administration Jeff Massey, Vice President, Operations Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Corporate Member Programs Grant Parsons, Director of Communications & Marketing Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs
Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager D’Andra Schwabel, Organizer Services Coordinator Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager
ACCOUNTING Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Sean Maher, Director AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME Renee Bock, Management Assistant Connie Fleming, Manager of Events and AMHF Operations Beth Myers, Donor Relations Specialist Paula Schremser, Program Specialist Katy Wood, Collections Manager AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES
www.husqvarna-motorcyclesna.com
Kip Bigelow, Amateur MX Manager Joe Bromley, District Relations Manager Jacki Burris, Organizer Services Coordinator Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator Lana Cox, Administrative Assistant/Switchboard Operator Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations Bill Cumbow, Director of Special Projects Sandi Dunphy, Coordinator/Switchboard Operator Dave Hembroff, Road Riding Manager Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator
DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES John Bricker, Mailroom Manager Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator/Switchboard Operator Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Marie Esselstein, Government Affairs Assistant Danielle Fowles, Grassroots Coordinator Nick Haris, Western States Representative Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant Sharon Long, Legislative Coordinator Rick Podliska, Deputy Director Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager - On-Highway INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Rob Baughman, Network Administrator John Boker, Developer Dave Coleman, Network Architect Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst Ed Madden, Managed Services Manager Bill Miller, Web Architect Peg Tuvell, Operations Manager MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager Kimberly Jude, Member Services Representative Angie Miller, Member Services Representative Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative
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MEMBER LETTERS
Send your letters (and a high-resolution photo) to submissions@ama-cycle.org; or mail to 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.
LETTER OF THE MONTH ONE OF US In response to the article by Mary Leo [“Becoming A Biker,” March issue]: You go, girl! Ron Hanks Hotchkiss, Colo.
START SMALL Oh, how I can relate to you, Mary! (See “Becoming A Biker,” March.) It didn’t take me long to become a “biker” after I started dating my now-husband. He grew up on bikes and, when I met him, he had a dual-sport. One year later, I was taking the safety course, got my license and learned on his dual-sport. (Do you know how high those are!?) It was perfect, and he was extremely patient with me. I thought it was a huge accomplishment when I went from second to third gear! I am now going into my fourth season of riding and have moved up from my retro Suzuki TU250 to my Honda NC700X. I would not have done it any other way and encourage all female riders to start off small if they have never ridden before. It also helps to have an encouraging mate! Susan Ottie Schrein Via email BALANCING ACT I am a member of other organizations, both motorcycle and non-motorcycle, who send magazines. I would like to say the AMA magazine is the best-balanced one I receive. There is something for everyone. Example: I am not much into racing now, but I do like to read about the “old timers” like Gary Nixon (his parents were neighbors of my close friend) and others. I tour a lot, and you have touring stories along with product information, technical section, safety and other areas. Anyone who rides can find something of interest and value. Thanks. Jerry Stevens Flower Mound, Texas HEADY ARGUMENT In the February issue, Jessie McDugald wrote [in a letter to the editor] that in 47 years New York has little to show for its helmet law. I beg to differ. In 1968, I was a new rider with one year of experience when I broadsided a car that had
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run two red lights in midtown Manhattan. I was going about 40 mph and went over the car and landed on my head. When I awoke, I could walk to the ambulance. The doctor who treated me showed me the x-rays of a minor skull fracture and explained the potential effects of a concussion. He said he was glad that I was wearing a helmet and I asked how he knew that I was wearing one. His reply was, “because you would have died without one.” As a young person, the only reason I was wearing a helmet was the law. It saved my life, which is more than “little to show for it,” in my opinion. [I also disagree] that one must choose between safer crashing and safer riding. We can choose both: safer riding always, safer crashing if we are unfortunate [enough] to be in an accident. I know that I am in the minority of members on this subject, but I have and will continue to support helmet laws. Andy Balaschak Santa Clara, Calif. DETAILS, DETAILS Folks, first, a big thanks to all concerned for an ever-improving publication! In that spirit, allow me to offer an observation to the details expressed on page 30 regarding the 1982 Ducati 900SS (Super Sport). In the third paragraph, “GT750” is mentioned. To be accurate, there never was a “Ducati GT750.” The bikes were [designated] “750 GT.”. Yes, I know, such details are nit-picks. It’s a small point, but such specifics correctly stated make for a better publication, in my opinion. I am a Ducatisti and bevel-drive bike restorer (1974 750 GT and a 1980 900SS, black and gold livery as current efforts). Again, I have much appreciation for your efforts and certainly for the AMA’s overall! Dexter Kelliher Los Angeles
NAILED IT I’m in my second year of AMA membership, and I couldn’t be happier that I joined. I only wish that I would have done it years ago. I don’t want to beat a dead horse in regard to helmet laws, but I want to tell you that I really appreciate the AMA’s stance on the matter—encouraging helmet use but opposing mandatory helmet legislation. I’m a Marine veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and I highly value my personal freedoms. I wear a helmet (most of the time) when I ride my motorcycle, but the fact that so many of my fellow motorcyclists would like to deprive me of the freedom to make my own choice on the matter really saddens me. I expect the non-motorcycling public to sometimes be antagonistic toward motorcyclists and our lifestyle, but I’m shocked at the number of motorcyclists who feel that they need to forcibly impose their beliefs on other motorcyclists. I often hear it said, “It’s not about freedom; it’s about safety.” This argument doesn’t make any sense. Personal freedom is not null and void when it goes against what is deemed “safe.” Furthermore, this same argument could be used to justify laws making nearly anything mandatory in the name of safety. It could also be used to justify outlawing motorcycles altogether. Safety is a relative and subjective idea. Thank you, AMA, on your reasonable, responsible and diplomatic stance on helmet laws. I wouldn’t be a member if you didn’t stand up for all freedom as it pertains to motorcycling. Eli Slaminko Deland, Ill. JUST BETWEEN US Imagine my fear and disappointment when I saw “Touring The Pacific Northwest” on the front cover of the latest issue. I panicked that the already crowded two-lane roads that I love would become even more clogged with fair-weather bikers on garage queens gawking at the scenery. Then I saw the story was about a trip on the drier side of the region. Hurray! I can keep those long rides in the rain and the sun during the off-season while folks ride far on the other side of the Cascades! Please, help me keep our great roads on the wet side of the mountains a secret. And yes, it rains all day every (darn) day here. Dan Jacobs Washougal, Wash. Don’t worry, Dan. We won’t tell a soul.
HIGHER FINES, HIGHER VISIBILITY I believe that if the financial responsibility for the medical costs caused by the individual who “fails to yield” the right of way were placed on the guilty party, the punishment would fit the crime and serve to make motorcyclists more visible. Consider that the fine for failure to yield can be as little as $25 and the medical costs to the motorcyclist can be thousands or tens of thousands, or even death. Shouldn’t the fine to the guilty party be dictated by the injury caused? The only way to make people pay attention to their driving is to attack their wallet. If it’s going to cost you $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000 if you pull in front of someone and hurt them, you will be a bit more cautious in your driving. How can I help to really make a difference? My limited understanding tells me that if I have two or three beers and cause an accident, the laws are going to come down on me hard. Why can’t we apply some of that mentality to people who maim or kill motorcyclists?
the group presenting the complaint. It turned out that not maintaining the route for standard highway vehicles does not constitute it being unsustainable. What could have turned into a protracted contentious fight and possible closure was quickly dismissed. The route remains open at least another five years. A partnership requires participation. When land management agency personnel call you when issues arise, you have
achieved a partnership, and you are making a difference. Robert Adams Pahrump, Nev. CORRECTION In “Speed Demons,” March issue, the location given for Perewitz Cycle Fab was incorrect. The shop is in Bridgewater, Mass.
DAN’s AN origiNAl.
Barry Gehosky Johnstown, Pa. In our judicial system, damages beyond criminal penalties are adjudicated in civil court. For info on getting involved to effect change in any area affecting motorcyclists, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com > Rights > Get Involved. GET INVOLVED Many of us have had bad experiences with the Bureau of Land Management, but some BLM employees are on our side. Others don’t see a place for mechanized off-road travel on America’s public lands. Some of them pursue antiaccess agendas within the law. Some pursue that agenda despite the law. Know the law. Insist they follow it. Participating in agency planning from the start is more effective than reacting to decisions a long time in the making after they’ve been made. Be part of the solution. Attend meetings showing a willingness to consider the ideas of, and to work with, others. Be seen as a partner in preserving natural values. Many of the issues we blame on the land management agencies result from complaints by anti-access groups. As an example, at a U.S. Forest Services Motor Vehicle Use Map reassessment meeting, an anti-access group challenged a popular cherry stem route as being unsustainable. Off-roaders attending offered to work with the agencies and
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FROM THE PRESIDENT WORKING THE PLAN Goal Focused, Strategically Minded
By Rob Dingman
As one member of the AMA Board of Directors likes to point out, “Hope is not a strategic plan.” An organization’s strategic plan is only as good as its ability to follow it. Fortunately, the AMA is guided by a robust plan that we have followed closely
for several years. In a recent presentation to the AMA Board of Directors, I explained how the strategic plan has helped us accomplish our goals. Every good strategic plan starts with a vision and a mission. The vision of the AMA is to be the premier advocate of the motorcycle lifestyle. Our mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. Our plan also identifies the following simple-but-significant goals. 1. Grow a sustainable membership base by better connecting with member needs. In 2008, we brought back our popular logo in a modern style and completely revitalized American Motorcyclist magazine to focus on our members. We added AMA Racer in 2010 and beginning this month, custom content is targeted to both street and off-road riders. Our AMA websites were integrated with one another for ease of use and we introduced affinity programs for KTM and Kawasaki owners and women riders. A military affinity card and others are in the works. Member outreach was improved through enhancements to our call center. Our new association management system (AMS) allows us to target member communications and better monitor our programs. A new direct marketing agency is helping us more effectively appeal to prospective AMA members and improve current member retention. The quality of member benefits has increased, including the addition of an industry-leading roadside assistance program. We also added smart phone applications for AMA Supercross and an AMA Motorcycle Value Guide developed by Black Book. The “plain vanilla” member kit you received every year has been replaced with an appealing fulfillment kit that is packed with useful information. (It also costs less to mail.) The membership renewal mail
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and email series have been completely overhauled as well. A new Affiliate Program (with 140 organizations) was launched to better engage website affiliates and promoters and incentivize them to sign up more members. Electronic voting for AMA Board Members and Congress Delegates was implemented. Terms for board members were increased from two to three years and term limits were imposed. A board member nominating process and nominating committee were created and there are now more individual member seats than business member seats (8 to 4), which more accurately reflects our membership. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame was expanded and relocated to the main exhibit hall, and the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was significantly elevated and enhanced. We also created a $1 million endowment to support the mission of the Hall of Fame. 2. Change the emphasis of the AMA’s infrastructure to support member advocacy. When a 2007 forensic audit revealed a troubling lack of fiscal control throughout the organization, appropriate controls were implemented, along with a modern financial accounting system. External offices were consolidated and AMA staff was reduced by 30 percent while improving overall efficiency. The result: nearly $2 million in permanent savings to the Association. Additionally, an investment policy was created and implemented to manage the ample reserves of AMA. The AMA transitioned from an outdated computer system to our modern day AMS, which better enables us to determine and serve the needs of our members. A state chapter program designed to better engage non-competition riders and strengthen grassroots advocacy is now being piloted in three states and will expand soon. Also of significance, the AMA and Hall of Fame brands are being aggressively protected. 3. Strengthen the efficacy of the government relations function. The number of our Washington, D.C.based government relations staff doubled, and some Ohio-based government relations positions have been moved to the Washington, D.C., office. Former U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard now heads up the AMA Government Relations Department. The Association’s issue alert and notification capability was significantly improved. Communications efforts have been greatly enhanced along with greater mainstream media exposure.
The AMA Vote Like a Motorcyclist Program and AMA Voter Guide were implemented to provide a valuable resource at election time. Our efforts bore fruit with the victory over the “lead law” in 2011, and we were recognized by the Public Affairs Council (Grassroots Innovation Award for Social Media Innovation), MotorcycleUSA.com (Industry Leader, Best of 2011 Awards) and PowerSportsBusiness.com (Powersports Executive of the Year). We created a $1 million endowment to support government relations activities, underscoring our ongoing commitment to be the premier advocate for the motorcycle lifestyle. 4. Improve the image of the AMA’s brand by redefining the role of professional racing. The assets of Paradama, the unprofitable subsidiary that managed AMA professional racing, were sold in 2008. We continue to work with the Daytona Motorsports Group, dba AMA Pro Racing, because of its impact on the AMA brand. The AMA continues to manage and sanction AMA Supercross. In addition to my role as AMA president and CEO, I also currently serve as president of FIM North America and sits on the FIM Board of Directors. The Association’s focus has shifted to improving all aspects of amateur competition. A new insurance broker and carrier was announced for 2013, along with a new improved rate structure for amateur racing organizers. A limited One-Event Race Pass is being pilot tested with select promoters and a Family Membership is under development that will tie AMA members in the same household to a master membership. Also, a Youth Membership is being piloted later this year. Finally, a Racing License complete with a racing credential is being developed. Efforts to encourage non-AMA events and promoters to sanction with the AMA are ongoing. For example, the well-known Mammoth Mountain and the Road to Mammoth events will, for the first time, be AMA sanctioned. A $1 million endowment was created to support amateur racing activities. In summary, the AMA’s strategic plan provides a framework to advance the Association’s mission and goals. We are well on our way, but the forces that seek to restrain our motorcycling freedoms never rest. As we move forward together, your support is greatly appreciated—now more than ever. Rob Dingman is the AMA president and CEO.
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NEW RESEARCH SHOWS E15 DAMAGES VEHICLES
FEDERAL AGENCY MAY REQUIRE E10 ALTERNATIVE AT STATIONS WITH E15 PUMPS Action Is To Prevent Misfueling
In response to concerns expressed by the AMA and power equipment makers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued new guidelines to help ensure that motorcyclists and others don’t inadvertently use E15 fuel. E15 is a new fuel blend of 15 percent ethanol (by volume) and 85 percent gasoline that the EPA has approved for use in 2001-and-newer passenger vehicles. The blend isn’t approved for use in motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, boats, lawn mowers and other engines, and may even damage them and void warranties. E10, which is commonly found at gas stations, contains 10 percent ethanol. Ethanol is grain alcohol produced from crops such as corn that is mixed with gasoline to produce an ethanol-gasoline blend motor fuel. Last year, Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, told the EPA that with E15 now coming into the market, AMA members who make a concerted effort to fuel their motorcycles or ATVs with E10-or-less fuel may unknowingly refuel with residual E15 left in a blender-pump hose. A blender pump dispenses different fuel blends through the same hose, such as E10 and E15. When a customer buys E15, as much as a third of a gallon of residual E15 is left in the hose, which can inadvertently get into the next customer’s vehicle while fueling with E10. “In an effort to address this potential misfueling issue, EPA approved an industry-submitted [approach] that requires a minimum purchase of four gallons from blender pumps that dispense both E10 and E15 from the same hose and nozzle,” the EPA said. “Such an approach would prevent misfueling by diluting any residual E15 left in the hose from the previous sale of E15. “However, groups representing motorcycle owners and lawn mower
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manufacturers objected to this [approach] because their products have gas tanks that are normally two gallons or smaller,” the EPA said. So, on Feb. 7, the EPA posted a new option for retailers on its website’s “E15: Misfueling Mitigation Plans” page to try to avoid misfueling by consumers. Under the new option, retailers who use a blender pump to sell E15 and E10 fuel through the same hose must also have a separate E10/E0 fuel pump. Those retailers would be required to have a label on the blender pump that reads: “Passenger Vehicles Only. Use in Other Vehicles, Engines and Equipment May Violate Federal Law.” Retailers would also be required to have signs indicating the location of the dedicated E10-or-lower fuel pump. There would be no minimum-fuelpurchase requirement at that pump. Retailers who want to sell E15 also have the option of having a dedicated E15 pump or hose, or a pump that dispenses E15 and higher ethanol blends through a single hose. If a blender pump dispenses multiple fuels that include E15 and higher ethanol blends, the EPA may require a minimum purchase. The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and ATV engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15 when the new fuel becomes widely available. The AMA also has asked that motorcycles and ATVs be part of any scientific study into the effects of E15 to ensure that the new fuel blend won’t damage those engines. In October 2010, the EPA approved the use of E15 in model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). Then, in January 2011, the EPA added model year 2001-06 light-duty vehicles to the approved list.
New research released by the Coordinating Research Council found that E15—gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol—would damage millions of post2001 model year vehicles even though the federal government has approved the use of E15 in those vehicles. The government hasn’t approved E15 for use in any motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles. The AMA believes E15 could damage motorcycle and ATV engines so it wants independent research conducted to determine the effects of E15 on those engines before approval is granted. The CRC study, released Jan. 29, concluded that E15 would result in fuel system failures in cars and other approved vehicles. The CRC is a non-profit organization that directs engineering and environmental studies on the interaction between automotive/other mobility equipment and petroleum products. “This latest research is further evidence that E15 is not just an abstract public policy gone wrong; it’s likely to harm everyday consumers,” says Charlie Drevna, president of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers trade association. Drevna says the CRC engine durability study and newly released fuel pump study provide compelling evidence that the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of E15 was premature. Drevna says the Renewable Fuel Standard biofuel requirements first set by Congress in 2007 have become increasingly unworkable as fuel efficiency gains mean there is less gasoline to blend ethanol into without causing major issues for millions of cars, motorcycles, and small engines such as lawnmowers, snow blowers and chainsaws. The RFS is a mandate put forth by the federal administration to increase vehicles’ average miles per gallon beginning in 2015. Supporters have often said ethanol blends are required to use less gasoline in the future. “Unfortunately, despite warnings from AAA, small engine manufacturers and automakers that increasing ethanol concentration in gasoline could void vehicle warranties and jeopardize consumer safety, EPA has stood by its E15 decision,” Drevna says. “While Congress could not have anticipated that the Renewable Fuel Standard would backfire as badly as it has, increasing ethanol concentration in gasoline is not the appropriate response.”
@iStockphoto.com/jcarter
Gasoline Trade Association Wants End To E15
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victorymotorcycles.com VICTORY® AND VICTORY MOTORCYCLES® ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION, AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT. NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL. ©2013 POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
NEW GAME PROMOTES MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS Encourages Motorists To Look For Motorcycles
CALIFORNIA AGENCY FINES VANCE & HINES $500,000 V&H Now Educating Consumers About Legal Exhaust Systems
The California Air Resources Board has fined Vance & Hines $500,000 for selling exhaust systems that didn’t have the proper CARB approval. The case was settled in January. CARB is part of the California Environmental Protection Agency and is responsible for promoting and protecting public health, welfare and ecological resources through the effective and efficient reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering the effects on the economy of the state. CARB says that last year it found that Vance & Hines “sold, offered for sale, and/ or advertised, in California, aftermarket critical emission control parts. These parts were intended for use with, or as a part of, a required motor vehicle pollution control device or system that alters or modifies the original design or performance of the motor vehicle pollution control device or system. “However, the parts were not issued ARB Executive
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motorcycles you can actually get them to start,” he says. Count Motorcycles, the game, accomplishes this by making a simple competition out of looking for motorcycles. It plays on people’s natural inclination to be competitive and play games to make people aware of motorcycles. The website—www. countmotorcycles.com— simply provides the game’s rules, point structure and a few “hints.” Very little is said about motorcycle safety or statistics. Instead, the focus is on a quick set of rules and how points are awarded with suggestions to play “Punch-Buggy” style or to tally points at the end of a drive. By arranging the website this way, counting motorcycles is seen as fun and not a passive safety message, Accetta says. “When people play the game they are finally actually looking for motorcycles,” Accetta says. “My dream,” he says, “is that somewhere in future there is a mini-van full of kids or a carload of teens playing the Count Motorcycles game, pointing out motorcycles to the driver and competing to be the first to do it.”
Orders that exempt them from California’s anti-tampering laws,” CARB says. “The Executive Orders ensure that the aftermarket critical emission control parts comply with the applicable aftermarket part regulations, and thus do not reduce the effectiveness of any vehicle pollution control system or cause the vehicle emissions to exceed applicable emission standards,” the agency says. CARB notes Vance & Hines cooperated fully with the CARB investigation and has implemented a compliance plan to inform its distributors, dealers and customers about the types of motorcycle exhaust systems that are legal for sale in California. In addition, Vance & Hines is working with CARB to ensure that all of its aftermarket critical emission control parts that are sold, offered for sale or advertised in California obtain the necessary approvals from CARB. Vance & Hines notes: “Vance & Hines exhaust systems for non-catalyst equipped motorcycles as well as slipfit mufflers that mount downstream of catalysts are considered legal replacement parts in California. “California does not, however, permit the use of aftermarket exhaust systems that remove original equipment catalysts unless a California Air
Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order has been issued. Please refer to CARB EO K-006 for Vance & Hines catalyzed exhaust systems that have received exemption from CARB. Exhaust systems that have not been granted an EO and remove original equipment catalysts are legal in California for racing use only.” CARB rules put aftermarket parts in three sale and use categories: 1. Replacement Parts: CARB considers these parts to be equivalent to the stock parts they replace so they are legal to be sold and used. 2. Executive Order Parts: These are aftermarket parts that CARB has determined don’t adversely impact emissions. CARB grants these parts an executive order, which allows them to be sold and used. Vance & Hines notes: “Any aftermarket exhaust system that replaces or otherwise impacts emission control equipment, including catalytic converters, requires an EO to be sold and used on a motorcycle used on or off a public highway.” 3. Competition-Use Only Parts: These are aftermarket parts that replace or otherwise interfere with the operation of an emission control device, such as a catalytic converter or oxygen sensor, and may be sold and used only on a motorcycle that is used exclusively for closed-course competition.
@iStockphoto.com/Cheryl Graham
There’s a new game that the creators hope will get motorists and their passengers to see motorcycles. Called “Count Motorcycles,” the game and its website premiered at the New York Progressive International Motorcycle Show in late January. “I commute by motorcycle in and around New York. I saw a need for something more effective in promoting motorcycle awareness. I drew upon my experience in advertising and public service announcements to devise a new approach,” says Dave Accetta, creator of the game. “My philosophy is different. Motorists look at you on your motorcycle as the one with the most to lose. They aren’t going to give you any special consideration just because you are on a bike. They feel your choice is your problem. They don’t want to hit you, but they aren’t going to work harder for you either. Any extra effort will be for themselves,” Accetta says. “We at Count Motorcycles believe it has already been proven that you can’t go head to head with that kind of logic, so we go around it. Once you don’t care why someone looks for
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MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 40 YEARS Main Mission Is Safety Training
This year, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation celebrates 40 years of providing motorcyclists with rider training and education. The MSF also initiates programs in public information and education, as well as public policy, with a goal of creating a safer riding environment. Established in 1973 when few formal, research-based motorcyclist training programs existed, the not-for-profit MSF created an education training program that has evolved from a single learn-to-ride program into a comprehensive training system with the breadth and depth to address a variety of riders’ needs and interests and promote lifelong learning. Since its inception, MSF curricula have been used to train approximately 6.5
million motorcyclists. The MSF says an increased training pace can be partially attributed to its relatively recent emphasis on adult learning principles, the practice of placing greater responsibility on the student, and overall learner-centered facilitation as opposed to instructorcentered instruction. “So much has been learned about safety and learning methods over the last four decades,” says Ray Ochs, MSF vice president of training systems and lead developer of the groundbreaking MSF Basic RiderCourse. “MSF looks at recent research and contemporary literature to ensure the best outcomes for riders. Program success results from being firmly rooted in substantive underpinnings, which include motorcyclerelated research and experience, general and traffic-related safety principles, a focus on adult and accelerated learning principles, and motor skills development principles.” For safety information or to enroll in a RiderCourse, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.
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NEW AMA FREEDOM FIGHTER Legislative Assistant Hired In Washington, D.C.
Sean Hutson has joined the AMA Government Relations Department as legislative assistant in the Washington, D.C., office. A native of Ohio, Hutson has managed volunteers and served as a legislative aide in the U.S. Senate. Besides monitoring federal legislation and helping push the AMA agenda on Capitol Hill, Hutson will be heavily involved in federal agency rules and regulations. He holds a master’s degree in political science from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, as well as a bachelor’s degree in political science from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. He joined the AMA Government Relations Department on Feb. 1.
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STATEWAT C H CONNECTICUT The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection would be required to create and maintain off-highway vehicle trails, assist in OHV law enforcement and fund grants and related activities for people who operate all-terrain vehicles as well as to buy land for use by OHVs, under House Bill 5803, sponsored by Rep. Steve Mikutel (D-Griswold). KENTUCKY House Bill 137, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Flood (D-Lexington), would prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that causes a collision and serious physical injury or death to a “vulnerable user of a public roadway.” The bill cites motorcyclists, among other types of users, as “vulnerable users of a public roadway.” It would also provide for enhanced penalties ranging from a fine of between $6,500 to $12,500, a jail term of up to a year, or both, for anyone convicted of, or pleading guilty to, a collision resulting in serious injury or death to a vulnerable roadway user. A community labor program of not fewer than 100 hours and not more than 200 hours, plus successful completion of a traffic safety course, may be substituted if approved by the court. In addition, the
offender’s operating privilege or operator’s license would be suspended for no fewer than 30 days and no more than six months. MISSOURI Senate Bill 130, sponsored by Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia), would provide for substantially enhanced penalties for anyone pleading guilty to, or convicted of, a right-ofway violation that results in physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to another roadway user. NEBRASKA No motorcycle passengers under the age of 8 would be allowed under Legislative Bill 181, sponsored by Sen. Bill Avery (NPAvery). NEW JERSEY Law enforcement agencies would be barred from conducting a roadside checkpoint or other systematic inspection of vehicles along public roads, streets, and highways if the checkpoint or inspection is established for the sole purpose of inspecting motorcycles, under Senate Bill 1685, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Dennis). A companion bill, Assembly Bill 508, was sponsored by Assemblyman Nelson Albano (D-Vineland).
PENNSYLVANIA Rep. Frank Burns (D-Johnstown) has introduced two bills to curb motorcycle-only checkpoints. Under House Bill 172, any commonwealth agency or political subdivision would be barred from accepting federal funds to establish a systematic vehicle inspection program based on stopping only a particular type of vehicle, such as a passenger car, truck or motorcycle. Federal funding could be accepted if a program stops only commercial motor vehicles. House Bill 173 would prohibit a systematic vehicle inspection program based on stopping only a particular type of vehicle, such as a passenger car, truck or motorcycle. Commercial motor vehicles would continue to be subject to roadside stops under this bill. RHODE ISLAND House Bill 5061, sponsored by state Rep. Arthur Corvese (D-North Providence), would provide for enhanced penalties for motor vehicle violations at intersections and rightof-way violations that result in serious bodily injury or death.
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CALIFORNIA POLICE ISSUE LANE-SHARING RULES
First-Time Rules For Popular California Practice For the first time, the California Highway Patrol has released rules governing the longstanding practice of lane-sharing to aid in the safety of motorcyclists. “Lane splitting in a safe and prudent manner is not illegal in the state of California,” the CHP said in releasing the rules in January. “The term lane splitting, sometimes known as lane sharing, filtering or white-lining, refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic.” No other state allows lane sharing. The CHP says motorcyclists should follow these guidelines: 1. Travel at a speed that is no more than 10 mph faster than other traffic. 2. It’s not advisable to lane split when the traffic flow is at 30 mph or faster. 3. Typically it’s better to split between the fast lane and the lane to the right of that lane than between other lanes. 4. Consider the total environment in which you are splitting, including the width of the lanes, size of surrounding vehicles, as well as roadway, weather and lighting conditions. 5. Be alert and anticipate possible movements by other road users. The Four Rs or “Be-Attitudes” of lane-sharing, the CHP says, are: Be Reasonable, be Responsible, be Respectful, be aware of all Roadway and traffic conditions. “Every rider has ultimate responsibility for his or her own decision-making and safety,” the CHP says.
OHIO TOWN CONSIDERS BAN ON BACKYARD RIDING Riding Only Allowed Under Strict Conditions
The Stow, Ohio, City Council is considering a proposal to ban the riding of dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles on private property except under certain conditions. A rider could only ride legally if the property is larger than four acres in size and the rider has written permission from the property owner.
The CHP also has some messages for drivers: 1. Lane splitting by motorcycles isn’t illegal in California when done in a safe and prudent manner. 2. Motorists shouldn’t take it upon themselves to discourage motorcyclists from lane splitting. 3. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal, as is opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcycle. To see the full guidelines, go to www. chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide.html.
The rider also would be barred from riding within 150 feet of any building, street or boundary line of an adjoining property. Council members considered the proposal in committee in February and sent it to the full Council for further consideration. Under the proposal, a first-time offender would face a fine of up to $150. Repeat offenders would face fines of up to $250 and up to 30 days in jail. Nick Haris, AMA Western states representative who is a specialist in offhighway issues, says he sees a variety of problems with the proposal, ranging from banning people from plowing snow from their own driveways with ATVs to virtually banning all riding because it could be that once a rider measures 150 feet to a property line and 150 feet to a road or house there is no space left to ride on the property.
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Safety Course Preps Returning Rider By Mike Doerner
In May 1986, in a college parking lot, a well-meaning friend showed me the basics of operating a motorcycle. After an hour or so of getting used to the clutch and shifting—and picking up my brand-new out-of-the-crate 1981 Yamaha 550 Seca several times—he told me the rest would come with experience. Just ride it, he said. So, I took North Carolina’s simple licensing test, and I was ready to conquer the world of street riding. Three years later,
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with more than 15,000 miles under my belt on two different bikes, I had a low-side crash on a curvy mountain road. Although I was un-injured, my 1985 Yamaha RZ 350 was done, and as far as I was concerned, I was done with motorcycling, or so I thought... In October 2012, in a college parking lot, a well-trained pair of Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructors taught me the basics of riding a motorcycle the right way. Earlier in the year, a salesman at a local dealership told me about the MSF Basic RiderCourse as a way of obtaining the “M” endorsement on my Georgia license. The course, administered by the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program, is designed to train new riders to ride safely before they are licensed and includes a comprehensive test before a license
is granted. Because I did not have a motorcycle at the time, this was great news. I was expecting to learn just a few pointers, but mostly be bored sitting there for 10 hours each day. Was I ever wrong! The whole time was really a lot of fun and informative. I was sorry that it was over so soon. Both days of the course had perfect, sunny weather, which certainly helped in learning new skills. Keep in mind, though, that the course is taught no matter what the weather, so if it rains, you get wet while learning to ride. There were 12 student riders: nine men and three women. Four of us were over 40, with the rest ranging from 21 to 37. One guy was from Bulgaria! Only three of us had any riding experience at all, so it was amazing to see complete novices do
Photos Matt Druin
READY TO RIDE
so well in such a short amount of time. The GMSP instructors, Scott Moore and Ronnie Lang, were both encouragers, rather than drill instructors, and put everybody at ease. You could really tell that they enjoyed their role. The MSF course itself has been finetuned over the years. It includes short videos in the classroom along with group discussions as well as group activities on the “range” (that’s what the parking lot is called). Each successive exercise builds on what was just taught—it is a seamlessly progressive learning process. For example, we went from theoretical classroom lessons out to the motorcycle range to learn “group rocking” using the friction zone of the clutch. I did not know about using the “friction zone” until this course; I just knew the friction zone was the point where the clutch began to grab. In the past, my clutch was either in or out, but Scott and Ronnie taught me to use that zone to feather the clutch and control power to the rear wheel in slow, first-gear maneuvering, and especially when starting off from a dead stop. I picked the lone Suzuki GZ250 cruiser, while the rest of the class chose from Honda 250 Nighthawks, and a few 125s. I was pretty hard on my little bike, especially in the quick stop exercises. Max speed in the course and test was only about 20 mph, and we put about 15 miles on our bikes over the two days. One of the benefits of taking this course was using the GMSP’s bike, and not my own. This freed me from the fear of dumping my expensive bike (which I had purchased a few months before), and I was able to concentrate on mastering each lesson. After a few straight-line riding drills, we learned how to quickly stop the bikes in as short a space as possible without locking the wheels. I enjoyed this exercise quite a bit (maybe too much), but one of the younger women locked her front wheel, amazingly recovered, but was visibly upset for almost an hour. Lots of encouragement from the other riders and the instructors helped her shake it off. Later on, she actually did better than me on the lowspeed U-turn box. Cornering was next. There is a saying that “happiness is just around the corner,” but with motorcycling, happiness is the corner! The best thing I took away from this part of the course was to look where you want to go—look at the exit of the corner, rather than down at the ground just in front of you. Target fixation on that oncoming car or road hazard can often lead to a crash. Akin to cornering was swerving and weaving. I was leaning over so far during the weaving exercise that my boot heels resting on the foot pegs were catching the 2-inch tall rubber cones, much to the
amazement of the novices—who mostly tried to “stitch” through the slalom cones as straight-up as possible. The toughest part of the course for me was the figure-eight U-turn inside a painted rectangle. I failed to look where I wanted to go, forgot to feather the clutch in the friction zone, did not weight the outside foot peg properly—or all of the above. This resulted in having to put my foot down to keep the bike from falling over, or going outside the lines of the box, or both. Most everybody else did fine with this exercise, but my slow parking-lot maneuvering has improved because of the course. Other things we learned were stopping in a curve by first straightening up the bike; slowing down before entering a curve; emergency lane changes; and smooth throttle roll-ons. After a short break on Sunday afternoon, it was test time. We had all taken and passed the written exam first thing Sunday morning, so this was it for passing the course. I was really concerned that I would blow the U-turn box, and was relieved that it was the first part of the test. I knew I could corner well and quick-stop the bike, which were the other two portions of the test, so I tried not to go too slowly (which would mean points off for putting my foot down). I did, however, end up going outside the lines twice. Only one other student did worse by going outside the lines and putting a foot down when the engine stalled out. Everybody did just fine on the quick stop as well as the accelerating through a curve portion of the on-bike test. As we came out of the curve, we each rode over to the exit of the parking lot range to park our bikes for the last time. I was number 11 of 12 in riding order throughout the bike test, so I had a good vantage point to observe the first 10 riders during the test, even to the point of taking a few pictures while queued-up for the next section of the exam. I can still here Scott’s voice saying: “Who’s in control of your motorcycle?” when my hands were off the bars momentarily. We all passed! No “wash-outs,” no failures, and nobody dropped a bike in the test or during the two-day course. Voucher certificates were awarded in the classroom along with MSF pins, a wallet card and an MSF side-stand puck. I learned a lot from Georgia’s MSF Basic RiderCourse, mainly to look where you want to go, use the friction zone and always stop with the bike in first gear (to be ready to take off again without fumbling around at a stop light). These are fundamental things I had not learned back in 1986, and since taking the course, my riding has improved along with my
confidence level. I ran into Scott Moore at the MSF exhibit at the International Motorcycle Show in Atlanta a few weeks after taking the course. Former students of his were walking up and saying hello with big smiles on their faces, something I will always have on my face when I remember the great time of learning and fun I had in the Basic RiderCourse. Mike Doerner is a cabinet and furniture maker and an AMA member. He and his wife live near Kennesaw, Ga.
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MOTORCYCLE CAMPGROUND BACK IN ACTION
The Spot Formerly Known As ‘Two Wheels Only’… Most road riders throughout the southeastern United States have heard about the motorcycling lodge and campground formerly known as “Two Wheels Only.” The well-known lodge closed in 2010, but now appears to be making a comeback. Motorcycle enthusiast and longtime AMA member Bill Johnston of Suches, Ga., has purchased the property and plans to reopen the lodge and campground this year, likely under a new name. “I also purchased the surrounding property which comes to just under 70 acres total, so long term, it gives me some flexibility and the room to possibly host larger rallies at the location than have been possible in the past,” Johnston says. He adds that he has been working on upgrades and maintenance repairs on the building. These will include the installation of a new roof, updating the kitchen, replacing windows and upgrading the heating and air-conditioning systems, as well as doing plumbing repairs, and replacing flooring in the lodge. Last but not least, the building will also be repainted. Bill has a long history as a motorcycle enthusiast, including an over 20-year membership with the AMA. “I’ve been riding motorcycles virtually all my life, beginning with dirtbikes in south Georgia before I was a teen,” he says. “I moved to Atlanta in the mid-1980s and transitioned to street bikes in the early 1990s. That’s when I found the town of Suches and Two Wheels Only.” Bill was a regular visitor to the lodge from 1990 to 2000. “I fell in love with the place,” he says.
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“If the campground was open and the weather was good, I was there camping. I met all of my current circle of friends there, and in 2007, I made the town of Suches my permanent residence. Even then I would be at Two Wheels Only at some point every weekend, and Kathy and I would meet friends every Friday night to get together and have dinner until it closed in late 2010.” After the property had been up for sale for some time, Bill made the move from former patron to current owner, with the idea of reopening the lodge. “I missed the place badly and wanted to see it reopened, so this was something of an emotional decision, but I hope it also works out as a good business venture,” he says. “Based on the encouragement I’ve received from both the local and the motorcycle communities, I think it will.”— Phil Buonpastore
Some of the best rides are also the hardest to find—stitched together with barely ridden backroads, little-known byways and local favorites. These aren’t the routes you’ll find using Google Maps or using your favorite GPS. Your best bet for uncovering them: a local who has been riding the area for years. While online riding forums certainly make that easier today, you can’t always count on the good intentions of others to see you through. This is where local professional tour guides can help out. One that has been serving the rural mountainous regions of New England since 1997 is Scenic Motorcycle Tours (www.scenicmctours.com). The company runs several tours, each with a different flavor. Eric Sampson, SMT tour leader, says the company’s June tour, just after the Laconia crowd clears out of the region, is one of the most popular. Amenities also matter. After all, you are probably on vacation, right? The restaurants the SMT folks visit are topnotch, and the hotels are some of the region’s best. A support “chase” vehicle usually takes any worry out of the trip. And the like-minded riders on the tour are generally always great company. SMT isn’t the only company offering this service, of course. There are several all over the country. Consider one of them the next time you’re looking for a worry-free ride.
@iStockphoto/Victor Zastol’skiy
WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG
Responding To Worst Case Scenarios Face it. Not every motorcycle ride is perfect. Some are dragged down by rain, cold, traffic or road conditions. Others are flat out ruined by things like tire blowouts, lightning storms, blinding fog or catastrophic bike failure. While the small stuff can be annoying, it’s the really big stuff that can turn a badluck ride into a downright dangerous one. Here’s a rundown of some of the more serious problems you can face on the road and some thoughts on what to do about them.
Bike Breakdowns
Some mechanical failures are more serious than others. Here are a few that could potentially cause a serious crash. Blowout If you’ve experienced it, you’ll never forget it. The “pop” and sudden shuddering of a tire blowout, or a slow, undetected leak that suddenly causes handling problems. The first thing to do is stay calm. Ease off the throttle and keep a firm hold on the bars. Don’t brake unless you have to, and only then do so gently. If you’re situationaware enough to tell which tire is flat, brake with the other wheel. Aim slightly to the side of the road while holding the bars mostly straight. The bike could get very squirrelly as you roll to a
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stop, so be aware. Call AMA Roadside Assistance to get you and your bike. Brake Failure Probably the scariest mechanical breakdown while riding is sudden brake failure. Few things will cause the feeling of impending doom more than squeezing the front brake and feeling zero resistance as the lever pulls all the way to the grip. Luckily, even with linked braking systems, having both the front and rear brakes fail concurrently is highly unlikely. Your first response should be to apply the other brake—hard but with control—and shift down as quickly as possible, using engine braking to help slow the bike. Once you get to the side of the road, pump the brake lever several times to see if pressure builds up in the system. If not, you likely have a leak. Unfortunately, even if you find and fix the leak, you may have air compromising the system. Consider calling AMA Roadside Assistance for a tow unless you are absolutely, positively certain you have the problem corrected. Blackout Imagine this scenario: You’re riding alone on a curvy, unlit road at night,
and everything goes dark instantly. Your headlight is out. Your first reaction will be to brake, and that’s a good one, but you’ll also want to thumb your high/low switch just in case. Also immediately—if not simultaneously— activate the right turn signal. This should provide enough light to get off the road. This is another situation where AMA Roadside Assistance should come into play. However, if you must keep moving, there are a couple things you can try. The first check should be for a blown fuse. If you have a spare, use it. If not, take one from something less important, such as the radio. If that doesn’t work, try this: Remove the bulb from the right rear turn signal and then flip on the right front turn signal. Remove its amber lens, and this should provide enough light to ride, slowly, to a safe location a short distance away.
Weather Bites!
You can’t control Mother Nature, but invariably she can control you. Here’s what to do when the environment doesn’t cooperate with your best-made plans. Extreme Cold We ride in all kinds of weather, cold included. That’s fine, if you’re prepared. But if you’re not, you might experience hypothermia.
This is nothing to take lightly. Long before hypothermia becomes fatal, your reaction times increase and your muscle control gets clumsy—two things that can be very dangerous when operating any motor vehicle. First, know the warning signs. Shivering, numbing of fingers and toes, and general clumsiness indicate mild hypothermia. This is your notice to do something fast. Moderate hypothermia is coming soon, and with it dazed consciousness, loss of fine motor coordination, slurred speech, violent shivering and irrational behavior. What to do? Stop someplace, get inside and warm up. If that’s not possible, remember that both wind and wetness rob the body of heat. Stop the bike and find shelter to block the wind. Even a line of trees can make a significant difference. Hopefully, you’re also prepared for riding in cold weather and have extra layers and chemical heat packs available. You also can take advantage of the heat from your bike’s engine to keep warm, with caution. Once your core temperature is back up, you can begin riding again. Just take it easy and be sure to stop for a more thorough warmup as soon as possible.
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High Heat For motorcyclists, heat is more common than cold because most of us simply stay off the roads when the temperature drops. But when the mercury rises, we take to the highway in droves. Heat stroke is just as serious as hypothermia and has its own symptoms. When you stop having to go to the bathroom or when you stop sweating, you’re already in trouble. Also watch for a rapid pulse, a throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion. If you experience any of those symptoms, stop riding. You need to cool down and drink plenty of fluids—well beyond quenching your thirst. That should be easy if you’re riding through a populated area, but if you’re caught far from civilization, seek shade and drink any water you’ve been smart enough to carry on your bike. Stay calm and remain shaded until you feel better. When you do resume riding, don’t be tempted to take your jacket off— that can dry you out even faster. Be sure to stop soon and seek medical treatment if symptoms return. Lightning Lightning is dangerous stuff—moreso because, unlike cold and heat, there are times you won’t see it coming. People traveling in cars are actually relatively safe in thunderstorms because
lightning tends to hit the metal cage of the car and follow that metal to the ground, often leaving the car’s occupants unhurt. Motorcyclists aren’t so well protected. The relatively small amount of rubber contact patch on a motorcycle tire means little compared to the incredible voltage in a lightning bolt. Lightning can travel seven miles before striking the ground. Sound takes about five seconds to travel a mile. Do the math, and if the time between the flash and thunder is less than 35 seconds, the lightning is close enough to hit you. Simply put, don’t ride through thunderstorms if you can help it. Your first, and safest, option is to stop and find shelter in a store, gas station or restaurant. If you’re caught out of range of buildings, taking shelter under a freeway overpass can help, but don’t seek shelter under a tree. That increases your chances of getting struck. If there’s no shelter, move to a low spot. In any case, distance yourself from your bike, and if you’re in a group, spread out. Fog Every year there are reports of massive fog-related pileups. What amounts to a serious issue for car drivers can be a deadly one for motorcyclists. The danger with fog is that visibility can go from poor to zero without warning, leaving you barely able to see the road, much less keep track of traffic around you. You don’t want to go too fast, in case someone has stopped up ahead. But you also don’t want to go too slow, since someone behind could pile into you. A good guideline is to pull off the road when visibility is less than a quarter-mile— about six telephone poles. Try not to park on the side of the road, but if you have no choice, just because your bike has to stay there doesn’t mean you do. Walk a safe distance away. Tornadoes Tornadoes are extremely intense storms that can destroy whole communities. If there’s a silver lining in their cloud of destruction, however, it’s that, unlike lightning, tornadoes offer plenty of warning that they are on their way. Most tornadoes move at less than 50 mph, which is considerably slower than what your motorcycle can do. So one option if you see a tornado ahead is to simply turn and ride away from it. You obviously are limited by the direction of the road, but if possible evade at a right angle to its path to escape it. Don’t try to skirt the edges and don’t try to predict where it’s headed—just get away.
AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST OFFERS STREET, DIRT VERSIONS More Of What You Want Welcome to the latest evolution of American Motorcyclist magazine. Starting with this issue, we are producing two versions—a “dirt” version that includes more off-highway and competition content and a “street” version that includes more stories for road riders. One of the AMA’s strengths is the diversity of our membership—enduro racers, motocross families, cruiser riders, sportbikers, long-distance touring riders and more. That’s cool because we’re all united for the common goal of protecting and promoting motorcycling. What’s not always cool is that a magazine can print only so many pages each month. Inevitably, a lot content you’d like to read doesn’t make it past the editor’s desk. For this first run, we are sending the dirt version to members who have already opted to receive this content—those who subscribed to the quarterly AMA Racer insert. If you were placed into the wrong camp, no problem! Just call us at (800) 262-5646 and tell us which version you want going forward. Of course, members can access both versions online for free at www. americanmotorcyclist.com. We hope you enjoy your new and
improved magazine! Please share any feedback at submissions@ama-cycle.org.
FAQ
Who gets the dirt version and who gets the street version? For the first split, we are sending the dirt version to the roughly 60,000 subscribers to the quarterly AMA Racer insert. Everyone else gets the street version. What happens to AMA Racer? That content moves to the dirt version of the magazine, except it’s now monthly instead of quarterly. Did I get the street or dirt version? Look at the cover. If you see a photo of Mike Doerner getting ready to ride his GSX-R, you have the street version. If you see the smiling faces of AMA Supercross privateer Adam Enticknap Jr. and his dad, you have the dirt version. How do I switch versions? Call AMA Member Services at (800) 262-5646 and ask to switch. Tell them you want the “street” version or the “dirt” version of the magazine. Can I get both versions? Online, yes. AMA members can access both versions of the magazine online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
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Doing The Right Thing
A.D. FARROW FIGHTS GOOD FIGHT
“As with any membership organization, the AMA is more effective accomplishing its goals the more members we have,” says AMA Director of Membership Marketing and Communications Grant Parsons. “As we fight to protect motorcyclists’ rights to ride and race, we greatly appreciate A.D. Farrow’s willingness to make our fight their fight and help grow the ranks of AMA membership.”
Harley-Davidson Dealer Drives For AMA Membership Harley-Davidson dealership A.D. Farrow continues its longtime and consistent promotion of AMA membership, the latest coming in its customer e-newsletter. The dealership included a positive AMA message and encouraged it’s customers to join the association. “Supporting the AMA is not about altruism, I have a 100-year-old dealership to protect,” says A.D. Farrow owner Bob Althoff. “The AMA is there shoulder-toshoulder with us trying to defend the industry we hold dear!” In 2012 Althoff won the Friend of the AMA Award, bestowed by the AMA Board of Directors, for supporting the AMA’s mission and values.
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Down to reality television actress Brandi Glanville for slashing the tires on the motorcycle of her thenhusband Eddie Cibrian and later telling Glamour magazine that “it felt so good.” Down to the owner of County Lines Cycles in Simi Valley, Calif., who pleaded guilty to allegedly defrauding investors out of more than $1 million that he claimed he was investing in motorcycles and motorcycle parts. Down to a car driver in Norwich, Conn., who crashed through the wall of the Patch & Leather motorcycle shop.
@iStockphoto/Rolf Klebsattel
Lypps writes a blog on the Riders Recycle website with step-bystep oil change guides for various makes and models of bikes, as well as a photo essay on deconstructing and diagnosing an oil-starved bike engine. Lypps says that recycling oil protects our groundwater and, in many jurisdictions, it’s illegal to simply throw used oil and filters into the trash. But the good news is it’s free to recycle both filters and oil in most communities, and it is convenient to do. Many towns also offer free curbside collection of used oil and filters. Call your local trash hauler to learn more about availability in your area, or visit the Riders Recycle website at www.ridersrecycle.com.
Corey Mays
Like us, you probably do as much of your own motorcycle maintenance that you can capably do—and sometimes a bit more. If that means you’re changing your own oil, then you should do the responsible thing and recycle it. Riders Recycle is a program dedicated to educating motorcyclists about the importance of recycling used oil and filters—and showing them how and where to do it. San Francisco rider, AMA member and mechanic Heidi Lypps heads the program. “I’d never picked up a wrench until I owned a motorcycle, and now it’s a passion,” she says. “I’d like to spread the do-it-yourself ethic while showing people how to do the right thing with that old oil and filter.”
Down to trespassers who scattered roofing nails on the grounds of the Bushkill Valley Motorcycle Club in Pennsylvania’s Lower Saucon Township. The club suspects hunters, who ignored club requests they not hunt on the club’s private property.
AMA MEMBER TESTED Fly Rumble Gloves MSRP: $39.95 Info: www.flyracing.com Fly’s Rumble Gloves are a solid choice if you’re looking for quality hand protection. One of the first things you’ll notice is the leather on these Ted Pasche gloves is some of the softest and most supple you will ever find. They conform to your hands with no break-in period required. A padded palm helps to quell any vibrations in the handlebars, and switches on the motorcycle are easy to use. The gloves are durable. All stitching is professional with no loose ends. The hook-and-loop used on the wrists is substantial and most likely would keep the gloves on your hand if you went down. The Rumble Gloves have a sewn-in liner, making this a mid-weight winter or cool-weather glove. I tested this glove behind a windshield with temps in the lower 50s to upper 40s at speeds up to 65 mph, and my hands stayed warm. One caveat for cool weather is this
model doesn’t have a gauntlet to block wind from going up the sleeves of a jacket. As far as size goes, the gloves were a bit snug—perhaps due to the lining. Try them on first or if your current size is already a tight fit, consider going up a size. The only other nitpick is the soft leather has a drawback in that surface scuffs do stand out. All in all, these are quality gloves at a great price.
Fly Fifty5 Jacket MSRP: $259.95 Info: www.flyracing.com The Fly Fifty5 is a good-looking jacket, with plenty of removable armor and wellthought-out features at a decent price. Style-wise, the jacket is slick. I went with black and the standard white/green leather inserts in a band around the chest, arms and back. Across the front band of leather and on each arm just below the shoulder is the Fly logo, tastefully done. The jacket comes with a removable liner that kept me comfortable behind a windshield with temps in the upper 40s. By removing the liner and opening up the two front-zippered shoulder vents as well as the larger rear shoulder vent and unzipping the wrist expansion, plenty of air passed through on the warmer rides. On night rides, extra safety is provided with a reflective piping sewn into the rear band up high from shoulder to shoulder. The jacket shell has two materials. One has a smooth surface on the main body, another a heavy, stretchy material on the inner arms. This material is doubled up from just above the elbows to the wrist. There are two outer handwarmer pockets and two pockets on the interior of the shell, plus a nifty pocket on the left sleeve for money or credit cards for convenient access during stops. All pockets are zippered. The wrists have more elastic material behind the zipper opening. When the wrist is zippered closed, there is also a snap for added safety to keep the end from
riding up either while riding or during a get-off. All body armor is removable via hookand-loop fasteners on interior seams, and there is a full-length wind/rain gusset behind the heavy front zipper. The neck opening has a snap with a retainer so it won’t flap when not snapped and is lined with a fleece material that doesn’t chaff the neck. On each side of the waist is a hook and loop strap to allow adjustment, and at the rear of the shell is an interior flap with a zipper so you can attach the jacket to matching pants. The quilted, removable full-sleeve liner has two zippered pockets on the interior, knit cuffs and elastic on the sides to allow for another piece of apple pie during lunch. Snaps keep the liner in place in the shell. A handy feature on the sleeve snaps is that they are color coordinated so the sleeves won’t be twisted inside the shell. The liner zips easily into the shell at the front, as is normal. You could wear the liner alone, but the seams are exposed when worn that way, so it isn’t a fashion statement except around the campfire. Fly thoughtfully provides a packet with spare snaps in case they need to be replaced. The only criticisms are there’s no way to completely block wind or rain from going up the sleeves or down the neck during cooler weather or during a rainstorm. The ability to adjust via a hook-and-loop strap or multiple snaps would be welcome. Another nice touch would be straps to cinch up the sleeves at the elbow and bicep to minimize wind flap, especially when the liner is removed. All in all, however, this is a very nice jacket that out-performs its price point and looks good doing it.
Want to be an AMA tester? E-mail submissions@ama-cycle.org for an application. April 2013
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GO RIDE — SAFELY!
Motorcycle Safety Foundation Offers Tips For A Safe Riding Season Now is the time of year when the snow has melted and motorcyclists from colder climates are clearing the cobwebs from their bikes and preparing for the new riding season. We’d like to offer some tips to help these riders get back on the road safely.
Pre-Season Prep
Body: Holidays and bad weather invite laziness into our lives. Motorcycling is more physically demanding than driving a car, so prepare for the riding season by getting back into a fitness routine. It helps to stay strong and agile and build your endurance. Maintain a reasonable workout
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schedule and remember to stretch as part of your warm-up. Mind: Because riding is more a skill of the eyes and mind than the hands and feet, anything that improves perceptual abilities and hand/eye coordination or builds your knowledge base can help. Video games or MSF’s Rider Perception Challenge (on msf-usa.org) can be beneficial. There are many books on the art and science of motorcycling, including “The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Guide to Motorcycling Excellence.” By reading a wide variety of books you can pick up some new tips or enhance your understanding to get the most out of your rides. You can also rehearse certain riding scenarios in your mind, from common situations like passing slow-moving traffic to hazardous situations like cars turning in
front of you. Motorcycle: Clean and inspect your motorcycle from end to end and top to bottom. It’s easier to spot wear and damage on a clean bike than a dirty one. Set aside a few hours to wash, degrease, or polish every surface and component, down to the nuts and bolts. When using strong cleaners, make sure you have enough ventilation in your garage. Then, following MSF’s T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection checklist and your motorcycle’s owner’s manual, check, adjust, lubricate or replace items as listed.
Start Of The Season
Practice: Before taking to the streets, find an empty parking lot and practice a few maneuvers to re-acquaint yourself with your bike and its handling characteristics, especially in the critical areas of braking and swerving. You want to re-up your muscle memory. Make the first serious street ride casual and uneventful by not pushing any limits. The MSF “You and Your Motorcycle: Riding Tips” booklet (download for free at msf-usa.org) outlines a variety of practice drills. Choose a parking lot with no surface condition problems, obstacles or traffic to distract you. Even though you’re in a parking lot, it’s important to wear full protective gear, including a properly fastened helmet. For braking practice, accelerate to no more than 20 mph in second gear, and apply front and rear brakes gradually and evenly to bring yourself to a smooth, controlled stop. Practice stopping more quickly each time, until you reach the point of making a good, quick stop without locking either wheel, then try it at slightly higher speeds. Don’t try to make your first stops your quickest stops. Before practicing swerving, braking in a curve and other more difficult skills, try a simple weaving exercise. Put cones or other small markers in a straight line, 30 feet apart, and weave through at 15-20 mph. Then tighten up the spacing to 20 feet apart and ride through a few more times. Since the cones are closer together you may need to start this exercise at a slower speed. Be sure to feel how your bike responds to the pressure you apply to the handlebars as you turn them and as you lean. Braking while leaning should be avoided. Formal training: If you haven’t had formal lessons in a while, or have purchased a new bike for the new year, consider enrolling in a formal skills course, such as the MSF’s Ultimate Bike Bonding RiderCourse, BRC 2, Advanced RiderCourse, or Street RiderCourse.
Weather and roads: Expect roadway damage and surface debris due to snowplows, road salt and the contraction/ expansion of asphalt from seasonal temperature extremes. Keep your rain suit handy. On wet roads, increase your following distance and maximize your traction by riding in the tire tracks left by other vehicles. When maneuvering, be smooth and precise with your steering and braking inputs. Avoid too much lean angle. Key riding strategies: Most singlevehicle motorcycle crashes occur when a motorcyclist runs off the road in a curve. Most two-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur when a car or truck driver violates the motorcyclist’s right-of-way, usually in an intersection. For the first scenario, focus on the task at hand and don’t enter a curve too fast or speed through it. Know how counter-steering works and the right way to brake in a curve, so you’ll know how to respond to emergencies or curves that are tighter than expected. For the second situation, assume you’re invisible the moment you leave your driveway. This puts you in a hyperaware frame of mind in which you take responsibility for avoiding even the most
distracted, careless driver. Even good drivers will sometimes miss seeing a motorcyclist approaching them at an intersection, because drivers only see what they expect to see: cars and trucks, not narrow motorcycles that often blend into a visually “busy” background. As an “invisible” road user, you’ll make your own mental map of your immediate surroundings and know what all the other vehicles are doing. You’ll use your Search, Evaluate, Execute skills to assess and navigate around problematic situations. In heavy traffic, you’ll have a good safety margin and escape paths, being ever ready to swerve or brake. You’ll cover your front brake lever to shorten your reaction time when the oblivious driver inevitably tries to occupy your space. At a stoplight, you’ll stay in first gear, check your mirrors frequently, and be ready to move out if you notice that the car approaching from behind doesn’t appear to be stopping. Though the task is challenging, it becomes second nature with practice, and the reward is a season of great riding. The MSF develops comprehensive rider training. See www.msf-usa.org for info.
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AS FAR WEST AS YOU CAN RIDE The Olympic Peninsula Western Coast Loop By Phil Buonpastore
The first day of summer, June 21, 2012, dawned sunny and bright. It had been unseasonably cool in the Pacific Northwest, with high temperatures averaging in the upper 60s, but it was good weather for a motorcycle ride. I started the day with the intention of riding toward Mt. Rainier National Park, but as I rode south on I-5 out of Seattle, I realized that it would be the longest day of sunlight all year, and in Washington state that meant daylight until nearly 10 p.m. I had wanted to do a ride around the entire Olympic Peninsula since I moved to the Seattle area in September 2010. I had ridden the bike on the eastern side of the peninsula as far north as Port Angeles, but had yet to do the complete loop on the motorcycle. The ride around the peninsula was on the bucket list, and I had both the GPS mounted on the handlebar and a map of Washington in the tank bag, beckoning me to take the ride. After a stop for a quick refolding to put the Olympic Peninsula front and center in the map bag, I exited the Interstate, and the change in plan was under way. It was, after all, a cloudless clear blue
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sunny sky in northwestern Washington State. From I-5, signs direct you to take exit 104 to Highway 101, which leads out to the Olympic Peninsula. Within several miles, you are riding in open country. If you’re riding out to the eastern side of the peninsula, you simply remain on 101 and keep going, but if you’re planning to ride the western side, you exit the 101 to take SR8 to SR12, which takes you due west to the town of Aberdeen, where you reconnect with Highway 101 on the western side of the peninsula and head north from there. Aberdeen is the last large town until Forks, which is nearly 110 miles north, with nary a gas station between them, so before beginning the loop ride, stop and fill the tank. North of Aberdeen, Highway 101 features forest scenery and mountain foothill views for the first 70 miles northwest toward the coast. The highway features a near-Interstate speed limit, with sweeping curves and repeating foothills that recede into the horizon. Roadside pullouts and scenic locations offer some great stops along the way. At the 70-mile mark, Highway 101 makes its way out to the coast and into a section of Olympic National Park that runs along the Pacific Ocean. This is one of the nicest sections of the day’s ride. As the road follows more closely along the coast here, the twisties become more numerous and the curves get tighter, giving more of
an opportunity to wear the sides of the tires a bit. The beach locations along this section of the road are numbered from 1 to 6, increasing as you ride north. A well-known tourist stop north of Beach 4 is The Big Cedar, an amazing old-growth tree that’s a marvel of gnarled wood, intertwined roots and a hollow trunk that lives about 5 miles north of Kalaloch Lodge. A sign and a short turn east off the highway mark its location, and the walk to the tree is a nice stretch of the legs from the gravel parking lot into the forest. Further north, near the end of this coastal section of the highway is Ruby
Bella Italia Restaurant
Highway 101
Ruby Beach
Beach. This is one of the must-see stops on the western side of the peninsula. Take the time to get off the bike and walk down to the beach to view a truly classic Pacific Coast scene of a massive outcropping of volcanic rock off the shoreline, with the combination of driftwood and logs left by the delta of Cedar Creek as it meets the Pacific Ocean. The mesh riding suit I had chosen for the day had been perfect for the ambient temperatures when I left the house, although I did zip in the cool weather insert to offset the lower-than-average temperatures of the day. Anyone who rides in this area of the country knows to keep rain gear handy, but on such a beautiful, cloudless summer’s day, who would need it? At least that’s what I thought at the time, but the further north I rode along the coast, the cloudier and cooler it got. I kept thinking that here it was, the peak
Lake Crescent
of summer in the northern hemisphere, a day where the earth north of the equator received more radiant energy from the sun than any other day of the year, but the temperatures had dropped into the mid50s while the skies became increasingly overcast. By the time I had reached the coast, I was wearing three layers of clothing—a base layer shirt, the mesh jacket (with the cool weather liner) and my rain jacket on top. What happened to summer? The town of Forks is known for being the setting for both the popular “Twilight” book and movie series of the same name, and the sign reading “Welcome to the Twilight Zone” outside the Dew Drop Inn on the south side of town says it all. As you might expect, the small town plays it up big on the popularity of the Twilight franchise. Cardboard standups of the movie’s actors mill around in the lobby of local businesses, and movie posters
Olympic National Park
are the wall covering of choice, as local business trade on the notoriety of the series. Street shop names include Dazzled by Twilight and Native to Twilight. I rode on. North of Forks, Highway 101 parallels the Sol Duc River on its way towards the town of Sappho, named after the Greek poetess, offering an easy ride through lush national forest and winding river views. If you have ridden Highway 101 from Aberdeen and have made stops along the way, there are other possibilities for a scenic route. At Sappho, SR113 north leads to SR112 and up to the far northwestern coast of the Olympic Peninsula along the Juan De Fuca Strait. It’s the western-most point in the continental United States, on what is essentially a parallel route with the 101. SR112 is also called the Strait of Juan De Fuca Highway, and the road is an enjoyable, curvaceous detour that offers a great opportunity to do some curve-carving and practice your countersteering, along with excellent ocean views almost every mile. So if you’re not a stickler for riding the entirety of Highway 101, consider the option. Sappho also marks the 101’s easterly turn along the top of the peninsula as it heads toward Port Angeles, and the Lake Crescent area is the spot up here. This 10-mile section of the 101 takes on the personality of a sea-level lakeside road. Here the highway becomes motorcyclefriendly, offering a continuous series of ‘S’ curves as it borders the lake, with photographer’s dream views across the lake that feature an Olympic Mountain Backdrop. If you’re looking to stay in the area for a
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few days, Port Angeles is the prime choice for finding lodging and is a good starting point for day rides and loop rides on the northern peninsula. The largest, and by far the most commercialized, town in the area, Port Angeles features many wellknown chain hotels, restaurants that run the gamut from fast food to haute cuisine, and some great bed and breakfasts on the nearby northern coast as well. The Bella Italia in Port Angeles is an excellent restaurant that is also featured in the Twilight movie series, but thankfully
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in this case, the management opted to forego the movie character cardboard cutouts. While visiting Port Angeles, find time to ride up Heart of the Hills/Hurricane Ridge Road into Olympic National Park for some fine mountain sweepers and some stellar views of the Olympic mountain range. East of Port Angeles, a detour on Highway 20 takes you out to Port Townsend, the laidback seaside port town on the Juan De Fuca Strait. Continuing south on the 101 as it makes its way back toward Washington state’s capitol city of Olympia is some of the best of the ride around the loop. The 32-mile section begins a few miles south of the town of Quilcene, and runs along the water and changes names from Quilcene Bay, to Dabob Bay, then Hood Canal and Annis Bay. The 101 tracks the coastline throughout, offering more opportunities for some spirited corner-carving on excellently paved highway, while remaining in sight of turquoise blue water with the
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Cascade Mountains rising in the distance. As you ride south, small towns such as Brinnon and Lilliwaup offer the opportunity for refueling, a bite to eat, as well as the opportunity to relax, absorb a bit of the seafaring ambiance and breathe the saltsea air. Towns on the coast also feature locally owned hotels, cabin rentals, and bed and breakfasts, if you should want to stay a night. Continuing on the 101 south eventually leads back to Olympia and I-5, which completes the loop. According to Google Maps, the entire route around the Olympic Peninsula on Highway 101 from Washington’s capital city of Olympia and back is 321 miles, and about six hours of riding time. If you’re of a mind to, you could do the entire ride in a day, but what’s the hurry? As the location is a bit off the beaten track for most riders in the contiguous 48, take the opportunity to see it all, because how often do you have a chance to ride in an amazing place like the Olympic Peninsula? Given the unpredictable nature of the
weather anywhere on the northwest coast, late July, August and early September offer the best chance for sunshine, a clear blue sky, and warmer temperatures, but up here, it’s always a good idea to keep the rainsuit and warm weather gear handy. The Olympic Peninsula Loop is a ride I can cross off my bucket list, but I can most assuredly recommend that it’s one to add to yours.
Want More North? Your ride doesn’t have to stop when you reach the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula. Rather than turning back south, you can take a ferry across the Puget Sound and continue on a northern tour. East of Highway 101, ferries run from several locations at island and coastal towns, such as Port Townsend, as well as the towns of Bremerton, Southworth and Bainbridge Island. See www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/ for ferry locations and crossing times.
Highway 101
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1978 HUSQVARNA 250WR Dick Burleson’s ISDT Winner From 1974 to 1981, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Dick Burleson won eight consecutive AMA National Enduro championships. Burleson’s total domination of the sport earned him the nickname “King Richard.” In addition to his incredible domestic record, Burleson also won eight consecutive gold medals in the International Six Days Trials (now called the International Six Days Enduro). He won his fifth gold medal, in Sweden, aboard this bike: a 1978 Husqvarna 250WR. Photos Jeff Guciardo
“It was an extremely rocky and tough race,” Burleson says. “That’s what I remember—gnarly. The bike was designed in Sweden and ridden a lot there, so it held up well.” Today this Husqvarna, with its sixspeed transmission and its 245cc, twostroke engine, still looks just as it did 35 years ago. “Back in those days, we thought stock was best and this bike represents more of a production race bike,” Burleson says. “Today, my favorite aspect is that it is frozen in time. This bike is in exactly
the same state as when I finished the race, other than being washed—same tires and all.” Among American off-road racers, Burleson is one of the all-time greats. And this 1978 Husqvarna 250WR helped him achieve legendary status. Burleson announced his retirement from national competition at the end of 1981. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998. For more information on historic bikes and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, go to www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, features the people and machines that have defined the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling in America. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that receives support from the AMA and from the motorcycling community. For info and directions, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.
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Hall of Famer
JEREMY MCGRATH The King Of Supercross Jeremy McGrath, a seven-time AMA Supercross champion, was easily the most popular U.S. motorcycle racer of the 1990s. He starred in television ads for a popular long-distance telephone service, appeared on network television shows and was featured in countless newspaper and magazine articles during his reign as the “King of Supercross.” AMA Supercross grew rapidly during what became known as the “McGrath Era.” He dominated AMA Supercross like no other rider before him and rewrote the record books. His riding tricks while leaping the high jumps of Supercross—the most famous called the “Nac Nac”—helped spawn freestyle motocross. In addition to his seven AMA Supercross and one AMA motocross championships, McGrath twice represented the United States in the prestigious Motocross des Nations competition—the 1993 and 1996 winning teams. Born in San Francisco in 1971, McGrath honed his early racing skills on the BMX (bicycle motocross) circuit. By age 15, while one of the leading BMX racers in the nation, he switched to motocross. After riding only three years as an amateur, McGrath made his AMA debut in 1989. He finished his first Supercross season ranked eighth in the 125 West Region Series. Riding for Kawasaki’s support squad in 1990, McGrath began to make his first impact on the sport. That year, he won his first 125
West Region Supercross race in Las Vegas and finished the season ranked second in the series. McGrath won the 125 West Supercross title in 1991 and 1992. After winning his first AMA Supercross race in Anaheim, Calif., in January 1993, the floodgates were opened. McGrath went on to dominate the 1993 AMA Supercross Series, winning 10 races and earning the championship. McGrath’s amazing 1993 season proved to be just the tip of the iceberg. From 1993 until his retirement from full-time Supercross racing after the 2002 season, McGrath obliterated every record in AMA Supercross racing. He won the AMA Supercross Championship seven times—1993, ’94, ’95, ’96, ’98, ’99 and 2000— and usually in dominating fashion. The stats McGrath compiled in AMA Supercross are simply astounding. A recordshattering 72 career AMA Supercross victories, seven AMA Supercross championships, a single-season record of 14 Supercross wins, the longest winning streak in series history at 13, and the most consecutive seasons with an AMA Supercross win at nine. At the time of his retirement, he also held the coveted record of the most combined AMA Supercross and motocross victories with 89 career wins. McGrath was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2003. For more, go to www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
Put yourself in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
YOUR NAME HERE
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 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 a 9-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!
9” 6” 3” 3”
6”
$20
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donation
donation
www.motorcyclemuseum.org/myhalloffame or call 1-800-342-5464 for assistance
9”
$180
donation
Raffle Bike 1943 Indian 741
g n i o g r nde r by u y l t Curren er makeove indian! a bobb as of kiwi E! m N I o L t N e O k mi ild u b e h t Follow www.motorcyclemuseum.org and click “Raffle Bike� for tickets or call (800) 342- 5464
Go to
Minimum donation of $5 per ticket, or $20 for five tickets, is suggested.
! s e k a t s p e e w S
JOIN OR RENEW your AMA membership in 2013 and you could
WIN!
2013
YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ
As the proud sponsor of the AMA Yamaha Super Tenere National Adventure Touring Series, Yamaha is awarding one lucky member a new 2013 Super Tenere! Riders participating in the series will also be automatically entered.
Or a
TUCKER ROCKY CUSTOM ROAD GLIDE One lucky winner will take home this Tucker Rocky Custom Road Glide with high-end components from S&S, Progressive Suspension, Arlen Ness, PIAA and many other Tucker Rocky partner companies. The best part? You’re automatically entered when you join or renew between Jan. 30, 2013 and Dec. 31, 2013.
www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com No purchase necessary. For complete rules, terms and conditions visit http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Membership/RenewSweeps_Rules.aspx.
GO RIDE! AMA Rides And Rallies Include America’s Best America is a big country, and the best way to experience it is on your motorcycle. AMA-sanctioned recreational events offer a great way to plan the riding season. The AMA Premier Touring Series includes a long list of destination rallies that represent the nation’s best, whether you’re looking to experience mega gatherings or the more intimate scene you find at smaller, local meets. You’ll also find a number of organized rides, ranging from those with designated routes—down to a turn—
to those that suggest a general theme and leave the details up to you. Here’s a guide to several of the exciting events that the AMA and its promoting partners have scheduled for 2013. You can find many more in the calendar section of this magazine and online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com. Of course, not every ride or destination has to involve an organized event, and we encourage you to get out on your bike—often. Need some help filling out your year’s to-ride list? We asked our members and Facebook fans the one ride they would suggest to someone for 2013. Those suggestions are scattered throughout this story. There’s a lot of road out there. Now go ride it!
AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES America’s Best Road Events
AMA-chartered clubs and promoters organize the greatest road-riding events on the planet. Whether you want to join tens of thousands of fellow riders at a mega-rally, or take part in a local charity ride, there’s something for you on the AMA-sanctioned event calendar. Events on the AMA Premier Touring Series calendar include AMA Gypsy Tours, AMA Touring Rallies, AMA Signature
Events and AMA Grand Tours. Each category offers activities to appeal to a range of riders, making these events the best road-riding happenings anywhere. In addition to these national events, the AMA sanctions numerous District rallies and tours that are smaller and are great places to meet other riders from your area. For local events this month, see the calendar of AMA-sanctioned events that begins on page 49. For events throughout the year, check out the searchable database at www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
AMA National Rally
AMA National Rallies are AMAproduced and promoted events that include a range of activities, including seminars, bike shows, organized rides, swap meets, racing, field meets, demo rides, vendor displays and more. Featuring significant AMA presence and support, AMA National Rallies further the AMA’s goals of protecting and promoting the motorcycling lifestyle. This year’s calendar Continued on page 44 April 2013
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includes one national rally, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days: July 1921, Lexington, Ohio AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at JULY 19-21 Mid-Ohio Sports 2013 Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, is bursting with vintage coolness. It features North America’s largest motorcycle-related swap meet, vintage racing, new bike demo rides and much, much more. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days includes anything you could ever want from a vintage motorcycle event, from old Indian motorcycles to 1980s motocrossers to café racers, national championship racing and heroes of yesteryear. The event also is the largest annual fund-raising campaign for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which is located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. That means numerous Hall of Fame members are always on location to meet and greet, as well as enjoy all the historic motorcycles, world-class speakers and entertaining displays that are all part of the WHERE WOULD YOU RIDE? “Take the ferry from St. John in New Brunswick, Canada, to Digby in Nova Scotia. Tour on up via Halifax to the Cabot Trail for stunning views of mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. Also, the locals are the darn friendliest folks I have ever met! (Must be an island community thing.) And have the Tim Horton’s coffee.—Brenda Jean
excitement. As a special bonus this year, AMA members can save $10 off a weekend pass and $5 off a daily pass by buying their ticket early directly from the AMA. Just call (800) 262-5646. Best of all, there are no annoying convenience or processing charges when you buy directly from the AMA. Offer ends May 27. Oh yeah, and kids under 12 get in free! Find out more at www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com.
AMA National Conventions
AMA National Conventions are the top tier of AMA-sanctioned rides and rallies. Put on by the AMA’s promoting clubs and organizers, these rides are the best of the best, where you’ll find thousands of like-minded riders in some of the most beautiful places in the country. Want to go big? Go here. Americade, AMA National Convention: June 1-8, Lake George, N.Y. What It Is: One of the largest roadriding rallies on the planet, Americade is held in picturesque Lake George, N.Y., and features legendary roads in the 6-millionacre Adirondack National Park. It’s billed as a great motorcycle vacation, which it certainly is. Why It’s Cool: Americade is a laidback, road-riding touring destination with a family friendly atmosphere. Besides the great riding and camaraderie, the event offers a variety of activities including ghost tours, boat cruises, poker runs, fireworks,
WHERE WOULD YOU RIDE? “Ohio’s Triple Nickel. OH-555. Smooth roads, great scenery, awesome twisties and fast sweepers. Getcha some!”— Daniel Dano Soha
horseback riding, whitewater rafting, bike judging, a light parade and much more. What You Wouldn’t Expect: Americade attracts thousands of motorcyclists, but the sound level is low—quiet bikes and responsible riding are the norm. Bonus: Americade has a long history of focusing on rider advocacy, activism and education, offering classes and seminars that benefit motorcyclists during the entire riding season. Info: www.americade.com Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally, AMA National Convention: Sept. 18-23, Ruidoso, N.M. What It Is: The Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally is a huge event in the town of Ruidoso, high in the Rocky Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. Why It’s Cool: The great fall temperatures, roads twisting up into the mountains and shaded pines all combine to make this rally an almost spiritual experience. Plus, there will be a massive trade show, and multiple poker runs. Unexpected: Any self-respecting alien hunter should make the 70-mile jaunt from Ruidoso to Roswell, N.M., to check out its rich history of extraterrestrials, and maybe catch a glimpse of who-knows-what! Info: www.motorcyclerally.com
APRIL IS AMA GO RIDE! MONTH It’s Time To Enjoy Your Motorcycle For most of the country, motorcyclists don’t get much riding in over the winter months. If this doesn’t apply to you due to your latitude or your hardiness, great! If you’re like the rest of us, then you’re probably beyond ready to go ride. This is the idea behind AMA Go Ride! Month. Every April, we remind ourselves about all the cool stuff we
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can do on our motorcycles, and then we encourage each other to go out and do it. Regardless of your passion, whether it’s road touring or motocross, it’s time to strap on your helmet and go! For more inspiration—and some great contests where you can win cool stuff—see www.americanmotorcyclist. com as well as our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist.
SHARE THE RIDE ONLINE AMA Member Gallery
Like the photos you see on these pages? They’re some of the best that AMA members have to offer. And the best place for you to share your pix is online at American Motorcyclist’s new online gallery for member-submitted photos. Located at www.gallery. americanmotorcyclist.com, the gallery includes more than 1,000 images of member rides and AMA events, with more added daily. What’s missing here? It might be you. If you haven’t yet sent your best photo, or best two or six, to submissions@ ama-cycle.org, what are you waiting for?
AMA National Touring Rallies AMA Touring Rallies take the Gypsy Tour concept and mix in more options for riding during the event. Often built around guided local tours and organized riding events, AMA Touring Rallies are open to riders of all stripes but generally attract those who can’t stay off the bike. Below are national-level events.
Aspencash Rally: May 16-23, Ruidoso, N.M. What it is: The sister rally to an AMA National Convention, the Golden Aspen Rally, AspenCash is the West’s biggest National Touring Rally set in New Mexico’s scenic Sierra Blanca mountains and offers
a great way to kick off the rally season in the Southwest. Why It’s Cool: How does a rally with great riding, a huge trade show, great food and outstanding entertainment sound to you? Perfect? That’s why AspenCash has been a must-do on the season calendar of thousands of riders. Riders from as far away as Alaska and Florida make the journey year-in and year-out to this motorcycling mecca. Unexpected: The roads are magnificent. They run to the top of Sierra Blanca Peak, which, as the highest point in southern New Mexico at 12,000 feet, is a must-do ride. Bonus: $10,000 Poker Run—’nuff said. Info: www.motorcyclerally.com STAR 2013, AMA National Touring Rally: June 23-26, Lexington, Ky. What it is: The Motorcycle Sport Touring Association has brought one of the best “riding rallies” back east to Kentucky for 2013. Enjoy outstanding riding, seminars, vendors and camaraderie in the Bluegrass State. Why It’s Cool: Outstanding road, scenic landscape, and some of the friendliest folks you’d ever want to meet. Bonus: A free tour of the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Need we say more? Info: www.ridemsta.com 2013 RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel Annual Touring Weekend: July 11-14, Maggie Valley, N.C. What it is: The event is held in memory
WHERE WOULD YOU RIDE? “The Springfield Mile is the best show on dirt. If you have not seen this in person yet, it is a great show and all the riders are very accessible and happy to see fans! Plan a ride there and stay all weekend.”—Jerry Farmer
of RoadRUNNER magazine’s founder Christian Neuhauser. Each year in mid-July like-minded motorcyclists meet for a long weekend of riding, seminars, and making new friends. The event attracts the serious touring enthusiasts. Participants usually choose one of the guided tours led by the editors of the magazine, but unguided tours are also an option as everybody gets the signature tank bag maps and GPS files ahead of time. Why It’s Cool: This year will be the biggest Touring Weekend yet, with more tours, the addition of an off-road guided tour, select vendors, seminars by RoadRUNNER editors and vendors, outdoor live music, door prizes, great food, and even vintage motorcycles! The North Carolina mountains are one of the best areas to ride with endless curves and scenic views. Info: www.roadrunner.travel/events/ touring-weekend/ Rally In The Gorge, AMA National Touring Rally: July 31-Aug. 4, Stephenson, Wash. What it is: Back and better than ever, the 2013 Rally In the Gorge celebrates diversity in riding with rides, poker runs, seminars, vendors and on-site camping at Continued on page 46
FIND RIDES ONLINE Explore The Great Roads Database
We all need a little help from our friends sometimes, and that’s where the AMA Great Roads database comes in. Available online exclusively to members, it includes routes tested and suggested by AMA members, organized by state. To access the AMA Great Roads database, go to www.americanmotorcyclist.com/asp/membersonly/ roads/ama_roads_database_home.asp. You will need to log in to the Members Area. If you don’t have an account, it’s easy to set one up. Best of all, it’s free to members.
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the Skamania Fair Grounds. Why It’s Cool: Set in the national scenic area of the Columbia River Gorge. Combine sportbikes, sport-tourers, maxi-scooters, adventure bikes and dualsports, and you get the biggest little rally in America. Bonus: It’s four rallies in one! Info: www.soundrider.com/rally
AMA Gypsy Tours
One of the oldest touring experiences in all of motorcycling, AMA Gypsy Tours began as one-day events held around the country where riders would travel to a specific site and enjoy the company of like-minded riders. Field-meet games like Bite the Weenie and Ride the Plank were popularized at AMA Gypsy Tours, and
picnics evolved into big gatherings. Below are national-level events. For information on Regional and Local events, see www. americanmotorcyclist.com/Riding/Street/ PremierTouringSeries.aspx. Laughlin River Run, April 24-28, Laughlin, Nev. This is one of the largest motorcycle events on the west coast. It will feature the historic U.S. Route 66 the way it was meant to be seen. Turn back time as you ride the hills from Kingman to Oatman, Ariz. Cool off in the Colorado River or test lady luck at any one of the casinos located on the strip. Info: www.laughlinriverrun.com
AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS Ride For A Cause
These events showcase motorcycle riders giving back to communities. They include fund-raising charity rides, poker runs and more. One high-profile example is the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s national Ride For Kids program, which has become one of the most successful fund-raising efforts among motorcyclists in the nation. Held in cities throughout the country, Ride for Kids events feature phenomenal planning, great
scenery, wonderful camaraderie and the opportunity to fund research to find a cure and help families struggling with the diagnosis and treatment of a child’s brain tumor. Find out more at www.rideforkids. org. Another high-profile charity ride is Twisted Sister front man Dee Snider’s annual Bikers for Babies event, which supports the March of Dimes and conveys the seriousness of premature birth defects. You can get more information at www.bikersforbabies.org.
Republic of Texas (R.O.T.) Rally, June 13-16, Austin, Texas The rally, one of the biggest in the country, is held at the Travis County Exposition Center in Northeast Austin Texas and is known for its high-caliber music acts. Enthusiasts come enjoy the amazing motorcycles, the Austin nightlife and to ride some fine roads in Texas. Info: www.rotrally.com Laconia Motorcycle Week, June 8-16, Laconia, N.H. This year marks the 89th anniversary of one of the country’s premier motorcycling events, and you can expect Laconia
WHERE WOULD YOU RIDE? “If you like the twisties, go to Shady Valley. Highway 421 from Bristol, Tenn., to Boone, N.C. is 489 turns, 33 miles, three mountains, one valley, low traffic.”—Bob Weymouth
WHERE WOULD YOU RIDE? “Pack up the bike. Pick a direction. Plan nothing. The less you plan, the more open you are to the opportunities you come across.”—John Kuntz
Motorcycle Week to offer all of your favorite events as well as some new ones. The week is jam-packed with action, motorcycle racing and motorcycling activities. See the website for lodging options as well as the downloadable Laconia Rally News, which covers the event in detail. Info: www.laconiamcweek.com Thunder in the Valley, June 20-23, Johnstown, Pa. Rally planners make every effort to provide a wide variety of events and activities so everyone, including area residents who roll out the welcome mat for visiting bikers, enjoys the rally. Maps of scenic rides, the official program book, visitors guides and attraction brochures are available at the welcome tent. Vendors will be located in four downtown areas. There will also be live musical entertainment with bands playing rock, oldies, blues, country and jazz. Info: www.visitjohnstownpa.com/ thunderinthevalley/ 36th Annual National Bikers Roundup, July 31-Aug. 4, Tunica, Miss. Billed as the “largest camping rally,” the NBR is truly a Gypsy event, changing location each year and hosted by a different member club. Started in 1977 in Kansas City, Kan., this event is aimed at all makes and types of riders, with as diverse a following as any major rally in the United States. Sturgis, Aug. 5-11, Sturgis, S.D. For many cruiser and touring riders, the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the must-do rally of the year. Complete with concerts, parties, poker runs, short-track racing, bike shows and more, Sturgis is non-stop fun. What’s more, it’s located in the Black Hills Region, which includes hundreds of miles of great riding and some of the best scenery you can find anywhere. To start planning your trek to Sturgis this summer, see the website. Info: www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com
Killington Classic, Aug. 30-Sept. 3, Killington, Vt. Located in New England, this rally includes covered bridges, an amazing poker run, the Green Mountain Scavenger Hunt, a vendor village, bike demo rides and a long list of entertainment. Info: www.killingtonclassic.com Big Bike Weekend, Oct. 11-13, Redding, Calif. Meet up with several thousand of your friends and ride some of the best roads in the country, enjoy great entertainment, and shop top vendors in Redding this October. Also, check out the Oakland Police Drill Team, back from a two-year hiatus, and watch the Redding Police Dept. Invitational Motor Competition, or try your hand at the Civilian Motor Competition patterns. Info: www.bigbikeweekend.com
AMA National Grand Tours
AMA National Grand Tours, presented by Shinko Tires and Fly Street Gear, are a comfortable alternative to an organized tour. The idea is to take pictures of yourself at key locations that fit a tour theme set by organizers. The riders who log the most (or best) locations within the time constraints can qualify to win prizes. Polar Bear Grand Tour: Jan. 1 - Dec. 31. AMA District 2 of New Jersey; www. polarbeargrandtour.com; bear1733@ comcast.net; (609) 894-2941. Big Money Rally Grand Tour: Jan. 1 - May 25. Big Money Rally; www. bigmoneyrally.com; bigmoneyrally@ hotmail.com. Tour Of Honor Grand Tour: April 1-Oct. 31. Tour Of Honor; www.tourofhonor.com; regis@tourofhonor.com. Smoke Chasing Grand Tour: March 25-Oct. 1. Team Strange Airheads; www.smokechasing.com; smokechasing@hotmail.com. WHERE WOULD YOU RIDE? “For those of you who have never gone to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally because you felt you didn’t fit the stereotype… I encourage you to experience it once in your lifetime. It’s a big melting pot and you can choose what sort of experience you want to have.”—Drew Mobley
AMA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE Never Ride Alone No matter where you ride this season, you can carry with you the peace of mind that only comes with AMA Roadside Assistance. For no additional cost when you elect to set up your membership to auto-renew with a valid credit card, you can ride knowing that free, bike-friendly roadside assistance is only a phone call away. Also covered are your cars, your trailers, your RVs and more. To sign up, call (800) 262-5646.
AMA National Extreme Grand Tours
These are high-mileage challenges for serious riders. For details on each tour, see the websites. USA Four Corners Grand Tour: Jan. 1-Dec. 31. Southern California Motorcycle Association (SCMA); www.sc-ma.com/ rides/usa-four-corners-tour-site. SCMA Three Flags Classic Grand Tour: Aug. 30 - Sept. 2. SCMA; www.scma.com/rides/three-flags-classic-tour.
AMA Flash Tours On Facebook
AMA Flash Tours on Facebook challenge you to get on the road to interesting destinations—many off the beaten path—and document the challenge for others. To participate, just email your photos that correspond to the active Flash Tour. We’ll add your photo to our AMA Flash Tours photo gallery on Facebook, and at the end of each Flash Tour, we’ll select a winner. As the name implies, these tours come and go quickly, so keep an eye on the AMA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ americanmotorcyclist for the operative tour and prizes.
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AMA REWARDS
Watch this space for updates about your valuable benefits as an AMA member.
FEATURED BENEFITS
AMA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE NEW! Save with Race Tech
Get 15 percent off your order at www.racetech.com by calling Race Tech directly at 951-279-6655 and providing your AMA number.
AMA Credit Card
Show your motorcycling passion and enjoy special rates with the AMA Visa Card from Capital One. Go to AMAVisa.com.
STAYING INFORMED American Motorcyclist
Each month, you receive the best magazine covering the motorcycle lifestyle with two versions to choose from: street or dirt.
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.
AMA Lodging
Save At Choice Hotels AMA members save 15 percent off the best available rates at participating Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality Inn®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay®, Rodeway Inn® and Econo Lodge® hotels. Reserve online at ChoiceHotels.com and use discount code #00947556.
Motorcycle Rentals
Parts And Gear
Save With BikeBandit.com Get 10 percent off your order at BikeBandit.com by entering your AMA number at checkout.
AMA Government Relations
A full-time staff in Washington D.C., California and Ohio protects your right to ride.
Lines, at (877) 518-7376 for at least $60 off standard rates. For international shipments, call Motorcycle Express at (800) 245-8726. To get your discount, be sure to have your AMA number handy. Motorcycle Express also offers temporary international insurance.
Car Rentals
Save Money When You Drive Get up to 25 percent off prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency. For Avis, enter discount code: D388100. For Budget, enter code: Z942000.
AMA 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 MotorcycleMuseum.org.
PRODUCT DISCOUNTS ActionStation/Bohn Body Armor Save 10 percent. Go to www. actionstation.com/ama/ and use coupon code AMAB4U at checkout.
AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame
Arrive And Ride EagleRider offers a 10 percent discount on Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW and Polaris rentals and tours. Call (888) 900-9901.
Save $5 on admission to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame at AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio.
Motorcycle Shipping
AMA members can place free ads in the AMA member classifieds at AMA.Sprocketlist.com or AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Shop >
Ride Where You Want In the United States, call Federal Companies, an agent for Allied Van
AMA/Sprocketlist Online Classifieds
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AMA Roadside Assistance Offers: • Coverage for bikes, cars, pickups, motorhomes and trailers (excluding utility trailers) registered to you, your spouse, and dependent children under the age of 24, living at home or away at college. • Coverage in all 50 states and Canada. • Towing up to 35 miles, with all dispatch and hook-up fees. • Flat tire, lockout, battery and minor-mechanical assistance. • Emergency fuel, oil, water, fluid delivery. • No exclusions for older motorcycles. • Toll-free assistance available 24/7/365. • AMA Roadside Assistance pays first. No need to pay and wait for reimbursement. Classifieds.
AMA Supercross And AMA Arenacross Tickets
Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off. Call (800) AMA-JOIN for details.Biker Rain Chaps Save 25 percent. Visit www. bikerrainchaps.com/ama/.
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Save 10 percent by calling (800) 9743032. Ezylift.com.
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Get 15 percent off your order at www. racetech.com by calling Race Tech directly at 951-279-6655 and providing your AMA number.
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rates. Call (800) RED-ROOF and use the code VP+ 503343 or go to www. redroof.com and enter the code in the field labeled “VP+/ID#” when making reservations. RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine offers a 20 percent subscription discount to AMA members. RoadRUNNER is the touring expert of North America, providing info on the best places to ride. AMA discount code is CRIAMA at www.roadrunner.travel/promo/ama.
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Schampa Cold-Weather Gear Save 15 percent. Enter SCHAMA during checkout at Schampa.com.
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A few of the hundreds of AMA-sanctioned events this month, detailed on the following pages.
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The battle for AMA Supercross supremacy continues this month with the stars of AMA Supercross banging handlebars in stadiums April 6 in Houston, April 13 in Minneapolis, April 20 in Seattle and April 27 in Salt Lake City. For more info, go online to www.amasupercross.com.
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The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation will host the Northeast Florida Ride for Kids event on Sunday, April 21, in a new location in Jacksonville, Fla. For information about all of the 2013 Ride for Kids events, go to www.rideforkids.org.
GO RIDE
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Join up with a bunch of your riding pals and head off to prison as part of the Yuma Prison Run rally, April 19-20, at the Yuma County Fairgrounds in Arizona. Hosted by the Norwalk Centaurs Motorcycle Club, the annual event is a fundraiser for needy children. Information: www.yumaprisonrun.com.
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Enjoy a good mix of fire service roads and twisty rural blacktop that begins in east Tennessee and goes into western North Carolina as part of the Slate Creek 500 Adventure Ride in Bybee, Tenn., April 13-14. The Slate Creek 500 Adventure Ride is part of the AMA Yamaha Super Tenere National Adventure Riding Series. For the full schedule, see page 55.
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JULY 19-21
2013
COMING UP
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Catch some exciting amateur roadracing action by heading over to the Carolina Motorsport Park in Kershaw, S.C., April 14-15. It’s all part of the USGPRU National Championship Series. For the full schedule, see page 54.
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The Reading Motorcycle Club is hosting a road poker run on April 20 in Oley, Pa. Information: www.readingmc.com.
Start planning your riding routes now for the 2013 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days July 19-21 at MidOhio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Get together with tens of thousands of your newest friends for a rockin’ good time. More information is available online at www. amavintagemotorcycledays. com.
The pace is fast and furious in the AMA Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series. Catch the action April 14 in Forest Hill, La., and April 28 in West Point, Tenn. For the full schedule, see page 52.
April 2013
49
APRIL EVENTS ALABAMA
GEORGIA
COMPETITION
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
MOTOCROSS
APR 6: PELL CITY: RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM
APR 13: WASHINGTON: AONIA PASS M.X., (706) 678-3737
APR 7: PELL CITY: RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM
APR 14: WASHINGTON: AONIA PASS M.X., (706) 678-3737
ARIZONA
High Adventure. No Hassle.
The best routes, roads and twotrack, mapped by local experts. A great challenge with like-minded riders. A full weekend’s activities, with camping, campfires, food and prizes. For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding.
THE ADVENTURE is out there
come
Get it
ILLINOIS
RECREATIONAL
RECREATIONAL
ROAD RUN
DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD
APR 19-20: YUMA: 2-DAY EVENT, NORWALK MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (661) 245-3932, YUMAPRISONRUN.COM
APR 7: LEAF RIVER: FOREST CITY RIDERS M/C, (815) 624-6535, FORESTCITYRIDERS.COM
COMPETITION
COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES
ENDURO APR 14: ARIZONA TRAIL RIDERS, (602) 692-9382, ARIZONATRAILRIDERS.ORG CALIFORNIA RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD APR 14: SAN BERNARDINO: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG ROAD RUN APR 20: SACRAMENTO: CAPITAL CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (916) 442-8242, CAPITALCITYMC.COM COMPETITION ENDURO APR 6-7: LAKEPORT: 2-DAY EVENT, NORTH BAY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (707) 568-6321, BLM.GOV APR 21: (Includes ATVs) RED MOUNTAIN: TRAINING WHEELS MC, (760) 949-9221, TRAININGWHEELSMC.COM HARE & HOUND APR 13-14: (Includes ATVs) JOHNSON VALLEY: 2-DAY EVENT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (949) 981-6776 APR 27: (Includes ATVs) LUCERNE VALLEY: 2 DAY EVENT, VIKINGS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (310) 490-4575, VIKINGSMC.COM OBSERVED TRIALS APR 6-7: 2-DAY EVENT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (805) 368-0996, SCTATRIALS.COM SHORT TRACK APR 6: SAN JOSE : P & D PROMOTIONS INC, (408) 2494336, SANJOSEINDOOR.COM COLORADO COMPETITION
APR 27-28: (Includes ATVs) PLAINVIEW: 2-DAY EVENT, WFO PROMOTIONS, (309) 314-3343 MOTOCROSS APR 6: CASEY: LINCOLN TRAIL MOTOSPORTS, (217) 932-2041, LINCOLNTRAILMOTOSPORTS.COM APR 7: CASEY: LINCOLN TRAIL MOTOSPORTS, (217) 932-2041, LINCOLNTRAILMOTOSPORTS.COM APR 27: WALNUT: 4P PROMOTIONS INC, (815) 379-9534, SUNSETRIDGEMX.COM APR 28: WALNUT: 4P PROMOTIONS INC, (815) 379-9534, SUNSETRIDGEMX.COM SHORT TRACK APR 14: (Includes ATVs) BELLEVILLE: SEAT TIME MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (618) 233-1318, BELLEVILLEHONDA.COM INDIANA COMPETITION ENDURO APR 21: ROSELAWN: GRAND KANKAKEE TRAIL RIDERS, (708) 946-0999, GKTRAILRIDERS.COM HARE SCRAMBLES APR 27: COLUMBUS: STONEY LONESOME M/C, (812) 342-4411, WW.STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM MOTOCROSS APR 13: (Includes ATVs) CAYUGA: PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (309) 838-5062, PLEASURERIDERS.NET APR 14: CAYUGA: PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (309) 838-5062, PLEASURERIDERS.NET APR 27: CROTHERSVILLE: LET’S GO RACING LLC, (812) 374-8228, HIGHFLYMX.COM APR 28: CROTHERSVILLE: LET’S GO RACING LLC, (812) 374-8228, HIGHFLYMX.COM OBSERVED TRIALS
MOTOCROSS APR 21: STERLING: MILE HIGH MX, (303) 748-9417, PAWNEECYCLECLUB.COM APR 28: MILLIKEN: TWO RIVERS RACING LLC, (970) 587-5770 DELAWARE COMPETITION
APR 20: LIGONIER: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (574) 386-4061, MOTATRIALS.COM APR 21: LIGONIER: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (574) 386-4061, MOTATRIALS.COM IOWA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS
MOTOCROSS APR 27-28: NEW CASTLE: 2-DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 375-1059, MAMAMX.COM FLORIDA RECREATIONAL
APR 20: (Includes ATVs) SHELLROCK: NEW HARTFORD RACING INC, (319) 885-6469, NEWHARTFORDRACING.COM APR 21: (Includes ATVs) SHELLROCK: NEW HARTFORD RACING INC, (319) 885-6469, NEWHARTFORDRACING.COM
POKER RUN APR 7: FT. WALTON BEACH: SAND DOLLAR MC, INC., (850) 244-0376, SANDDOLLARMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM ROAD RUN APR 14: DEERFIELD BEACH: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG
Sponsored by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
www.yamaha-motor.com
APR 21: JACKSONVILLE: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG
KENTUCKY COMPETITION MOTOCROSS APR 20: (Includes ATVs) OAKLAND: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM APR 21: (Includes ATVs) OAKLAND : VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM APR 27-28: (ATV only) OAKLAND: 2-DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM
APRIL EVENTS LOUISIANA COMPETITION ENDURO APR 13-14: FOREST HILL: 2-DAY EVENT, ACADIANA DIRT RIDERS, INC., (337) 5192520, ACADIANADIRTRIDERS.COM MARYLAND
APR 21: RICHWOODS: LACHANCE RACING, (573) 701-8674, ROMPMX. COMMONTANA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES APR 6: WHITEHALL: LONE PEAK RACING LLC, (406) 223-0478, MONTANAXC.COM
COMPETITION
APR 7: WHITEHALL: LONE PEAK RACING LLC, (406) 223-0478, MONTANXC.COM
MOTOCROSS
NEW JERSEY
APR 13: MECHANICSVILLE: 2-DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 375-1059, MAMAMX.COM MASSACHUSETTS COMPETITION OBSERVED TRIALS APR 28: WRENTHAM: KING PHILIP TRAIL RIDERS, (508) 479-5681, KINGPHILIPTRAILRIDERS.ORG MICHIGAN COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES APR 14: (Includes ATVs) PORTLAND: PORTLAND TRAIL RIDERS, (517) 6477045, PORTLANDTRAILRDIERS.COM MOTOCROSS APR 7: (Includes ATVs) PORTLAND: PORTLAND TRAIL RIDERS, (517) 6477045, PORTLANDTRAILRIDERS.COM APR 13: BRONSON: JB MX MOTORSPORTS, (419) 636-5430, LOGROADMX.COM APR 14: BRONSON: JB MX MOTORSPORTS, (419) 636-5430, LOGROADMX.COM APR 27: (Includes ATVs) BELDING: GRATTAN RACEWAY MOTOCROSS, (616) 691-7221, GRATTANMX.COM APR 28: (Includes ATVs) BELDING: GRATTAN RACEWAY MOTOCROSS, (616) 691-7221, GRATTANMX.COM MINNESOTA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS APR 7: KELLOGG: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 244-9996, MOTOKAZIE.COM APR 21: MAZEPPA: HURRICANE HILLS MX, (507) 843-5154, HURRICANEHILLS.COM
COMPETITION ENDURO APR 14: CHATSWORTH: PINE BARONS ENDURO RIDERS, (609) 502-6737, PBER. WEBS.COM APR 21: PORT ELIZABETH: TRI-COUNTY SPORTSMEN MC INC., (888) 247-4469, TEAMHAMMER.ORG NEW YORK RECREATIONAL APR 28: FARMINGVILLE: RIDERS OF FIRE MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (631) 2357196, ROFMC.COM POKER RUN APR 28: BRONX: CELTIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (914) 924-9217, CELTICM.C.C.COM TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL APR 27: HANCOCK: 2 DAY EVENT, BEAR CREEK SPORTSMEN, (732) 271-1616, BEARCREEKSPORTS.ENT.COM COMPETITION MOTOCROSS APR 6: (Includes ATVs) AUBURN: FROZEN OCEAN MOTOCROSS INC, (315) 7845466, FROZEN-OCEAN.COM APR 7: (Includes ATVs) AUBURN: FROZEN OCEAN MOTOCROSS INC, (315) 7845466, FROZEN-OCEAN.COM NORTH CAROLINA
APR 7: (Includes ATVs) SANFORD: DEVILS RIDGE MX, (919) 776-1767, DEVILSRIDGEMOTOX.COM APR 20: HENDERSON: MOTOPROMO, LLC, (252) 438-8192, NCMP.NET APR 21: HENDERSON: MOTOPROMO, LLC, (252) 438-8192, NCMP.NET OHIO
HARE SCRAMBLES
HARE SCRAMBLES APR 14: BIXBY: MIDWEST TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (314) 434-5095, RIDEMTRA.COM
APR 28: LEBANON: LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (717) 270-9797, LEBANONVALLEYMC.COM APR 28: SPRING CITY: FREEDOM RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (215) 679-4766, FREEDOMRIDERSPA.COM ROAD RUN APR 20: OLEY: READING MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (610) 987-6422, READINGMC. COM
ENDURO
APR 28: (Includes ATVs) AMESVILLE: ATHENS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 593-7459 MOTOCROSS APR 7: (Includes ATVs) SUGAR GROVE: CENTRAL OHIO COMPETITION RIDERS INC., (740) 983-3937 APR 21: GREENVILLE: TREATY CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (937) 548-7197, TREATYCITYMC.COM APR 28: (Includes ATVs) MARYSVILLE: AMERICAN MOTOSPORTS LLC, (937) 3582427, AMERICANMX.COM PENNSYLVANIA
MOTOCROSS
RECREATIONAL
APR 20: RICHWOODS: LACHANCE RACING, (573) 701-8674, ROMPMX.COM
ADVENTURE RIDE APR 28: SPRING MILLS: XPLOR-INT LLC,
APR 13-14: (ATV only) BLOUNTVILLE: 2-DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM TEXAS RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN APR 28: HUMBLE: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG ROAD RALLY APR 4: WILLS POINT: BIKERS ADULT RALLY, LLC., (972) 551-0024, BIKERSADULTRALLY.COM COMPETITION MOTOCROSS APR 20: EDGEWOOD: KINGDOM MOTORSPORTS LLC, (214) 939-4321, BUFFALOCREEKMX.COM
1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK
APR 21: EDGEWOOD: KINGDOM MOTORSPORTS LLC, (214) 939-4321, BUFFALOCREEKMX.COM
APR 20: (Includes ATVs) BLOOMSBURG: SHIPPENSBURG MC, (717) 796-0294, BAERMOTORSPORTS.COM
COMPETITION
HARE SCRAMBLES
ROAD RACE
APR 28: (Includes ATVs) BERWICK: BP PROMOTIONS, (215) 357-1534 MOTOCROSS
APR 20: TOOELE: 2 DAY EVENT, UTAH SPORT BIKE ASSOCIATION, (435) 277RACE, MILLERMOTORSPORTSPARK.COM
APR 21: ELKLAND: MILES MOUNTAIN MX, (570) 418-2260, MILESMOUNTAINMX.COM
COMPETITION
APR 27: SEWARD : PLEASURE VALLEY RACEWAY, (814) 539-4114, PVRMX.COM
UTAH
VIRGINIA GRAND PRIX
APR 28: SEWARD: PLEASURE VALLEY RACEWAY, (814) 539-4114, PVRMX.COM
APR 28: BRISTOL: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (276) 669-0981, VCHSS.ORG
APR 28: THREE SPRINGS: ROCKET RACEWAY, (717) 574-6590
HARE SCRAMBLES
OBSERVED TRIALS APR 7: VALLEY VIEW: RAUSCH CREEK POWERSPORTS, (570) 682-4600, RAUSCHCREEKRACING.COM APR 7: (Includes ATVs) SHIPPENSBURG: SHIPPENSBURG MC, (717) 796-0294, BAERMOTORSPORTS.COM
APR 28: KELLOGG: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 244-9996, MOTOKAZIE.COM
MISSOURI
APR 21: YORK: YORK MOTORCYCLE CLUB, YORKMOTORCYCLE.COM
MOTOCROSS
APR 7: SHADE: ATHENS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 593-7459, ATHENSMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM
COMPETITION
APR 20: SKIPPACK: BLUE COMET MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 489-1240, BLUECOMETMC.COM
SHORT TRACK
APR 21: BROOK PARK: BERM BENDERS RACEWAY, (320) 679-2582, BERMBENDERS.COM
APR 28: RED WING: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG
APR 14: SCHUYLKILL: SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 3851460, SCHUYLKILLMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM
COMPETITION
COMPETITION
APR 27: RED WING: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG
POKER RUN
COMPETITION
BIKE BLESSING
APR 21: BROOKSTON: ECHO VALLEY MOTOCROSS PARK, (218) 348-4754, ECHOVALLEYMOTOCROSS.COM
OBSERVED TRIALS
(610) 470-8897, XPLOR-INT.COM
APR 13: WEST LAMPETER: MASON DIXON MOTORSPORTS PARK, (443) 528-7648 APR 27: (Includes ATVs) SPRING RUN: TWO WHEEL PROMOTIONS, (717) 3685902, PATHVALLEY.COM TENNESSEE RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE APR 13-14: BYBEE: 2-DAY EVENT, APPALACHIAN TRAIL RIDERS, (865) 3220193, VOLUNTEERRIDERS.COM
APR 14: ARRINGTON: APRIL FOOLS PROMOTIONS LLC, (757) 375-5665, VCHSS.ORG MOTOCROSS APR 28: SUTHERLIN: BIRCH CREEK PROMOTIONS, LLC, (434) 836-7629, BIRCHCREEKMXPARK.COM WISCONSIN COMPETITION MOTOCROSS APR 7: GRANTSBURG: STRAIGHT ARROW ENDURO RIDERS, (651) 5874435, STARIGHTARROWS.ORG APR 14: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 265-1582, AZTALANMX. COM APR 21: (Includes ATVs) HILLPOINT: SUGAR MAPLE MX LLC, (608) 393-8812, SUGARMAPLEMX.COM
ENDURO
APR 28: (Includes ATVs) NEKOOSA: RAPID ANGELS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (715) 451-1168, RAPIDANGLES.COM
APR 28: WESTPOINT: NORTH ALABAMA TRAIL RIDERS ASSN, (256) 683-4129, HTTP://NATRA.DIRTRIDER.NET
APR 28: GRANTSBURG: STRAIGHT ARROW ENDURO RIDERS, (651) 5874435, STAIGHTARROWS.ORG
MOTOCROSS
OBSERVED TRIALS
APR 7: (Includes ATVs) BLOUNTVILLE: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM
APR 14: MAUSTON: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRAILS ASSOCIATION, (319) 624-2003, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG
COMPETITION
DUAL SPORT ADVENTURE www.Colorado2day.com April 2013
51
2013 EVENTS HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Recognizing those who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling. Dirt-Track! All-American Motorcycle Racing: Celebrating the storied history of the men and machines who battle on the dirt oval. 30-Year Ride: Honda’s Ohio-made Motorcycles: Gold Wings aren’t the only bikes that Honda produced at its plant in Marysville, Ohio. This exhibit showcases the 30 years of production, from the CR250 to the Rune.
June 21-23: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park
May 11-12: Rossville, Ind.: Wildcat Creek MX
Monster Action Sports; (334) 318-8475; monstermx.com
May 25-26: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge
May 28: Springfield, Ill.: Mile, Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; stevenaceracing.com
July 12-14: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
June 8-9: Danville, Va.: Birch Creek Motorsports
July 19-21: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
July 6-7: Delmont, Pa.: Steel City
Aug. 2-4: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park Aug. 16-18: Indianapolis: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Aug./Sept.: TBD
July 13-14: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla July 27-28: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud Aug. 10-11: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn’s Ranch AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Sept. 13-15: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park
AMA ARENACROSS ARENACROSS.COM
Sept. 27-29: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
March 15-17: Denver: Denver ColiseumHAMPIONSHIP
AMA PRO FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM
AMA ENDUROCROSS ENDUROCROSS.COM
March 14: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Shorttrack, Daytona Flat Track
May 3: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena June 8: Sacramento, Calif.: Sleep Train Arena
Founder’s Hall: Honoring the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s generous contributors.
March 15: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Shorttrack, Daytona Flat Track May 4: Ariz.: TBD
March 15, Daytona Beach, Fla.: Breakfast at Daytona with Scott Russell. Information: www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
Sept. 21: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena
May 11: Stockton, Calif.: Half-mile, San Joaquin County Fairgrounds
Oct. 12: Denver: National Western Complex
May 26: Springfield, Ill.: Mile, Illinois State Fairgrounds
Oct. 26: Everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena
July 19-21, Lexington, Ohio: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Information: www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com. AMA PRO RACING AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP AMASUPERCROSS.COM March 9: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway March 16: Indianapolis: Lucas Oil Stadium March 23: Toronto, Canada: Rogers Centre
June 8: Ohio: TBD June 29: Lima, Ohio: Half-mile, Lima County Fairgrounds July 6: Hagerstown, Md.: Half-mile, Hagerstown Speedway July 20: Elma, Wash.: Half-mile, Grays Harbor Raceway July 27: Sacramento, Calif.: Mile, Cal Expo
April 6: Houston: Reliant Stadium
Aug. 3: Castle Rock, Wash.: TT, Castle Rock Race Park
April 13: Minneapolis: Metrodome
Aug. 11: Peoria, Ill.: TT, PMC Race Park
April 20: Seattle: CenturyLink Field
Aug. 17: Indianapolis: Mile, Indiana State Fairground
April 27: Salt Lake City: Rice-Eccles Stadium May 4: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium AMA MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP MXSPORTSPRORACING.COM
Sept. 1: Springfield, Ill.: Mile, Illinois State Fairgrounds Sept. 29: Santa Rosa, Calif.: Mile, Sonoma County Fairgrounds Oct. 5: Ariz.: TBD
May 18: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic
Oct. 12: Pomona, Calif. Half-mile, LA County Fairplex
May 25: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley
AMA PRO HILLCLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM
June 1: Blountville, Tenn.: Bristol June 8: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point June 22: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek
June 2: Jefferson, Pa. June 9: Freemansburg, Pa. June 12: Canaan, N.H.
June 29: Southwick, Mass.: Moto X 338
June 22: Oregonia, Ohio
July 6: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud
July 14: West Branch, Mich.
July 20: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal
July 24-31: Swain, N.Y.
July 27: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek
August: TBD
Aug. 10: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla
Sept. 8: Freemansburg, Pa.
Aug. 17: Salt Lake City: Miller Motorsports Park
Sept. 29: Jefferson, Pa.
Aug. 24: Lake Elsinore, Calif.: Lake Elsinore AMA PRO ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM March 14-16: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway April/May: TBD May 31-June 2: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road
52
America
AmericanMotorcyclist.com
Oct. 13: Oregonia, Ohio AMA PRO ATV MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP ATVMOTOCROSS.COM March 23-24: Washington, Ga.: Aonia Pass MX
Nov. 9: Boise, Idaho: Idaho Center
June 21: Harpursville, N.Y.: ST, Square Deal Riders; squaredealriders.com July 20: Ashland, Ohio: Half-mile, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Ashland County Fairgrounds; Ken Saillant, AMA; (800) 2625646; americanmotorcyclist.com/racing Aug. 16: Indianapolis: ST, Mid-America Speedway; Jim Terchila; (317) 871-4392; info@midamspeedway.com Sept. 21: Cuddebackville, N.Y.: ST, Ron Edlin, Tri-State MC; (845) 566-4956; tristateclub.com Sept. 22: Cuddebackville, N.Y.: ST, Ron Edlin, Tri-State MC; (845) 566-4956; tristateclub.com AMA VINTAGE HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM May 4-5: Athens, Ohio: Action Moto-Park, www.actionsportsracing.com June 1-2: Coldwater, Mich.: Log Road Motocross, www.logroadmx.com June 22-23: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports, www.lincolntrailmotosports. com
Nov. 23: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena
July 19-21: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, www.amaracing.com
AMA NATIONAL ENDURO NATIONALENDURO.COM
AMA VINTAGE MOTOCROSS AMARACING.COM
March 24: Blackwell, Texas: Joseph Roberts, Ross Creek Trail Riders; (325) 669-8866, RossCreekTrailRiders.com
May 4-5: Athens, Ohio: Action Moto-Park, www.actionsportsracing.com
April 14: Forest Hill, La.: Tracy Barstow, Acadiana Dirt Riders; (337) 519-2520, AcadianaDirtRiders.com April 28: West Point, Tenn.: Paul Traufler, NATRA; (256) 683-4129, NATRA.DirtRider.net June 9: Marquette, Mich.: Nick Zambon, UP Sandstormers; (906) 228-7010, UPSandstormers.com June 23: Blain, Pa.: Jim Landvater, Susquehanna Off Road Riders, (717) 926-6035, sorrmc.org July 28: Cross Fork, Pa.: Peter Burnett, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 368-7332, ber.us Sept. 15: Lynnville, Ind.: Gil Jochem, IN, IL, KY Enduro Riders; (812) 624-0344, blackcoal.org Oct. 20: Oklahoma City: Chuck Howard, Oklahoma Dirt Riders; (405) 249-6702, okiedirtriders.com AMA VINTAGE DIRT TRACK AMARACING.COM March 9, Savannah, Ga.: Half-mile, Oglethorpe Speedway, Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; stevenaceracing.com March 11: Barberville, Fla.: Half-mile, Volusia County Speedway; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; stevenaceracing.com March 12: Barberville, Fla.: ST, Volusia County Speedway; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; stevenaceracing.com
April 13-14: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway
May 18: Tallassee, Ala.: ST, Monster Mountain MX Park; Tom Brinkman, Monster Action Sports; (334) 318-8475; monstermx.com
April 27-28: Bowling Green, Ky.: Ballance MX
May 19: Tallassee, Ala.: ST, Monster Mountain MX Park; Tom Brinkman,
June 1-2: Coldwater, Mich.: Log Road Motocross, www.logroadmx.com June 22-23: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports, www.lincolntrailmotosports. com July 19-21: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, www.amaracing.com AMA EAST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM March 23, Amateur and Youth: Berwick, Pa.: Duane Fisher, Evansville MX Park; (570) 759-2841; EvansvilleMXPark.com April 14, Amateur and Youth: Arrington, Va.: Chuck Honeycutt, April Fools Promotions; (757) 375-5665; aprilfools62@ verizon.net April 27-28, Amateur and Youth Double Youth Round: Plainview, Ill.: Ron Whipple, WFO Promotions; (309) 314-3343; WFOPromotions.com May 18-19, Amateur and Youth: Valley View, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600; RauschCreekRacing.com June 8-9, Amateur and Youth: Virgil, N.Y.: Ken Rose, Greek Peak Trail Riders; (585) 297-2742; GreekPeak.com AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM April 13, Youth; April 14, Amateur: Shasta Lake, Calif.: Karl Hankins, Redding Dirt Riders; (530) 953-7272; ReddingDirtRiders.com July 6, Youth and C Amateur; July 7, Pro, A and B Amateur: Elkton, Ore.: Toni Bamford, ETRA Inc.; (541) 505-4511; ETRA.netAMA HARE & HOUND Youth and Amateur Championships AMARACING.COM March 24, Amateur and Youth: Murphy, Idaho: No ATVs. Bill Walsh, Dirt Inc.; (208) 459-6871; DirtIncRacing.com
2013 EVENTS April 13, Youth; April 14, Amateur: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Justin Shultz, SoCal Motorcycle Club; (949) 981-6776; SoCalMC.com April 27, Youth; April 28, Amateur: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Steve Williams, Vikings Motorcycle Club; (310) 490-4575; VikingsMC.com May 4, Amateur and Youth: Jericho, Utah: Talisa Flitton, Sage Riders; (435) 660-0430; SageRidersMC.com May 18, Amateur and Youth: Jericho, Utah: KC Bogue, Sugarloafers Motorcycle Club; (435) 864-8305; SugarLoafersMC. com July 13, Amateur: McCarran, Nev.: No ATVs. Erek Kudla, Get-Xtr-Eme; (805) 2365866; Get-Xtr-Eme.com Aug. 24, Amateur and Youth: Panaca, Nev.: Zach Livreri, Silver State Trailriders; (702) 645-2506; desertracer24p@gmail. com Oct. 12, Youth; Oct. 13, Amateur: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Ryan Sanders, 100’s Motorcycle Club; (949) 584-9395; 100sMC.org AMA NATIONAL MID AMERICA CROSS COUNTRY SERIES WWW.THEMAXC.COM April 13: Canaan, Ind: Monster Mountain May 11: Bloomfield, Ind: River Run June 9: Springville, Ind: Riley Hospital Miracle Trail Race June 28-30: Nashville, Ind: Big Nasty July 27: Burnettsville, Ind: Peaceful Valley Aug. 10: Martinsville,, Ind: Copperhead Row Sept. 7: Monrovia, Ind: The Bulldog Sept. 28: Plymouth, Ind: The Blackhawk Oct. 19: Gosport, Ind: Rally in the Valley Nov. 2: TBD AMA ATV MOTOCROSS ATVMOTOCROSS.COM March 23-24: Washington, Ga.: Aonia Pass MX April 13-14: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway April 27-28: Bowling Green, Ky.: Ballance MX May 11-12: Rossville, Ind.: Wildcat Creek MX May 25-26: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge June 8-9: Danville, Va.: Birch Creek Motorsports
July 13: Goldsboro, N.C.: Busco Beach; (919) 222-9614; buscobeach.com
AMA NATC WEST YOUTH TRIALS AMARACING.COM
AMA ALL-STAR FLAT TRACK AMARACING.COM
July 28: Ashtabula, Ohio: Bud Fischer, Pine Lake Off-Road Facility; (440) 9974166; williamfischer07@yahoo.com
TBA
March 8: Savannah, Ga.: Half-mile, Oglethorpe Speedway; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; stevenaceracing.com
AMA FEATURED SERIES AMA MID-SOUTH CROSS COUNTRY WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES MSXC.COM
Aug. 23: Batavia, N.Y.: Keith Dawydko, Batavia Motor Speedway; bataviamotorspeedway.com
Feb. 17: Bucksnort, Tenn.: Foxhollow
Aug. 24: Batavia, N.Y.: Keith Dawydko, Batavia Motor Speedway; bataviamotorspeedway.com
March 3: Gardendale, Ala.: Cornerstone Ranch
AMA ATV HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM
March 23-24: McEwen, Tenn.: Tumbling Creek
March 24: Berwick, Pa.: Duane Fisher, Evansville MX Park; (570) 759-2841; EvansvilleMXPark.com
AMA WESTERN CHECKPOINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP RIDECHEC.COM
March 16-17: Anza, Calif.
April 28: Plainview, Ill.: Ron Whipple, WFO Promotions; (309) 314-3343; WFOPromotions.com
April 6-7: Lake Port, Calif. April 13-14: Camp Wood, Ariz.
May 19: Valley View, Pa.: Amateur and Youth, Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600; RauschCreekRacing.com
April 20-21: Red Mountain, Calif. May 18-19: Gorman, Calif.: Two-day qualifier
June 9: Virgil, N.Y.: Amateur and Youth, Ken Rose, Greek Peak Trail Riders; (585) 297-2742; GreekPeak.com
June 1-2: Boise, Idaho: Two-day qualifier
AMA SPEEDWAY AMARACING.COM TBA AMA SWM NATC MOTOTRIALS AMARACING.COM
June 22-23, Rounds 3 and 4: Swanton, Vt.: Denver Wilson, Green Mountain Plonkers Trials Club; (802) 236-7338; greenmountainplonkers.org
March 12: Barberville, Fla.: ST, Volusia County Speedway; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; stevenaceracing. com
Aug. 15-17: Carlisle, Iowa
Oct. 26-27: Elkins Flat, Calif.
BIG 6 AMA WEST COAST GRAND PRIX SERIES BIG6RACING.COM
VIRGINA CHAMPIONSHIP HARE SCRAMBLES SERIES VCHSS.ORG
April 6-7: Twentynine Palms, Calif.: Rodeo and Motoplex, Hilltoppers MC
March 24: Dillwyn, Va.
May 4-5: Primm, Nev.: Buffalo Bills Casino, Shamrocks MC
April 14: Arrington, Va.: AMA National April 28: Bristol, Va. May 5: Martinsville, Va.
Aug. 3-4, Rounds 7 and 8: Sipapu, N.M.: Lance Butler, New Mexico Trials Association; (505) 332-3172; nmtrials.org
June 23: Rural Retreat, Va.
July 5-7: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Ashley Jackson, South Eastern Trials Riders Association; (423) 942-8688; trailstrainingcenter.com
March 11: Barberville, Fla.: Half-mile, Volusia County Speedway; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; stevenaceracing.com
Sept. 28-29: Toulon, Nev.
May 26: Surry, Va.
AMA NATC EAST YOUTH TRIALS AMARACING.COM
March 10: Daytona Beach, Fla.: ST, Daytona Flat Track; Dave Joiner, Fast Fridays; (530) 878-7223; fastfridays.com
AMA HEARTLAND CHALLENGE HEARTLANDCHALLENGE.COM
July 27-28, Rounds 5 and 6: Kingman, Ariz.: Mike Carlton, Central Arizona Trials Inc.; (928) 681-5700; mcparks.com
Aug. 24-25, Rounds 9 and 10: Duluth, Minn.: Steve Ahleri, Northland MC Riders Association; (218) 349-9578; dam@cpinternet.com
March 10: Barberville, Fla.: Half-mile, Volusia County Speedway; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; stevenaceracing.com
Sept. 13-14: Johnson Valley, Calif.: Two-day qualifier
Nov. 9-10: Stoneyford, Calif.
June 15-16, Rounds 1 and 2: Cayuta, N.Y.: David Reed, District 4 Trials Committee; (607) 796-9558; district4trials. org
March 9: Savannah, Ga.: Half-mile, Oglethorpe Speedway; Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; stevenaceracing.com
June 9: Ivor, Va. July 28: Bristol, Va. Aug. 11: Martinsville, Va. Aug. 25: Penhook, Va. Sept. 8: Sutherlin, Va. Sept. 22: Spring Grove, Va. Sept. 29: Chatham, Va. Oct. 13: Rural Retreat, Va. Oct. 27: Dillwyn, Va. Nov. 10: Spring Grove, Va.
June 1-2: Anza, Calif.: The Ranch, So Cal MC Oct. 5-6: Ridgecrest, Calif.: Ridgecrest Fairgrounds, Viewfinders MC Nov. 2-3: Gorman, Calif.: Quail Valley, Prospectors MC Dec. 7-8: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway, Vikings MC EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION ENDURO SERIES ECEA.ORG
March 17: Greenbank, N.J.: Meteor MC, (856) 889-7300; meteormc.com March 24: Shamong, N.J.: South Jersey Enduro Riders, (609) 268-9272; sjer.org April 14: Chatsworth, N.J.: Pine Barons Enduro Riders, (609) 654-6300; meteormc.com
July 6-7: Delmont, Pa.: Steel City July 13-14: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla July 27-28: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud
Check Out the All-New AMA CLASSIFIEDS! YOUR ONLINE MARKETPLACE FOR MOTORCYCLES, POWERSPORTS & MORE.
Aug. 10-11: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn’s Ranch AMA ATV EXTREME DIRT TRACK EDTRACING.COM May 4: Kinston, N.C.: Ironclad Motorsports, Lenoir County Fairgrounds; (252) 624-9808; ironcladmotorsports@ gmail.com May 25: Oktaha, Okla.: Outlaw Motor Speedway; (918) 687-9200; outlawmotorspeedway.com June 14: Sioux Falls, S.D.: Sioux Valley Cycle Club; (605) 977-3866; siouxvalleycycleclub.com June 15: Sioux Falls, S.D.: Sioux Valley Cycle Club; (605) 977-3866; siouxvalleycycleclub.com
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April 2013
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2013 EVENTS April 21: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: TriCounty Sportsmen MC, (888) 274-4469; teamhammer.org May 5: Delaware City, Del.: Delaware Enduro Riders, (302) 834-4411; delawareenduroriders.com May 26: St. Clair, Pa.: Reading Off-Road Riders, (610) 921-3592; rorr.org June 9: Deposit, N.Y.: Ridge Riders MC, (973) 919-4780; ridgeriders.org June 16: Grier City, Pa.: High Mountain Dirt Riders, (570) 954-7799; hmdr.org June 23: Blain, Pa.: Susquehanna OffRoad Riders, (717) 533-2242; sorrmc.org July 14: Gillett, Pa.: Southern Tier Enduro Riders, (607) 382-8534; ster-mc.org July 28: Cross Fork, Pa.: Brandywine Enduro Riders, (610) 368-7332; www.ber.us Aug. 11: Three Springs, Pa.: Green Marble Enduro Riders, (410) 638-9367; greenmarbleenduroriders.org Aug. 18: Berkshire, N.Y.: Ithaca Dirt Riders, (607) 657-8248; ithacadirtriders.com Aug. 25: Mauricetown, N.J.: Competition Dirt Riders, (609) 319-7496; competitiondirtriders.org Sept. 8: Shippensburg, Pa.: South Penn Enduro Riders, (717) 265-6055; southpennenduroriders.com
April 20-21: Binghamton, N.Y.: BroomeTioga Sports Center; (607) 849-4438
AMA IATVHSS IATVHSS.COM
April 27-28: Armagh, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway; (814) 695-2453
TBA
May 11-12: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point; (304) 284-0084
AMA ENDURO TRIALS TRIALSTRAININGCENTER.COM
Raceway; (612) 919-3457
March 9-10: Bloomingdale, Ga.: Roebling Road Raceway
NORTHEAST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
June 29-30: Tamaqua, Pa.: 2-Day, Reading Off-Road Riders, (610) 921-3592 July 20-21: Jefferson Township, Pa.: 2-Day, Ridge Riders MC, (973) 919-4780 Aug. 3-4: Moosic, Pa.: 2-Day, High Mountain Dirt Riders, (570) 954-7799 Sept. 21-22: Plymouth Township, Pa.: 2-Day, High Mountain Dirt Riders, (570) 954-7799 Sept. 28-29: Three Springs, Pa.: 2-Day, Green Marble Enduro Riders, (410) 638-9367
June 29-30: Danville, Va.: Amateur, Budds Creek; (304) 284-0084
June 15-16: Millville, Minn.: Amateur,
July 6-7: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America
SOUTHEAST AREA QUALIFIERS
June 29-30: Byron, Ill.: Youth, Byron Motosports Park; (815) 234-2271
July 20-21: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsport Park Aug. 17-18: Loudon, N.H.: New Hampshire Motor Speedway Sept. 21-22: South Beloit, Ill.: Blackhawk Farms Oct. 19-20: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway ASRA TEAM CHALLENGE SERIES AMARACING.COM
March 16-17: Hamer, S.C.: South of the Border; (423) 323-5497
April 20-21: Edgewood, Texas: Buffalo Creek MX; (214) 939-4321
May 11-12: Okeechobee, Fla.:
Moto Playground; (870) 342-5373
Thundercross MX Park; (321) 689-3461
MX; (706) 278-1620
June 8-9: Blountville, Tenn.: Amateur,
Aug. 25: Summit Point, W.Va.: Summit Point Circuit (3 hours, or 200 miles)
Wild Cat Creek MX; (765) 379-2482
Gatorback; (321) 689-3461
March 23-24: Rossville, Ind.:
Sept. 8: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsport Park
April 13-14: Coldwater, Mich.: Log Road
Oct. 19: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway
April 20-21: Bowling Green, Ky.:
USGPRU SERIES AMARACING.COM
April 27-28: Crothersville, Ind.: Highfly
March 9-10: Bloomingdale, Ga.: Roebling Road Raceway
May 4-5: Buchanan, Mich.: Red Bud MX;
MX; (419) 636-5430 Ballance MX; (423) 323-5497 MX; (812) 374-8228 (269) 695-6405 May 11-12: Livingston, Tenn.: Thunder Valley MX; (423) 323-5497
June 15-16: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Speedway
May 11-12: Midland, Mich.: Polka Dots
July 6-7: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America
May 18-19: Nelsonville, Ohio: Fast Traxx
July 20-21: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsport Park
MID-EAST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Motorcycle Club; (989) 832-8284
Motoplex; (740) 767-3740
Aug. 17-18: Loudon, N.H.: New Hampsire Motor Speedway
May 25-26: Millfield, Ohio: Youth,
Sept. 21-22: South Beloit, Ill.: Blackhawk Farms
June 22-23: Millington, Mich.: Amateur,
NORTHEAST AREA QUALIFIERS
March 9-10: Hedgesville, W.Va.: Tomahawk; (304) 229-6682
Oct. 26-27: Millville, N.J.: 2-Day, Competition Dirt Riders, (609) 319-7496
March 23-24: Englishtown, N.J.: Englishtown; (732) 446-7800
MX Park; (903) 498-4659
May 4-5: Gaston, S.C.: Palometto Motorsports Complex; (423) 323-5497
MID-EAST AREA QUALIFIERS
AMA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS MXSPORTS.COM
SOUTH CENTRAL AREA QUALIFIERS
March 9-10: Kemp, Texas: UnderGround
June 15: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Speedway
May 25-27: Summit Point, W.Va.: Summit Point Circuit
Spring Creek MX; (507) 753-2779
April 20-21: Henderson, N.C.: North Carolina Motorsports Park; (252) 438-8192
June 22-23: Gainesville, Fla.: Youth,
April 14-15: Kershaw, S.C.: Carolina Motorsport Park
NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
April 6-7: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek MX; (205) 699-8857
May 18: South Beloit, Ill.: Blackhawk Farms Raceway
Oct. 5-6: Eagleswood, N.J.: 2-Day, Pine Barons Enduro Riders, (609) 654-6300
AmericanMotorcyclist.com
(815) 238-1614
June 15-16: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Speedway
Muddy Creek Raceway; (423) 323-5497
June 1-2: Paxinos, Pa.: 2-Day, South Penn Enduro Riders, (717) 938-0690
May 18-19: Mt. Carroll, Ill.: MC Motopark;
May 25-27: Summit Point, W.Va.: Summit Point Circuit
April 28: Topeka, Kan.: Heartland ParkTopeka
May 18-19: Eagleswood, N.J.: 2-Day, Motorcycle Competition Inc., (609) 575-7820
May 11-12: Little Falls, Minn.: Little Falls
June 1-2: New Berlin, N.Y.: Youth, Unadilla Valley Sports Center; (607) 965-8450
Oct. 20: New Lisbon, N.J.: Ocean County Competition Riders, (609) 7582747; occr.net
May 11-12: Coal Township, Pa.: 2-Day, Valley Forge Trail riders, (610) 476-3747
May 4-5: Montezuma, Iowa: Fun Valley
May 25-26: Danville, Va.: Birch Creek Motorsports; (434) 836-7629
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
April 27-28: TBA: 2-Day, Meteor MC, (856) 889-7300
419-2863
ASRA CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMARACING.COM
April 14: Kershaw, S.C.: Carolina Motorsport Park
March 2-3: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: 2-Day, Tri-County Sportsmen MC, (888) 274-4469
May 4-5: Tigerton, Wis.: Motozone; (920)
Moto X; (641) 623-3456
Sept. 15: Brandonville, Pa.: Valley Forge Trail Riders, (484) 948-5361; vftr.org
EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION HARE SCRAMBLES SERIES ECEA.ORG
MX; (815) 379-9534
TBA
May 18-19: Chatsworth, Ga.: Lazy River
Nov. 24: New Lisbon, N.J.: Central Jersey Competition Riders, (732) 5586475; cjcrmc.org
April 27-28: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge
May 18-19: Winchester, N.H.: Winchester Speed Park; (603) 239-6406
March 9: Bloomingdale, Ga.: Roebling Road Raceway
Nov. 10: Warren Grove, N.J.: Motorcycle Competition Inc., (609) 575-7820; ride-mci.com
54
Nov. 16-17: New Castle, Del.: 2-Day, Delaware Enduro Riders, (302) 834-4411
Sunday Creek MX; (304) 284-0084
Baja Acres; (989) 871-3356 NORTH CENTRAL AREA QUALIFIERS
March 9-10: Du Quoin, Ill.: Paradise MX; (618) 542-6203
April 27-28: Carencro, La.: Vay Way May 4-5: Ponca City, Okla.: Ponca City MX; (580) 762-3635 May 4-5: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley; (303) 697-1003 May 18-19: Little Rock, Ark.: Tony Wynn MX; (870) 342-5373 SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
June 1-2: Wortham, Texas: Amateur, Freestone; (713) 962-3386 June 15-16: Prentiss, Miss.: Youth, Golden Pine; (601) 506-8669 NORTHWEST AREA QUALIFIERS (MORE MAY BE ADDED)
March 16-17: Richland, Wash.: Horn Rapids MX; (509) 496-2958 April 13-14: Milford, Calif.: Honey Lake; (530) 827-2639 May 4-5: Turlock, Calif.: Oatfield Raceway; (740) 297-6686 May 11: Washougal, Wash.: One-day event: Washougal; (360) 601-5347 NORTHWEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP June 8-9: Washougal, Wash.: Youth and Amateur, Washougal; (360) 601-5347 SOUTHWEST AREA QUALIFIERS (MORE MAY BE ADDED)
March 9-10: Hesperia, Calif.: Competitive Edge; (760) 947-9054 March 16-17: Haleiwa, Hawaii: Kahuku MX; (808) 668-6276 May 4-5: Turlock, Calif.: Oatfield Raceway SOUTHWEST REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
April 6-7: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail
May 25-26: Anza, Calif.: Youth and Amateur, The Ranch; (949) 276-5153
Motorsports; (217) 932-2041
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
April 20-21: Richwood, Mo.: Romp MX;
July 29-Aug. 3: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.:
(573) 701-8674
National Championship, Loretta Lynn’s
2013 EVENTS Ranch
Sept. 29: Teutschenthal, Germany
AMA BIG SKY AMATEUR NATIONAL OFF-ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP BIGSKYXC.COM
FIM INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS OF ENDURO FIM-LIVE.COM
CLIMB TO BIG SKY QUALIFIERS
May 25-26: Wellston, Ohio, East
March 24: Blackwell, Texas: AMA National Enduro Championship
Qualifier: William Depue Jr.; Appalachian Dirt Riders; (740) 384-6379; ADROhio.org
April 6-7: Whitehall, Mont.: AMA Pipestone XC
June 1-2: Idaho City, Idaho, West
April 13-14: Madison, Ind.: AMAMACC, Monster Mountain XC
Riders; (208) 384-5141; ADROhio.org
April 14: Arrington, Va.: AMA East Hare Scrambles Championship April 20, Youth: Westpoint, Tenn.: AMA SERA Enduro April 28, Amateur: Westpoint, Tenn.: AMA SERA Enduro
Qualifier: Peter Reynolds; Boise Ridge
Sept. 30-Oct.5: 2013 ISDE: Sardegna, Italy BUB MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS BUBENT.COM Aug. 25-29: Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats
May 5: Van Etten, N.Y..: AMA WNYOA Dream Riders
COOK MOTORSPORTS PRIVATE LAND SPEED SHOOTOUT
May 12: Millville, Minn.: AMA D23
SEPT. 12-16: Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats
July 6-7: Elkton, Ore.: AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship
AMA DUAL-SPORT/ADVENTURE SERIES
July 6-7: Blairmore, Alberta, Canada: Shale Shaker XC Aug. 24-25: Big Sky, Mont.: Jamey Kabisch, Lone Peak Racing; (406) 2230478; BigSkyXC.com
May 28-31: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds AMA HILLCLIMB GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM Aug. 9-11: Monson, Mass.: Jim O’Connell, Quaboag Riders; (413) 267-0332 AMA EXTREME ENDURO GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS TENNESSEEKNOCKOUTENDURO.COM Aug. 17-18: Sequatchie, Tenn.: KENDA Tennessee Knockout, Trials Training Center AMA VINTAGE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM July 19-21: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: U.S. ROUNDS/WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FIM ROAD RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND PRIX FIM-LIVE.COM
April 19-21: Austin, Texas: Circuit of The Americas July 19-21: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Aug. 16-18: Indianapolis, Ind.: Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayFIM WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP WORLDSBK.COM
Sept. 27-29: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca FIM WORLD TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP TRIALSTRAININGCENTER.COM May 25-26: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Trials Training Center FIM TRIAL DES NATIONS FIM-LIVE.COM
Sept. 8-9: La Chatre, France FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS FIM-LIVE.COM
Aug. 17: Tillamook, Ore.: Rat Dog Dual Sport, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com Aug. 17-18: Wolverine, Mich.: Ted’s Chandler Hill Challenge, Great Lakes Dual Sporters, Jeremay Valley; (989) 751-6863; www.gldsmc.org Sept. 7-8: Golden Pond, Ky.: Land Between The Lakes 200, KT Riders, Jesse Thomas; (270) 522-3703; www.lbl200.com Sept. 13-15: Reno, Nev.: Ride Reno 200, Dust Devils MC, Gary Lambert; (775) 2240361; www.dustdevilsmc.com Sept. 21-22: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www. kaeppnerswoods.com Sept. 28-29: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Dual Sport, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 6493633; www.familyoffroadadventures.com Sept. 28-29: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; www.widualsportriders.org
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
AMA DIRT TRACK GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM
Aug. 10-11: Columbus, Ind.: Buffaloe 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772; www.stoneylonesomemc.com
AMA HUSQVARNA NATIONAL DUALSPORT SERIES, PRESENTED BY FMF AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM March 16-17: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Cross-Florida Adventure Ride, Dixie Dual Sport Inc., Robert Frey; (727) 919-8299; www.dixiedualsport.com May 18-19: Zaleski, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www. kaeppnerswoods.com June 1-2: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Adventure Ride, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343; www.durtydabbers.com
Oct. 12-13: McArthur, Ohio: Baby Burr National Dual Sport, Enduro Riders Assn., Steve Barber; (614) 582-7821; www.enduroriders.com Oct. 26-27: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www. arizonatrailriders.org
Sept. 6-13: Buena Vista, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Autumn Hot Springs Adventure Tour, Exit Tours, Michael Brown; (281) 6868625; www.coloradodualsport.com Sept. 21-22: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www. kaeppnerswoods.com Oct. 26-27: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www. arizonatrailriders.org Nov. 2-3: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 or (856) 7852754; www.teamhammer.org
AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ NATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
April 13-14: Bybee, Tenn.: Slate Creek 500, JB Saki Promotions, John Strange; (865) 322-0193; www.volunteerriders.com
Aug. 1-5: Stevenson, Wash.: Dual Sport Northwest, Sound Rider!, Tom Mehren; (206) 329-7808; www.soundrider.com
Aug. 10-11: Columbus, Ind.: Buffaloe 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772; www.stoneylonesomemc.com
Nov. 29-30: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA Dist-37 Dual-Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.dist37ama. org
June 8-13: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com
July 27-28: Ray, Ohio: Black Bear National Dual Sport, Chillicothe Enduro Riders, Kevin Claytor; (740) 637-2714; www.chillicotheenduro.com
June 9-13: Atlanta, N.Y.: Thrills in the Hills, Wayne County MC, John Albanese; (315) 946-3082; www.waynecountymc. com
Nov. 29-30: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA Dist-37 Dual-Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.dist37ama. org
March 16-17: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Cross-Florida Adventure Ride, Dixie Dual Sport Inc., Robert Frey; (727) 919-8299; www.dixiedualsport.com
July 20-27: Gwinn, Mich.: 29th Annual Michael R. Burlingham Memorial Six Days of Michigan, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Lewis Schuler; (517) 416-0126; www.cycleconservationclub.com
June 8-13: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com
Nov. 16-17: Hammonton, N.J.: Pine Barrens 300, Cross Country Cycles, Jack O’Connor; (732) 714-8874; www.pinebarrens500.org
June 8-9: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride for Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; www.widualsportriders.org
June 29-30: Matthews, Ind.: Covered Bridge National Dual Sport, Muddobbers MC, Doug Spense; (765) 998-2236; www.muddobbersmc.org
June 1-2: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Adventure Ride, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343; www.durtydabbers.com
Nov. 2-3: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 or (856) 7852754; www.teamhammer.org
June 1-2: Bixby, Mo.: Show Me 200, Midwest Trail Riders Assn., Robert Kaufman; 314) 434-5095; www. ridemtra.com June 1-2: Custer, Mich.: Whiskey Creek Classic, Great Lakes Dual Sporters, Jeramey Valley; (989) 751-6863; www.gldsmc.org
May 18-19: Tolland, Mass.: Berkshire Big Adventure, Berkshire Trail Riders, Ross Mauri; (845) 729-1715
April 28: Spring Mills, Pa.: West Pennsylvania Adventure Beginner Ride, XPLOR Int’l, Alain Kaldewaay; (610) 4708897; www.xplor-int.com
AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS, PRESENTED BY SHINKO TIRES AND FLY STREET GEAR AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM Through April 14: The Polar Bear Grand Tour: AMA District 2 of New Jersey, www.polarbeargrandtour.com Jan. 1-May 25: The Big Money Rally: www.bigmoneyrally.com March 25-Oct. 1: Eddie’s Road and Team Strange Airheads Smoke Chasing Grand Tour: Eddie’s Road and Team Strange Airheads; www.smokechasing. com April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor Grand Tour: Tour of Honor; www.tourofhonor. com
May 4-5: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Adventure Tour, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 6493633; www.familyoffroadadventures.com
AMA NATIONAL EXTREME GRAND TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
May 5: Spring Mills, Pa.: West Pennsylvania Adventure Beginner Ride, XPLOR Int’l, Alain Kaldewaay; (610) 4708897; www.xplor-int.com
Jan. 1-Dec. 31: SCMA Four Corners Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycling Association; www.usa4corners.org.
May 18-19: Zaleski, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www. kaeppnerswoods.com
Aug. 30-Sept. 2: SCMA Three Flags Classic Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycling Association; www.sc-ma. com.
April 2013
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April 2013
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GUEST COLUMN RIDER IN SOUL, ENVIRONMENTALIST AT HEART Mud splatters my goggles as I crowd the tail of my dad’s KTM. My wrist cranks the throttle, and my tires scramble for traction, spinning up the sludgy grade. In the last few yards of the steep, narrow climb I slam into first, pop over the last slick tree root, and cling to the handlebars with all the gracefulness of a crazed circus monkey. If the adrenaline rush is not reward enough, the view from the top is. We kill our engines, ease off our mud-caked helmets, and sit perched on our exhausted machines in awe amid perfect silence. Pines and greenery cover the neighboring mountain faces, bending in unison with the fresh, crisp breeze. The thrill of the climb is why I am a motorcyclist. That moment at the top when the engines shut off and the panorama unfolds is why I am an environmentalist. Over the years, I’ve learned that the two— motorcyclist and environmentalist—are sometimes as congenial as Paul Bunyan and Julia Butterfly. As if being young and female were not enough to set me apart from the crowd that I usually ride with (namely, my dad’s 50-and-over male motorcyclist friends), identifying myself with the “E”-word makes me stick out even more. “Nothing will appease the extreme environmentalists,” my dad tells me when I ask if the skirmish between motorcyclists and environmentalists will ever be reconciled. “They have a war against off-road motorcyclists. If they had their way, they would bulldoze L.A. and turn it back to its natural state.” We were lucky enough to ride the off-highway Eden that is Clear Creek—mining-turned-recreation land in San Benito County— before the Bureau of Land Management deadbolted the gates to its 242-miles of off-road trails. Concerns over an Environmental Protection Agency study that found concentrated asbestos in the area spiraled into a lawsuit leading to the region’s 2008 closure. Presented on its surface, keeping the public out of Clear Creek seems responsible: inhaling toxic asbestos fibers in the name of “fun” seems as intelligent as swapping your morning coffee with race fuel for an extra kick. Yet, there is much more to Clear Creek’s case, and the issue represents a larger rider-versus-environmentalist trend. Nearly 30 years ago, Clear Creek recreationalists and opposing conservationist environmentalists began a two-decade-long legal showdown over the evening primrose—a little yellow, four-petaled darling native to Clear Creek’s dusty hills. This “officially threatened” flower caused much hullabaloo among environmentalists and subsequent headaches among recreationalists. The primrose battle failed to blossom into a victory for closureoriented environmentalists, but it’s still a cautionary nightmare for many motorcyclists like my dad. “They will always try to find something else to complain about,” he warns. “That’s how they work, they have much more money to go to court than motorcyclists. Closure by litigation.” While the environmentalist on my shoulder tempts me to call out his generalization, I cannot discount his criticism of “extreme environmentalists” as mere pessimists. Evidence suggests some sneakiness on the environmentalist side of the Clear Creek clash. In a Los Angeles Times article, BlueRibbon Coalition representative Don Amador stated that though Clear Creek’s earth contains asbestos, the study that led to its closure fails to show the presence of carcinogenic asbestos (compared to other, less-serious forms), questioning the very reason for shutting it down. Was the asbestos scare a mere subterfuge? The groups that initiated the primrose battle, the California Native
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AmericanMotorcyclist.com
Plant Society and the Center for Biological Diversity, remained involved in Clear Creek proceedings following their loss. In a press release after the court’s asbestos decision, CNPS’s executive director commended the EPA for closing the land: “The heavy off-roading has endangered the public and ruined the area for everyone.” From a rider perspective, it’s easy to question whether these groups were genuinely concerned with the safety of motorcyclists. My dad’s friends argue land-access dramas such as Clear Creek prove that some environmentalists work the system to trample motorcyclists’ rights and lock up newly designated Wilderness land in, as the Sierra Club’s website states, “support for the Wilderness Act’s prohibition of ‘mechanized modes of transport,’ including nonmotorized vehicles, from entry into designated Wilderness.” The guys I ride with are not the type to pick a fight. They would rather complain about arm pump and getting roosted than talk about the Sierra Club. The issue is close enough to their hearts, however, that my questions on the subject always rile them. What’s more, environmentalists accomplish their aims by engaging motorcyclists in a game that environmentalists will always be betterequipped to win—litigation. Every month American Motorcyclist reports on the developments in various land battles, and they rarely seem short of material. In a recent, more upbeat example, December’s issue celebrated the planned reopening of 40,000 acres in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, affectionately known as Glamis. This, however, was after years of wrangling with Endangered Species Act watchdogs. Part of being an environmentalist means protecting the environment, but in places like Glamis, motorcycle tires touch only a fraction of the area allotted them. We trail riders like our tiny singletrack challenges. Such thin trails hardly infringe on any fragile species that share the space. If anything, such trails give motorcyclists a better appreciation for undeveloped land. Thus, dirtbikers are fighting to maintain their right to ride responsibly on designated public land. However, environmentalists, too, are trying to preserve not only the land we ride on, but also the reason why we ride in these far off places. Places such as Clear Creek foster appreciation for both of these loves: our country’s breathtaking, untouched landscapes, and riding the small winding trails that weave discretely through them. Tiare Hoegerman is an AMA member in Sebastopol, Calif.
Photo Josh Armstrong Photography
Enjoying Nature’s Treasures From Two Wheels By Tiare Hoegerman
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