American Motorcyclist 07 2013 Street Version (preview)

JULY 2013

Maggie McNally: Your New Board Chair

Photo Joe Grant Photography

Touring the Florida Keys

THE JOURNAL OF THE

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NAVIGATION

Navigation Photo

Opponents of off-highway riding are hard at work on Capitol Hill trying to block access to public land in Utah and elsewhere, but we’re fighting back. To read more, see page 16.

Photo: Dust Devils Motorcycle Club.

12. LETTERS

You write, we read.

14. WAYNE ALLARD People power.

16. RIGHTS

Millions of acres in Utah are under attack, and AMA Capitol Hill Lobby Day is June 19.

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.

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July 2013 Volume 67, Number 7 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com

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22. RIDING

AMA Board Chair Maggie McNally talks about the past, present and future of the association, while two Hall of Famers are elevated to Legend status.

40. HALL OF FAME

A 1943 Indian raffle bike, and Hall of Famer Dick Burleson.

44. COMING AROUND ON SOUND

The AMA’s sound meter grant program and updates from the sound debate.

48. WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is old bike paradise, from racing to the swap meet.

52. GO RIDE

What to do, where to go.

62. STEVE LORBACH Lost and found.

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THE ADVENTURE is out there

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Maggie McNally, Chair Albany, N.Y. Russ Brenan, Vice Chair Irvine, Calif.

Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla.

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

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

Sean Hilbert, Hillsdale, Mich.

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.

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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 Renee Bock, Receptionist 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

Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator Ed Madden, System Support Specialist Peg Tuvell, Member Fulfillment Specialist ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Sean Maher, Director AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME 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

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

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DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES John Bricker, Mailroom Manager Heida Drake, Copy Center 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 Bill Miller, Web Architect MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager Kimberly Jude, Member Services Representative Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative

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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 OVERLOADED

The article in the June issue of American Motorcyclist by Rick Wheaton Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a Bike (“Loaded For The Road”) brought to Bandit gift card worth $100. Didn’t win? No mind my first motorcycle camping trip worries. You can still take advantage of your with my wife. I had been riding since 10% AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com.

1961 and in 1968 purchased an R60 BMW and decided the only way we could afford to travel was on the bike and to camp along the way.

The attached photo was taken in Baraboo, Wis., while visiting the Circus World Museum on a trip to visit Marilyn and Dave Armbrust her father in Benson, Minn.

I suppose this could be a poster of how not to pack your bike. I still ride and have the same wife but not the same bike and the traveling is done mostly by motorhome. I thought the office folks would get a laugh or two from the photo.

Dave and Marilyn Armbrust Lincoln, Ill. THE E15 ISSUE The E15 fuel situation is so important that all bikers and people who run small aircooled engines, boat motors, lawn mowers, etc., need to be aware of this issue. The Environmental Protection Agency is running amok on this one.

As AMA members, we have read in the last two months articles on E15. The federal government is trying to allow a higher concentration of ethanol in 2001 and newer passenger vehicles. The 15 percent blend isn’t approved for use in any motorcycle, ATV, boat engine or lawn mower, and can damage or void warranties. U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) has said there have been several tests highlighting E15’s harmful effects on engines, but these tests have all been dismissed by the EPA. They do not care about test results.

We need more people to join the fight by joining the AMA. They need our membership dollars to continue the fight in Washington. This is more serious than noise or mufflers, but the health and longevity of air-cooled engines and the motorcycles that we love. Be informed and look on the AMA website to learn about this problem for yourself. This is a very real case of government overreach.

Dale Wing Lincoln, Calif.

ETHANOL’S EFFECTS As a dirt/dual-sport rider, I’m certainly

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concerned about E15. Even E10 is a problem for me. After a dual-sport ride in Colorado where we ran into a lot of alcohol in the gas, I had to replace the petcock on my bike due to a tiny O ring that started leaking and wasn’t available separately.

If you think you have problems, think about another group. Airplane owners.

Many small planes are designed or approved to use automotive gas instead of avgas. No manufacturer I know of approves use of any gas containing alcohol.

If you get engine damage from alcohol in your bike, you may encounter some inconvenience and expense, but an engine failure in an airplane can be much more than inconvenient, not to mention more expensive, possibly by a factor of 10.

John Worsley Lenoir, N.C. ALL IN The AMA has members who ride big Harleys, sportbikes, and trailbikes—the list goes on. Most of us are interested in the issues that affect us, whether that’s sound, motorcycle-only checkpoints or what not.

For me, the issue is Wilderness (with a capital “W”), and you know what’s weird?

I ride streetbikes in a state with virtually no public land for off-highway riding.

In my mind, new Wilderness designations (with maybe a couple exceptions) are bogus. This is the greenies’ effort to usurp a law intended for a

completely different purpose and using it to lock responsible off-highway riders out of public land—land that we own and our taxes support. I’m telling you right now: off-road bikers who stay on the trail cause hardly any damage. Single-track trail is a sliver, a tiny tiny fraction, of the vast wideopen spaces that we ride through.

Sure, irresponsible riders and those who ride on truly fragile landscapes can cause isolated damage, and this should be prevented. Make no mistake, though.

These cases are probably less than a percentage point of all those out there.

You guys know the Wilderness debate, though. I’m preaching to the choir. My real reason for writing is even though I’ll probably never directly benefit from the AMA fighting the Wilderness battle, I want them to fight it—and win it. We all need this attitude if we’re going to succeed in protecting all our rights.

Michael Keefe Plainfield, Ill. STILL COOL Two years ago, my then 12-year-old son, Braden Parker, asked me to buy him a dirtbike. My quick [reply] was no. His father had passed away in a motorcycle accident.

But he didn’t give up, and I finally gave in after he promised me his dad would watch over him. So, we bought an off-brand bike and he began riding.

Since then, it has been an amazing journey. He raced last year in the Missouri State Championship Series and placed sixth overall in the 85cc Senior class. The bike that got him there was a 2004 KX85 we bought from Brad Hall of Chesterfield, Ill., and it was as sweet a bike as the guy we got it from. Thank you Brad Hall!

We also would not have been motivated to finish the year without the mentoring help we received from another person we met randomly while practicing close to home. His name is Stephen D. Garner Jr., and he became our racing friend and [is the] man who has taken Brady under his wing in this racing adventure. This year, Brady will be racing a YZ125 that Mr. Braden Parker and Stephen Garner

Garner located and rebuilt for us. Thank you so much, Stephen, for everything you do for this sport and for our family.

My point in sharing my personal story is this: If you or your child wants to get involved in the sport of motocross, and you are not sure about the adventure, take it from a single mom who wasn’t thrilled to begin this journey. Not only is it an enjoyable experience to see your child living his dream, but the people you will meet in motocross are some of the coolest people you will ever meet.

Thank you, AMA, and motocross people we have met along the way. You have made a difference for this single mom and her young motocross racing son’s life.

Blessings and happy riding to all.

Sandi Bernard Fulton, Mo. Red Light WoRRy In the May 2013 Statewatch section, you note, under Kansas: House Bill 2318, offered by the House Transportation Committee, would authorize the use of FMVSS-compliant motorcycle headlamp modulation systems and permit

the addition and use of body or wheel lamps of any color visible from the sides of the motorcycle but not the front or rear.

Never mind the “body or wheel lamps” for now. What confuses me is the discussion in this state bill, of authorizing what is already authorized. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 108 (49 CFR Part 571.108 S7.9.4) already mandate that all states permit the use of such compliant headlight modulators?

While I don’t have a headlight modulator on my current bike, I did install one on a prior bike. I kept a copy of the relevant federal code in a saddlebag because I would occasionally get stopped by law enforcement for having a (commercially manufactured) modulated headlight.

It has been my experience that there is confusion among all stakeholders regarding the legality of modulators. This proposal in Kansas only adds to that. If I’m correct in my interpretation, I think the AMA should be more aggressive in educating lawmakers in Kansas. And elsewhere.

Bill Pollack Niskayuna, N.Y.

You are correct, Bill. The FMVSS in 49 CFR Part 571.108 S7.9.4 permits the use of compliant motorcycle headlamp modulators in all 50 states.

Many law enforcements officers are not familiar with equipment standards for motorcycles, let alone an aftermarket product such as a (compliant) headlamp modulator. It gets worse when you introduce a federal regulation, which preempts state law to the contrary.

We receive numerous complaints from motorcyclists regarding citations for “a flashing lamp on an unauthorized vehicle.”

Most states have statute or code provisions that restrict “flashing lamps” to emergency vehicles and other authorized users.

State statutes authorizing modulators are an effort to reduce unnecessary road stops. At last check, Arizona, California, Illinois, Michigan, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, Virginia and Wisconsin specifically permitted compliant modulator use.

That’s good advice to carry a copy of the federal regulation, but a law enforcement officer doesn’t have to consider it.

According to more than one member, when they tried to reference the paperwork, they were told to “save it for the judge.”

TRIM SAFETY

VIEWPOINT PEOPLE POWER

Opinions Matter In Washington, D.C., Especially Yours

The nation’s capital may seem to be a long way from your favorite back road, forest trail or motorcycle gathering place. But it really isn’t.

Whether we like it or not, decisions made in Washington, D.C., affect us all. Many

By Wayne Allard people try to just ignore what is going on inside the beltway, figuring there is nothing they can do about it until national election time.

That kind of thinking can cost us our riding freedoms.

That’s because motorcycling’s opponents are hard at work on Capitol Hill trying to pass laws to tell us what, when, where and how we can ride. They want to influence federal legislators and bureaucrats to discriminate against us.

For example, federal taxpayer dollars are used to pay for motorcycle-only checkpoints. Here’s another: Under federal rules, health-insurance policies can refuse to pay for medical care related to a motorcycle crash.

Then there’s E15 fuel—gasoline that contains 15 percent ethanol. It’s now being forced on the market without adequate testing on motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle engines.

Opponents of motorcycling are powerful and well-funded.

We will never have the millions and millions of dollars needed to match the spending of our opponents. What we do have is passion, and the potential of millions of motorcyclists’ voices asking federal lawmakers to stand up for us.

Blocking and overturning unjust laws and decisions requires a strong partnership between active and passionate motorcyclists and elected officials. Those officials will listen to us if we band together.

All of us need to contact our lawmakers about issues affecting us. We need to show up for rallies in Washington, D.C., to show our lawmakers that we are real people—and voters—with real concerns.

Can you really influence your federal lawmaker by contacting him or her, or by showing up for an AMA Washington, D.C., lobbying day?

Yes, absolutely.

How do I know?

For 18 years, I was a federal lawmaker, serving first as a U.S. representative and then a U.S. senator from Colorado.

Federal lawmakers are the people’s representatives, and they take that responsibility very seriously. The fact is that lawmakers care about their constituents.

If enough of their constituents are concerned about an issue, the lawmakers will take a hard look at it to make an informed decision.

That is my experience on Capitol Hill. That’s why I believe we can fight the good fight in Washington, D.C., with our strength in numbers because we don’t have our opponents’ tens of millions of dollars.

The “lead law” victory also showed me that federal lawmakers listen. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (that is, the lead law), among other things banned the sale of

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kids’ off-highway vehicles because of concerns over lead ingestion. In 2011, President Barack Obama signed into law a bill exempting kids’ OHVs from the law. The victory was the result of nearly three years of intensive efforts by the AMA, members like you and millions of advocates of responsible OHV recreation.

During the lead-law fight, hundreds of thousands of parents, kids and motorcycling club members responded to AMA calls for action to contact their elected officials. The AMA also held a lobbying day that involved kids, parents and other concerned adults who put a human face on the issue for federal lawmakers.

These efforts, along with those of volunteers who circulated petitions and took other actions, brought the lead-law issue to the attention of Congress and turned the tide in our favor.

So by using AMA lobbying tools in the Rights section of our website at www.americanmotorcyclist.com—and attending lobbying rallies in Washington, D.C.—your voice can, and will, be heard.

I’m inviting you now to help us put a human face on the E15 fuel issue by attending the AMA’s E15 “Fuel for Thought” lobbying day on Wednesday, June 19, in Washington, D.C. The purpose is to help educate lawmakers about the need to research the possible harmful effects of E15 fuel on motorcycle and ATV engines. E15 is now becoming available at gas stations, but isn’t approved for use in any motorcycles or ATVs. The E15 Fuel for Thought lobbying day will begin with a motorcycle ride around the Capitol. Participants will then visit their congressional delegations’ offices to ask for support for H.R. 875, which calls for new research.

All lobby day participants will receive a fuel gift card for one tank of gas (supply is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis), a special patch made just for the event and a gift bag.

For more information about the E15 issue and to sign up for the AMA E15 lobbying day on Capitol Hill, contact grassroots@amacycle.org. I look forward to seeing you there.

Wayne Allard is AMA vice president for government relations.

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Millions of Acres in UtAh Under AttAck

Popular Riding Areas In Moab, San Rafael Swell Could Be Closed Legislation that would close 9.1 million acres of Utah public land to off-highway vehicles by designating it as Wilderness has been introduced in Congress.

The legislation is H.R. 1630, called America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act and introduced by U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-N.J.). Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced a similar bill: S. 769. Both bills were introduced on April 18.

Once land is designated as Wilderness, no vehicles, including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles or bicycles, are allowed on that land.

Included in the 9.1 million acres are existing OHV riding areas around Moab, the San Rafael Swell and Chimney Rock. These popular OHV riding areas represent some of the most important remaining OHV recreation areas in Utah, and are some of the most popular with responsible OHV riders. The targeted areas also include existing roads and developments.

Passage of the legislation would have a significant, negative effect on local economies already struggling to recover from the recession.

“It is outrageous that Rep. Holt of New Jersey and Sen. Durbin of

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Illinois would attempt to bypass the Utah congressional delegation to shut down 9 million acres in Utah to just about everyone but hikers,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “This legislation is also puzzling because much of the land in question doesn’t come close to meeting the definition of Wilderness that’s spelled out in federal law.”

According to the Wilderness Act of 1964, Wilderness can only apply to land “retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation.”

On April 18, members of Utah’s congressional delegation sent a letter to their congressional colleagues asking them to withhold their support for the legislation.

The lawmakers, Sens. Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee, and Reps. Rob Bishop, Chris Stewart and Jason Chaffetz, wrote: “In fact, Utah elected officials, including the governor, state legislative leadership, rural county commissioners and Utah’s Republican and Democratic members of Congress have unanimously opposed this bill.”

“The Utah delegation is not opposed to preserving wilderness-quality

lands,” they wrote. “In fact, several members of the Utah delegation are working on a Utah lands bill based on input from state and local government officials, conservation groups and other stakeholders. This will be a balanced bill that provides for both conservation and development opportunities in a locally driven, transparent process.”

Allard, a former U.S. senator who represented Colorado, says the Utah congressional delegation “is doing this properly by making it a bottom up process with input from affected citizens and communities instead of a top down process from Washington.

The Wilderness area the New Jersey member is attempting to force onto the people of Utah is almost twice the size of his state, with no public input from the people of Utah.”

The AMA is calling on all motorcyclists and OHV enthusiasts to help stop H.R. 1630 and S. 769.

The fastest way to reach your U.S. representative or senators is a telephone call.

You can find contact information for your elected officials easily online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com in the Rights > Issues & Legislation section.

A pre-written email is also available there to send to your representative or senators by following the “Take Action” option after entering your information.

AMA LOBBY DAY IN WASHINGTON, D.C., JUNE 19

Help Educate Lawmakers About Possible E15 Fuel Dangers An important date—June 19— is just days away so prepare now to be in in Washington, D.C., for the AMA “Fuel for Thought” lobbying day.

The AMA is organizing the lobbying day to help educate lawmakers about the need to research the possible harmful effects of E15 fuel on motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle engines.

E15 is a gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hasn’t approved its use in motorcycles or ATVs. The EPA has approved its use in 2001-and-newer lightduty vehicles, which include cars, lightduty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles, however.

The E15 lobbying day will begin with a motorcycle parade around the Capitol building, followed by a rally on the West Lawn. Participants will then visit their congressional delegations’ offices to ask for support for H.R. 875, which calls for new research.

“It’s very important for motorcyclists who will be attending the ‘AMA Fuel for Thought’ lobbying day to let us know that they are coming so that we can help arrange meetings with their lawmakers,” says Danielle Fowles, AMA grassroots coordinator. “That will also help us get needed information to participants, from the theoretical to the practical, such as the major concerns related to E15 for motorcyclists and where to park at the Capitol.”

For more information about the E15 issue and to sign up for the AMA E15 lobbying day on Capitol Hill, contact grassroots@ama-cycle.org or log on to www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

AMA’S WAYNE ALLARD MODERATES CRASH SITE MANAGEMENT PANEL

Experts Explain Do’s And Don’ts Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, served as moderator for a panel discussion on “crash site management” at the Lifesavers National Conference on Highway Safety Priorities, April 14-16, in Denver.

Former U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (left) and the AMA’s Wayne Allard.

AMA HERO AWARD PRESENTED TO DENNY REHBERG Former Lawmaker Honored For Supporting Motorcyclists

The AMA gave former U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) its “Hero” award for his support of motorcyclists and allterrain vehicle riders while in office.

Rehberg was singled out for his extraordinary efforts during the two-year 112th Congress that ended late last year. Specifically, he was honored for his tireless efforts to exempt kids’ dirtbikes and ATVs from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which had banned the sale of those vehicles.

Among other things, Rehberg introduced legislation to end the ban.

“Here again, a law meant to improve children’s safety is actually being enforced in a way that puts kids in more danger than ever, while destroying jobs to boot,” Rehberg said of the ban at the time. “It’s critical that we put to rest any confusion once and for all so kids can just get outside and ride. There’s no excuse for continued bungling that only stops kids from using the very youth-

sized off-road vehicles that are intended to keep them safe.”

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 banned the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under that contained more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part. On Aug. 12, 2011, President Obama signed into law H.R. 2715 to exempt kids’ off-highway vehicles from the law.

“Rep. Rehberg deserves a lot of thanks for his efforts, not only for introducing legislation and speaking with his colleagues about the lead-law issue, but also for his support of the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb lobbying day,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “Families and their children came to Capitol Hill on that day to lobby their federal lawmakers, putting a human face on the issue. Rep. Rehberg was a tremendous help for that effort.”

The conference was billed as “the largest gathering of highway safety professionals” in the United States.

Allard moderated a panel that discussed the proper management of a motorcycle accident scene involving property damage, injury or fatality. Panelists discussed proper helmet removal, proper documentation and the importance of keeping track of details.

Panelists were Colleen Vetere of

Accident Scene Management Inc.; Dave Bean, who is a crash investigation specialist with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Jason Abraham, a lawyer; and Mark Trostel, a driving safety instructor at Encana Oil and Gas. Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager, also attended the conference.

Szauter attended several panel discussions, including “What You Need to Know About Distracted Driving.”

July 2013

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KEY LAWMAKERS OPPOSE MILITARY TAKEOVER OF CALIFORNIA’S JOHNSON VALLEY But Popular Riding Area Remains Under Threat

A key federal lawmaker has land for the Marine Corps could introduced a bill to stop U.S. be put to better use,” Cook Navy efforts to expand a military added. base into the popular Johnson Instead, Cook put together Valley off-highway vehicle riding a plan that would create the area in Southern California.

Johnson Valley National OffPlus, another powerful Highway Vehicle Recreation legislator supports the bill.

Area and keep the land in the The Department of the Navy hands of the U.S. Bureau of wants to expand a Marine Corps Land Management. base at Twentynine Palms, “Marine training could still Calif., into Johnson Valley. But take place at specific times, U.S. Rep. Paul Cook U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.), a but only with agreement by the retired Marine colonel who now represents Bureau of Land Management and only the area, introduced a bill in April to at times that would not interfere with the designate Johnson Valley as a national offmany off-highway motor vehicle events in highway vehicle recreation area, protecting the area,” Cook wrote. it from a Navy takeover.

The military hopes to begin training on The bill also would authorize limited the Johnson Valley land next year. But it military use of the area. will be up to Congress to decide whether Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, the base can expand. chairman of the House Armed Services A coalition of groups is working to Committee, co-sponsored the bill: H.R. stop the Navy takeover of Johnson 1676.

Valley, including the California Motorized Cook said the training of the U.S. Recreation Council, which is a non-profit Marine Corps is vital to the safety of the association that includes the leadership American people, and the exercises taking of the largest off-highway vehicle place on the Twentynine Palms base recreation organizations in California. enable our Marine forces to defend our CMRC membership includes the Offnation and its allies throughout the world.

Road Business Association, California “However, I can’t support the expansion Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs Inc., plan offered by the Marine Corps, which California Off-Road Vehicle Association, would hand them ownership of Johnson the AMA, American Sand Association, Valley. Marine Corps ownership would California-Nevada Snowmobile prevent many public-space activities, Association, AMA District 36 (Northern including big public off-highway events California, Northwestern Nevada) and like King of the Hammers, from taking AMA District 37 (Southern California) Offplace,” Cook wrote in a statement. “OffRoad. roaders and other users of Johnson Valley In July 2012, the Navy released a final make huge contributions to the economic environmental impact statement for the well-being of the Morongo Valley, and expansion of the Marine Corps base. losing that revenue during slow economic Under the Navy’s plan, it would allow times would be devastating. public use of only about 40,000 acres of “Protecting the Marine Corps’ budget is the 190,000-acre Johnson Valley offextremely important to me, and I believe highway vehicle area, and for only 10 the funds set aside for purchasing this months a year.

To see what the AMA and others have done on the Johnson Valley issue, or to learn more about what’s at stake, go to the informative AMA Johnson Valley OffHighway Vehicle Recreation Area webpage at www. americanmotorcyclist.com/ Rights/JohnsonValley.aspx.

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CONGRESSIONAL MOTORCYCLE CAUCUS FORMED IN U.S. HOUSE Lawmakers Working For You

U.S. Reps. Michael Burgess (R-Texas) and Tim Griffin (R-Ark.) are serving as cochairmen of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus for the new 113th Congress.

The bi-partisan caucus, which has existed for many years, was formally recognized by the House for the new Congress. Official caucuses must register and be recognized at the start of every two-year Congress.

The caucus is made up of members of Congress who are passionate about motorcycling and who work to promote the interests of motorcyclists.

“It’s wonderful to have Reps. Burgess and Griffin leading the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations and a former U.S. senator and representative from Colorado. “The Congressional Motorcycle Caucus is made up of dedicated members of Congress who ensure that motorcyclists aren’t forgotten on Capitol Hill. Reps. Burgess and Griffin have proven that they are true friends of motorcycling.

“We look forward to working with our old friends in the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, as well as new members who join, to help protect and promote the motorcycling lifestyle,” he says.

Burgess says he’s looking forward to working with Griffin on the caucus.

“We welcome the registration of the Motorcycle Caucus for the 113th Congress,” Burgess says. “Having previously served as the caucus chair, I welcome Congressman Tim Griffin as cochair. We, along with other congressional members, will once again provide a platform and a voice here in Washington for motorcycle enthusiasts and our safety.”

“I look forward to growing the Motorcycle Caucus as the voice in Congress for America’s more than 25 million motorcyclists,” Griffin says. “As a rider, I recognize that there are many important issues affecting us, such as unreasonable limits on trail riding areas, the need for additional safety awareness, and ethanol mandates that harm motorcycle engines.”

Caucus Member and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Vice Chairman John Duncan said: “Motorcycling is important to my district and to me personally. I look forward to continuing to work with the cochairs and other members to highlight the need for motorcycle safety and to promote the use of motorcycles and scooters...”

S TATEWAT C H CALIFORNIA Despite support from many local residents, the Cache Creek Technical Advisory Committee, the Parks, Recreation and Wildlife Advisory Committee and the Yolo County Board of Supervisors declined to submit an application for a $150,000 planning grant to the state of California to help locate a site for an off-highway vehicle park in the county.

ILLINOIS House Resolution 312, introduced

by Rep. Dan Beiser (D-Alton), urges Congress to suspend the sale of gasoline blended with ethanol at levels above E10 until motorists are better protected.

The resolution cites numerous problems with gasoline containing greater than 10 percent ethanol by volume, including the potential of fueling unapproved vehicles and engines, and voiding manufacturer warranties.

INDIANA David Bisard, an Indianapolis police officer who was allegedly drunk on the job when he plowed into a group of motorcyclists in 2010 with his patrol car, killing one and critically injuring two others, was arrested again in April 2013 for allegedly drunk driving in a separate incident. Bisard has yet to go to trial in the 2010 case.

IOWA Senate Bill 33, sponsored by Sen. David Johnson (R-Ocheyedan), would prohibit the

YAMAHA HONORED FOR EXEMPLARY TRAIL WORK Stay The Trail, Danny Hubbard Also Honored

Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A., the “Stay The Trail” off-highway vehicle education program in Colorado and the Cheaha Trail Riders’ Danny Hubbard in Alabama all received prestigious awards on April 16 from the American Trails organization.

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operator of a motor vehicle from engaging in a distracting activity while the vehicle is in motion. A distracting activity would be any activity that isn’t immediately necessary to the operation of the motor vehicle and that impairs, or could reasonably be expected to impair, the person’s ability to drive safely, including the use of a wireless telephone. If a violation results in injury or death, the courts could assess additional fines and license suspension penalties.

of all-terrain vehicle and off-highway motorcycle trails, 88 miles of horse trails, and 209 miles of trails available to mountain bikers to enjoy. Many of these trails are shared with other types of users.

All trail riders 16 years or older must buy a Wayne National Forest trail permit to use the trails. Permits aren’t required for those under age 16. However, a licensed operator 18 or older must accompany motorized trail riders under 16.

KANSAS House Bill 2318, offered by the House Transportation Committee, specifically authorizes the use of FMVSS-compliant motorcycle headlamp modulation systems and permit the addition and use of body or wheel lamps of any color that are visible from the sides of the motorcycle but not the front or rear. Signed by Gov. Sam Brownback on April 4, the new law takes effect on July 1.

OREGON House Bill 3310, sponsored by Rep. Brian Clem (D-Salem) and Senate Bill 541, sponsored by Sen. Larry George (R-Sherwood), would permit a motorcycle or moped to lane split if traffic is stopped or moving at less than 10 miles per hour and the motorcycle or moped operator is moving at a speed of 20 miles per hour or less.

NEW YORK Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R-Greenwood Lake) has sponsored Assembly Bill 3285 to repeal Article 23 of the New York Code. Article 23 is wildly unpopular metropololitan commuter transportation mobility tax that was imposed on residents of New York City and surrounding counties in 2009.

OHIO The Wayne National Forest 2013 trail season opened on April 15 and will end Dec. 15. The forest has about 134 miles

American Trails is a national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail interests, promoting the creation, conservation and broad enjoyment of quality trails and greenways. Its National Trails Awards is one of the ways that American Trails recognizes the exemplary people and organizations working to create and sustain a national system of trails to meet the recreation, health, and travel needs of all Americans.

WASHINGTON A new law allows private motorcycle training providers to offer rider skills training at a higher cost than the stateadministered program, which is limited to $50 per student under age 18 and $125 per student 18 years or older. The law is the result of Senate Bill 5274.

Passage of Senate Bill 5142 created another new law that recognizes the significant contribution that motorcycles make toward easing traffic congestion and requires that they be considered in future transportation planning efforts.

The awards are given out every two years during the American Trails National Symposium.

Yamaha Motor Corp. earned the group’s Corporate Award. This award is given to a business or corporation that has demonstrated significant, sustained, and exemplary service to trail planning, implementation, and/or recreation.

The Stay The Trail Program earned the Outstanding Trail Sharing Award. Stay The Trail was developed by the Responsible Recreation Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, federal Bureau of Land Management and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The program encourages responsible trail and land use.

Danny Hubbard, a member of the AMA-chartered Cheaha Trail Riders in Alabama, earned a State Trail Advocacy Award. The Trail Advocacy award is given to an individual who has demonstrated successful efforts to influence public policy relating to trail planning, trail protection, trail development or maintenance.

Joe Grant Photography

MAGGIE McNALLY: BIKES, THE BOARD AND THE FUTURE The Value Of Membership Maggie McNally was elected chair of the AMA Board of Directors on Feb. 16, making her the first woman to lead the board in the association’s 89-year history.

McNally, a self-described city kid from Albany, N.Y., has been a member of the AMA board since 2009 (including vice chair), representing individual AMA members in the Northeast Region.

We caught up with her to find out more about her background, how she became a motorcyclist and her plans for the future.

American Motorcyclist: How did you become interested in motorcycles and what was your first motorcycle ride?

Maggie McNally: My cousin, Keith, was an avid motorcyclist and car racer.

He came to visit his little cousins in the housing projects and took us each out for a ride on his Triumph. I was a tried-andtrue tomboy, so it started there.

Years later, while hanging out in the community college parking lots between classes with friends, I stated that I wanted to get a motorcycle someday. My best friend’s future ex-husband stated that girls don’t ride bikes.

I got my permit the next day! With that, my boyfriend figured he better get a bike.

I rode as a passenger for a year. I now teach motorcycle rider safety classes in

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the same exact parking lot.

AM: How long have you been an AMA member?

MM: I’ve been a member 19 years. I originally joined in 1984, I think, and my membership lapsed a couple of times.

But I have been a steady member since I got involved in the AMA District 3 (Eastern New York) Road Division in the mid-’90s.

AM: What’s your educational background?

MM: I received an associate’s degree in data process and business administration from Albany Business College in 1984, a bachelor’s in business administration from the State University of New York, Empire State College in 2011, and I am currently a candidate for a master’s in business administration from that same college.

AM: What do you do for a living?

MM: I’m a voice and data specialist for the State of New York Office of Information Technology Services— Telecommunications. But over the years I have worn many different hats. My biggest accomplishments, or my forte, would be in two areas.

One is contact center technical support.

I was heavily involved in the design, installation, implementation, and support of New York’s largest government phone

banks and phone self-service systems.

Another is telephony system support.

I support the systems that support the phone systems. e911 is one of those.

Other hats include project management, server administration, desktop support, and programming.

And I’m a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach at the Capital Area Motorcycling School. I was certified in June of 2007.

AM: Talk about your riding experience.

How long have you been riding?

MM: Way too long, considering I just graduated from college! Actually, I got my permit in 1981 and rode with supervision until May 1984 when I took my road test.

My bikes over the years have included a 1972 Suzuki GT380. This was a twostroke, kick only, very ugly and smelly bike. I loved it. Loved it! I sold it to buy a 1975 Suzuki GT550. The GT550 was a two-stroke, beautiful bike. It was destroyed when a Ford F150 pickup truck pulled in front of me while I was traveling 55 mph. I miss that bike.

I got a 1976 Honda Gold Wing with a Velorex sidecar for my kids. I then moved the sidecar from this bike to a Yamaha Virago. The 1984 Yamaha Virago 700 felt as though it was custom built for me. I kept this bike until 1995. I had the sidecar on it for a while. I then picked up a 1984 Honda Magna 700 and put the Velorex sidecar on it for a year or so.

In 1994, I sold the Virago, Gold Wing

and Magna and bought two bikes, including a “Wing-ebago,” which was a 1984 Honda Gold Wing with a Daytona 2+2 sidecar. I put both my kids in this—car seat, toys, fun! I hydroplaned this rig in 1999 while pulling a pop-up camper and it was too far gone to repair. The other bike I bought was a 1995 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200, black and yellow. I still have this bike.

In 2010 I added a wonderful bike, a 2006 Kawasaki Ninja 500. It’s probably my favorite non-family rig ever.

I also have a 1983 Harley-Davidson Super Glide. It belonged to my ex, so now it is a carrot dangling before my son’s eyes for when he graduates from college. It is stored these days.

AM: What kind of riding do you do and why?

MM: I am a big-time commuter. I also love to attend events and also just cruise around. I started out riding because I was told that I couldn’t because I was a girl.

Honestly, I really liked the attention I got— little girl with a long red braid. With more women riding, I am not so unique, but I seriously welcome the company.

I like the feeling of control, oneness with the bike, and the sense of independence.

AM: What’s your favorite bike?

MM: These days, the Kawasaki Ninja 500. It’s nimble, quick and just a real blast to ride. Non-riders think it’s a “crazy sportbike,” so I get that attention again!

AM: What do you think is the best bike ever made?

MM: Not sure it’s the best bike ever made, but because of my first two bikes, I would love to get my hands on a nice “water buffalo,” a Suzuki GT750 [watercooled, two-stroke].

AM: Have you ridden off-road?

MM: As a street-only rider my entire life, I was eager and petrified to compete and did so at the 2010 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days motocross. I spent most of the evening pulling mud out of my hair that was deposited after numerous falls into massive mud lakes—they were not puddles! I came in 2nd in my class, a tough place for someone with a competitive spirit, but that was one of the most fun days I have had as an adult.

I proudly display my plaque and look forward to getting filthy dirty again.

AM: Why are you a member of the AMA Board of Directors?

MM: I am happy to be a part of an amazing group of motorcycling enthusiasts who also happen to be very successful business people. I hope I add some value to the Board. I have a strong background in the dynamics of AMA chartered clubs, districts and AMA Congress.

AM: How do you feel being elected chair of the board?

MM: Thrilled and petrified. I feel some

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Product Comparison: Bohn Armor Pants vs Kevlar Jeans ActionStations Boss Paul English talks about the differences in lower body riding protection options.

Kevlar reinforced jeans are popular with riders of all kinds of bikes. Draggin Jeans® were among the first on the market, and there are now many other popular brands on the market, Sliders® and Diamond Gusset®, as well as Icon®, Alpinestar® and others.

Many riders are interested in how these compare to the armored Bohn Adventure Pants.

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

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

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

PE: Actually we’ve never seen our armor significantly damaged at all!

This is because in a crash, we tend to bounce and slide, scrubbing the speed off.

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

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

Q: But isn’t it hot?

PE: The only time you notice the Bohn Pants being hot is in the heat of the summer when you are a standstill, say sitting on your bike at a light.

At that time of year everything’s hot! Otherwise they breathe really well in all seasons; and we do have options of a mesh shell material and a winter thermal solution.

Q: What about putting armor into kevlar jeans?

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

With kevlar jeans, the kevlar is Q: Kevlar jeans have protection across the butt! sewn into the leg and butt areas PE: Yes they do, and it makes good advertising! With the Bohn System, we have a tailbone protector, as well as hips and thighs, with the knee/shin sections. All are removable so you can use the combination that works best for your riding.

Q: So do you need to upsize your jeans to fit the Bohn Pants?

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

Q: Don’t the Bohn Pants make your jeans look bulky with the armor underneath.

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

Q: And you make armored shirts too?

A: I guess that’s the biggest difference because we think of the pants and shirts as ‘A System’ that protects you without having to wear full Armored Shirts are cool, and armored gear - especially in the heat. come in a choice of color options Q: So what’s the best choice?

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relief knowing that some very bright people surround me. I believe that I can be successful not by what I know, but because I am able to network and work with experts across a variety of talent fields.

AM: What do you hope to accomplish as the board chair?

MM: Of course, I would love to expand the number of female operators, and a baby step to that would be to first see lots of women converting their AMA membership from associate to full membership.

I would also like to increase the exposure of the AMA to the underrepresented groups of riders— urban, minorities, women and those with disabilities. Women riders bring families and families bring young members.

AM: What is the biggest challenge facing the AMA today?

MM: Membership. So many strong membership organizations have seen a big decrease in membership levels. A lot of that has to do with the economy, but I think there is just a lot of apathy out there. By showing riders that the AMA is relevant, necessary and cost-effective, we can maintain our levels and even grow our membership.

AM: Strategically speaking, what are some of the key trends at play?

MM: A major initiative is one that few members will even be aware of, but it’s also one of the most important the AMA has undertaken in the last couple decades.

About six years ago, before I was even on the board, recently appointed AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman commissioned a forensic audit that uncovered a pretty significant lack of fiscal control. Those holes were immediately patched, modern accounting software was put in place and administrative efficiencies were implemented. There was a huge savings for the AMA. That was just the start, though. Modern associations, just like any other large company or corporation, take advantage of integrated association management software, or AMS. Rob knew this and, working with his senior staff, he saw to it that the AMA began the process of transitioning from a computer system that was rooted in the early 1980s to state-ofthe-art AMS. The benefits to members are significant and ongoing.

This initiative hits close to home for me, professionally, and I look forward to contributing where I can as we figure out new ways to use this software to serve the mission of the AMA. AM: There have been a lot of changes in the AMA’s government relations function over the past couple years. What are your thoughts there?

MM: Bottom line: Our government

relations efforts are the bread and butter of the AMA. It’s not always obvious to everyday riders, but motorcycling is under constant attack in both big and small ways. Our first mission is to protect the motorcycling lifestyle, and we will do that above all else.

To that end, the number of our Washington, D.C.-based government relations staff doubled. As most members probably know, former U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard now heads up the AMA Government Relations Department. Sen. Allard has important connections and a deep understanding of the political process, and we continue to see benefits from his involvement.

Technically speaking, our issue alert and notification capabilities have significantly improved—and I suspect will improve more as we learn how to better take advantage of AMS. There also has been an increase in mainstream media exposure.

Another major initiative is the $1 million endowment to support government relations activities. In fact, this is just one of three endowments that the AMA has put in place in recent years. Another supports amateur racing and yet another supports the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Each one of these endowments reflects the AMA’s commitment to protecting and promoting the motorcycle lifestyle.

I also want to stress, though, that this is just a start. As these endowments grow, they will provide even more support, whether that is rights, racing or promoting motorcycling’s heritage.

AM: What are some of the biggest challenges facing motorcyclists today?

MM: Legislation is always a big issue.

Although I do believe that most of our elected officials have the interests of their constituents in mind, legislation frequently misses the target, or even causes serious unexpected results. The lead law is a perfect example. It was passed with the best of intentions, but the reality was that it would completely eliminate a sport, business and family activity—exactly when the businesses were struggling and at a time when Americans have realized that our children are suffering from the results of inactivity and non-communicating families.

AM: How important is amateur racing to the AMA and why? What do you see for the future?

MM: One of the primary reasons the AMA was created in 1924 was to provide sanctioning for amateur racing, which was experiencing tremendous growth. Over the many decades since, racing disciplines have changed with the times, and the AMA has always been there.

Over the years, the majority of AMA members have come to the association

Outlawing MOtOrcycles

Photo: Joe Grant Photography

The federal Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, known as the “lead law,” went into effect on Feb. 10, 2009.

It banned the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under—including kids’ dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles—that contained more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part.

Kid’s off-highway vehicles were exempted from the part of the law that banned their sale on Aug. 12, 2011, after nearly three years of intensive efforts by the AMA, AMA members, related industry officials and millions of advocates of responsible OHV recreation nationwide. through this channel. You could say they are our lifeblood, and that has not changed. While we have also experienced significant growth with more and more recreational riders, we can never take the interests of our amateur competition members for granted.

Because racing members are so important to us, we are rolling out a number of enhancements and new membership types. There’s national points tracking for off-road racers, the one-day event pass, youth membership and a family membership program.

AM: What do you hope that amateur racers get out of being AMA members, and participating in AMA-sanctioned events?

MM: Winning the AMA No. 1 plate

means so much to racers across America. Just like our competition members, what goes into that prestigious accomplishment is a lot of sweat and tears on the part of volunteers and staff at AMA Congress to ensure that every AMA-sanctioned event is competitive, fair and safe. When a club or promoter advertises an AMA-sanctioned event, racers everywhere know it’s the gold standard for amateur competition.

AM: As a motorcyclist, and in your role on the board, how do you relate to members?

MM: As chair of the AMA board, I want our members to know that I am

like them—a rider who jumps at every opportunity to get out and ride! It has changed my life. Because of the position I am in as Board chair I may be busy with my duties, but I want members to know that I will never forget them and why I am here. It’s all about making motorcycling better now, and for future generations.

I want our members to know that they can always reach out to me with suggestions and constructive comments.

When we work together, we can accomplish so much.

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Riding To PaRadise Journey To The Florida Keys

By Phil Buonpastore

It was a scant two weeks after the peak of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, but at Sloppy Joe’s bar on Duval Street in Key West, the ambient temperature on the digital display of the Victory Vision read 91 degrees. A week before, thumbing the starter on a cold Atlanta morning in late December, the temperature display read 39 degrees, some 50 degrees cooler.

The week of travel had taken me from Atlanta to Georgia’s east coast, for stops to see family and friends in the coastal Georgia town of Midway, then on to Jacksonville, Fla., before crossing the Sunshine State to visit family in the Ft. Myers area for the New Year’s holiday, and further south to spend several days riding the length of the Florida Keys.

It was an odd set of “changes in attitudes, changes in latitudes” that gave me the opportunity to take the ride to the Florida Keys, and to also do it in grand style.

Touring the Keys was something that I had put on “the bucket list” some time

Amelia Island, Fla.

ago. Having grown up in south Florida, I routinely spent time in the Keys enjoying the nearly tropical islands, but I did not start riding motorcycles until after I moved to Atlanta, so I had never ridden in the Keys. In October 2012, I moved back to Atlanta after a two-year relocation to Seattle. The timing was perfect to cross that ride off my list.

I also had a great bike for the trip: a fully loaded Victory Vision. The bike is an excellent choice for long-distance riding.

There’s a large lockable trunk and smaller saddlebags for packing gear, as well as amenities such as cruise control and an integrated sound system. There’s also an electrically adjustable windshield, heaters for both the handgrips and rider and passenger seats, and anti-lock brakes.

My bike also had optional air deflectors added to the front. These are clear, sculpted plexiglas panels located just below the mirrors and low on the fairing that can be rotated outward to block wind, or inward to increase air flow in warmer temperatures. They are excellent to have when traveling at interstate speeds and in varying weather conditions.

I picked up the bike from Mountain Motorsports in Marietta, Ga., just before

Tamiami Trail, Coopertown Airboat Tours

Christmas, and after a few days of riding in the local Atlanta area, I headed south on Dec. 27. With morning temperatures in the upper 30s, I normally would have waited until it warmed up a bit, but I decided to take advantage of the Vision’s versatility and didn’t delay. With my winter gear and full-face helmet, the heated grips and seats, the windshield in the full up position and the wind deflectors rotated outward, interstate riding was as comfortable as driving a convertible with the heater on.

My first stop for the day was Midway, Ga., a small coastal community about an hour south of Savannah, where I would be staying the night at a cousin’s house.

Since sunset would take place by 5:30 p.m. and I wanted to be off the road by then, the five-hour ride to the Georgia coast would allow a comfortable pace and still get me there by sundown.

Around almost any holiday, I-75 is typically backed up for miles between Atlanta and Macon, and after several rides to Florida over the years, I know to take alternate routes south. One of these is SR-42 to SR-23 between Stockbridge, southeast of Atlanta, and Macon. Like many of the rural Georgia highways that run essentially parallel to the interstate,

Craig’s Restaurant

The Big Lobster

you can maintain a near-interstate pace The Tamiami while enjoying a ride through forested Trail ends at areas, mildly curving roads and small rural Homestead, the southern towns along the way. most southern SR-42 leads to SR-23 at the town of city in the Florida Flovilla, and reconnects back with I-75 peninsula before just north of the I-16 junction, which entering the Keys, leads east to Savannah. I-16 is a mostly and after a bit unremarkable interstate that runs through of stop-and-go Georgia’s rural center, but it’s a nice ride traffic and a stop as interstates go. On the Vision, keeping for fuel, I was on an interstate pace all day is no problem.

US 1 entering With the windshield and wind deflectors Key Largo. I had creating a quiet envelope, the heated grips made reservations and seat keeping me warm and my iPod at the Holiday Inn hotel in Key Largo as enjoy a warm summer-like sunset in the middle of January. belting out the tunes at a loud enough a “known quantity” (I had stayed there With the onset of evening, I headed volume to be clearly heard, I felt like I before), and because its location would be could have ridden to California non-stop. I convenient for the ride to Key West, and back toward the hotel, and stopped at the first appealing dining establishment I saw, made it to I-95 south and Midway in time the ride back to Ft. Myers. In the several the Cafe Largo restaurant. The restaurant to take some photos of the bike with a hours before sunset, I rode to North Key featured mostly Italian cuisine with a few Georgia marshland backdrop in the orange Largo, taking a leisurely ride along Monroe and red hues of sunset before knocking on 905 and Card Sound Road, stopping to fresh seafood items on the menu. Of my cousin’s door at about 5 p.m.

The next day would be short on travel and long on entertainment, visiting a good friend in Jacksonville who was going to host an evening on the town. The ride was only 120 miles, and there was no reason to hurry. Just south of the Florida state line, I detoured out to the coast on SR-200 to ride south through Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island, making plenty of stops for pictures of the peaceful seashore communities and waterways along the Georgia-Florida coast.

The evening in Jacksonville featured M O T O R C Y C L E R A L L Y dinner in a local bistro and checking out a “dive” nightclub. The next day, I rode along Jacksonville Beach to St. Augustine before heading south once again. My route included I-10 west to 301 south through the town of Starke, then connecting back to I-75 at Gainesville. I PG.4 5/14/2013 2:45:27 PM arrived in Ft. Myers by late afternoon. For sixth horiz July.indd 1 the next several days, I enjoyed the New Year’s holiday with family.

On Jan. 2, I began the ride south to the Florida Keys. My route would take me south on I-75 to Naples where I would eschew the interstate in favor of the Tamiami Trail, a rural highway that connects Naples with Homestead, Fla., Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures, Ltd. just north of Key Largo.

The Tamiami Trail is a less-traveled two2763 West River Parkway lane rural state highway that most avoid Grand Island, NY 14072-2053 USA in favor of the faster and more direct route Tele: +1 716-773-4960 of I-75 and that, of course, is the best reason to choose the road when riding a Fax: +1 716-773-5227 motorcycle. Traffic was light, travel speeds e-mail: tours@bmca.com were post 55 mph, and the road ran at www. ww bmca.com near sea-level through the southwest corner of the Florida Everglades, allowing an alligator’s eye view of marshlands and the waterbirds that inhabit the Glades. Stops along the way included Cooperstown Airboat Rides for a few pictures of the bike with the airboats and marshlands as a backdrop.

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course, seafood is available on almost every menu for 100 miles, and while here I rarely miss an opportunity to enjoy the catch of the day. Dinner consisted of panko-breaded mahi-mahi, a side of pasta and salad, and a glass of chardonnay to clean the palate.

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restaurants that have been around for many years and give the Keys its own flavor, as well as old-style home-spun diners, places like Craig’s Restaurant, where you can get a stick-to-the-ribs, home-cooked breakfast before starting a long day’s ride.

One thing about a ride to Key West is there are no decisions about the route.

US 1 is it, and it actually makes it a very relaxing day ride—just point the bike south and go 100 miles until the road stops. When it does, you’re there. On the way, there are many places to take your typical Florida Keys “I was here” pic for the scrapbook, including a three-story tall lobster named “Betsy” who lives at milemarker 87 in front of the Rain Barrel artist’s community, and the famous seven-mile bridge at mile-marker 47.

If you want a nice place to enjoy a cool dip in the gulf on a hot day, take a break at Bahia Honda State Park. Stop to see the Wyland whale mural on the Kmart wall in Marathon, or just pick a random side road and detour out to the ocean or the gulf along the way (only a few miles apart even at the Key’s widest points) to view the always tranquil and peaceful water. No hurry, it’s only 100 miles.

Once to Key West, North and South Roosevelt Boulevards run along the outer ends of the island, and even without a map, you can eventually make your way to the downtown Duval Street area, location of Ernest Hemmingway’s famous hangout,

Sloppy Joe’s Bar (just follow the crowds).

Here the walking and auto traffic are at their peak, but motorcycle-only parking areas are available in the downtown area.

Find one and get off the bike to absorb a little of the local color.

The same tourism base that supports the Keys island chain also supports an active nightlife in Key West, with clubs and restaurants that offer live music by bands from all over the country who come to play music and enjoy the summer-in-winter fun like everyone else. If you want to be part of the evening’s festivities, consider making a reservation at one of the area hotels for an overnight stay, which will allow you to have fun without having to mix it with travel on the bike.

Be aware that the cost for a hotel room in the Keys at peak season can be pricey, so plan accordingly. Summer is as “off” as “off-season” gets around here, but, of course, the temperatures and humidity reaches their peak, which can make a ride to the Keys at that time of the year quite uncomfortable. Remember, it was 91 degrees on Jan. 3.

The ride back to Key Largo included a stop at the Lorelei Cabana Restaurant in Islamorada for a fish sandwich and fries, some casual conversation at the bar and a few sets of music from an acoustic guitar duo. The Lorelei is a long-established local mecca where area residents and visitors make a daily pilgrimage to watch the sun dip below the horizon and quench itself in

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the Gulf of Mexico. Later in the evening, I returned to the hotel, having crossed a tour through the Florida Keys off the list.

On the following Sunday, I began the ride back to Atlanta, which was mostly uneventful interstate travel, but with each passing mile the temperatures dropped to moderate winter cool. As I approached Gainesville, Fla., a predicted rain moved through. Near the Georgia border, I stopped at a gas station for a fill-up, and determined to avoid hypothermia, I donned my rain jacket, gauntlet gloves with rain covers and boot covers, to add to the waterproof down-filled ski pants I was already wearing.

Later, at a stop for dinner at a Cracker Barrel restaurant near Valdosta, an old couple was walking out of the dining area, when the woman commented, “You look like you’re from outer space!”

“No ma’am,” I said, “I’m just from out of state.”

Florida roads and highways may offer fewer opportunities for spirited corner carving or delayed-apex turns, but the beauty of a ride in the Sunshine State is to appreciate it for what it is—an opportunity to simply relax, enjoy the warm weather, experience the totally natural and unspoiled marsh and wildlife areas of the Florida Everglades, or breathe the ocean air riding roads that run in sight of either the Atlantic Ocean or the turquoise blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or both, as in the case of the Florida Keys.

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Randall Beecham

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AMA Go Ride! Month celebrated the motorcycling lifestyle with on- and off-highway motorcyclists across the country. The month-long event featured a number of contests that promoted the fun of riding, educated riders about threats facing motorcycling and encouraged motorcyclists to think about the extraordinary gas mileage their motorcycles achieve compared to their cars and trucks.

In addition to prizes awarded throughout the month, these members scored big in end-of-month drawings, thanks to AMA Go Ride! Month sponsor Helmet House, distributor of Cortech and Tour Master and exclusive distributor for Shoei Helmets: Randall Beecham of Bellville, Ohio: Shoei GT-Air helmet Trevor Payne of South Plainfield, N.J.: Tour Master Intake jacket Phil Perry of Howell, N.J.: Cortech tank bag Lee De Leonard of Roswell, N.M.: Cortech tank bag Phil Perry

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WHEN THE HEAT IS ON Riding In Hot Weather

As a long-time rider, you probably don’t consider time on your motorcycle challenging. In fact, you probably see it as a way to relax. In excessively hot weather, though, even the best of us can become physically stressed.

In a car, you can crank up the air conditioning or enjoy the breeze through the windows protected by the proverbial cage. On a bike, you’re sweating inside armored gear, and every physical exertion borders on the demands of a top-tier athlete. Plus, the more you sweat and the hotter it stays, the more at risk you are for heat exhaustion, dehydration and even heat stroke.

Well before you reach the point where you would be dangerous off the bike, you’re dangerous on it. Even mild dehydration can reduce your coordination and impair your judgment, exactly what you don’t want when you’re battling through traffic.

The bottom line is that you need to know the danger signs and what to do if they develop. Here’s a cheat sheet.

Dehydration: Dehydration is when your body loses water and blood salts faster than you replenish them. Importantly, you do not necessarily feel thirsty before

Heat stroke: This is severe dehydration.

Your body’s cooling functions have failed and your temperature regulation is out of control.

Like a liquid-cooled bike running with no water in the radiator, your remaining time is ticking away. Without emergency care, you could die.

When you are suffering from heat stroke, sweating stops, and the skin becomes dry and hot. You may have a headache, and your body temperature can hit 106 degrees or more. Other symptoms are confusion or anger, severe nausea, dizziness and, oddly enough, the chills.

Preventive care: First, there’s the obvious: Drink plenty of water. Most people lose about a gallon of water a day just carrying on their normal lives. Imagine how much you lose riding on a hot day.

Adding extra water before you head out on the road, and keep drinking water all day. How do you know if you’re getting enough water? If you don’t need to make a bathroom stop every few hours, you’re headed for trouble.

To replace vital body salts, consider supplementing your water intake with a sports drink or supplements.

Drink early and often, whether you’re thirsty or not. The worst that will happen is that you’ll have to take an extra bathroom break or two, which is a whole lot better than the alternative. you’re at risk. You may not even notice a Addressing the problem: If you problem before it’s too late. recognize symptoms of dehydration, Symptoms are heat exhaustion a flushed face, or heat stroke in Other Tips For Riding On Hot Days: dry and warm yourself or a riding • Start your ride early, when the skin, dizziness, partner, deal with it temperatures are cooler. weakness, immediately.

• Take extra breaks. cramping in the First, get out • Keep hydrated. Consider using one of arms and legs, of the sun, take the wearable water bladders. headache and off any heavy • Snack lightly and often, and include dry mouth. If you clothing, such as some salty foods in the mix. notice any or all of riding jackets or • You should never drink alcohol and these signs, don’t pants, and cool ride, and consuming alcohol during hot ignore them. off by fanning the weather introduces an even greater Heat overheated person level of risk because it accelerates exhaustion: and applying a your water loss. Don’t do it.

This follows wet rag to their • Wear the right gear. Your clothing dehydration. You forehead. should be breathable to allow the can even progress Dizzy or sweat to evaporate off your skin. A to this stage if lightheaded? Lie mesh armored jackets over a t-shirt you get water on your back and works great. in your system raise your legs • As for that t-shirt, soak it in water at after you become about 6 or 8 inches each rest stop. dehydrated. The so they’re above symptoms of heat the heart. exhaustion are Sip cool water, most often brought on by the loss of the but don’t gulp. A cup every 15 minutes blood salts. Water replaces fluid, not salts. should do it. Pretzels, chips or other salty In fact, your body’s temperature can be snacks can help, too. normal even while you’re suffering from If symptoms don’t level off and heat exhaustion. Symptoms include pale start improving soon, or if you suspect skin, profuse sweating, weakness, fatigue, actual heat stroke has started, then get nausea and lightheadedness. emergency help immediately.

July 2013

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Get the free mobile app for your smartphone at http://gettag.mobi to play the Flex Series 3 Jacket Video. Check out all our videos at youtube.com/helmethouse. For more information see your local dealer or visit tourmaster.com. Cortech and Tour Master are registered trademarks of Helmet House. ©Helmet House, Inc. 2013. Always maintain, inspect and wear protective motorcycle riding gear. No gear can offer complete protection from all situations. Obey all speed and safety laws. Riding and alcohol or other drugs don’t mix.

AMA MEMBERS RENT BIKES AT 15% OFF

Expanded EagleRider Discount Saves Cash On Rentals And Tours The AMA has launched an expanded member benefit with the country’s premier motorcycle rental and touring company, EagleRider (www.eaglerider.com).

EagleRider now offers AMA members an exclusive 15 percent discount on rentals from the company’s wellmaintained fleet of Harley-Davidsons, Hondas, BMWs, Can-Ams, Kawasakis, Suzukis, Triumphs, Vespas, Yamahas and Victory motorcycles.

In addition, EagleRider offers AMA members a 15 percent discount on EagleRider Tours, which feature guided and self-guided options in the best places to ride in the United States, including Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Southwest, Florida and many more.

As part of the new AMA member benefit, EagleRider will also be ready to sign up riders as AMA members at their locations, so both existing and new

members can take advantage of the savings.

“When it comes to motorcycle rentals, nobody has the wide selection and numerous locations of EagleRider, and we’re glad to work with EagleRider to bring a special money-saving benefit to our members,” says AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “In many cases, depending on the rental or tour, you can save more than the cost of your AMA membership—just another example of the

value of helping protect your rights to ride with the AMA.” AMA members can access the discount: via a new page online at the AMA’s website (www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ membership/eaglerider.aspx); by calling EagleRider reservation line directly at (888) 900-9901 or by reserving in person at an EagleRider location. Join or renew your AMA membership online at www.amajoin. com, or in person at an EagleRider corporate location.

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In addition to the expanded member discounts from EagleRider, the AMA welcomes new benefits from Bill’s Sport Motor (www.billssportmotor.com) and PowerTye (www.powertye.com).

Bill’s Sport Motor sells RV and race hauler accessories, everything from generators to patio mats. As a longtime supporter of the racing community, Bill’s Sport Motor offers products that make your day at the track or trail easier.

In addition to product discounts of up to 20 percent throughout the year, Bill’s Sport Motor will provide AMA members with discounted and expedited shipping.

PowerTye is a worldwide leader in tie-down manufacturing. The company’s tie-downs are made in the United States and are designed to handle all types of motorcycles, from minibikes to touring models to restored classics.

AMA members receive a 10 percent discount on all PowerTye products when they use the code “TYES4AMA” at www.powertye.com/ama. The company also is an AMA Business Member, which further supports the association’s mission to promote and protect motorcycling.

For details on all the benefits of AMA membership and how to take advantage of them, see www.americanmotorcyclist. com > Membership Info > Member Discount Codes.

FINAL REMINDER: RIDE TO WORK DAY! Monday, June 17

From The Road

If you’re making your own, the lighting sets made for small trailers are ideal. I have a three-way set on my panniers— When trying to describe the magic of brake lights, running lights and indicators. motorcycling to someone who has never They’re well away from my rear tire so motorcycled, I sometimes say they stay clean, and the extra “going from point A to point B in circuit’s easy. Connectors a car is only a journey; on a bike (weatherproof ones) will keep it’s an adventure.” True, if you’re your panniers removable. nipping to the shops, it’ll be a Of course, when considering small adventure, but as every changes to your lighting system, biker knows, every time you set check applicable state laws. off you’re sticking your neck out Another excellent measure a little, however short the ride. draws no power at all. Consider The fact is, if you’re a biker for 3M’s excellent reflective tape. long enough, you’ll see or hear Add a few red strips on the about a few bad ones, and at back of your bike, and some

By Rick Wheaton some point you’ll probably have white strips on the sides and a close call yourself. Getting much closer front, and your visibility is enormously to the tarmac than you really want is part increased at the cost of a few dollars. of learning. Hopefully you’re wearing Many biker outfits are muted, they wear proper kit and your bike’s in shape. well and fit in with the rest of the gang. But Nevertheless, regardless of how tough when the weather turns bad, you’ll be glad your helmet and gloves, and how good your oversuit is bright yellow. Are other your brakes and tires, you are in big road users smiling at your get up? Good. trouble if you collide with another vehicle.

You have been noticed.

This is the one accident that bikers dread In addition to being noticed, it’s with every nerve, bone and sinew. important to see better yourself. It’s hard If you’ve ever had someone carelessly to improve on three fundamentals: look pull out in front of you, or turn across your ahead as far as possible, be aware of path without any warning, you know what I what’s behind you and stay alert. mean. Compared to a slide on a wet road, Here are some specific suggestions: a collision with another vehicle will feel like • On a winding road, get into the habit of the difference between a paper cut and checking your left mirror on left-hand losing an argument with a chain saw. bends, and vice versa. You’ll see more The common excuse in all of these of the road behind you as you turn and cases is almost universally, “I didn’t see keep a better eye on following traffic. you.” This is tough to swallow, but while • When changing lanes or overtaking, you can’t force the offender to look harder, use your mirrors, but don’t trust them. you can make yourself more obvious.

Always glance over your shoulder and First, be sure that your headlight is check your blind spot. There’s a good working, and keep in mind that wide light reason advanced motorcycle instructors patterns dramatically improve the viewer’s call this move a lifesaver. distance perception. This means that a • Use detergent on your visor to eliminate pair of riding lights will make your bike fogging. Specific products are designed seem closer, as well as more obvious. for this, or just carry a little washing Don’t ignore the rear lights. When riding up liquid in a small bottle, shake a few in bad weather, your back tire may throw drops on a tissue, and polish both up enough dirt to obliterate your rear light inside and outside surfaces of your cluster. If it’s night or rain is heavy, your clean and dry visor. This combats bike may be invisible from behind. Keep fogging and promotes rain dispersion. your lights clean (a quick wipe when you gas up) and if you have panniers, consider Rick Wheaton is an AMA member who an extra pair of rear lights too. Super covers issues important to street riders bright LEDs are quite effective. from his home in Devon, England.

SEE AND BE SEEN

A week or so after you get this mag is one of the year’s most important dates for reminding ourselves as well as demonstrating to non-motorcyclists that riding is an efficient, economical and beneficial form of personal transportation: June 17, the 22nd annual worldwide “Ride to Work Day.” On Ride to Work Day, an estimated 1 million riders become two-wheeled commuters to showcase the positive value of motorcycles and scooters for transportation. For hundreds of thousands of workers, motorcycles and scooters are economical, efficient and socially responsible forms of mobility that save energy, protect the environment and provide a broad range of other public benefits.

More info: www.ridetowork.org.

July 2013

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MSRP: $54.95-$89.95 Info: www.amspecialtiesusa.com It’s one thing to get off your bike to enjoy a view or grab a bite. It’s quite another to get off your bike because your butt just can’t take any more.

A low-cost approach to better backside comfort is a sheepskin seat cover. It adds some cushion and the natural fleece fibers Scott Williams keep you cooler when it’s hot and warmer when it’s cold. If cost isn’t the issue, a custom-made saddle— complete with butt-conforming gel padding—can replace an uncomfortable stock seat.

Occupying the practical middle ground is the Comfort-Max Gel Seat Pad. The cover is genuine sheep. The fleece is dense and nicely finished. (A waterproof neoprene cover is also available.) Inside is a layer of memory foam over multiple layers of gel padding bonded together.

The padding’s shape conforms to your shape to reduce localized pressure.

Depending on your bike’s seat cover texture, the non-skid material on the cover’s underside may hold the pad in place. There’s also a Velcro strip sewn across the cover’s underside and a mating Velcro strap with tabs that grip the lower edges of your seat. Adjust the slide buckles to secure the pad where you want it to stay.

I tested a large (14-inch by 11-inch) pad on my Kawasaki Versys. On a laid-back ride up the Connecticut River Valley in Vermont, I stopped after more than 200 miles, but only because the gauge flashed “FUEL.” The whole ride, my backside was pampered.

The ride home emphasized winding roads. I typically slide across the seat to

shift weight when carving curves. I did find that the pad gripped my backside more than I’d want for up-tempo riding.

The Comfort-Max Gel Seat Pad is two-inches thick and significantly raised my seat height. That’s worth considering if you’re short like me and reaching the ground is already a challenge. If you want a taller seating position, the pad offers an approach.

The Comfort-Max Gel Seat Pad comes in a range of sizes and shapes to fit rider and pillion seats and the backsides that sit on them.—Scott “Bones” Williams

SOUNDRIDER VALVE STEMS

One of the more frustrating tasks in performing routine motorcycle maintenance and the pre-ride checklist is checking or adjusting the tire air pressure. Not that this is a difficult task, but for many of us simply getting to the darn valve stem around brake rotors, swingarms, side bags, fenders, the sprocket and chain, etc., is a challenge.

SoundRider offers a solution with these 84-degree valve stems. Most run $10.

Build quality looks good, and fit and finish is great. A knurled cap is a nice touch.

SoundRider says they fit the majority of bikes. Exceptions are listed on the website.

The valve stems do their job, taking much of the hassle out of checking your air pressure. They seal fine and look good.

The SoundRider valve stems are simple, inexpensive products that make a big difference. If you consider checking your tire air pressure a chore, install a pair of these during your next tire change.

Info: www.soundrider.com.

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

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Get a 20 percent discount off available 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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Save 15 percent on brake pads and 10 percent on brake discs at GiForUSA.com.

AMA members save $10 or $25 on Sam’s Club membership. Visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Membership > Benefits for more info.

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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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Torsten Hallman

Husqvarna is proud to sponsor the 2013 AMA National Dual-Sport Series

TorsTen Hallman, mark Blackwell To Be Honored as ama moTorcycle Hall of fame legends Existing Hall Of Famers Will Join Class Of 2013 In Las Vegas

In addition to the new class each year, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of two existing Hall of Famers during the annual induction ceremony. This year, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends will be Torsten Hallman and Mark Blackwell.

Both Hall of Famers were inducted in 2000 and will join the Class of 2013 at the induction ceremony on Oct. 18-19 at the Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The new inductees, who will also be honored at the ceremony, will be announced later this summer.

Torsten Hallman

Supporting Sponsor

www.husqvarna-motorcyclesna.com

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Hallman was instrumental in the introduction of motocross to America. He was a four-time World Motocross Champion when he came to the United States in the late-1960s as part of the effort to popularize both the Husqvarna motorcycle brand and the sport of motocross.

“Torsten’s prominence since the early days of

AmericanMotorcyclist.com AMA_Husqvarna_Natl_Dual_Sport_Series_SeatConcepts.indd 5/13/13 1 11:08 AM

motocross in the USA has never faded,” says Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Hall of Fame. “His riding technique and skill changed the sport, his business acumen generated many business opportunities, and his personal qualities brought the sport and the business magically together.”

Hallman’s incredible talent on a motocross bike was a revelation to American fans and racers. Within a few years after Hallman’s first visit, motocross became the most popular form of motorcycle racing in the United States.

Hallman’s talents were not limited to the track.

He also was a savvy businessman and founded what would become a very successful riding apparel company: Thor.

“I am really honored to be recognized as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend and am already looking forward to coming to Las Vegas to participate in the AMA Legends Torsten Weekend,” Hallman says.

Hallman “It pleases me to see that

motocross has become such a dominant sport in the U.S.—a huge improvement since I came over as the first rider to introduce the sport. At that time nobody even heard about this sport, so I had to spell the word ‘motocross.’ Today it’s a well-known word—I am really proud!”

Mark Blackwell

Blackwell, a pioneering racer in American motocross, was a six-time AMA championship race team manager and today is a well-respected executive in the motorcycle industry.

“Not only did Mark Blackwell rise to the top to become the 1971 American 500cc motocross Mark Blackwell champion, but he also raced internationally at a time when the Europeans dominated the sport,” says Heininger.

“His grit, a win in Switzerland, and a podium finish in Germany earned him fans worldwide.”

Blackwell is probably best known for his contributions to American motorcycling through his work at Husqvarna, Suzuki and Victory. He helped return Husqvarna to profitability in the United States, helped turn the motorcycle and ATV division around at Suzuki, and served as general manager of Polaris Industries’ thenfledgling Victory Motorcycle business during a critical growth period.

“This is an incredible honor for me for which I am very grateful,” Blackwell says.

“To be recognized alongside the iconic Torsten Hallman makes it even more special. Torsten was the first European motocross racer I ever saw as the sport was coming to America, and his professionalism, education and business accomplishments had a huge impact on the sport, as well as my life and career.”

Two-Day Event

In addition to the induction ceremony, the AMA Legends Weekend includes the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception, where the class of 2013, the 2013 Legends and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers from previous years will be honored and interviewed onstage in a relaxed setting that allows fans and friends to get up close and personal with motorcycling’s greatest.

Want to enjoy this amazing weekend?

Tickets are on sale now at www. motorcyclemuseum.org. Price is $140 for Friday night’s induction ceremony, and $20 for Saturday’s reception, which includes a continental breakfast. Rooms at the Green Valley Ranch can be reserved now for a special rate by calling (866) 7829487 and using the code GCIAMHF.

You can have it both ways.

AMA members do it all—long-distance rides, off-road races, cruising main street, vintage dirt track…you name it. To better serve our broad membership base, American Motorcyclist magazine is now published in two versions. The dirt version includes more off-highway and competition content. The street version includes more articles for road riders.

Want to switch? Just call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services and tell them which version you want. Want to read both versions? Get them online at www. americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine.

NEW MAGAZINE FROM HALL OF FAMER

‘The Buzzzzz Rag’ Features Old Road Tests, Classifieds

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Buzz Walneck is coming out with a new magazine, “The Buzzzzz Rag.” “It will be an ‘old-school’ style magazine with lots of old road tests reprinted,” Walneck says. “We will even ask readers to mail or call in requests for specific makes or model road tests. I have accumulated a lot of cycle magazines over the last 60-years.”

Walneck says the first issue will be 36-pages of old road tests, stories, dealer display ads, and bikes and parts for sale or wanted. It will be distributed nationally through subscriptions and at major motorcycle swap meets, including AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days this July 19-21.

An annual subscription is $25 for 12 issues. For more info, email thebuzzzzzrag@ gmail.com, call (630) 985-2097 or write Buzz Walneck, 7923 Janes Ave., Woodridge, IL 60517.

1943 INDIAN 741 The Classic That Could Be Yours This 1943 Indian 741 custom bobber represents an amazing piece of American history, and some lucky winner will own it for just a few bucks.

That’s because this meticulously restored machine is the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame 2013 raffle bike. The winning raffle ticket will be drawn at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at MidOhio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, July 19-21.

The annual raffle raises funds for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that’s committed to preserving and promoting motorcycling’s heritage.

Following World War II, many of these 1943 Indian 741 motorcycles were heavily modified by veterans returning from active service. This machine embodies the look and feel of

that era. With 2013 representing the 70th anniversary of the model year of this heritage-rich machine, this is a special opportunity for supporters of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame to donate and have an opportunity to ride away on this beautiful motorcycle.

This particular bike has been redone top to bottom by wellknown Indian motorcycle restorer Kiwi Mike. That means it was entirely disassembled and restored.

There’s still a good chance for you to win this amazing motorcycle. For information on purchasing raffle tickets, go to www.motorcycle.museum.org or call the Hall of Fame at (614) 856-2222. A minimum donation of $5 per ticket, or $20 for five tickets, is suggested.

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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Photo Jeff Guciardo

July 2013

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Hall of Famer

Dick Burleson King Of Enduros From 1974 to 1981, Dick Burleson won eight consecutive AMA Grand National Enduro Championships. Burleson’s total domination of national enduro 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). Among American off-road racers, Burleson is one of the all-time greats.

He was born in Johnson City, Tenn., in 1948. His family moved to St. Joseph, Mich., when he was 2 years old. Burleson first began riding at 18, and in the late 1960s he excelled at motocross.

In 1971, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer John Penton invited Burleson to race on the American Trophy team that was competing in the International Six Days Trials at the Isle of Man. Even though his bike failed, leaving him with a DNF, Burleson was enthused about representing his country in international competition.

The next year, Burleson was invited to the ISDT again, this time in Czechoslovakia. That year, Burleson

finished with a bronze medal.

In 1973, the ISDT was held in Massachusetts. Burleson was a part of the American team that earned the country’s only ISDT Silver Vase victory.

In 1974, Burleson earned his first AMA National Enduro Championship. He also earned his first gold medal in ISDT competition, in Italy.

He won his second national enduro title in 1975 and another gold in ISDT. Burleson continued on an incredible string of victories.

Undoubtedly the most pressurepacked season for Burleson was the 1981 campaign. He had tied Hall of Famer Bill Baird’s seemingly insurmountable record of seven AMA national enduro championships the year before and was going for a record eighth title. He faced stiff competition from protégé and teammate Terry Cunningham.

The championship came down to the final checkpoint of the final round and it was Burleson who emerged victorious over Cunningham by a mere two points, earning his eighth national championship.

Burleson then went on to earn gold for

the eighth time in the ISDT held on the Mediterranean Isle of Elba.

He retired from competition in late 1981 and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.

To read more about Burleson and the fascinating stories of other greats in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, go online 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!

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Coming Around On Sound

Red Knights Motorcycle Club, Mass., Chapter 2

Riders Nationwide Are Stepping Up To Quiet Down Loud Bikes

F

rom streetbike riders in Massachusetts to dirtbikers in California to all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts in Tennessee, more and more riders recognize that excessive exhaust sound can cause a backlash from the government and the public.

The AMA has long maintained a position of strong opposition to excessive sound and has funded information and public relations campaigns in support of quieter motorcycle use. Over the past decade, the AMA has supplied 70 sound meters to deserving clubs and individuals so that they can educate riders about excessive sound and how to quiet their machines.

This year the AMA donated 12 sound testing kits, the most given away in one year. A sound testing kit consists of a type 2 sound meter, tachometer, training materials, spark arrester probe, personal protective equipment and a storage case.

Here’s a look at the dozen recipients and what they had to say in their applications for sound meter kits, including some of the problems they face because of excessive sound and what they hope to accomplish with their new sound meters.

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L-R: Bob Shakarian, Tim Kilhart, Maury Lizotte, Robert Laford.

Photo by Webb Chappell.

Robert Laford, chapter president, notes: “In Massachusetts we have over 400 members that this kit and education could be available for. Within southern New England, that number expands to about 900 members. I am a safety professional with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and have used equipment from my job for sound checks and related education for my Red Knight chapter members over the years. This type of equipment availability would allow me to offer similar resources to other Red Knights throughout our area.

“Each year the Massachusetts Red Knights gather twice a year for a state meeting. This would be a good venue to kick off a program that makes the equipment and related rider education available on the state level to other chapters,” Laford says.

“For example, each year my chapter holds a ‘Skills Day’ to gather my members and other interested riders together to talk about, and practice, rider safety,” he says. “Other chapters could provide similar programs with the assistance of this equipment.

“This equipment would be made available to the chapters within Massachusetts and those nearby throughout southern New England.

This equipment networking would not be restricted just to 2013, but be available through the life of the equipment.” Laford says.

“Also, our Red Knights international convention is being held in Rutland, Vt., in August 2013.

Using the convention as a venue, the equipment and related education would be made available as a workshop in regards to sound levels and the noise challenge that faces the motorcycling community to members of the Red Knights from throughout North America and some international countries,” he says.

“The desired outcome is to help educate riders on noise concerns and related regulatory and public relations problems that excessive noise creates. With the specific sound equipment the outcome would also be personalized for members of the Red Knights and other participating motorcyclists as to the sound levels of their motorcycles,” Laford says.

Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club In California, this club will use the sound meter to test on- and off-highway motorcycles at AMA District 36 (Northern California, Northwestern Nevada) events and at state vehicular recreation areas.

“The plan is to expand on that with more outreach to the street side with [AMA] Charter Life member Ken Heuser,” says Ed Santin, Dirt Diggers competition director. “I have been working on lowering motorcycle

sound levels for 10 years. My YZ250F Yamaha Big Gun exhaust has two quiet cores and tests 91.5 dBA at 5,250 rpm. I have taken the state of California Awareness sound test class three times and the law enforcement class one time.

“Teaching motorcyclists that you don’t need to be loud to have fun or get power is an ongoing battle that is neverending,” he says. “You have to win them over with facts.”

Dust Devils Motorcycle Club

Gary Lambert, vice president of this Nevada club, says: “I have personally led over 30 public land advocacy workshops in the last 12 months and would have been able to utilize sound test equipment at least 10 times, including at the Ride Reno 200 and the Save the Public Trails banquet.

“As the Nevada commissioner on OHV representing racing, I could provide this as a tool when doing outreach to the community and education, including rural county commissions and law

Mountain Trail Riders

Mike Farmer, president of the Mountain Trail Riders in east Tennessee, notes: “We participate in ATV touring, racing, rodeos, club fun rides, trail cleanups and anything that we can do to keep trails open on public land. We think we have to earn the right to ride public land and we promote safety, sustainable trails and managed riding areas.

“In east Tennessee, it seems we are our own worst enemy but water and noise are the two killers of access to public land. We can change this with

enforcement,” Lambert says.

“I am the person who speaks to these groups and [I] always encourage a sound component to new laws regarding OHVs,” he says.

“It is in OHV and motorcycle’s best interest to put reasonable limits on sound for all users,” he says.

education,” he says. “I like the phrase: ‘Noise Annoys!’”

Farmer is also on the board for Doe Mountain, which is a new state venture.

“The state purchased 8,600 acres in east Tennessee and we have been given the authority to open this area for multiuse trails,” he says. “We have to design our trails so that all user groups respect each other and one of the main issues is OHV sound control. Our club has formed a trail ambassador program to assist in monitoring the trails for water issues, misuse and noise. We will primarily be using the sound equipment for sound education at Doe Mountain but we also put on safety fairs.”

Wabash Cannonball Motorcycle Club

Brad Lee of this Wabash, Ind., motocross club states: “During the 2013 MX season our objective is to further [the] awareness of the AMA’s emphasis on complying with AMA guidelines regarding appropriate [decibel] levels from off-road motorcycles. Our goal for 2013 is to educate riders and then begin a [sound] compliance program for events at our facility. Due to our proximity to both city limits and neighbors, we are in need of promoting this compliance to keep WCMC open—one of the oldest tracks in the AMA. We are a non-profit organization thats mission is to promote motorcycle riding to persons of all ages.

“At the first event of the season we plan to test and inform riders of the standards and if they are in compliance or not,” he says. “They will then be given until the next event to rectify any deficiencies. Should they arrive at the next event still in non-compliance they will be restricted from participating in the event until their unit is brought into compliance. [We want] to keep our track/club open. Noise is the No. 1 issue [that] we fear could lead zoning officials to close our track down.”

ABATE of Ohio

Mike Stock, director of safety and education for ABATE of Ohio, says: “ABATE of Ohio, Inc. would utilize this sound meter when [we] have a booth set up at outdoor events to educate bikers on whether their noise is excessive. We would use the meter to demonstrate how the sound levels change from idling to revving the throttle.

“We would also like to demonstrate how not turning down a loud radio in town can disturb the public as much as a loud exhaust. Everyone has an opinion about how loud is too loud and this would enable us to give facts instead of opinions,” he says. “We will have the sound meter at various motorcycle events throughout the summer, including Ohio Bike Week. We will be periodically publishing results in our Outspoken magazine, which will generate more interest in future events.

“We plan on measuring how many people think their noise level is legal, only to find out it is not within [reasonable limits measured by] the sound meter,” he says. With this education, we hope to further the general public’s acceptance of the motorcycling community.”

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REAL-WORLD SOUND TESTING

Street And Dirt Procedures The Same But Guidelines Differ There are now Society of Automotive Engineers sound-testing procedures for both street and off-highway motorcycles that are easy to follow, consistent and economical. When a state or town wants to require that all motorcycles have exhaust systems sporting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency labels noting the system meets EPA sound limits, the AMA argues it’s better to adopt the SAE procedures to ensure reasonable sound limits are truly being met.

The streetbike practice is SAE J2825, “Measurement of Exhaust Sound Pressure Levels of Stationary On-Highway Motorcycles,” and it establishes several procedures to measure motorcycle sound

Pathfinders Motorcycle Club of Connecticut

The Pathfinders is an offhighway club that will use the kit to do sound testing at its events, including its youth clinic and junior enduro and hare scrambles events.

“The Youth Clinic is a unique event that the Pathfinders host on behalf of the New England Trail Riders Association,” says James Blais of the club. “Young dirtbike riders from all over New England come to participate and learn about dirtbike setup, proper use of gear, good sportsmanship and nutrition.

“Local professional racers and industry experts volunteer their time to be Youth Clinic instructors,” Blais says. “The sound meter kit will be used to ensure that participants’ dirtbikes operate at acceptable sound levels. It also demonstrates to the young riders, the future of the sport, the important of

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with specific instrumentation, test sites, test conditions, measurements and sound-level limits.

The procedure requires holding a calibrated sound meter at a 45-degree angle 20 inches from the exhaust pipe of a running engine. The procedure spells out how to do the test with the bike at idle, at a predetermined engine speed (Set RPM Test) or by slowly increasing the engine speed of the bike (Swept RPM Test).

The SAE J2825 standard recommends: • A limit of 92 decibels at idle for all machines; • Using the Set RPM or Swept RPM test—100 dBA for three- or four-cylinder machines at 5,000 rpm or 75 percent of maximum engine speed, whichever is less; and • A limit of 96 dBA for bikes with fewer than three, or more than four, cylinders at 2,000 rpm or 75 percent of maximum engine speed, whichever is less.

• The procedure also suggests that 2

maintaining their dirtbikes to stay below acceptable sound levels.”

The sound meter also will be used at junior enduro and hare scrambles events held at the Thomaston Dam in Thomaston, Conn.

“This is the single legal riding area in all of Connecticut for off-road motorcycles,” Blais says. “It was built and is maintained by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.

The Pathfinders, through a cooperative agreement established in 1979, is the sole club that aids in the maintenance of these trails. In 2012, the Pathfinders logged more than 700 man-hours to that end.

“We also conduct trail patrols to ensure safety and fun for all trail users,” he says.

“The sound kit will allow us to educate riders about acceptable sound levels and keep loud bikes off the trails. This would foster a stronger relationship with the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers as well as the non-offroad trail users at the Thomaston Dam.”

dBA be added to these sound limits for motorcycle exhaust systems that have EPA sound-limit certification labels and haven’t been modified.

The entire SAE J2825 procedure is available for $68 from www.sae.org/ technical/standards/J2825_200905.

The procedure for off-highway motorcycles and ATVs is SAE J1287, “Measurement of Exhaust Sound Levels of Stationary Motorcycles.”

Like the streetbike procedure, SAE J1287 requires a calibrated sound meter be placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45-degree angle. Then the engine is revved to a specified rpm (about halfway to redline) with the bike stationary.

The procedure specifies different testing rpms for different bikes and ATVs. Offhighway machines have a sound limit of 96 dBA for public trails in most states.

The entire SAE J1287 procedure is available for $68 from http://standards. sae.org/j1287_199807/.

Berkshire Trail Riders Association

This Southwick, Mass., club has been promoting responsible off-highway riding and competition in the New England region for more than 40 years and will use the sound meter at all its enduro, adventure ride and dual-sport events.

“We treasure the trails we ride, actively promoting their preservation through ongoing trail maintenance while working alongside various local, state and federal agencies,” says Mark Placek, vice president of the club. “Over the years we have participated in numerous state forest cleanups, working closely with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, documenting hundreds of man-hours in Tolland State Forest in order to keep the trails maintained, clear and in good health for all trail users.

“BTRA will conduct sound tests at our off-highway events on an ongoing basis to ensure that we maintain a strong relationship with Massachusetts DCR, the many private property owners and the towns and communities that our events travel through,” he says. “Excessive sound is a major factor contributing to riding areas being shut down.”

Umpqua Lands Trail Riders Association

Joshua Dahlenburg, public relations officer of this Oregon club, says: “Oregon has seen many areas regulated by sound issues.

Our club would like to prevent issues with our events and educate riders to help decrease sound issues with OHV use.

We already have many chances to use a sound meter and as our club continues to grow, we will only increase our educating efforts to control sound.”

The group organizes poker runs, races holds club meetings and more so “we will put a sound meter to work,” he says.

“As our event has grown, so has the concern for sound issues with neighboring

Off Camber Motorcycle Club

Keith Gempler of this Arizona club says: “Our plan is to use the sound testing equipment for racing, group-sponsored events and to inform the public through sound checks at local riding areas. Our club is part of the Arizona Motorcycle Riders Association, holding off-road races in conjunction with eight other AMAchartered clubs in Arizona. AMRA holds 8-10 events per year with 150-250 riders per event sound tested by the equipment.

“Additionally, Off Camber MC hosts new rider events coordinated with the Arizona OHV Ambassadors, leading groups of 50-plus new riders on local trails on state trust, BLM [Bureau of Land Management] and NFS [U.S. Forest Service] managed land,” he says.

“We will offer free, informative sound

properties. Our poker ride is located on a private ranch that we lease for this event,” Dahlenburg says. “This year will be our fifth year at this location and last year we had just over 200 riders at our event.

“Our club also thinks a sound check would be good for our riders,” he says.

“Many riders have never had their bike checked and would not really know how loud their bike was,” he says.

By providing a sound check we can educate our riders not only of their sound level but what should be an acceptable level,” he says.

Dahlenburg adds that the nearby Oregon Dunes Recreation Area “is very sound- regulated” so riders would welcome being tested before going there.

checks at these bi-annual club events.

We will set up informational sound tests at popular local OHV staging areas during our quarterly highway cleanup days.

“Arizona has year-round off-roading in areas that cater to all types of OHVs, so the testing will benefit the motorcycle community as well as ATVs, UTVs and other OHV enthusiasts,” he says.

“Once the equipment is received, the club will train officers at the next monthly meeting. During the month following training, the club will provide informational testing for a minimum of two hours per weekend at heavily used OHV areas near the Phoenix metropolitan area,” Gempler says.

“In addition to race use, the club will provide a minimum of one hour per week of testing on average for all 12 months of the year,” he says. “The outcome will be an informed riding public.”

Blue Comet Motorcycle Club

Based in Pennsylvania, this club hosts on- and off-highway events including poker runs, hare scrambles and the Lansdale Bike Night.

“We at the BCMC have the same concern over noise that the AMA has,” says Joseph Zummo, the club’s head of racing. “There is no better way to prove a problem than a test. We would work together with other clubs to have more of an effect.

“We live in a part of the country that is becoming more aware of this [sound] problem. We have been told about it. The desired outcome is less noise…” he says.

Florida West Coast Motorcycle Club

This Clearwater, Fla., club has more than 150 members, and 90 percent of them ride HarleyDavidson motorcycles. The club hopes to “educate on-highway motorcyclists in the community on ways to soundly manage noise they create with their motorcycles.”

This will be done through soundtesting events and “educating riders who complete sound testing on the results of their sound tests, preventing excessive noise so all members of the community can enjoy a peaceful environment, and noting what quiet aftermarket exhaust systems are available at local dealers.”

AMA LeAds WAy In CoMpetItIon sound LIMIts Four-Stroke Machines Limited To 94 Decibels

The AMA was the world’s first motorsports sanctioning body to regulate the sound level of race vehicles.

Today, the AMA requires that all machines at all AMA racing events except drag racing and land-speed trials meet strict sound limits. Those limits for amateur competition are 96 decibels for a two-stroke engine and 94 decibels for a four-stroke machine when measured using the SAE J1287 procedure before an event.

Following the event, the limit is 98 dBA for a two-stroke and 96 dBA for a four-stroke. For vintage machines, the limit both pre-race and post-race is 101 dBA. The AMA requires clubs and promoters to conduct sound tests at their events. Any machine not complying with applicable sound rules may be penalized.

Kip Bigelow, AMA amateur motocross manager, says: “We will again be testing at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in August.

Testing was done at the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days last July and we will again do testing this year. And we are incorporating sound test training in A-level referee training.”

July 2013

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raig Vetter?

Can You Beat CHall of Famer

AMA Motorcycle off, ased that his oneCraig Vetter is ple e can go a bik ge lea mi hexperimental hig l, but all amount of fue long way on a sm d he’s an r— do even bette he knows it can rs. me co all ready to challenge his , Vetter will host On Friday, July 19 ned to sig de , ge en all Fuel Economy Ch of even onserving limits push the energy-c s. cle cy ient motor the most fuel-effic r Fuel Economy In the Craig Vette etitors ride their Challenge, comp itions r real-world cond de motorcycles un st lea the e um ns to co while attempting route the ar, ye is Th l. amount of fue orts from Mid-Ohio Sp takes participants A AM the to xington Car Course in Le rington. of Fame in Picke Motorcycle Hall rticipants pa , me Fa of Hall After touring the ck. ba ing fore head will enjoy lunch be y, with wa ch ea les mi 0 The ride is 80-9 gton. rin ke Pic in ed stop a two-hour plann io Sports Oh dMi ve lea ll Participants wi cted to a.m. and are expe Car Course at 9 . return to by 3 p.m

mpions, Husqvarna Cha ored on H e B Riders To d

Planne Owner Activities he lped power one

The people who toric cycling’s most his of off-road motor s thi at d owcase brands will be sh e it.com AMA Vintag year’s BikeBand .

Motorcycle Days us will be on the For 2013, the foc of Husqvarna, ers champions and rid ions, ts, autograph sess with special gues riders in rna va sq Hu for s special award ial racing, plus spec this year’s vintage classes. ow sh e bik d an gatherings n brand that “As a key Europea in -road revolution helped fuel the off s through ’70 d an s ’60 the the U.S. from ing a has some amaz today, Husqvarn ndit.com ba ke Bi to ing br history to id torcycle Days,” sa AMA Vintage Mo e e’r “W . an stm Ea Husqvarna’s Corey this year’s at us foc the t excited to pu d to rna champions an event on Husqva the of ers rid lcome to offer a special we today. d an y da the in brand, both back see sky, we want to If you have a Hu Days!” cle cy tor Mo e you at Vintag le at

details are availab Class and award m. co er. ett www.craigv

Lap For History e the world-class

Want to experienc ut at Mid-Ohio witho roadrace course roadrace e tag vin the in competing cycle for the AMA Motor program? Sign up joy en l u’l Yo ry. sto for Hi Hall of Fame Lap Sports Car io Oh dMi of r a leisurely tou at in the from the best se Course grounds

e Infield Field Meet On Th tage ndit.com AMA Vin

The 2013 BikeBa ers and , featuring the rid Motorcycle Days a classic st ho ll wi sqvarna, champions of Hu of lp he infield with the field meet on the ed ard aw be ll wi s ize ABATE of Ohio. Pr de the in activities like Ri to the top riders l. rre Ba the Plank and Push d cost to register an There is no extra tion to the na do all sm a t participate, bu tration couraged. Regis Hall of Fame is en t and en ev oughout the will take place thr ld meet Fie a. are eld infi be located in the day. e place on each activities will tak ur own yo ide ov pr to You will need ooter and wear motorcycle or sc and Helmet, long pants ar. ge appropriate ry. ato nd ma eye protection are

best making it one of the reasonable cost, a in row Th the planet. amateur sports on national s, tor eti mp co ly few hundred friend sses for mpetition and cla championship co torcycle mo d an els lev ill sk nearly all ages, Grand the AMA Vintage eras, and you have e Championships. tage the Skills Challengge r challenge than year, the AMA Vin big a for ing ok Now in their fifth for Lo to ain ad ag t He ye e et? olv me hips ev the field Grand Champions fun and games at AMA uction of the ’s. the rod cle for int cy k tor oc the dd th mo wi pa ur r house: yo re 2013. This year, Mid-Ohio’s uppe n up at the AMA Motocross and Ha enge.

To participate, sig ew AMA Vintage 0 -n s, all $1 rie Rider Skills Chall A Se t. hip ten ns me lude tight pio of Fa s National Cham cle course will inc . ble sta Motorcycle Hall ed ob ram uir An Sc req io is Oh me dFa Mi d a slalom. of an the ll als g, Ha cin ers the donation to esented by JT Ra race ries. ns, 360-degree rev pr se tur the the on of nd A King of nd pe AM de rou ll final ete for the .

Specific times wi event becomes the Riders will comp ries free, but a ailable at sign up se is av e n be tio tag ll vin ipa wi std rtic an po Pa program Vintage and the Course title. ging prior to uested. re sta ha req at d is ld an he s me , Fa ng ros A riders’ meeti pions in motoc et, long tion to the Hall of am lm na ch A he do a AM opriate are pr the as ap at ry, crowned torcycle and the lap, is mandato scrambles will be A street-legal mo s.

In oe s. sh hip toe ns d. pio se ed am clo uir pants and Vintage Grand Ch safety gear are req upper paddock d roadracing , vintage trials an tails, inquire at the ion de r se dit Fo ad tho in u tent. s Yo ab gr To ll be up for cycle Hall of Fame It Could Be New championships wi n at or the AMA Motor tio BikeBandit.com eti at mp e co en k sc rac on dirt-t It’s a comm turing disciplines. The nds is a round torcycle Days, fea Stuff? nd County Fairgrou hla AMA Vintage Mo a: rn As va the sq Want Stuff, Gotan obscure motorcycle Hu of National ns ck pio Tra am rt ch Di d e an tag for h Vin A arc se AM the riders a s the Ha of ars? Or maybe bikes. unded you for ye for-sale signs on pionship Series. nfo ed am co Us rt Ch A at pa AM w e shelf e no Th le way! is availab ng on your garag There’s a better Race registration you have somethi ation on the m> loc .co gardless d ys Re ze da ? ali cle me ntr ho rcy ce w a oto Bike Corral is w.amavintagem rsonally is in need for a ne t pe ww rk tha pa n ca es de . infield where atten cles. To Register to Race running motorcy l, rra owned, for-sale, Co ke the AMA Used Bi sell your bike in rk e hang tag and pa fre a ab gr , ride up k! luc od Go d. where instructe

ionals AMA Vintage Natracing offers a unique

Vintage motorcycle ure and h thrills, low press combination of hig

July 2013

49

It’s All Vintage!

u fall into, the of which camp yo u. yo swap meet is for ing the rus pe to ion dit In ad can sign sts sia thu en swap meet, s and or nd ve up as swap meet -site on e fre of ge nta take adva . primitive camping t, but you Spaces fill up fas swap meet a as up can still sign pli ap Meet Info. ap cation at > Vendor and Sw vendor with the rcycledays.com oto em ag int av www.am

torcycle A Legends Learn From AM at BikeBandit.com AMA Vintage Mo of the

ram rna, is one The seminar prog pions of Husqva riders and cham the . ing ds tur en fea , leg ys ng Da torcycli rn from living mo Modern Military best ways to lea eup includes “The lin s ar’ ye s thi cycle” by Fred of A sampling the Diesel Motor Development of and “Living the d s” an ’70 d cle an cy s Motor cling in the 1960 cy tor Mo alities” by of nic ch ies Te Hayes; “Stor tter; “Triumph ergy” by Craig Ve s in North En de ss Ri Le 12 on r rite tte vo Be ; “My Fa s town Don Hutchinson vernment relation John Healy and ; and an AMA go ilk d an erm s wd ion Lo lat m Re America” by To for Government A Vice President AM by ng eti me hall Wayne Allard. te Sen. Dave Zein, former U.S. Sen. mer Wisconsin sta for e lud inc ll wi Other speakers A’s Joe Bromley.

Trow and the AM Paul Pelland, Eric

Dirt Track Ride & Vintagedirt-track race at the r ne in D d an hl As Ride and vintage vintage er thentically The Ashland Dinn e of the most au Fairgrounds is on Ashland County here. evening experiences anyw Car Course, the Mid-Ohio Sports A Vintage Dirt AM the of A short ride from nd rou s’ d, even better, a County Fairground includes dinner an from the Ashland ed e. joy tim en in ls, ck na ba Track Natio e you’ve gone d. It truly feels lik are $35. classic grandstan p.m., and tickets 0 3:3 at y da tur Sa s the AMA ve at e, lea e rac rid The e dinner and the lud inc ich wh ts, Buy your ticke of Fame tent.

Motorcycle Hall

Rides ast Bike Shows Andof Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will bo ture some

will fea While the grounds two bike shows cles at every turn, ow and the AMA Sh ke Bi vintage motorcy ars Ye ines: the AMA All of the best mach . for Fame Bike Show of ll Ha after Friday’s Lap cle Motorcy ow will take place Sh es ke bik Bi ir the ars Ye ge The AMA All will be able to sta story participants ing will be History. Lap for Hi after the lap. Judg t ten me Fa of ll Ha se and ne the pa at Ja for the show can, European, ll of Fame. and include Ameri Ha e the oic to ch n s le’ tio na op pe a $5 do . Registration is Show will feature British categories Hall of Fame Bike cle cy tor Mo A l vintage Saturday’s AM restored or origina the AMA de tsi ou s motorcycle me tent.

Fa of Motorcycle Hall 8:30 a.m., at s en op n tio Registra 1 p.m. at g rtin sta with judging nation. do 0 $1 Registration is a can, eri Am es tur fea The show nese pa Ja d an n British, Europea 1900s rly ea the m fro models through 1989.

50

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

le Hall of Fame, A fundraiser for the AMA Motorcyc le Days, featuring rcyc Moto ge BikeBandit.com AMA Vinta varna, features classic Husq of s pion cham and s rider the s, and honors the riders motorcycles of all makes and style include vintage racing, a ities who made them famous. Activ t shows, motorcycle stun s, show bike t, mee massive swap on a number of inars sem t, mee demo rides, a classic field rts and much more. expe ling rcyc moto d note by s topic schedule is subject to Below is the 2013 schedule. (The of the event.) date the change, and can do so up until

General Schedule FRIDAY, JULY 19 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. » Event Registration (Gate 3) 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. » Mid-Ohio gate hours / ticket sales for the general public 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. » North America’s Largest Motorcycle Swap Meet » Street Motorcycle Demo Rides » Off-Road Motorcycle Demo Rides » Public Service Displays

8 a.m. - 3 p.m. » North America’s Largest Motorcycle Swap Meet » Street Motorcycle Demo Rides » Off-Road Motorcycle Demo Rides » Public Service Displays

» Vendor Midway » AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Tent » Hall of Fame Display » Hall of Fame Gift Shop » Raffle Bike Tickets » AMA Membership Services Tent » AMA Member Hospitality » Used Bike Corral » Classic Club, Club Corrals 2 - 4 p.m. » Motorcycle Skills Course

SATURDAY, JULY 20 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. » Event Registration (Gate 3) 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. » Mid-Ohio gate hours /ticket sales for the general public

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. » North America’s Largest Motorcycle Swap Meet » Street Motorcycle Demo Rides » Off-Road Motorcycle Demo Rides » Public Service Displays » Vendor Midway » Hall of Fame Display » Hall of Fame Gift Shop » Raffle Bike Tickets » AMA Membership Services Tent » AMA Member Hospitality » Used Bike Corral » Classic Club, Club Corrals 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.; 2 - 4 p.m. » Motorcycle Skills Course SUNDAY, JULY 21 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. » Event Registration (Gate 3)

7 a.m. - 6 p.m. » Mid-Ohio gate hours / ticket sales for the general public 7:30 a.m. » Christian Motorcyclists Association Motocross Worship Service (MX Grandstands)

» Vendor Midway » AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Tent » Hall of Fame Display » Hall of Fame Gift Shop » AMA Membership Services Tent

» AMA Member Hospitality » Used Bike Corral » Classic Club, Club Corrals 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. » Motorcycle Skills Course

Special Events

FRIDAY, JULY 19 » Vetter Vintage Days Fuel Economy Challenge Tour » AMA Vintage National Gypsy and Field Meet » AMA All Years Bike Show » American Motor Drome Company’s Wall of Death » Seminars » Vintage roadracing » Vintage hare scrambles

SATURDAY, JULY 20 » Annual Hall of Fame Raffle Bike Drawing Tour » AMA Vintage National Gypsy and Field Meet » American Motor Drome Company’s Wall of Death » Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Show r » Ashland Vintage Flat Track Dinne » » » »

Ride Seminars Vintage roadracing Vintage motocross Vintage flat track (Ashland Co. Fairgrounds)

SUNDAY, JULY 21 » AMA Life Member Breakfast Tour » AMA Vintage National Gypsy and Field Meet » American Motor Drome Company’s Wall of Death » » » » »

Seminars Vintage roadracing Vintage motocross Vintage trials AMA Vintage Grand Champion Presentations

! 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 Ténéré National Adventure Touring Series, Yamaha is awarding one lucky member a new 2013 Super Ténéré! 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

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

1

Mark your calendar now for July 19-21 and AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Tens of thousands of enthusiasts attend this AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame fund-raising event each summer. Highlights include the nation’s largest motorcycle swap meet, vintage racing, demo rides and more. For more info on AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, see page 48 or visit www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com.

7

3

7 5,7 1,2,3 3

4

For an event you don’t want to miss, head off to the 2013 RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel Annual Touring Weekend, July 11-14, in Maggie Valley, N.C. It’s a national touring rally that is part of the AMA Premier Touring Series. Info: www.roadrunner. travel/events/touring-weekend/.

4

5

2

The half-mile dirt track at the Ashland County Fairgrounds in Ashland, Ohio, will be the home for some great vintage racing action on July 20. It’s part of the excitement of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Info: www. amavintagemotorcycledays. com.

If you’re looking for some fun on your dual-sport machine, take part in the 29th annual Michael R. Burlingham Memorial Six Days of Michigan, July 20-27, in Gwinn, Mich. On July 24 the event moves to Newberry, Mich. This is one of the events in the AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series, presented by FMF. Info: www.cycleconservationclub.org.

The professional speed demons of the roadrace track are making their way to Ohio and California this month. The AMA Pro Road Racing Championship heads to Mid-Ohio Sports Car course in Lexington, Ohio, July 12-14 and then to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., July 19-21. For the full schedule, see page 56.

6

Any time is the right time to get in on the AMA Grand Tours. You can ride at your own pace and take in the sights and sounds that you might otherwise miss. Get going on the Polar Bear Grand Tour, Smoke Chasing Grand Tour or the Tour of Honor Grand Tour. For the full schedule, see page 58.

COMING UP

Motorcycles don’t get any faster than this: the AMA Land Speed Grand Championships - BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials will be Aug. 25-29 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Info: www.bubent.com.

7

July marks the halfway point in the battle for supremacy in the AMA Pro Racing Motocross National Championship Series.

Check out the action July 6 in Buchanan, Mich.; July 20 in Washougal, Wash., and July 27 in Millville, Minn. for the full schedule, see page 56.

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

JULY EVENTS ARIZONA

(719) 942-3372, ITSOFFROAD.COM ILLINOIS

COMPETITION OBSERVED TRIALS

RECREATIONAL

JUL 27-28: KINGMAN: 2-DAY EVENT, CENTRAL ARIZONA TRIALS INC, (928) 681-5700, MCPARKS.COM

ROAD RUN

CALIFORNIA RECREATIONAL POKER RUN JUL 13: STOCKTON: STOCKTON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 956-1505, STOCKTONMC.ORG COMPETITION MOTOCROSS JUL 27: (Includes ATVs) ADELANTO: SPORTS COMMITTEE DISTRICT 37 AMA INC., (760) 220-6575, DISTRICT37AMA.ORG SPEEDWAY JUL 5: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-RACE, FASTFRIDAY@AOL.COM JUL 12: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-RACE, FASTFRIDAYS.COM JUL 19: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-RACE, FASTFRIDAYS.COM JUL 26: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-RACE, FASTFRIDAYS.COM JUL 27: PERRIS: STEVE EVANS SPEEDWAY, (951) 940-0134 COLORADO RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE JUL 22: SILVERTON: ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE RIDERS, RMARIDERS.ORG JUL 25: SILVERTON: ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE RIDERS, RMARIDERS.COM TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL JUL 19: SARGENTS: EXIT TOURS M/C, (719) 207-1189, HTTP:// ROCKYMOUNTAINSINGLETRACK. COM

JUL 21: ELGIN: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL JUL 14: (Includes ATVs) OTTAWA: VARIETY RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 434-3669, VARIETYRIDERS. COM JUL 28: (Includes ATVs) OTTAWA: VARIETY RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 434-3669, VARIETYRIDERS. COM COMPETITION

LONESOME M/C, (812) 342-4411, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM JUL 28: COLUMBUS: STONEY LONESOME M/C, (812) 342-4411, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM MOTOCROSS JUL 13: (Includes ATVs) CAYUGA: PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (309) 8385062, PLEASURERIDERS.NET JUL 14: CAYUGA: PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (309) 838-5062, PLEASURERIDERS.NET JUL 14: CROTHERSVILLE: LET’S GO RACING LLC, (812) 374-8228, HIGHFLYMX.COM JUL 21: (Includes ATVs) PARIS CROSSING : HOOSIER HILLTOPPERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (812) 873-1178, HOOISERHILLTOPPERSMX.COM IOWA

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK JUL 24: URBANA: CENTRAL ILLINOIS M/C, (217) 317-9278, CENTRALILLIONOISMOTORCYCLE CLUB.ORG MOTOCROSS JUL 21: KANE: GREENE ACRES MX PARK, (217) 942-6444 JUL 21: (Includes ATVs) BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM JUL 26: (Includes ATVs) WOODSTOCK: WOODSTOCK RACING LLC, (815) 3373511, WOODSTOCK-KTM.COM

COMPETITION MOTOCROSS JUL 13: (Includes ATVs) CEDAR RAPIDS: CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 775-0893, CVTR. ORG

JUL 14: LANSING: LANSING MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 267-9534, LANSINGMOTORCYCLECLUB.ORG JUL 21: GREENVILLE: KNUCKLE BUSTERS RIDERS CLUB, MOTOCROSS JUL 14: (Includes ATVs) CADILLAC: CADILLAC MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (231) 884-3729, CADILLACMC.COM JUL 20: (Includes ATVs) BATTLE CREEK: BATTLE CREEK MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (269) 729-9691 JUL 20: BLOOMINGDALE: DUTCH SPORT PARK, (269) 683-4418, DUTCHSPORTPARKMX.COM JUL 21: BLOOMINGDALE: DUTCH SPORT PARK, (269) 683-4418, DUTCHSPORTPARKMX.COM JUL 21: (Includes ATVs) BATTLE CREEK: BATTLE CREEK MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (269) 729-9691 JUL 27-28: (ATV only) BUCHANAN: 2-DAY EVENT, REDBUD RECREATION, INC., (269) 695-6405, REDBUDMX. COM

JUL 20: (Includes ATVs) MONTEZUMA: FV MOTO X, (641) 623-3456, FVMOTOX.COM

JUL 27: (Includes ATVs) ATLANTIC MINE: RANGE MX/HOUGHTON, (906) 369-2558, RANGESNOWMOBILECLUB. COM

JUL 21: (Includes ATVs) MONTEZUMA: FV MOTO X, (641) 623-3456, FVMOTOX.COM

JUL 28: (Includes ATVs) ATLANTIC MINE: RANGE MX/HOUGHTON, (906) 369-2558

KANSAS

JUL 27: CASEY: LINCOLN TRAIL MOTOSPORTS, (217) 932-2041, LINCOLNTRAILMOTOSPORTS.COM

RECREATIONAL

JUL 28: MIDLAND: POLKA DOTS M/C, (989) 832-8284, POLKADOTSMC.NET

ROAD RUN

SHORT TRACK

JUL 28: CASEY: LINCOLN TRAIL MOTOSPORTS, (217) 932-2041, LINCOLNTRAILMOTOSPORTS.COM

JUL 28: OVERLAND PARK: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

JUL 6: OWOSSO: OWOSSO KART SPEEDWAY, (810) 691-5781, OWOSSOKARTSPEEDWAY.COM

INDIANA RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUL 14: SOUTH BEND: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG JUL 28: KOKOMO: MIDNIGHT RIDERS MC, (765) 452-7654, MIDNIGHTRIDERS-MC.COM

MARYLAND COMPETITION MOTOCROSS JUL 14: (Includes ATVs) LEONARDTOWN: BUDDS CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM MICHIGAN RECREATIONAL

COMPETITION

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

JUL 7: MILLIKEN: TWO RIVERS RACING LLC, (970) 587-5770

JUL 27: (Includes ATVs) GOSHEN: GOSHEN IRON HORSEMEN, (574) 825-3399

JUL 20: GWINN: THE CYCLE CONSERVATION CLUB OF MICHIGAN, (517) 781-4805, CYCLECONSERVATIONCLUB.ORG

HILLCLIMB

COMPETITION

JUL 14: WATKINS: MHMR PROMOTIONS, (303) 246-7071

ENDURO

JUL 21: ALAMOSA: CAT SUPER SPORTS, (719) 580-9717, CATSCLASSIC.COM

JUL 20: (Includes ATVs) CAYUGA: PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (217) 2472216, PLEASURERIDERS.NET

JUL 28: DACONA: IMI MOTORSPORTS INC, (303) 833-4949, IMIMOTORSPORTS.COM

JUL 21: (Includes ATVs) CAYUGA: PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (217) 2472216

OBSERVED TRIALS

HARE SCRAMBLES

JUL 19: HOWARD: ITS OFFROAD LLC,

JUL 7: COLUMBUS: STONEY

DUAL-SPORT RIDE

JUL 13: (Includes ATVs) DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM JUL 20: (Includes ATVs) AUBURN: TRI-CITY MOTOR SPEEDWAY, (989) 316-6804, TRICITYRACETRACK.COM JUL 23: (Includes ATVs) GLADWIN: GLADWIN COUNTY FAIR, (989) 4262311, GLADWINFAIR.ORG TT JUL 14: (Includes ATVs) DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM MINNESOTA

DUAL SPORT ADVENTURE www.Colorado2day.com July 2013

53

JULY EVENTS RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUL 21: VADNAIS HEIGHTS: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

NEW JERSEY COMPETITION MOTOCROSS

ENDURO

JUL 27: (Includes ATVs) ENGLISHTOWN: RACEWAY PARK, (732) 446-7800, RACEWAYPARK.COM

JUL 20: MORA: NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (612) 282-5383, NORSEMENMC.ORG

JUL 28: (Includes ATVs) ENGLISHTOWN: RACEWAY PARK, (732) 446-7800, RACEWAYPARK.COM

JUL 27-28: MORA: 2-DAY EVENT, NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (612) 363-9512, NORSEMENMC.ORG

COMPETITION

COMPETITION

HILLCLIMB JUL 13: (Includes ATVs) RED WING: 2 DAY EVENT, INDIANHEAD MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (952) 210-8208, INDIANHEADMC.ORG JUL 20: (Includes ATVs) MANKATO: KATO CYCLE CLUB, KATOCYCLECLUB.COM MOTOCROSS JUL 14: MANKATO: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 601-1169, MOTOKAZIE.COM JUL 14: LITTLE FALLS: MOTO CITY RACEWAY & RECREATION INC, (218) 894-2826, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM JUL 21: KELLOGG: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 244-9996, MOTOKAZIE.COM JUL 21: (ATV only) MAZEPPA: HURRICANE HILLS MX, (507) 8435154, HURRICANEHILLS.COM JUL 21: BROOK PARK: BERM BENDERS RACEWAY, (320) 679-2582, BERMBENDERS.COM JUL 26: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

NEW MEXICO OBSERVED TRIALS JUL 13-14: TAOS: 2-DAY EVENT, NEW MEXICO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (505) 780-2551, NEWMEXICOTRIALS.COM NEW YORK

JUL 13-14: (ATV only) NEW BERLIN: 2-DAY EVENT, UNADILLA ENTERPRISES, LLC., (607) 965-8450, UNADILLAMX.COM JUL 14: (Includes ATVs) AUBURN: FROZEN OCEAN MOTOCROSS INC, (315) 784-5466, FROZEN-OCEAN.COM

HILLCLIMB

JUL 21: DANSVILLE: DISTRICT 4 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (607) 742-6648, DISTRICT14TRIALS.ORG

JUL 20: (Includes ATVs) WATERFORD: PIONEER MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (740) 678-0082, PIONEERMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

JUL 27: ALMA: DISTRICT 4 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (716) 652-4681, DISTRICT4TRIALS.ORG JUL 28: ALMA: DISTRICT 4 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (716) 372-4576, DISTRICT4TRIALS.ORG

DICE RUN

JUL 13: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 6932634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

JUL 13-14: NANUET: 2-DAY EVENT, RAMAPO MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (845) 300-1247, RAMAPOMC.ORG JUL 14: CONGERS: BLUE KNIGHTS NY CHAPTER XVIII, (845) 386-2852, BKNYXVIII.ORG JUL 21: MILTON: IRON RIDERS MC NY, (845) 691-9312, IRONRIDERSMC.COM JUL 21: DEERFIELD: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

JUL 27: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 6932634, INFO2SQUAREDEALRIDERS. COM NORTH CAROLINA RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY JUL 26: LITTLE SWITZERLAND: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION, COMPETITION TT JUL 13: (ATV only) GOLDSBORO: BUSCO BEACH, (919) 922-9614 RECREATIONAL

OBSERVED TRIALS JUL 13: GILBERT: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG

JUL 28: STATEN ISLAND: ROLLING THUNDER 2 NY, ROLLINGTHUNDER2NY.COM

JUL 14: GILBERT: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG

COMPETITION

JUL 20-21: HEBRON: 2-DAY EVENT, THE COLUMBUS FLAMES MC CLUB, (614) 294-9351

HARE SCRAMBLES

RECREATIONAL

JUL 21: (Includes ATVs) ODESSA: TOMPKINS TRAIL RIDERS, (607) 5925138, WNYOA.NET

ROAD RALLY

MOTOCROSS

JUL 9: BILLINGS: WOMEN ON WHEELS (R), WOMENONWHEELS.ORG

JUL 6: (Includes ATVs) CAROGA LAKE: ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN.COM

MONTANA

NEBRASKA RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUL 14: OMAHA: ROLLIN PLAINS MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF OMAHA, INC., HTTP://RPMCOMAHA.COM NEVADA COMPETITION HARE & HOUND

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

JUL 6: (Includes ATVs) RICHFORD: BROOME TIOGA SPORTS CENTER INC, (607) 849-4438, BROOME-TIOGA. COM JUL 7: RICHFORD: BROOME TIOGA SPORTS CENTER INC, (607) 849-4438, BROOME-TIOGA.COM JUL 7: (Includes ATVs) CAROGA LAKE: ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 356-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN.COM

GRAND PRIX

OBSERVED TRIALS

SHORT TRACK

ROAD RUN

JUL 14: LOGAN: HOCKING VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 385-7695, HOCKINGVALLEYMC.COM JUL 14: (Includes ATVs) ATHENS : ACTION SPORTS PROMOTIONS INC., (740) 591-7223, ACTIONSPORTSRACING.COM

RECREATIONAL JUL 28:HAVERSTRAW: SECOND GENERATION MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC., SECONDGENERATIONMA.ORG

ENDURO

JUL 21: (Includes ATVs) MAPLEVIEW: SMX ASSOCIATES LLC, (315) 4807733, MOTOMASTERS.COM

JUL 27: JAMESVILLE: MARCH OF DIMES-CENTRAL NEW YORK DIVISION, (315) 463-0700, BIKERSFORBABIES.ORG

JUL 28: MILLVILLE: HI-WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

54

JUL 13: MCCARRAN: GET-XTR-EME, (805) 236-5866, GET-XT-EME.COM

OHIO FIELD MEET - OFF-ROAD

ROAD RUN JUL 13: MASON: TRAIN MRO INC., (513) 531-6547, TRAINMRO.ORG JUL 28: MARYSVILLE: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG ROAD RALLY JUL 8: LOGAN: AMERICAN VOYAGER ASSOCIATION, (208) 746-3530 JUL 27: LANCASTER : ROAD RIDERS FOR JESUS, (740) 654-1711 COMPETITION

JUL 21: (Includes ATVs) WATERFORD: PIONEER MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (740) 678-0082, PIONEERMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM HARE SCRAMBLES JUL 19: LEXINGTON: AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION, (614) 856-1900, AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST. COM MOTOCROSS JUL 13: (Includes ATVs) HILLIARD: AMERICAN MOTOSPORTS LLC, (937) 358-2427, AMERICANMX.COM JUL 14: BLANCHESTER: DIRT COUNTRY, (513) 625-7350, DIRTCOUNTRYMX.COM JUL 16: (Includes ATVs) NEW LEXINGTON: AMERICAN MOTOSPORTS LLC, (937) 358-2427, AMERICANMX.COM JUL 20-21: LEXINGTON: 2-DAY EVENT, AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION, (614) 856-1900, AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM JUL 23: (Includes ATVs) MARYSVILLE: AMERICAN MOTOSPORTS LLC, (937) 358-2427, AMERICANMX.COM JUL 28: GREENVILLE: TREATY CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (937) 5487197, TREATYCITYMC.COM OBSERVED TRIALS JUL 21: LEXINGTON: AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION, (614) 856-1900, AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST. COM ROADRACE JUL 19: LEXINGTON: AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION, (614) 856-1900, AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST. COM TT JUL 26: (ATV only) ASHTABULA: FISCHER CYCLE, (440) 997-4166, FISHERRACING.COM OREGON

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

RECREATIONAL

JUL 20: ASHLAND: AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION, (614) 856-1900, AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST. COM

JUL 9: BEND : MOTOR MAIDS, INC.

CONVENTIONS COMPETITION

JULY EVENTS HARE SCRAMBLES

2841, EVANSVILLEMXPARK.COM

JUL 6-7: ELKON: 2-DAY EVENT, EMERALD TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION INC., (541) 505-4511, ETRA.NET

JUL 21: (Includes ATVs) BERWICK: EVANSVILLE MOTOCROSS PARK, LLC., (570) 759-2841, EVANSVILLEMXPARK.COM

PENNSYLVANIA RECREATIONAL BIKE SHOW JUL 13: BOYERTOWN: BIKERS FOR JC, (215) 234-8611, PABIKENIGHTS. COM JUL 19: CARLISLE: CARLISLE PRODUCTIONS, (717) 243-7855, CARLISLEEVENTS.COM CARNIVAL RUN JUL 7: LEBANON: LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (717) 2709797, LEBANONVALLEYMC.COM POKER RUN JUL 7: RED HILL: FREEDOM RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (215) 679-4766, FREEDOMRIDERSPA.COM

WASHINGTON RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY JUL 25: REPUBLIC: WASHINGTON STATE BMW RIDERS, (425) 788-7590

JUL 28: ELKLAND: MILES MOUNTAIN MX, (570) 418-2260, MILESMOUNTAINMX.COM

JUL 31: STEVENSON: SOUND RIDER! NORTHWEST FULL FACE RIDERS, (206) 650-9102, SOUNDRIDER.COM/ RALLY

JUL 28: THREE SPRINGS: ROCKET RACEWAY, (717) 574-6590, ROCKETRACEWAY.COM

COMPETITION

SHORT TRACK

MOTOCROSS

JUL 20: DELTA: BALTIMORE COUNTY TRAIL RIDERS ASSOC., BCTRA.COM

JUL 6: (Includes ATVs) WEST RICHLAND: HRMC, INC., (509) 9535242, HORNRAPIDSMX.COM

TENNESSEE ROAD RUN

JUL 7: (Includes ATVs) WEST RICHLAND: HRMC, INC., (509) 9535242, HORNRAPIDSMX.COM

JUL 28: KNOXVILLE: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

JUL 18-19: WASHOUGAL: 2-DAY EVENT, WASHOUGAL MX PARK, LLC, (360) 837-3975, WASHOUGALMXPK. COM

COMPETITION

JUL 28: (Includes ATVs) WEST RICHLAND: HRMC, INC., (509) 9535242, HORNRAPIDSMX.COM

RECREATIONAL

JUL 7: (Includes ATVs) CHILTON: GRAVITY PARK USA, (920) 849-7223, GRAVITYPARKUSA.COM JUL 14: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 265-1582, AZTALANMX.COM JUL 20: (Includes ATVs) ARKANSAW: ARKANSAW CREEK CYCLE CLUB INC, (715) 285-5679, ARKANSAWMX.COM JUL 21: (Includes ATVs) ARKANSAW: ARKANSAW CREEK CYCLE CLUB INC, (715) 285-5679, ARKANSAWMX.COM JUL 24: (Includes ATVs) PORTAGE: CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 220-6853, CMJRACEWAY.COM OBSERVED TRIALS JUL 20: BARABOO: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (319) 624-2003, WISCONSINTRAILS. ORG

JUL 14: SCHUYLKILL: SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 385-1460, SCHUYLKILLMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM

MOTOCROSS

COMPETITION

JUL 21: BARABOO: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (319) 624-2003, WISCONSINTRIALS. ORG

JUL 14: BUCK : GENTLEMEN MC SPORTSMEN, (717) 284-2270

OBSERVED TRIALS

MOTOCROSS

SHORT TRACK

JUL 5: SEQUATCHIE: SOUTHEASTERN TRIALS RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (423) 942-8688, TRIALSTRAININGCENTER. COM

JUL 20-21: HEDGESVILLE: 2-DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 375-1059, MAMAMX.COM

JUL 13: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM

JUL 21: YORK: YORK MOTORCYCLE CLUB, YORKMOTORCYCLE.COM ROAD RALLY JUL 18: ERIE: ROAR ON THE SHORE, (814) 833-3200, ROARONTHESHORE. COM COMPETITION 1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK JUL 27: (Includes ATVs) POTTSVILLE: SHIPPENSBURG MC, (717) 796-0294, BAERMOTORSPORTS.COM ENDURO JUL 14: GILLETT: SOUTHERN TIER ENDURO RIDERS, (570) 888-0500, STER-MC.ORG JUL 28: CROSS FORK: BRANDYWINE ENDURO RIDERS, (610) 368-7332, BER.US HARE SCRAMBLES JUL 20-21: JEFFERSON: 2-DAY EVENT, RIDGE RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (201) 456-5519, ECEA.ORG

JUL 13: (Includes ATVs) BLOUNTVILLE: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

TEXAS

WEST VIRGINIA

WISCONSIN

RECREATIONAL

COMPETITION

ROAD RALLY

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

JUL 18: WILLS POINT: BIKERS ADULT RALLY, LLC., (972) 551-0024, BIKERSADULTRALLY.COM

JUL 4: ELKHORN: DVR ENTERPRISES LLC, (262) 689-2842

VIRGINIA COMPETITION GRAND PRIX JUL 28: BRISTOL: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (276) 669-0981, VCHSS. ORG

HARE SCRAMBLES JUL 7: STONE LAKE: STRAIGHT ARROW ENDURO RIDERS, (651) 5874435, STAIGHTARROWS.ORG MOTOCROSS JUL 6: (Includes ATVs) CHILTON: GRAVITY PARK USA, (920) 849-7223, GRAVITYPARKUSA.COM

JUL 20: (Includes ATVs) LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 2651582, AZTALANMX.COM JUL 27: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM WYOMING RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY JUL 15: BUFFALO: INTERNATIONAL NORTON OWNERS ASSOCIATION, (510) 517-0595, NORTONRALLY.COM

Check Out the All-New AMA CLASSIFIEDS! YOUR ONLINE MARKETPLACE FOR MOTORCYCLES, POWERSPORTS & MORE.

MOTOCROSS JUL 6-7: (ATV only) DELMONT: 2-DAY EVENT, BELLCO INC., (304) 284-0084, ATVMOTOCROSS.COM JUL 7: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 582-3717, PAGODAMC.ORG JUL 7: CLIFFORD: HURRICANE HILLS MOTORSPORTS LLC, (570) 222-9290, HHMOTOCROSS.COM JUL 20: BERWICK: EVANSVILLE MOTOCROSS PARK, LLC., (570) 759-

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July 2013

55

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.

2 Wheels + Motor, A Fine Art Exhibition: More than two dozen artists celebrate the spirit, excitement and adventure of motorcycling through fine art.

Founder’s Hall: Honoring the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s generous contributors.

July 19-21, Lexington, Ohio: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Information: www. amavintagemotorcycledays.com.

AMA PrO rAcINg

AMA MOTOcrOSS cHAMPIONSHIP MXSPorTSProrAcINg.coM

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 Aug. 3: castle rock, Wash.: TT, Castle Rock Race Park Aug. 11: Peoria, Ill.: TT, PMC Race Park Aug. 17: Indianapolis: Mile, Indiana State Fairground Aug. 24: New kent, Va.: Mile, Colonial Downs Sept. 1: Springfield, Ill.: Mile, Illinois State Fairgrounds Sept. 29: Santa rosa, calif.: Mile, Sonoma County Fairgrounds Oct. 12: Pomona, calif. Half-mile, LA County Fairplex AMA PrO HILLcLIMB cHAMPIONSHIP AMAProrAcINg.coM June 12: Canaan, N.H.

June 22: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek

June 22: Oregonia, Ohio

June 29: Southwick, Mass.: Moto-X 338

Aug. 4-25: TBD

July 14: West Branch, Mich.

July 6: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud

Sept. 8: Freemansburg, Pa.

July 20: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal

Sept. 29: Jefferson, Pa.

July 27: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek Aug. 10: New Berlin, N.y.: Unadilla Aug. 17: Salt Lake city: Miller Motorsports Park Aug. 24: Lake Elsinore, calif.: Lake Elsinore AMA PrO rOAD rAcINg cHAMPIONSHIP AMAProrAcINg.coM June 21-23: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park July 12-14: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course July 19-21: Monterey, calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Aug. 2-4: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park Aug. 16-18: Indianapolis: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

56

AMA PrO FLAT TrAck cHAMPIONSHIP AMAProrAcINg.coM

Oct. 13: Oregonia, Ohio AMA PrO ATV MOTOcrOSS cHAMPIONSHIP ATVMoTocroSS.coM July 6-7: Delmont, Pa.: Steel City 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

AMA ENDUrOcrOSS ENDurocroSS.coM

Sept. 21: Ontario, calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena Oct. 12: Denver: National Western Complex Oct. 26: Everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena Nov. 9: Boise, Idaho: Idaho Center

Aug.23/Sept. 8: TBD

Nov. 23: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena

Sept. 13-15: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

AMA NATIONAL ENDUrO NATIoNAlENDuro.coM

Sept. 27-29: Monterey, calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

June 23: Blain, Pa.: Jim Landvater, Susquehanna Off Road Riders,

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

(717) 926-6035, www.sorrmc.org July 28: cross Fork, Pa.: Peter Burnett, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 368-7332, www.ber.us Sept. 15: Lynnville, Ind.: Gil Jochem, IN, IL, KY Enduro Riders; (812) 6240344, www.blackcoal.org Oct. 20: Oklahoma city: Chuck Howard, Oklahoma Dirt Riders; (405) 249-6702, www.okiedirtriders.com AMA VINTAgE DIrT TrAck AMArAcINg.coM June 28: Harpursville, N.y.: ST, Square Deal Riders; www. squaredealriders.com June 29: Harpursville, N.y.: ST, Square Deal Riders; www. squaredealriders.com July 20: Ashland, Ohio: Half-mile, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Ashland County Fairgrounds; Ken Saillant, AMA; (800) 262-5646; www. americanmotorcyclist.com/racing Aug. 16: Indianapolis: ST, MidAmerica Speedway; Jim Terchila; (317) 871-4392; info@midamspeedway.com

AMA NATIONAL MID-AMErIcA crOSS cOUNTry SErIES www.ThEMAXc.coM 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: Freedom, Ind: Coyote Run AMA ATV MOTOcrOSS ATVMoTocroSS.coM July 6-7: Delmont, Pa.: Steel City 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 ATV EXTrEME DIrT TrAck EDTrAcINg.coM

Sept. 21: cuddebackville, N.y.: ST, Ron Edlin, Tri-State MC; (845) 5664956; www.tristateclub.com

June 14-15: Sioux Falls, S.D.: Sioux Valley Cycle Club; (605) 977-3866; www.siouxvalleycycleclub.com

Sept. 22: cuddebackville, N.y.: ST, Ron Edlin, Tri-State MC; (845) 5664956; www.tristateclub.com

July 13: goldsboro, N.c.: Busco Beach; (919) 222-9614; www. buscobeach.com

AMA VINTAgE HArE ScrAMBLES AMArAcINg.coM

July 27-28: Ashtabula, Ohio: Bud Fischer, Pine Lake Off-Road Facility; (440) 997-4166; williamfischer07@ yahoo.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 VINTAgE MOTOcrOSS AMArAcINg.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 WEST HArE ScrAMBLES AMArAcINg.coM July 6, youth and c Amateur; July 7, Pro, A and B Amateur: Elkton, Ore.: Toni Bamford, ETRA Inc.; (541) 5054511; www.ETRA.net AMA HArE AND HOUND AMArAcINg.coM July 13, Amateur: Mccarran, Nev.: No ATVs. Erek Kudla, Get-Xtr-Eme; (805) 236-5866; www.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; www.100sMC.org

Aug. 23-24: Batavia, N.y.: Keith Dawydko, Batavia Motor Speedway; www.bataviamotorspeedway.com AMA SWM NATc MOTOTrIALS AMArAcINg.coM June 15-16, rounds 1 and 2: cayuta, N.y.: David Reed, District 4 Trials Committee; (607) 796-9558; www.district4trials.org June 22-23, rounds 3 and 4: Swanton, Vt.: Denver Wilson, Green Mountain Plonkers Trials Club; (802) 236-7338; www. greenmountainplonkers.org July 27-28, rounds 5 and 6: kingman, Ariz.: Mike Carlton, Central Arizona Trials Inc.; (928) 681-5700; www.mcparks.com Aug. 3-4, rounds 7 and 8: Sipapu, N.M.: Lance Butler, New Mexico Trials Association; (505) 332-3172; www.nmtrials.org Aug. 24-25, rounds 9 and 10: Duluth, Minn.: Steve Ahleri, Northland MC Riders Association; (218) 349-9578; dam@cpinternet.com AMA NATc EAST yOUTH MOTOTrIALS AMArAcINg.coM July 5-7: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Ashley Jackson, South Eastern Trials Riders Association; (423) 942-8688; www.trialstrainingcenter.com

2013 eveNts AMA NATC WEST YOUTH MOTOTriAlS AMARACING.CoM

EAST COAST ENDUrO ASSOCiATiON ENDUrO SEriES eCeA.oRG

July 19-21: Howard, Colo.: Bill Markham, ITS Offroad; (719) 942-3372; www.itsoffroad.com

June 16: grier City, pa.: High Mountain Dirt Riders, (570) 954-7799; www.hmdr.org

AMA FEATUrED SEriES

AMA WESTErN CHECkpOiNT ENDUrO CHAMpiONSHip RIdeCheC.CoM

Sept. 13-14: Johnson Valley, Calif.: Two-day qualifier Sept. 28-29: Toulon, Nev. Oct. 26-27: Elkins Flat, Calif.

Nov. 9-10: Stoneyford, Calif.

VirgiNA CHAMpiONSHip HArE SCrAMblES SEriES vChss.oRG June 23: rural retreat, 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. AMA ATV HEArTlAND CHAllENgE heARtlANdChAlleNGe.CoM Aug. 15-17: Carlisle, iowa AMA ACTiON SpOrTS grAND prix SEriES ACtIoNsPoRtsRACING.CoM June 22: Athens, Ohio: Action Sports Moto Park, Action Sports Promotions, (740) 591-7223 July 14: Athens, Ohio: Action Sports Moto Park, Action Sports Promotions, (740) 591-7223 Aug. 24: Athens, Ohio: Action Sports Moto Park, Action Sports Promotions, (740) 591-7223 Sept. 21: Athens, Ohio: Action Sports Moto Park, Action Sports Promotions, (740) 591-7223 Oct. 20: Athens, Ohio: Action Sports Moto Park, Action Sports Promotions, (740) 591-7223 Nov. 16: Athens, Ohio: Action Sports Moto Park, Action Sports Promotions, (740) 591-7223 AMA DiSTriCT 37 big 6 grAND prix SEriES BIG6RACING.CoM 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

Speedway

Motorsport Park

June 16: peoria, ill.: TT, Peoria Motorcycle Club

Aug. 17-18: loudon, N.H.: New Hampsire Motor Speedway

June 21: Ashland, Ohio: Half-mile, Ashland County Fairgrounds

Sept. 21-22: Alton, Va.: Final, Virginia International Speedway

June 23: blain, pa.: Susquehanna Off-Road Riders, (717) 533-2242; www.sorrmc.org

July 4: Frederick, Md.: Half-mile, Al Wilcox Memorial at the 91st Annual Barbara Fritchie Classic

July 14: gillett, pa.: Southern Tier Enduro Riders, (607) 382-8534; www.ster-mc.org

July 18: billings, Mont.: Half-mile, Billings Motorsports Park

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; www.greenmarbleenduroriders.org Aug. 18: berkshire, N.Y.: Ithaca Dirt Riders, (607) 657-8248; www.ithacadirtriders.com Aug. 25: Mauricetown, N.J.: Competition Dirt Riders, (609) 3197496; www.competitiondirtriders.org Sept. 8: Shippensburg, pa.: South Penn Enduro Riders, (717) 265-6055; www.southpennenduroriders.com Sept. 15: brandonville, pa.: Valley Forge Trail Riders, (484) 948-5361; www.vftr.org Oct. 20: New lisbon, N.J.: Ocean County Competition Riders, (609) 7582747; www.occr.net Nov. 10: Warren grove, N.J.: Motorcycle Competition Inc., (609) 5757820; www.ride-mci.com Nov. 24: New lisbon, N.J.: Central Jersey Competition Riders, (732) 5586475; www.cjcrmc.org EAST COAST ENDUrO ASSOCiATiON HArE SCrAMblES SEriES eCeA.oRG June 29-30: Tamaqua, pa.: 2-Day, Reading Off-Road Riders, (610) 9213592 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 Oct. 5-6: Eagleswood, N.J.: 2-Day, Pine Barons Enduro Riders, (609) 6546300 Oct. 26-27: Millville, N.J.: 2-Day, Competition Dirt Riders, (609) 319-7496 Nov. 16-17: New Castle, Del.: 2-Day, Delaware Enduro Riders, (302) 8344411

AMA AMATEUr CHAMpiONSHipS

AMA AMATEUr NATiONAl MOTOCrOSS MxsPoRts.CoM NoRtheAst ReGIoNAl ChAMPIoNshIP

Aug. 9: peoria, ill.: ST, Peoria Speedway

June 29-30: Danville, Va.: Amateur, Budds Creek; (304) 284-0084

Aug. 31: Springfield, ill.: ST, Illinois State Fairgrounds

soUtheAst ReGIoNAl ChAMPIoNshIP

Sept. 27: TBD

June 22-23: gainesville, Fla.: Youth, Gatorback; (321) 689-3461

Sept. 28: York, pa.: Half-mile, York Expo Center AMA iOWA ATV HArE SCrAMblES IAtvhss.CoM June 16: Decatur City, iowa.: Bobcat Run

MId-eAst ReGIoNAl ChAMPIoNshIP June 22-23: Millington, Mich.: Amateur, Baja Acres; (989) 871-3356 NoRth CeNtRAl ReGIoNAl ChAMPIoNshIP

July 6-7: Mount pleasant, iowa: Greenhurst Farms

June 15-16: Millville, Minn.: Amateur, Spring Creek MX; (507) 753-2779

July 19: Centerville, iowa:

June 29-30: byron, ill.: Youth, Byron Motosports Park; (815) 234-2271

Aug. 16-17: Carlisle, iowa: Heartland Challenge Sept. 7-8: beaconsfield, iowa: Coyote Crossing Oct. 5-6: Carlisle, iowa: Blue Ridge Run AMA ASrA CHAMpiONSHip SEriES AMARACING.CoM June 15-16: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Speedway July 6-7: Elkhart lake, Wis.: Road America 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. 17-20: Daytona beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway ASrA TEAM CHAllENgE SEriES AMARACING.CoM June 15: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Speedway Aug. 25: Summit point, W.Va.: Summit Point Circuit (3 hours, or 200 miles) Sept. 8: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsport Park Oct. 19: Daytona beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway AMA USgprU SEriES UsGPRU.Net June 15-16: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Speedway

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July 6-7: Elkhart lake, Wis.: Road America

June 14: peoria, ill.: ST, Peoria

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soUth CeNtRAl ReGIoNAl ChAMPIoNshIP June 15-16: prentiss, Miss.: Youth, Golden Pine; (601) 506-8669 NAtIoNAl ChAMPIoNshIP July 29-Aug. 3: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: National Championship, Loretta Lynn’s Ranch AMA big SkY AMATEUr NATiONAl OFF-rOAD CHAMpiONSHip BIGsKYxC.CoM ClIMB to BIG sKY QUAlIFIeRs May 12: Millville, Minn.: AMA D23 July 6-7: Elkton, Ore.: AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship July 6-7: blairmore, Alberta, Canada: Shale Shaker XC NAtIoNAl ChAMPIoNshIP Aug. 24-25: big Sky, Mont.: Jamey Kabisch, Lone Peak Racing; (406) 2230478; www.BigSkyXC.com AMA HillCliMb grAND CHAMpiONSHipS AMARACING.CoM Aug. 9-11: Monson, Mass.: Jim O’Connell, Quaboag Riders; (413) 2670332 AMA ExTrEME ENDUrO grAND CHAMpiONSHipS teNNesseeKNoCKoUteNdURo.CoM Aug. 17-18: Sequatchie, Tenn.: KENDA Tennessee Knockout, Trials Training Center AMA kENDA big SkY AMATEUr NATiONAl OFF-rOAD CHAMpiONSHip BIGsKYxC.CoM Aug. 24-25: big Sky, Mont.: Big Sky Resort

July 2013

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2013 EVENTS AMA VINTAGE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM July 19-21: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course AMA ROADRACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM Sept. 21-22: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway AMA LAND SPEED GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS - BUB MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS BUBENT.COM Sept. 21-22: Wendover, Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: U.S. ROUNDS/WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FIM ROAD RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND PRIX FIM-LIVE.COM July 19-21: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Aug. 16-18: Indianapolis, Ind.: Indianapolis Motor Speedway FIM WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP WORLDSBK.COM Sept. 27-29: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca FIM TRIAL DES NATIONS FIM-LIVE.COM Sept. 8-9: La Chatre, France FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS FIM-LIVE.COM Sept. 29: Teutschenthal, Germany FIM INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS OF ENDURO FIM-LIVE.COM Sept. 30-Oct.5: 2013 ISDE: Sardegna, Italy BUB MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS BUBENT.COM Aug. 25-29: Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats COOK MOTORSPORTS PRIVATE LAND SPEED SHOOTOUT Sept. 12-16: Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats AMA DUAL-SPORT/ADVENTURE SERIES

June 22-23: Big Bear City, Calif.: Big Bear Run, Big Bear Trail Riders, Robert Burgi; (818) 391-3031; www.bigbeartrailriders.com June 29-30: Matthews, Ind.: Covered Bridge National Dual Sport, Muddobbers MC, Doug Spense; (765) 998-2236; www.muddobbersmc.org 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

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Sept. 18-23: Ruidoso, N.M.: AspenCash Rally: www. motorcyclerally.com

Nov. 2-3: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 or (856) 785-2754; www.teamhammer.org

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June 8-13: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, 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

July 11-14: Maggie Valley, N.C.: 2013 RoadRunner Motorcycle Touring & Travel Annual Touring Weekend: www.roadrunner.travel/events/touringweekend/

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July 31-Aug. 4: Stevenson, Wash.: Dual Sport Northwest, Sound Rider!, Tom Mehren; (206) 329-7808; www. soundrider.com

Aug. 17-18: Tillamook, Ore.: Rat Dog Dual Sport, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www. blackdogdualsport.com

June 23-26: Lexington, Ky.: STAR 2013: www.ridemsta.com

July 30-Aug. 4: Stephenson, Wash.: Rally in the Gorge: www.soundrider. com/rally

July 27-28: Ray, Ohio: Black Bear National Dual Sport, Chillicothe Enduro Riders, Kevin Claytor; (740) 637-2714; www.chillicotheenduro.com

June 9: Atlanta, N.Y.: Thrills in the Hills, Wayne County MC, John Albanese; (315) 946-3082; www. waynecountymc.com June 29-30: Westpoint, Tenn.: Factory Creek Adventure Ride, NATRA, John Bowling; (256) 810-7229; www.natra.dirtrider.net

June 8-16: Laconia, N.H.: Laconia Motorcycle Week: www. laconiamcweek.com June 13-16: Austin, Texas: Republic of Texas (R.O.T.) Rally: www.rotrally.com June 20-23: Johnsontown, Pa.: Thunder in the Valley: www.visitjohnstownpa.com/ thunderinthevalley July 31-Aug. 4: Tunica, Miss.: 36th Annual National bikers Roundup: www.nbrkcmo.com Aug. 5-11: Sturgis, S.D.: Sturgis: www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com Aug. 30-Sept. 3: Killington, Vt.: Killington Classic: www. killingtonclassic.com

Aug. 19-23: Various, Idaho: Sasquatch Dual Sport Tour, 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

Sept. 7-8: Golden Pond, Ky.: Land Between The Lakes 200, KT Riders, Jesse Thomas; (270) 522-3703; www. lbl200.com

Sept. 6-9: Buena Vista, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Autumn Hot Springs Adventure Tour, Exit Tours MC, (719) 207-1189

Sept. 13-15: Reno, Nev.: Ride Reno 200, Dust Devils MC, Gary Lambert; (775) 224-0361; www.dustdevilsmc. com

Sept. 21-22: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www.kaeppnerswoods.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

AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS, PRESENTED BY SHINKO TIRES AND FLY STREET GEAR AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Sept. 28-29: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Dual Sport, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 649-3633; www. familyoffroadadventures.com

Nov. 2-3: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469 or (856) 785-2754; www.teamhammer.org

Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Polar Bear Grand Tour: AMA District 2 of New Jersey; (609) 894-2941; www. polarbeargrandtour.com

Nov. 16-17: Hammonton, N.J.: Pine Barrens 300, Cross Country Cycles, Jack O’Connor; (732) 714-8874; www.pinebarrens500.org

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

Sept. 28-29: Kamiah, Idaho: Lewis and Clark Dual Sport Ride, Sound Rider!, Tom Mehren; www.happy-trail. com Sept. 28-29: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; www.widualsportriders.org

AMA HUSQVARNA NATIONAL DUALSPORT SERIES, PRESENTED BY FMF AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrailriders.org

Oct. 5-6: Mt. Solon, Va.: Shenandoah 500 Dual Sport, Washington Area Trail Riders, Andy Giordano, (540) 379-5631; www.watr.us 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.:

Nov. 29-30: Palmdale, Calif.: LABarstow to Vegas, AMA Dist-37 DualSport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.dist37ama.org AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM AMA NATIONAL RALLIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM June 19-21: Lexington, Ohio: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days: www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com AMA NATIONAL CONVENTIONS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Oct. 11-13: Redding, Calif.: Big Bike Weekend: www.bigbikeweekend.com AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM March of Dimes Bikers For Babies Rides: Nationwide: www. bikersforbabies.org Rides For Kids Events: Nationwide: www.rideforkids.org

April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor Grand Tour: Tour of Honor; www.tourofhonor.com AMA NATIONAL EXTREME GRAND TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM Jan. 1-Dec. 31: SCMA Four Corners Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycling Association; www.usa4corners.org.

Aug. 30-Sept. 2: SCMA Three Flags Classic Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycling Association; www.sc-ma.com.

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By Ken FReUnD

Popular long-time moto-journalist Ken Freund checks out the Bohn Bodyguard System With summer coming, we’ll soon be faced with the usual dilemma of what to wear while riding in warm weather.

Although I enjoy riding with my friends on their Harleys through the hills over to the coast on a hot day, I do get tired of being the butt of their jokes about me riding with full protective gear.

It’s really tempting to ride wearing T-shirts and jeans like they do, especially around town, when temperatures are up around three digits.

I’m a safe rider with hundreds of thousands of riding miles behind me, but as I get older I don’t think I’m invincible like we all did in our teenage years.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not some risk-averse pansy, but I was an EMT, and know what can happen to even the best riders.

We’ve all heard the stories of animals running out in the road, fuel spills, sand, you name it. Today there are so many driver distractions, with seemingly everyone texting or talking on a cell phone.

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July 2013

61

Lost And Found

cousin and me back from the fence.

Spectators scattered. A rider on a CZ had Searching For A Lost MX Track the throttle on his bike stick wide open.

After he fell off the back, the bike became “It’s now or never,” I airborne and shot into the thought as I travelled east spectator fence. Luckily, no along the Cincinnati outer one was injured. belt. Up ahead the exit sign “I bet they don’t think it’s for Ohio State Route 125 ‘too easy’ now!” Dad said. came into view. I was about I did get to see my hero, to fulfill a journey rooted in Pierre Karsmakers, who 1974. My destination was the won the race. I was able to tiny southwestern Ohio town make out the name on his of Hamersville. But as I drove mud-soaked jersey, and I down the exit ramp and remember how his Yamaha turned east on Route 125 in sounded—sick, and not in January 2013, I wondered if I a good way. Maybe it had had waited too long. taken in water, but he was As I passed through the still out front, lapping riders town of Amelia, I thought and feet always on the pegs.

By Steve Lorbach back to why I was here.

As the years passed, I On May 19, 1974, got my license and traded Hamersville’s Grand Am MX Park hosted my dirtbike for a 1977 Suzuki TS 250 round five of the AMA 250cc National dual-sport bike. I became less interested Motocross Championship. I was 14 years in motocross and started riding enduros. old, and motocross was everything. My Around 1984 I became active in the local cousin Keith, my dad and I made the twoenduro club, where I’m still a member. I hour trip from our home in Jackson, Ohio, got my AMA Life Member pin in 1996. to see our first pro race. I was overflowing Always, though, the memory of with anticipation of seeing the national Hamersville was alive. I wanted to go riders. One of those riders was Pierre back some day, and that day was here.

Karsmakers, and he was my hero.

After another half-hour or so of driving I remembered entering Hamersville and east on Route 125, I saw the sign for a white billboard that read “Grand Am MX Hamersville. I drove through town Park.” I sat on the edge of the front seat slowly. I saw a sign that said “Municipal with my hands gripping the dash. As the Building” and figured they should be able crowd, team vans and banners came into to help, but the nice lady inside drew a view, my heart was pounding. blank. I drove a little farther through town.

As we walked in, practice had just My next stop was a chainsaw dealer. ended. The rumors in the crowd were No luck, but the young man behind the that the riders thought the track was “too counter suggested I ask about the track easy.” Then it began to rain…and rain... at an auto parts store back the way I and rain. We took refuge under a tent with came. I took his advice. a bunch of new Yamahas. After we stood “Can I help you?” asked a man my age. there for a while, I suddenly realized that About halfway through my monologue, I was standing beside a brand-new 1974 he began nodding his head in agreement.

Yamaha YZ 250. I stared at this exotic “I was also there that day,” he said, machine. I reached out and touched the and described the track, the owner and seat. I was sure I was dreaming. how he and his buddies used to sneak As the rain kept falling, we could see in and play ride on the course. He also bikes lining up for the first moto. I thought confirmed my assumption that the track for sure they would delay, but right on time, the announcer’s voice came on the P.A. system. Riders started their engines.

I expected the riders to slide all the way to the first turn. Instead, the entire pack rocketed down the first straightaway with throttles pinned! As they exited the first turn, there was a massive spray of mud and water in all directions. Not a single rider went down, and everyone had their feet on the pegs!

As the rain drizzled off, we found a place to watch near a small uphill. The track was getting chewed up. My dad shouted “look out!” while pulling my

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had closed many years ago and that a house was now built on it. Then came the moment I was waiting for—he grabbed a small piece of paper and began drawing me a map of how to get to the site.

I thanked him, left and headed back east, following the hand-drawn map. I saw my turn and made a left. I followed the small blacktop road. I kept driving, thinking I had gone too far. I came to a bend and then a stop sign. I turned left again, following the map, and then a right onto a narrow gravel drive.

Yes! I remembered this long driveway!

I passed a house, and a little farther up ahead the lane ended at another house.

This was it. I wanted to walk around, but not wanting to trespass, I sat in my car.

My eyes scanned the landscape, searching for the slightest hint of what was once there. Perhaps that faint embankment of ground was the remains of a jump? Maybe the flat open space to my left was the starting gate? Where was that uphill where the CZ rider crashed?

Daylight was fading as I turned and headed back out the lane that I last exited nearly 39 years earlier. Yes, I had waited too long. I made a final glance back, doubting I would ever return.

As I drove home, I felt both satisfaction and remorse—satisfaction in that I had ended a search dating back half a lifetime and remorse in that no physical evidence remained of a day when racers from across the nation gathered, and a 14-year-old kid stood in awe.

For the next several days, I dwelled on how we motorcyclists obsess over the old and new. We anticipate new models, new schedules and new places to ride, but we dream of bygone eras. We drool over new gear, but we turn out in droves for events such as AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

The motorcycle experience is a long joyful journey, whether riding, working on your bike, cutting trail, spectating or remembering. As for me, my standout motorcycle moments are the year 1974, as this story has told, and 2013, the year I found the lost motocross track.

Gary Semics, shown here at Hamersville in 1974, slides his bike through the mud.

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