American Motorcyclist 01 2015 Dirt by American Motorcyclist Association

January 2015

AMA MOTORCYCLISTS OF THE YEAR JAMES WALKER AND BRYAN CARROLL

Photo Joey Carman Photography

PLANNING 2.0: PROTECTING OFF-HIGHWAY ACCESS IN A NEW ERA

AMA REWARDS

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

AMA Roadside Assistance

AMA Race Center

Available at no extra charge if you choose to automatically renew your AMA membership.

Your one-stop online source for all your motocross, Arenacross and ATV Motocross results from AMA-sanctioned events. Search by event, date, and even your name! http://results.americanmotorcyclist.com

You’re Among America’s Elite Racers Only AMA members chase national No. 1 plates.

• Coverage for bikes, cars, pickups, motorhomes and trailers (excluding utility trailers) registered to you, your spouse, and dependent children under the age of 24, living at home or away at college. • Coverage in all 50 states and Canada. • Towing up to 35 miles, with all dispatch and hook-up fees. • Flat tire, lockout, battery and minormechanical assistance. • Emergency fuel, oil, water, ﬂuid delivery. • No exclusions for older motorcycles. • Toll-free assistance available 24/7/365. • AMA Roadside Assistance pays ﬁrst. No need to pay and wait for reimbursement.

You’ll ﬁnd everything you need— from races to rules to advice, at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing. And as an AMA Competition Member, you’ll receive the competition edition of American Motorcyclist magazine.

HOW YOUR AMA MEMBERSHIP PAYS FOR ITSELF Are You Covered?

Value

Your Cost

American Motorcyclist magazine

$19.95

Included

AMA Roadside Assistance

$104

Included*

Unlimited Classiﬁed Ads On The AMA Website

$40

Included

AMA Online Road And Trail Guide

$19

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AMA Member-Only Website

$75

Included

$40**

Up To 20% Oﬀ

$187.50***

Up To 25% Oﬀ

Priceless

Included

Hotel And Motel Discounts (Choice Hotels, Red Roof Inn) Gear Discounts (BikeBandit.com, Schampa, Heat Demon And More) Protecting Your Right To Ride Your Membership Dues Total Membership Value *with membership automatic renewal **average cost of $100/night stay – 2 nights ***average $750 per year expenses on gear/parts/accessories

$49 $490.45

STAYING INFORMED American Motorcyclist

Each month, you receive the best magazine covering the motorcycle lifestyle with two versions to choose from: street or dirt.

THE ESSENTIALS AMA Roadside Assistance

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

Lodging

Save At Choice Hotels, Motel 6, Red Roof Inn At Choice hotels, save 15 percent off the best available rates at participating Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Rodeway Inn and Econo Lodge hotels. Use the Member Discount code #00947556. Special discounts at Motel 6 are also available up to 10 percent off. Use the Member Discount code CP540176. Plus, get a 20 percent discount off available rates at Red Roof Inn. For discounts, call (800) RED-ROOF and use the code VP+ 503343. You can also make reservations online at www.redroof.com. Just enter the code VP+ 503343 in the field labeled “VP+/ID#” when making reservations. The discount will be automatically applied.

EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals

Arrive And Ride EagleRider oﬀers a 15 percent discount on Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW and Polaris rentals and tours. Call (888) 900-9901 or book at www.AmericanMotorcyclist. com/Membership/EagleRider.aspx, using discount code AMA014.

Motorcycle Shipping

Ride Where You Want In the United States, call Federal Companies, an agent for Specialized Transportation, Inc., at (877) 518-7376 for at least $60 oﬀ standard rates. For international shipments, call Motorcycle Express at (800) 245-8726. To get your discount, be sure to have your AMA number handy. Motorcycle Express also oﬀers temporary international insurance.

Car Rentals

Save Money When You Drive Get up to 25 percent oﬀ prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency. For Avis, enter discount code: D388100. For Budget, enter code: Z942000. AMA Members save up to 25% on year-round Hertz rentals with discount code CDP# 497193.

AMA Gear

Buy AMA Stuff Online Find unique patches, pins, posters, T-shirts and books at AmericanMotorcyclist.com and at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio. Details at www.MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Rider Accident Medical Plan

All members of the AMA are eligible to purchase coverage. Beneﬁts are paid when a covered member is injured. See http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Membership/ Members_Only/DiscountCodes for details.

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS ActionStation/Bohn Body Armor

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

Brooks Leather

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

AIMExpo

Go to www. AIMExpoUSA.com and enter code AMAMEM14 to save on tickets.

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame

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

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

AMA Supercross And AMA Arenacross Tickets

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

Anthony’s Leatherworks

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

BikeBandit.com

Get 10 percent oﬀ your order at BikeBandit.com by entering your AMA number at checkout. Exclusions apply. See www.BikeBandit.com for details.

Biker Rain Chaps

Save 25 percent. Visit www. bikerrainchaps.com/ama/ and use the code AMA-1214-XMAS at checkout to receive your discount.

AMA chartered organizers receive an exclusive discount from AMA Member Beneﬁt Partner MYLAPS. Visit the Members Only section of www. AmericanMotorcyclist.com for details.

Powertye Tie-Downs

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

Rider Magazine Cardo Systems, Inc.

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

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

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine

AMA/Sprocketlist Online Classiﬁeds

MYLAPS

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25 years of quality OEM matched paint. Enter code AMA2014 at www. ColorRite.com to save 15 percent.

EVS Sports

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

Heat Demon

AMA members receive 10 percent oﬀ all products. Visit www.heatdemon.com/AMA and use the code AMAheat14 at checkout to receive your discount.

International Motorcycle Shows

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

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

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

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

Sam’s Club

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

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

Shark Kage

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

Spot LLC

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

STREET COVER AMA Motorcyclists of the Year for 2014, Bryan Carroll and James Walker, are inspiring a new generation of riders. Read more about them, starting on page 34.

NAVIGATION

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PAGE 26. HOW WILL HARMONIZATION AFFECT YOU?

DIRT COVER From road to trail, the 2014 AMA Motorcyclists of the Year Bryan Carroll and James Walker are committed to conveying why we ride. Read more about them, starting on page 34.

PAGE 28. HALL OF FAME LEGEND WILLIE G. DAVIDSON SPEAKS AT THE 2014 AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

10. VIEWPOINT 12. RIGHTS 30. HALL OF FAME 39. EVENTS CALENDAR 46. GUEST COLUMN

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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January 2015 Volume 69, Number 1 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com

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

8. LETTERS

PAGE 26. PLANNING 2.0: NEW RULES FOR DESIGNATING TRAILS

American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2014. Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $19.95 covered in membership dues.

To switch the version you receive, call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services. Want to read both versions? Call the above number to get both delivered to your home for just $10 more a year. Members can read both versions online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine for free.

SAVE TODAY. OPEN ROAD TOMORROW. 15 minutes could save you 15% or more on motorcycle insurance.

geico.com | 1-800-442-9253 | local office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko Image © 1999-2014. © 2014 GEICO

INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW

COMMUNICATIONS

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

MX/OFF-ROAD KIT SHOWN

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

James Holter, Director of Communications/Managing Editor Jim Witters, Government Affairs Editor Heather Wilson, Associate Editor Mark Lapid, Creative Director Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer Halley Immelt, Graphic Designer

Russ Brenan, Vice Chair Irvine, Calif. Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla. Perry King, Executive Committee Member Northern California

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

John Ulrich, Executive Committee Member Lake Elsinore, Calif.

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

THE BEST JUST

GOT BETTER The 2nd generation of our innovative Learn more about the Rev2™ Throttle kit.

reel changing system lets you tailor the throttle rate to riding conditions and rider preference.

Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.

All trademarks used herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned by the AMA and may only be used with the express, written permission of the AMA. American Motorcyclist is the monthly publication of the American Motorcyclist Association, which represents motorcyclists nationwide. For information on AMA membership benefits, call (800) AMA-JOIN or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Manuscripts, photos, drawings and other editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited material. Copyright© American Motorcyclist Association, 2014.

Roger Pattison, Taos Ski Valley, N.M. Robert Pearce, Murrieta, Calif. Paul Puma, Laguna Beach, Calif. Stan Simpson, Cibolo, Texas Jeff Skeen, San Diego, Calif. Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.

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

AMA STAFF

TYLER BOWERS TEAM BABBITT’S/ MONSTER ENERGY/ AMSOIL/KAWASAKI

EXECUTIVE

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)

Rob Dingman, President/CEO Rhonda Hixon, Administrative Asst./Litigation Manager Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Massey, Chief Operations Officer Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs

Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

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

JOSH WATERS BRITISH SUPERBIKES TYCO SUZUKI

Jordan Cavallaro, Museum Admissions and Collections Assistant Connie Fleming, Manager of Events and AMHF Operations Beth Owen, Receptionist/Donor Relations Specialist Paula Schremser, Program Specialist Katy Wood, Collections Manager AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Rob Baughman, Road Riding Coordinator Kip Bigelow, MX Manager Joe Bromley, District Relations Manager Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing Chris Harrison, Road Riding Manager Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator

BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Business Member Programs DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES John Bricker, Mailroom Manager Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations Danielle Fowles, Grassroots Coordinator Nick Haris, Western States Representative Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant Sharon Long, Legislative Affairs Coordinator Rick Podliska, Deputy Director Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway Marie Wuelleh, Government Affairs Specialist INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Dave Coleman, Network Architect Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director MARKETING Mark Christian, Director of Marketing Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Specialist MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative

LIMITED EDITIONS.

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riding has evolved.

©2014 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ® and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Offers valid in Canada and U.S.A. only from September 23, 2014 to January 31, 2015. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your province or state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. *4-Year Extended Warranty: Eligible units are new and unused 2012 to 2014 Can-Am Spyder models. The buyer of a 2012, 2013, 2014 or 2015 unit will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus a 24 month B.E.S.T. extended service contract subject to a $50 deductible on each repair. Exception for Florida residents who will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus an additional 24-month BRP Limited Warranty. The buyer of eligible units will also receive 48 months of FREE Roadside Assistance. See your participating Can-Am dealer for a copy of the BRP Limited Warranty and B.E.S.T. contract. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.

MEMBER LETTERS

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

Letter of the Month

RIDING WEST This is the year I felt was right to take a ride across country to visit my son in the land of cactus and prairie dogs: Arizona. Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a BikeBandit.com gift card worth $100. Didn’t I started out on my 2007 Harley-Davidson win? No worries. You can still take advantage Ultra Glide with all necessary gear (foul of your 10 percent AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com. weather items, too) and room for gifts. The ride out was great. Heading toward Flagstaff, my route would take me through great riding areas. There was a lot of Interstate riding, but it allowed me to relax, make good time and enjoy the country. I forged through inclement weather, rode across miles of flat terrain (and next to massive windmill farms), experienced some of old Route 66, expansive cattle farms and more. I do want to give a couple Reuben Sanchez shout outs. One, to the HarleyDavidson shop in Cookeville, Tenn., for checking my tire air pressure and oil levels for free when they learned I was riding cross country. Two, to AMA Roadside Assistance. On my way toward Albuquerque on Day 5, I stopped to take pictures of the landscape and rode over some debris, getting a rear flat tire. I made it to a shoulder and called AMA Roadside Assistance. Thanks to my cellphone’s GPS tracking and the helpful operator, who called several times to check on me, I got hauled to a nearby Harley-Davidson shop for a repair. The tow driver was not only a retired New Mexico state trooper, but a biker, as well. When he told the dealership, Thunderbird Harley-Davidson, that I was riding cross-country, they jumped right on fixing my bike. Here is where things got crazy. Waiting for my bike to get fixed, I looked around the shop. Well, long story short, I went from getting a tire fixed on a paid-off bike to instead purchasing a new 2014 HarleyDavidson Ultra Limited, fully loaded with the 6.5 Infotainment and upgraded Stage 1 kit. I deserve it! The miles on to Albuquerque and back home were that much nicer with the confidence I got from a new bike and knowing AMA Roadside Assistance had my back—not to mention the amazing and advanced systems on the 2014 Harley. Best of all, I enjoyed time with my son and experienced the beautiful West, with mesas, vegetation, tumbleweed, rocks, flatlands, gulches (long, wide, narrow), big cattle ranches, countless colors and signs to see petrified tree areas, dinosaur bones, fake dinosaur statues and more. My cross-country trip was an amazing ride, and if you get a chance, do it! Reuben Sanchez Orange County, N.Y.

DAYDREAMING Thanks to Rick Wheaton for a great column about how many bikes a biker needs in the December issue. It gave me a good laugh about all our daydreams. I feel lucky having an old Sportster and a Goldwing, but who doesn’t dream of a garage big enough for a collection? By the way, Rick, just buy a Ural and save

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

yourself the search for a WW II BMW. There’s plenty of room for the dog in the sidecar. Len Lipton Via email SMOOTH OPERATOR This is in response to the article about

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Reg Pridmore in the December 2014 issue. Reg started teaching aspiring racers and the general public motorcycle riding techniques on racetracks. I was at one of his classes at Sears Point Raceway and he offered me a twoup ride with him. We were passing the hot-shot racers, two-up, in the corners. I could not feel when he shifted or adjusted the throttle. He was so smooth. It gave me something to work toward. He was good! Thank you for reminding me of a very excellent training I experienced with Reg. Hugh Curley Berthoud, Colo. STORY TIME Years ago, I worked in a BSA and Suzuki shop. Back then, Suzukis were almost all two strokes. Most of time, you did not need to put oil in the gas tank. They had two-stroke oil and engine oil. The two-stroke oil was poured into a separate tank and the bike mixed it with the fuel. Most of them did, anyway. I was wrenching back then. A guy brought in his two-stroke Suzuki twin cylinder model. It was not running right. Back then, you started with basics: plugs, points, condenser, oil, etc. I could see the bottom of the two-stroke oil tank. There was fluid in the tank, but you could see through it. It was not motorcycle oil. I could tell the tank was almost full with some kind of liquid. I found out it was Wesson cooking oil! The kid who owned the bike was broke and did not have money for oil. So he went into his kitchen, got Wesson oil and put it in the empty oil tank. He figured oil is oil. One of the guys went to lunch and brought back Wesson oil and set it on shelf in the service department. Just looking at bottle made us smile. My next job was on a BSA that the owner had rewired himself. The electric system was by Lucas, which earned a reputation for not making the most reliable electrics. (Do you know why the British drink warm beer? Because Lucas made refrigerators.) Well, this guy didn’t do much better than Lucas. He rewired his bike with red wire—that is, all red wire. No other colors, just red wires everywhere for everything. Your turn! What motorcycle stories do you have to tell? Tim Stephens Belpre, Ohio

Sound Off! LOOKING BACK I want to thank the AMA, AMA families and specifically fellow AMA member Chase Yentzer for standing up to Congress and promising to not eat his dirtbike in opposition of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. A few years have passed, Chase Yentzer in and it’s time to American Motorcyclist remind ourselves August 2011 how these efforts fighting for exclusion of youth OHVs from the CPSIA made it possible for young children to enjoy the thrill of riding motorcycles. Thank you for fighting for my rights, and ensuring my young family can enjoy riding motorcycles together. Our youngest daughter is 4 years old, and she loves riding her 2012 PW50. Jason Stoffel Fort Wayne, Ind.

A roundup of recent comments on Facebook (www.facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist) and Instagram (@AMA_Racing, @AMA_Riding). On the AMA’s pre-party for the Nov. 7 screening of “On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter”… Mark Grewell: I enjoyed it and thought it was great. It got me wanting to get out and ride more. I also have an itch to buy a dirt bike again. John Kreps: Great time. Thanks for the effort to organize this. We drove down from Cleveland for it! On the AMA LongRider program and a chance to win some free Shinko tires… Peter James Church: Thanks AMA and Shinko for running this program for those of us who just like wearing the tires off our bikes. Being on my fifth set of tires on my 2012 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, I could use a set of Shinkos.

Save on rentals with your AMA membership.

Make your reservations today. Visit budget.com or call 1-800-527-0700.

On the #AMAStrider contest winners, who won an AMA Strider bike from AMA Business Member Strider… Brent Thomas: Thanks, Strider Bikes and AMA! We’re so excited that our son is one of the winners! He’s definitely a future AMA member and rider. His mommy and dad are both AMA members and avid desert racers in Idaho! On @ktmusa releasing dates for the 2015 KTM Junior Supercross Challenge… dhanson_7: Make sure you sign up for this! It was the best experience that I have ever had racing... Thank you @kjsc.

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

Terms and Conditions: Coupon # UUGZ036 is valid for a one-time, one-car-group upgrade on an intermediate (Group C) through full-size, four-door (group E) car. Maximum upgrade to premium (group G). Offer valid on daily, weekend, weekly, and monthly rates only. The upgraded car is subject to vehicle availability at the time of rental and may not be available on some rates at some times. Coupon valid at participating Budget locations in the U.S. and Canada. One coupon per rental. A 24-hour advance reservation with request for upgrade is required. May not be used in conjunction with any other coupon, promotion or offer. For reservations made on budget.com, upgrade will be applied at time of rental. Renter must meet Budget age, driver and credit requirements. Minimum age may vary by location. An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old. Fuel charges are extra. Rental must begin by 12/31/12. 12/31/15. Budget features Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

21510

VIEWPOINT

2014 AMA MOTORCYCLISTS OF THE YEAR Bryan Carroll & James Walker

It has often been said about motorcycling that if it has Carroll/Walker creation had a most profound impact to be explained to you, you wouldn’t understand. This on motorcycling throughout 2014, and that impact will is one of the challenges we face as a community. It is certainly continue to be felt for years to come. difficult for non-motorcyclists to understand our passion Not since “On Any Sunday,” which so many for motorcycling and why exactly it is that we ride. motorcyclists credit with igniting their passions for Like it or not, many others have can influence our motorcycling, has there been greater promotion of the decision to ride motorcycles. This is true whether they be motorcycling lifestyle through film. “Why We Ride” has parents, spouses, girlfriends/boyfriends or co-workers been compared to “On Any Sunday” with regard to whose perception of motorcycles and motorcyclists are its ability to paint motorcycling in a positive light and By Rob Dingman shaped by misinformation and stereotypes, or whether promote motorcycling to the general public. “Why We they are bureaucrats or elected officials who don’t know Ride” has also demonstrated a real potential to reach the first thing about motorcycling but are suddenly the non-motorcycling community, while at the same time experts when it comes to protecting us from ourselves. giving all motorcyclists a film with which we can identify. Of course, the most proven way of enlightening people about The production of “Why We Ride” came at an opportune time. the fun of motorcycling is to take them out for a ride. But it is not With the motorcycle industry still reeling from the ill effects of the always possible to make that happen. worst economy since the Great Depression, this film provided a Two notable individuals have accomplished the next best much-needed boost in terms of the promotion of motorcycling and thing. They have arguably produced the most compelling the motorcycle lifestyle. demonstration for why we ride, short of physically experiencing I had the opportunity to visit with James and Bryan in riding itself. These two people created a full-length movie about March 2014 at a movie premier event hosted by the AMA in motorcycling, aptly titled “Why We Ride.” Their mission was to Daytona Beach, Fla. Both are not only passionate motorcyclists promote motorcycling to riders and non-riders alike. A year after themselves but are also eager to share that passion with others, its debut, their film has become one of the best advertisements for motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists alike. motorcycling available anywhere. “Why We Ride” is at once inspirational, educational and The motorcyclists behind “Why We Ride” are producer/director celebratory of all things motorcycling. The positive impact of Bryan Carroll and producer James Walker, and for creating this this film on motorcycling will endure well beyond 2014. For their film, Bryan and James are the 2014 AMA Motorcyclists of the Year. success in this achievement, I congratulate AMA Motorcyclists of The AMA Motorcyclist of the Year Award acknowledges the the Year James Walker and Bryan Carroll. profound impact that an individual or individuals have had on motorcycling over the last year. There is no question that the Rob Dingman is AMA president and CEO.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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GOVERNMENT TO MANDATE V2V COMMUNICATIONS

Connected Vehicles, Phone-App Alerts On The Way By Jim Witters The federal government’s announcement that it plans to mandate vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications in cars holds the promise of safer roadways for motorcyclists. But the rapidly developing technology also raises concerns in the motorcycling community about inattentive drivers and the vulnerability of the data this technology transmits and collects. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced in August that it hopes to begin formulating V2V rules in 2016. And automakers already have begun touting their V2V technology, with some planning to market it as early as 2017. V2V uses dedicated short-range communications, similar to Wi-Fi, that are combined with the Global Positioning System. The integrated system provides a 360-degree view of similarly equipped vehicles within communication range. Nine indicators are used by a V2V system to help prevent crashes. The NHTSA says V2V communications can be used when walking, riding bikes or motorcycles, or driving older vehicles with add-on devices, such as smartphones. A demonstration of this technology from American Honda Motor Co. Inc. shows pedestrians using smartphone apps that alert them to the presence of a V2V-equipped vehicle they may not be able to see. Likewise, the smartphone emits a signal that the car’s system picks up to alert the driver.

Safer Intersections

For motorcyclists, one of the more promising V2V benefits would be a reduction of crashes in left-turn and

intersection-movement situations. The NHTSA estimates that in those two applications, V2V could prevent as many as 592,000 vehicle crashes and save 1,083 lives a year. “The most comprehensive study of motorcycle crashes, the Hurt Report, found that the most frequent type of crash involved an automobile making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “So, this technology holds the promise of safer roadways for motorcycle riders.”

Safety Concerns

While acknowledging the potential benefits of V2V communications, the AMA is also concerned that drivers could come to rely too heavily on the technology and fail to make the proper checks before executing maneuvers in traffic. “Distracted and inattentive drivers pose a grave danger on America’s roadways, particularly to motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable,” Allard says. “Reliance on V2V alerts is likely to result in an increase in the number of drivers texting, making calls or otherwise reducing their focus on the road.” Tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation focused on ensuring that V2V alerts themselves “do

not unnecessarily distract motorists.” But the tests did not evaluate the potential of the technology to lull drivers into a false sense of security.

Data Security Questions

Left unresolved in the NHTSA’s plan is control of the data generated and transmitted by V2V-equipped traffic. Unanswered questions abound: Who owns the data? How will the data be protected? Will anyone collect the data? If so, what will that agency or business be allowed to do with it? Can the data be sold? If so, to whom and for what purposes? The AMA believes that data generated by V2V technology belongs to the owners of the vehicles involved in the communications process. Any data collected by government agencies for the purpose of roadway safety research should be collected in a manner that ensures the anonymity of individual drivers and vehicle owners. Ryan M. Gerdes, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Utah State University, shares the AMA’s concerns. Gerdes received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study V2V security. “Any data that is stored electronically, either locally or in the cloud, opens up the possibility that someone could gain unauthorized access to it,” he says. “It is up to consumers to demand that data stored be minimized and anonymized. “I should note that privacy is of central concern to academics thinking about V2V communication, and that the confidentiality of data is considered

The Honda Medical Emergency Assist feature allows a distressed driver to alert others that his or her car is slowing or stopped. Other drivers may offer assistance, including a virtual tow.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Honda

NHTSA’s Plans

an integral part of the security of the system. Several approaches to V2V communication that have been proposed aim to be both secure and protect a user’s privacy. At present, it is not clear how mandated V2V would address privacy and security.” According to Gerdes, the major vulnerabilities of the V2V network include: • The distribution of false traffic information (someone broadcasting the presence of an accident that did not occur to divert traffic and/or ease their own travel); • Jamming to suppress the delivery of critical information (an attacker preventing a vehicle from receiving information that it could use to avoid a crash); and • Impersonation (saying that one is an emergency vehicle and instructing vehicles to move out of the way). “These threats arise from the fact that it is difficult to determine whether a message is legitimate—does it correspond to an event actually witnessed or experienced by a vehicle?—is authentic— does the message originate from the vehicle it purports to come from?—and has it been tampered with—how to determine if a message that says ‘no collision imminent’ didn’t originally say ‘collision imminent?’” Gerdes asks. The worst case would involve someone hacking into a V2V radio that is connected to the vehicle’s controls and taking over the vehicle’s behavior through “malicious commands,” Gerdes says. “This threat would be greatly reduced, if not eliminated, if the V2V radio were to be segregated from the control buses of a vehicle,” he says. “It’s not clear, however, how useful V2V communications will be if the car cannot automatically (without human consent) alter its course based on the information it receives via V2V.” The NHTSA envisions what it calls a “Security Credential Management System” that operates automatically. The intent is to determine which messages received by a vehicle’s device are legitimate. And the federal government is endeavoring to secure the 5.9 GHz broadcast spectrum for exclusive V2V use. But Gerdes says, “Transceivers are readily available to attackers that would allow them to eavesdrop and transmit messages at 5.9 GHz.” The AMA has urged the Federal Communication Commission to undertake additional testing to ensure that hackers cannot compromise vehicle-to-vehicle communications systems.

USDA USFS

System Security Issues

Mount Baldy from Inspiration Point on the Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles County, Calif.

OBAMA DESIGNATES SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS NATIONAL MONUMENT Officials Promise No Change To OHV Access

President Barack Obama has exercised his executive authority under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to establish 346,177 acres of national forest land in the San Gabriel Mountains in southern California as a national monument. U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) supported the move. She introduced a bill in Congress to achieve the designation, but turned to the president when the bill stalled. The California Off-Road Vehicle Association objected to the president’s action. “CORVA feels that the sudden change of Congresswoman Chu’s bill from a legislation to a National Monument proclamation removed important opportunities for discussion that would have occurred had the bill gone though Congress,” says Bruce Whitcher, CORVA’s vice president for land resources and public policy. Chu’s bill contained assurances that

off-highway vehicle use would continue in designated areas, he says. In addition, the OHV community would have been represented on the proposed advisory council. “Because of this, some, but not all, OHV representatives supported the National Recreation Area proposal,” Whitcher says. “We find it unfortunate that the National Monument does not include any assurances that OHV use will continue, and where and if OHV use is allowed will be determined by the management plan. “We look forward to working with the planning team to identify key routes and areas that should remain open to nonhighway-licensed vehicles,” he explains. “But we are also aware that National Monuments very rarely allow the use of non-highway legal vehicles.” U.S. Forest Service Chief Thomas Tidwell said the monument designation will not take away recreational uses.

SWEDISH STUDY SHOWS TRACKS AID BIODIVERSITY

Ponds, Trees, Shrubs Provide Habitat

A study by the Swedish Motorcycle and Snowmobile Association (Svemo) shows that racetracks, including motocross and road racing venues, can help sustain and promote biodiversity. The Svemo team believes their findings are equally applicable in the United States and other lands. Stockholm University zoology professor Nils Ryrholm and Svemo environmental coordinator Mikael Norén say the motocross track at MX-club MCK Åbågen in Arboga, Sweden, illustrates their findings. Moor frogs are thriving in the retention pond and

bees and wasps are found pollinating flowers. The Svemo researchers say land in Northeastern Europe kept open for reasons other than industrial agriculture “mostly maintains a much higher biodiversity than the modern farmland and also some natural reserves.” “The motor tracks become national resources for preserving biodiversity,” the researchers say. “By this concept, the motor tracks make the remarkable shift from an ‘environmental problem’ to a biological asset that environment authorities are pleased to have in their district.”

January 2015

No More Dangerous Than Everyday Riding

A study that examined crashes involving 1,163 lane-splitting riders between June 2012 and August 2013 concluded that lane splitting is a relatively safe maneuver when both the motorcyclist and nearby drivers know roadway laws and adhere to “safe and prudent” practices. Guidelines issued in 2013 by the California Highway Patrol called for lane splitting when traffic is moving at 30 mph

or slower and the splitter is traveling no more than 10 mph faster than traffic. And the study showed that riders adhering to those guidelines were less likely to be injured in crashes. “These findings bolster the position of motorcyclists and traffic-safety officials that responsible lane splitting is a safe and effective tactic for riders, particularly in heavily congested areas,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “The AMA endorses these practices and will assist groups and individuals working to bring legal lane splitting or filtering to their states.” California is the only U.S. state where lane splitting is permitted. In many countries, lane splitting and filtering are normal practices for motorcyclists, Allard says. Particularly in the highly urbanized areas of Europe and Asia, motorcycle and scooter operators are expected to pass between conventional vehicles and advance to the front of the group. Among the findings in the California studies: • Lane-splitting riders (2.7 percent of crashes) were less likely to be rearended by another vehicle than were other motorcyclists (4.6 percent);

PETITIONER CALLS ON VIRGINIA OFFICIALS TO ALLOW LANE SPLITTING AMA Backs Grassroots Effort

Virginia resident Laken Schulz has started an online petition asking the Virginia secretary of transportation to make lane splitting legal in that state.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

• Lane-splitting motorcyclists involved in crashes were notably less likely than other motorcyclists in crashes to suffer head injury (9.1 percent vs. 16.5 percent), torso injury (18.6 percent vs. 27.3 percent), or fatal injury (1.4 percent vs. 3.1 percent) than other motorcyclists. • The proportion of motorcyclists with a head injury was 6.3 percent for those lane-splitting in accordance with the “safe and prudent” traffic speed guidelines, 10.7 percent for those lane-splitting in traffic flowing at 30 mph or less but exceeding the traffic speed by more than 10 mph, 9 percent for those lane-splitting in traffic flowing faster than 30 mph but exceeding traffic speed by less than 10 mph, and 20.5 percent for those who were lane-splitting in traffic flowing at more than 30 mph and who were exceeding the traffic speed by more than 10 mph. “Permitting lane splitting is not the same as requiring it,” Allard says. “So those opposed to the practice should consider the desires of other motorcyclists.” In 2014, the AMA Board of Directors adopted a formal position statement in support of lane splitting and lane filtering. It can be viewed on the AMA website at www.americanmotorcyclist.com. Riders seeking to introduce lane-splitting legislation in their states can contact the AMA at grassroots@ama-cycle.org.

Schulz cited the recent studies in California that found lane splitting is no more dangerous than riding a motorcycle in general. He also says that, “Filtering greatly reduces the chances of a motorcyclist being rear ended by another vehicle. Updating the law will allow for safer roadways for motorcyclists and decrease unneeded fatalities.” The petition can be found at http:// tinyurl.com/VaLaneSplitting.

Halley Immelt

CALIFORNIA STUDY SHOWS LANE SPLITTING SAFE

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YOUR PERSONAL S E C R E T PROTECTION SYSTEM OUTSIDE VIEW RECREATION GROUPS SETTLE WILDERNESS LAWSUIT Allows Motorized Use In Clearwater National Forest

A settlement agreement awaiting court approval would remove restrictions on motorized and mechanical access to the Recommended Wilderness Areas inside Idaho’s Clearwater National Forest, the BlueRibbon Coalition has announced. The agreement would settle a 2012 lawsuit filed by the Idaho State Snowmobile Association and the BRC, which claimed that the U.S. Forest Service created an internal “recommended wilderness policy” that illegally limited land management options. Under the terms of the agreement, the Forest Service would issue a new decision governing motorized and over-snow access management. If the new decision is not issued before the 2014-15 winter season, management will revert to its previous standard, which “has authorized snowmobile, motorcycle and mountain bike access to some portions of these remote areas.”

FHWA SAYS SAFETY MESSAGES WORK

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation

Roadway Signs Prompt Driver Action Dynamic message boards placed along America’s highways that encourage drivers to buckle their seatbelts, drive sober or signal lane changes actually work, if they are repeated often enough, according to a study by the Federal Highway Administration. In many states, transportation officials also use the signs to alert drivers to watch for motorcycles. The study of drivers in Chicago, Houston, Orlando and Philadelphia found that drivers saw the signs, read the public service messages and found them useful. Only 8 percent of the participants responded “strongly disagree” when asked whether they would change their driving patterns or habits based on the public service announcements. The majority of the participants responded that they would “agree” or “strongly agree” when asked the same question. The study is at www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov.

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STATEWATCH OHV ACCESS AT RISK IN TEANAWAY COMMUNITY FOREST Group Calls For Input On Washington State Plan

Only one person is representing the interests of motorized recreation among 20 members of the citizen advisory committee for the Teanaway Community Forest in Washington State. In an alert sent to Washington Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance members and other groups, Tod Petersen, WOHVA political action committee chairman, asks that OHV enthusiasts and supporters submit comments to the state’s Department of Natural Resources. The Teanaway Community Forest is to be created on land at the headwaters of the Yakima Basin that the state bought in 2013 from a timber company. “The stated goals include preserving working forest lands and enhancing recreational opportunities,” Petersen says in the alert. “To help guide the state in implementing this plan a citizen advisory committee was formed. There are 20 members on the advisory committee, but the DNR allowed only one person to represent motorized recreation.” Off-road enthusiasts must make their voices heard through the comment option the DNR has made available at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/K82Q3RP. An additional step for Washington residents is to contact their state senator and state representatives.

MICHIGAN Senate Bill 1120, introduced Oct. 22 by state Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) would remove the experience and insurance requirements for motorcycle operators and passengers wishing to ride without a helmet in Michigan. NEW HAMPSHIRE House Bill 1485-FN has been recommended for legislation by the committee for Criminal Justice and Public Safety. Among other provisions, the bill would define motorcyclists as “vulnerable users” and increase to a Class A misdemeanor or a class B felony the charge against any person who is unlawfully operating a motor vehicle and without intent causes or materially contributes to a collision where the victim is a vulnerable user. NEW JERSEY Assembly Bill 3579, sponsored by Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Washington Township) and introduced Sept. 11 would assign the ownership of data on motor vehicle recording devices (“black boxes”) to the owner of the vehicle and restrict the retrieval of such data to the vehicle’s owner or representative, unless written consent is provided. Specific exceptions, including that of responding to a search warrant, are provided. OHIO House Bill 637, introduced by state Rep. Rex Damschroder (R-Fremont) on Oct. 14, would make reading, writing or sending text-based communications while driving a primary offense. It also would prohibit the use of any wireless communication device in a construction zone while workers are present or in a school zone anytime children are present.

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Age: 24 Hometown: Kingston, Ohio Current Residence: Boonville, N.C. Bike: KTM 350 XCF Notable Accomplishments: • 2014-2013 GNCC XC1 Champion • 2014 ISDE Trophy Team, Top American Finisher • 2013 ISDE U.S. Junior Trophy Team • 2010-09 GNCC XC2 Pro Lites Champion

CATCHING UP WITH KAILUB Kailub Russell Wins Grand National Cross Country Series Championship Factory FMF/KTM Team rider Kailub Russell dominated the GNCC series in 2014, winning nine of 13 rounds. His top challenger and teammate, Charlie Mullins, suffered a wrist injury early in the season and had to sit out the most of the rounds, leaving the door wide open for Russell to clinch the championship. Mullins was the only person to beat Russell this season—that is, until Russell wrapped up the championship early and traded in his KTM 350XCF for a KTM 150XC two-stroke for the last two rounds. Despite his best effort during round 12, Russell was defeated by Josh Strang. That only gave Russell the motivation to come back with a vengeance for the final round of the season, where he won by a minute and a half aboard the smaller bike. He also set the fastest lap time of the race. A factory FMF/KTM Team rider since 2009, Russell grew up racing District 11 (Southern Ohio) motocross and hare scrambles and has been racing GNCCs since 2001. He now holds 22 all-time wins, which puts him at fifth in the GNCC record book with Scott Summers, Rodney Smith, Ed Lojak and Fred Andrews ahead of him. Russell says he doesn’t have any plans to race a series other than the GNCC and still has two more years left on his contract with KTM. His off-season includes some

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

one-off events, including the International Six Days Enduro where he finished as the top American. He says that December is really his only month to chill, and then he gets right back at it.—Heather Wilson AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: Tell us about your youth racing. Is there a particular experience that sticks out in your mind? KAILUB RUSSELL The one I remember most is when I moved up to the big bikes. I think it was the mega-series race in 2006. I ended up racing my cousin D.R. Atwood, Cory Buttrick and some other fast guys. It was one of the first races where I actually won on a big bike, and it was at my grandpa’s place called Sunday Creek Raceway in Millfield, Ohio. It was one of the coolest things. AM: You grew up in Ohio, but now live in North Carolina – when did you move and what was that transition like? KR: I moved to North Carolina at the end of 2008. It’s been good, because weather is a little bit nicer year-round. There are a lot of nice riding areas in North Carolina. It’s pretty central to the GNCCs and a lot of other great series. AM: You never know what conditions will arise in GNCC racing. Which do you

prefer, mud or dust? KR: Nowadays, I’d rather it be muddy than dusty. When I was younger, I preferred the dust. For the last few years I’ve struggled with starts. When it gets dusty, it is hard to move through the pack. AM: What was it like this season after Charlie Mullins had to sit out due to a wrist injury? Did you ever feel the pressure from other riders like you did when Charlie was racing? KR: It got a little bit easier. Charlie and I have been battling tooth and nail the last couple years. Not saying the others are slouches, but Charlie and I are sort of on a different level than everyone else right now. In order to beat Charlie, I had to take chances. Now, I can choose not take as many chances on the track, and I tend to ride more patiently. AM: You had a phenomenal race at Snow Shoe, beating second-place finisher Jordan Ashburn by over three minutes. What was your motivation? KR: I’ve kind of come to enjoy racing that place. It’s really fun. They have a two-loop setup. One race, but two separate tracks. I just enjoyed riding that day and rode well. AM: What advice would you give someone just getting started in racing? KR: Getting into off-road racing can be physically and mentally challenging. Don’t give up. Race the whole race; don’t quit.

Ken Hill

KAILUB RUSSELL

AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLES TITLE GOES TO JACOB ARGUBRIGHT

AMA WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS Representatives Join Board At National Convention

Husqvarna Rider Wins For New Team

Not only did Factory Husqvarna’s Jacob Argubright capture the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship, he was the first to win a race on a Husqvarna in America since the brand re-launched. Traditionally a desert racer, this was the first time he raced the AMA West Hare Scrambles. “It’s a lot more trees than I’m used to,” he jokes. “But I wanted to try something different.” Argubright finished with 177 points, beating Justin Bonita who earned 98 and Eric Yorba who tallied 93. Although Argubright was able to finish the AMA West Hare Scrambles series in 2014, he isn’t sure whether he will be able to make it to the first round of the new season due to a broken wrist. “I broke my wrist at the last round of the Hare & Hound series,” Argubright said. “I had surgery on it in November, and the pins have to stay in my wrist for eight weeks. That puts me getting the pins out right before New Year’s. I will likely miss the first AMA West Hare Scramble and maybe even the first round of the Hare & Hound series.” Argubright tells American Motorcyclist what it’s like to ride for a factory team, talks about his season and says what it means to be an AMA champion.— Heather Wilson AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: What’s it like to ride for a factory team? JACOB ARGUBRIGHT: It’s a lot easier, because they take care of everything for you. But it’s also more pressure, because you’re expected to win. It’s really nice to have the support to get anything I need to race at my best.

Age: 24 Bike: Husqvarna FC450 Other series he rides: • Kenda SRT AMA Hare & Hound National Championship Series • GEICO AMA EnduroCross • AMA District 37 races Notable accomplishments: • 2014: AMA West Hare Scrambles Champion • 2013: Second in AMA Hare & Hound National Championship Series • 2012: AMA District 37 Overall No. 1 Plate • 2012: District 37 Heavyweight Desert AM: Did you have any difficult races during the 2014 AMA West Hare Scrambles season? JA: The sixth round of the series in Primm, Nev., was the hardest. I ended up crashing and whacked my head really hard. I was seeing stars. I knew I had to finish to get points. I didn’t want a DNF, so I forced myself to continue and finished the race. I didn’t realize that you have to finish 20th or better to get points, and I finished 21st overall. AM: Is there a competitor you respect and learn from? JA: Destry Abbott—he’s got really great sportsmanship. He’s a great racer in the desert. He races hard and knows when to take chances and when to hold back. We put our race faces on when we compete against each other, but off the track we’re great friends. AM: What does it mean to win your first AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship? JA: It means a lot. It makes me an AMA champ, and that’s something not a lot of people can do. I’m really fortunate to have done it. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, but I still came out with a championship. It makes it all worth it in the end.

Mark Kariya

AM: How would you describe your racing style? JA: I’m slower in the beginning. It takes me a little bit to get going. Towards the middle and end, I start feeling my best and going my fastest.

JACOB ARGUBRIGHT

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

The AMA is pleased to announce recent additions to its board of directors. On Oct. 17 at the AMA National Convention in Orlando, Fla., Jeff Skeen was elected as an at-large individual member representative during the annual AMA member meeting. Skeen is CEO of Affinity Development Group. “I am thrilled to be part of the AMA,” Skeen says. “I hope to help the AMA continue to build member benefits that will attract and retain members. Every motorcycle and powersports enthusiast should belong.” During the AMA Jeff Skeen business member meeting later that day, Robert Pearce was elected to a full term as a business member representative. Earlier in 2014, Pearce was appointed to the board to serve the remainder of departing Robert Pearce business member representative Sean Hilbert’s term on the board. Pearce is KTM North America’s vice president of operations. “I am very pleased to have just been nominated to be on Paul Puma the AMA Board of Directors,” Pearce says. “I look forward to fulfilling the current strategic plan, which has been set forth by the board, and will do my best to help achieve these goals.” In addition, business member representative Paul Puma was elected to hold the seat being vacated by John Ulrich. Ulrich’s term-limited position on the board expires in February 2015. Puma is vice president of GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance Division. “It is my pleasure to serve on the AMA Board of Directors and contribute to the association’s goals of protecting and promoting the motorcycle lifestyle,” Puma says. “Motorcycling is an important part of my life, and I understand what it means to others. I’m looking forward to contributing toward the future growth of the AMA.”

U.S. JUNIOR TEAM WINS WORLD TITLE AT 2014 INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS ENDURO U.S. Trophy Team Finishes Second In Premier Division

For the third time in the 89-year history of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme International Six Days Enduro, the U.S. Junior Team has emerged victorious, claiming the world championship for the junior division. The 2014 ISDE was Nov. 3-8 in San Juan, Argentina. The U.S. Junior team included Justin Jones, Grant Baylor, Steward Baylor and Trevor Bollinger. In the premier division, the U.S. Trophy Team of Mike Brown, Thad Duvall, Charlie Mullins, Zach Osborne, Taylor Robert and Kailub Russell finished second: 9 minutes, 46 seconds behind defending world champion France. The United States has never won the Trophy division, also finishing second in 1982 and 2013. The U.S. Women’s World Trophy Team of Amanda Mastin, Rachel Gutish and Sarah Baldwin finished the event in third. Almost 350 riders from 23 nations competed in the 2014 ISDE. The U.S. Junior Team finished 1 minute, 42 seconds ahead of France in the junior division. Australia finished third, 5 minutes, 38 seconds behind France. Jones, who was the fastest U.S. Junior Team rider and seventh in the E2 class and 12th overall, said winning the world title was the “best moment” of his career.

“It was an honor to represent my country and make it to the top of the podium here at Six Days as well as being top Junior American,” Jones said afterwards. “I’m almost speechless. The feeling is amazing.” The U.S. team also won the junior division in 1991 and 2006. The junior division includes some of the world’s best off-road racers 23-years-old and younger. There are no age restrictions on the premier World Trophy division. Many team scores at the 2014 Six Days were decimated by bike failures due to the extremely dusty conditions on Day 3. The Women’s Trophy Team and each U.S. club team had at least one rider retire because of the dusty conditions. Injuries and other equipment failures took other riders out of competition, including Trophy Team rider Osborne. In addition to Osborne’s motorcycle failure on Day 1, leaving the Trophy Team with the minimum five riders and no throwaway scores for the rest of the week, Mullins suffered multiple crash-related

Steve Berkner

Clockwise from below: L-R: Grant Baylor, Steward Baylor, Trevor Bollinger and Justin Jones. On day 4, U.S. Junior Team member Justin Jones and U.S. Team Manager Antti Kallonen talk strategy before a special test. Grant Baylor works on his motorcycle at the end of day 4.

injuries on Day 2, requiring a trip to the hospital for observation. On the notorious Day 3, Robert’s bike nearly failed when it had dust-induced starting problems. “At one of the most-demanding Six Days in recent memory, it was an accomplishment to finish, let alone claim a podium slot,” says AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “We are proud of the U.S. Junior Team for its world title triumph, and we congratulate them on their stellar performance. In addition, we also extend our appreciation and congratulations to all U.S. riders who traveled to Argentina to represent the United States.” Despite not winning the first ISDE World Trophy Championship in history, the 2014 effort was arguably the strongest the U.S. team has ever put forward, winning individual days at the event in the face of repeated challenges. “Even though our Trophy Team didn’t finish on top of the podium, we overcame three big setbacks and still managed to finish second,” says U.S. ISDE Team manager Antti Kallonen. “That should prove to the world that the United States is serious about Six Days.” The 90th ISDE will be held in Slovakia on Sept. 7-15.

January 2015

JEDEDIAH HAINES: THREE-TIME CHAMP

~ A JC Motors Company ~

AMA, NATIONWIDE JOIN FORCES Member Benefit Deal Includes Insurance, Banking

The AMA has joined with Nationwide to bring members money-saving offers on insurance, credit cards, banking and more. “This program includes a number of savings for AMA members,” says AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey. “Nationwide also will donate toward AMA rider advocacy efforts as part of this partnership. We’re looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship that will make the AMA stronger and save members money.” Insurance products for motorcycle/ powersports, auto, property, life and pets are covered by the partnership, as well as banking, financing and a new cashback AMA-themed credit card, which will replace the former Capital One card. For more, see www.nationwide.com/ americanmotorcyclist.

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Pennsylvania’s doesn’t really have Jedediah Haines a schedule—just Past Accomplishments: captured the AMA whenever I have time • 2014-12: AMA East Hare East Hare Scrambles for it. Scrambles Champion Championship, a • 2012: One of two riders to AM: What does it seven-round series score overall points at every that ran from March mean to you to win GNCC that year to October 2014 in a the championship • 2009: AMA East Hare variety of locations again? Is it still a Scrambles Open A Champion in the eastern United challenge for you? • 2009: ECEA Hare Scrambles JH: It’s definitely not States. Open A Champion Winning this getting old racing this • 2005-04: Pennsylvania State championship is series, and it’s certainly Hare Scrambles Champion nothing new for Haines, still challenging for me. though. He’s won it for The promoters keep the last three years. Before that, he was the events fresh, and I still enjoy it. the AMA East Hare Scrambles Open A I had a smooth year, and the tracks champion in 2009. this year were way better than expected. The 29-year-old has been riding dirt I like the tighter, fresher trail compared bikes since he was 3 years old and to the GNCCs. But I like that [with hare racing since he was 7. While he got his scrambles] it’s still laps, unlike enduros start in motocross, he transitioned to where you’re only riding the trail once. woods racing in 2004. With three new tracks this year—I “Between college and two knee missed Florida, though—I think the bar surgeries, I felt that woods racing would is set pretty high for promoters to live up be a little easier on the body,” he says. to next year. Haines raced for the Raines Riding AM: Is there anyone who helps you University/Atlas Yamaha/Vikingoffroad. com team in both the hare scrambles achieve your racing goals? JH: My mom and my brother. They keep series and the Grand National Cross Country Series. things going around the house so I can American Motorcyclist caught up go race. with Haines to talk about his off-road AM: What are your goals going success and ask about his future. —Heather Wilson forward? JH: Trying to keep the No. 1 plate. AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: What Keep having fun on the bike. I’d was your most challenging race also like to try a few odd-ball of the season, and why? races. There’s a 100-mile race JEDEDIAH HAINES: Michigan. The I did in Virginia, and I’d like promoter did a really good to try TKO [Tennessee job of laying out fresh trail. Knock Out]. I want Plus, a lot of enduro guys to try the stuff I showed up, and they do haven’t gotten to a better job of reading do the last couple fresh trail. That made it years, because more challenging as far I was chasing as racing goes. multiple series. AM: What’s your key to winning? JH: I just make sure when I’m practicing, I have good technique and form so when I’m racing it’s second nature to ride well. Working a regular job, my training

AM: Any advice for kids or amateurs just getting started in hare scrambles racing? JH: Keep it fun. Don’t make it a job. Don’t get too far financially into it without it being fun.

Yellow Wood Photography

Yamaha Rider Wins AMA East Hare Scrambles Championship

Jeff Kardas

HERE COMES AMA SUPERCROSS Top Riders To Vie For Title In Wide Open Field

Seventeen rounds. That’s how long an AMA Supercross competitor has to prove that he has what it takes to be the 450SX champion. It’s a season of shedding blood, sweat and tears to climb to the top of the podium. Four-time AMA Supercross Champion Ryan Villopoto announced on Oct. 1, 2014, that he would not be riding Supercross in 2015. Instead, he will pursue the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme MX Grand Prix World Championship in Europe for the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team. With the reigning champ out of the equation, many think the season will be a battle between Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey, who took one win and finished second in points for the season, and RCH Racing’s Ken Roczen, who snagged two wins last season and finished third in points. Teammates during the 2014 season, it will be interesting to see how the riders compete now that they are under the direction of different team managers. The dark horse in the competition may be Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Davi Millsaps, who sat out all of last season due to a knee injury but was recovered by the time the Monster Cup rolled around and ended up winning the event. GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac and Honda Muscle Milk’s Trey Canard are also sure to be top competitors this season after both suffered injuries that put a halt to their seasons last year. Often regarded as the “nice guys,” Tomac and Canard have been known to turn up the heat. Switching from red to blue, Justin Barcia joined the JGR Yamaha team.

Although he wasn’t able to capture any wins last season, Barcia is known for his aggressive riding style and is sure to be a threat on the track. Will Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna’s Jason Anderson, the reigning 250SX West champion who is moving up to 450SX, be the one to challenge Barcia? Anderson took home four 250SX West wins during the 2014 season and will be looking to keep up the momentum. Yoshimura Suzuki’s Blake Baggett, Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda’s Cole Seely and Red Bull KTM’s Dean Wilson will also be 450SX rookies alongside Anderson.

250SX Preview

For the 250SX East or 250SX West riders, it’s eight rounds to show what it takes become champion. The 2015 season will be the first year of 250SX riders who earned their AMA 250SX license by competing in AMSOIL AMA Arenacross, featuring Ricky Carmichael’s Road to Supercross. In the 250SX East class, fans are anxiously awaiting the return of last year’s rookie, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, who came out with a bang and won his Supercross debut and two additional rounds. An unfortunate shoulder injury took him out of the championship six races into the season. GEICO Honda’s Justin Bogle, the 250 East champion for 2014, and Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna’s Martin Davalos will remain in the 250SX class for another year. Turning to the 250SX West class, some of the top contenders include Malcolm

Stewart aboard his GEICO Honda, Justin Hill and Marvin Musquin aboard Red Bull KTMs, and Cooper Webb on his Star Racing Yamaha. Wil Hahn also will compete on his Monster Energy Kawasaki. Josh Hansen, well known for his freestyle riding in X Games, announced he would also be returning to Supercross, after a two-year break, to race the 250SX West for Team 100 Motosport.com Kawasaki. The Monster Energy Supercross season gets underway on Jan. 3 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. Follow the official AMA Supercross page at www.facebook.com/ AMASupercrossChampionship for updates, contests and photos all season.

AMA Supercross 101

Race Format: • Free Practices: Used for the riders to become comfortable with the track. • Timed Qualifying Practices: The 40 fastest riders in 250SX and 40 fastest riders in 450SX make it into heat races. Also used to determine the order for gate picks in the heat races. 250SX: • Heat 1: Six laps, 20 riders (top nine transfer to main) • Heat 2: Six laps, 20 riders (top nine transfer to main) • Last Chance Qualifier: Four laps, 22 riders (top four transfer to main) • Main Event: 15 laps, 22 riders 450SX: • Heat 1: Six laps, 20 riders (top four transfer to main; rest go to semi) • Heat 2: Six laps, 20 riders (top four transfer to main; rest go to semi) • Semi 1 (even-finishing riders from heat races): Five laps, 16 riders (top five transfer to main) • Semi 2 (odd-finishing riders from heat races): Five laps, 16 riders (top five transfer to main) • Last Chance Qualifier: Four laps, 22 riders (top four transfer to main) • Main Event: 20 laps, 22 riders Note: See the calendar on page 40 for the 2015 schedule. January 2015

Jeff Kardas

BLM TOUTS BIG-PICTURE TRAIL PLANNING CONCEPT A new approach to land-use planning unveiled in October by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management is raising concerns about a loss of local influence during the federal decision-making process. Called Planning 2.0, the new approach includes something called “planning across landscapes.” That type of planning ignores jurisdictional boundaries in favor of focusing on the big-picture goals. “The public lands are facing increasingly complex and widespread environmental challenges that cross traditional management boundaries,” says Shasta Ferranto, a BLM planning and environmental analyst. “Planning 2.0 will help us better address these challenges through the land-use planning process.” And it is that landscape approach that raises concerns at the AMA. Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations, says the landscape-planning concept “makes the entire process more Washington-driven.” “Planning 2.0 also is likely to reduce involvement by smaller communities and lessen their influence on the process,” he says. “For example, the landscape planning concept would allow well-publicized issues to overshadow and drown out local concerns.” The AMA is concerned that, as the BLM moves toward a process of making local decisions at a regional level, the unique historical, social, environmental and economic aspects of individual trail systems could be lost.

Ferranto told the Denver audience that Travel Management Plans, which directly affect the motorized trail system on federal lands, will remain at the BLM district level. Stout says the big-picture landscape planning approach “can’t make specific trail decisions.” Ferranto and Stout also told the Denver group that landscape-level planning would allow the agency to consider the entire habitat of an endangered species in one plan, rather than dividing the habitat plan by plan, according to state, regional or other boundaries. “Landscape-level planning is intended to inform and enhance local management,” says BLM spokesman K. Mitchell Snow. “The BLM’s field offices will maintain their central role in managing public lands, including working with local partners and stakeholders to develop and implement local management strategies. The broader perspective provided through a landscape approach will help focus and integrate these local management efforts.”

BLM’s vision

AMA concerns

AMA Concerned Local Interests Will Lose Clout By Jim Witters

Ferranto and Joe Stout, BLM division chief for decision support, planning and the National Environmental Policy Act, conducted public listening sessions in Denver and Sacramento in October, laying out for stakeholders the agency’s plans and intentions. “This is a blueprint for everything that happens on BLM lands,” Ferranto told the Denver audience. The concept emerged from the agency’s 2011 Roadmap for Success, which included a five-year plan for creating a more nimble approach to land-use planning. The BLM plan calls for a proposed rule and comment period in the spring of 2015,

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a draft handbook in the summer of 2015, a final rule in the spring of 2016, and a final handbook in the summer of 2016. The BLM highlights adaptive management, earlier collaboration with the public and other stakeholders and improvements in the amendment process. “In developing RMPs (Resource Management Plans), we are committed to involving the public and our partners, so together we can build well-informed decisions,” says an announcement on the BLM website. “This helps us better manage public lands and resources consistent with federal law, while seeking consistency with local, tribal and state laws, policies and plans.”

But the AMA fears that local leverage will be reduced, rather than strengthened. “First, the term ‘landscape’ is not a defined legal term, and we feel that a landscape approach pulls in a much larger area than we see with the current U.S. Forest and BLM districts,” Allard says. “We have simply opposed it because there is a loss of local control with the addition of another layer of government over the districts.” District advisory committees composed of community representatives provide AMA members and other advocates of motorized recreation an opportunity to be heard, while also serving as a

public relations outlet for the district administrator, Allard says. The voices on those district committees could be muted under the broader landscape-planning process. “It is obvious that landscape policies will encompass more than one district, otherwise why make such a proposal,” Allard says. “The term ‘landscape’ is such an all-encompassing term that we see it involving several states or regions, such as the Sierra Mountain Range, Smokey Mountain Range or the Rocky Mountain Range. “We can see where entrance to part of a mountain could be obstructed by landscape policies in a neighboring state,” he explains. “We can see where policies designed for a small ecosystem get applied across the board to the detriment of smaller communities without a strong voice in Washington. This is especially evident in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.” The very breadth of these landscape management plans would make it difficult, if not impossible, for local users to provide informed comments to the BLM, Allard says. “Already, many Resource Management Plans fail to provide

sufficient detail regarding which trails would remain open or be closed under a specific alternative,” he says. Allard also raised concerns about whether landscape management plans would duplicate the clean air regulations that are already in place. Increased particulate matter has occurred in Rocky Mountain vistas from as far away as China’s desert windstorms. Particulate pollution occurring on the West Slope in Colorado is one example. “Landscape planning not only reduces local management opportunities, but may also involve environmental factors beyond the landscape management area,” he says.

A Call To Action

Allard sent a letter to the BLM expressing the AMA’s concerns and urging the agency to ensure that its plans are written in a manner that provides specific local context and a mechanism for local users to provide informed comments. Now, the AMA is asking its members and other OHV advocates to write to the BLM about the potential loss of local control and to ask for a more precise definition of “landscape planning.”

BLM PLANNING UNITS AND SAGE-GROUSE OCCURRENCE The Sage-grouse habitat stretches over parts of several Western states. Landscape planning techniques would wrest control from local stakeholders and shift it to decision-makers at the landscape level.

Sage-grouse/Jeanne Stafford, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

BLM planning units Current Sage-grouse distribution Probable historic Sage-grouse range

Source: BLM

WHOM TO CONTACT

Please send your concerns about Planning 2.0 to: The Honorable Neil Kornze Director Bureau of Land Management 1849 C Street NW, Rm. 5665 Washington DC 20240

PLANNING 2.0 BASICS Q: How did Planning 2.0 get started? A: In 2011, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management released a strategic plan titled “Winning the Challenges of the Future: A Roadmap for Success in 2016.” Among other goals, the roadmap challenged the BLM to “adopt a proactive and nimble approach to planning that allows us to work collaboratively with partners at different scales to produce highly useful decisions that readily address the rapidly changing environment and conditions.” As part of the BLM’s “landscape approach” to managing public lands, the agency has undertaken several initiatives including Regional Mitigation Strategies, Rapid Eco-regional Assessments, and the Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) Strategy. Planning 2.0 is designed to address the goals set forth in the Roadmap for Success and incorporate elements of the landscape approach into its land use planning process to create a framework to allow us to more effectively and efficiently plan across landscapes. Q: What does it mean to “plan across landscapes?” A: The U.S. Department of the Interior and the BLM are moving toward a “landscape approach” to managing public lands that includes resource management planning. The agency’s challenges often occur at scales larger than a single BLM planning area and cross-jurisdictional boundaries. Planning 2.0 is intended to provide the BLM with the tools it needs to address these challenges and effectively plan across landscapes (or boundaries) and at different geospatial scales. For example, establishing a stronger geospatial foundation to BLM plans will allow land managers to coordinate with each other when a resource occurs in multiple planning areas and to consider the larger geographical setting in resource management decisions. It will also allow the BLM to better coordinate with its partner land management agencies on issues that span jurisdictions. Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management

January 2015

2014 AMA NATIONAL CONVENTION & MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY Hundreds gather as seven inductees, one legend are honored during Orlando gala Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country flocked to Orlando, Fla., in October for the 2014 AMA National Convention. Those in attendance mingled with AMA board members and Hall of Famers and were treated to special demos, two Saturday rides — an adventure ride with AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman and a road ride with AMA Chair Maggie McNally-Bradshaw — and a full schedule of seminars and workshops on a variety of interesting and informative topics. On Friday night of the convention, seven new honorees were inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and one motorcycling legend — William “Willie G.” Davidson — was recognized during the 2014 American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson. The AMA convention was held in conjunction with the American International Motorcycle Expo at the Orange County Convention Center. Photos Jeff Guciardo and Digital Imaging Direct

Bottom left: Actor and AMA Board member Perry King arrives onstage to emcee the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Top left: Some of the motorcycles ridden by the Hall of Famers helped set the stage for the Friday night ceremony. Above: The Class of 2014 (L-R) Scott Summers, Rob Muzzy, Tom White, Pierre Karsmakers, Mike LaRocco and Byron Hines. Not pictured: George Barber.

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Center: Hundreds gathered to go on the adventure ride with AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman that was organized with the help of the Dixie Dual Sport club. Right: AMA Grassroots Coordinator Danielle Fowles speaks with an AIMExpo attendee about the AMA.

Bottom right: Several AMA members enjoy a meal and conversation during an AMA luncheon with AMA Chair Maggie McNally-Bradshaw. Right: AIMExpo attendees viewing the 120 Years of Motorcycling display showcasing how motorcycles have evolved. Below: Riders suit up to leave EagleRider Orlando for a ride prior to the Thursday night kick-off party.

January 2015

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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1953 VICTORIA BERGMEISTER From The George Barber Collection

Recently inducted AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame member George Barber founded the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and is creator of the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. He is arguably the world’s most prolific collector of vintage motorcycles. Today, the world-renowned Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum holds a collection of more 1,400 motorcycles, with more than 700 of them on

public display at any given time. This 1951 Bergmeister was, in one way, the machine that helped get that all started. It was the first motorcycle donated to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. When introduced in 1951, the Bergmeister (or “mountain master”) was radically different from comparable contemporary models. The Bergmeister was a 357cc V-twin, but the engine was mounted transversely, with streamlined cases that

enclosed the carburetor. Transmission duties—it was a four speed—were handled by a series of chains, rather than gears, which resulted in exceptionally quiet operation. Smooth and powerful, the overhead valve engine could handle a sidecar with ease, had a top speed of 80 mph and was considered a quality example of post-war German engineering. This motorcycle is currently on loan to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame from the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. To see it and other motorcycles celebrating the careers of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers, visit the museum at 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, Ohio. Photos Alison Grogan

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Famer

BOB BRAVERMAN Racer, Dreamer By Craig Vetter

Bob Braverman was a brilliant maverick who followed his own special dreams and inspired a whole generation of motorcyclists. Braverman was always a racer. In fact, he actually paid his way through college by racing motorcycles. In the late 1950s, in Chicago, his first job was that of a toy designer, where his enthusiasm made him an early pioneer in slot-car racing. Braverman helped invent the slot car. And, he helped develop the hobby as well, showing thousands of excited kids how to make their slot cars faster. Braverman contributed to such magazines as Model Car Science, Car Model and Rod & Custom’s Model Car Magazine. He even wrote a book on the subject called Here is Your Hobby: Slot Car Racing. In the late 1960s, Braverman moved to California where he returned to his

motorcycling roots, figuring out how to make motorcycles go faster. In 1967, he became the technical editor for the new magazine, Cycle Guide. His “how-to” stories continued to inspire the Baby Boom generation as they, too, moved from slot cars to motorcycles. Like all good motorcycle mechanics, Braverman could—and would—do anything. He showed readers how to turn the new lightweight Japanese motorcycles into fast drag bikes. He put two Yamaha 250cc road-racing engines into a frame he designed and built, then ran a quarter-mile at the drags in 10.52 seconds at 131 mph. Braverman also introduced Van Tech frames that made it easy to install these same

2015 RAFFLE BIKE

RESTORATION IN PROGRESS

#AMARaffleRestore

1965 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide

Buy a Ticket and Follow the Build at www.MotorcycleMuseum.org (800)342-5464

Proceeds benefit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

wonderful new Japanese engines into bigger, “U.S.-rider-sized” frames. Another noteworthy accomplishment was Braverman’s use of pumper-style carburetors on motorcycles. He was always ready to cross-pollinate between the various racing disciplines, creating excitement with his readers. By 1969, Braverman’s skills earned him the title of Cycle Guide editor, and he also became its publisher. In 1973, Braverman was ready to launch his own magazine, Cycle Rider, which he published until selling it in 1975. He also started Street Rider and Custom Chopper magazines, and was the editor of Modern Cycle magazine for a while. He went on to pursue car racing and specialized in engine building, attracting the rich and famous of Southern California. Bob Braverman died young, in 1982, at age 52. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.

In Memoriam

AMA LIFE MEMBER SUPPORTS HALL OF FAME John Cooney Jr. was an AMA Life Member and a dedicated motorcyclist. Growing up on the southwest side of Chicago, John Cooney and his brother Mark loved motorcycles from a young age, even though their parents wouldn’t allow them to ride. Still, a highlight of every month for them was running to the local drug store to buy the latest motorcycle magazines and drool over the great bikes of the 1960s and ’70s. As Cooney got older and moved out on his own, one of his first purchases was a motorcycle. Then he bought another. And another. He preferred sportbikes and he loved riding and hanging out with other motorcyclists. In the spring of 2012, Cooney called his brother for advice. He wanted to know if he should buy his dream bike. Despite John’s lamentations that at 58 years old the money would probably be best funneled toward his retirement account—

and belying Mark’s professional expertise as an accountant—Mark advised John to buy the bike. Cooney did, and over the next several months he enjoyed his new 2012 Yamaha FJR1300ABS, squeezing in as many rides and trips as possible around his hectic schedule as an executive sous chef for a major international hotel chain in downtown Chicago. Sadly, that October Cooney lost his life to a heart attack. “When I look back, I am so happy that John asked me for my advice about purchasing that motorcycle,” Mark Cooney says. “It was one of the true joys in his life.” John Cooney also believed in the AMA and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. As part of his legacy, he made a substantial donation to the Hall of Fame so the funds could help foster and sustain its mission to promote motorcycling’s heritage.

Put yourself in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR hall of fame—we couldn’t exist without the generous support of our donors. Now there’s a new way for you to show that support in a very visible way: My Hall of Fame. The idea is simple: A $20 charitable donation gets you a 3-inch-square space on the wall in the Hall of Fame entrance foyer that hangs during the campaign year. Want a bigger space? A 6-inch square is an $80 donation, and an 8-inch square is a $180 donation. You also get an oﬃcial certiﬁcate noting that your picture is on display in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Hang your picture, your kid’s picture, your company logo, almost anything. It’s up to you! Get in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame today!

8” 6” 3” 3”

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6”

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www.motorcyclemuseum.org/myhalloffame or call 1-800-342-5464 for assistance

8”

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AMA MOTORCYCLISTS OF THE YEAR

BRYAN CARROLL & JAMES WALKER

James Walker (left) and Bryan Carroll made "Why We Ride," a documentary about the passion for motorcycling.

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or most of us, moving pictures are the most powerful storyteller. They translate passion, depict action and convey knowledge in the most touching, visual and memorable ways. Recent years have seen something special happening in film—motorcycling film in particular. From big-screen showcases of the sport and pastime of riding to blink-and-youmissed-it YouTube creations, motorcycles have become a favorite vehicle for popular themes. And 2014 was a pivotal year in the accelerating trend of excellent motorcycle movies, both long and short. More than any other movie, the motorcycling film “Why We Ride” epitomizes that trend. Over the course of the year, “Why We Ride,” an 89-minute-long serenade to motorcyclists everywhere, has not only stoked the passion of riding in lifelong motorcyclists, but it has introduced men, women and children across the country to the real world of motorcycling. The men behind “Why We Ride” are producer/director Bryan Carroll and producer James Walker. Carroll, who has been riding for years, and Walker, who learned to ride in the course of shooting the film, started out to make a movie about the life of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ed Kretz Sr. They ended up making something that promises to become one of motorcycling’s great advertisements—why we “dream, discover and explore” on two wheels. And they didn’t do it to get rich or for fame. Their primary mission was to promote motorcycling to riders and nonriders alike—something the AMA has been striving to do for the past 90 years. Here’s what Carroll and Walker, both AMA members, have to say about “Why We Ride,” current trends in motorcycle movies and their own passions for riding.

JAMES WALKER: The way this all started was about four years ago I was presented a screenplay about Ed Kretz, an AMA Hall of Famer and a racer, about when he first came into racing in 1930s depression-era California. I read it, and I loved it, but it was a big-budget period piece, and I’ve never done anything that size before. I’m an independent producer and I just came off the first picture of my own that I got financed and made and distributed, and I needed to partner up with somebody who had the chops, the experience, the relationships, the credibility to tackle a big-budget Hollywood type of picture. I had been working with Bryan on another project, so I approached him and said, “I’ve been given this screenplay. I’m going to option it. Let’s do this together.” He read it, and he loved it. As we were developing that project, it became obvious to us that even though Ed Kretz was very significant in the history of motorcycling, he almost was a forgotten hero. Motorcyclists, when they think of motorcycling legends, they go back maybe 30, 40 years. They don’t go back 70, 80, 90 years. And outside of motorcycling, Ed Kretz was a complete unknown. So, we decided that we needed to create an awareness of who Ed Kretz was. After convincing some financiers to give us a little bit of investment, we went to Sturgis in 2012. I had never been to a motorcycle rally. I was not a rider at that time, and my introduction to the motorcycling world was Sturgis, which is baptism by Harley-Davidson, let me tell you that. BRYAN CARROLL: So, we visit Ed Kretz Jr., Ed Kretz’s son and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer. My crew was with me, and James was with me, and I got to sit with him for four or five hours. I talked with him about his dad and racing, and we’re surrounded by all these trophies and memorabilia and this amazing historical stuff. About halfway through the conversation, I realized that we weren’t really talking about racing. We were talking about family, and we were talking about experiences

and about camping and working on the bike. I realized that it was more than just about a motorcycle. I started thinking about my family. The first piece of film, 8mm film, that exists of me is I’m a 3-year-old kid on the tank of my dad’s 1968 Yamaha enduro DT-1 250. I had ridden my whole life, and then I just stopped. I didn’t make a point to stop. Maybe life got busy, I don’t know. I just wasn’t riding then. But I had a wife and kids, and they weren’t riding. Riding was something I had been doing my whole life, and I didn’t know why I wasn’t sharing it with my family. I realized that that was the movie. That was the story I wanted to tell. Everything in my life is about why—not what or how, but why—and I said, this is what I need to find out. I need to find out why we ride. JW: We came away from Sturgis realizing there was a lot more out there to this world of motorcycling, and there may be an opportunity to tell a bigger story than just who Ed Kretz was. So after Bonneville, we came back and looked at what we had, and I did what you typically do in filmmaking and I called the investors and I said, “I want to do a left-hand turn. We want to stop production. We want to re-tool for a different story, and we want to go explore why people ride motorcycles.” That began the story of “Why We Ride.” AM:

How did the film develop from there?

JW: The movie is really the community telling us the story they wanted told. We did our best to honor the diverse stories and the unique individuals we met and represent them the best way in cinema. We’re really fortunate that we had a talented crew. There were over 70 interviewees. We shot hundreds of hours of footage. There were 15 months of production. We went everywhere. To Daytona Bike Week. We were at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Ceremony at the Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas. We interviewed Kenny Roberts there. One thing that a lot of people aren’t aware of is we didn’t take any industry money. This was completely financed from outside of the industry. The investors

January 2015

Joey Carman Photography

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: What pulled you into “Why We Ride,” and was the original vision for it what it became?

in the picture still aren’t motorcyclists. They love the movie, but they aren’t motorcyclists. That provided us a tremendous amount of creative freedom. We weren’t beholden to any one brand or agenda. We could just explore and give Bryan a lot of freedom. At its core, “Why We Ride” is about the passion of life, and we challenge audience members from every walk of life to take a look at this community of motorcyclists and look at how they embrace living life on two wheels. If you are so inclined to throw a leg over two wheels, hopefully our film has done motorcycling justice, and you are comfortable going to a local bike night, walking into a local motorcycle shop or exploring a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class and see what all this hoopla is about. I love everything from the customizers to the vintage historians to the motocrossers to the Harley crowd. We embrace everything on two wheels—and three wheels. We, like the AMA, are in a very fortunate situation in that we can engage all types of motorcyclists. AM: How do you perceive “Why We Ride” is helping promote motorcycling? JW: A lot of motorcyclists are sharing our film with family members or non-riders because they find it’s a lot easier to plop them down in front of a TV than to explain verbally why they’re riding around on a piece of metal with a motor. I think a lot of riders feel as if the movie connected with them, but they also use it as a tool to explain their passion to new riders or to bring new riders into the fold. The fan mail I really like to get is from former riders, guys who say, “I just saw your movie, and I’m on eBay right now

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

looking for the Harley I sold 15 years ago when my kids were born.” We really sought out to challenge the misnomers of riding. Yes, there are foolish riders out there, but when you approach motorcycling with safety in mind and you train appropriately, motorcycling is a very safe method of transportation or sport. We get a lot of parents, especially moms, who say after seeing our youth sequence, “Oh, I didn’t realize it was like that.” I think a lot of people who are watching the film, even if they’re already a rider, walk away with a better appreciation of the diversity of the community. BC: There are, what, 19 million or so of us in this country who ride. How much of that is extreme? Also, most of us ride for very different reasons, but we all enjoy the ride. Most importantly, we go through milestones. When we’re kids, it’s all about getting on a dirt bike and catching air. As we get older, it’s maybe more about seeing the world, touring America, experiencing things a little more. Then later on it might be about getting away or spending time with friends. There’s no other machine out there that I can think of that you can fit with your state of mind and emotion and state of being than a motorcycle. Film is one of the most powerful art forms. If we use that to get one more rider started, or one more mom getting their kids out there riding safely, we’re doing our job. That’s good for all of us. AM: What other examples speak to the message of accessibility in “Why We Ride”? BC: One of the biggest surprises I had was moms and women in general. I was

shocked how many women came up to me after the film and said, “Thank you for including us. We don’t just ride on the back. This is as important to us as it is to anybody.” Then the other thing is the mom with kids. It’s more than just the motorcycle. It’s spending time with the family. That was the connective tissue that allowed me and my father to be out in the desert. It wasn’t just about the motorcycle. The motorcycle was there. It was about being together. Anything we can do today to spend time with our families is a good thing. I think a lot of moms have been looking for that, and they are finding it in motorcycling. AM: Were well-known motorcycling personalities a key to the success of “Why We Ride”? JW: No. It wasn’t the key. It’s just one of the aspects. The message of “Why We Ride” is about “we”—not “he” or “them” or “you” or “her.” It’s about “we,” and though we included Kenny Roberts and Bud Ekins and other notable AMA Hall of Famers, when interviewing them, we didn’t necessarily focus on their accomplishments as differentiating factors, but to show that two wheels is a unifying factors. For example, we interview Kenny Roberts then cut to a 6-year-old kid who’s talking about one day becoming a MotoGP champion. That kid’s passion is just as valid and as significant as Kenny Roberts’ passion. We wanted to depict the riding community as if there wasn’t a differentiating hierarchy, that it was about “we,” but at the same time including these AMA Hall of Famers added a significant dynamic to what individuals can do when

AMA MOTORCYCLISTS OF THE YEAR

Courtesy of Why We Ride

A lot of motorcyclists are sharing our film with family members or non-riders because they find it’s a lot easier to plop them down in front of a TV than to explain verbally why they’re riding around on a piece of metal with a motor. – James Walker

they have the talent, perseverance, ability, attitude and drive to go out and race or accomplish other amazing feats. I was not telling a story about individuals. I was telling a story about all of us. The “we” is very important in “Why We Ride.” That’s why I did something that’s not very traditional and not have the interviewee identified in the lower third of the screen. Kenny Roberts, as important a man as he is, in this film and with respect to the story we were telling, he is just as important as the kid who just wants to go out and ride his dirt bike in the desert with his dad. Making this movie helped nail down my belief that life is short and every day counts. You just have to enjoy every day and make the most of everything. While we were living this and making this movie, it inspired us. It inspired other people. We always want to educate others on how to be safe riders, how to wear the proper equipment. We want to celebrate, not just adventure but the many good things that motorcycling does and what motorcyclists do. There’s no more generous group of people out there than motorcyclists. If you see what’s happening with the movie, that’s great, but if you look online at our Facebook page and all of that, people just like to go somewhere and just like to be around other riders where they can celebrate and talk about their experience and get other riders to talk about and help inspire the next generation. BC:

JW: Online, the majority of our fans say they haven’t yet seen the film. They are learning the film through the social media communities that we have built that resonate with three words that are at the

core of our movie: to inspire, to educate and to celebrate all things motorcycling. AM: What are your thoughts on the increase in motorcycle films today, from feature-length productions to short clips online? JW: A lot of people are throwing their hats in the ring, whether it be a YouTube video or one of a couple really cool documentaries that we see pop up on Kickstarter—there’s one called “Greasy Hand Preachers” and one called “Sidecar Dogs.” All of that is great. The more creative content that is able to enlighten, educate, celebrate and inspire other people to learn about motorcycling is great. We’re all so different. Not one movie is going to speak to every person or entertain them. With these films, the motorcycle community may be saying, “we want to be heard,” and those individuals, regardless of their experience, who have the inclination to pick up a movie camera are answering that calling. I’m sure there are conversations happening at bike nights, at HOG chapter meetings, at dinner tables, after rides that are essentially, “we need to document that.” BC: When we first started this, a lot of people were looking at this like it was just a short, part-time effort. Everyone is out there shooting stuff with a GoPro these days. It wasn’t until we started showing up and talking to people and they saw who we were and how professional we were and experienced of a crew we were, they realized that we were shooting a real motorcycle movie. It’s interesting, as we were finishing this

movie, how many other people we would run into that had just started doing the same thing we were. The last rendition of On Any Sunday just came out. There’s the Motorcycle Film Festival now. There’s definitely a huge surge now. It goes back to what’s happening to motorcycling in general. In 2008, the economy and motorcycling just died. Then as the economy started coming back and we started working again, the one thing that the motorcycle is, is it is accessible. If you can’t have the big boats, the motorhomes or the flying toys, maybe the motorcycle is something you can go back to. There’s a lot of joy that comes out of motorcycling without this huge ticket price. You can buy a motorcycle for a grand. AM: What do you view as the greatest threat to motorcycling? JW: The misunderstanding of what motorcycling is. My industry, and when I say “my industry,” I don’t mean the YouTube, the independent documentary, but the Hollywood movie making machine. That industry, it uses motorcycling as the de-facto bad guy, the de-facto extreme. It is the X-Games. The reality is that a motorcycle can provide a great tool for achieving a thrill for extreme athletes who do flips and do X-Games jumps and that kind of stuff, but that’s not 99 percent of what motorcycling is. Yes, racing is there, but whether it’s “Sons of Anarchy” or it’s extreme sports, my industry does not appreciate the accessibility, the diversity or the humanity that is the majority of motorcycling. I’m hopeful that through this film and our other projects that we can continue

January 2015

AMA MOTORCYCLISTS OF THE YEAR to project motorcycling on a mainstream entertainment scale to general audiences. BC: The lack of education. People see motorcycles or motorcycle riders as something that they’re not. We, like it is with anything, fear what we don’t know. The more we teach people what a motorcycle is, what they’re like to ride and what are the good things that motorcyclists do, all it can do is help us and help motorcycling. Certain movies out there do well by showing motorcycles as something that they’re not. We experienced this with “Why We Ride.” I can’t tell you how many people came up to us and said, “I didn’t know what motorcycling was. I want to ride now.” AM: What’s your favorite motorcycle movie? JW: What I really enjoyed is something I watched recently. It’s a short film, you can watch it for free on Hulu, and it’s called “The Build.” It’s very much about the café scene. These guys are northwesterners. It’s just three builders. They don’t build to make money. They build because their passion is motorcycling, and their passion is creating, and these bikes are extensions of themselves, and they don’t know what to do other than make motorcycles. It’s just 17 minutes long, but it’s a great little film. As I dive headfirst into this world and get exposure to all these different genres, I’d say the one that I connect with most right now are the builders.

That’s a tough one because it changed as I went through my life, you know what

Courtesy of Why We Ride

BC:

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

I mean? I don’t know if it’s a motorcycle movie, but as far as movies that have motorcycles in them that inspired me, “Quadrophenia” was a huge inspiration for me, and now that you see the whole café racer trend with the mods and the rockers going on. One of the most memorable ones was when I watched “Take it to the Limit.” That was the first I learned of the Isle of Man and those guys flying through the Isle of Man with the fog. I couldn’t really just pick one. A couple months ago, I watched “The Unrideables 2” and was blown away. AM:

What bikes do you have now?

JW: I have a 2009 Honda Shadow. It’s the first bike I ever bought. I got my license during production of the movie. And I have a ’67 Ducati 100cc bike that my son and I will rebuild one day. It’s a real barn find, and I got it for $75, and he and I are going to learn how to wrench on bikes together.

A 2013 Husqvarna TR650. That’s one bike that I will never get rid of. They made it one year. I rode that bike while I was making this movie. It’s very special to me, and I will never get rid of it. Of course, there’s my son’s PW80 that I restored for him. And I just ordered that new Triumph Thruxton Ace Special. BC:

AM: When you think about getting on a bike and going riding, what is it you look forward to? JW: I grew up being a car nut, and I like racing, so the sense of speed and

adventure is there, but I never thought of motorcycling outside of being a racing fan until I got into this film. The experience on two wheels that I feel excited about is the sense of stepping out of the craziness that is my world and my life. It’s just me and the bike, and the bike isn’t asking me to answer emails. It’s not asking for decisions, other than how to stay upright and having a fun time. AM: What is your next motorcyclingthemed project? JW: We’re on the verge of closing all the deals we need closed to go back and tell the Ed Kretz story the way we want to tell it—it’s called “Full Throttle,” and it will capture a very important period in the history of motorcycling. So, in hindsight, this amazing journey that has taken up three years of my life has gone full circle to where we all started four years ago. BC: When began making “Why We Ride,” we had literally no budget. Still, when we started raising money, I realized I couldn’t go after any sponsors. I needed complete creative control. Luckily with James working with us, I was able to do that. As we approach the next film, we’re going about it the same way. We want to raise the money we need to produce a feature film about Ed Kretz and the early days of Class C racing. It was such an amazing time. Doing it without sponsorship dollars and with just investor dollars takes a little bit longer. AM: What’s the target date on the Ed Kretz feature? BC: We hope to be shooting it within the year. We have a great script and a great crew, and we just hope to get some investors on board who want to help us tell the story of America in the ’30s and the Class C racing community in southern California. It was such a simpler time of stripping down the bike and going racing, but I also think there’s an appreciation of that today—there’s something about that engine, wheels, chain, brake mentality that makes sense.

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

Take your family and friends to watch AMA Arenacross at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Pros race on Saturday, Jan. 31. Amateurs race on Sunday, Feb. 1. Event tickets start at $10. Info: www.arenacross.com

The Sumter Enduro Riders Motorcycle Association is hosting a national enduro on Feb. 1 in Sumter, S.C. This enduro is part of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Championship Series, presented by Moose Racing. Info: www.sermaclub.com, www.nationalenduro.com

On Jan. 18, the Square Deal Riders M/C is hosting a Mud & Snow Scrambles for amateurs, youth and ATVs in Port Crane, N.Y. This event is a race in the five-round Square Deal Riders Winter Series. The club was also the AMA 2009 Motorcycle Racing Club of the Year. Info: www.squaredealriders.com

The Madison Motorcycle Club is putting on a Poker Run on Jan. 1 in Madison, Wis. The club was the second club to be chartered with the AMA, being chartered in 1924â&#x20AC;&#x201D;the founding year of the AMA. Info: www.madisonmotorcycleclub.org

GO RIDE

In Campbellsport, Wis., the Southeastern Short Trackers, Ltd. will be putting on a three-hour Motorcycle Endurance Ice Race on Jan. 18. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Steel Shoe Fund, a non-profit, tax-deductible organization to assist flat track motorcycle racers who have been seriously injured during competition by providing funds to be used to pay their medical bills or assist in immediate needs. Info: www.steelshoefund.org

3, 6

7 1 4, 5

The Family Riders Club is hosting a two-day dual sport ride on Jan. 17-18 in Ehrhardt, S.C. This event is part of the Carolina Dual Sport Series. The club says to expect around 100+ miles Saturday and a little shorter ride on Sunday. The ride utilizes sections of dirt and backcountry roads, along with numerous miles of horse trails and endurostyle single-track for the more adventurous rider. Info: www.carolinadualsporters.com, www.broxtonbridge.com/ dualsport.htm

The Southern California Motorcycle Club is hosting an amateur and youth grand prix on Jan. 2-4 in Adelanto, Calif. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a race in the AMA District 37 Big 6 Grand Prix Series and includes ATVs. Info: www.socalmc.com, www.Big6Racing.com

COMING UP On Jan. 17, the AMA will honor its 2014 national champions at the AMA Championship Banquet at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus, Ohio. The banquet honors the top three national championship finishers in disciplines ranging from land-speed racing to motocross to woods racing and everything in between. It includes dinner, door prizes, refreshments and a bike show. For more information, see www.americanmotoryclist.com.

JANUARY EVENTS ARIZONA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES JAN 3: BUCKEYE: ARIZONA CYCLE PARK/CMC ARIZONA RACING, LLC, (623) 853-0750, ARIZONACYCLEPARK.COM

LUCERNE VALLEY: 2 DAY EVENT, DESERT MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (626) 260-2830, NATIONALHAREANDHOUND.COM

JAN 17: GRAND RAPIDS: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENCROSS.COM

SHORT TRACK

COMPETITION

JAN 3: (Includes ATVs) STOCKTON: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 368-7182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

COMPETITION

CROSS COUNTRY

ARENACROSS

JAN 17: RANCHO CORDOVA: 2 DAY EVENT, POLKA DOTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, POLKADOTSMC.COM

JAN 23: COLORADO SPRINGS: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 2167482, ARENACROSS.COM

DESERT SCRAMBLES JAN 25: (Includes ATVs) EL CENTRO: OVER THE BELT RACING, INC, (951) 760-2333, OTBRACING-D38.NET/

JAN 24: COLORADO SPRINGS: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM FLORIDA

ENDURO

COMPETITION

JAN 18: (Includes ATVs) SANTA CLARITA: LOST COYOTES MC, INC., (661) 270-6755, LOSTCOYOTEMC. ORG

HARE SCRAMBLES

GRAND PRIX JAN 2: (Includes ATVs) ADELANTO: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (760) 2206484, SOCALMC.COM HARE & HOUND JAN 24: (Includes ATVs)

NEW YORK MUD & SNOW SCRAMBLES JAN 4: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM JAN 18: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM OHIO COMPETITION ARENACROSS JAN 10: CINCINNATI: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 2167482, ARENACROSS.COM SOUTH CAROLINA

JAN 31: (Includes ATVs) BRIGHTON: 2 DAY EVENT, TREASURE COAST TRAIL RIDERS, INC., (772) 473-3801 MICHIGAN COMPETITION ARENACROSS JAN 16: GRAND RAPIDS: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM

JAN 31: NASHVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 2167482, ARENACROSS.COM

RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE JAN 17: EHRHARDT: 2 DAY EVENT, FAMILY RIDERS MTC, (843) 7080886, CAROLINADUALSPORTERS. COM TENNESSEE COMPETITION ARENACROSS

TEXAS COMPETITION MOTOCROSS JAN 3: WORTHAM: 2 DAY EVENT, FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY LLC, (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM UTAH COMPETITION MOTOCROSS JAN 10: ST. GEORGE: ST. GEORGE MX, (435) 705-4125, STGEORGEMX. COM WISCONSIN RECREATIONAL POKER RUN JAN 1: MADISON: MADISON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (608) 220-5564, MADISONMOTORCYCLECLUB.ORG COMPETITION ICE RACE JAN 18: CAMPBELLSPORT: SOUTHEASTERN SHORT TRACKERS, LTD, (414) 303-1331, THE STEEL SHOE FUND

2015 EVENTS Feb. 7: San Diego, Calif.: PETCO Park (West)

July 25: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National

July 11-12: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla

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

July 25-26: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud

LUCAS OIL PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP PROMOTOCROSS.COM

Aug. 15: Tooele, Utah: Utah National

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

March 7: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (East)

May 16: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic

March 14: Indianapolis, Ind.: Lucas Oil Stadium (East)

MTN. DEW AMA ATV NATIONAL MOTOCROSS ATVMOTOCROSS.COM

May 23: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen National

Feb. 14: Arlington, Texas: AT&T (East)

MOTOCROSS MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS FIM-LIVE.COM Sept. 26-27: Ernee, France MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS AMASUPERCROSS.COM Jan. 3: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium (West) Jan. 10: Phoenix, Ariz.: Chase Field (West) Jan. 17: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium (West) Jan. 24: Oakland, Calif.: O.Co Coliseum (West) Jan. 31: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium (West)

Feb. 21: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome (East) Feb. 28: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome (East)

March 21: Detroit, Mich.: Ford Field (East) March 28: St. Louis, Mo.: Edward Jones Dome (East) April 11: Houston, Texas: NRG Stadium (West) April 18: San Francisco, Calif.: Levi’s Stadium (West) April 25: East Rutherford, N.J.: MetLife Stadium (East) May 2: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boy d Stadium

MONSTER ENERGY CUP Oct. 17: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium

May 30: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National June 6: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National June 13: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point National June 27: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National July 4: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National July 18: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National

Aug. 22: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Indiana National

AMSOIL AMA ARENACROSS ARENACROSS.COM Jan. 10-11: Cincinnati, Ohio: US Bank Arena

March 21-22: Lizella, Ga.: Echeconnee

Jan. 16-18: Grand Rapids, Mich.: Van Andel Arena

April 18-19: Kemp, Texas: Underground

Jan. 23-25: Colorado Springs, Colo.: World Arena

May 2-3: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek

Jan. 31-Feb. 1: Nashville, Tenn.: Bridgestone Arena

May 16-17: Morris, Pa.: High Point

Feb. 6-8: Wilkes-Barre, Pa.: Mohegan Sun Arena

May 30-31: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman

Feb. 21-22: Tampa, Fla.: Tampa Bay Times Forum

June 13-14: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge

Feb. 28- March 1: Kansas City, Mo.: Sprint Center

June 27-28: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek

March 6-8: Council Bluffs, Iowa: Mid-America Center

2015 EVENTS March 13-15: Southaven, Miss.: Landers Center March 21-22: New Orleans, La.: Smoothie King Center March 28-29: Austin, Texas: Frank Erwin Center April 11-12: Spokane, Wash.: Spokane Arena April 18-19: Tacoma, Wash.: Tacoma Dome April 25-26: Fresno, Calif.: Save Mart Center May 1-3: Las Vegas, Nev.: South Point Arena AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP MXSPORTS.COM Northeast Area Qualifier

Feb. 21-22: Elizabeth City, N.C.: Elizabeth City: (757) 754-8008 March 7-8: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek MX: 301-475-2000 March 21-22: Shippensburg, Pa.: Doublin Gap: (717) 249-6036 March 28-29: Englishtown, N.J.: Englishtown: (732) 446-7800 April 11-12: Dillwyn, Va.: Actiontown MX Park: (434) 836-7629 April 18-19: Armagh, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway: (814) 695-2453 May 2-3: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point: (304) 284-0084 May 16-17: Winchester, N.H.: Winchester Speed Park: (603) 239-6406

April 11-12: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek MX: (205) 699-8857 April 11-12: Punta Gorda, Fla.: Florida Track and Trails: (239) 567-0227 April 18-19: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain: (334) 318-8475 May 2-3: Washington, Ga.: Aonia Pass: (706) 678-3737 May 16-17: Henderson, N.C.: North Carolina Motorsports Park: (252) 438-8192 Southeast Regional

June 13-14: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback (Amateur): (407) 453-2056 June 20-21: Hamer, S.C.: South of the Border (Youth): (423) 323-5497 Mid-east Area Qualifier

March 21-22: Altamont, Tenn.: Fast Farms MX Park: (931) 235-2776

April 11-12: Waynesburg, Ohio: Malvern MX: (330) 575-0021 April 18-19: Rossville, Ind.: Wild Cat Creek MX: (765) 379-2482 April 25-26: Livingston, Tenn.: Thunder Valley: (423) 323-5497 May 2-3: Millington, Mich.: Baja Acres: (989) 871-3356 May 9-10: London, Ky.: Daniel Boone MX: (606) 231-2313 May 16-17: Newaygo, Mich.: Big Air MX: (231) 652-5225

May 23-24: Nashport, Ohio: Briarcliff MX: (740) 763-0935 Mid-east Regional

June 6-7: Buchanan, Mich.: Red Bud MX (Amateur): (269) 695-6405 June 27-28: Millfield, Ohio: Sunday Creek Raceway (Youth): (304) 284-0084 North Central Area Qualifier

Feb. 21-22: Floresville, Texas: Cycle Ranch: (855) 571-6686

May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports

Feb. 28-March 1: Breaux Bridge, La.: Gravity Alley Extreme Park: (337) 3211154

June 6-7: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park (Youth/Amateur): (360) 601-5347

March 7-8: Conroe, Texas: Three Palms: (936) 3218725 March 28-29: Fulton, Miss.: Veteran MX

Northwest Regional

Mid-West Area Qualifier

Feb. 21-22: St. George, Utah: St. George MX: (435) 705-4125

March 7-8: DeQuoin, Ill.: Paradise MX: (205) 6998857

April 18-19: Alvord, Texas: Oak Hill Raceway: (940) 577-2225

Feb. 28 – March 1: Porterville, Calif.: Porterville OHV Park: (740) 297-6686

March 28-29: Maize, Kan.: Bar 2 Bar MX: (620) 7551370

April 25-26: Edgewood, Texas: Buffalo Creek MX: (214) 939-4321

March 21-22: Turlock, Calif.: Oatfield Raceway: (740) 297-6686

April 11-12: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX: (815) 379-9534

May 2-3: Ponca City, Okla.: Ponca City MX: (580) 762-3635

April 18-19: California City, Calif.: Cal City MX Park: (760) 977-9774

April 25-26: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports: (217) 932-2041

May 16-17: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley MX: (303) 697-1003

May 9-10: Hollister Hills, Calif.: Hollister Hills SVRA: (740) 297-6686

May 2-3: Tigerton, Wis.: Motozone: (920) 419-2863 May 9-10: Little Falls, Minn.: Little Falls Raceway: (612) 919-3457 May 16-17: Garwin, Iowa: Oak Ridge Motocross: (205) 699-8857 May 23-24: Byron, Ill.: Byron Motosports Park: (815) 234-2271 North Central Regional

June 13-14: DeQuoin, Ill.: Indian Hills (Youth): (205) 699-8857

June 20-21: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek MX Park (Amateur): (507) 753-2779 South Central Area Qualifier

South Central Regional

May 30-31: Wortham, Texas: Freestone MX (Amateur): (713) 962-3386 June 20-21: Prentiss, Miss.: Golden Pines (Youth): (985) 273-1317 Northwest Area Qualifier

May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park Mid-West Regional

June 13-14: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City OHV (Youth/Amateur): (740) 297-6686 Southwest Area Qualifier

Feb. 14-15: Marysville, Calif.: MMX Racing: (740) 297-6686

Feb. 14-15: Litchfield Park, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park: (623) 853-0750

March 21-22: Richland, Wash.: Horn Rapids MX: (509) 496-2958

March 7-8: Los Angeles, Calif.: LACR: (740) 2976686

May 9-10: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park: (360) 601-5347

March 14-15: Haleiwa, Hawaii: Kahuku MX: (808) 668-6276

May 16-17: Billings, Mont.: Billings MX

March 28-29: Perris, Calif.: Starwest MX Park: (949) 276-5153

Northeast Regional

May 30-31: Danville, Va.: Birch Creek Motorsports Youth: (434) 836-7629 June 20-21: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla Valley Sports Center - Amateur: (607) 965-8450 Southeast Area Qualifier

Feb. 14-15: Reddick, Fla.: MX of Marion Co: (352) 591-2377

March 14-15: Ellerbee, N.C.: Windy Hills MX: (423) 323-5497 March 28-29: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek: (423) 323-5497

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

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January 4/25/14 3:252015 PM

2015 EVENTS April 4-5: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen: (909) 384-9342 May 23-24: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park

High Adventure. No Hassle.

The best routes, roads and twotrack, mapped by local experts. A great challenge with like-minded riders. A full weekend’s activities, with camping, campfires, food and prizes. For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding.

THE ADVENTURE is out there

comteit Ge

Southwest Area Regional

May 30-31: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen (Youth/Amateur): (909) 384-9342

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DIRT TRACK MONSTER ENERGY FIM SPEEDWAY WORLD CUP FIM-LIVE.COM | SPEEDWAYGP.COM June 6: Location TBA June 8: Location TBA June 11: Location TBA June 13: Location TBA FEATURED SERIES: AMA WINTER JAM, SHOWDOWN AT THE CENTER - INDOOR DIRT TRACK SERIES STEVENACERACING.COM

April 17-19: Braselton, Ga.: Road Atlanta May 15-17: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway May 29-31: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America June 12-14: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park July 17-19: Monterey, Calif.: Laguna Seca – WSBK support races August 7-9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Indianapolis Motor Speedway - MotoGP support races Sept. 11-13: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

Nov. 29: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

Feb. 7: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

OFF-ROAD

Feb. 21: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

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March 22: Bridgeport, Texas: Bridgeport Riders April 19: West Point, Tenn.: NATRA, NATRA-westpoint. net May 17: Park Hills, Mo.: Missouri Mudders, MOmudders.com June 14: Upton, Wyo.: Inyan Kara Riders July 26: Cross Fork, Pa.: Brandywine Enduro Riders, BER.us Aug. 23: Moorestown, Mich.: Lansing Motorcycle Club, LansingMotorcycleClub.org Sept. 27: Lynnville, Ind.: Lynnville Area Dirt Riders Inc., LADirtRiders.com Oct. 11: Matthews, Ind.: Muddobbers MC, MuddobbersMC.org GEICO AMA ENDUROCROSS ENDUROCROSS.COM March 6: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Ocean Center March 21: SLC, Utah: Energy Solutions Arena April 25: Sacramento, Calif.: Sleep Train Arena May 1: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena

Jan. 10: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

March 28: Du Quoin, Ill.: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

March 1: Pellon, S.C.: Columbia Enduro Riders

May 30: Phoenix, Ariz.: Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum Aug. 22: Atlanta, Ga.: Gwinnett Center Oct. 3: Denver, Colo.: National Western Complex Oct. 17: Everett, Wash.: XFINITY Arena Nov. 7: Boise, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center

Sept. 19-20: Tarragona, Spain

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

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

April 10-12: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the Americas

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

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Jan. 24-25: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Desert MC, DesertMC.com Feb. 21-22: Barstow, Calif.: Checkers MC, CheckersMC. com March 21-22: Murphy, Idaho: Dirt Inc., DirtIncRacing.com

2015 EVENTS April 25-26: Johnson Valley, Calif.: Vikings MC, VikingsMC.com May 2: Delta, Utah: Sage Riders MC, SageRidersMC. com June 6-7: Snowville, Utah: Big Nasty Hillclimb LLC, X12Events.com Aug. 22: Panaca, Nev.: Silver State Trail Blazers Oct. 24-25: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: 100s MC, 100smc. com AIRES AMA/NATC MOTOTRIALS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMARACING.COM | MOTOTRIALS.COM April 11-12: Amarillo, Texas (West) April 18-19: Kingman, Ariz. (West) June 13-14: Nehawka, Neb.: mwta-trials.com (East) June 20-21: Toronto, Ohio: trialsinc.org (East) Aug. 8-9: Casper, Wyo. (West) Youth Nationals and Women’s Open

April 11 (Amateur) | April 12 (ATV, Youth): Shasta Lake, Calif.: Redding Dirt Riders, ReddingDirtRiders. com May 16 (Youth, Amateur): Caliente, Nev.: Silver State Trail Blazers June 20 (Youth) | June 21 (Amateur): Elkton, Ore.: ETRA, Inc., ETRA.net Oct. 24 (Amateur, ATV, Youth): Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Desert MC Nov. 7 (ATV, Youth) | Nov. 8 (Amateur): Searchlight, Nev.: Get-Xtr-Eme.com FEATURED SERIES: BIG 6 AMA WEST COAST GRAND PRIX SERIES BIG6RACING.COM Jan 2-4: Adelanto, Calif.: So Cal MC Jan. 31 - Feb. 1: Taft, Calif.: Dirt Diggers MC, Honolulu Hills Raceway Feb. 28 - March 1: Devore, Calif.: Prairie Dogs MC, Glen Helen Raceway March 28-29: 29 Palms, Calif.: Hilltoppers MC, Rodeo and Motoplex

July 3-5: Sequatchie, Tenn.: TrialsTrainingCenter. com (East)

May 2-3: Primm, Nev.: Shamrocks MC, Buffalo Bills Casino

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

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

KENDA SRT AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM Jan. 3 (Youth, Amateur), Pro: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, ArizonaCyclePark.com Feb. 14 (Youth) | Feb. 15 (Amateur): Paicines, Calif.: Salinas Ramblers MC, SalinasRamblersMC.org March 14 (Youth) | Feb. 15 (Amateur): Location TBA: Prospectors MC

Oct. 31 - Nov. 1: Location TBA: Prospectors MC Dec. 5-6: Location TBA: Vikings MC FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) ENDUROS ECEA.ORG March 15: Greenbank, N.J.: Sandy Lane Enduro, Meteor Motorcycle Club, MeteorMC.com March 22: Shamong, N.J.: Curly Fern Enduro, South Jersey Enduro Riders, SJER.org

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April 12: Chatsworth, N.J.: Pine Barons Clock Run, Pine Barons Enduro Riders, PBER.webs.com April 19: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Greenbrier Enduro, Tri-County Sportsmen Motorcycle Club, TeamHammer.org

May 3: Delaware City, Del.: Delaware State Enduro, Delaware Enduro Riders, DelawareEnduroRiders.com May 24: Heckscherville, Pa.: Broad Mountain Enduro, Reading Off Road Riders, RORR.org June 14: Deposit, N.Y.: Ridge Run Enduro, Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club, RidgeRiders.org June 28: Blain, Pa.: Foggy Mountain Enduro, Susquehanna Off Road Riders, SORRmc.org July 12: Gillett, Pa.: Barbed Wire Enduro, Southern Tier Enduro Riders July 26: Cross Fork, Pa.: Rattlesnake National Enduro, Brandywine Enduro Riders, BER.us Aug. 9: Three Springs, Pa.: Three Springs Enduro, Green Marble Enduro Riders, GreenMarbleEnduroRiders. org Aug. 16: Berkshire, N.Y.: Speedsville Enduro, Ithaca Dirt Riders, IthacaDirtRiders. com Aug. 30: Mauricetown, N.J.: Beehive Enduro, Competition Dirt Riders, CompetitionDirtRiders.org Sept. 13: Shippensburg, Pa.: Michaux Enduro, South Penn Enduro Riders, SouthPennEnduroRiders. com Sept. 20: Brandonville, Pa.: Moonshine Enduro, High Mountain Dirt Riders/Valley Forge Trail Riders, vftr.org Oct. 25: New Lisbon, N.J.: Scrub Pine Enduro, Ocean County Competition Riders, OCCR.net Nov. 8: Warren Grove, N.J.: Stumpjumper Enduro, Motorcycle Competition Inc., Ride-MCI.com Nov. 22: New Lisbon, N.J.: Pine Hill Enduro, Central Jersey Competition Riders, CJCRmc.org FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) HARE SCRAMBLES ECEA.ORG March 28-29: Tri-County Hare Scrambles, Tri-County Sportsmen MC

May 16-17: Stumpjumper Hare Scrambles, Motorcycle Competition Inc. May 30-31: Oxbo Hare Scrambles, South Penn Enduro Riders June 6-7: Dogtown 50 National Hare Scrambles, Green Marble Enduro Riders June 20-21: Reading Hare Scrambles, Reading Off Road Riders July 18-19: Mountain Top National Hare Scrambles, Valley Forge Trail Riders Aug. 1-2: Shotgun National Hare Scrambles, High Mountain Dirt Riders Aug. 22-23: Hurricane Lane Hare Scrambles, Meteor Motorcycle Club Sept. 26-27: Big Bass Hare Scrambles, Ridge Riders MC Oct. 3-4: Sahara Sands Hare Scrambles, Pine Barons Enduro Riders/South Jersey Enduro Riders

RECREATION FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION – DUAL SPORTS ECEA.ORG Oct. 11: Pine Grove, Pa.: Reading Dual Sport, Reading Off Road Riders, rorr.org Oct. 24: Tuckerton, N.J.: Ride in the Pines Dual Sport, Meteor Motorcycle Club, MeteorMC.Com Oct. 31 - Nov. 1: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run Nat’l Dual Sport, TriCounty Sportsmen MC, TeamHammer.Org

Oct. 17-18: Ormond Farms Hare Scrambles, Competition Dirt Riders Nov. 14-15: Delaware Hare Scrambles, Delaware Enduro Riders

HALL OF FAME

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April 3-5: Riverside, Calif.: Adams Motorsports Park May 29-30: Plymouth, Wis.: Road America July 3-4: Denver, Colo.: Colorado National Speedway Aug. 14-15: Salt Lake City, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park Sept. 18-20: Sturgis, S.D.: Downtown Sturgis ICE RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP NAACTIONSPORTS.COM Feb. 14-15: Edgerton, Wis.: North America Action Sports LLC.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: The main floor of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame celebrates Hall of Fame inductees, the heroes of the track, road, trails and halls of government who have elevated the sport to new heights. Now featuring the 2014 inductees. 2 Wheels + Motor, A Fine Art Exhibition: The spirit, excitement and adventure of motorcycling is expressed through fine art. Founder’s Hall: Honoring the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s generous contributors.

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GUEST COLUMN

NO WRONG TURNS A New Season On Tennessee Route 32

My wife and I moved to North Carolina from California this past summer, and I took the time to ride my motorcycle coast to coast. For me, there is always a common theme on longer rides of more than a couple of hundred miles. I often think about striking that balance between making my day’s mileage goal and enjoying where the road leads, with no schedule. Whenever the schedule goes out the window, I often find hidden treasure right around the corner, on the road less traveled. After moving to North Carolina, I had an opportunity to take a nice fall ride on the Cherohala Skyway that leads from North Carolina to Tennessee, through the beautiful Appalachian hills. I encountered more red, gold and orange leaves than I had seen in years back in California. That elusive, and rewarding, road less traveled found me again. The Cherohala Skyway is a beautiful ride through the clouds that I discovered by looking at maps of North Carolina online. The road is a two-lane road leading from Robbinsville, N.C., to Tellico Plains, Tenn. This lovely, twisty road includes heights up to about 5,000 feet. It is the perfect motorcycle road. For an old guy like me, riding a big, heavy 1,800cc six-cylinder Honda F6B, the Cherohala is more fun than the Tail of the Dragon—another famous local road. There is much less traffic on the Cherohala, but I still met many nice people along the way. As we’ve all found out, this is common while motorcycling in America. Out on the road, it does not matter what brand of bike you ride, your social circles or political party. Everyone says “hi,” offers to take photos and wants to chat with you about your motorcycle. Happy that my plan had come together perfectly, I chose a town in which to bed down for the night. After consulting Google Maps at a coffee shop, I picked Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The town was new to me, but it is definitely some place my wife and I will visit sometime soon. The next morning, I woke up early and began my ride home. I planned to just take the freeway, U.S. 40 East, for most of the way, and arrive home after an easy four hours or so. But it was a beautiful day to ride! I found myself thinking that this big,

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Elizabeth Glessner

By Shawn Schmid

four-lane interstate might be as pretty as the Cherohala Skyway, and it was if you judged it by how many orange, red, yellow, green and multicolored trees populated a single hillside. On the spur of the moment, I decided to take an exit and snap a photograph. This is when my trip went to another dimension. Exiting U.S. 40 East at Waterville Road, I rode around until I pulled up at a hydroelectric power plant with a scenic “Welcome to North Carolina” sign next to the churning water of the Pigeon River. I could have retraced my tracks, but instead I put my camera away, gloved up and starting riding, bearing right since it looked good in that direction. Soon, I found myself on a gravel road. If the surface conditions had seemed unstable, I would have turned back. But it was dry gravel with some leaves scattered on the shoulders. My bike liked

it fine, and boy was it beautiful. I went around a dozen or more turns, climbing upward, and now I had the sensation that I was riding inside the fall color, instead of viewing it from afar. At the top of the gravel section, I was happy to see a slice of pavement. I snapped a shot of a sign that read “Appalachian Trail.” The paved road that I had just come to ended up being Tennessee State Route 32, a truly great motorcycle road. My plan to see the Cherohala Skyway was a success, but the best part of the trip was the part that was unplanned. It offered the most beautiful scenes of deep valleys and multicolored hillsides. Once again, I was reminded that many times what appears to be a wrong turn ends up being the right one. Shawn Schmid is an AMA member from North Carolina.

Thom Hill, Lebec, CA, leaves the office behind on his Harley ® Sportster ® 48.

CUBICLES ARE DANGEROUS. People say riding a motorcycle is dangerous. But for those who can’t imagine life without two wheels, NOT RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IS DANGEROUS. That’s why Allstate offers protection with one purpose: to keep riders riding.

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Subject to terms, conditions, availability and qualifications. New Motorcycle Replacement is an optional coverage. Claims will be settled based on customer choice to obtain original equipment manufacturer parts for their bike make and model. Actual savings will vary and may depend on coverages selected. Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL and Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Bridgewater, NJ. © 2014 Allstate Insurance Company