ATVA News January-February 2014

Volume 14, Issue 1

PDMokry

A PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVELY FOR ATVA MEMBERS

Competing Against The Best The Ford Family Of Texas Goes All Out In AMA ATV Motocross Competition PAGE 8

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INSIDE The All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) protects ATVers’ right to ride. It also serves as a source of authoritative information about where and how to ride, products and events.

The ATVA is part of the American Motorcyclist Association, the world’s most powerful voice for motorcyclists.

ATVA membership is $49 a year. For more information call toll free (866) 288-2564 or check us out online at www.atvaonline.com.

THE ATVA NEWS TEAM

FEATURE 08 The Ford Family of Texas Goes All Out in AMA ATV Motocross

DEPARTMENTS

03 On Track: Start Now to Get Grant Money for Trails 04 Winners Announced in Video Contest, Riding in Cold Weather 06 Golden Rules of ATV Safety 07 Where to Ride: Mescalero Sands, Tatum, N.M. 11 Thomas Brown Earns First Pro Win 15 Marketplace, Calendar of Events

Bill Kresnak Editor Jeffrey Guciardo Designer/Production Coordinator ATVA News is published bimonthly by the All-Terrain Vehicle Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association. Printed in the U.S.A. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited materials. Send story ideas and high-resolution photos to editor@atvaonline.com. You may see them in ATVA News. Be sure to include your name and phone number.

SNAPSHOT

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS If someone you know is interested in being a part of the ATVA, log on to www.atvaonline.com.

Send your stories or ideas to editor@ atvaonline.com. www.facebook.com/ AllTerrainVehicleAssociation

L-R: Sharon Alumbaugh, AMA Government Affairs Manager Steve Salisbury and Wendell Alumbaugh on Otto Mears Tollway during the 2013 High Rocky Riders Color Tour. Photo by Lynn Camp.

Want to share a photo? Send it with your name to editor@atvaonline.com.

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ON TRACK Start Now To Get Money For Trails

•

40 percent for multiuse trails, which could involve trails used by hikers and bicyclists, or, in some cases, nonmotorized and motorized users; • 30 percent for motorized trails for use by ATV riders and other off-highway vehicle users; and • 30 percent for nonmotorized trails, such as trails for hikers.

Not all the money gets used.

In addition, if a state isn’t friendly to OHV riders, or if the state just doesn’t have very many motorized trails projects, federal law allows the state to just fund hiking trails and other nonmotorized trails.

Frustrating? You bet.

What we want to do is be sure that there are motorized trails projects in every state. That means riders in every state need to apply for grants to create and maintain trails.

It will take some work on your part to turn these millions of dollars into trails. But it’s worth it. States have different requirements: some only allow cities, counties and government agencies to apply for grants, while others also allow nonprofit organizations (like riding clubs) to apply.

Some even allow individuals to apply for the RTP grants.

It’s not with free money. Each state requires you to match the funds in cash or with in-kind contributions of 20 to 50 percent.

To find out the requirements in your state, and the application deadline, contact your state RTP administrator through www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/ rtpstate.htm.

It’s your money. Act now!

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(Roughly $80 million) Alabama

$1,732,289

Alaska

$1,512,643

Arizona Arkansas

$1,915,514 $1,479,029

California

$5,698,627

Colorado

$1,575,735

Connecticut

$952,594

Delaware

$896,623

Dist. Columbia Florida

$816,847 (Not Participating)

Georgia Hawaii

$1,722,736 $950,859

Idaho Illinois Indiana

$1,693,454 $1,510,044 $1,189,692

Iowa

$1,361,069

Kansas

$1,384,250

Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts

$1,410,151 $1,502,467 $1,428,314 $1,112,384 $1,174,862

Michigan

$2,825,415

Minnesota Mississippi

$2,391,888 $1,348,305

Missouri

$1,646,765

Montana

$1,590,638

Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico

$1,205,213 $1,344,370 $1,255,265 $1,214,489 $1,415,533

New York North Carolina North Dakota

$2,182,510 $1,597,424 $1,120,562

Ohio

$1,655,132

Oklahoma Oregon

$1,769,212 $1,594,051

Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee

$1,971,353 $856,384 $1,199,108 $1,125,821 $1,624,207

Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia

$3,954,874 $1,546,233 $1,017,730 $1,511,889 $1,867,407 $1,297,964

Wisconsin Wyoming

A PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVELY FOR ATVA MEMBERS

There are millions of dollars available nationwide to build ATV trails, but in most states those trails don’t get built.

Why? Because nobody asks for the money.

It’s your taxpayer money – fuel taxes paid by you and other riders. Yet it seems that more money is going to build hiking and trails other than motorized trails because off-highway vehicle riders aren’t asking for the money for trail projects.

In the early 1990s, Congress passed a law to create the Recreational Trails Program. The program is set up to distribute a portion of the gas tax that is collected on every gallon of

By Wayne Allard gasoline purchased for off-highway use. This includes ATVs, dirtbikes, snowmobiles and more.

How does the money get spent?

The Federal Highway Administration, which administers the programs, says that the money is supposed to be spent like this:

Recreational Trails Program Funding

By State For Fiscal 2014

$2,146,076 $1,459,731

Source: Federal Highway Administration

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NEWS Winners Announced In “Do The Ride Thing” ATV Safety Video Contest Jacob Sestak, 15, of Prague, Okla., won the grand prize of $2,500 in the “Do the Ride Thing” ATV video safety contest sponsored by the ATV Safety Institute, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the Right Rider Access Fund.

Sestak was among a dozen young riders who won a total of $8,500 in the contest with their video public service announcements that stress ATV safety.

The winners were announced on Sept. 18.

Sestak’s video stresses the importance of safety while using ATVs in agricultural work.

“I am very humbled and honored to receive such a grand award,” Sestak says.

Jade Dillenbeck

Jacob Sestak

“I really enjoyed putting together the videos I have done the past two years.

This prize money will be very helpful in furthering my education after high school.”

Sestak says that after completing the ATV RiderCourse in the fall of 2011, he realized the importance of informing the public about the use of proper gear and riding the proper-sized machine.

‘It is my hope that in seeing my video that people will understand the absolute necessity of wearing the proper personal protective equipment for the task at hand,” Sestak says. “It only takes a second

to prevent a life-altering injury.”

The contest took place from June 1 to Aug. 15. More than 40 submissions were reviewed by a judging panel of ASI and Right Rider Access Fund staff. In addition to the grand prize winner, three ATV entries in three age categories (6-10, 11-14 and 15-18) were awarded prizes of $500, $300 and $200. The 15-18 age group was the only dirtbike category with entrants who met the contest requirements, and winners were also awarded first-, second- and third-place prizes of $500, $300 and $200.

Paul Vitrano, ASI executive vice

Ask The ATV Safety Institute

Staying Safe In Cold Weather?

© iStock.com/BorisJovanovic19

YOU ASK: I’m normally a fair-weather rider but this year I plan to do some winter riding. What should I do to stay safe?

THE ASI RESPONDS: Riding in the cold and snow can be great fun, as long as you consider trail conditions, ATV preparation and clothing selection.

Choose riding areas and trails with firm snow—riding on soft snow can be damaging to the soil beneath it and increases the chance of getting your ATV stuck. Be aware that while a trail may be firm and frozen at the beginning of your riding in the morning, a few hours later the trail could be warmed by the sun, making it unusable for an ATV. Check with local law enforcement to see if ATVs are legal on the snowmobile trails in your area. Snowmobilers become annoyed when ATVs make tire ruts in the slushy snow and ruin their carefully groomed trails.

If you need to ride across a frozen lake, be sure to check the ice thickness first. There needs to be enough ice present to support you and your ATV. Watch for areas of open water and thin ice markers on these lakes. Go slowly and be very cautious in order to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out of control. Respect the rights of others— avoid ice fishermen and skaters.

Make sure your ATV is prepared for cold temperatures. Check the owner’s manual to ensure you have the right engine and transmission oil, and the proper blend of antifreeze and water if your machine is liquid-cooled. Confirm tire pressures.

Dress for the weather. Keeping dry and warm on the winter trail is essential—your entire trip can be miserable if you aren’t wearing the proper clothing.

Your hands and feet are out in the airstream and can become chilled very quickly. Cold hands and feet may not be able to manipulate the ATV’s controls accurately.

Be sure to account for the wind-chill factor, which indicates the cooling power of cold air on exposed flesh at various wind or ATV speeds.

To enroll in an ATV RiderCourse near you, visit www.atvsafety. org or call (800) 887-2887.

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New ATV Facilities Being Built In Louisiana And West Virginia Louisiana ATV riders can look forward to riding at a 5,000-acre facility called the Muddy Bottoms ATV and Recreation Park in Springhill beginning in the spring.

At the same time, visitors to West Virginia’s Hatfield-McCoy Trails will be treated to a new ATV resort that looks like a mining camp.

In Louisiana, officials plan to feature mud pits in addition to trails at the Muddy Bottoms ATV and Recreation Park, which is in Webster Parish. Plans also call for a general store, garage and repair facility, amphitheater, eating pavilion, welcome center, fueling station, recreational vehicle hookups, camp sites and more.

Even though the facility encompasses 5,000 acres, 1,500 of that is a lake that will also offer recreational opportunities.

For more information, go to www.muddybottomsatv.com.

Plans for the West Virginia facility call for a 50-cottage resort on 30 acres near Bramwell in the Shinbrier Mountain area.

Coal Camp ATV Resort LLC, which is building the resort, hopes to add an ATV wash and restaurant later. Officials believe riders who visit the HatfieldMcCoy trails will lodge there, but the facility will also be available for family

reunions and other activities.

The cottages will look like those of a vintage coal camp.

Michigan Makes It Easier For ATV Riders To Get To Trails Michigan’s local governments may now seek permission from the state Transportation Department to allow off-road recreational vehicles on the shoulders of state roads where necessary to connect existing ORV networks.

Local governments across the entire state also now have the option of opening their own roads to such access.

That’s the result of legislation signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder.

“These measures will make it easier to enjoy off-road vehicles in our state, and will enhance tourism in Pure Michigan,” Snyder says.

House Bill 4284, sponsored by state Rep. Joel Johnson (R-Clare-Osceola), establishes criteria and deadlines for MDOT’s consideration of these requests.

The bill also lets the department decide whether to allow ORV shoulder riding on designated highways, not including Interstates, and establishes criteria for designating highways. It is now Public Act 117 of 2013.

HB 4299 (now P.A. 118), sponsored by state Rep. Jon Bumstead (R-LakeOceana), allows all 83 Michigan counties to seek ORV road access. Formerly only select counties in northern Michigan had that privilege. The bill also contains numerous requirements for safe operation of ORVs, including

considering ORV operators negligent if involved in an accident with a traditional road vehicle.

Senate Bill 50 (now P.A. 119), sponsored by state Sen. Tom Casperson (R-Alger-Schoolcraft), expands the current list of activities where an ORV license isn’t required, provides interstate ORV license reciprocity, allows the Department of Natural Resources to establish free riding days and allows the department to exempt certain events from needing a permit.

For more information, go to www.legislature.mi.gov.

BlueRibbon Coalition Public Lands Director Takes A Break The BlueRibbon Coalition—a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation and encourages individual environmental stewardship— notes that its public lands director, Brian Hawthorne, went on an extended sabbatical beginning Nov. 1 after 14 years of service.

Hawthorne noted that 15 years ago “I was volunteering for the Utah Trail Machine Association when Rainer Huck, a long-time Utah OHV advocate and friend, asked me to come on board for a short two year stint with a new group, the Utah Shared Access Alliance. That two-year stint turned into a complete career change and it’s been quite a ride!

“I admit that my motivation for working at USA-ALL was very selfserving,” Hawthorne says. “I fell in love with the red rock roads, trails and landscape of southern Utah. When I

A Publication exclusively For ATVA MEMBERS

president, says that youth tend to be more receptive to messages about safety when it comes from their peers.

“This program allows youth to teach other kids, and their parents, the importance of safety when riding an ATV or dirtbike, while using their own creativity and storyline,” Vitrano says.

In addition to Sestak, other winners are: Ages 6-10/ATV: 1. Jade Dillenbeck of Tully, N.Y., 2. Jaden Boyle of Stockton, Kan., 3. Teag Thompson of Clarence City, N.Y. Ages 11-14/ATV: 1. Elizabeth Klumpp of Edmond, Okla., 2. Emilie Burns of Buckeye, Ariz., 3. Ryan Dillow of Edmund, Okla.

Ages 15-18/ATV: 1. Bobby Burns of Buckeye, Ariz., 2. Brittany Magoon of Mico, Texas, 3. Keegan Carlson of Glendale, Ariz.

Ages 15-18/Dirtbike: 1. Jessica Rhodes of Nibley, Utah, 2) Elijah and Emma Hurst of Torrance, Calif., 3) Jack DeDobbelaere of St. Charles, Ill. More information about the “Do the Ride Thing” program can be found at www.atvsafety.org/atv_psa_contest/ archive.html.

New ATVA Freedom Fighter Steve Salisbury Joins Washington, D.C., Office The ATVA has a new government affairs manager specializing in offhighway issues: Steve Salisbury.

Salisbury, who joined the AMA and ATVA’s Washington, D.C., team on Sept. 9, holds a bachelor’s degree in forest management from the University of Maine and an MBA from the same school.

An avid rider, Salisbury has written about access issues related to off-highway riding and has been a member of, or active in, a variety of related organizations including the AMA, Maine Governor’s ATV Task Force, Tread Lightly!, the

Maine Recreational Trails Program project selection committee, Downeast Sunrise Trail Coalition, Airline ATV Riders, New England Trail Rider Association and the Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan.

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learned that a bunch of wealthy trust funders wanted to close my trails, I wanted to fight them.

“One of my first experiences with public lands planning was participating in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument’s management plan,” he says. “In the process, I spent a month living and attending meetings in Escalante, Tropic, Orderville and Kanab, Utah.

I had known southern Utah only as a recreation destination and I hadn’t quite understood that I was recreating in someone’s back yard!

“The people living next to these vast areas of public lands have a rich and unique history and culture,” he says. “That culture, and my trails, were under attack by the same [anti-OHV] people. That realization changed my life. Suddenly, access advocacy became more than just a selfish attempt at

Tom Bear

NEWS

Brian Hawthorne

keeping my roads and trails open. In the most profound way possible, I had become aware of the true aims of these radical environmentalists.”

Hartford, Conn., Cracking Down On ATV Noise Riding ATVs and dirtbikes illegally on Hartford, Conn., roads can mean major fines and even confiscation of the

illegally operated vehicles.

The city passed a new law that increases the current fine from $99 to between $1,000 and $2,000. Plus, the rider faces the possibility of 25 days in jail, and the machine could be confiscated.

These increased penalties are an effort to crack down on noise from the ATVs and dirtbikes.

Dealerships could also be fined if they fail to inform ATV and dirtbike buyers about the new law.

The ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules 1. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-theankle boots, and gloves.

2. Never ride on paved roads except to cross when done safely and permitted by law. Another vehicle could hit you. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway.

3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

4. Never carry a passenger on a singlerider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people.

5. Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.

6. Supervise riders younger than 16. ATVs are not toys.

7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.

8. Take a hands-on ATV RiderCourse and the free online E-Course.

Visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887.2887 to find a class near you.

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Iowa And Washington ATV Riders Want To Ride On Roads

© iStock.com/Fototala_77

WHERE TO RIDE:

Mescalero Sands North Dune Off-Highway Vehicle Area Tatum, New Mexico Less than an hour from Roswell, N.M., is an out-of-this-world riding area called the Mescalero Sands North Dune OffHighway Vehicle Area.

Overseen by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the OHV area features more than 610 acres of 90-foot-plus sand dunes made up of quartz particles. There are also thriving cottonwood trees.

To get there, travel east from Roswell 45 miles on U.S. 380 and turn south at the Mescalero Sands North Dune OffHighway Vehicle Area sign. From Tatum, travel west 27 miles on U.S. 380.

The road into Mescalero Sands is capable of supporting trucks and buses but that’s not the case with the soft sand off the established roads and parking lots. So the BLM doesn’t recommend leaving the surfaced areas in any vehicle other than an ATV. The Bowl Parking Area provides access to the northern portion of the dunes, which includes the “Bowl.” That’s a large depression surrounded by dunes. The Cottonwood Site provides access to the southern portion of the dunes. Trails connect both parts of the dunes.

RV camping is allowed in the north, middle, and south parking lots.

Dispersed camping is allowed in the dunes away from the parking lots but these areas can only be accessed by machines designed to operate in soft sand.

There are picnic tables and shelters at the Bowl Parking Area. The Cottonwood Site has three shelters equipped with picnic table and grills. The restroom is at the Cottonwood site.

It’s important to note that there is no water available at Mescalero Sands.

It’s an open riding area, meaning there are no designated trail restrictions.

Fees are $3 per individual, or $5 per vehicle that includes two or more people and $15 for a bus with more than 15 people.

The OHV area is open year-round.

BLM officials note that anyone operating an OHV on BLM land must follow state laws and regulations concerning use, standards, registration, operation, and inspection of off-road

vehicles. Unless you are exempted by the New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicles, you must register your offhighway motor vehicle and affix the registration plate to your vehicle.

Also, anyone operating an OHV on public land must have a valid state license or learner’s permit unless: a) the individual is under the direct supervision of a person 18 years of age or older who has a valid operator’s license and who is responsible for the acts of the person being supervised; or b) the person is certified by state government as competent to drive off-road vehicles after successfully completing a state-approved operator’s training program.

BLM officials also recommend following these safety suggestions: • Know your limitations.

• Ride with a partner.

• Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing.

• Make sure each rider in your group has a map and knows where the party is headed.

• Be familiar with your vehicle and keep it in good working condition.

• Expect the unexpected.

• Take plenty of water and high-energy food.

• Pack a first aid kit.

• Avoid running out of gas and carry tools needed for minor repairs.

• Operating an OHV requires a high degree of skill and judgment. Ride unimpaired: don’t use drugs or alcohol.

• If your vehicle is equipped with a headlight, ride with it on at all times.

It will allow other users to see you sooner.

• If riding at night, make sure your vehicle is equipped with headlights sufficient to light an object 300 feet in front of you.

• Make sure your red taillights can be seen at a distance of 500 feet from the rear.

A PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVELY FOR ATVA MEMBERS

Representatives of Iowa ATV riders, tourism groups and businesses asked a legislative committee on Oct. 28 to allow ATVs on secondary roads.

Allowing ATVs on the roads is seen as a way to boost tourism, which would pump more funds into the local economies when riders stay at hotels, buy gas, food and more. The Iowa House approved a similar proposal last spring but the bill got bottled up in the Senate Ways and Means money committee.

Meanwhile, in Washington state, ATV riders want to be able to ride on roads in Spokane County. A new law allows local officials to decide whether to allow ATVs on the roads. Spokane County commissioners indicated in October that they don’t like the idea.

For maps or more information, contact the BLM’s Roswell Field Office, 2909 W. Second St., Roswell, NM 88201-2019; (575) 627-0272.

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PDMokry

FEATURE

L-R: Cody Ford, Bryce Ford

Competing Against The Best The Ford Family Of Texas Goes All Out In AMA ATV Motocross Competition Jon and Robin Ford of Southlake, Texas, and their two sons, Cody, 13, and Bryce, 11, are a typical racing family competing in the AMA Mountain Dew ATV Motocross National Championship Series. Robin says the boys have learned a lot about handling stress and being patient by racing in the Nationals. In 2013 they also went home with four national championship titles.

For Cody and Bryce, 2013 “was an awesome year.”

But it didn’t start out that way. At least not for Cody.

“My season started with a great race at Aonia [Pass MX in Washington, Ga.] – Round One – where I won both 90 CVT and 90 Auto Senior,” Cody says. “Then at Round Two, Muddy Creek [in Blountville, Tenn.], I had a really bad crash and was out for the weekend.

“I wasn’t sure I would be able to race for a while, but with some training and after a few bad races I healed and ended the season winning both 90CVT and 90 Auto Senior at Loretta Lynn’s [in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.] and the championship, earning my first national title,” he says. “All I wanted was one championship and I was

L-R: Robin Ford, Bryce Ford, Cody Ford, Jon Ford

8 January/February 2014

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PDMokry

PDMokry

Bryce Ford

“He gets up before the sun rises and goes through each quad, making sure everything is tight and ready for racing,” Robin says. “It’s a lot of work having two boys who race multiple classes at Nationals. Then, when the gate drops, he just prays that all the preparation was enough!”

Sometimes it is. Sometimes it isn’t. No matter how well prepared you are, the unexpected can happen, like Cody’s crash at Muddy Creek, or when Bryce’s drive belt broke while he was winning the 90 Auto Junior race at the famed Unadilla track in New Berlin, N.Y. “I would rather be beat than lose by breaking,” Bryce says.

Cody enjoys racing the AMA ATV Motocross Nationals because the competition is a lot tougher than in other series.

“There is a bigger title on the line and the opportunity to be [AMA national] No. 1,” Cody says.

Bryce says it’s difficult to win AMA races.

“You have to really be ready to race when you go to the Nationals,” he says.

“You need a good start and lots of confidence to hit big jumps. I like the really hard tracks.”

So what competitors made winning particularly difficult for the Ford boys?

For Cody, it was Brogan Guyer of Peru, Ind.

“You have to really be ready to race when you go to the Nationals. You need a good start and lots of confidence to hit big jumps. I like the really hard tracks.”

“He has been racing Nationals a long time and is really fast,” Cody says.

For Bryce, his major competitors were Corey Bost of Loxahatchee, Fla., and Jacob Visnic of Saint Clairsville, Ohio.

“Corey is really good at holeshots and got most of them,” Bryce says. “He’s also not afraid to hit a jump. Jacob has gotten a lot faster in the last year and is a good rider.”

The Ford family particularly enjoys the end of the day on race weekends when families who are excited about the racing during the day are just hanging out, relaxing and talking.

“People who go to AMA races are very passionate about racing,” Robin says. “We feel the same. We are there to race at a higher level and have fun, but also to take it seriously.”

Robin also likes the lessons learned by the boys at the track and their cooperative attitudes.

“They have learned to handle a lot of stress, to be patient, to handle hardships and, most importantly, that winning takes a lot of hard work,” she says. “As another rider, Maddie Guyer, put it so well this year: ‘Always earned, never given.’ They have learned that even if we provide the best equipment, if they don’t practice or ride at their best potential, they can’t win. It takes putting it all together to get a championship.”

Robin continues: “It’s amazing having two boys who not only like to ride, but who are both competitive and successful. They compare what they learn on the track with each other and help with what works to make them faster. They often trade quads when they have to due to mechanical issues or just to get a feel for the other rider’s quad and encourage each other to ride better.

“They rarely talk trash to each other,” she says. “Cody jokes a lot more than Bryce, but they never insult each other’s riding styles. They always walk the track together to figure out what jumps are doable and which ones they

A Publication exclusively For ATVA MEMBERS

so fortunate to get two in the same year.

“My brother did the same,” Cody says. “So it was an awesome year for both of us.”

Says Bryce: “I won two championship titles: 70 CVT and 90 Auto Junior. I won both classes I competed in.”

Their mom, Robin, says the family, which includes dad, Jon, travel to races at least 24 weekends a year, plus go to practice on off weekends.

“We’re not home much and we miss a lot of time with our family and friends locally,” she says. “[In 2013] our RV clocked over 21,000 miles for Nationals.”

Since the Nationals are spread around the country, and five of the races are during the school year, Jon usually heads out to the racetrack a day early in the RV while mom and the boys fly to the races.

“Jon is an amazing moto-dad,” Robin says. “He is one of the true reasons our boys are successful. He used to do all of the maintenance on the quads, but now there are so many of them [that] he has [to have] help. But he definitely drives the ship. He makes sure the quads are running, helps the boys with all of their training and is a true mental support system, very positive, and deals with everything.

“He loves the sport, too,” she says.

“We didn’t come from any type of motocross or ATV background, so this has been a real learning experience for our family.”

Robin has watched her sons race many times but still feels stressed when they are competing. So, to ease the stress, she videotapes the races.

“I find that if I videotape every race, I don’t really see clearly what they are doing and it makes it a lot easier to watch out of a viewfinder,” Robin says.

The boys appreciate the videotaping.

“It’s a great training tool,” Bryce says, “to go back and watch yourself ride.You can learn a lot from what you watch.”

For Jon, race day can be a little stressful also.

Cody Ford

— Bryce Ford January/February 2014 9

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“I’m the center for our football team and really enjoy the pressure of that position. I think racing has helped train me for the quick snaps – gate reaction!”

— Cody Ford

L-R: John Natalie, Cody Ford

shouldn’t hit.

“If one of them hits a jump, usually the other brother will follow until he hits it too,” she says. “I love to watch them practice together but not race against each other. I usually film so that I don’t have to focus on how fast and far they are going.”

Cody started racing quads when he was 6 and says the funniest thing that ever happened to him while racing happened several years ago.

“I got the white flag confused for the checkered,” Cody recalls. “I pulled off the track at the white flag and thought the race was over. It wasn’t. Everyone was yelling to get back on the track. I did and it all worked out. But I was really embarrassed.”

When he’s not riding his quads, Cody enjoys playing basketball and football.

“I’m the center for our football team and really enjoy the pressure of that

For true champions, winning the AMA No. 1 plate isn’t everything...

position,” Cody says. “I think racing has helped train me for the quick snaps – gate reaction!”

Bryce plays basketball and football as well. And both boys enjoy operating remote-control cars.

Who do the Ford brothers thank for their success?

Family tops the list.

“My dad works super hard at getting us ready to race,” Cody says. He calls his mom “a good sport” who “does whatever needs to be done.”

Cody and Bryce also thank Hetrick Racing, Fly Racing, JH Racing, PMPSprockets, Motowoz, PD Mokrey, Ryan, Brandon, the Natalie family, Dave Carter, the Thatcher family, the AMA, the Texas Oklahoma Quad Racing Association “and the best Nana ever.”

Plus, the boys said they enjoyed the company and advice of Piotr Mokry and Rayn Calka.

What advice would these youngsters give other kids who want to race?

“Try as hard as you can,” Bryce says.

Cody says: “Don’t let go of the quad.”

To learn more about the Ford brothers, go to www.Cody52.com and www.Bryce44.com.

It takes a lot for an ATV or motorcycle racer to earn the prestigious AMA No. 1 plate: a lot of talent, a lot of courage, a lot of determination. After all, the best racers in America are all chasing the dream: to hoist the AMA No. 1 plate above their head at the end of race day.

Many try. Few succeed. There’s no greater challenge for an ATV or motorcycle racer. And there’s no sweeter victory for the winner.

The AMA No. 1 plate proves that the racer went head-tohead against the best of the best, and won. No explanation needed. Whether racing as an amateur or a pro, the AMA No. 1 plate represents an incredible accomplishment that can never be taken away.

One for the AMA record books. There’s nothing better.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

...it’s the only thing.

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AMA Pro ATV MX Results, Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

1. Thomas Brown, Yamaha 2. Chad Wienen, Yamaha 3. Joel Hetrick, Honda 4. Josh Creamer, Can-Am 5. Josh Upperman, Honda 6. Jeffrey Rastrelli, Can-Am 7. John Natalie, Honda 8. Nick Denoble, Suzuki 9. Casey Martin, Honda 10. Tyler Hamrick, Honda.

Thomas Brown

ATVRiders.com/Ken Hill

Final 2013 AMA ATV Motocross Championship Pro Point Standings 1. Chad Wienen (454) 2. Thomas Brown (391) 3. Josh Creamer (358) 4. Joel Hetrick (332) 5. John Natalie (332) 5. Josh Upperman (323) 7. Nick Denoble (252) 8. Jeffrey Rastrelli (250) 9. Joe Byrd (206) 10. Tyler Hamrick (195).

Thomas Brown will have the momentum at the start of the 2014 AMA Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship Series, having won the final round of the 2013 series on Aug. 10, earning his first Pro class overall win in ATV MX. Brown, a Wienen Motorsports SSi Walsh Yamaha presented by Maxxis Tires & Team Vollmer rider, turned pro in 2009. He was on the podium at all but two rounds this season and earned second-place overall in the 2013 points standings behind teammate Chad Wienen, who wrapped up the title earlier (see “Chad Wienen Clinches 2013 AMA ATV Motocross Title,” November/December 2013 issue).

“Reality hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” Brown says. “This is a goal I have been working towards since I started racing and I couldn’t be happier to finally stand on the top spot of the podium at

ATVRiders.com

Thomas Brown Earns His First Pro Overall AMA ATV Motocross Win

L-R: Chad Wienen, Thomas Brown

the end of the day.”

“I can’t thank everyone who has ever had a part of my racing enough, especially my parents. They have been there for me every step of the way and I will never be able to repay them,” he says.

BCS Can-Am rider Josh Creamer put down the fastest lap time of the day during morning practice and took

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RACING RACING

the ATVRiders.com Fastest Qualifier Award. Creamer set himself up for the first gate pick in the first moto, and with rain forecast, the gate picks were crucial.

At the start of the first moto, it was MotoSport.com Motoworks DWT’s John Natalie who found the front of the field first and grabbed the first SSi Decals Holeshot Award of the day.

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Tyler Hamrick

that happen,” Wienen says. “We had our machines really working well despite the wet track conditions, our Maxxis tires were really hooking up and were able to help me get that second place finish.”

Baldwin Motorsports PEP Upperman Racing’s Josh Upperman came out of the first turn just inside the top 10.

Upperman proved he had the endurance to move up and was able to find his way into fourth by the halfway point in the moto. Upperman continued to push and was able to close the gap between him and third to only four seconds when he crossed the finish line in fourth.

Photo Harlen Foley/ATVriders.com

Natalie knew that, with the wet track conditions, getting out front and finding a comfortable lead was important. And that is just what he did as he pulled a five-second gap between himself and the rest of the field heading into the second lap of the moto. Natalie went on to take the moto win.

“I was able to get out front and really ride my own race out there,” Natalie says. “I knew the start was going to be the most important part of the race and really focused on coming out of that first turn at the front. My team has worked hard all season long on getting my machine to where it needed to be to be out front and I couldn’t thank them enough for all the hard work everyone has put into it.”

Wienen came out of the first turn in second but lost control in the mud on the first lap and fell back into third.

He moved back into second before the end of the first lap and kept the position until the end of the moto.

Brown came out of the first turn inside the top five, eventually moving into second on the opening lap as a result of Wienen’s misfortune. However, Brown experienced a crash at the end of the first lap, losing a few positions as a result. But Brown kept his momentum to finish third in the moto.

“The start was key in moto 1 and although I really wanted to come off the track with the win, I wasn’t able to make

ATVRiders.com/Ken Hill

RACING

Creamer, the 2010 national champion, also got off to a rough start in the first moto. With less-than-ideal track conditions, the morning’s fastest qualifier came out of the holeshot just inside the top 10 and, like Upperman, had to work his way through the field.

With four laps to go, Creamer was able to move into fifth and secure a top-five finish in the moto.

Corrosion Hetrick Racing’s Joel Hetrick got stuck in the first turn and didn’t check in until eleventh place at the end of the first lap. Hetrick had his work cut out for him but was able to

ATVRiders.com/Ken Hill

Maddison Guyer

12 January/February 2014

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Team Collects Eight AMA ATV Motocross Championships ITP racers earned eight AMA amateur national ATV motocross championships at the final round of the 2013 AMA Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship Series in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., on Aug. 10.

The annual Dirt Days National is always a popular event, and the 2013 event had nearly 750 racing entries.

Loretta’s is also important because it usually serves as the season finale and determines the national champions.

“We’re very pleased about winning eight amateur AMA ATV motocross national championships,” says Pat McGuire of ITP race support. “We could have had more titles, as we had 15

L-R: Harold Goodman, Brad Riley, Michael Coburn

runner-up finishes and seven thirdplace finishes as well, but that’s racing.

“Our riders battled to the end, and we’re proud of all their efforts and the titles,” McGuire says.

ITP-supported William “Duck” Lloyd, who won the Junior 25 Plus class championship, finished seventh in the Pro-Am class rankings despite missing the final three events due to a broken ankle. Randy Hurst Sr. (Senior 40+), Dalton Hicks (450A), Samuel Rowe (College 16-24), Blake Sarver (Schoolboy Jr. 13-15), Maddison Guyer (Girls), Sam Steckly (90 Open 12-15) and Westley Wolfe (Super Mini 13-15) each earned individual class championships in 2013.

Dylan Tremellen earned two national runner-up finishes in the Production A and 4-Stroke A classes for 2013. Alex Gillette also recorded two secondplace finishes on the season in both the Production C and 450 C classes.

And fellow C class racer Kyle Haynes earned second in both the Open C and 4-Stroke C classes, while finishing third in the 450 C class.

Mike Barnhart wound up second in the Veteran 30+ class, while Megan Manshack took second in the Women’s class. Senior 40+ class racer Lane Coile finished second overall in 2013.

Three Schoolboy and youth class racers also earned runner-up finishes in 2013. Haedyn Mickelson took second in the Schoolboy Jr. 14-17 and Schoolboy Jr. 13-15 Open. With a third-place podium run at Loretta’s, Super-Mini (13-15) racer Noah Mickelson secured second overall for the season. ITPsponsored racer Brogan Guyer ended up second in both the 90 Auto Sr. (1215) and 90 CVT (8-15) classes.

ITP-backed racers earning thirdplace finishes for 2013 were Jordan Digby, who won the 125 12-15 at Loretta’s, Ricky Deering (Veteran 30+), Randy Hurst Jr. (4-Stroke A) and Chloe Buerster (Women’s).

Harold Goodman Edges Out Brad Riley for AMA ATV Extreme Dirt Track Title Pro Brad Riley rode his Honda TRX 450R to victory in the last two rounds of the 2013 AMA ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series, which were held at Batavia Motor Speedway in Batavia, N.Y., Aug. 23-24.

Defending champion Harold Goodman finished second aboard his Honda in both rounds. That was good enough for him to earn the 2013 Extreme Dirt Track Championship title by two points: 199 to Riley’s 197.

Michael Coburn, also racing a Honda TRX 450R, finished third in the final points standings with 172, followed by Honda-mounted Chuckie Creech with 121. Fifth overall went to Josh Hibdon, riding a Honda.

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make the most passes in the moto and salvaged a sixth-place finish.

Creamer got the jump at the start of the second moto and grabbed the SSi Decals Holeshot Award. But he didn’t hold the lead for long as Brown railed the outside berm in the second turn and moved into first place. Brown continued to gain some distance between him and the rest of the field.

Despite pressure from behind, Brown was able to take the checkers and his first overall win of his pro career.

Tyler Hamrick secured the series’ Rookie of the Year Award after going 10-10 for the day and finishing 10th overall aboard his Baldwin Motorsports PEP-backed machine. Hamrick was the highest-finishing rookie in the championship points chase, securing 10th place overall for the season.

ATVRiders.com/Garrett Hamilton

Photo Harlen Foley/ATVriders.com

ATVRiders.com/Garrett Hamilton

Harold Goodman

Final AMA Pro ATV EDT Standings And Points 1. Harold Goodman, Honda, 199.

2. Brad Riley, Honda, 197.

3. Michael Coburn, Honda, 172.

4. Chuckie Creech, Honda, 121.

5. Josh Hibdon, Honda, 115.

6. Nathan Wolff, Honda, 109.

7. Daryl Rath, Polaris, 107.

8. Dustin Hoffman, Honda, 106.

9. Daniel Chepkauskas, Honda, 93.

10. Brian Ace, Honda, 89.

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RACING

ATVRiders.com/Harlen Foley

Braden Henthorn

The sixth annual Iowa ATV Hare Scramble Series Heartland Challenge endurance race was held August 15-17 outside of Carlisle, Iowa. Team Woodhead Mafia, a two-rider team including ITP Pro Adam McGill and fellow Pro Braden Henthorn, won the ATV overall and Double AA class in the ATV portion of the AMA-sanctioned event.

The team completed 34 laps in a little more than 10 hours and seven minutes in the Heartland Challenge.

“Despite horribly dusty conditions and the challenge of competing for 10-hours overnight, we had great success in Iowa at the Heartland Challenge,” says Pat McGuire of ITP public relations/race support.

The off-road course featured both man-made and natural obstacles as well as a lingering dust that made things even more troublesome for the racers.

Team JB Off-Road /ITP (Jarrod McClure, Jeff Rastrelli and Randy Hamilton) finished fourth in the AA division and overall using ITP tires. A total of 76 ATVs competed in all the classes, but only seven completed at least 30 laps in the 10-hour event. BCS Performance/ITP Pro Josh Creamer entered the Ironman class and fought his way into second place early on, but had to drop out after six laps due to a mechanical issue with his quad’s gearing.

Taylor Kiser Holding Steady In Cross Country Taylor Kiser of Oakland, Ky., finished second in both the sixth and seventh rounds of pro class ATV competition to hang on to his overall lead in the AMA National Mid America Cross Country Championship Series.

The sixth round was held Aug. 10 in Martinsville, Ind., and the seventh round

of the 10-round series was held Sept. 7 in Monrovia, Ind. Walker Fowler of Rogers, Ohio, placed first in Martinsville but skipped the Monrovia round, which was won by Kevin Cunningham of Greesburg, Ind. Headed into the final two rounds, Kiser had 182 points to Cunningham’s 151. Ryan Lane of Bicknell, Ind., was in third place in the overall standings with 117 points, followed by Fowler with 115 championship points.

ATVRiders.com

Team Woodhead Mafia Wins AA Class And ATV Overall Team At Heartland Challenge

Taylor Kiser 14 January/February 2014

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MARKETPLACE VIRB Video Camera Garmin International is now offering VIRB, its first true HD 1080p action video camera.VIRB features a rugged and waterproof housing so there is no extra case necessary to withstand the elements. The unique 1.4-inch Chroma color display makes setup and playback a breeze and uses minimal power so VIRB can record up to three hours of true HD (1080p) video on one charge. On-board video enhancement features such as digital image stabilization and lens distortion correction ensure that footage recorded with VIRB will look great.

MSRP: $299.99 Info: www.garmin.com

Moose XCR Roost Shield

A Publication exclusively For ATVA MEMBERS

The Moose XCR Roost Shield is just what you need to protect yourself from stray branches and rocks. It features great mobility, airflow,and fit, an injection-molded polycarbonate frame for durability and a free-floating shoulder system that allows total freedom of movement. It also comes with removable bicep guards for maximum protection, quick-lock closure straps for a secure fit and a neck roll for comfort.

Available in stealth/clear, one size fits most.

MSRP: $119.95 Info: www.mooseracing.com

Can-Am LinQ 32-gallon Trunk Box Can-Am Outlander riders looking for a trunk box should check out Can-Am’s LinQ 32-gallon trunk box. Can-Am says the trunk box was built to specifically match the Outlander. Equipped with the LinQ System, the rear trunk box plugs in and out in seconds. The 32-gallon loadcapacity trunk box is made of injection-molded polyethylene and is double-walled in critical areas. The fully sealed lid protects the contents from dust, moisture and the elements.

MSRP: $339.99 Info: www.canamoffroad.com

CALENDAR The following is a listing of events sanctioned by the ATVA. To find the events nearest you, locate your state and contact the promoter for complete details.

CALIFORNIA COMPETITION EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES DEC 8: IMPERIAL : ROADRUNNER OFFROAD RACING CLUB, (760) 275-9852, AMAD38.COM

GRAND PRIX DEC 7: PALA: 2 DAY EVENT, VIKINGS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (760) 405-4445, PALARACEWAY.COM DEC 21: CALIFORNIA CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, AVE RACING (ALTA VISTA EVENTS), (760) 373-8227, AVERACING.COM HARE & HOUND FEB 23: LUCERNE VALLEY: CHECKERS MC, (909) 289-1040, CHECKERSMC.COM

NEW YORK

DEC 15: PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM DEC 29: PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

NORTH CAROLINA MOTOCROSS DEC 7: ELIZABETH CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, ELIZABETH CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (757) 754-8008, ECMX.COM

MUD & SNOW SCRAMBLES DEC 1: PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

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I’m A “ Member!

Are You?”

— John Natalie, 2011 AMA ATV Motocross Champion

PRO RIDER ATV MOTOCROSS CHAMPION PROTECTS THE FUTURE OF ATV RIDING

PRO RIDER

COVERED BY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE GETS DISCOUNTS ON GEAR AND TRAVEL

As a member of the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), John Natalie helped defeat the lead law that essentially banned the sale of ATVs for kids 12 and younger. In doing so, he helped save ATVing for future generations. He is keeping motocross tracks open and fighting unfair laws that close trails.

He’s helping battle medical insurance discrimination against ATV riders and is represented in the halls of government by ATVA freedom fighters. You can, too. The ATVA is part of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), the world’s most powerful voice for motorcyclists.

Enjoy the benefits of AMA Roadside Assistance today!

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