American Motorcyclist 01 2014 Dirt Version

JANUARY 2014

2013 AMA Motorcyclist Of The Year Larry Little

Photo Jason Wallis

The Ruml Brothers Are AMA Speedway’s Next Big Thing

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For more than 25 years, Al Holtsberry has supported the AMA. Now we’re offering something special for him and all other AMA Life Members.

Sign up now! (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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Welcome to Life Member Plus!

We designed the new Life Member Plus program to stay connected with our Life Members and reward them for their years of dedication to the AMA. Offering up a package that includes American Motorcyclist magazine and AMA Roadside Assistance at a special discounted rate, Life Member Plus is a money-saving value.

The new program is 100 percent optional, so if you choose not to enroll, you still receive all the current benefits of life membership—a voice on behalf of motorcycling in the halls of government, the ability to sign up for AMA-sanctioned events, money-saving benefits and more.

With Life Member Plus, you get all that, plus AMA Roadside Assistance and American Motorcyclist magazine. And stay tuned for additional Life Member benefits to come.

AMA Life Member Plus Includes: • FREE AMA Roadside Assistance • 12 issues of American Motorcyclist magazine • AMA Life Member Plus Membership card, pin (first year), and decal with your renewal • A voice protecting motorcyclists’ rights at the federal, state and local levels • Continued access to AMA Rights, Riding, Racing and Rewards—including money-saving discounts

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NAVIGATION Navigation Photo

The AMA expresses deep regret for the death of multi-time AMA National Champion Kurt Caselli. The reigning champion of the AMA National Hare & Hound Championship Series succumbed to injuries suffered while competing in the Baja 1000 in Baja California, Mexico, on Nov. 15. Caselli was 30 years old. Godspeed.

Photo by Maragni M. KTM Images

8. LETTERS You write, we read.

10. ROB DINGMAN A word about the AMA Motorcyclist of the Year.

12. RIGHTS Fighting discriminatory parking rules, threats to responsible off-road riding, “smart” helmet technology and taking a position on lane splitting.

American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147.

Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2013.

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

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

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

January 2014 Volume 68, 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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18. RIDING

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The latest news, rides, interviews and more from the world of motorcycling.

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32. HALL OF FAME

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A movie star Honda in Kawasaki clothing and Hall of Famer E.C. Smith.

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36. AMA MOTORCYCLIST OF THE YEAR: LARRY LITTLE

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The man who created a U.S. motorcycle show that brings buyers and sellers

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together in a bold new way had the biggest impact on motorcycling in 2013.

43. GO RIDE What to do, where to go.

52. BOB HIBLER Enjoying the fruits of motorcycling.

Some discounts, c AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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Swee COMMUNICATIONS

Husqvarna is a proud sponsor of the AMA National Dual-Sport Series

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Contact any member of the AMA Board of Directors at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/ about/board Maggie McNally, Chair Albany, N.Y.

Grant Parsons, Director of Communications James Holter, Managing Editor Mark Lapid, Creative Director Jen Muecke, Designer Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing/Communications Specialist

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Russ Brenan, Vice Chair Irvine, Calif.

Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla.

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

Perry King, Executive Committee Member Northern California

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

John Ulrich, Executive Committee Member Lake Elsinore, Calif.

All trademarks used herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned by the AMA and may only be used with the express, written permission of the AMA. American Motorcyclist is the monthly publication of the American Motorcyclist Association, which represents motorcyclists nationwide.

For information on AMA membership benefits, call (800) AMA-JOIN or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Manuscripts, photos, drawings and other editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage.

No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited material.

Copyright© American Motorcyclist Association, 2013.

Sean Hilbert, Hillsdale, Mich.

Scott Miller, Milwaukee Art More, Sun City West, Ariz.

Stan Simpson, Cibolo, Texas Jim Viverito, Chicago

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

AMA Staff EXECUTIVE

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES (continued)

Rob Dingman, President/CEO Rhonda Hixon, Administrative Asst./Litigation Manager Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations Bob Chaddock, Vice President, Administration Jeff Massey, Vice President, Operations Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Corporate Member Programs Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs

Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator D’Andra Myers, Organizer Services Coordinator Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

ACCOUNTING

John Bricker, Mailroom Manager Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk

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

Supporting Sponsor

Jordan Brannan, 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

www.husqvarna-motorcyclesna.com

Kip Bigelow, Amateur MX Manager Joe Bromley, District Relations Manager Jacki Burris, Organizer Services Coordinator Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator Lana Cox, Administrative Assistant Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations Bill Cumbow, Director of Special Projects Sandi Dunphy, Road Riding Coordinator Dave Hembroff, Road Riding Manager

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Marie Esselstein, Government Affairs Assistant Danielle Fowles, Grassroots Coordinator Nick Haris, Western States Representative Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant Sharon Long, Legislative Coordinator Rick Podliska, Deputy Director Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager - Off-Highway Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager - On-Highway INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Rob Baughman, Network Administrator John Boker, Developer Dave Coleman, Network Architect Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst Bill Miller, Enterprise Architect MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager Kimberly Jude, Member Services Representative Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative Angela Warren, Member Services Representative

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MEMBER LETTERS

Send your letters (and a high-resolution photo) to submissions@ama-cycle.org; or mail to 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.

LETTER OF THE MONTH

ENLIGHTENED PERSPECTIVE I was riding home in the dark the other morning, having just completed a night shift, when I had a car following me that Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a Bike Bandit gift card worth $100. Didn’t win? No only had one headlight. Looking in my worries. You can still take advantage of your mirrors, I was finding it difficult to judge 10% AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com. how far away it was. This got me to thinking about how the average driver views an approaching motorcycle. (I have a 30-mile ride that gives me time to ponder such things.)

Could it be that our brains are accustomed to judging the distance of an approaching vehicle by the distance between the headlights or, even in daylight, the apparent width of the vehicle?

For a car at a distance, the two headlights appear as one, which our brain registers as being far away. So when seeing one headlight on an approaching motorcycle, the driver is preconditioned to think that the motorcycle is far away Andy Wiltshire and pulls out anyway, hence the statement, “The driver looked right at me and still pulled out.” Is it that they did not see the motorcycle, or simply misjudged how far away it was?

Andy Wiltshire Eastanollee, Ga. Andy, your suspicion is backed by research. One of the findings of the groundbreaking Hurt Study, conducted more than 30 years ago, was that visibility of the motorcycle “is most critical for the frontal surfaces of the motorcycle and rider.” And, “Motorcycles equipped with fairings and windshields are underrepresented in accidents,” most likely because of the contribution to visibility. These are but two of the more than 50 factors and countermeasures detailed by Hall of Famer Hurt in his report, which is the foundation of motorcycle safety training in America.

GOOD MEMORIES I loved the story by Diane Dixon (“Have Sportster. Will Travel.” December issue).

I’m so glad to see more stories from lady riders.

I have 31 years of riding behind me, and while I enjoy writing about the places I have been and the people that I met, I have one regret. I didn’t take enough pictures, and it all had to end too soon.

Thanks also for showing the photos on page 33 of that issue. Our photo is there.

I knew when it was taken that I would not get back to the museum again. It means a lot to see it.

Bonnie L. Cousins Lombard, Ill.

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GOOD RIDES Congratulations on a well-written and informative article on the North Georgia mountains (November issue). There are many great riding opportunities just out my back door. You hit on my favorite rides. For those who haven’t ridden the Georgia mountain roads, get ready for an exhilarating experience. There is no such thing as a straight, level road up here.

Lots of scenery and good food also.

Wayne McDanal Cumming, Ga. POWER UP Rob Dingman’s article on his chance to ride an electric motorcycle is the

Lloyd Reeves

best description I have seen yet on the experience. After 40-plus years of riding, I found myself riding less than 2,000 miles a year until a test ride on a Zero last year.

The experience was like rediscovering motorcycles, and I had to have one.

I’ve had it a bit over a year with 6,000plus fun-filled miles. It rekindled my desire to spend more time on bikes in general, which led to more riding time on my gasoline-powered bike when I just want to wander all day.

I am very lucky to be able to afford two motorcycles so I get the “magic carpet ride” experience on all my local riding with the Zero and do my longer rides on a KTM 690 Duke. Anyone who can afford more than one bike really needs to find their local Brammo or Zero Dealer and try one out just for the fun factor.

Thanks, Rob! Lloyd Reeves Los Osos, Calif.

POWER DOWN In regards to your comments on electric motorcycles in the December issue: Electric motorcycles will only stay around for as long as they are subsidized by the government, same as electric cars.

Handouts, whether they come in the form of direct government grants, “tax breaks,” government laws on “carbon credits” or forced government buying (like police departments and other government agencies) are the only thing keeping the companies in business.

In short, we the taxpayer with our tax dollars are the only thing keeping these companies in business.

Batteries are a dead end. Every electrical engineer and physicist knows that. Electric vehicles will only stand a chance when a new technology is developed that can supply the necessary power. And until there are some serious breakthroughs in physics, I wouldn’t go holding your breath waiting for it. In a free market, that electric bike company wouldn’t even be in business. Cars and motorcycles are powered by gasoline for a

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reason: It’s cheap and efficient. If you want to buy a windup toy, fine. Just stop using my tax dollars to pay for it.

John Van Stry Rancho Cordova, Calif.

Thanks for your comment, John. At one time or another, virtually all U.S. energy resources have received federal support, including tax incentives provided to oil drillers in the early 20th century. Given the rapid progress of electric motorcycle development, we look forward to the day when these machines can equal the performance of gasoline-powered options available in today’s marketplace. on the tt The enclosed photo was taken in 1948.

The picture is of a TT race that I remember was taken somewhere close to Wabash, Ind. The course was laid out in hilly terrain with one large hill as a special challenge for the riders. Most of the bikes, if not all of them, were Harley-Davidsons modified for this special use.

The photo was taken about 10 yards from the top of the steepest hill. It was interesting to hear the V-twins roar up

Wayne Doenges

the hill, top it and then continue on.

There were no restrictions on safety, and spectators were everywhere. We did know that we might need to get out of way fast if the riders lost control.

All in all, it was a great day! Five of us had ridden from Ft. Wayne on British thumpers: 500cc Matchlesses, one AJS 350 and one Panther 600cc.

As I recall, the event was sponsored by a motorcycle club called the Wabash Cannonballs, but my memory might be faulty after 65 years.

I still enjoy riding today but on a more modern motorcycle.

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Mike Carnes Peotone, Ill.

Wayne Doenges New Haven, Ind.

Save on rentals with your AMA membership.

Paying Forward Good article on Bryan Much in the December issue. It’s guys like Bryan who make it possible for the rest of us to ride. Laying out trail, speaking out for our right to ride on that trail and promoting responsible riding so we don’t lose our rights due to the ignorance of others— that’s all pretty much hero-level stuff in my book.

AMA membership is full of members like Bryan, and they all deserve our thanks. Some of us due to family, two jobs, [poor] health, whatever, can’t do everything that the really active volunteers can pull off, and that’s OK. Be creative in how you help out. Maybe it’s time on the computer? Maybe you give a few bucks extra? Maybe you just spread the word.

Whatever you do, however, make sure you do the No. 1 thing: ride! When you ride, please be responsible. Don’t do the knuckleheaded things that get our rights taken away. The great thing about bikes is they’re more fun than should be legal even when you’re riding them legally!

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

2013 AMA Motorcyclist Of The Year As global economic woes continue to linger and recovery in the motorcycle industry remains slow to develop, the stars could perhaps not be more perfectly aligned for a major change in the business of motorcycling. While most in the motorcycling community viewed the cataclysmic changes brought about by the economic crisis as disastrous, one individual saw an opportunity to improve

By Rob Dingman the situation in the motorcycle industry while fulfilling a long-held passion to bring a European-styled motorcycle show for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, consumers and media to America.

The AMA Motorcyclist of the Year honor recognizes the profound impact that an individual has had on motorcycling over the last year. While the motorcycle industry has been hard-hit by the difficult economy and many companies have been forced to rethink how they showcase their products to their dealer networks and their customers, the American International Motorcycle Expo has provided a cost-effective approach to do just that.

For his success in the creation of AIMExpo, Larry Little is recognized as the 2013 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year.

The inaugural AIMExpo was held on Oct. 16-20, 2013, in Orlando, Fla. Modeled after the EICMA and Intermot motorcycle shows in Europe, AIMExpo is a combined OEM, dealer and consumer show unlike anything we have seen in the United States. By all accounts, the show was a big success and is destined to grow. I spent time in the AMA booth at the show and got to experience first-hand the excitement generated by the attendees.

A major reason that the inaugural AIMExpo was so successful was because Larry had a vision and worked closely with the AIMExpo team for many months to see it become a reality.

What you may not know is that Larry’s motorcycling pedigree goes back many years. It is detailed in our AMA Motorcyclist of the Year feature starting on page 36.

I first met Larry roughly 20 years ago while I was working in the government relations office of the Motorcycle Industry Council in the early 1990s. Larry and I attended MIC media training together. Although we had not been in touch for quite some time, when I became AMA president in 2006, one of the first meetings I had was with Larry, who at that time was vice president and publisher of Cycle World magazine and chair of the MIC Board of Directors.

The advice that he offered during that meeting proved both accurate and invaluable. Larry has always provided important insights regarding the motorcycle industry and has always been

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Courtesy AIMExpo

Larry Little AIMExpo Creator And AMA Life Member

willing to help the AMA when asked. For example in 2008, when the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame needed a master of ceremonies for its annual induction ceremony in Columbus, Ohio (before AMA board member Perry King became our regular emcee for the event), Larry graciously did the honors— and did so quite well—because we asked. He has been a supporter of the Hall of Fame for years and has volunteered a significant amount of his time assisting with Hall of Fame work.

Larry’s work to transform the motorcycle show business in this country is quite impressive. So much so, that the AMA is actively pursuing opportunities to have a greater presence at AIMExpo next year and into the future. With the AMA celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2014, we hope to do something befitting this important milestone.

While it remains to be seen how great an impact AIMExpo will ultimately have on motorcycling, there is no question that it represents a dramatic departure from what has been done in the past. The short-term impact has been significant and if it takes hold as anticipated, the impact will be tremendous for everyone who loves motorcycling.

The AMA’s 90th Anniversary It’s true. We are about to roll over 90 years here at the AMA. Dozens of board members, scores of volunteers, hundreds of staff and thousands of AMA members have made an indelible imprint on this organization since it was founded in 1924. Because of their vision and hard work, the AMA has become the premier advocate for motorcycling in the 21st century, and we owe each of them a great debt of gratitude.

To honor their contributions, it is our goal to press on, paying it forward ourselves so that future generations of motorcyclists can enjoy the riding freedoms we are protecting today and the motorcycle lifestyle that fuels our passion for competition, camaraderie and adventure.

Ease the pa we’ll replac

Rob Dingman is the AMA president and CEO.

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CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL TARGETING MOTORCYCLING?

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) is asking the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention whether it is trying to reduce motorcycle use by pursuing a federal mandatory motorcycle helmet law.

The congressman also is questioning the economic impacts the CDC cited to support mandatory helmet laws.

In a letter to CDC Director Thomas Frieden dated Nov. 21, Walberg, who is a lifelong motorcyclist, an AMA life member and a member of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, asked “...is it the goal or strategy of the CDC to reduce the use of motorcycles—a legal mode of transportation—by recommending and pursuing a federal helmet law?

“If so, how would this strategy be implemented and by what authority would it be instituted?” Walberg asked. He also questioned whether Frieden believes the CDC is the federal agency best suited to research and make recommendations related to transportation safety.

The CDC, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is headquartered in Atlanta.

Walberg sent the letter after analyzing a presentation titled “Economic Impact of Motorcycle Helmet Law: A Systematic Review.” The presentation was made by the Helmet Law Review Team of the Community Preventive Services Task Force on Oct. 23. The 15-member task force, appointed by the CDC director, makes recommendations to the CDC.

CALIFORNIA, NEVADA ROADS AND TRAILS MAY BE CLOSED

2 Million Acres Affected By Proposed Federal Rule Roads and trails could be closed in California and Nevada under a proposed rule being finalized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The federal agency published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to designate critical habitat for the greater sage grouse in those two states under the Endangered Species Act. The Endangered Species Act is frequently used inappropriately to limit trail access when no threat exists.

The proposed critical habitat designation includes 1,868,017 acres in Carson City, Lyon, Douglas, Mineral and

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Representative Demands Answers

The task force is preparing to “In fact, the only costs identified by recommend that all states have universal the Task Force on slide 37 are the costs helmet laws, which means that all riders, of purchasing a motorcycle helmet and regardless of age, would be required to the enactment and enforcement costs wear helmets. of helmet laws, which are concluded to Walberg strongly opposes the task be negligible,” Walberg says. “Not only force’s findings. One section, in particular, does this contradict the earlier findings “infers a about how positive imposing awareness motorcycle of helmet laws would —Wayne Allard laws with the discourage potential for reduced motorcycle use,” motorcycle use, but it ignores the positive Walberg says. “The presentation goes economic impact motorcyclists provide. on to conclude that ‘economic evidence “As an avid and experienced shows that universal motorcycle helmet motorcycle rider, I believe government laws produce substantial economic should be in the business of promoting benefits, and these benefits greatly the recreational, economic and exceed expected costs.’ However, environmental benefits of responsible there is no reference whatsoever to the motorcycle riding—not discouraging it,” significant economic costs anticipated by Walberg says. reducing motorcycle use.

Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for

“Motorcycling is not a disease.”

Esmeralda counties in Nevada, and Alpine, Mono and Inyo counties in California.

The FWS cites activities that may impact the sage grouse habitat, including specific references to motorized, and non-motorized, recreation as actions that would result in the

GET INVOLVED

For proposal info, write Edward Koch, USFWS, at the Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, 1340 Financial Blvd, Suite 234, Reno, NV 89502; or call (775) 861-6300.

Comment by Dec. 27 to Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R8–ES– 2013–0042; Div. of Policy and Directives Mgmt.; USFWS; 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., MS 2042–PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.

sage grouse’s avoidance of specified areas during seasonal periods.

The agency’s objective is to “complete activity level travel plans within five years of the record of decision.

During activity level planning, where appropriate, designate routes in bi-state sage grouse habitat with current administrative/agency purpose or need for administrative access only.

“In bi-state sage grouse habitat, limit motorized travel to existing roads, primitive roads, and trails at a minimum, until such time as travel management planning is complete,” the agency says.

Exclusions may be made if exclusion benefits outweigh benefits of specifying an area as part of the critical habitat.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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Product ProductComparison: Comparison:Bohn BohnArmor ArmorPants PantsvsvsKevlar KevlarJeans Jeans government relations and a former U.S. representative and U.S. senator representing Colorado, praises Walberg for “asking some tough questions.”

“The AMA doesn’t understand why the Centers for Disease Control is involving itself in motorcycling when it is supposed to be protecting Americans from diseases,” Allard says. “Motorcycling is not a disease that needs to be eradicated. It’s a legal form of transportation and a source of responsible recreation for millions of Americans nationwide.

“We anxiously await the CDC’s answers to Rep. Walberg’s questions,” Allard says.

AMA SOUND TESTING KITS AVAILABLE

Application Deadline Is March 1

The AMA Government Relations Department is once again giving away sound testing kits to help AMA Districts, club members and others educate riders about sound.

The sound testing kit consists of a type 2 sound meter, tachometer, training materials, spark arrester probe, personal protective equipment and a storage case.

The kits will be awarded through a competitive grant process. To apply for a sound testing kit, a club or promoter must complete an application and return it to the AMA Government Relations Department

by March 1. Nine grant recipients will be selected by April 1.

Applications are considered twice, so those who submitted applications last year but weren’t selected don’t have to resubmit an application to be considered.

For more info, or to request an application, send an email to Marie Esselstein at messelstein@amacycle.org or call (614) 856-1900, ext.

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PARKING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST MOTORCYCLISTS You Can Fight Back

From San Francisco to Weehawken, N.J., AMA members are denied access to parking facilities because they ride motorcycles.

Steven Lewan of the San Francisco Bay area says he was with a group of motorcyclists on Oct. 11 when they tried to park at a parking garage in San Francisco but were denied access.

“No reason given, no signs posted,” Lewan says. “What can be done?”

Larry Eichenbaum of New Jersey says he tried to park his motorcycle at a N.Y. Waterway facility in Weehawken, N.J., in August to catch a ferry.

“I was confronted by an employee of Central Parking and advised I was not permitted to park at the property as I was driving a motorcycle,” Eichenbaum says. “I had attempted to park in one of the outdoor asphalt parking areas. Motorcyclists are being discriminated against.”

You’ve seen the signs at garages and lots: “No Motorcycles Allowed.”

What can you do about it?

It takes some effort, but you can work to reverse the policy at a parking facility where you want to park.

Many parking lot operators post “No Motorcycle” signs when the lot or garage has an automatic gate-controlling entry. They have liability concerns, fearing the arm could accidently come down on a motorcyclist, causing injury. Rather than take the risk, they ban bikes.

For those who want to take on the fight, the AMA Government Relations Department can arm you with information about why parking control officials should encourage riding. Reasons include space savings and fuel efficiency.

AMA staffers can also provide you with examples of how other cities and garage operators have opened facilities to motorcycles. They’ve done that in various ways, from taking down their signs banning bikes to cutting off part of the parking gate arm so that motorcycles can get through.

Sometimes all it takes is a chat with parking control officers, or a letter, to get motorcycle parking allowed.

Sometimes the parking garage facility continues to ban bikes but finds other places for them to park. At The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, parking control officials banned motorcycles from most parking garages because of liability concerns, but after motorcyclists sought access, the school provided for motorcycle parking in nearby surface lots and specially modified garage areas.

If you know of a garage or lot that bans motorcycles, check with parking officials to be sure that they intended to restrict bikes. If that’s the case, ask them to discuss the issue. You may be able to open the facility to motorcycles for the good of riders everywhere.

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1113_Federal_HalfP

SMART MOTORCYCLE HELMET

Skully P-1 Helmet Features Heads Up Display The motorcycle ride of the future could be very different from the motorcycle ride of today because of intelligent transportation system technologies in the works for cars and motorcycles.

Those include collision warnings, blind spot information systems, obstacle warning systems and heads up displays.

One company working on this technology is Skully Helmets of Redwood City, Calif. Its Skully P-1 helmet features a heads up display.

Company officials say the helmet is U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) and Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) approved, so it meets U.S. and European safety standards.

In terms of technology, the helmet includes a heads up display, rearview camera, GPS and more. The headsup display projects navigation and blind spot data. It also projects GPS directions. The camera provides a 180-degree wideangle rearview

image. Bluetooth technology allows the helmet to connect to most modern smart phones.

Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager specializing in on-highway motorcycling issues, says he sees some advantages in the helmet’s technology but stresses that motorcyclists need to be sure they don’t become distracted by gadgetry while riding.

For example, Szauter suggests that riders should only use phone features while off the bike. The AMA has a strong position related to distracted driving and riding, he says.

“The AMA acknowledges that motorcyclists—in addition to car drivers, truck drivers, and even bicyclists— share the responsibility not to become distracted while riding or driving,” Szauter says.

“Distracted motorcycle operation is just as dangerous as being distracted while operating a larger motor vehicle.”

STAY CONNECTED

Get AMA News & Notes and AMA Action Alerts To stay on top of what is happening with federal land-use and other policies related to motorized recreation sign up to receive the monthly AMA News & Notes and AMA Action Alerts for breaking news.

Not only do these communication tools provide the latest updates on threats to your rights, but they include crucial steps you can take to help defend those rights.

When you sign up, you’ll be doing your part to protect motorcycling now and for future generations of riders. Visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/ GetInvolved/ActionAlertSignUp.aspx.

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2013 on-h

The AMA Go to on-highway Those actions lawmakers and during the 201 legislation may

AMA Endorses Lane Splitting Board Adopts Official Position

The AMA Board of Directors adopted a position statement in October related to lane splitting, as well as lane filtering, to aid in understanding the issue and to help motorcyclists decide whether to support efforts to permit these practices in their state.

The California Highway Patrol defines lane splitting as a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of stopped traffic.

Currently, lane spitting is only practiced in California. AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris says lane splitting is an accepted custom and necessary strategy to ease traffic congestion there.

In the language for the new position on lane splitting, the AMA board writes: “Given the ongoing success of lane splitting in California and the recent enthusiasm for lane splitting and/or filtering in other states, the AMA endorses these practices and will assist groups and individuals working to bring legal lane splitting and/or filtering to their states.”

“The AMA endorses rider responsibility and actions that make roadways safer for motorcyclists,” the position statement says. “While research and evidence suggest that lane splitting may reduce a motorcyclist’s risk exposure somewhat, we are cautious to issue a blanket endorsement of the practice.

“In particular, experience has taught us that the legislative process and the implementation of new laws are fraught with uncertainty,” the statement says.

ResTRIC

afTeR

Our Position Where The AMA Stands

“A straightforward lane splitting bill may easily be amended with provisions that the AMA and the motorcycling community would find unacceptable.

Provisions such as mandatory helmet use in an adult-choice state, or mandatory minimum medical insurance coverage provisions, would quickly poison an otherwise well-intentioned effort.

“Motorcyclists who oppose lane splitting should remember that it is optional in California,” the statement says. “Permitting lane splitting is not the

To read AMA position statements on key issues affecting motorcyclists’ rights, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/ PositionStatements.

Position statements can be found on the following issues: Distracted and Inattentive Vehicle Operation, Voluntary Helmet Use, Excessive Sound, Rider Education, Access to Public Lands and—the latest position statement adopted by the AMA board of Directors—Lane Splitting. same as requiring it, so those opposed to the practice should consider the desires of other motorcyclists who believe they would benefit from it.”

New Oregon Riders Must Pass Safety Training In 2015 Government Motorcycle Skills Testing Being Phased Out

All new Oregon motorcycle riders under the age of 61 must pass a motorcycle safety training class beginning in January 2014, and all new riders regardless of age must pass a class beginning in 2015, to get a motorcycle endorsement. The mandatory training replaces government motorcycle skills testing.

That’s the result of a state law passed in 2009. At that time, lawmakers decided that new motorcyclists should pass a motorcycle safety training class, rather than a motorcycle skills test, to get a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s licenses.

Team Oregon provides the safety training. Basic rider training that involves 15 hours costs $179.

State Department of Motor Vehicle offices have been stopping their motorcycle skills testing, with eight more offices suspending the testing in October.

passen

TRaf

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2013OnHighwaySumma

2013 on-hIghway summaRy

The AMA Government Relations Department monitored 1,406 pieces of state legislation related to on-highway riding in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and took action when necessary.

Those actions included informational mailings to AMA members, news releases, testimony before lawmakers and providing information to key legislative committees. Here’s a breakdown of the on-highway legislation tracked during the 2013 legislative sessions around the country through Oct. 29. Distracted driving issues are broken out further. Note that legislation may address more than one issue, so a single bill may be counted in multiple topic areas below.

all DIsTRaCTeD opeRaTIon (223) Cellphone usage Restricting or prohibiting use (96) Bans Text messaging, internet use, drowsy driving (44) hanDs-fRee Use of cellphone (33) DIsTRaCTeD/InaTTenTIve DRIvIng (37) ResTRICTIng vIDeo DIsplays (4) afTeR CRash Police reports to include distracted-driver info, enhanced penalties (9) TRaffIC offenses Vehicular assault/homicide, right-of-way and related violations, seizure, banning motorcycles from public roads, parking, riding two abreast and stunt riding (86) equIpmenT Sound, exhaust systems, lighting, emissions, fuels and alcohol interlocks (59) safeTy Rider education programs, safety and awareness, and mandatory training (64) mIsCellaneous Definition of a motorcycle, discrimination, lead, traffic calming, congestion, traffic management and study committees (145) helmeTs (35) vehICle laws Rebuilt vehicles, registrations, lemon laws, inspections, high-occupancy-vehicle lanes, titles, lane splitting and right to repair (104) lICense plaTes Special plates and vertical mounting (212) Taxes Registration and titles, taxes on miles traveled and fuel-efficient vehicles (226) mopeDs (34) The State-by-State Guide to Motorcycle Laws continues to be a popular item. Print copies are free to AMA members. Guides are also available online at AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Also included on the website is the State-by-State Guide to Off-Highway Motorcycle and ATV Laws and Regulations and the AMA’s Position Statements on various issues.

lICensIng, enDoRsemenTs anD peRmITs (46) Tolls (103) passengeRs Age restrictions (4)

InsuRanCe Vehicles, liability and denial of medical benefits (89) TRaffIC-aCTuaTeD sIgnals (10) January 2014 0

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SLIDING TOWARD GREATNESS Speedway Aces Max And Dillon Ruml Are Just Getting Started Story and photos By Mark Kariya

Max (16) and Dillon (14) Ruml fit in nicely in Huntington Beach, Calif. They live with their parents and three sisters in a modest house about a 10-minute bicycle ride from the famed Huntington Beach Pier. They attend Huntington Beach High School, where they joined the wrestling team this year for the first time.

While neither counts himself as a surfer—almost unheard of in the town that calls itself “Surf City, USA”—both boys body surf on occasion. Other than that, the Rumls look and act like many other teens in town.

Unlike many of their high school peers, though, they feel quite comfortable aboard one of motorcycle racing’s most specialized mounts: a speedway motorcycle. A speedway bike amounts to a methanol-fueled motor housed in what appears to be little more than a strong bicycle frame with a minimalist seat, a single-speed gearbox and no brakes.

If you thought observed trials was a small fraternity, speedway racers in this country probably outnumber domestic sumo wrestlers by just a small margin.

Motocross remains the most popular draw for kids who want to race, along with enduros and cross-country types of events.

18

But there is renewed interest in speedway racing by youth, something that former Speedway World Champion and California native Billy Hamill has sparked with his speedway academies that introduce kids to this unique form of racing. However, that program started after the Rumls took their first rides on speedway bikes in a path that’s familiar to those in the speedway family.

The Start

The Rumls started out like many kids, racing motocross on their Yamaha PW50s, and they became good at it, both of them winning a few local championships.

“We’d been racing motocross since we were three or four years old,” Max remembers. “We started riding speedway after a friend I met at the motocross track—Sam Ramirez, to be exact—asked us if we wanted to come out and try a speedway bike. I said, ‘Sure!’”

Max says he took to the sport instantly.

“He took me out to a track, gave me a steel shoe and a boot, threw me on a bike and there you have it. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked!” he says.

That was in 2008 when the bikes for juniors were scaled-down frames and wheels. Max’s early racer sported a

modified Honda XR200R engine.

Before long, at the beginning of the 2009 season, Max was racing, finding the often puzzling transition between a regular dirt bike and a speedway machine no big deal, probably because of his age (12 at the time) and the helpful tips he received.

“Coming off a motocross bike, it’s a completely different nature, it’s a different sport all around,” Max says. “When you get on a speedway bike, you’re basically forgetting everything you know on a motocross bike except how to work a throttle and clutch.”

The learning process was a fun one.

“When I was out there for my first time, I had a lot of good people around me saying, ‘Okay, this is how you do this.

This is how you do that.’ I started at the end of the corner and they said, ‘Gas it!’” he says. “By the end of the day, we were gassing it all the way at the beginning of the corner and I was going [sideways] all the way around the track.”

Max and Dillon, who was introduced to speedway shortly afterward at about age 10, were not ready to forsake motocross just yet, but could they do both moto and speedway series in the same season?

“If you’re just trying to have fun with it at first, then yeah,” Max says. “But at the level I’m at in speedway right now, I’m trying to stay really competitive in that sport and stay really into it. I can see myself riding motocross every once in a while, but for right now, speedway’s the main focus.”

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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Advancing In The Sport

Plenty of competitors never make it to First Division, AMA Speedway’s top level, but Max moved through the Junior and Support ranks rather quickly, getting First Division rides by the time he was 15 and using a 350 instead of the 500s that

Max and Dillon Ruml are at home both at the track and at the beach. Though they’re still fairly new to speedway, they’re looking at a bright future in the sport.

all of his older, more experienced rivals employed.

“By the time I had turned 16, I had already won a Division One main event at Victorville, [Calif.],” he says, “That was pretty cool.”

Dillon (sometimes called “Dill” or just “Pickle”) has spent the last two seasons on a 250 and has one more before he’s eligible for a 500.

Being older and in First Division has afforded Max more opportunity, including a trip to Europe in 2013 as a reserve rider on the U.S. Speedway World Cup Team. That gave him his first exposure to the sport on a larger scale.

European tracks are generally much bigger—roughly 440 yards compared to less than 200 for typical SoCal ovals— but Max took it in stride: “It’s harder to adapt on a big track because of the speed you’re going. The intensity level is different. You have so much time down the straightaways thinking what could happen in this next corner, but I adjusted pretty easily to it. I was almost an exact second off three-time World Champion Nikki Pedersen. I was exactly one second off his lap time in one of his practices. I was up there with all the Swedish guys and all the American riders, too, for the most part—I was pretty much on pace. It was cool.”

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Brothers In Arms

Max provides Dillon both a good and handy role model, something Dillon tries to take advantage of whenever possible.

“I watch him ride and I take advice from

(Bottom Row From Left ) Being a couple years older, Max was the first to start racing the big 500s and he’s enjoyed more than his share of success in his first full season aboard them.

A freshman in high school, Dillon still has one more season on 250s, so he’ll try for a second Under 16 National Championship and as many other titles as possible.

Max and Dillon (and their friends) have collected quite a few trophies this year.

him as I go,” Dillon admits. “I just try to go out and do basically the same thing.

He comes in and he’ll give me pointers on how the track is or what to do with my bike tire pressure-wise, stuff like that.”

Max notes: “Dillon’s pretty independent about how he likes to ride his bike, how his own setup is. When I was on a Junior bike, my setups were different than his. I like using a lot of the bottom-end [power] of the bike. He’s more like ‘Oh, I’d like to keep the thing revved up.’”

A key to speedway is being responsive

10/29/2013 2:06:35 PM

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to conditions. The bikes are sensitive to small changes and it’s important to stay on top of adjustments. The Rumls have learned to tune their bikes at the track because of this.

“Normally, I start at kind of a [more advanced] timing and then I [retard] it from there to make the motor [mellower],” Max says. “It cools down the power a little bit and makes it more of a bottom-end motor. Anyone will tell you that timing and gearing and jetting are the three main things you could ever think of [playing with at the track]. For the most part, timing is the main key right now. I don’t normally change a gear at all.”

Dillon observes: “My dad’s always

riders in the world was a cool experience.

Watching how world champions go out and race is exciting, especially to get the firsthand look on it. When I was over there, I had a full-on conversation with Tai Woffinden, this year’s World Speedway Champion about how he started racing.

Once I got back, I really started pushing toward ‘OK, let’s start racing Nationals, let’s start going into bigger stuff.’”

The Under 21 National Championship certainly qualifies as “bigger stuff.” Max won despite being a rookie competing against more experienced riders.

“Going into it with no pressure, thinking, ‘Oh, I’m fine with a second or third or even a fourth,” he says. “It’s the first season

do that. Everyone’s goal in life is to be some kind of world champion. If you’re in some kind of sport, the dream is to be that world champion, to be that No. 1 guy.

“For the most part right now, it’s just building up confidence and experience and just going out there and having a bunch of fun,” Max says.

And there’s nothing wrong with having fun in life, especially when you don’t even have your driver’s license yet.

WHAT’S

IN YOUR TOOLBOX? NEW

(Above) While their dad helps work on the bikes, he insists that both Dillon and Max know how to do so as well. Adjusting timing, jetting and tire pressure at the track is routine.

said, ‘If you can’t work on the bike, you can’t ride it.’ So, I basically went along with it and learned slowly. The bikes are confusing, to be honest with you. They’re simple, but at the same [time], if you don’t know where everything goes, you can really mess things up.”

Max noticed in his European trip that bike setup differed greatly on big tracks.

“The bike that I had was an aggressive bike,” he remembers. “To ride the bike fast, you had to really attack the track.”

Setting Goals

Both boys set and achieved notable goals early in their careers. For Dillon, it was winning the 2013 Under 16 National Championship. For Max, there were a number of big moments.

“This whole first season of racing the 500s has been a pretty good highlight for me,” Max says. “Being able to go to Europe and race with some of the top

of racing a 500 and for me to even go and try to even win an Under 21 National Championship is kind of far-fetched. But I ended up riding really well.”

Two championships in the family in one season made it a year to remember. “I don’t think… anyone’s ever done that with their brother, so I thought that was a pretty cool experience itself,” Max notes.

Away from the track, the brothers spend plenty of time at Huntington Beach High School. Only one of their friends there also races. Besides having one math class together, Max and Dillon also tried out for the wrestling team this year after one of their friends who helped coach the team urged them to try out. Both made it, with freshman Dillon on the JV squad in the 113-pound division while Max, a sophomore, made varsity at 133.

It’s still a bit early to be making career choices. The Rumls realize that racing speedway is just one possible option.

“I started off just doing it for fun,” Dillon says. “Now, I’ve looked at it and I’ve looked at the whole competition range.

It’d be cool to be up there with the top guys, [but] going pro is far-fetched at the moment. The goal is to work toward that.”

Max offers: “It’s in the back of my mind, of course, thinking I could do this, I could

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AMA Supercross features some of the most talented racers in the world—and recent seasons have produced some of the most thrilling on-track action ever.

Still, some changes for 2014 could make this year one of the best yet.

There are new venues, racing format changes, and a treasure trove of new talent in both the 250SX and 450SX classes.

Kicking off at the customary launch of AMA Supercross, Angel Stadium of Anaheim, on Jan. 4, the first of 17 rounds promises to be an absolute barn-burner in the run for the title.

With the first six events held on the West Coast (going east only as far as Phoenix for Round 2), the 250SX West

Series will be in full swing when the series hits Round 7 in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 15. Following the usual path around the southeast and Midwest to cities like Atlanta and Indianapolis, then down to Daytona International Speedway, the tour makes a return in mid-March to Detroit’s Ford Field, adding to the Motor City’s renaissance efforts.

After a few more rounds in the historic AMA Supercross cities of Toronto and St. Louis, it’s back to Houston and Seattle for two more rounds of 250SX West before heading to another new venue, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., for the penultimate round of 250SX East and Round 16 of the 450SX class.

The series wraps up in its customary finale location of Sam Boyd Stadium in fabulous Las Vegas, Nev., where all three class champions will be crowned.

A long list of talent is vying for those titles. At the top of the list is defending champ and AMA No. 1 plate holder Ryan Villopoto, but the challengers are hungrier

Sophomores in the 450SX class such as Justin Barcia, with his aggressive and all-out riding style, will add to the action in 2014.

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than ever to get a taste of victory.

Recently crowned 2013 Monster Energy Cup and former AMA Supercross champ James Stewart is riding revitalized and refocused, while Ryan Dungey, the 2012 AMA Supercross champion, is always a consistent threat.

Behind these “Big Three” are superstars like multi-time past champion Chad Reed and former and current 250SX champs Justin Barcia, Trey Canard, Jake Weimer, Broc Tickle, Davi Millsaps, Wil Hahn and Eli Tomac.

Both Hahn and Tomac are rookies in the 450SX class, but they are coming in hot, fresh off their 2013 250SX titles.

Likewise, another threat is Germany’s Ken Roczen, who is moving up to the 450SX class this season, and France’s two-time FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) MX2 World Champion Marvin Musquin.

Other contenders include former main event winners such as Andrew Short, Josh Grant, Dean Wilson, and Josh Hill.

The main events should be even more exciting this season with two additional riders in the field. New this year, 22 riders will qualify for the main event, meaning the action will only get more intense.

Another change is the path to the main event with the return of semis. After each 450SX heat race, where the top four finishers transfer directly to the main, a pair of semis will send five each. The final four will come from the last-chance qualifier.

The 250SX class remains as-is with two heats, and an LCQ, although four riders will transfer from the LCQ to field the 22-rider main event gate.

(Middle) The battle between James Stewart (7) and Ryan Villopoto at the 2013 Monster Energy Cup in October suggests we’ll see some tight racing during the 2014 AMA Supercross season.

(Right) Ken Roczen should make an immediate impact on the podium, despite having to go up against many former class champions.

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Ice Riders!

top riders at the event also will compete for the AMA Ice Racer of the Year award, given to the most impressive rider on the ice, while the youth riders will chase the honor of AMA Youth Rider of the Year.

“We are excited to host the 2014 AMA Ice Race Grand Championship,” says Rosanna Grzebinski of NAAS. “The town of Cadillac is a great family-friendly location for this event, and you can bet there will be something for everybody to enjoy.”

To learn more about the event, call the NAAS office at (989) 871-3356. Pre-entry is available now at www.bajamx.com.

David Smith / racedaypix.com

Some of the toughest racers in AMA amateur competition will line up at the Feb. 8-9 AMA Ice Race Grand Championship in Cadillac, Mich., to determine the first AMA national championships of the 2014 season.

The event, promoted by North American Action Sports LLC, will take place at the Mitchell State Park.

“The winter season isn’t the off-season for everybody,” says AMA Track Racing

Manager Ken Saillant. “For many racers, January and February offer prime racing conditions with thick ice and plenty of competition to keep it fun and fast at the AMA Ice Race Grand Championship.

We’re looking forward to working with NAAS to offer our racers another great event.”

The AMA Racing Ice Race Grand Championship features classes for riders from 4 years old to 50-plus competing on bikes ranging from lightly modified offroad machines to full-on, purpose-built ice racers. Riders will battle for AMA national No. 1 plates in a number of classes. The

Jen Muecke

AMA ICE RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS: FEB. 8-9

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New Venues, Great Racing

David Smith / racedaypix.com

Jen Muecke

Riders with their goals fixed on an AMA national No. 1 plate will earn their spot on the starting gate through one of the most impressive AMA Regional Championship schedules ever.

The AMA, in partnership with MX Sports, has announced the AMA Regional Championship schedule that will qualify riders for the 2014 AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., July 27 to Aug. 2, 2014.

The full schedule is on page 47.

“The AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship features the deepest field of the fastest amateur motocross racers in the world,” says AMA Motocross Manager Kip Bigelow. “We’ve worked closely with MX Sports to put together an impressive lineup of Regional Championships that will be the final step to qualifying for a gate pick at the national—and an exclusive shot at winning an AMA national No. 1 plate.”

The AMA Regional Championships crown regional motocross champions in seven regions of the United States. The best riders from each region are invited to compete at the AMA national in Hurricane Mills.

Riders must qualify at an AMA Area Qualifier to compete in an AMA Regional Championship. For the full schedule of AMA Area Qualifiers or more information about the nationals, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

motorism.tv

MOTOCROSS REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

HAMMER RUN PACKS THEM IN Dual Sport Attracts 900-Plus Riders

If you are a dual-sport rider in New Jersey, you likely attended the Tri County Sportsmen’s Hammer Run. The Nov. 2-3 event, part of the AMA Husqvarna National Dual Sport Series, pulled in more than 900 riders to experience a couple hundred miles of New Jersey’s finest trails.

The dual-sport ride is one of the

most popular in the country for good reason. It’s well organized, the people are great and the trails are amazing.

For a sample of what the event’s riders experienced this year, see www.teamhammer.org. To see more photos and a short documentary of the event, see www.motorism.tv.

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AMA REWARDS

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

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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.

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

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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.bohn-armorpants.com/ama/

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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.

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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.

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Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Supercrossonline.com and use password AMA14.

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SALLSTROM, KOESTER, BLEAU ARE PRO HILLCLIMB CHAMPS

Jeff Whitehead

The 2013 AMA Pro Hillclimb champions were crowned at Oregonia, Ohio’s Devil’s Staircase on Oct. 13. The kings of the hill this year were Jay Sallstrom from Mankato, Minn., in the Unlimited class; John Koester from Hornell, N.Y., in the Xtreme class; and Nick Bleau from Leicester, Mass., in the Pro Sport class.

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execution is next to flawless.

Although the foam does add a significant amount of visual bulk to the size of the grip, the Mud Grip collapses under use and you barely notice any change in grip diameter.

If you have ever found yourself slipping off the grips in a mud race, or flexing up a nice case of arm pump as you struggle to hold on, you need to consider these grips. Riding in rain and mud, you’ll notice little loss in traction, while the foam even offers a level of

comfort.

Installation is a breeze.

The Mud Grip simply slips over your regular grips. You then just go ride.

As for durability, they hold up well during normal use and clean up nicely. Although a crash could certainly tear through the material, these grips are inexpensive. Assuming you’re not lining up with a bald rear tire, at just $9.95, Risk Racing’s Mud Grips are the single best bang-for-your-buck mod that you can make to your bike for a mud race.—Jason Frank 06713C

MSRP: $9.95 Info: www.riskracing.com Simple, bulletproof products that work tend to leave their mark, and here’s one that checks all three of those boxes: Risk Racing’s Mud Grips.

The Mud Grip is a foam grip cover that slides over any grip. It provides a Jason Frank traction-friendly surface regardless of conditions. Mud, water, snow— whatever—you’ll be able to hold onto your bars. The concept is sound and the

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Honoring Rep. Gabrielle Giffords

Jeff Whitehead

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was recently presented with the AMA Bessie Stringfield Award representing her efforts to introduce motorcycling to emerging markets.

Stan Simpson and Until her recent retirement Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announcement, Rep. Giffords was the co-chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus.

As a rider for more than 20 years, and as a member of the U.S. House and the caucus, she worked with the AMA and the motorcycling community on a number of issues to protect and promote motorcycling.

The AMA Bessie Stringfield Award, first awarded in 2000, memorializes the accomplishments of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame member Bessie Stringfield, an African-American motorcycling pioneer of the mid-20th century.

L-R: Kristy Hawthorne, Lowery’s mom; Lowery; and Sen. Schaffer.

Imre Szauter/AMA

RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE

STATE LEGISLATOR HONORS JEFFREY LOWERY Dirt-Tracker Recognized In State Senate

Jeffery Lowery, the 2013 AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award winner, was honored before the Ohio State Senate on Oct. 30.

Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) presented Lowery, 16, with a resolution

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recognizing his accomplishments in winning AMA national titles in the 251500cc DTX class and the 450cc Modified class at the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships in Springfield, Ill., on June 24-27.

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Dispatch From France

The Trials des Nations Experience By Keith Roper The U.S. men’s team placed third of 22 countries in the International Trophy Division of the 30th annual Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Trials des Nations. This was the U.S. team’s best placing since winning that category in 2005. The U.S. women’s team placed seventh overall of 11 countries and gained valuable experience.

It was an amazing weekend, and a fine showing for the MotoTrials riders representing the AMA and the North American Trials Council.

La Chatre, France

Paris, France

The Pits

Gathering riders, minders and gear at the Charles de Gaulle Airport was quite an undertaking without cell phones in everyone’s pocket. We eventually got everyone rounded up and rental cars sorted. We then headed toward the city center to see some sights.

Steve Storz amazed everyone with his ability to tailgate at speed and stay within 6 inches of the car ahead, navigating our way through notorious Paris traffic. It must be his former flat track experience!

After lunch near the Eiffel Tower (and a gasp at the bill), we were back on the road to La Chatre, where we would spend the next few days enjoying the scenery, French hospitality and an international contingent of those exceptional people known as trials riders.

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The town of La Chatre is almost exactly in the center of France and is approximately a three-hour drive south of Paris. The rolling countryside, farms and small villages are reminiscent of Wisconsin. The similarity ends, however, at the first trip through town.

La Chatre seems custom-designed to host off-road recreation and events, and the locals couldn’t have been more accommodating to the 200-plus trials riders and their entourage.

A community park positioned in a quiet residential neighborhood was host to the event and the setup was great. A bikewashing zone was adjacent to a garbage and recycling zone. A large tarp was laid on the grass field, with a loose gravel surface. On top of this was a wooden pallet with stumps for bike stands. Five pressure washers were provided.

Rider shower trailers, rubber mats to protect walking areas and other features completed the experience while also protecting the environment.

The professionalism was impressive, and much of that was thanks to Thierry Michaud. The 1985, ’86 and ’88 FIM World Trials Champion and current FIM trials commission director, had a direct hand in setting up the pit areas.

The Food

As we’ve learned traveling for these events over the years, overseas food can have an impact on not only the palate but on the pocketbook.

We were fortunate to find a wonderful Italian restaurant that was easy on both, adopting Casa Romana as our culinary home base for the event. The U.S. team and the restaurateurs soon established a fun relationship, exchanging group photos and promising to visit again if La Chatre hosts more FIM events.

The Events

The weekend was structured with an FIM Women’s World Championship round on Friday, the Women’s Trials des Nations on Saturday, and the Men’s Trials des Nations on Sunday.

The men’s team included Pat Smage (Sherco, Wisconsin), Bryan Roper (Sherco, Arizona), Eric Storz (Gas Gas, California) and Ray Peters (Beta, New Mexico).

This year’s U.S. women’s team included

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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Women’s Team

An overnight rain had the women riders speculating on how much the sections had changed from the FIM World round on Friday, but the conditions were so dry that no real deterioration had occurred.

For the Trials des Nations, three additional sections were added to the 12 sections ridden the day before, but only two loops would be ridden.

After completing the first loop, and tallying the best two of three rides, the team posted 52 points. Section 10 proved to be the toughest of the trial, with only five of 44 women getting through a nasty double-step hill climb at the end.

This was Caroline Allen’s sixth Trials des Nations with her father/minder Dave Allen close at hand. Rachel Hassler, with father/minder Paul, showed a great blend of aggressiveness and smoothness in her second event. Rookie Caroline Altman did a marvelous job of balancing the team with some amazing rides.

Men’s Team

The men’s Trial des Nations sections were set to what an AMA/NATC event competitor would experience at an “Expert” level with a few “Pro” class obstacles sprinkled throughout the loop.

Pat Smage had a fantastic ride, dropping only three marks on the day.

Bryan Roper followed close behind.

Eric Storz soon adapted to the combination of hillsides and boulders and showed great form on some pretty intense obstacles. Ray Peters came out of “retirement” to compete in his 11th Trials des Nations, substituting for Karl Davis, who was out with a back injury.

As the riders worked their way around the course, it became apparent how well Storz and Peters balanced each other. If one posted a three, the other would pull off a clean. At the end of the first loop, the U.S. team had 21 marks for a strong third place behind the Czech Republic (19 points) and Germany (18 points).

The second loop of 18 sections showed a consistent but slight slip for America’s best, as they tallied 25 points after a disastrous Section 13, where they posted five points after cleaning it the first loop.

Germany and the Czechs were on fire, posting second loop scores of four points and eight points respectively.

Thanks!

A number of volunteers contributed to the U.S. Trials des Nations effort. They included Martin Belair, who coordinated gear and support; Pete Croft for handling the team T-shirts, polos and jackets; FIM team delegates Charlie Bedley and Catherine Bedley; photographer Sergio; Team Manager Todd Roper and Vonda Roper; Steve Storz, who was instrumental in keeping the motorcycles in order; minders Dave Allen and Paul Hassler; David from Sherco who provided bikes for minders and riders; and Ryan Young Products’ Kip Webb.

Keith Roper was a support person for the U.S. Trials des Nations team.

Up to eight-time AMA National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty for an amazing career. Lafferty will retire after the 2014 season.

Up to California Highway Patrol motor officer Sgt. Kevin Briggs, who has helped save more than 200 people while stationed at the Golden Gate Bridge’s suicide watch.

Down to off-highway vehicle riders in New York City who are contributing to a negative image of motorcyclists in the Big Apple by riding illegally on roads for street-legal vehicles only.

Up to Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck, an avid motocrosser, who has spearheaded his department’s efforts to adopt electric motorcycles in ways that take advantage of the technology’s benefits.

Down to a Ford Focus driver in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who police say fled the scene after failing to yield and causing the crash and death of 29-year-old motorcyclist Kevin Gilliam Jr.

Up to U.S. Customs & Border Protection agents who found and recovered a 1953 Triumph Tiger 100 at the Port of Los Angeles that had been stolen from Donald DeVault 46 years ago.

January 2014

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Caroline Allen (Gas Gas, Massachusetts), Caroline Altman (Gas Gas, Maine), and Rachel Hassler (Gas Gas, New Mexico).

Weather was warm with a few scattered sprinkles—a welcomed relief from the 2011 (Italy) and 2012 (Austria) mud-fests.

While the women’s teams all ride the same sections, there are two categories of men’s competition, the World Championship (A Group) and the International Trophy (B Group). The top competitors make up the A Group and ride more difficult splits within the sections.

The event’s first-place team in the B Group automatically transfers to the A Group for the following year.

The U.S. team has competed in the World Championship category 15 times since 1984, with a best showing in 2009 (fifth place with Will Ibsen, Pat Smage, Cody Webb, Keith Wineland). In the B Group, the U.S. has competed 14 separate years, placing first in 2000 (Geoff Aaron, Jess Kempkes, Ray Peters, Cory Pincock) and also in 2005 (Geoff Aaron, Chris Florin, Cody Webb, Keith Wineland).

For 2013, Spain won the A Group, followed by Great Britain and France.

Germany won the B Group, followed by the Czech Republic and the United States.

Scoring in the Trials des Nations is unique in that each rider completes his or her section and has their scores noted.

The best three of four (men), or two of three (women), are added to generate a point total for the team on that section.

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A ‘TERMINATOR 2’ STUNT DOUBLE The Little Honda That Could Some bikes are like movie stars—the Husky 400 Cross in “On Any Sunday,” perhaps, or the Ducati 996 in “Matrix Reloaded.”

Other bikes are like stunt people— typically unheralded.

One look at this single-cylinder Honda made up to look like a Kawasaki KZ1000P police model leaves no doubt it’s of the unheralded variety.

Built for a specific scene in the 1991 movie “Terminator 2 Judgment Day” by the crew at Leavittation, the stunt company run by Lane Leavitt and his wife, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Debbie Evans, the bike had a very short and traumatic screen life.

The script called for a Kawasaki police bike to be ridden into an office building, up a stairwell, and ultimately through a glass window as the villain—Robert Patrick as the T1000 robot—leaps onto a police helicopter to commandeer it.

Faced with making that sequence a reality, Leavitt knew that a full-size KZ would be too much of a handful in the tight stairway and during the crash. He needed a more-nimble stunt double. So he found a smaller bike, this Honda, and went to work. He stripped the bike down, fit knobby tires for higher traction, and started adding the bodywork, bags and fairing to make it pass for a much-larger police bike.

Since the Honda was a single and the KZ was a four-cylinder, a four-pipe exhaust was used, leaving one pipe on either side hanging in the breeze. Through fast-paced shooting and clever editing, the disguise is undiscovered in the final cut.

After weeks spent building the bike, the

day came for its close-up. The stunt rider hit his marks perfectly, the scene was shot, and the bike was unceremoniously left in a heap where it landed.

Mindful of the movie history that the Honda was a part of, Evans and Leavitt collected the bike and left it in its unrestored condition. Today, it’s proudly on display at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame as a tangible reminder of some very clever motorcycle movie magic.

Photos Jeff Guciardo

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, features the people and machines that have defined the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling in America. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that receives support from the AMA and from the motorcycling community. For info and directions, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.

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Hall of Famer

E.C. SMITH

The Man Who Oversaw 30 Of The AMA’s 90 years E.C. Smith served as Executive Secretary of the AMA for a third of its existence, running the association from 1928 to 1958. Taking the reins from the AMA’s first secretary, A.B. Coffman, Smith became the AMA’s first full-time employee. During Smith’s administration, the AMA moved from Chicago to Columbus, Ohio, and began to take the form that it has today.

Smith headed the association through good times and bad. Under his guidance, the AMA survived the Great Depression

and World War II. Smith was incredibly dedicated and loyal to the cause of motorcycling in all its forms.

A native of Ohio, Smith was born in 1890. He first became involved in motorcycling as an inspector and referee for the Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM) at midwestern races during the 1910s.

By the early 1920s, Smith was promoting dirt-track races in Indiana and Ohio and established a good relationship with the Motorcycle and Allied Trades Association (M&ATA), from which the AMA was formed in 1924. When Coffman resigned from his position at the AMA in 1928, Smith was elected to replace him.

Smith became the first full-time manager of the AMA. He hired an assistant and set up the first official AMA office in Columbus. Smith became a tireless promoter of the AMA and traveled the country, often in a HarleyDavidson sidecar rig, carrying a 16mm projector and motorcycle racing films on loan from the Firestone and Goodyear tire companies. Under Smith, the AMA began a long and steady period of growth, despite the onset of the Great Depression just a few years into his administration One of Smith’s top priorities was to

build activity on the club level, and he spent much of his time helping the clubs coordinate Gypsy Tours, races and other activities to get people excited and involved in motorcycling. Smith was also ahead of his time in encouraging clubs to get involved in civic events and charities.

One of Smith’s biggest challenges was keeping the AMA afloat during World War II. It should be noted that World War I essentially put the AMA’s predecessor, the FAM, out of business. Smith wrote and edited a quarterly newsletter called AMA News, which went out to all AMA members, including those in the service around the world. The newsletter proved to be a stroke of genius. It kept those in the service in contact with the association. After the war, the returning servicemen returned to motorcycling and supported the AMA in record numbers. The newsletter evolved into the magazine you’re holding now, American Motorcyclist.

Smith was also in charge of all types of AMA motorcycle competition. Under his guidance, the competition rules gained much-needed uniformity and in 1954 Smith helped established the AMA’s first national championship series, the Grand National Championships.

E.C. Smith died on March 31, 1977 at the age of 87 and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

He will forever be remembered for his deep dedication to the AMA and, in turn, to motorcycling.

On Display At The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

‘WASH DAY’

What: A gyclee print of a painting by Eric Herrmann, as part of the exhibit: “2 Wheels + Motor, an International Fine Art Exhibition.”

Why it stands out: Using acrylic paints on canvas, Herrmann’s work seems more like a photo than a painting, and it captures the spirit of a much-loved Harley-Davidson.

About the artist: Herrmann was educated in fine arts, and gave up a successful career in graphic design to concentrate on his paintings. Having ridden motorcycles for more than 40 years, he focused on painting what he knew well, and found wide success. His work has been commissioned by a number of companies, including Jack Daniels, the Barrettt-Jackson Auto Auction and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Typically, Herrmann’s works are large scale, averaging 4-feet-by-5-feet, and have sold for over $70,000.

See it: This gyclee print of the original currently hangs on display at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

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2013 My Hall of Fame a

YOU CAN HAVE IT BOTH WAYS.

AMA members do it all—long-distance rides, off-road races, cruising main street, vintage dirt track... To better serve our broad membership base, American Motorcyclist magazine is now published in two versions.

The dirt version includes more off-highway and racing content. The street version includes more articles for road riders.

Want to switch? Just call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services and tell them which version you want.

Want to read both versions? Call the above number to get both delivered to your home for just $10 more a year. Members can read both online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine for free.

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 a 9-inch square is a $180 donation. You also get an official certificate noting that your picture is on display in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

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

9” 6” 3” 3”

$20

donation

6”

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donation

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donation

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2013 AMA MOTORCYCLIST OF THE YEAR LARRY LITTLE

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The man who created a U.S. motorcycle show that brings buyers and sellers together in a bold new way had the biggest impact on American motorcycling in 2013. By James Holter

H

ever seen. There were new bike models, media intros and then after two days they opened the doors to consumers and the place was overrun.”

The passion was infectious, and Little brought the excitement back with him to America. He called Mike Webster, who at the time was running the motorcycle show business for Advanstar. Cycle World was a major sponsor of Advanstar’s International Motorcycle Shows at the time. They had lunch, and Little shared his interest in bringing the European show model to the United States.

“In a lot of ways, Mike agreed with me,” Little says. “Our conversation was basically, ‘Why

Jason Wallis

alf a million motorcyclists can’t be wrong.

That was the impression left on 2013 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year Larry Little in the early 1990s.

Little, shortly after he was named publisher at Cycle World, was attending his first big European motorcycle show—those grand assemblies of manufacturers, dealers, aftermarket companies and consumers that perennially feature the latest bikes and the riders who crave them.

“I don’t remember if it was EICMA or Intermot, but nonetheless, I was there as someone representing the industry and the media, and it was mind blowing,” he remembers. “It was the most amazing thing I have

aren’t we doing this in America?’”

After comparing notes and experiences, and discussing the possibility of replicating the European model, Little and Webster parted ways to do their own research. When they reported back, they agreed that the U.S. market was too distinctive.

“The American market was different on a global scale,” Little says. “As a percentage of the market, it was too important for the manufacturers, especially the Japanese companies, and the answer we got was, ‘No, we’re not going to come to the same place as our competitors.’ They wanted to keep their individual dealer meetings.

They didn’t want to give up control.”

The idea of an all-things-to-allpeople motorcycle industry/consumer trade show in America was, for the time, dead in the water. Little wanted it. Webster bought into it. The industry, though, wouldn’t support it.

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2013 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year Larry Little

(Left) Larry on a Honda SL125 in 1974. (Right) Baja ride in the late ’90s.

LEARNING TO RIDE

Those who work in the motorcycle industry know Larry Little well—those who just ride motorcycles, perhaps not so much, but they’ve likely seen his influence over the years.

Little grew up in the booming postwar climate of upstate New York, where 20th century pillars of American business—such as IBM, Xerox and Kodak—powered the local economies against a picturesque backdrop of the rolling countryside. He was introduced to motorcycling when a neighbor returned from Vietnam in the mid-1960s and bought a Honda S65 Sport. The neighbor gave Little a ride on his new bike, and the experience was unforgettable.

“I was an early teen, and it was the most eye-opening thing I ever experienced,” Little says. “I remember all the traditional sensations of smelling the air and feeling the breeze, and going around a corner was like nothing else.”

Little bought a basket case CB160 that he rode off-road and used to get his license when he turned 16. He then advanced to a 1973 Honda SL125 in college. He competed in local races when he was younger, which is why he originally joined the AMA. Little says his two-wheeled passion had the full support of his father, “who came home from a business trip one day convinced that motorcycles were cool.”

Little became part of the motorcycling industry when he went to work for a small parts and accessories distributorship in his home region.

“I then met the gal who’s now my wife and decided that she was worth a move to California,” he says.

There, in addition to settling down with Stephanie, Little embarked on a career progression that many in motorcycle publishing have experienced. He landed

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a job selling advertising for Cycle News, transitioned to Petersen Publishing a couple years later, and then went to work for Cycle World in 1981.

“Being on the media side was something that was intriguing,” he says.

“You get to meet so many different companies in the industry.”

Little’s self-described “inquisitive nature” led him to the Motorcycle Industry Council, a professional trade association of motorcycle industry businesses that has worked closely with the AMA on issues impacting the sport.

Little was voted to the MIC board and was later elected chairman, a post he held for 10 years.

With a background in publishing, Little believed in the power of the media and became involved in MIC efforts to expand motorcycling’s reach—which of course helps expand the business of MIC members. One of the first and most successful programs was the MIC’s Discover Today’s Motorcycling campaign, which gathered momentum in the 1990s. Little had advanced in his role at Cycle World, becoming vice president and publisher of the world’s largest motorcycle magazine by that time.

“When Discover Today’s Motorcycling started, our research showed that motorcycling had a higher negative rating than the tobacco industry,” Little says.

“Over the first 10-year period, we turned that around and a search of published

stories showed that the majority about motorcycling were positive.”

In the late 1990s, Cycle World invited the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Ride for Kids charity to share their booth at the Advanstar motorcycle shows.

Ride for Kids events have raised more money for charity than any other AMAsanctioned program—more than $70 million since 1984—and have showcased the positive efforts of motorcyclists nationwide. Little was captivated by PBTF founders and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Mike and Dianne Traynor and became enamored with the organization’s mission to find the cause of, and cure for, childhood brain tumors.

“Mike and Dianne invited me to be on their board, and I’ve been fortunate to spend time helping them with their goals,” he says. “It was so gratifying to see Mike and Dianne get inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.”

Little has always been a major supporter of the Hall of Fame, having served as master of ceremonies for the 2008 induction that was held near the AMA campus in Columbus, Ohio.

“I was so happy that Mike and Dianne finally got the recognition for all that they contributed,” he says.

PRODUCT FUELS PASSION

When he was publisher of Cycle World, Little noticed that some of the most popular articles on the magazine’s

“When Discover Today’s Motorcycling started, our research showed that motorcycling had a higher negative rating than the tobacco industry,” Little says. “Over the first 10-year period, we turned that around and a search of published stories showed that the majority about motorcycling were positive.”

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Among them were distributors, such as Tucker Rocky and Motonation, as well as manufacturers Suzuki, which used the event to reveal its 2014 model line, Yamaha and KYMCO. Post-event accounts from major exhibitors were positive—as you might expect from early adopters—but reports from regular attendees also described a vibrant atmosphere, steady business and the widespread excitement that Little says is key to the whole synergistic production standing on its own.

Some of the more popular elements were motorcycle demo rides. These included new model media introductions as well as those for the riding public.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, which also held an international safety conference at the event, set up and ran an MSF Introductory Experience course that was designed to expose new riders to the sport.

“There’s no question in my mind that we did something that the industry was seeking,” Little says. “At the end of the show on Sunday around 5 o’clock when we made the announcement that the show was now closed, the whole hall erupted in applause. We were completely taken aback. We had been running hard for so long. It felt like we had done what we had promised. We had created something that the market needed.”

Little says that exhibitors were not required to renew on site for the 2014 show. They were given 30 days to decide if the show met their expectations.

“Still, well over 100, about 30 percent of our exhibitors, came forward to renew on the spot,” he says.

It wasn’t all-perfect, of course. Little would have liked more manufacturer involvement, as well as more dealers. He also admits that they would like to draw in more consumers for the consumer portion of the show in 2014.

“It was a first-year show,” he says.

“We’re creating something that has never been done before in America. Clearly, there were things that we wanted to do that we just didn’t have the bandwidth to accomplish.

“It’s not rocket science,” he says. “It’s just a longer-term learning process.”

The next AIMExpo returns to Orlando’s Courtesy AIMExpo

website were about the large overseas “A good illustration of the difference shows that he and Webster hoped to between then and now took place a few replicate. The draw, he says, was new years ago,” Little says. “Kawasaki had product news. their annual dealer meeting in Orlando “Consumers looked to Italy to find out and brought their dealers down, showed what was coming to the United states,” them the new product, entertained them Little says. “That didn’t make any sense.” and then sent them home. Two weeks But despite the popularity of product later, Suzuki had a dealer meeting in and how easily it attracted reader Orlando, brought their dealers down, interest, the companies selling that showed them new product and sent product had to be on board with a them home. A lot of these dealers were combined consumer/industry show. In the same people.” the 1990s and early 2000s, they weren’t.

The independence that manufacturers Business was good, and there was craved in the American market had no interest in rocking a boat that was become a financial anchor that not only making money. cost the companies, but their dealers, Then the boat got rocked for them. significant amounts of money—money “The global financial crisis in 2008 that they no longer had to spend. brought change,” Little says.

“From a business efficiency It also brought an opportunity to standpoint, you just took a dealer change how business was done. By principal out of his store two times in a this time, Webster had left Advanstar three-week period when they may not for Marketplace Events. He was focused on non-motorsportsrelated shows but hadn’t forgotten his lunch with Little in the early 1990s.

He believed, and Little agreed, that times had changed enough that there might be a place for the ubershow that they envisioned.

“We felt that The AIMExpo had an we could now impressive presence at convince the Orlando’s Orange County manufacturers, Convention Center. some of whom had stopped doing dealer meetings, to participate have had the staff to keep the store in an American platform for the whole open,” Little says. “There had to be a market—from riders to consumers to more efficient way to do business. Even the companies that create products and the press had to travel twice.” services for motorcyclists to dealers and The press element, for Little, is just as retailers, brick and mortar or online,” important as dealer involvement. Media Little says. participation is a key ingredient to the The motorcycle industry, like many success of any trade show, particularly recreational markets, was hit hard by one that touts product reveals as a major the recession. Both manufacturers and component, he says. retailers saw their bottom lines bleed “This synergistic relationship is built red ink. In many ways, the industry was around generating excitement,” Little moribund. Even worse, as a budding says. “You reveal new product, the economic recovery took hold, prosperity media writes about the new product, the was slow to return to motorcycling. dealers get excited, the consumers get “We gave those who sold product excited, the consumers buy the product, something to get excited about,” Little companies develop more product.” says.

Some of that excitement was rooted CONCEPT TO REALITY The inaugural American International in the energy that these companies Motorcycle Expo was held Oct. 16-20, experienced elsewhere, such as EICMA 2013, at the Orange County Convention and Intermot. Some of it came from the Center in Orlando, Fla. simple economic efficiencies that Little’s It included close to 400 exhibitors. show model provided.

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Orange County Convention Center on Oct. 15-19, 2014.

FUTURE OF MOTORCYCLING

Little hopes that the evolution of motorcycling in America not only continues to foster an environment that supports the AIMExpo concept but also expands the reach of motorcycling to new markets.

“I have a big personal interest in growing motorcycling beyond its traditional base,” he says. “I want to see two wheels accepted as normal transportation. I have a vision for a more green transportation and for two wheels to play a big role in that.”

Little says that comparing American and European markets highlights strides that remain to be made in the United States.

“Here, motorcycling is a lifestyle,” he says. “In Europe, it’s part of the culture.”

Little explains that what he means is most American motorcyclists consider riding an enjoyable pastime. In Europe, the utility of motorcycling is “woven into

the fabric of society.” He says that when many Europeans become old enough to get their operator’s license, their first mode of motorized transportation often has two wheels. It’s the default choice. In America, motorcycles are desired for their ability to thrill rather than simply transport, particularly by the young.

“Our real opportunity is to grow the industry from a motorcycling perspective,” he says. “All the benefits are there. Cities can do more, like San Francisco does with free parking for two-wheelers. Motorcycles and scooters create less wear and tear.

There’s less space [required]. There are less cradle-to-grave costs for the product. You don’t even have to take into consideration the fuel economy benefits to understand how motorcycling is better.”

Little says that recent new motorcycle models are starting to embrace the value proposition while delivering high levels of performance. This is in contrast to the extreme performance-minded approach that took hold in the early 2000s.

“Yamaha’s new FZ-09 is an example of a new motorcycle that embodies all of those qualities—in much how automakers have done in the wake of the auto crisis,” he says. “Basically, we’re seeing the product-planning cycle catching up to reality, and the result is a bike like this Yamaha, or Honda’s NC700X. They’re a lot of bike for the money.”

Still, Little is careful to point out that promoting motorcycles as reasonable transportation does not mean motorcycling becomes any less exciting.

“The vision for the show is clear that there must be an injection of energy and excitement,” he says. “There must be a catalyst to bring together the whole industry to create a stage, a platform for motorcycling in the United States.”

DRIVING FORCE

Little says that energy and excitement certainly played a role in his early motorcycling experience.

“I started competing back in upstate

Photos courtesy AIMExpo

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New York, and that’s why I originally joined the AMA,” he says. “I’d say I’m actually a bigger fan of riding off road.”

Today, Little says that he gets his two-wheeled excitement fix from adventure riding. (He just sold his KTM 950 Adventure, but is in the market for a replacement.) One ride in particular got him hooked several years ago.

“Over the Christmas holiday a few of us, including [Hall of Famer] Scot Harden, were going on an adventure ride through the Mojave Desert,” Little remembers. “The idea that we could go places on a properly equipped adventure bike where it would have been difficult for a Jeep to go, and then jump on the pavement and be 80 miles away in a little over an hour, was attractive to me.”

For Little, adventure riding provides an entirely new element to motorcycling.

“You can ride long distances. You can explore. There is really nothing that holds you back if you have moderate off-road skills,” he says. “There’s just so much to see.”

Little, who is now an AMA Life Member, says that his relationship with the AMA has evolved hand in hand with his motorcycling experience.

“As I grew in the industry, I saw the value of the AMA and its allure for motorcyclists in general, whether that’s legislative in terms of protecting our rights or in support of the industry or just information on the issues,” he says. “The AMA gives us a voice as motorcyclists, and that’s something that we desperately need.”

“I have a big personal interest in growing motorcycling beyond its traditional base,” he says. “I want to see two wheels accepted as normal transportation. I have a vision for a more green transportation and for two wheels to play a big role in that.”

Left: The 2013 AIMExpo included a full slate of activities, including a media center, new bike introductions, an outdoor riding experience area, superstars such as AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Kenny Roberts, and motorcycling seminars. It was all open to consumers as well as dealers.

2013 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year Larry Little January 2014

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HONORING GREATNESS

®

On Friday, Oct. 18, 2013, six legends of motorcycling took their places in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The following sponsors’ financial and inkind contributions made the gala event possible. The American Motorcyclist Association and the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation extend their sincere thanks to these valued partners.

CLASS OF 2013

Ricky Carmichael, Danny Hamel, Norm McDonald, Randy Renfrow, Dianne and Mike Traynor LEGENDS

Mark Blackwell and Torsten Hallman

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

GO RIDE

1

Will Ryan Villopoto be able to hang on to his AMA Supercross crown this season? Catch the early action with the season opener Jan. 4 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., followed by events on Jan. 11 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Jan. 18 back at Angel Stadium in Anaheim and then Jan. 25 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. For the full schedule, see page 45.

2

Feed your motorcycling jones this winter by visiting one of the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows in Novi, Mich., Jan. 3-5; Washington, D.C., Jan. 10-12; Minneapolis, Jan. 17-19; Phoenix, Jan. 24-26; and Cleveland Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Info: www.motorcycleshows.com.

2013 AMA Championship Banquet, Jan. 18, 2014, at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus, Ohio. Info: www. americanmotorcyclist.com.

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3

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3

The AMA Arenacross Series features five rounds in January, and the 2104 season promises to showcase some of the closest racing action ever. Catch the excitement Jan. 3-5 in Worcester, Mass.; Jan. 10-12 in Baltimore; Jan. 18-19 in Louisville; Jan. 25-26 in Greensboro, N.C.; and Jan. 31-Feb. 2 in Milwaukee.

3,2 3

4 COMING UP Grab your coldweather gear and head out to the lake.

The hottest action on ice happens at the AMA Ice Race Grand Championships in Cadillac, Mich., Feb. 8-9. Info: www. naactionsports.com.

There’s still time to get tickets for one of the grandest celebrations of the year honoring the AMA’s top racers—the 2013 AMA Championship Banquet on Jan. 18 at the Aladdin Center in Columbus, Ohio. The top three finishers in AMA-sanctioned motorcycle and ATV national championship competition in disciplines ranging from motocross to woods racing will be recognized.

5

The Madison Motorcycle Club is hosting its annual New Year’s Day Ride on Jan. 1 in Madison, Wis. The club says: “This is the MMC signature event, a poker run with a long history filled with colorful stories. The whims of Mother Nature always make this ride interesting: Sometimes ‘great day for a ride’ interesting, and sometimes ‘I can’t believe I’m out here’ interesting.

Either way, there is big fun to be had.” Info: www.madisonmotorcycleclub.org.

January 2014

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2013/2014 EVENTS HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame MotorcycleMuseum.org The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Recognizing those who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling.

Dirt-Track! All-American Motorcycle Racing: Celebrating the storied history of the men and machines who battle on the dirt oval.

Jul. 19: Millville, Minn: Spring Creek National Jul. 26: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National Aug. 9: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadila National Aug. 16: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Indiana National Aug. 23: Tooele, Utah: Utah National

2014 Monster Energy AMA Supercross AMASUPERCROSS.COM Jan. 4: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

Stadium May 3: Las Vegas: Sam Boyd Stadium

AMA national championship series 2014 AMSOIL AMA Arenacross ARENACROSS.com Jan. 3-5: Worcester, Mass.: DCU Center Jan. 10-12: Baltimore: 1st Mariner Arena Jan. 18-19: Louisville, Ky.: Freedom Hall

Jan. 11: Phoenix: Chase Field

Jan. 25-26: Greensboro, N.C.: Greensboro Coliseum

Jan. 18: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

Jan. 31-Feb. 2: Milwaukee, Wis.: U.S. Cellular Arena

Jan. 25: Oakland, Calif.: O.Co Coliseum

Feb. 7-9: Sacramento, Calif.: Sleep Train Arena

Feb. 1: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

Feb. 14-16: Nampa, Idaho: Idaho Center

Feb. 8: San Diego: Qualcomm Stadium

Feb. 21-23: Reno, Nev.: Livestock Events Center

2014 AMA Pro Motocross Promotocross..COM

Feb. 15: Arlington, Texas: Cowboys Stadium

Mar. 1-2: Tulsa, Okla.: BOK Center

May 24: San Bernardina, Calif.: Glen Helen National

Feb. 22: Atlanta: Georgia Dome

Mar. 7-9: Albuquerque, N.M.: Tingley Coliseum

Mar. 1: Indianapolis: Lucas Oil Stadium

Mar. 14-16: Hidalgo, Texas: State Farm Arena

Mar. 8: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

Mar. 29-30: Salt Lake City: EnergySolutions Arena

Mar. 15: Detroit: Ford Field

AMA Indoor Dirt Track National Championship Series STEVENACERACING.COM

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

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

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May 31: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic June 7: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National June 14: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point National

Mar. 22: Toronto: Rogers Centre

June 28: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National

Mar. 29: St. Louis: Edward Jones Dome

Jul. 5: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National

Apr. 5: Houston: Reliant Stadium

Dec. 28: DuQuoin, Ill.

Apr. 12: Seattle: Century Link Field

Dec. 29: DuQuoin, Ill.

Apr. 26: East Rtherford, N.J.: MetLife

Jan. 11: DuQuoin, Ill.

Jul. 12: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National

Dec. 14: Sturgis, Ky.

January 2014

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2013/2014 EVENTS Feb. 8: DuQuoin, Ill.

June 29: Marquette, Mich.: Nick Zambon, UP Sandstormers; (906) 2287010, UPSandstormers.com

State Trailblazers; (702) 9946823, http://sites.google.com/site/ silverstatetrailblazers/

2014 Geico AMA endurocross endurocross.com

July 27: Cross Fork, Pa.: Peter Burnett, Brandwine Enduro Riders; (610) 883-7607, BEW.us

May 2: Las Vegas: The Orleans Arena

Aug. 10: Grand Junction, Colo.: Thomas Jundtoft, Bookcliff Rattlers MC; (970) 250-9942, bookcliffrattlersmc.com

Aug. 23, Amateur and Youth: Caliente, Nev.: Zack Livreri, Silver State Trailblazers; (702) 9946823, http://sites.google.com/site/ silverstatetrailblazers/

Feb. 22: Duquoin, Ill.

May 15: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the America’s

Aug. 31: Union, S.C.: Duane Wellington, Greenville Enduro Riders; (864) 908-6109, GreenvilleEnduroRiders.com

Oct. 11, Youth; Oct. 12, Amateur: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Darren Moen, 100’s MC; (714) 863-7170, 100sMC.org

Oct. 4: Denver, Colo.: National Western Complex

Sept. 14: Matthews, Ind.: Doug Spence, Muddobbers; (765) 998-2236, MuddobbersMC.com

2014 AIReS ama/natc mototrials amaracing.com

Oct. 11: Salt Lake City, Utah: Energy Solutions Arena

2014 AMA Hare and Hound amaracing.com

May 24 -25: Texas Creek, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Trials Association

Oct. 18: Everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena

Jan. 25, Youth; Jan. 26,Amateur: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Rick Nuss, Desert Motorcycle Club, Inc. (626) 205-0121, DesertMC.com

May 31-June 1: Sedan, Kan.: Ark Valley Trials Assocation

June 21: Sacramento, Calif.: Sleep Train Arena Aug. 23: Atlanta: Gwinnett Center

Nov. 15: Boise, Idaho.: Idaho Center Nov. 22: Ontario, Calif.: Citizen Business Bank Arena

2014 AMA National enduro nationalenduro.com Mar. 2: Pelion, S.C.: Rhonda Dennis, Columia Enduro Riders; (788) 4220329 Mar. 23: Blackwell, Texas: Joseph Roberts, Ross Creek Trail Riders; (325) 669-8866, RossCreekTrailRiders.com Apr. 6: West Point, Tenn.: TJ Kennedy, NATRA; (972) 977-4112, natra-westpoint.net May 18: Park Hills, M.O.: Michael Silger, Missouri Mudders; (636) 6396373, MOMudders.com June 1: Arrington, Va.: Chuck Honeycutt, April Fools Promotions; (757) 375-5665, VCHSS.org

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Sept. 20, Youth; Sept. 21, Amateur: Yerington, Nev.: Erek Kudla, Get-XtrEme; (805) 236-5866, Get-Xtr-Eme.com

Feb. 8, Youth; Feb. 9, Amateur: Ridgecrest, Calif.: Richie Wohlers, Four Aces MC; (805) 795-6708, FourAcesMC.com Mar. 22, Youth; Mar. 23, Amateur: Murphy, Idaho: No ATVs. Bill Walsh, Dirt Inc. (208) 459-6871, DirtIncRacing. com Apr. 12, Youth; Apr. 13, Amateur: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Justin Shultz, SOCal MC; (949) 981-6776, SoCalMC. com Apr. 26, Youth; Apr. 27, Amateur: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Gary Alspaugh, Vikings MC; (805) 680-6336, VikingsMC.org May 3, Amateur and Youth: Jerico, Utah: Neil Dansie, Sage Riders; (801) 369-5939, SageRidersMC.com May 17, Amateur and Youth: Caliente, Nev.: Zack Livreri, Silver

June 21-22: Tremont, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600, RauschCreekRacing. com June 28-29: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Ashley Jackson, South Eastern Trials Riders Association; (423) 942-8688, TrialsTrainingCenter.com

2014 ama/natc east Youth mototrials amaracing.com July 4-6: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Ashley Jackson, South Eastern Trials Riders Association; (423) 942-8688, TrialsTrainingCenter.com

2014 ama/natc east Youth mototrials amaracing.com July 18-20: Howard, Colo.: Bill Markham, ITS Offroad; (719) 942-3372, ITSOffroad.com

AMA AMATEUR

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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2013/2014 EVENTS CHAMPIONSHIPS

AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships MXSPORTS.COM Northeast regional championship June 21-22: Armagh, Pa: Pleasure Valley Raceway (Youth)

championships May 31-June 1: Hesperia, Calif.: Competitive Edge (Youth, Amateur)

national championship July 27-Aug. 2: Hurrican Mills, Tenn.: National Championship, Loretta Lynn’s Ranch

June 28-29: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point (Amateur)

AMA Ice Race Grand Championships naactionsports.COM

southeast regional championship

Feb. 8-9: Cadillac, Mich.: Mitchell State Park

June 7-8: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway (Youth)

AMSOIL AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL ARENACROSS ARENACROSS.COM

June 14-15: Chatsworth, Ga.: Lazy River (Youth)

Mid-east regional championship

May 3-4: Las Vegas: South Point Arena

May 31-June 1: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman (Amateur)

Kenda AMA Tennessee Knockout Grand Championship

June 7-8: Buchanan, Mich.: Redbud (Youth)

Aug. 17: Sequatchie, Tennessee

North central regional championship June 14-15: Mt. Carroll, Ill.: MC Motopark (Amateur) June 21-22: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX (Youth)

south central regional championship June 14-15: Wortham, Texas: Freestone MX (Youth) June 14-15: Houston, Texas: Three Palms (Amateur)

northwest regional championship

tennesseeknockoutenduro.com

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: U.S. ROUNDS/WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FIM ROAD RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND PRIX FIM-LIVE.com April 13: Austin, Texas: Circuit of The Americas Aug. 10: Indianapolis: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

FIM Motocross of Nations FIM-LIVE.com Sept. 28: Kegums, Latvia

June 7-8: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City MX (Youth, Amateur)

FIM Junior Motocross World Championship FIM-LIVE.com

Southwest Regional

Aug. 10,: Bastogne, Belgium

FIM ISDE FIM-LIVE.com Nov. 3-8: San Juan, Argentina

FIM Trial des Nations FIM-LIVE.com Sept. 13-14: St. Julia., Andorra

AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM March of Dimes Bikers For Babies Rides: Nationwide: www.bikersforbabies.org Rides For Kids Events: Nationwide: www.rideforkids.org

AMA national GRAND TOURS, presented by Shinko Tires and Fly Street Gear AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Polar Bear Grand Tour: AMA District 2 of New Jersey; (609) 894-2941; www.polarbeargrandtour.com March 25-Oct. 1: Eddie’s Road and Team Strange Airheads Smoke Chasing Grand Tour: Eddie’s Road and Team Strange Airheads; www. smokechasing.com April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor Grand Tour: Tour of Honor; www.tourofhonor.com

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

January 2014

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The following represent active, registered trademarks, trademarks and service marks of the AMA. Usage of any AMA trademark or registered trademark without our permission is prohibited.

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(800) AMA-JOIN® • AMA Dragbike™ • AMA Endurocross® • AMA Pro Grand National Championship™ • AMA Pro Racing® • AMA Race Center™ • AMA Racer® • AMA Racing® • AMA Supermoto® • AMA Supercross® • AMA SX Lites™ • AMA U.S. Drag Racing Championship® • AMA U.S. Flat Track Championship® • AMA U.S. Hillclimb Championship® • AMA U.S. Motocross Championship® • AMA U.S. Supercross Championship® • AMA U.S. Supersport Championship® • ATV Hare Scrambles National Championship Series™ • ATV Motocross National Championship Series™ • Amateur National Motocross Championships™ • American Motorcyclist Association® • Arenacross® • Dirt Track Grand Championships™ • Grand National Enduro Championship™ • Gypsy Tour® • Hare & Hound National Championship Series™ • Hare Scrambles Championship Series™ • Hare Scrambles National Championship Series™ • Kids Just Want To Ride® • Motorcycle Hall of Fame® • Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum® • Motorcyclist of the Year™ • National Adventure Riding Series™ • National Dual-Sport Series™ • National Enduro Championship Series™ • Protect Your Right to Ride® • Protecting Your Right to Ride® • Ride Straight® • Rights. Riding. Racing.® • Road Race Grand Championships™ • Vintage Grand Championships™ • Vintage Motorcycle Days® • Vote Like A Motorcyclist® January 2014

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GUEST COLUMN

A MOTORCYCLE LIFE John won the bet. At 82, he was the oldest rider at the table. The other four were in their 70s. I felt like a kid, albeit an older kid. We had been riding together for about 30 years.

Peter favored Beemers, perhaps because he was born in Germany, but he has had quite a stable of brands. He still has a trace of an accent. One thing about Pete is that he will always wear red: socks, shirt, always something red.

Bill was an electrician, never says much but thinks a lot.

John, our age contest winner, rarely lacks a mischievous smile. Apparently he was quite an entrepreneur, owning a Carvel franchise among many other ventures. Judging from his lifestyle he was very successful.

Reno puts the rest of us to shame in miles ridden per year. I would guess that he piles on more than the lot of us combined. Every year he averages somewhere in the mid-40,000s.

Sometimes he hits the 50,000-plus mark.

Conrad knows more jokes and how to tell them than anyone I know. To the casual passerby, we don’t look like bikers are supposed to look, not just sitting there.

The occasion was the 75th anniversary of the Ramapo Motorcycle Club.

Looking around the room, I saw other club members who brought their own unique slant to the group’s celebratory camaraderie.

Cathie, whose feet barely reach the ground when mounted on her bike, easily rides circles around most of us. I don’t even try to keep up.

Road Captain Dick just recently got his first tattoo, a big red one. It was part of a TV documentary, one of those in the “Ink” series. He and Cathie ride with their faithful pooch, Tinkerbell. (Passenger Tinkerbell racks up more miles than some of us nowadays!)

Simon reminds me of Johnny Depp playing his pirate roles. All he lacks is the eyeliner.

Brothers Fred and Steve both have shaved heads and are one of the reasons the Club’s website is so cool.

Dave didn’t make it this year but will be forever remembered for his uncanny ability

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Bob Steinberg

The Fruits Of Motorcycling

By Bob Hibler

to hide in your blind spot, bursting out when you least expect it. Old Dave kept you vigilant on a group ride.

Going back, I can dredge up other faces from the past, former members, gone but not forgotten. Blue Lou had a distinct circulation problem. “Mad Dog,” a.k.a.

Larry, was the mildest mannered guy you could ever expect to meet, which is why he was christened with that CB handle, just to confuse things. And Danny, what a character! For months he brought boxes of Twinkies, Ring Dings and Yodels to our weekly club meetings as treats, then we found out he was a dumpster diver and knew where the Drakes Cakes route driver dumped all the stale goods.

What was I doing here with this eclectic bunch of motorcyclists? It started way before, when I was a freshman at the University of South Carolina, where Carolina is pronounced without the “r.” My 1958 Volvo 544 had not survived rolling down an embankment at speed, although I did, sort of.

Once I was cut out of the body cast I wore for months to get over a broken back, I needed transportation. As a poor student paying my own way, I barely had enough cash for used books and beer, but I scraped up what I could. For $300, one does not get much with four wheels.

It did get me a well-used, white Honda Sport 90—90cc of raw power and my introduction to motorcycling.

From there it was uphill, or maybe downhill depending on whether it was me or my parents sizing up the situation.

The year I rode 750 miles home for the summer on my latest acquisition, a Honda 305 Scrambler, was quite a surprise for them. So was riding back to school.

My freshman year was also when I met Jay, a Connecticut Yankee. He eventually

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was my best man and riding partner later, after graduating. Jay was the Navigator.

Our trips were legendary, at least in the circles we traveled. The Rockies, Pikes Peak, Mexico, Hudson Bay, Newfoundland, the Iles-de-la-Madeleine and hundreds of other places. We put on thousands of miles and gathered an equal amount of memories. Eventually I started writing them down, and many found their way into print. Sometime during all that, I joined Ramapo MC. Motorcycling has helped shape and define my life. Two wheels brought me to places I would never have traveled. And the people I have met over the years!

Anytime I stop for gas or a break, chances are someone will walk over to share an experience they had, sometimes good, sometimes bad, but people feel compelled to tell me. While I am in a club and recommend it, once you start riding you become part of a community way bigger than you ever thought.

And when you are wearing that threepiece pin-striped suit and the conversation turns to where you can mention that you are a biker, what a surprise that can be!

See if that doesn’t turn a few heads and opinions—both ways. I bet it is the same for you, yes?

So keep on riding. Try to infect others with two-wheel-ism. Spread that gospel.

For non-motorcyclists, there is a whole new life awaiting their senses, right there, ahead of them. It is never too late, even a year of motorcycling—even one ride— is better than none at all.

Someday, when I ultimately stop riding, I will be doing the journey in my mind.

That still counts, right?

Bob Hibler is an AMA member from Westwood, N.J.

11/22/13 11:08 AM

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