American Motorcyclist March 2016 Dirt (preview version)

MARCH 2016

BILL WERNER AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE TUNING

Photo Jim Prisching

WILL EUROPEAN REGULATIONS AFFECT HOW YOU RIDE?

AMA REWARDS

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

HOW YOUR AMA MEMBERSHIP PAYS FOR ITSELF Are You Covered?

Value

American Motorcyclist magazine

$19.95

Included

AMA Roadside Assistance (When Enrolled In Auto-Renew Program)

$104

Included*

Unlimited Classified Ads On The AMA Website

$40

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AMA Member-Only Website

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Your Cost

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$49

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$490.45

*must maintain valid credit card and email address on file for coverage to continue **average cost of $100/night stay – 2 nights ***average $750 per year expenses on gear/parts/accessories

THE ESSENTIALS AMA Roadside Assistance

The Best Deal In Towing Get peace of mind with AMA Roadside Assistance, which covers all your vehicles, as well as those of your family members living with you.

Best of all, you can get this coverage at no additional charge. For details, call (800) 262-5646.

Lodging

Save At Choice Hotels, Motel 6, Red Roof Inn At Choice hotels, save 15% off the best available rates at participating Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Rodeway Inn and Econo Lodge hotels. Use the Member Discount code #00947556.

Special discounts at Motel 6 are also available up to 10% off. Use the Member Discount code CP540176.

Plus, get a 20% discount off available rates at Red Roof Inn. For discounts, call (800) RED-ROOF and use the code VP+ 503343. You can also make reservations online at www.redroof. com. Just enter the code VP+ 503343 in the field labeled “VP+/ID#” when making reservations. The discount will be automatically applied.

EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals

Arrive And Ride EagleRider offers an AMA member discount of 10% discount on Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW and Polaris rentals and tours.

Call (888) 900-9901 or book at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com/ Membership/EagleRider.aspx, using discount code AMA015.

Motorcycle Shipping

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

Car Rentals

Save Money When You Drive Get up to 25% off prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency.

For Avis, enter discount code: D388100. For Budget, enter code: Z942000. AMA Members save up to 25% on year-round Hertz rentals with discount code CDP# 497193.

AMA Gear

Official Online Store for AMA Merchandise Find patches, pins, T-shirts, hats, coolers and much more at AMAgear.com.

Rider Accident Medical Plan All members of the AMA are eligible to purchase coverage.

Benefits are paid when a covered member is injured. See http:// www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ Membership/Members_Only/ DiscountCodes for details.

Insurance, Credit Card, Finance and Banking

The AMA has joined with Nationwide to bring members-only moneysaving offers on insurance, a cash-back AMA-themed credit card, finance and banking. For more details see, www.nationwide.com/ americanmotorcyclist.

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS ActionStation/Bohn Body Armor

Save 10% 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-armor-pants.com/ ama/.

ADVMoto

Adventure Motorcycle Magazine offers a 20% discount on all subscriptions through AdventureMotorcycle.com and 20% off ADVMoto branded items and back issues on ADVMotoShop.com. Enter discount code AMADV20 at checkout.

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame

Colorado Motorcycle Adventures

Colorado Motorcycle Adventures offers AMA Members 10% off all motorcycle rentals and tours! Mention your AMA Membership when reserving your rental or tour. A current AMA Membership card required to receive discount.

DEI is now offering AMA members a 10% discount. Simply enter the discount code AMA10DISCOUNT during checkout.

Dowco Powersports

AMA Members save 20% on Dowco products, an industry leading manufacturer of motorcycle covers and luggage. To take advantage of the discount, use code AMA20 at checkout.

AMA Supercross And AMA Arenacross Tickets

EVS Sports

Anthony’s Leatherworks

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

BikeBandit.com

Visit BikeBandit.com for a 10% discounts on motorcycle parts, gear and apparel. Enter your AMA number when checking out to receive your discount.

(Discount is not available on tires.)

Biker Rain Chaps

Save 25%. Visit www.bikerrainchaps. com/ama/ and use the code AMA-0116NEWYEAR at checkout to receive your discount.

Black Wolf Mototours

Black Wolf Mototours offers allinclusive dual sport adventure tours in the Northern Rockies. Current AMA members receive 10% off any guided tour. Visit the Members Only section of AmericanMotorcyclist.com for discount code.

Brooks Leather

AMA members receive a 10% discount off all jackets, chaps, vests, rain suits, race suits, and gloves. You can shop online at www.brooksleather.com or at any participating Brooks dealer.

Just present the code AMABRO when ordering.

Cardo Systems, Inc.

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

At Pagnol Moto we develop and design extremely high quality gear for riders by riders. Visit www.pagnol-moto.com and use the code 1AMAVIP at checkout to receive your AMA exclusive 10% discount.

Rider Magazine Design Engineering, Inc.

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

Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Supercrossonline.com and use password AMASX16. AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Arenacross.com and use password AMA5OFF. Certain restrictions apply, call (800) 262-5646 for details.

Pagnol Moto

AMA Members receive 10% off and free shipping on all orders. Simply use the code AMAEVS16 during checkout at www.EVS-Sports.com.

Gear Brake

GEARBRAKE detects when you decelerate, even in instances of downshifting and engine braking where the brake is not applied, and automatically lights your taillight with a flashing alert! AMA members receive a 15% discount at gearbrake.com with the promo code: AMASAFE.

Heat Demon

AMA members receive 10% off all products. Visit www.heatdemon.com/AMA and use the code AMAheat16 at checkout to receive your discount.

International Motorcycle Shows

AMA members save on advanced adult one-day general admission. The promo code is “AMA16” when you buy your tickets online from www. motorcycleshows.com.

MAD Maps

The best routes made easy. Save 20%.

Use promo code AMATHXU at www.

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Medjet

Learn More and Enroll – visit www.

MedjetAMA.com or call Medjet at 1.800.527.7478 and reference American Motorcyclist Association. Reduced annual Medjet membership rates for AMA members under age 75 start at $225 – a savings of 16%.

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

AmericanMotorcyclist.com for the discount link.

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine offers a 20% subscription discount to AMA members.

RoadRUNNER is the touring expert of North America, providing information on the best places to ride. AMA discount code is CRIAMA at www.roadrunner. travel/promo/ama.

Sena

The Global Leader in Bluetooth and ‘Audio Action Camera’ Innovation for Powersports, Motorsports and Outdoor Sports – is now offering AMA members an exclusive 15% discount on its product lineup. Log into the ‘Members Only’ section on the AMA website to get the code and #RideConnected.

Shark Kage

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

Shock Sox

Street ~ Dirt ~ Off-Road ~ SHOCK SOX, “The 10-Second Removable Fork Seal Protector.” Get 10% off your order by entering your AMA number during checkout at ShockSox.com. For colors, sizes and model-applications, visit www.

ShockSox.com

Spot LLC

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

TomTom

TomTom would like to offer you a 10% discount on any TomTom product (excluding accessories). Visit www. tomtom.com to place your order and enter AMA10_TT2016 at check out to receive your discount.

US Chrome

AMA Members save big at US Chrome!

We offer a $30.00 discount on cylinder plating and dealer pricing on Wiseco, Wossner, ProX and Vertex piston kits.

For more information visit the Members Area of the website.

MYLAPS

MYLAPS provides a 20% discount off MSRP or any current sales price on web-orders or orders coordinated by the AMA for all Motorized Products to AMA members. To receive the discount, enter code AMA-789HJK at checkout.

Warm & Safe

Heated clothing and controllers designed by bikers. To encourage others to join the AMA we offer members an 18% discount. Enter AMA at check out to receive your discount.

NAVIGATION

Jeff Guciardo

The AMA Championship Banquet honored the top competitors of the 2015 season during a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, Ohio.

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LETTERS VIEWPOINT RIGHTS HALL OF FAME EVENTS CALENDAR GUEST COLUMN

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 2016.

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

STREET COVER Are restrictive laws from other countries going to dictate U.S. riders’ rights?

DIRT/COMPETITION COVER AMA Hall of Famer Bill Werner offers tuning tips for competition.

PAGE 22. U.S. 14 end to end with Douglas Weir.

PAGE 22. Tuning for competition with two of racing’s best.

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March 2016 Volume 70, Number 3 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com

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

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

To switch the version you receive, call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services.

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

It’s the ride that matters.

When the sun meets the horizon and there’s nothing in front of you except the open road. That’s the only way to live.

Get GEICO Motorcycle insurance today.

Motorcycle geico.com | 1-800-442-9253 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. © 2016 GEICO

ENJOY THE

ADVENTURE COMMUNICATIONS

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

PLAN

FOR THE

RIDE AT MOTIONPRO.COM

MSRP: $49.99

*A portion of the proceeds for every pack sold is contributed to the KC66 foundation

KC66 TOOL PACK IN COLLABORATION WITH THE KC66 FOUNDATION • Official tool pack designed to meet the needs of the USA ISDE Team • External flap with quick access pouch features molded pull tab providing effortless grip with or without gloves • Motion Pro molded zipper pull tabs offer a sure grip when opening or closing compartments • Heavy duty adjustable web belt extends through the side pockets • Zippered inner map pocket • Non-Slip Textured backing with added foam back support pad • Zippered side pockets with accessory web belt loops • Durable 600D Ballistic Nylon construction Protecting and Supporting the Lives of Off-Road Riders.

Learn more about how to help by visiting: Kurtcaselli.com

James Holter, Vice President of Communications and Marketing Jim Witters, Managing Editor Heather Wilson, Associate Editor Mark Lapid, Creative Director Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer Halley Immelt, Graphic Designer Steve Gotoski, Advertising Director (Western States) (951) 566-5068, sgotoski@ama-cycle.org

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Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, Chair Schenectady, N.Y. Ted Cabral, Vice Chair, Penngrove, Calif.

Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla. Paul Puma, Executive Committee Member, Laguna Beach, Calif.

Jeff Skeen, Executive Committee Member, San Diego, Calif.

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

Jerry Abboud, Thornton, Colo.

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, 2015.

Russ Brenan, Irvine, Calif.

David Foley, Milwaukee, Wis. Tony Moseley, Fort Worth, Texas Roger Pattison, Taos Ski Valley, N.M. Robert Pearce, Murrieta, Calif.

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.

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

AMA STAFF EXECUTIVE

BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS

Rob Dingman, President/CEO Jeff Massey, Chief Operations Officer Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer Donna Perry, Executive Assistant to President/CEO Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs

Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations and Business Member Programs

ACCOUNTING/DATA ENTRY Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager Lori Cavucci, Data Entry Representative Deb D’Andrea, Data Entry Representative Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator Ed Madden, System Support Specialist Nicole Weppler, Member Fulfillment Specialist AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME Connie Fleming, Manager of Events and AMHF Operations Jordan Cavallaro, Museum Admissions and Collections Assistant Paula Schremser, Program Specialist Katy Wood, Collections Manager AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES

MOTION PRO, INC. I MOTIONPRO.COM I 650-594-9600

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

Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing Rob Baughman, Assistant Road Riding Manager Kip Bigelow, Motocross Manager Joe Bromley, Program Development Manager Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations Alex Hunter, Racing Projects Manager Michael Jolly, Off Road/Track Assistant Manager Beth Owen, Off-Road Coordinator Mike Pelletier, Assistant Motocross Manager Jessica Robinson, Track Racing Coordinator Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager Serena Van Dyke, Recreational Riding Coordinator Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES John Bricker, Mailroom Manager Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations Nick Haris, Western States Representative Rick Podliska, Deputy Director Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway Michael Sayre, Grassroots Coordinator Elizabeth Starek, Staff Assistant Casey Wright, Government Affairs Manager, On-Highway STATE CHAPTERS Marie Wuelleh, State Chapter Manager INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director Dave Coleman, Network Architect MARKETING Amanda Donchess, Membership Marketing Manager Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Manager Hannah Saunders, Marketing Coordinator MEMBER SERVICES Christina Dolin, Member Services Representative Tiffany Pound, Member Services Manager Cristy Wiles, Member Services Representative

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MEMBER LETTERS

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

Letter of the Month SOLID SERVICE I wanted to thank the AMA Roadside Assistance folks for the professional and prompt service that was provided to my wife on Jan. 22, 2016. She was driving home during the evening rush hour and her car became disabled. Being stranded on the interstate during rush-hour traffic is very scary and the service team did an excellent job securing her vehicle and rescuing her from a precarious situation.

As a side note, I’m a transportation engineer at the Ohio Depar Department of Transportation, and I can attest to the dangers of standing on the shoulder of a busy freeway. We routinely park our work vehicle on the shoulder when performing inspections of buried drainage infrastructure. Despite the bright flashing lights and the recent adoption of the “Move Over Ohio” law, many drivers do not move to an adjacent lane when feasible.

I encourage travelers to recognize, apply, and promote this simple act for disabled vehicles in addition to roadside workers, which was the intended group for the law.

Jeffrey E. Syar Columbus, Ohio ANOTHER TAKE ON ETHANOL I have been riding for over 50 years and have been an AMA member since 1981. I started riding my first motorcycle in 1965 on a Ducati 90 and thought I had the world by the tail. Over the years, my bride and I have had 13 bikes, including an infamous “Water Buffalo” and the latest, a CanAm Spyder. We’ve toured from Texas to British Columbia to Newfoundland to West Virginia for well over 200,000 miles with tremendous scenery and experiences.

I also currently own seven Massey Ferguson tractors, which I use on our wooded acreage in Wisconsin, most of which are over 50 years old. I currently also own seven chain saws. I have noticed a huge difference in gasoline over the years as the manufacturing process has changed. Years ago the color of gasoline looked like what you would see after a night of consuming large quantities of barley pops. Now gasoline looks just like water and has about the same volatility.

The common thread in these stories is that gasoline has changed dramatically over the years and now has a shelf life of about 30 days, after which it starts to deteriorate. Over the years I have had a lot of carburetor trouble in motorcycles, tractors and small engines. An old time mechanic said years ago to add 1 or 2 oz. of automatic transmission fluid when you fill the gas tank to clean the carburetor. ATF acts as a detergent in transmissions and will do likewise to clean carburetors.

Many times while fueling up at a gas station I will ask the attendant if the fuel has ethanol and the normal response is that they have no idea. In Wisconsin, they

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are getting better at labeling pumps, but sometimes even premium fuel contains ethanol.

Recently, due to concerns about using ethanol in ATVs, boat motors and recreational vehicles, more gas stations are carrying premium fuel with no ethanol.

Since I started using exclusively premium gasoline and ATF every time I fill a motorcycle, tractor or small engine, I have not had a carburetion problem.

So, in the great ethanol debate, maybe we should be lobbying Congress to go ahead and allow E15, but also encourage gas stations to provide some pumps with no ethanol, providing customer choice.

All gas stations may not be equipped to handle a separate tank just for ethanol-free fuel, but in every town there will probably be a least one, and motorcyclists will find it. I will gladly pay more for pure gasoline to avoid engine problems, especially at current fuel prices.

Ed Hass AMA Charter Life Member Ellsworth, Wis. Thanks, Ed, for your note. The problem with forcing more E15 into the marketplace is that distributors are virtually eliminating E0 availability. Per the Environmental Protection Agency’s November ruling, the amount of E0 nationally will go from 9.2 billion gallons in 2015 to just 130 million in 2016. We also advise against adding automatic transmission fluid to your fuel. Today’s fuels are formulated with detergents, while ATF was not designed for combustion and will significantly increase harmful exhaust emissions.

RIDING ALONE In your February issue, Scott Marek presents good reasons why riding solo is more doable these days (more dependable bikes and cell phones).

I have been riding solo since I first sat on a motorcycle. Four years ago, I was 64 years old. Since then I have upgraded from a 1200 Sportster to a Softtail Heritage. By now I count 75,000 miles under my belt. To enjoy solo rides, apart from technicalities, I think is in your personality.

I like to be alone in the seat and on the road. I like it for weeks! I like the unexpected and the newness every day. I like to adapt to weather, accommodations, irregularities and surprises. I like to feel capable and in balance, not only on the wheels, but inside me as well. I like the Zen of solo traveling.

I also like the family-like greetings from bikers everywhere on the road, the gas station, the cafes and the motels.

I want to send my gratitude to all of you who ride for the sake of riding. I really can’t see any other reason to do it.

Mette Helena Elfving Reno, Nev. AGAINST THE ODDS In 2003, when my son Braden (Brady) Lee Parker was 4 years old, he informed me that his dad, Robert Douglas (Doug) Parker, was our Walmart parking lot angel and that was the reason we always got such a great parking spot at Walmart. His dad was killed in a motorcycle accident a year prior to that.

At age 10, Brady asked me to buy him a dirtbike. My quick and immediate response was “No, absolutely not.” But after a year of him begging, I reluctantly gave in, only after he promised me that his dad and father in heaven would protect him.

We bought a used inexpensive Roketa bike and he began riding. Since then, it has been an amazing journey. That first bike led to a newer bike, and he then began racing.

I look back and laugh. When we hit the race track, it was a boy and his bike and his little brother, and a mom and her picnic basket. No tools, no spare tires, just a bike, a brother, and a basket.

His first full year racing in 2012 in the Missouri State Championship Series, he placed sixth overall in his 85cc Senior class. The bike that got him there was a 2004 KX85 we bought from Brad Hall of Chesterfield, Ill., and it was as sweet a bike as the guy we got it from.

In 2013, he won his first state championship in the Missouri State Motocross Championship Series on a 125cc Yamaha that his racing friend

Sound Off! Stephen Garner Jr. helped us find.

In 2014, sitting in first place, seventh race of the year, we woke up at our motel to find everything had been stolen overnight. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to finish the championship that year.

This past year, 2015, Brady took a sixth place trophy in the Missouri State series on a 125cc Honda.

His plans for 2016 are to take his 2004 YZ250 two-stroke and race with all he’s got, and beyond that he wants to be racing with the pros someday.

We just want to say thank you to the AMA and all the motocross people we have met along the way. You have made a difference for this single mom and her young motocross racing son’s life.

I also want to encourage those thinking about pursuing motocross, that if we can do it, anyone can! See you in the winner’s circle!

Sandi Bernard Fulton, Mo.

A roundup of recent comments on Facebook (www. facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist, www.facebook. com/amasupercrosschampionship). Instagram and Twitter (@AMA_Riding, @AMA_Racing).

In response to a motorcycle-themed book giveaway…

Robert Johnson: If you can’t be riding, nothing is better than researching and reading about them. Love to read about various brands’ histories.

In response to Ryan Sipes being named 2015 AMA Athlete of the Year in the national championship category… @Sweeneyphoto: Well deserved. Congrats @r_sipes On Branden Walther receiving the 2015 AMA Sportsman of the Year award… @Hazbeenz: Thanks @ama_racing for recognizing such quality individuals such as Branden and his family!

In response to the Ask the MSF feature from the February issue about whether road riders should be in neutral or first gear when stopped…

Pete Rainwater: I agree with this well-written and well-thought-out response. BTW, I am a former MSF instructor who has provided the same basic instruction to students.

Joe Racine: I almost always keep it in first.

Even if you position yourself an escape position, it will take valuable seconds to get the bike in gear and that may take too long. Inexperienced or experienced shouldn’t make a difference in this situation.

Nick Knudt: You can’t get the holeshot if you’re in neutral.

TRIM SAFETY

VIEWPOINT

REPRESENTING YOUR INTERESTS AMA Board Improves Procedures

Over the last several years, 1980s, he held a professional the AMA Board of Directors has AMA motocross license and made numerous improvements later worked as a technician on to the way it does business. professional motocross and road These improvements include the racing teams. More recently, in implementation of term limits, 2013, Ted was appointed to the improvements to board election California Off-Highway Motor procedures and a change in the Vehicle Recreation Commission make-up of the board to provide and currently serves as

By Rob Dingman more individual member seats chairman. He also is a member than business member seats. of the California State Parks The effect of those changes has been Transformation Advisory Committee. more apparent in the last couple of years One of the unforeseen byproducts as the first group of term-limited board of term limits is what to do if qualified members reaches the limits of their terms. candidates do not come forward to The most recent member to leave the contest a vacancy on the AMA Board. This board due to term limits is Northwest situation occurred in both the Southwest Region individual member representative and South Central regions in the previous Perry King. two election cycles. One of the seats was A well-known actor of stage, screen and filled by a special election that yielded only television for more than 40 years, Perry one candidate and the other was filled by is an avid motorcyclist and has served appointment by the board. the board tirelessly since 2008. He was In addition to Perry King, North Central originally appointed to fill a vacancy on region individual member Jim Viverito was the board and has been instrumental in also set to “term out” in February of this bringing about positive change within year. While there were two candidates who the AMA. In addition to his AMA Board came forward to run for the Northwest service, Perry has served with distinction board seat, there were no candidates from as emcee for the annual AMA Motorcycle the North Central region.

Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony since In its last two meetings, the AMA 2009 and has done so free of charge. We Board of Directors decided to address hope that Perry will be willing to continue this lack of interest and has amended in this role for years to come. the AMA Code of Regulations with The voting to replace Perry recently respect to term limits. The code concluded with the election of Ted previously allowed for individual Cabral, who will join the board at its directors to serve only two consecutive next scheduled meeting in April. Ted, a three-year terms. The new language 38-year member from Penngrove, Calif., allows a director who has already served began attending AMA-sanctioned flat two consecutive terms to run for a third track races with his father in the early term if approved by a two-thirds majority 1970s. He was the general manager of vote of the entire board.

Cycle West Honda/Suzuki in Petaluma, Under the provisions of the new Calif., for more than 20 years. In the regulation, Jim sought and received the

Perry King

AMA Board’s approval to run for a third term. The board has authorized a special election for the North Central region’s individual member director position.

Candidates interested in running for the board seat should contact the AMA at elections@ama-cycle.org or (614) 856-1900 to request an application.

Applications will be accepted through March 31.

Additionally, the AMA Board has abolished the requirement that a candidate for the board obtain the signatures of at least 50 current AMA members from the candidate’s region. The board felt that the signature requirement was a barrier to those otherwise interested in running for office and that the current candidate evaluation process conducted by the board’s Nominating Committee negated the need for the signature process.

The ability for a candidate to overcome not being selected by the Nominating Committee to run for the board, however, remains intact. Candidates for the board not selected by the Nominating Committee may still be placed on the ballot if they obtain at least 250 signatures of current AMA members.

There is no compensation for serving on the AMA Board of Directors, but it can certainly be very rewarding if you are willing to dedicate your time to the organization and our mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. Yes, at times it can also be a thankless task, but a strong AMA Board made up of representatives of the membership is essential for good governance.

Rob Dingman is AMA president and CEO.

Ted Cabral

Jim Viverito

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MOTORCYCLISTS GET TWO BUDGET WINS

OHIO CITY RESTRICTS OHV RIDING

Congress Extends Breaks For Tracks, Electric Motorcycles

Macedonia Riders Avoid Ban

“This provision benefits track owners, race promoters, workers and the communities that are home to motorsports facilities.

The shorter time frame for recovering their investment serves as incentive for track owners to move forward with expansion plans and upgrades.”

— Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations

Zero Motorcycles

In its $1.8 trillion federal spending bill approved Dec. 18, Congress included two provisions likely to benefit motorcyclists during the coming year.

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 – PATH Act – extends a tax break for motorsport entertainment complexes that allows owners to depreciate the cost of renovations or construction over seven years instead of the 39 years for most other owners of nonresidential property.

The extension applies to construction or renovations that are placed in service during 2015 and 2016.

“This provision benefits track owners, race promoters, workers and the communities that are home to motorsports facilities,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “The shorter time frame for recovering their investment serves as incentive for track owners to move forward with expansion plans and upgrades.”

Also included in the PATH Act is an extension through 2016 of the federal tax credit for buying an electric motorcycle.

The credit is 10 percent of the purchase price to a maximum of $2,500. However, the new law excludes three-wheeled electric motorcycles from the tax credit.

President Obama signed the bill Dec. 18.

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The Macedonia, Ohio, City Council passed an ordinance in October restricting off-highwayvehicle use on private property within the city limits. But riders say the law is a compromise that prevented much more stringent restrictions from being enacted.

AMA member and Macedonia resident Mike Hawkins was one of the OHV riders who met with city officials after introduction of an ordinance so restrictive that some residents thought OHV use would be illegal in the city. City officials say the new law will not prevent people from using their OHVs, but it will prevent abuse.

The original proposal called for a 500-foot setback from nearby homes and a 250-foot setback from homes on the same property. Riders would have been required to stay at least 100 feet away from sidewalks and streets. And no riding would have been permitted on lots of less than an acre.

Hawkins says he owns four acres, but probably would not have been able to ride on his property under the proposed regulations.

Under the adopted ordinance, riders can come within 10 feet of sidewalks, streets and property lines. Vehicles can be ridden for two hours a day between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. or dusk, whichever is earlier.

The city also requires landowners to buy a $5 permit for using their land to ride on. If riders violate the city’s rules, the permit can be revoked for a year. Reinstatement carries an additional $25 fee. The penalty for not buying a permit is $10. Violations of the ordinance also can be cited as misdemeanors.

The ordinance also outlaws the use of competition vehicles and allows only “unaltered stock mufflers.”

“We tried to come up with a solution that would still let parents teach their kids to ride in their backyard, but, at the same time, have some respect for their neighbors,” Hawkins says.

NATURE CONSERVANCY BUYS WASHINGTON LAND

NOHVCC ‘GREAT TRAILS’ GUIDE RELEASED Provides Resource For The OHV Industry

“Great Trails: Providing Quality OHV Trails and Experiences,” a 350-page book for trail managers, has been released by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council.

The AMA is one of 11 organizations that funded the project.

Written by U.S. Forest Service veteran Dick Dufourd, the guide includes information about the design, planning, construction, maintenance and management of OHV trail systems that are sustainable and fun to ride.

The initial printing of 200 copies was a limited edition that included the NOHVCC 25th Anniversary logo on the cover. The next printing will be available for about $30, to cover the cost of production.

More information is available at www. greatohvtrails.com.

Group Pledges To Maintain Existing Uses

The Nature Conservancy announced its plan for 48,000 acres it bought in Kittitas County, Wash., (approximately 100 miles southeast of Seattle) and assured recreational access will be permitted that is “consistent with historic, legal use.”

All of the land, known as the Central Cascade Forest, will be open to nonmotorized uses, such as hunting and bird-watching. But there are 29.5 miles of single-track motorcycle trails on the land, as well.

The Nature Conservancy property is interspersed with U.S. Forest Service lands, so those using the trails are likely to pass through the Nature Conservancy holdings without noticing.

However, under the land’s previous owners – Plum Creek Timber – unapproved ATV riding occurred, according to a report in the Yakima Herald.

ATVs will not be allowed on The Nature Conservancy lands.

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HOUSE HOLDS HEARING ON OHV BILLS Measures Affect Numerous California Riding Areas

The U.S. House Serpentine Area of Critical Subcommittee on Federal Environmental Concern was Lands conducted a hearing opened to some motorized in December on the Clear traffic on a very limited basis.

Creek National Recreation H.R. 3668 would designate Area and Conservation 965,000 acres of the Act (H.R. 1838) and the Mojave Trails area in the California Minerals, OffMojave Desert as a special Road Recreation, and management area that would U.S. Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.)

Conservation Act (H.R. be closed to renewable energy 3668), both of which are of development. The bill also great significance to off-road would designate 1,200 miles enthusiasts from California of roads and trails for OHV use and nearby states. and include a “no net loss” H.R. 1838, sponsored provision for trails and roads to

by U.S. Rep. Sam Farr prevent closures.

(D-Calif.), would allow offThe bill also would road vehicles to return to designate six National OffU.S. Rep. Paul Cook the 75,000-acre Clear Creek Highway Vehicle Recreation (R-Calif.)

Management Area southeast Areas at Spangler Hills, El of Hollister, Calif., and Mirage, Stoddard Valley, Rasor, establish the 21,000-acre Dumont Dunes and Johnson Joaquin Rocks Wilderness Valley. El Mirage, Spangler area, a compromise Hills and Johnson Valley would proposal that has bipartisan be expanded. support among California’s H.R. 3668 also would congressional delegation. transfer 4,600 acres to the city Clear Creek, which offers of Apple Valley for creation of about 240 miles of trails, an OHV park. The bill would U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was closed to motorized prohibit the president from vehicles by the U.S. Bureau designating any national monuments on land that is part of an of Land Management in 2008 after OHV area or special management area. the U.S. Environmental Protection H.R. 3668, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Agency raised concerns about naturally Paul Cook (R-Calif.), is similar to the occurring asbestos. Asbestos is a California Desert Conservation and known carcinogen. The EPA claims that Recreation Act (S.B. 434) sponsored by the dust kicked up by dirt bikes and allU.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). terrain vehicles presents a health hazard Feinstein has been battling for riders and others. unsuccessfully since 2009 to get But studies by the International Congress to pass her bill, and in late Environmental Research Foundation 2015 asked President Obama to found that the lifetime risk from sidestep Congress and designate the asbestos for those riding at Clear Creek Mojave Trails National Monument, the five days a year was about the same as Sand to Snow National Monument for someone who smokes less than one and the Castle Mountains National cigarette a day for that same year.

Monument through the American Under the Resource Management Antiquities Act of 1906.

Plan adopted by the BLM in 2014, the

Up to motorcyclists everywhere for being better auto drivers.

A report from the British insurance company Equity Red Star finds that motorcyclists are 23 percent less likely, on average, to make a claim on their car policy, indicating that riders are safer than other drivers behind the wheel of a car. Even after adjusting the figures to account for differences in the age of car drivers and motorcyclists, the company still reports riders are 21 percent better behind the wheel. The insurer examined 200 million policies between 2007 and 2012. ERS is a Lloyd’s underwriting business that has been a motor insurer for more than 60 years.

Down to Reddit founder and CEO Steve Huffman for being a lessthan-attentive motorcyclist. Huffman was asked in the November issue of Atlantic Monthly magazine whether he owns an Apple Watch. His response: “No, but I have a Pebble Time and love it. I can finally read texts while driving my motorcycle.”

Down to the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area visitors who are destroying the “pumpkins” at the Pumpkin Patch site.

The pumpkins are “globular sandstone concretions” resulting from wind and water erosion over perhaps millions of years. The destructive visitors are depriving others of the enjoyment of this unique feature.

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations, with Amy Showalter of The Showalter Group Inc.

COLORADO COUNTY HALTS TRACK PLANS

Six-month Moratorium, Restrictions In Place

AMA WINS NATIONAL AWARD Showalter Group Recognizes Grassroots Innovation

The AMA won first place in the 2015 Showalter Political Involvement Program Innovation Award competition, announced Dec. 11 in Naples, Fla., at the annual Innovate to Motivate conference. Winning organizations must demonstrate innovative programs and results from their innovations.

During 2015, the AMA revamped its advocacy outreach to strengthen its position as the voice of the motorcycle community before national, state and local legislatures.

That effort included the creation of a fully integrated advocacy resource center that serves as an information storehouse for all issues related to motorcycling and government.

“At the core is the belief that AMA

members and motorcycling advocates should be informed of the processes of government relations,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “The changes affected real-world outcomes, such as preventing unfair dirt-bike bans in select counties.”

The Showalter Innovation Award recognizes innovations and results in the grassroots and political action committee profession. Among the past winners are companies like Pfizer, International Paper, Southwest Airlines, Kraft Foods, and New York Life. Past nonprofit winners include The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Citizens for a Sound Economy and the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network.

Officials in Douglas County, Colo., placed a six-month moratorium on the construction of motorsports facilities on residential properties of less than 4.5 acres and enacted temporary restrictions on existing tracks in rural residential and agricultural areas.

The restrictions include: • A maximum of two vehicles on a track at one time • Tracks must be situated on a 1-acre area at least 100 feet from all property lines • Riding is limited to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Dennis Larratt, an AMA member and co-founder of the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition, says the regulations are “arbitrary and rigid,” but believes some compromises can be achieved.

County officials say they want to strike a balance between residents who use their land for recreation and others who come to rural areas for solitude.

MINNESOTA COUNTY EYES OHV PARK 272-Acre Site Considered Near River

The Renville County, Minn., Board of Commissioners heard a consultant’s recommendation to proceed with an environmental assessment and storm

water mitigation plan for an off-highwayvehicle park on 272 acres near the Minnesota River.

The consultant, I+S Group, worked with Great Outdoors Consultants of Fort Collins, Colo., and the National Off-Highway Vehicle

Conservation Council on the report.

The cost of acquiring the property and developing OHV trails is estimated at $1.3 million.

Residents near the proposed park have told county officials that sound, dust and other issues cannot be mitigated, and they want the county to stop spending money on the project.

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ALABAMA Buck’s Pocket State Park received a $526,996 grant through the federal Recreational Trails Program for 15 to 25 miles of off-highway-vehicle trails along a section of Sand Mountain in Jackson, DeKalb and Marshall counties. The grant is part of $1.6 million the state awarded for 15 trails projects. The remainder of the grant from the Federal Highway Administration will go to the state’s parks, public trust lands and city parks.

CONNECTICUT The cost of a basic rider course through the Connecticut Rider Education Program run by the state Department of Transportation is increasing from $200 to $220 in 2016.

The intermediate rider course rose to $130 from $115, and the experienced rider course is now $100, up from $85. The cost of the sidecar, trike, three-wheeled course increased to $220 from $200. State law requires prospective riders to pass a training course conducted by CONREP or a private school to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s licenses.

MISSOURI A bill filed by state Rep. Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark) would make the failure to wear a motorcycle helmet a secondary offense. Under current law, motorcyclists may be stopped by a law enforcement officer for failing to wear a helmet while riding. If Miller’s bill is enacted, a helmet citation could be issued only if the motorcyclist is pulled over for another violation first.

MONTANA The BlueRibbon Coalition and other advocacy groups are suing the U.S. Forest Service over a plan that bars motorized access to some areas of the Kootenai National Forest.

The plan designates 115,000 acres as recommended Wilderness and eliminates mechanized and motorized

recreational uses. The lawsuit claims the Forest Service failed to follow federal guidelines for recommended Wilderness areas and failed to provide adequate opportunity for public comment.

PENNSYLVANIA S.B. 1058, introduced by 14 senators, would prohibit law enforcement agencies from engaging in motorcyclist profiling, would require training of officers concerning conduct that constitutes profiling and would provide that a victim of profiling could bring a private lawsuit against any police officer or police department that engages in motorcyclist profiling. In the action, the victim may be awarded injunctive relief, actual damages, punitive damages and reasonable attorney fees and costs.

WEST VIRGINIA H.B. 2150, sponsored by 11 delegates, would make it illegal for anyone to modify a motorcycle exhaust system in a way that makes it louder than 95 decibels as measured under SAE Standard J1169. At the same time, H.B. 2251, introduced by Delegate Ralph M. Rodighiero (D-Logan) includes loud exhaust notes, engine revving and vehicle stereo systems in its prohibitions on disturbing the peace.

WISCONSIN Two bills that would create a state off-road motorcycle program are under consideration by the state Assembly.

A.B. 470, sponsored by state Rep. Jeffrey Mursau (R-Crivitz) and S.B. 395, introduced by state Sen. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon), would create the Off-Highway Motorcycle Council to make recommendations to the state Department of Natural Resources on matters related to trails, routes and other OHM issues. The motorcycle program would be operated in a manner similar to the state’s ATV program.

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Co-emcee Greg White (right) with AMA Track Racing Organizer of the Year Matt Stewart from USA Supermoto.

Organizer Awards

AMA RECOGNIZES RACERS, ORGANIZERS AT 2015 AMA CHAMPIONSHIP BANQUET Champions Converge For Annual Celebration

The AMA honored the country’s top motorcycle and ATV racers and organizers during the AMA Championship Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, Ohio. The association presented champions with their 2015 AMA National No. 1 plates and announced the 2015 AMA Athletes of the Year.

Speaking to all attendees at the banquet, AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman congratulated and thanked them for their contributions to the sport of motorcycling.

“Your participation in AMA-sanctioned racing strengthens the association, empowers the motorcycling community and furthers our common interests,” Dingman said. “It makes it harder for those who want to end recreational riding and racing to threaten our lifestyle, and it ensures that next year, and for many years to come, we can continue to honor you and future champions in the manner that we will here tonight.”

The AMA Championship Banquet, emceed by motorsports media personalities Laurette Nicoll and Greg White, recognized racers who finished first, second and third in AMA national championship competition.

The AMA’s highest competitive honors, the AMA Athlete of the Year Awards, recognize riders from each of the two categories of national championship competition—

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AMA National Championship Series and AMA Grand Championships—as well as a rider from ATV competition. Also honored were the AMA Female, Vet/Senior and Youth Racers of the Year.

AMA racing staff nominate riders for these awards, and AMA members vote for the winners.

The AMA also announced the 2015 AMA Sportsman of the Year at the banquet. The AMA Sportsman of the Year Award honors an individual in the AMA racing community who exemplifies the spirit of fair competition and sportsmanship.

Husqvarna rider Ryan Sipes, who in 2015 became the first American rider to claim top individual honors in the International Six Days Enduro, was named the 2015 AMA Athlete of the Year from among racers who compete in AMA National Championship Series.

“It has been a whirlwind since it happened,” Sipes said after accepting the award. “Winning the ISDE has definitely been the coolest thing I’ve ever done—the only championship I’ve won. So what’s next? Obviously, I want to go back to Six Days and win again. I want the team to win.”

AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country ATV XC1 Champion and GNCC overall ATV champion Walker Fowler, from Rogers, Ohio, was the AMA ATV Athlete of the Year.

“I just want to thank the AMA for the nomination and all the AMA members for voting for me,” said

Ryan Sipes

In addition to individual racers, the AMA also recognizes outstanding event organizers and supporters at the annual banquet.

Other award winners included: Motocross Organizer of the Year Freestone MX Off-Road Organizer of the Year Rhode Island Trials Club Track Racing Organizer of the Year USA Pro Supermoto ATV Organizer of the Year Racer Productions (Grand National Cross Country Series) Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (Ride for Kids) Recreational Off-Road Organizer of the Year District 37 Dual Sport Club of the Year Enduro Riders Association AMA Media Award Thunder Roads Ohio

C O O L

the Case for

Co-emcee Laurette Nicoll interviews AMA ATV Athlete of the Year Walker Fowler.

AMA Sportsman of the Year Branden Walther.

Fowler, who races for the Am Pro Yamaha team. “This is a heck of an honor. All these riders here this evening have some exceptional talent to be recognized here tonight. This caps off a great year for us.”

The AMA Sportsman of the Year Award was presented to Branden Walther.

Walther was a competitor in the Mini Senior 1 and Mini Senior 2 classes at the 2015 AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. Following a crash on the start of a moto, Walther stopped to help a downed rider rather than immediately resume his own race.

Yamaha rider and 2015 AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner Benny Bloss was named the 2015 AMA Athlete of the Year from AMA Grand Championship competition by virtue of his performance at the 2015 Rocky Mountain ATV/ MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship.

KTM rider and 2015 GNCC WXC champion Kacy Martinez won the AMA Female Racer of the Year Award.

The 85cc (9-11) and 85cc (9-11) Limited champion at the Rocky Mountain ATV/ MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, Jett Reynolds, was announced as the 2015 AMA Youth Racer of the Year.

The 45-plus A champion from the 2015 Kenda AMA National Enduro Championship Series Matt Stavish was the AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year.

Sponsors and supporters of the 2015 AMA Championship Banquet included Nationwide Insurance, DRR USA, KTM North America, SENA, Motion Pro, EVS, SPOT LLC, Matrix, and Shoei Helmets.

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Ohio Motorized Trails Association’s Bill Kaeppner On Activism Effectiveness

By Jim Witters For the Ohio Motorized Trails Association, grassroots activism “is all there is,” says longtime club president and AMA Life Member Bill Kaeppner.

“Activism is every on-road and off-road rider writing one letter a year to their representative,” he says. “Activism is at least one call a year.”

In Ohio, the off-road community has become somewhat disjointed, with many riders content to “belong” to online forums, Kaeppner says.

“OHV riders talking to each other as a virtual club is not activism,” he explains.

Kaeppner says the state’s OHV activity doesn’t measure up to competing interests, such as the Ohio Horseman’s Council.

“The OHC has more trails in Ohio than all the surrounding states combined,” he says. “They pay no fees to ride Ohio public property. They have an associate member club in every county in Ohio.

OHC members write letters to their representatives.”

So, the OMTA is making a concerted effort to recruit OHV riders to local clubs and to encourage the clubs across the state to band together with OMTA to exert stronger political leverage when issues arise on the local or state level.

Kaeppner offers the following insights into how OMTA is going about it.

your box. What works with one legislator may have no effect on another.

AM: What issue has OMTA had the most success with?

BK: We have had many successes over the years. One of the first was Matt Mesarchik joining OMTA to follow legislation. OMTA stopped legislation that would have made it mandatory to have a driver’s license to operate an off-road motorcycle or ATV. That would have effectively raised the minimum age to engage in motorized recreation to 16.

We removed the minimum age for a rider with a parent or guardian.

OMTA stopped regulations to allow “confiscation” for first-time trespass.

We were instrumental in legislation to remove liability from land owners who allow motorized recreation for free or for a fee, including 4x4s.

We were instrumental in adding motorized recreation to a bill to remove liability for contractors designing and installing public and private recreation.

With our [legislative] champions, we established a meaningful state recreational vehicle [SRV] fund and citizen board. We are actively working with Ohio Department of Natural Resources officials on a daily basis. We were able to stop what we considered dubious uses of SRV money.

We worked with the Toledo Trail Riders to gain added trail. We are working with the Perry Trail Riders to preserve the allpurpose-vehicle area in the Perry State Forest.

We also have a guide for landowners.

We have stopped a number of draconian township regulations.

We have the tools and resources, from education to litigation, for clubs in Ohio.

We are currently working to legislate a better SRV board.

Why is it important to join a club?

Being a club member has many benefits. The first is the camaraderie of folks with like passions—friendships that last a lifetime. I still ride with people I met over 45 years ago at a club meeting. Clubs let you know you are not alone.

Clubs also multiply the members’ impact. If the club donates to charity, it elevates everyone.

Every club will end up with a natural leader. When that person contacts others “in the club’s name,” they carry more weight. When they contact their individual representatives, they gain weight by being in a club.

Having a network of clubs makes getting the word out more efficient.

What political tactic is most effective for OMTA? BK: All these steps are important: Establishing ongoing working relationships with your representatives; having member club leaders call on and establish their own bridges; finding out which legislators have common interests; finding out who is willing to be your champion.

You need to have more than one tool in AM:

20

Bill Kaeppner AmericanMotorcyclist.com

AM: BK:

AM: Do clubs benefit from banding together?

BK: The simple answer is “Yes!” Clubs joining together create political capital— and that is capital they can use across the board to gain access and stop one-sided local regulations. Partnering with your state organization for regional expos invigorates clubs and may increase membership. OMTA has two Ohio expos in the works now.

AM: What advice would you offer those who want to become more involved?

BK: First, whether you are doing it as an individual or part of a group, register to vote.

Second, open your mouth! Really. A member with a printer and six stamps can contact all their elected officials from county to nation. If your sport is really important to you, it is not that tough to do.

Just write one letter identifying yourself, your recreation and saying you are interested.

Third, join a face-to-face club. If you are reading this, you are already an AMA member. Get your friends to join if they are not. Join your state organization. If you have an extra $20, join other [motorized] organizations. It does help.

You can be a superstar with one hour a week average, no matter your party affiliation.

Join your local party and run for a local precinct office. It’s free, and it gives you clout when you call your elected officials.

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TUNING TO THE LIMIT

Top Mechanics Push Race Bike Performance

By Heather Wilson

Without a reliable bike that will get a racer to the finish line, raw talent and wellhoned skill can easily go to waste.

Mechanics such as Antti Kallonen and tuners such as Bill Werner walk us through the things they have to analyze, test and improve to get the most out of the bikes they build for their racers. Kallonen also discusses how off-road racing teams have evolved over time.

Building a Cross-Country Racer Antti Kallonen is the Factory FMF/KTM Team Manager, but he got his start in the United States as KTM factory racer Juha Salminen’s mechanic in 2005.

Kallonen says that for, Grand National Cross Country competition, Salminen chose a two-stroke, which was a popular choice back then. Salminen also liked to keep the same settings for every race because he didn’t want to be distracted by wanting to try a new setup mid-season.

“We mainly focused on chassis and handling, and to keep the bike from fishtailing,” Kallonen says. “We tuned the engine a little bit, but nothing major.”

Kallonen says getting the broadest usable power range out of the two-strokes was essential. Measuring powervalve springs and swapping them out when they became fatigued ensured that the bike had the right power delivery. The jetting was another major aspect he worked

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

on, changing it based on altitude and temperature. Chassis maintenance also was important.

“With two-strokes, there’s much more vibration,” Kallonen says. “So we made sure springs and stuff like that were changed every race. Many times those springs can get tired and you don’t really notice it and the power can go down.”

Factory Off-Road Racers Off-road models weren’t always as wellequipped for the terrain as they are now. “[The year] 2005 is when the U.S. saw a big market for a cross-country specific model,” Kallonen says. “Juha’s first year was based on a 250SX model, so I changed it over to an 18-inch rear wheel and started to build it more off-road capable. That’s when KTM was working hard to build a cross-country model line.”

Kallonen says feedback from Salminen, other team riders and consumers, was the foundation for KTM’s successful XC line of factory-built off-road race models.

Another shift also happened during the mid-2000s. Before then, KTM sponsored riders, but the rider hired a mechanic and worked out of a garage. When Kallonen started managing the KTM team in 2006, he brought with him the practice from Europe to have everyone in house, both mechanics and riders.

Kallonen says the transition to factory-

hired mechanics and the expansion of in-house race team operations, allowed riders to focus more intensely on racing.

“It’s a huge part of a rider’s success,” Kallonen says. “Obviously, the rider is the main component, but success depends on everything that goes behind it. The unsung heroes of mechanics and staff that get the riders to the races [also play a key role]. We have a staff of 15 to 20 guys working on our success, but at a race you may only see one or two guys. We have personnel to do suspension, engines, chassis and more. There’s a person specialized for each category.”

Dirt Track Magic The Harley-Davidson XR750 debuted in 1972. The bike was born after the AMA did away with its 500cc overhead valve vs 750cc side-valve engine rule for Grand National Championship competition.

In 1974, Harley-Davidson hired racer Gary Scott and assigned AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bill Werner as Scott’s traveling mechanic. Over the years, Werner tuned not only for Scott, but also for Jay Springsteen and Scott Parker, all of whom would become AMA Grand National Champions and Hall of Famers.

Harley outsourced its race team and Parker hired Werner independently in 1985. In 1987, Harley brought the race teams back under the operation of the company. Werner continued to work for Parker, but he was employed by HarleyDavidson Motor Co. Werner’s reputation as one of history’s preeminent dirt-track tuners is well-

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earned. He shared with us his involvement in revolutionizing the XR750.

Race-Winning Engine Werner says that in dirt track, getting the power just right may be more critical than in any other discipline. If the power comes on too quickly, traction is sacrificed. If the power builds too slowly, the rider will not be able to accelerate with the rest of the pack.

Werner says the “shape” of the power is important and because each dirt track has its own unique size, corners and available traction, different power delivery is needed for each track. When you consider the big difference a small change in tuning can make, it’s clear how dirt track becomes a continuous thinking game.

“You have to balance peak power with the range of power,” he says. “The shape of the tracks also requires different gear ratios and power characteristics.”

Werner says the XR750 engine evolved from the 1950s, and items such as the crankcase and how the cams were installed made it revolutionary at the time.

Speaking to Werner, it’s clear that every part of the engine plays a role in the performance equation. For example, he was part of a team that tested the initial configuration that didn’t have an oil sump.

He was heavily involved with designing a “mini-sump” that cured the oil-delivery problems of the older design. Werner says the original crankcases were cast very close to the flywheels, so there was little room for oil accumulation before the oil was pumped out. The mini-sump

in the bottom of the crankcase and then be withdrawn by a separate tube rather than having the flywheels help blow it out of the crankcase.

Another significant design shift came much later. The original equipment cylinder heads on the XR750 were round port designs. In the 1980s, Kenny Augustine helped transition from round ports to oval ports. Werner helped implement that in the XR750.

Of course, Werner says that more traditional performance modifications are important to get the most out of an XR750 engine. He also changed cams, cam timing and cylinder heads to create the power he wanted.

He also developed a new ignition system using a Motoplat ignition.

“We were having ignition failures, so I developed a drive system using a twin Motoplat ignition,” he says. “I made them dual-port, so it went from a two-sparkplug engine to a four-spark-plug engine.”

Werner says that with so many variables at play, data accumulation and research are vital to decisions.

“There’s nothing like data to make your choices better,” he says.

Because a lot of the XR750 development was done during the time that Werner was working for Parker, not the factory directly, Warner says he chose to keep some of the specifications to himself, even after Harley brought the race team back.

“Your goal is to serve the guy whose bike you are working on,” Werner says. “I’m not smarter than the next guy.

I’m maybe just a little bit more focused and driven than some people. It’s just a process of learning by mistakes.”

3/3/15 1:45 PM 1/18/16 10:41 AM

Zayat To Team Hammer

The 2015 AMA Road Racing Horizon Award Winner Xavier Zayat has signed a two-year contract with Team Hammer to contest MotoAmerica, the AMA/FIM North America Championship.

In 2016, Zayat will compete in the Superstock 600 class aboard an M4 SportbikeTrackGear.com Suzuki GSX-R600.

Zayat, 17, is one of the fastestrising stars on the American racing scene. The New Windsor, N.Y., resident demonstrated that his 2015 AMA Horizon Award was no fluke with an impressive conclusion to his championship-winning 2015 American Sportbike Racing Association season.

“This is a big opportunity for me,” Zayat says. “It’ll be my first year in professional racing, and I can’t think of a better way to do it than with such a decorated team.”

The 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Series will kick off April 15-17 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga. Brian J. Nelson

Jim Prichsing

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SPECIAL BOARD ELECTION PLANNED AMA Board Updates Term Limits

At its October 2015 meeting, the AMA Board of Directors modified board term limit rules and made it easier for members to apply to run for a seat on the board.

Individual member representatives now may run for a third consecutive term if approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the board. Also, potential candidates no longer have to submit 50 signatures of current AMA members from their region with their candidate application.

In addition, it was decided that a special election will be held for the individual member representative from the North Central Region.

Buy the App Stay connected to the most thrilling indoor motorsport on Earth.

Search in iTunes or on Google Play for “AMA Pro SX” or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com for details.

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AMA Board Member Jim Viverito’s final term on the board expired in February 2016, but no qualified candidates applied to run for his seat in the regularly scheduled election.

Viverito was approved by the board to run for a third term under the new rules and will serve at least until the election.

Candidates must meet requirements in the AMA Code of Regulations.

Members interested in running for the open seat can request an application at elections@ama-cycle.org or by calling (614) 856-1900. The deadline for candidate applications is March 31.

AMA STAFF CHANGES Government Relations, Marketing Get New Hires

Members who are politically active in their communities will have a new AMA staffer to call on for support. Michael Sayre has joined the AMA government relations office in Washington, D.C., as grassroots coordinator.

Sayre comes to the AMA from the University of Michigan, where he was program assistant for the Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research Summer Program in Quantitative Methods.

Sayre has been riding motorcycles for six years and has been an AMA member for four. His current bike is a 2012 Yamaha FZ8.

“As grassroots coordinator, I hope to empower AMA members to defend the right to ride,” Sayre says. “In particular, I hope to join the fight against E-15 fuels, as well as support lane splitting proposals at the state level.”

Communications And Marketing Hannah Saunders is the new AMA marketing coordinator. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications.

Saunders previously interned with the Ohio offices of the American Red Cross, Fairfield Medical Center and the Office of Energy and Environment at Ohio State.

As a child, she spent most weekends at motocross and AMA Supercross events, watching family members race.

“My younger brother, uncle and cousins all race, so it is a family sport that is close to my heart,” she says.

“I am excited to work with AMA and learn more about the motorcycling community.”

In addition, James Holter was promoted to vice president of communications and marketing. He is responsible for the communications, marketing, sales and creative departments.

Previously, Holter was AMA director of communications and managing editor of American Motorcyclist. Holter joined the AMA staff in 2005. He is a 19year member of the AMA. Jim Witters replaces Holter as the managing editor for American Motorcyclist. Witters joined the AMA staff in January 2014 as the government affairs editor. He has been an AMA member for eight years and is a lifelong motorcyclist.

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2000 YZ250

Jeff Emig’s Last Winning Bike Varner to build the engines. The design worked, and Emig was able to dominate both nights of competition.

Essentially competing as a privateer that year, Emig’s 1999 U.S. Open of Supercross win was not only a classic example of an under-funded rider beating the world’s best factory teams, it was also Emig’s final win as a professional racer.

The U.S. Open triumph capped a successful AMA Motocross and Supercross career for Emig.

In all, Emig won four AMA national championships, an FIM World Supercross title and was a six-time member of the U.S. Motocross des Nations team.

Photos Rainer Zeihm

The track for the 1999 U.S. Open of Supercross had two defining qualities: a brutal whoop section and an extremely short start. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Emig and his team focused on setting up Emig’s 2000 Yamaha YZ250 so it could attack those obstacles with perfection.

Enzo Racing worked on the chassis and suspension setup for the event, held in Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena, and Emig was able to dial in the bike with just a few compression and rebound adjustments the night of the race.

For the power, Emig’s team, Strategic 3 Motosports, enlisted FMF Racing and Terry

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During his 11-year professional career, Emig earned 37 AMA national wins. When he retired, he was fourth on the all-time AMA 250 National Motocross wins list, sixth on the all-time AMA 125 motocross list and tied for seventh on the combined AMA Motocross/Supercross wins list. He also was the 1997 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year.

Following the 1999 win, Emig was poised to make a return to pro competition, but practice injuries slowed his comeback and he decided to retire. He

continued to be active as a team owner and later became an ambassador for motocross by making appearances at amateur racing events across the country. Today, he’s a well-known commentator on AMA Supercross broadcasts.

Emig’s YZ250 is on loan from Yamaha Motor Corp. USA. To see it and many other motorcycles that helped shape the history of motorcycling in America, visit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio.

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.

March 2016

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AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Famer

DAVID BAILEY: 1990s MOTOCROSS ICON David Bailey was a leading AMA Motocross and Supercross racer in the 1980s. He won the AMA 250cc National Motocross Championship and AMA Supercross Championship in 1983 and went on to win the AMA 500cc National Motocross Championship in 1984 and 1986.

Bailey tallied 30 AMA national race victories during his eight-year professional career, which was cut short in his prime after a practice crash left him paralyzed just before the start of the 1987 season. After his injury, Bailey reemerged in the early 1990s as an expert motocross television commentator.

Bailey was born on Dec. 31, 1961, in San Diego. When he was 10, he started traveling the country with his stepfather, Gary Bailey, a motocross star of the 1960s who ran a traveling racing school. David started racing mini-bikes about that time.

At first, David Bailey’s results were not noteworthy, but eventually his practice paid off. By the time he was in his late

teens, he started winning on the amateur level.

Bailey turned pro in 1979, riding Bultacos. His best finish in his rookie season was a 14th overall in the 250cc outdoor national at Mount Morris, Pennsylvania.

In 1980, Bailey became one of the first Team Green Kawasaki support riders. His results improved rapidly. He cracked the top 10 at a couple 250 nationals and one Supercross.

After finishing seventh in the final standings of the AMA 250 Motocross Championship in 1981, Bailey earned a factory ride with Honda for the 1982 season and began to turn in some consistently strong performances. He earned five podium finishes in the 250 outdoor series and one in Supercross.

The 1983 season was a turning point for Bailey. His off-season training paid off and he opened the year with his first AMA national victory in the Anaheim Supercross. Bailey went on to win the AMA Supercross title. He then won the 1983 AMA 250 National Motocross title as well, after tallying three national victories.

Bailey finished runner-up to Jeff Ward by a single point in the AMA Supercross series in 1984. Honda wanted to spread its talent around in motocross and moved Bailey to the 500cc series, where he dominated, winning eight straight races in the 10-race season.

The 1986 season was a busy one for Bailey. He competed in three series: Supercross, and 250cc and 500cc motocross. He won the 500cc title over Honda teammate Ricky Johnson, but was runner-up to Johnson in both the 250 Motocross and Supercross championships.

Following his injury, Bailey remained athletically competitive. He later became a leading chair marathon triathlete.

David Bailey was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2004.

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AUSTRALIA

INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE

MANY MEASURES, ONE GOAL? SOME SAY EFFORT TO REDUCE MOTORCYCLE USE IS AFOOT.

By Jim Witters

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andatory helmet laws, graduated licensing, antitampering regulations and even bans on older bikes are among the dozens of restrictions motorcyclists in other nations deal with daily, and their governments are trying to tighten the rules even further.

European and Asian nations enacted mandatory helmet laws in the 1970s, and motorcyclists in those countries accepted the laws as a way to make riding safer.

But they didn’t suspect then that those laws were individual governments’ and international organizations’ first steps toward marginalizing motorcycles under the guise of “safety.”

In the intervening years, the United Nations, the European Union, international philanthropies and public/private partnerships have developed agendas that include standardizing motorcycle equipment and motorcyclists’ behavior worldwide.

M

U.S. agencies, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are part of these efforts and have been pushing for new laws and regulations that directly affect American motorcyclists’ right to ride and their right to decide the amount of risk they are willing to accept.

In 1976, the U.S. Department of Transportation stopped assessing financial penalties on states that did not have universal helmet laws, and many states repealed or modified their requirements, allowing riders to make this personal decision on their own. The federal penalty was reenacted in 1991, but was elilminated in 1995.

But the agencies did not stop efforts to convince states to return to universal mandatory motorcycle helmet laws.

“These rules, regulations and requirements are being put in place under

TAIWAN

AUSTRALIA Some areas of Australia allow motorcycle and scooter parking on sidewalks, as long as pedestrian traffic is not impeded.

TAIWAN Taiwan and other Asian nations are considering separate lanes for motorcycles to ease the extreme congestion and reduce the number of car-motorcycle crashes.

SWEDEN Motorcyclists, such as these assembled during a Swedish rally, are facing increased restrictions, including a plan to reduce speed limits for powered two-wheelers.

©iStock/Göran Domeij

SWEDEN

the guise of increased safety,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “But the underlying concept is actually the reduction of risk, no matter what level Americans are willing to accept.

And now the ultimate goal appears to be the reduction of motorcycle use, period.

“If we allow governments to determine the amount of risk that is acceptable and to force us into ‘safer’ and ‘safer’ options, how long will it be before motorcycles are banned altogether as the ‘less safe’ alternative to cars?” Allard asks.

Reports from the World Health Organization and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s International Transport Forum call for all nations to adopt similar motorcycling provisions, with no regard for the wishes of stakeholders.

Public/private partnerships, such as the Global Road Safety Partnership, and private groups, such as the Bloomberg

Philanthropies, have entered the discussion, also recommending uniform regulations, especially in developing countries.

U.S. agencies then cite these trends and reports to justify their attempts to enact stricter regulations on American motorcyclists.

INTERNATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

It could happen here.

The United Nations’ World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations and, specifically, United Nations Working Party 29’s proposals for Europe and Asia could be adopted throughout the United States.

The 1958 agreement, signed by the United States, calls for reciprocal approval of vehicle systems, parts and equipment.

Among the items under consideration for worldwide standardization: mandatory anti-lock braking systems, stricter exhaust emissions standards, sound emissions

restrictions, turn signal visibility standards and the location and identification of operating controls.

“While standardizing the location of turn-signal indicators or the symbol for a high-beam headlight may seem insignificant or even desirable to riders, in the longer term, agreements such as these could mean much more important decisions will be taken out of the hands of U.S. voters and motorcyclists,” Allard says.

The 2015 WHO report targets three key “risk factors” for stronger laws and increased enforcement that affect motorcyclists: • Use of motorcycle helmets: mandatory helmet use by all riders, with a helmet-quality standard; • Speed: a national urban maximum speed limit of about 30 mph; • Drunk driving: driving laws with a blood alcohol content of less than or equal to 0.05 percent, as well as

March 2016

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INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE

SWEDISH BATTLES

Maria Nordqvist, who handles consumer issues, traffic management and other issues for the Sveriges MotorCyklister (SMC, the Swedish Motorcyclist organization), says her group is one of the stakeholders working on the third version of Sweden’s motorcycle safety strategy.

Work began in January 2015.

A 2015 effort collected 30,000 signatures and convinced Trafikverket, the Swedish Transport Administration, to discard its 30-point plan to reduce motorcyclists’ speed. However, the speed theme continues to dominate discussions.

“The one and only thing that is pushed forward from the Swedish Transport Administration is speed,” Nordqvist says.

“Most of the things that we bring to the table are rejected. The other stakeholders state that we need something that is as efficient in reducing accidents as ABS. Having a valid A license [the highest motorcyclist classification in Europe], riding sober, safer barriers, safer roads, conspicuity are examples that are not seen as something that can reduce motorcycle fatalities—only better (i.e. lower, ed.) speed adaptation from riders is seen as a measure to reduce fatalities.”

Nordqvist says European regulations have not reduced traffic crashes.

“It is a combination of things: Safer

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DOLF WILLIGERS bikes, safer roads, older riders, improved education,” she says.

Motorcycle licensing also has a big impact on crashes and fatalities, she says.

SMC is translating and publishing a study that compares licensed and unlicensed riders who are injured or killed in traffic crashes.

“This is a huge problem in Sweden,” she says. “Thirty percent of all those killed on a motorcycle neither have a valid license nor own a bike. They aren’t motorcyclists, but their deaths affect us in terms of new restrictions and laws.”

At the same time, European drivers’ license requirements in effect since 2013 have resulted in a 50 percent drop in the number of new licensed riders in some countries.

“The scheme means that you must take a test three times to get A1, A2 and then A license at 16-18, 18-20 and 20-22 years of age, depending on the national laws,” Nordqvist says. “If you don’t have a license for bikes and want to ride a Harley or sportbike, you have to wait until 24 years to get a license.

“The costs are extreme,” she continues.

“Administration costs and compulsory tests in Sweden would cost $800!”

EUROPEAN FOCUS

Dolf Willigers, general secretary of the

Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations, says the impetus behind Europe’s proposals is the focus on vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists.

“For the European Commission, road safety is an important policy item,” he says. “The goal is to have a reduction of casualties of 50 percent by 2020,” starting with 2009.

While the numbers for car drivers are on schedule to meet that goal, the numbers for vulnerable road users are not.

“For motorcyclists this means, for example, a focus on personal protection equipment, including helmets,” Willigers says. “In every E.U. country, wearing an approved (UNECE) helmet is mandatory and in most E.U. countries up to 100 percent of the riders do wear a helmet.

“Other items the E.C. focuses on are improving awareness of PTW riders by other road users, encouraging research and technical developments aimed at increasing PTW safety and safer infrastructure—for example, safer guardrails,” he explains.

“Finally, better enforcement. But that is a national matter and not an E.U. thing, although they initiated cross-border enforcement for road-safety-related matters like drunk driving, speeding.”

The technical developments include intelligent transportation systems, road

Gustav Mårtensson

lower limits of less than or equal to 0.02 percent for young and novice drivers. The U.S. standard in most jurisdictions is 0.08 percent BAC. The OECD’s research report, titled Improving Safety for Motorcycle, Scooter and Moped Riders, also calls for compulsory helmet use.

In Australia, the government adopted laws that forbid certain types of visors and bans mounting a camera on motorcycle helmets, reports Mark Hinchliffe, publisher of MotorbikeWriter.com.

Paris banned cars and motorcycles registered before 2000 from major areas of the city during certain hours as a way to curb pollution. And other French cities are considering even harsher bans.

The Fédération Française des Motards en Colère (French Federation of Angry Bikers) protested the move, flooding the streets with thousands of riders using the slogan that “The PTW (powered twowheeler) is a solution, not pollution.”

In Sweden, the government’s current focus is on reducing the speed of motorcyclists. And the European Union has made obtaining a motorcycle license complicated and prohibitively expensive, according to some critics.

WILLIGERS The European approach includes protective gear, motorist education, safer infrastructure and better enforcement.

NORDQVIST In Sweden, new motorcyclists face a tiered licensing system that requires three separate tests with combined costs of nearly $800.

MARIA NORDQVIST worthiness testing, advanced braking systems and anti-tampering measures.

And the focus on personal protective equipment involves new standards for the equipment, not mandatory equipment use, Willigers says.

“The European motorcyclists have asked the EC to focus more on good and affordable initial training for riders,” Willigers says, “because we see that as the best thing to increase road safety for motorcyclists.”

AMA ACTIONS

Allard says American motorcyclists would be wise to pay close attention to the European developments, in particular, because U.S. agencies are following Europe’s lead, instead of taking the lead in response to American voters.

Déjà vu? The AMA and other motorcyclist rights groups overcame an effort led by the insurance industry to ban sportbikes in the United States in the 1980s. Cities, such as Myrtle Beach, S.C., have tried to limit the number of motorcyclists on the streets by enacting tough laws with stiff penalties.

In 2013, the AMA discovered a draft PowerPoint presentation from a CDC committee that included “potential for reduced motorcycle use” in its analytic framework for reducing crashes, injuries

and fatalities.

The AMA scored a major victory in 2015 with the passing of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, which prohibits federal funding of motorcycle-only checkpoints and reestablishes the Motorcyclist Advisory Council for the U.S. Department of Transportation.

But federal agencies and state legislatures—often urged by insuranceindustry lobbyists—continue their pursuit of mandatory helmet laws for all riders, mandatory anti-lock braking systems on all motorcycles–including dual-sport and dirt bikes–and other legislation and regulations that restrict rider’s rights and choices.

“Only the vigilance, dedication, hard work and political savvy of motorcyclists who have joined together with the AMA and state motorcycle rights organizations can turn back these misguided Washington bureaucrats,” Allard says. “The types of regulations they are proposing and enacting do not help prevent motorcycle crashes or injuries. Yet they clearly infringe on our riding freedoms and inhibit our enjoyment of our roads and trails.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

All motorcyclists should become AMA members to support our efforts to stand up to unfair and discriminatory laws and regulations. So recruit your riding buddies, your club members and enlist your family and friends.

All motorcycle enthusiasts should sign up for AMA Action Alerts and take action when called upon. Pass AMA Alerts along to other riders and encourage them to take action, too.

Get to know your local officials, let them know you and your motorcycling friends vote, and explain how their actions directly affect motorcyclists.

And Vote Like A Motorcyclist!

SOME GOOD IDEAS IN THE DISCUSSION

Not all ideas originating from foreign countries are bad for motorcyclists, especially where motorcycles figure prominently in traffic.

The OECD also proposed changes in the way motorcycles interact with other vehicles on the road, including: • Promote appropriate behavior among riders and road users in general • Improve vehicle safety features • Introduce “self-explaining” and “forgiving” roads—roads that guide drivers and riders to adopt appropriate speed and behavior, along with traffic-calming measures • Conduct more research to extend understanding of powered two-wheeler mobility and crash mechanisms.

“Some OECD recommendations are a step in the right direction,” Allard says. “The safety and needs of motorcyclists must be a part of the overall transportation discussion.

And efforts to educate other road users and make them more aware of motorcyclists in their midst will help make the roadways safer for everyone.”

Some countries already are trying to better accommodate riders.

Mark Hinchliffe, who publishes MotorbikeWriter.com in Australia, says some jurisdictions are undertaking pilot projects that allow motorcycles and scooters to park on sidewalks in areas where they do not disrupt the flow of foot traffic.

Australian governments also are recognizing the benefits of lane splitting to alleviate congestion and reduce the number of rear-end collisions, he says.

In Taiwan and Malaysia, where a high percentage of all fatal crashes involve a motorcycle, a pilot project has established motorcycle-only traffic lanes. Preliminary results indicate a 39 percent reduction in the number of crashes.

“We encourage the United States and other countries to be responsive and creative in approaching vehicle and rider safety issues,” Allard says.

“Rather than banning equipment or behavior that carries some degree of risk, elected officials and government agencies should listen to their constituents and focus their attention on measures that reduce the number and severity of crashes.”

1

Dixie Dual Sport Inc. will kick off the first event of the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series and the Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series, March 4-6, in Brooksville, Fla. Info: www.dixiedualsport.com

2

Pasadena Motorcycle Club will operate a Poker Run on March 13 in Pasadena, Calif.

Info: www.pasadenamc.com

Kevin Kevin Wing Wing

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

Jeff Guciardo

GO RIDE

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2 4 5

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3

COMING UP

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5

In Tucson, Ariz., Tucson Dual Sport LLC is hosting a dual sport and adventure ride on March 19-20. It’s a round of the Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series and the Yamaha Super Ténéré AMA National Adventure Riding Series. Info: www.tucsondualsport.com

The eighth round of the Arizona Motorcycle Riders Association Off-Road Championship Series will be a Grand Prix at Canyon MX in Peoria, Ariz., on April 3. It’s hosted by Off Camber MC. Info: www.amraracing.com

Jeff Jeff Kardas Kardas

4

On March 13, in Ellerbe, N.C., Windy Hill Sports will host a motocross race. Info: www. windyhillsportsmx.com

Logan Ohrt Logan Ohrt Photo Photo

David Smith/RaceDayPix

The Pagoda Motorcycle Club is hosting a motocross race on March 20 in Birdsboro, Pa. Info: www.pagodamc.org

MARCH EVENTS ALABAMA COMPETITION ENDURO

CLUB

MAR 20: STANTON: PERRY MOUNTAIN M/C CLUB, (205) 340-4298 ARIZONA RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE MAR 19: TUCSON: 2 DAY EVENT, TUCSON DUAL SPORT LLC, (520) 979-8398, TUCSONDUALSPORT.COM CALIFORNIA RECREATIONAL POKER RUN MAR 13: PASADENA: PASADENA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (626) 807-9268, PASADENAMC.COM COMPETITION CROSS COUNTRY MAR 27: GRIZZLY FLATS: 2 DAY EVENT, EARTHSCAPE CUSTOM DIRT WORKS, (916) 320-0687 DESERT SCRAMBLES MAR 26: (Includes ATVs) RED MOUNTAIN: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIRT DIGGERS, (310) 913-1362, DISTRICT37AMA.ORG ENDURO MAR 5: HOLLISTER: TIMEKEEPERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (650) 823-3034, TIMEKEEPERSMC.COM

1924

Daytona Bike Week March 4-13 Rolling Thunder Run May 27-30 Americade Motorcycle Rally June 7-11 Laconia Motorcycle Week June 11-19 ly June 23-26 Thunder in the Valley Motorcycle Ral AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days July 8-10 Buffalo Chip Sturgis August 8-14 Ray Price Bikefest September 23-25

EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES MAR 12: (Includes ATVs) BARSTOW: 2 DAY EVENT, HUNTINGTON BEACH MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (661) 510-3245, HUNTINGBEACHMC.COM HARE SCRAMBLES MAR 19: HOLLISTER: 2 DAY EVENT, GHOSTRIDERS MC, (408) 265-2122, GHOSTRIDERSMC.COM FLORIDA RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE MAR 4: BROOKSVILLE: DIXIE DUAL SPORT, INC., (727) 919-8299, DIXIEDUALSPORT.COM DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD MAR 4: BROOKSVILLE: DIXIE DUAL SPORT, INC., (727) 919-8299, DIXIEDUALSPORT.COM LOUISIANA COMPETITION: ARENACROSS MAR 12: LAFAYETTE: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM NEBRASKA COMPETITION: ARENACROSS MAR 5: OMAHA: 2 DAY EVENT, FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM NEVADA COMPETITION: CROSS COUNTRY MAR 12: TOULON: 2 DAY EVENT, WESTERN STATES RACING ASSOCIATION, (775) 853-6911, WESTERNSTATESRACING.COM NEW JERSEY COMPETITION: ENDURO MAR 20: SHAMONG: SOUTH JERSEY ENDURO RIDERS, INC., (609) 268-9272, SJER.ORG NORTH CAROLINA COMPETITION: MOTOCROSS MAR 13: (Includes ATVs) ELLERBE: WINDY HILL SPORTS, (910) 895-5438, WINDYHILLSPORTSMX.COM OHIO RECREATIONAL: SWAP MEETS MAR 13: BRILLIANT: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (740) 219-2716, ABATE.COM PENNSYLVANIA COMPETITION: MOTOCROSS MAR 20: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 582-3717, PAGODAMC.ORG

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Schedule tentative.

2016 EVENTS WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP (WMX) www.racewmx.com March 7: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona Amateur Supercross

MOTOCROSS The AMA Beta National Dual-Sport Series features the country’s best organized dual-sport rides. Events include miles of well marked, challenging trail connected by scenic backcountry roads. The challenging, national caliber terrain is designed to bring out the best in each rider.

FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS www.fim-live.com Sept. 25: Maggiora, Italy FIM JUNIOR MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP www.fim-live.com Aug. 21: Orlyonok, Russia MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS www.amasupercross.com Feb. 20: Arlington, Texas: AT&T Stadium Feb. 27: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome March 5: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (note: not a Feld Motor Sports produced race)

March 19: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Spring Championship April 9: San Diego, Calif.: California Classic Motocross Championship May 20: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Hangtown Classic June 19: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway Aug. 28: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman Raceway Sept. 3: Millington, Mich.: Baja Brawl Oct. 2: Englishtown, N.J.: Kawasaki Race of Champions Oct. 9: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek MX Nov. 26: Alachua, Fla.: Winter Olympics 2016 NATIONAL

AMA ATV MOTOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY CST www.atvmotocross.com

#AMADualSport /AMADualSport

March 19: Detroit, Mich.: Ford Field April 2: Santa Clara, Calif.: Levi’s Stadium April 9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Lucas Oil Stadium April 16: St. Louis, Mo.: Edward Jones Dome April 23: Foxboro, Mass.: Gillette Stadium April 30: East Rutherford, N.J.: MetLife Stadium May 7: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium LUCAS OIL AMA PRO MOTOCROSS www.promotocross.com May 21: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic

April 9-10: Kemp, Texas: Underground MX Park April 23-24: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway May 7-8: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman Raceway May 21-22: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway June 4-5: Tallassee, Ala. Monster Mountain June 18-19: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX July 2-3: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek MX Park

June 4: Laktewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National

July 16-17: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla MX

June 25: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National July 2: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

March 8: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (Pro points only)

May 28: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen National

June 18: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point National

36

CHAMPION

National Championship

March 12: Toronto, Canada: Rogers Centre

AmericanMotorcyclist.com a Riding a Dual Sport

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

July 30-31: Buchanan, Mich.: Redbud MX Aug. 13-14: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn Ranch 2016 NATIONAL

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

CHAMPION

National Championship AMA AMSOIL ARENACROSS SERIES www.arenacross.com

July 9: Southwick, Mass.: Southwick National

Feb. 20-21: Tampa, Fla.: Amalie Arena

July 16: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National

March 5-6: Omaha, Neb.: CenturyLink Center

July 23: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National

March 12-13: Lafayette, La.: Cajondome

Aug. 13: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla National

April 1-3: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena

Aug. 20: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National

April 9-10: Salinas, Calif.: Salinas Sports Complex

Aug. 27: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman National

April 16-17: Tacoma, Wash.: Tacoma Dome

2016 EVENTS April 22-24: Nampa, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center

April 23-24: Chillicothe, Ohio: ChilliTown MX April 30-May 1: Bronson, Mich.: Log Road MX

May 6-8: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena (Amateur National Championship) 2016 NATIONAL

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

CHAMPION

National Championship ROCKY MOUNTAIN ATV/MC AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP, PRESENTED

BY AMSOIL www.mxsports.com Aug. 1-6: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn Ranch Northeast Area Qualifiers March 5-6: Elizabeth City, N.C.: Elizabeth City MX March 12-13: Hedgesville, W.V.: Tomahawk MX April 9-10: Englishtown, N.J.: Englishtown April 16-17: Dillwyn, Va.: Actiontown MX Park April 23-24: Fredericksburg, Pa.: Sleepy Hollow MX May 7-8: Seward, Pa.: Pleasure Valley May 14-15: Winchester, N.H.: Winchester Speedpark May 21-22: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla MX Northeast Regional Championships June 4-5: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway (Amateur) June 11-12: Shippensburg, Pa.: Doublin Gap MX Park (Youth) Southeast Area Qualifiers Feb. 27-28: Jacksonville, Fla.: WW Ranch MX Park March 19-20: Sutherlin, Va.: Birch Creek Motorsports Park April 2-3: Okeechobee, Fla.: Florida Cycle Park April 9-10: Hamer, S.C.: South of the Border MX Park April 16-17: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain MX Park

May 7-8: Nashport, Ohio: Briarcliff Motocross May 14-15: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Dutch Sport Park May 21-22: Livingston, Tenn.: Thunder Valley MX Mid-East Regional Championships June 4-5: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud MX (Youth) June 25-26: Millington, Mich.: Baja Acres (Amateur) North Central Area Qualifiers March 12-13: Richwoods, Mo.: Romp MX April 2-3: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports April 9-10: Garwin, Iowa: Oak Ridge MX April 30-May 1: Maize, Kan.: Bar 2 Bar MX Park May 14-15: Little Falls, Minn.: Little Falls Raceway May 21-22: Mount Carroll, Ill.: McMotopark May 28-29: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway North Central Regional Championships June 11-12: Byron, Ill.: Byron Motorsports Park (Amateur) June 18-19: Tigerton, Wis.: Motozone (Youth) South Central Area Qualifiers March 5-6: Conroe, Texas: 3 Palms Action Sports Park April 2-3: Fulton, Miss.: Veterans MX Park April 9-10: Grand Cane, La.: Desoto Motorsports Park April 16-17: Wellston, Okla.: Reynard Raceway April 23-24: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway April 30-May 1: Amarillo, Texas: Bowers MX May 21-22: Yantis, Texas: Johnsonville MX Farm

April 30-May 1: Wytheville, Va.: Pro Sport Motocross

May 29-30: Brush, Colo.: Sweney Cycle Park (Sunday / Monday races)

Southeast Regional Championships May 28-29: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway (Amateur) June 18-19: Henderson, N.C.: North Carolina Motorsports Park (Youth) Mid-East Area Qualifiers March 19-20: Altamont, Tenn.: Fast Farms MX Park April 2-3: Waynesburg, Ohio: Malvern Motocross Park April 16-17: Rossville, Ind.: Wildcat Creek MX

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April 23-24: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX

April 23-24: Reynolds, Ga.: Silver Dollar Raceway

May 14-15: Dalton, Ga.: Lazy River MX

IONAL T A N A M A TURE ADVEN RIDINGRIES SE

South Central Regional Championships June 11-12: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley Motocross Park (Amateur) June 25-26: Alvord, Texas: Oak Hill Raceway (Youth) Northwest Area Qualifiers March 19-20: West Richland, Wash.: Horn Rapids Motorsports Complex

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May 7-8: Junction City, Ore.: Eugene MX Park May 14: Billings, Mont.: Billings MX (Saturday only)

March 2016

37

2016 EVENTS Northwest Regional Championship

Feb. 28: Palmdale, Calif.: LACR Raceway March 6: Tulare, Calif.: DT1 MX Park

March 7: Barberville, Fla.: Volusia County Speedway (Half Mile)

March 20: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City SVRA (Hangtown MX)

March 8: Barberville, Fla.: Volusia County Speedway (Short Track)

Feb. 20-21: St. George, Utah: Saint George MX

April 7-10: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway (California Classic)

April 30: Henry, Ill. (Half Mile)

April 2-3: Turlock, Calif.: Oatfield Raceway

April 24: Snelling, Calif.: Oatfield Raceway

April 16-17: California City, Calif.: Cal City MX Park

April 30-May 1: Lake Elsinore, Calif.: Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park

May 28-29: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park (Youth/Amateur) Mid-West Area Qualifiers

May 1: Henry, Ill. (Half Mile) June 17: Harpursville, N.Y. (Short Track) June 18: Harpursville, N.Y. (Short Track)

Featured Event

May 14-15: Hollister, Calif.: Hollister Hills SVRA

July 2: Oshkosh, Wis.: Oshkosh Speedzone (3/8 Mile)

CALIFORNIA CLASSIC www.2xpromotions.com

May 21-22: Rocksprings, Wyo.: Rock Springs MX

July 3: Oshkosh, Wis.: Oshkosh Speedzone (3/8 Mile)

April 7-10: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway

Mid-West Regional Championship

July 9: Ashland, Ohio: Ashland County Fairgrounds (Half Mile)

June 4-5: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City OHV (Youth/Amateur)

Aug. 12: Indianapolis, Ind.: Marion County Fairgrounds (Short Track)

Southwest Area Qualifiers March 5-6: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park

DIRT TRACK

March 12-13: Bakersfield, Calif.: Kern County Raceway Park

April 9-10: Moriarty, N.M.: Sandia MX at Moriarty

May 14: Phoenix, Ariz.: Turf Paradise

June 11-12: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway (Youth/Amateur) 2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AMA VINTAGE MOTOCROSS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.americanmotorcyclist.com July 9-10: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Major Event JAMES STEWART FREESTONE SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP www.freestonemx.com March 15-19: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway Major Event RICKY CARMICHAEL DAYTONA AMATEUR SUPERCROSS www.racedaytona.com March 6-8: Daytona Beach, Fla: MX Sports Featured Series 16TH ANNUAL FMF AMA TEXAS WINTER SERIES (PROAM) www.freestonemx.com

Featured Series KING OF THE WEST SERIES www.2xpromotions.com

38

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

AMA DAYTONA BIKE WEEK FLAT TRACK www.stevenaceracing.com

April 9: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the Americas

Southwest Regional Championship

Feb. 27-28: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway

Major Event

March 11: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

April 16-17: California City, Calif.: Cal City MX Park

National Championship

Sept. 25: Cuddebackville, N.Y. (Short Track)

March 10: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

April 2-3: Anza, Calif.: Cahuilla Creek MX

2016 NATIONAL

Sept. 24: Cuddebackville, N.Y. (Short Track)

AMA PRO FLAT TRACK www.amaproracing.com

March 19-20: Haleiwa, Hawaii: Kahuku Motocross

CHAMPION

Aug. 13: Indianapolis, Ind.: Marion County Fairgrounds (Short Track)

May 21: Sacramento, Calif.: California Expo Fair May 29: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds

May 23: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds (TT)

Aug. 9: Rapid City, S.D.: Black Hills Speedway

June 13: Bucyrus, Ohio: Crawford County Fairgrounds (Half Mile)

Aug. 14: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria Motorcycle Club Aug. 20: TBA

July 4: Frederick, Md.: Frederick Fairgrounds (Half Mile)

Sept. 4: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds

July 25: Ashland, Ohio: Ashland County Fairgrounds (Half Mile)

Sept. 17: TBA

Aug. 5: Sturgis, S.D.: Sturgis Fairgrounds (Half Mile)

Oct. TBA: TBA AMA VINTAGE DIRT TRACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.amaracing.com March 5: Savannah, Ga.: Oglethorpe Speedway (Half Mile)

AMA ALL-STAR NATIONAL FLAT TRACK SERIES www.stevenaceracing.com

May 22: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria Speedway (Short Track)

July 30: Charlotte, N.C.: Charlotte Motor Speedway

National Championship

Featured Series

March 6: Barberville, Fla.: Volusia Speedway (Half Mile)

June 25: Lima, Ohio: Allen County Fairgrounds

2016 NATIONAL

March 7-8: Barberville, Fla.: Volusia Speedway Park

March 4: Savannah, Ga.: Oglethorpe Speedway (Half Mile)

June 18: Oklahoma City, Okla.: Remington Park

CHAMPION

March 5: Savannah, Ga.: Oglethorpe Speedway Park

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

Aug. 14: Lewistown, Ill.: Spoon River Speedway (Short Track) Sept. 5: Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Fairgrounds (Short Track) Sept. 26: York, Pa.: York Expo Center (Half Mile)

2016 EVENTS

ROAD RACE FIM MOTOGP www.motogp.com

June 10-12: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park

April 16-17: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

June 23-25: Tooele, Utah: Utah Motorsports Park

May 28-30: Summit Point, W. Va.: Summit Point Circuit

July 8-10: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

June 11-12: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

Sept. 9-11: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

July 1-3: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America

National Championship

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

April 8-10: Circuit of the Americas FIM SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP www.worldsbk.com

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AMA ROAD RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.asraracing.com

Sept. 24-25: South Beloit, Ill.: Blackhawk Farms Raceway

July 1-3: Plymouth, Wis.: Road America

Oct.14-16: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

National Championship

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

July 8-10: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

Featured Series

AMA VINTAGE ROAD RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.americanmotorcyclist.com

MOTOAMERICA ROAD RACING SERIES www.motoamerica.com April 8-10: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the Americas

July 9-10: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

April 15-17: Braselton, Ga.: Road Atlanta

Featured Series

April 29-May 1: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

AMERICAN SPORTBIKE RACING ASSOCIATION (SPRINT SERIES) www.asraracing.com

May 13-15: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

March 10-13: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

June 3-5: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America

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Aug. 13-14: Joliet, Ill.: Autobahn Country Club

2016 EVENTS Sept. 10-11: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla MX

July 17: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park Aug. 21: Summit Point, W. Va.: Summit Point Circuit Sept. 18: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

June 25-26: Canon City, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Trials Association

Sept. 24-25: Masontown, W. Va.: Marvin’s Mountain Top

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

Oct. 1-2: St. Clairsville, Ohio: Powerline Park

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

National Championship

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.nationalenduro.com

Featured Series AMERICAN SPORTBIKE RACING ASSOCIATION (USGPRU SERIES) www.asraracing.com

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

May 22: Greensboro, Ga.: Cherokee Cycle Club

2016 NATIONAL

Aug. 28: Chandlersville, Ohio: Ohio Woods Riders

June 11-12: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

Oct. 23: Skiatook, Okla.: Oklahoma Trail Riders

Aug. 13-14: Joliet, Ill.: Autobahn Country Club

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

Aug. 27-28: Bloomingdale, Ga.: Roebling Road Raceway

National Championship

Sept. 10: Salt Lake City, Utah

Regional Series

Sept. 24: Phoenix, Arix.

AMA EAST HARE SCRAMBLE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.americanmotorcyclist.com

Oct. 1: Denver, Colo.

Oct. 22: Everett, Wash.

Nov. 19: Ontario, Calif.

AMA INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS ENDURO QUALIFIERS www.americanmotorcyclist.com April 23-24: Romney, W. Va.: Full Gas Sprint Enduro June 4-5: Idaho City, Idaho: Boise Ridge Riders 2016 NATIONAL

National Championship

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AMSOIL GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES PRESENTED BY MAXXIS www.gnccracing.com March 5-6: Palatka, Fla.: Rodman Plantation March 12-13: Sparta, Ga.: Hill Family Farm April 2-3: Morganton, N.C.: Steele Creek Campground April 16-17: Union, S.C.: Big Buck Farm April 30-May 1: Society Hills, S.C.: Moree’s Hunting Preserve May 14-15: Springville, Ind.: Lawrence Co. Recreational Park May 28-29: Millfield, Ohio: Sunday Creek Raceway June 11-12: Odessa, N.Y.: Seneca Highland June 25-26: Snowshoe, W. Va.: Snowshoe Mountain Resort

40

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

March 20: Chatham, Va.: Rivers Edge

Nov. 5: Boise, Idaho 2016 NATIONAL

National Championship

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

July 16 (Youth Bikes) | July 17 (Amateur Bikes): Mahanoy City, Pa.: Valley Forge Trail Riders

April 2 (Youth) | 3 (Amateur) No ATVs: Murphy, Idaho: Dirt Inc. May 14 (ATV/Youth) | 15 (Amateur): Delta, Utah: Sage Riders Motorcycle Club June 11: TBA Aug. 27 (Amateur/Youth) No ATVs: Panaca, Nev.: Silver State Trailblazers Sept. 3-4: TBA

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AIReS AMA/NATC MotoTrials National Championship Series www.mototrials.com May 21-22: Ocala, Fla.: Florida Trials Association May 28-29: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Southeastern Trials Riders Association June 18-19: Tillamook, Ore.: Columbia Observed Trials Association

Aug. 28 (Bikes/ATV): Speedsville, N.Y.: Cross Country Customs

Regional Series

Oct. 22 (Youth) | 23 (Amateur): Lucerne Valley, Calif: 100’s MC National Championship

July 30 (Youth Bikes) | July 31 (Amateur Bikes): Catawissa, Pa.: High Mountain Dirt Riders

Oct. 9 (Youth Bikes/Amateur Bikes): Rural Retreat, Va.: Rattlesnake Riders

Sept. 24 (No ATVs): Yerington, Nev.: GetXtr-Eme

2016 NATIONAL

April 16 (Youth Bikes) | April 17 (Amateur Bikes): Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Tri-County Sportsmen May 7 (Youth Bikes/Youth ATV) | May 8 (Amateur Bikes/Amateur ATV): Clifford, Pa.: District 6 Sports Association

KENDA SRT AMA HARE AND HOUND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.nationalhareandhound.com

CHAMPION

AMA/NATC Youth MotoTrials Regional Championship www.mototrials.com

June 30-July 2: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Southeastern Trials Riders Association (East)

Sept. 3: Sioux Falls, S.D.

CHAMPION

TENNESSEE KNOCKOUT EXTREME ENDURO www.tennesseeknockoutenduro.com

June 22-24: Canon City, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Trials Association (West)

Aug. 27: Atlanta, Ga.

OFF-ROAD

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

Regional Series 2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AMA ENDUROCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.endurocross.com

Sept. 24-25: South Beloit, Ill.: Blackhawk Farms Raceway

National Championship

Aug. 20-21: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Trials Training Center

Sept. 18: Park Hills, Mo.: Missouri Mudders

July 1-3: Elkhart Lake, Wis: Road America

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AMA VINTAGE TRIALS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.americanmotorcyclist.com

CHAMPION

July 24: Cross Fork, Pa.: Brandywine Enduro Riders

May 28-30: Summit Point, W. Va.: Summit Point Circuit

National Championship

July 10: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

June 19: Huntersville, Minn.: River Valley Enduro Riders

April 16-17: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

CHAMPION

July 8: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

April 10: Forest Hill, La.: Acadiana Dirt Riders

April 9-10: Kershaw, S.C.: Carolina Motorsports Park

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AMA VINTAGE HARE SCRAMBLE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.americanmotorcyclist.com

Oct. 29-30: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman Raceway

Oct. 15: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway

National Championship

KENDA SRT AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.westharescramble.com March 19 (ATV/Youth) | 20 (Amateur): Gorman, Calif: Prospectors MC April 9 (Amateur) | 10 (Youth): Shasta Lake City, Calif.: Redding Dirt Riders April 23 (Youth) | 24 (Amateur): Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Vikings Motorcycle Club May 21 (Amateur/Youth): Caliente, Nev.: Silver State Trailblazers

2016 EVENTS Sept. 17 (ATV/Youth) | 18 (Amateur): Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Desert Motorcycle Club

Aug. 14: Logan, Ohio: Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club

Oct. 1 (Amateur/ATV/Youth): El Centro, Calif.: RoadRunners Motorcycle Club

Aug. 28: Chandlersville, Ohio: Ohio Woods Riders (In conjunction with National Enduro)

Nov. 5 (Youth) | 6 (Amateur): Longdale, Nev.: Darkside Motorcycle Club

Sept. 4: Athens, Ohio: Athens Motorcycle Club

Regional Series

UPDATED: Sept. 18: Bergholz, Ohio: Ohio Valley Trail Riders

KENDA FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.sprintenduro.com Feb. 13-14: Gaston, S.C. March 2-3: Daytona Beach, Fla. April 23-24: Romney, W. Va.: ISDE Qualifier June 4-5: Altamont, Tenn.

July 9-10: Connelly Springs, N.C. July 30-31: Brazil, Ind. Aug. 13-14: Young Harris, Ga. Nov. 12-13: Union, S.C. Regional Series AMA DISTRICT 37 BIG 6 GRAND PRIX SERIES www.big6racing.com

Oct. 9: Matthews, Ind.: Muddobbers Motorcycle Club Nov. 13: Treaty City, Ohio: Treaty City Motorcycle Club Featured Series CROSSROADS RACING SERIES www.crossroadsracingseries.com Feb. 20: Bedford, Ky.: Nikota Motorsports Park April 2: Salem, Ind.: High Fly MX Park April 23: Staunton, Ind.: Staunton MX Park June 4: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports June 10: Springville, Ind.: LCRP July 9: Bedford, Ind.: Bedford Rock July 30: TBA

March 5-7: Devore, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway

Aug. 13: Oden, Ind.: Parsons MX Compound

April 2-3: 29 Palms, Calif.: 29 Palms Motorsports

Oct. 15: Bedford, Ky.: Saddleback East

April 30-May 1: State Line/Primm NV: Primm Casino Resort Oct. 1-2: Ridgecrest, Calif.: Desert Empire Fairgrounds Nov. 5-6: Gorman, Calif.: Quail Canyon MX Dec. 3-4: TBA Regional Series KENDA SRT AMA WEST ATV CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES www.americanmotorcyclist.com March 19: Gorman, Calif.: Prospectors M/C April 23: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Vikings M/C May 14: Delta, Utah: Sage Riders MC Sept. 17: Red Mountain, Calif.: NHHA Oct. 1: Ocatillo Wells, Calif.: RoadRunners M/C Oct. 22: Lucerne Valley, Calif: 100’s MC Featured Series APPALACHIAN CHAMPIONSHIP ENDURO SERIES www.aces-races.com March 13: Ray, Ohio: Chillicothe Enduro Riders Association April 3: New Straitsville, Ohio: New Straitsville Enduro Riders April 10: Shade, Ohio: Lodi Township Enduro June 5: Wellston, Ohio: Appalachian Dirt Riders

Sept. 3: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motorsports Oct. 22: Staunton, Ind.: Staunton MX Park Featured Series EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ENDUROS) www.ecea.org March 13: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Tri-County Sportsmen Motorcycle Club March 20: Shamong, N.J.: South Jersey Enduro Riders April 3: Greenbank, N.J.: Meteor Motorcycle Club April 10: Chatsworth, N.J.: Pine Barons Enduro Riders May 1: Delaware City, Del.: Delaware Enduro Riders May 29: Heckscherville, Pa.: Reading OffRoad Riders June 12: Deposit, N.Y.: Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club June 26: Blain, Pa.: Susquehanna Off Road Riders July 10: Gillett, Pa.: Southern Tier Enduro Riders July 24: Cross Fork, Pa.: Brandywine Enduro Riders Aug. 7: Three Springs, Pa.: Green Marble Enduro Riders Aug. 14: Berkshire, N.Y.: Ithaca Dirt Riders Aug. 28: Mauricetown, N.J.: Competition Dirt Riders Sept. 11: Shippensburg, Pa.: South Penn Enduro Riders

July 17: McArthur, Ohio: Enduro Riders Association

Sept. 25: Mahanoy City, Pa.: High Mountain Dirt Riders / Valley Forge Trail Riders

Aug. 7: Three Springs, Pa.: Green Marble Enduro Riders

Oct. 16: Warren Grove, N.J.: Motorcycle Competition Inc.

Oct. 30: New Lisbon, N.J.: Ocean City Competition Riders Nov. 20: New Lisbon, N.J.: Central Jersey Competition Riders Featured Series EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (HARE SCRAMBLES) www.ecea.org April 16-17: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Tri-County Sportsmen Motorcycle Club April 23-24: Millville, N.J.: Competition Dirt Riders May 14-15: Sahara Sands, N.J.: Motorcycle Competition Inc. May 22-23: Berwick, Pa.: South Penn Enduro Riders June 4-5: Three Springs, Pa.: Rocket Raceway June 18-19: Tamaqua, Pa.: Reading Off Road Riders July 16-17: Mahoney City, Pa.: Valley Forge Trail Riders July 30-31: Catawissa, Pa.: High Mountain Dirt Riders Aug. 20-21: Clifford, Pa.: Meteor Motorcycle Club Sept. 17-18: Mount Cobb, Pa.: Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club Oct. 1-2: Wellsboro, Pa.: Southern Tier Enduro Riders Oct. 22-23: Sahara Sands, N.J.: Pine Barrons Enduro Riders Nov. 12-13: New Castle, Del.: Delaware Enduro Riders Featured Series IOWA ATV HARE SCRAMBLE SERIES www.iatvhss.com April 30-May 1: Centerville, Iowa May 28-29: Mt Pleasant, Iowa June 18-19: Kahoka, Mo. July 9-10: St Charles, Iowa July 30-31: Thurman, Iowa Sept. 18-19: Beaconsfield, Iowa Oct. 8-9: Carlisle, Iowa Aug. 19-20: Carlisle, Iowa: Heartland Challenge Featured Series MUD AND SNOW SCRAMBLE SERIES www.squaredealriders.com Feb. 28: Port Crane, N.Y.: Square Deal Riders Featured Series MOTORCYCLE RACING ASSOCIATION OF NEVADA (DESERT SERIES) www.mranracing.org March 26: Pahroc Summit, Nev.: Yucca Chuckers April 9: Murphy’s Gap, Nev.: SNDR April 30: Caliente, Nev.: Groundshakers May 21: Panaca, Nev.: Silver State Trailblazers March 2016

41

2016 EVENTS July 30: Ely, Nev.: Coyotes

June 12: Spring Grove, Va.: TDR, Eastover

Aug. 27: Caliente, Nev.: Silver State Trailblazers

June 26: Rural Retreat, Va.: Hillbilly

Sept. 17: Pioche, Nev.: Bushwackers Nov. 5: Logandale, Nev.: Darkside Featured Series MOTORCYCLE RACING ASSOCIATION OF NEVADA (GRAND PRIX SERIES) www.mranracing.org March 5: St. George, Utah: Groundshakers Sept. 3: Cedar City, Utah: Jackrabbits Oct. 8: Mesquite, Nev.: Wildbunch Oct. 22: Mesquite, Nev.: Gamblers Featured Series MOTORCYCLE RACING ASSOCIATION OF NEVADA (NIGHT TEAM RACE SERIES) www.mranracing.org June 4: Jean, Nev.: Wild Bunch June 25: Jean, Nev.: MRAN July 9: Jean, Nev: MRAN July 22-23: Searchlight, Nev: Bushwackers Featured Series TRIALS INC. www.trialsinc.org April 16-17: Fly, Ohio: Trail Run Trial (17th is Vintage Cup Series Round) April 23-24: Southington, Ohio: Cleveland May 14-15: Tippecanoe, Ohio: Tippecanoe June 4-5: Sidell, Ill.: Illinois June 18-19: Toronto, Ohio: Toronto (19th is Vintage Cup Series Round) July 23-24: Canfield, Ohio: Canfield Aug. 20-21: Little Hocking, Ohio: Wildwood Sept. 3-4: Newark, Ohio: Newark (4th is Vintage Cup Series Round) Sept. 17-18: Columbus, Ind.: Stoney (18th is Vintage Cup Series Round) Oct. 1-2: Bedford, Ky.: Saddleback (2nd is Vintage Cup Series Round) Oct. 15-16: Taylorsville, Ky.: Vintage Cup Finals Featured Series VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP HARE SCRAMBLE SERIES www.vchss.org March 20: Sandy Level, Va.: River’s Edge April 3: Dillwyn, Va.: CVTR April 17: Arrington, Va.: April Fools May 1: Martinsville, Va.: Blue Ridge 1 May 15: Bristol, Va.: Harleywood May 29: Dendron, Va.: Reddy Hole

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Aug. 7: Martinsville, Va.: Blue Ridge 2 Aug. 21: Penhook, Va.: Sandy Bottom

SPECIALTY

Sept. 4: Rural Retreat, Va.: Coyote Run Sept. 11: Spring Grove, Va.: Peninsula Sept. 25: Rural Retreat, Va.: Iron Mountain Oct. 9: Rural Retreat, Va.: Rattlesnake Oct. 30: Spring Grove, Va.: Pipsico Featured Series

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

National Championship

2016 NATIONAL

CHAMPION

AMA ICE RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP www.americanmotorcyclist.com Feb. 13-14: Waterford, Mich.: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

WESTERN CHECKPOINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP www.westchec.org May 1: Georgetown, Calif.: CERA - D36 June 23-24: South Fork, Colo.: SFPR RMEC Sept. 20: Campwood, Ariz.: ATR - AMRA

RECREATION

Oct. 15: Chimney Rock, Utah: Sageriders MC - USRA Oct. 30: Elkins Flat, Calif.: Polka Dots MC - D36 Nov. 5: Upperlake, Calif.: Hayward MC - D36 Nov. 13: Stoneyford, Calif.: Valley Climbers MC - D36 Featured Series WESTERN NEW YORK OFFROAD ASSOCIATION www.wnyoa.net April 24: Newfield, N.Y.: Dream Riders May 8: Odessa, N.Y.: Tompkins Trail Riders / Seneca Highland

AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES www.americanmotorcyclist.com March 4-6: Brooksville, Fla.: Dixie Dual Sport, Inc. - Devil’s Creek Adventure Ride March 19-20: Tucson, Ariz.: Tuscson Dual Sport, LLC. - 2 Sun Adventure 2016 April 16-17: Bybee, Tenn.: Appalachian Trail Riders - Slate Creek Adventure Ride

May 22: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Valley View Dirt Riders

June 4-5: Odell, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail Black Dog Adventure Ride

May 29: Richford, N.Y.: Broome-Tioga Sports Center

June 4-5: Bixby, Mo.: Midwest Trail Riders Association - Show Me 200 Adventure Ride

June 12: Odessa, N.Y.: GNCC at Tomahawk June 19: Colesville, N.Y.: Full Action Cycles

June 4-5: Lock Haven, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club - Durty Dabbers Adventure Ride

June 26: South Edmeston, N.Y.: Thunder Ridge

June 11-12: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, Inc. - 2016 Ride for Research

July 10: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Conover Racing

June 27-July 1: Colorado Springs, Colo.: Exit Tours M/C - Pikes Peak Region Adventure Tour

July 24: Homer, N.Y.: Knobby Acres Aug. 7: TBD: Scooters Aug. 14: Newark Valley, N.Y.: Victory Mountain Dirt Riders Aug. 28: Speedville, N.Y.: Cross Country Customs Sept. 10-11: New Berlin, N.Y.: GNCC at Unadilla Sept. 18: Moravia, N.Y.: Twisted Fence at Sand Hill Oct. 9: Hapursville, N.Y.: The Finale

Aug. 20-21: Tillamook, Ore: Northwest Tour & Trail - Rat Dog Adventure Ride Sept. 10-11: Pineola, N.C.: Appalachian Trail Riders - Blue Ridge National Adventure Ride Sept. 17-18: Logan, Ohio: Buckeye Dual Sporters - Buckeye Dual Sporters Sept. 24-25: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, Inc. - Big Woods 200 Sept. 24-25: Boyce, La.: Acadiana Dirt Riders - Acadiana Adventure 400

SAVE DATE THE

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

July 8-10, 2016

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio

#AMAVMD www.AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com Proceeds beneďŹ t the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

2016 EVENTS Oct. 22-23: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Arizona Trail Riders - Howlin’ at the Moon

Sept. 2-6: Southern California Motorcycle Association Three Flags Classic: sc-ma. com, scmariskmanager@gmail.com, (602) 705-4902 AMA NATIONAL GYPSY TOUR www.americanmotorcyclist.com

BETA AMA NATIONAL DUAL SPORT SERIES www.americanmotorcyclist.com March 4-6: Brooksville, Fla.: Dixie Dual Sport, Inc. - Devil’s Creek Adventure Ride March 19-20: Tucson, Ariz.: Tuscson Dual Sport, LLC. - 2 Sun Adventure 2016 June 4-5: Bixby, Mo.: Midwest Trail Riders Association - Show Me 500 Adventure Ride June 4-5: Odell, Ore.: Northwest Tour & Trail Black Dog Adventure Ride June 4-5: Lock Haven, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club - Durty Dabbers

Thunder in the Valley (FIM North America Rally) June 23-26: Johnstown, Pa.: JohnstownThunder.com, jstcvb@ visitjohnstownpa.com, (800) 237-8590 AMA PREMIER POKER RUN www.americanmotorcyclist.com Corn Roast Poker Run Aug. 20: Mansfield, Ohio: MansfieldMotorcycleClub.com, karlae1764@ embarqmail.com, (419) 526-5964 AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS www.americanmotorcyclist.com March of Dimes - Bikers for Babies (events nationwide): BikerForBabies.org Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation - Ride for Kids (events nationwide): RideForKids.org

June 11-12: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, Inc. - 2016 Ride for Research Aug. 12-14: Salida, Colo.: Exit Tours M/C Colorado 2-Day Aug. 13-14: Columbus, Ind.: Stoney Lonesome M/C - Buffalo 500 Aug. 20-21: Tillamook, Ore: Northwest Tour & Trail - Rat Dog Dual Sport Ride Sept. 10-11: McArthur, Ohio: Enduro Riders Association - Baby Burr National Dual Sport Sept. 10-11: Golden Pond, Ky.: KT Riders Land Between Lakes 200 Sept. 17-18: Logan, Ohio: Buckeye Dual Sporters - Nut Cracker 200 Sept. 24-25: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Family Off-Road Adventures - Yosemite Dual Sport Adventure Sept. 24-25: Wabeno, Wis.: Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, Inc. - Big Woods 200

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Oct. 22-23: Prescott Valley, Ariz.: Arizona Trail Riders - Howlin’ at the Moon Nov. 5-6: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Tri-County Sportsmen M/C - Hammer Run

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

Nov. 12-13: Oracle, Ariz.: Trail Riders Of Southern Arizona - There Will Be Dust

The Birth of a Hurricane: How AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Craig Vetter reimagined BSA for an American market.

AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS www.americanmotorcyclist.com Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Southern California Motorcycle Association 15 Best Roads: sc-ma.com, scmariskmanager@gmail.com, (602) 705-4902 Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Southern California Motorcycle Association USA Four Corners Tour: sc-ma.com, scmariskmanager@gmail. com, (602) 705-4902 July 3-24: Sister’s Centennial Motorcycle Ride: SistersMotorcycleRide.com, alisa@ motoadventuregal.com, (562) 395-3830

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME www.motorcyclemuseum.org

Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: The main floor of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame celebrates Hall of Fame inductees, the heroes of the track, road, trails and halls of government who have elevated the sport to new heights. Now featuring the 2015 inductees.

Oct. 1-2: Mt. Solon, Va.: Washington Area Trail Riders - Shenandoah 500

44

HALL OF FAME

EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

Sound RIDER!

Sam Swope: Philanthropist, Motorcyclist: Motorcycles that represent the generous, charitable giving of Sam Swope.

Motorcycle Toys and Collectibles Exhibit: A collection of more than 1,000 motorcycleinspired toys.

AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com July 8-10: Lexington, Ohio: Demo. bikes from manufacturers, visit the swap meet, watch or compete in vintage racing, meet AMA Hall of Famers, attend seminars and more.

AMA Trademarks The following represents active, registered trademarks, trademarks and service marks of American Motorcyclist Association, Inc. (AMA).

Usage of any AMA trademark or registered trademark without our permission is prohibited.

Please contact smaher@ama-cycle.org for more information or assistance.

(800) AMA-JOIN® • AMA Dragbike® • AMA Endurocross® • AMA Motorhead® • AMA Pro Grand National Championship® • AMA Pro Racing® • AMA Race Center™ • AMA Racer® • AMA Racing® • AMA Racing Land Speed Grand Championships® • AMA Supermoto® • AMA Supercross® • AMA SX Lites® • AMA U.S. ISDE Team™ • AMA U.S. Jr. Motocross Team™ • AMA U.S. Motocross Team™ • Amateur National Motocross Championships® • American Motorcyclist Association® • Arenacross® • ATV Hare Scrambles National Championship Series® • ATV Motocross National Championship Series® • 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® • Motostars® • 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®

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March 2016

45

GUEST COLUMN

A DANGEROUS HEAVEN Shaking Off The Shackles Of Fear

I stood in the parking lot that midSeptember, staring uneasily at my heavily loaded bike. I had qualms.

Two days earlier, I’d awakened to sun

By Suzanne Shafer streaming over me in the Sky Hook Motel in Mitchell, Ore.—a cheering sight, given the previous day’s rain and my plan to reach Prineville by way of NF-27. My maps disagreed as to whether this mountain backroad was paved, but just south of the Ochoco Divide Campground on U.S. Highway 26, a ribbon of tarmac disappeared into the trees so I turned right and began a winding climb.

Pine needles carpeting the curves discouraged deep lean angles, but vast forests, crystal-clear in the crisp alpine air, inspired a grin that grew with each new vista. Three miles or so in, I rounded a bend and saw a bright yellow sign announcing, “Pavement Ends.”

Fueled by endorphins, I rode onto the sketchy gravel road. A few hundred feet in, my squirming bike broke the natural high.

My Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure was up to the challenge but, with little offasphalt experience, I wasn’t.

“Don’t be stupid,” I told myself and reluctantly began a U-turn. Precarious balance gave gravity the upper hand and my top-heavy Strom (and I) went down.

I hit rocky dirt muttering, “Dammit, I’m in trouble now!”

I’d watched videos of women hoisting bikes heavier than mine, but never in gravel. I suspected that mattered.

Uninjured but annoyed, I crawled out from under the bike. I’d planned to explore Smith Rock State Park, but I might be going nowhere for hours if I couldn’t right my bike alone. After several failures that added scratches and weakened my legs, I gave up and signaled for road service with my SPOT device, then unfolded my chair.

46

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

I didn’t sit long. A pickup broke the silence and the couple in it stopped to help. Bike upright and reloaded, I canceled my SOS, returned to U.S. 26, and headed to the Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond for a weekend with a friend.

Two days later, as I prepared to continue my journey, I recalled the spill and hesitated by my bike. I felt fear rising.

Encountering a situation I couldn’t handle by myself raised a question that shook me.

Am I too old to ride alone?

I’m well-acquainted with fear. My father’s fears molded his life and set the direction of mine. Dad loved flying more than anything. He qualified as an instructor and earned every rating he needed to become a commercial pilot. But fear convinced him he couldn’t live this dream and enslaved him to a profession he loathed. I followed his example and fear became what I knew, until his final stories.

I nursed my father through his last weeks of life and he repeatedly told me tales I already knew. In particular, there were two—one about flying, the other about dancing— and I listened more attentively, realizing that each revealed joy lost to fear. They expressed a dying man’s grief for a life lived without soaring or swirling.

With Dad’s last laments in mind, I vowed that my final stories would ring with celebration, not regret.

I began facing fears that had, for 40 years, chained me to work that I despised.

I asked myself what made me happy and followed the answers. At 63, when I inexplicably fell in love with a well-used 2001 Honda Shadow VLX, I learned to ride and discovered a joy unlike any I’d known.

I chose state Highway 242, a 36-mile jaunt over the McKenzie Pass, simply because my map designated it a scenic route. It proved challenging. Tight blind bends link the short straight stretches and I white-knuckled the bars each time I passed courteous cyclists who pedaled single file to let me by. Riding east to west,

terra firma dropped away precipitously a few feet to my right, tempting me to hug the double yellow.

Climbing the pass with my eyes on the road, majestic panoramas slipped by unappreciated. Jagged lava spires, arising within reach at the pavement’s edge, accentuated the eeriness of the black flows draping the summit. Gliding through hair-pin turns under the sunflecked canopy of the west descent, the air was moist, soothing and richly fragrant.

The ride was perilous, yet glorious—a dangerous heaven.

Leaving the pass, I cruised north on state Highway 126 then headed for the Pacific Ocean on U.S. Highway 20. I rode through forests and fields under brilliant blueness, reveling in all but the Albany and Corvallis traffic.

Late in the day, with 70 miles of U.S. Highway 101 yet to cover, I paused in Newport. Fog, rain and the settling darkness made the last 30 miles treacherous.

Only a neighboring campfire was visible as I pulled into the Cape Lookout Campground. I lit a small candle lantern and pitched my tent as mosquitoes sampled my face and hands, then crawled into my down bag, grateful for the ocean rhythms carrying me into sleep.

My father’s deathbed regrets taught me that joy has a price. We pay it by risking the dangers of our particular heaven, having come to terms with the reality that we may not always beat them. My heaven of solitary rides on lonely roads is becoming more challenging as I age, but I’m not ready to give it up. I prepare for the difficulties I can envision, and I turn back when I realize I should.

That’s the best I can do, for it’s in my nature to ride solo as long as I can. My heaven is dangerous, after all, and it’s worth that risk.

Suzanne Shafer is an AMA member from Milton Freewater, Ore.

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