American Motorcyclist 05 2012 by American Motorcyclist Association

MAY 2012

CHEAP THRILLS Ryan Alward and other AMA members say motorcycles donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be expensive to be fun.

THE JOURNAL OF THE

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No wiNDowS. No DoorS. No rooF. Just you, your motorcycle, and the open road adventure in Montana and Wyoming.

Glacier National Park

Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only way to get to Glacier National Park, and the sole American roadway that’s both a National Historic Landmark and a National Civil Engineering Landmark. The route is narrow, challenging, and only open from June to September, but its staggering views and natural panoramas make it one of the most rewarding scenic routes in North America— and arguably, the world.

From scenic stretches along the way to destinations off the beaten path, Men’s Journal and American Motorcyclist Association bring you a guide to highlights you won’t want to miss on the Sun and Bear Tooth Highways. Clay Butte Fire Lookout Tower Just a mile off the Beartooth Highway before it approaches Yellowstone National Park, this lookout spot offers stunning 11,000-foot vistas over the Beartooth Plateau. Pack your hiking boots: there are acres of forest open for exploration, including the nearby Crazy Creek Cascade and the Clarks Fork Trailhead.

safety tip get training

Apgar Apgar to Lake McDonald Apgar is a quaint little town that’s the perfect place for quick recharge with a meal at Belton Chalet, the historic landmark hotel overlooking West Glacier Park. Once you’re back in the saddle, travel the length of ten mile Lake McDonald and stop for a boat ride or a fishing break with an eye-opening view of the surrounding snowy mountain caps. safety tip trip prep do some ReseaRch. get familiaR with youR Route and potential weatheR conditions. pack smaRt. oveR packing can cause pooR handling and balance issues. double check youR coveRage. getting stuck on the side of the Road because of an accident oR bReakdown can Ruin a tRip. even if you alReady have basic collision coveRage, look at additional pRotection options to keep you and youR bike pRotected.

RideRs who have gone thRough a motoRcycle safety tRaining couRse aRe less involved in cRashes than those who haven’t had tRaining, and aRe less injuRed when they do cRash because they have betteR collision-avoidance skills. to find a safety tRaining pRogRam neaR you, go to www.msf-usa.oRg.

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St. Mary to Many Glacier

safety tip check your pressure

This 26 mile ride takes you north from St. Mary Lake—one of the best sunrise spots in Glacier National Park and an excellent place to take in reflections of the surrounding mountain peaks—and west across the edge of Lake Sherburne through a glacially carved valley. Marvel at the effects of millions of years of erosion, and leave your helmet behind to check out one of the nearby glaciers.

Sunrift Gorge

dRamatic tempeRatuRe changes can seRiously alteR youR tiRe pRessuRes. bRing a gauge to ensuRe you maintain pRopeR psis; bonus points if you pack compRessed c02; not only can it boost youR tiRe pRessuRe in a pinch, it could help you limp to the neaRest seRvices if you get a slow leak.

Saint Mary don’t just pass through frOM One DAy treks tO An Overnight stAy,glAcier OutDOOr center hAs All yOur hiking, fishing, AnD cAMPing geAr rentAls. glacierraftco.com

Top five rides as chosen by American Motorcyclist Association Members

Rising Sun

The Sun Highway and Beartooth Highway Montana and Wyoming

2 Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina 570 plus miles of mountains, valleys quaint towns and controlled-access bliss.

3 U.S. Route 129 The Tail of The Dragon, on the North CarolinaTennessee border Built for curve addicts. Don’t miss the 11 mile stretch at the border with 318 curves.

4 U.S. Route 550, from Ouray to Durango, Colorado Waterfalls, rivers, dropoffs, and hairpin turns, this is a challenging and rewarding ride. safety tip animal crossing

Top of the world If you’re looking for the only services along the Beartooth Highway, you’ve come to the right place: this 10,947-foot summit is the reward after a roughly 30 mile ascent, and is the perfect place to spot bighorn sheep, black bears, and all manner of wildlife, not to mention stunning panoramic views.

keep that in mind while Riding these Remote Roads. keep youR speed down to avoid stRiking an animal, and avoid late afteRnoon Rides as you’Re moRe likely to encounteR cRitteRs then. if you find youR path inteRRupted by a cRossing beastie, you’ll have betteR luck with avoidance if you aim foR wheRe they’ve been, not wheRe they’Re going.

5 California Route 1, Pacific Coast Highway A must-do for every motorcyclist featuring stunning views of the PacificOcean and cliff-hugging curves.

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NAVIGATION

Cover

Ryan Alward of Folsom, Calif., is just one of several AMA members who found a way to fuel their passion for motorcycling on the cheap. Read his story and tips for new riders beginning on page 34. Photo: Bill Mahon Photo.

Navigation Photo

Testifying at the New Hampshire Legislature, AMA Government Affairs Manager Imre Szauter spoke against a bill to require federal Environmental Protection Agency sound labels on motorcycle exhaust systems. Find out what the Transportation Committee decided on page 16. Photo: Mattson Photography.

10. LETTERS

You write, we read.

12. JAMES HOLTER Dream bikes.

14. RIGHTS

Vote Like a Motorcyclist, and the New Hampshire House passes a sound bill. 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 2012. Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $10 covered in membership dues; $15 a year for non-members. Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices.

May 2012 Volume 66, Number 5 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) AmericanMotorcyclist.com

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

20. RIDING

The African-American biker experience, and AMA Legends Weekend.

26. RACING

Cory Buttrick wins an enduro, and online entry for AMA vintage racing.

30. HALL OF FAME

Kenny Robertsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Yamaha OW48 roadracer, and Hall of Famer Steve Morehead.

34. CHEAP THRILLS

Can you get started in motorcycling for $2,500 or less? You bet!

40. ABOVE AND BEYOND

Motorcycling heroes recognized for outstanding service.

46. GO RIDE

What to do, where to go.

54. PETE PFEIFER Open roads.

EDITORIAL OFFICES

High Adventure. No Hassle. The best routes, roads and twotrack, mapped by local experts. A great challenge with like-minded riders. A full weekend’s activities, with camping, campfires, food and prizes. For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding.

THE ADVENTURE is out there

comteit Ge

Contact any member of the AMA Board of Directors at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/ about/board Stan Simpson, Chairman Cibolo, Texas

Grant Parsons, Director of Communications James Holter, Managing Editor Bill Kresnak, Government Affairs Editor Mark Lapid, Creative Director Jen Muecke, Designer Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer

Maggie McNally, Vice Chairwoman Albany, N.Y. Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla. Perry King, Assistant Secretary Northern California

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

John Ulrich, Executive Committee Member Lake Elsinore, Calif. Russ Brenan, Irvine, Calif.

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

Dwight Conant, Kearsarge, N.H.

Aaron Cumbow, Marketing Specialist (614) 856-1900, ext. 1266, acumbow@ama-cycle.org

Sean Hilbert, Hillsdale, Mich. Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.

All trademarks used herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned by the AMA and may only be used with the express, written permission of the AMA. American Motorcyclist is the monthly publication of the American Motorcyclist Association, which represents motorcyclists nationwide. For information on AMA membership benefits, call (800) AMA-JOIN or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Manuscripts, photos, drawings and other editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited material. Copyright© American Motorcyclist Association, 2012.

Art More, Surprise, Ariz. Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill. AMA PRESIDENT AND CEO Rob Dingman, Pickerington, Ohio

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

AMA STAFF ACCOUNTING Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager Margaret Burgess, Accounts Payable/Cash Receipts Clerk Tyra Hines, Lead Accounting Clerk Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Sandi Dunphy, Coordinator/Switchboard Operator Sean Maher, Director AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME Renee Bock, Management Assistant Beth Myers, Donor Relations Specialist Katy Wood, Operations Manager AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES Kip Bigelow, Amateur MX Manager Joe Bromley, Director of Racing Jacki Burris, Organizer Services Coordinator Jane Caston, Racing Coordinator Lana Cox, Administrative Assistant/Switchboard Operator Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations Bill Cumbow, Director of Special Projects Dave Hembroff, Road Riding Manager Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager D’Andra Schwabel, Organizer Services Coordinator Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator Chuck Weir, Off Road Racing Manager Conrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

Marie Esselstein, Government Affairs Assistant Nick Haris, Western States Representative Jessica Irving, Grassroots Coordinator Rick Podliska, Deputy Director Sharon Smolinka, Legislative Coordinator Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager - On-Road Royce Wood, Government Affairs Manager - Off-Road INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Rob Baughman, Network Administrator John Boker, Developer Dave Coleman, Network Architect Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst Ed Madden, Managed Services Manager Bill Miller, Web Architect Peg Tuvell, Operations Manager MARKETING Connie Fleming, Events Manager Drew Parrott, Marketing Manager Tigra Tsujikawa, Marketing Manager MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY

DEVELOPMENT/OPERATIONS

Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager Angie Miller, Member Services Representative Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative Misty Walker, Member Services Representative

Jack Penton, Director Paula Schremser, Program Specialist

EXECUTIVE

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

See the event schedule in the Calendar section of this magazine.

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

John Bricker, Mailroom Manager Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator/Switchboard Operator Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk Ron Williams, Facilities Manager GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Sheila Andrews, Senior Legislative Assistant

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

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Get the free mobile app for your smartphone at http://gettag.mobi to play Helmet House videos on YouTube. Check out all our videos at youtube.com/helmethouse. For more information see your local dealer or visit tourmaster.com. Cortech and Tour Master are registered trademarks of Helmet House. ©Helmet House, Inc. 2012. Always maintain, inspect and wear protective motorcycle riding gear. No gear can offer complete protection from all situations. Obey all speed and safety laws. Riding and alcohol or other drugs don’t mix.

MEMBER LETTERS

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

LETTER OF THE MONTH THE RHINESTONE RIDERS

We are the Rhinestone Riders, a women’s motorcycling group new to Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a Bike the AMA but not new to riding. We just Bandit gift card worth $100. Didn’t win? No worries. You can still take advantage of your celebrated our one-year anniversary 10% AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com. with the AMA in January. We all have a passion for motorcycles in common. We love to ride! We want to share an event we had on Feb. 12. Fred and Willa Young, from the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA), blessed more than 25 bikes for the 2012 riding season. Then we took a beautiful sunny ride through the back roads of the Sierra Foothills and the Amador wine country. We are blessed to live in California and to have great riding weather. We feel, as a group, that the Rhinestone Riders promote a positive image of motorcycling, while encouraging and empowering women to ride and follow their dreams. Some of our members have already taken advantage of the towing services and other discounts that being a member of the AMA offers. We are looking forward to the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference in July. See you lady riders there. Check us out on the web at www.rhinestoneriders.net. Lynn Anderson Director, Rhinestone Riders Diamond Springs, Calif.

HOLDING THE SHIELD I read with great interest the interview with Bob Althoff [in the April issue] and had to laugh out loud when Mr. Althoff said, “People can live without a motorcycle. I just don’t recommend it.” He sounds just like me and some of my riding friends. Mr. Althoff’s more somber comment about the threats we motorcyclists face is correct. The threats come from all areas: private homeowners associations, insurance companies, and local, state and federal governments.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Our lawmakers and others do listen when confronted with an organization that has a large number of members. The numbers do mean something to these entities—re-election, profit margins, etc. As Mr. Althoff stated, “The AMA is our shield” and “needs to be a million members strong.” Ask your riding friends who are nonAMA members to join to protect our rights. Ted Pasche Argyle, Texas

NEW RIDER I salute you from the bottom of my heart. I’ve just finished reading one of your last issues. I save them all. I particularly care for the articles on mature riders. When I visit my daughter in Spain, where everyone rides a “moto,” I’d have to follow everyone around in a car. I’ve been all over the world, have flown planes, sailed boats and ships, jumped out of planes, but at 68, I had never been on a motorcycle! When I got back home to the Caribbean, I took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse on a basic 250cc. I left so enthused, I went out and bought a 750 with everything on it, as well as joined the AMA. I turned 70 last September, joined the local chapter of the Coast Guard Riders, and I’ve been enjoying the freedom of my bike ever since. It’s given a senior citizen a new lease on life. Please continue the great work. Raymond Milian Toa Baja, Puerto Rico REMEMBERING JOE I’ve been an avid motorcyclist for most of 50 years. But it wasn’t until I joined the Port Stockton Motorcycle Club, an AMA club, in the mid 1980s, that I learned the joys of participating in organized group runs. It was at this time I met a man who mentored me on the ways to instill growth and camaraderie among district clubs. His name was Joe Morgan. I first met Joe at a North Bay Poker Run. It had ended at a pizza shop in the Napa Valley area. I had just sat down to enjoy a late lunch. Joe walked up, the seat across from me was empty, and asked if he could join me. I pointed to the empty seat and he set down and immediately introduced himself. He asked my about my riding experience, as he knew I was a new member to District 36. Joe was one of those people who had an aura [about him] and when he spoke, I listened. His main point was the district, every district, is made up of clubs and riders. Without the riders and clubs, the district is just a piece of paper sitting on someone’s desk at AMA national headquarters. It was important for all district clubs to support the district. Without the support, some clubs may disband, or drop out of the district. And how do you show support? Mostly by attending their events. Today, with the high cost of fuel and food, a weekend event could cost close to $150 or more. That’s if you are riding twoup. We understand that things unavoidably

American motorcyclist may_Layout 1 3/9/12 3:10 P

DESIGNED TO

can come up and spoil your weekend ride. So how can you help? Grab your checkbook, an envelope and a stamp. Then write a check to the club for support and mail it off. I’ve ridden with District 36 for almost 25 years. If I could not attend, I would send a support check to the hosting club. My support, along with that of other members of our district, has fostered a close camaraderie among the district clubs. Every year at our district meeting, I reaffirm the need to support the district clubs. Because of Joe Morgan’s dedication and hard work with AMA District 36, most years the district gives an award to the person who showed the greatest motivation for improving the district: The Joe Morgan Award. Joe passed away in 1996 after a long battle with cancer. Thank you, Joe. William C. Wollner Member, Port Stockton Motorcycle Club District Director, AMA District 36 (Northern California) For his work advancing road riding in his region, Wollner received this year’s AMA Road Rider of the Year Award. Read more on page 44.

Larry Chabira

VIETNAMESE ADVENTURES Thanks for running Dr. Frazier’s adventure story about Vietnam in the March issue. I had the pleasure of marrying a lovely Vietnamese lady in the city of Bien Hoa in July 2010. I tested my mettle by piloting her Honda scooter around the mean streets of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City — ed.). The initial insanity finally gave way to an orderly chaos. With the streets so crowded, no one could really get up enough speed to get hurt if there was an accident. And I learned that the Buddhist only feels

responsible for what is in front of him. For our honeymoon, we took the overnight train to her hometown of Dong Hoi, about 40 miles north of the old DeMilitarized Zone. Upon arriving at the Sun Spa resort, I literately leaped from the taxicab when I saw a big red sidecar rig near the entrance. Thinking it was a BMW, I soon realized it was a Russian Ural. After my wife interpreted, I learned it was just “art.” Maybe the “Explore Indochina” folks could go down there and get it running?

INCREASE HORSEPOWER

Larry Chabira Austin, Texas RETURN RIDER “Together In Motion” really hit home. It’s hard to imagine a clearer and more succinct articulation of why we ride. I returned to motorcycle riding about a year and a half ago after a 31-year absence due to being spooked by a fairly serious crash back in 1979. My wife doesn’t understand my affection for my new toy and the thrill I get riding it. So I let her read Mr. Rumminger’s Guest Column. I think she now sees the light. Thanks for publishing it.

HIGH-FLOW AIR FILTERS

Robert Richards Canyon County, Calif. KEEPIN’ ON I just had a chuckle or two. I read articles in American Motorcyclist as well as other moto publications and get a kick out of the references made about thumpers or other small displacement motorcycles. They are generally described as “for the beginning rider, the novice, or returning riders.” I got my first motorcycle in 1955 and have ridden about a half-million miles on Harley hardtails, Harley dressers, Yamaha Ventures, Honda Gold Wings, and have owned two different sidecar rigs. I also have a thumper, not my first, a Kawasaki KLR650, and have ridden to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, with it and to the Caribbean coast and the Atlantic coast, in most Canadian provinces and nearly all 50 States. I have ridden the superslab, the blueline highways, the back roads and the off roads. My impression of the “beginner” bike is it is a hoot and a kick in the pants. I joined the AMA and then dropped out but have been a steady member since 1980, and have since qualified as a Life Member. Keep on riding! Gary Shearer Salem, Ore.

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DREAM BIKES Cheap Bikes Don’t Have To Be Beginner Only This month’s cover story profiles five AMA members who started riding—or branched into a new type of riding—on the cheap. The message? You don’t need to put off your passion for years while you save for a new bike. New riders can do just fine on old, inexpensive, mechanically sound motorcycles. But there’s a lesson there for the rest of us, too. You also don’t need the latest and greatest to keep motorcycling. Like many of you, I’ve had dirtbikes almost as long as I can remember— By James Holter dating to a 1979 Yamaha MX100 and a nameless blue minibike before that. The only times I’ve been without a dirtbike in my garage are times I didn’t have a garage. But while there have been some new bikes over the years, there also have been many—some members of my immediate family might say too many—cheap, old ones. Here’s an incomplete list… • The 1988 Kawasaki KX250 I bought in 1999. Think gouged cylinder, ridiculously neglected suspension components and a questionable transmission. And blue Loctite. Lots and lots of blue Loctite. • The 1981 Kawasaki KDX420 I came across in 2001. I think it weighed about 400 pounds and carried 300 of it in the gas tank. It ran great until I started it with the flywheel nut off (don’t ask…). • The 1979 Yamaha IT250 that I got four years ago as a project bike (and have been 90 percent done with for about three-and-ahalf years). • The 1977 Yamaha IT250 that I got in 2002 or so. My dad bought it for $50 after it caught on fire. I spent about $800 fixing it up and sold it for $700. I consider the $150 loss a win. • The 1981 Yamaha XT250 that was given to me by an old friend and simply will not quit. It has been ridden in enduros, dualsport rides and even motocrossed by AMA Track Racing Manager Ken “Pin it and Pray” Saillant. None of these bikes was anywhere close to perfect, but a couple kept me riding in the dirt when I had no other option and they all were great fun. But does fun mean fast? It can. Ironically, the new bikes I’ve bought over the years have convinced me of that. Two that leap to mind are my 2000 Honda CR250R and 2006 Yamaha YZ250F. Both motorcycles would be considered decidedly “old” by 2012 standards, and rightfully so. But I’ve never been faster than either bike could go. With the exception of one race last season when the electric start on my much newer KTM made sure I finished a particular enduro (that’s right, Lost in Lodi, I’m talking about you), I never performed better than I would have on the CR or YZ. I’m sort of slow, however, and perhaps not a good reflection of today’s average rider.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

I check my theory with my old riding buddy Bob, an AMA Life Member from Joliet, Ill. Bob races the A class in AMA District 17 (Northern Illinois) hare scrambles, spent the 1990s racing motocross, and had his AMA Pro Racing Flat Track expert license back in the 1980s. I consider him a bonafide fast guy. If he says cheap bikes are good enough for most of us, I’ll believe it. Bob doesn’t just say cheap, old bikes are fine for slow guys like me. They’re also fine for him. “My ride now is a 2001 Gas-Gas XC250,” Bob says. “It’s a twostroke 250, built for cross-country-style racing. The main reason I bought it is it was cheap.” But is the old Gas-Gas fast enough? “I really don’t think anyone needs a brand new bike,” Bob says. “Even at the top level in local racing, a clean, used bike is going to be as fast—particularly for off-road events, but even in moto. “A couple years ago, a friend of mine, Fred Nette, took a very worn, stock 2005 Honda CRF450R to the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn’s and finished third overall in the 45-plus class, against mostly brand new machines. “ (I look it up. Fred got third in 2009, with 6-3-4 moto finishes.) But Bob says there’s a catch. “If you buy an old bike for racing, it must be mechanically sound,” he says. “My Gas-Gas didn’t have a lot of time on it, and the motor was recently gone over with a new top end and crank bearings. I knew it was old, but solid mechanically and the price was definitely right at $1,600.” Don’t get me and Bob wrong, however. New motorcycles are wonderful. Few things are as intoxicating as that new bike smell wafting through your garage. Riding is a passion, and a new bike fuels that. A new bike is also a prudent choice, if you have the disposable coin and value the peace of mind that comes with an unmolested machine. But for the times when your finances preclude a new bike, there’s no reason to stay on the couch, whether you ride on the street or the dirt. “Riding doesn’t have to be expensive, and just as much fun can be had on a cheap, older bike as on a $9,000 new one,” Bob says. “Not being able to afford a $9,000 toy is no excuse.” So get out there, buy an old bike and keep riding—or discover a new motorcycling experience. After all, if you don’t, the current owners of those old bikes might never raise the down payment for their next new one. James Holter is the managing editor of American Motorcyclist.

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Get Involved To learn how you can get involved to help protect the rights of motorcyclists this campaign season, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Get Involved. Be sure to Vote Like A Motorcyclist and register to vote, go to http:// amacycle.capwiz.com/election/ register_vote/.

VOTE LIKE A MOTORCYCLIST

2012 AMA Voter Guide Being Prepared Motorcycle-only checkpoints. Public land grabs. Engine-damaging ethanol fuels. Health insurance discrimination against motorcyclists. There are a wide variety of issues on Capitol Hill related to motorcycling. And our Election Day choices will affect motorcyclists. That’s why the AMA Government Relations Department is putting together the 2012 AMA Voter Guide for AMA members to use when deciding how to cast their ballots in the November general election. But even going into the primary elections, motorcyclists should take stock of where candidates stand on motorcycling issues, and what they can do to help protect the future of motorcycling.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Wayne Allard, a former U.S. representative and U.S. senator from Colorado who now serves as the AMA’s vice president for government relations, notes that the AMA is a non-partisan organization and doesn’t make political endorsements. But it does provide tools to help its members make informed choices on Election Day and offers tips for getting involved in campaigns. “We encourage riders to cast their ballots and work on political campaigns based in part on candidates’ positions on motorcycling-related issues, as well as other issues of importance to them,” Allard says. Voting and getting involved politically is important because the results of Election Day lay the foundation for legislation and

STAY INFORMED THE EASY WAY Help Protect Your Right To Ride And Race

Street and dirt riders are under attack, and thanks to the help of all AMA members we are defending motorcyclists’ right to ride and race. Join forces with like-minded riders to take action that helps fight unfair federal, state and local legislation. The AMA Government Relations Department will keep you informed on hot topics affecting the riding community, town hall meeting notices, and opportunities to communicate with your elected officials. Subscribe to this free service today at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation and at the bottom of the page select Action E-List.

Illustration Clinton Reno

RIGHTS

laws, Allard says. If anti-motorcycling candidates earn elected office, then they could legislate away opportunities to ride, cut back or eliminate funding for rider safety training, or even wipe out other programs that motorcyclists have spent years working to implement. “Motorcyclists must gather as much information as they can about candidates seeking office before the primary elections,” Allard says. “And that’s even more important for the candidates who win their primaries and earn the right to face off in the general election. “The 2012 AMA Voter Guide will be completed after the primary elections and before the general election to give motorcyclists important information about political candidates,” Allard says. “The 2012 AMA Voter Guide will include a rating for every federal and gubernatorial candidate of the major political parties who returns an AMA questionnaire. “The rating will show how closely the candidates’ answers align with AMA positions,” he says. “The 2012 AMA Voter Guide will also feature a scorecard for federal incumbents seeking re-election that shows how closely their voting records match the positions held by the AMA.”

GET YOUR BUTT ON A VICTORY TOURING BIKE THAT’S SO DAMN COMFORTABLE IT’LL MAKE YOU KICK YOUR OWN ASS FOR NOT RIDING IT SOONER. ®

VictoryMotorcycles.com Victory and Victory Motorcycles® are registered trademarks of Polaris Industries Inc. Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ©2012 Polaris Industries Inc.

RIGHTS U.S. HOUSE PANEL BACKS OUTSIDE STUDY OF ETHANOL-GASOLINE FUELS

Mattson Photo

Science Committee Wants Independent Research

Candy Alexander testifying in New Hampshire.

NEW HAMPSHIRE HOUSE PASSES MOTORCYCLE SOUND BILL Measure Now In Senate For Consideration

The New Hampshire House has approved a simple, yet reliable, roadside sound test for motorcycles in response to citizen complaints about noise. By a 261-80 vote, the House on Feb. 22 approved H.B. 1442, which lowers the state’s allowable decibel limit for motorcycles and adopts the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J2825 procedure to test for compliance: “Measurement of Exhaust Sound Pressure Levels of Stationary On-Highway Motorcycles.” The bill scraps the state’s 106-decibel limit for motorcycles, replacing it with the limits spelled out in the SAE J2825 test standard. The SAE J2825 standard recommends: • A limit of 92 decibels (dBA) at idle for all street motorcycles. • A limit of 100 dBA for three- or fourcylinder machines at 5,000 rpm or 75 percent of maximum engine speed, whichever is less, using the Set RPM or Swept RPM procedure. • A limit of 96 dBA for bikes with fewer than three or more than four cylinders at 2,000 rpm or 75 percent of maximum engine speed, whichever is less. The bill is now in the Senate for consideration. Earlier, the House Transportation Committee rejected the bill’s original language that would have required motorcycles registered in the state and built in 2013 or later to display U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sound-compliance labels on the exhausts. The committee replaced the language

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and sent the bill to the full House for a vote after hearing testimony against the labeling requirement from law enforcement officers, the AMA, the New Hampshire Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization and others. AMA Government Affairs Manager Imre Szauter told the committee: “Simply put, a label, even if it can be located, does not ensure compliance. More often than not, the label will be difficult or impossible to verify roadside, negating the goal of this legislation—a reduction in the number of excessively loud motorcycles in New Hampshire.” Instead, Szauter recommended the panel adopt the SAE J2825 standard. Candy Alexander, then president-elect of the New Hampshire Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization, testified that “those riders who are disrespectful would see opportunity to comply with the law in having an exhaust with an EPA label but would drill out the baffle, which would cause the exhaust to be loud. Therefore, again, the EPA label approach does not address the problem of excessive sound.” She also urged adoption of SAE J2825. The AMA has long maintained a position of strong opposition to excessive motorcycle sound. The SAE J2825 standard is at the heart of model legislation developed by the AMA for use by jurisdictions seeking a simple, consistent and economical way to deal with sound complaints related to onhighway motorcycles within the larger context of excessive sound from all sources.

A key U.S. House committee has approved a bill that would require an independent scientific study of the effects of ethanol-gasoline blends on engines. By a 19-7 vote on Feb. 7, the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology approved H.R. 3199 to require the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek an independent scientific analysis of the effects on engines of E15—a new gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume. The measure, introduced by committee Vice Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), now goes to the full House for a vote. If approved, it then would move to the Senate for further consideration. “This independent research is needed to ensure that new ethanol-gasoline blends won’t damage motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle engines,” says Rick Podliska, AMA deputy director of government relations. “We applaud the committee for supporting this crucial legislation.” The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15 when the new fuel becomes widely available, and has asked that motorcycles and ATVs be part of any scientific study into the effects of E15. In October 2010, the EPA approved the use of E15 in model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). Then, in January 2011, the EPA added model year 2001-06 light-duty vehicles to the approved list. No motorcycles or ATVs are currently on the list. The AMA and its partner group, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association, have expressed concerns about E15 being mistakenly used and damaging engines in motorcycles and ATVs, and about the continued availability of gasoline that has no ethanol—or gasoline with only a 10 percent blend—that is safe for use in motorcycles and ATVs. To contact your federal lawmakers to urge them to support H.R. 3199, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issue & Legislation.

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RIGHTS 3 QUESTIONS WITH…

U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop

U.S. FOREST SERVICE TO GET NEW PLANNING RULE Key Federal Lawmaker Concerned About Access

Federal officials are poised to release a new planning rule for America’s 193-million acre national forest system that they say seeks to deliver stronger protections for forests, water and wildlife while supporting the economic vitality of rural communities. But at least one key federal lawmaker is concerned that the proposed rule will make it easier for the U.S. Forest Service to block access to public land. “Gifford Pinchot and other early founders of the national forest system sought to ensure that we would have working forests that would serve multiple objectives,” says U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), chairman of the House Natural Resources National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee. “Their intention for creating the national forest system was not to block access to our resources but to ensure that the federal estate remained a sustainable resource for years to come. “It seems as though many in Washington have overlooked this and, instead, look for ways to prevent multipleuse management of our federal lands,” Bishop says. “This should not be the case. I am concerned that this final rule

continues that very sentiment...” On Jan. 26, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that a notice of availability for a “Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement” would be published in the Federal Register on Feb. 3. Then, within 30 days, Vilsack would issue a “record of decision” selecting a final planning rule. “Our preferred alternative will safeguard our natural resources and provide a road map for getting work done on the ground that will restore our forests while providing job opportunities for local communities,” Vilsack says. The U.S. Forest Service, part of the Agriculture Department, manages 155 national forests and 20 grasslands in 44 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Royce Wood, AMA government affairs manager, says the AMA will analyze the final planning rule to determine whether there are stumbling blocks to responsible motorized recreation on the public land. In the meantime, Wood suggests that all riders contact their local national forests to find out the status of work on the local forest travel management plans, and whether there is opportunity for public comment.

American Motorcyclist: Is a trike a motorcycle? Imre Szauter: Yes. Motorcyclists have always thought of trikes as motorcycles. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines the term “motorcycle” for the purpose of the regulations it administers as “a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with ground.” The Federal Highway Administration also considers a trike to be a motorcycle for purposes of state reporting of motor vehicle crash data. AM: What about a three-wheeled truck? Szauter: Motorcyclists don’t consider them to be motorcycles, but under the current federal definitions of a motorcycle, they are. What we are seeing is more and more manufacturers are creating these types of vehicles to fit the definition of a motorcycle so that they don’t need to meet all the safety standards required for cars. AM: Why is that a problem? Szauter: There are more and more three-wheeled enclosed vehicles being made that don’t fit our traditional definition of a motorcycle. As more of these vehicles get in crashes they will skew motorcycle crash statistics and could possibly lead to government programs or mandates to address aspects of motorcycle crashes that aren’t in the best interest of motorcyclists. Requiring crash bars or roll cages on motorcycles are examples.

MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINT BILLS APPROVED Virginia, New Hampshire, North Carolina Pass Legislation

On Feb. 28, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed legislation to prohibit motorcycle-only checkpoints, making it the third state to pass legislation to forbid the practice. Specifically, the bill, introduced by Delegate C. Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah), prohibits law enforcement agencies from establishing checkpoints where the only vehicles subject to inspection are motorcycles. The measure was introduced after the Arlington County Police Department set up a motorcycle-only checkpoint during the Rolling Thunder ride on May 28, 2011. The ride brings awareness to Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) issues. Similar bills were approved in New Hampshire and North Carolina and signed into law. Other states around the country are also considering such legislation.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Photos Bishop: J. Alex Wilson; 4 Questions: Zapcar

Imre Szauter, AMA Government Affairs Manager

STATEWAT C H CALIFORNIA Motorcyclists would be allowed to carry transponders, or other electronic toll payment devices, in a variety of ways, under Assembly Bill 1890, sponsored by Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-Santa Ana). Motorcyclists could carry the device in a pocket, inside a cycle net draped over the gas tank, mounted on a license plate device provided by the toll operator, or in the motorcycle glove box. Current state law mandates the device must be visible when the vehicle is on a vehicular crossing or toll highway. HAWAII Children under age 8 would be prohibited from riding ATVs if an amended version of House Bill 2277, sponsored by Rep. Linda Ichiyama (D-Moanalua), becomes law. The measure is generally consistent with industry guidelines and reasonable regulations that have been adopted in other states except that the industry model recommends a minimum age of 6. Watch AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights for updates. MARYLAND Tire manufacturers or distributors would

RIGHTS

be required to provide a label displaying each tireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s month and year of manufacture, and provide information on tire aging and deterioration, under House Bill 729, sponsored by Delegate Benjamin Kramer (D-Montgomery County) and Senate Bill 940, sponsored by Sen. Roy Dyson (D-Great Mills). MINNESOTA Anyone found guilty of certain aggressive, inattentive, reckless or careless driving offenses resulting in death or great bodily harm would face penalties, under Senate File 1959, sponsored by Sen. Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley). If the violator was using a hand-held cellular telephone or texting while driving, he or she could be charged with a gross misdemeanor and face up to a year in prison, a $3,000 fine, or both if not charged with a more serious offense. MISSOURI Penalties would be substantially increased for those found guilty of certain right-of-way violations that result in physical injury, serious physical injury or death to another roadway user, under Senate Bill 805, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Engler (R-Farmington).

MISSISSIPPI House Bill 580, sponsored by Rep. Gary Chism (R-Columbus), would reduce the sales tax rate on retail sales of motorcycles from 7 percent to 5 percent. SOUTH CAROLINA House Bill 4653, sponsored by Rep. Joe Daning (R-Goose Creek), would make it unlawful to transport a child 7 years old or younger on a motorcycle. Under House Bill 4691, sponsored by Rep. Todd Atwater (R-Lexington), the state Transportation Department and Transportation Commission would be barred from discriminating against motorcycles, motorcycle operators or motorcycle passengers when putting together policies, regulations, allocating funds or planning, designing, constructing, equipping, operating, and maintaining transportation facilities. The policy would also apply to transportation facilities and projects of the counties, cities, towns and other political subdivisions where public funds have been used for transportation projects and facilities.

THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN BIKER EXPERIENCE A New Exhibit At The Harley-Davidson Museum By Billy Bartels

What do the Easy Rider Captain America bike and fully customized baggers have in common? They were created by African-American builders, Benny Hardy with Captain America, and a whole legion of 1970s bikers who piled accessories on to buck the trend of chopping bikes up. “Journey of the Iron Elite” is a new exhibit at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee highlighting African-American riders’ contributions to, and participation in, motorcycling—or, more specifically, motorcycling on Harley-Davidsons. Instead of a dedicated wing or room of the museum, the Iron Elite are sprinkled into the existing displays with just a few dedicated areas. For February, in honor of Black History Month, there were some prominent additions to the overall theme, like one of Sugar Bear’s choppers in the main entryway, and a case of patches and vests from some featured clubs like the Buffalo Soldiers. But the permanent additions to the various galleries are where the heart and soul of this project lie. In the Competition and Clubs Gallery there is a selection of branded club apparel and patches. In Custom Culture there is a sprinkling of artifacts and bikes from prominent African Americans. But mostly it’s the less visible entries along the way in the huge Harley-Davidson Journey Gallery,

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which runs along one side of both floors of the museum, where you will find some real gems. It’s here you’ll discover AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bessie Stringfield, the groundbreaking woman touring rider, as well as black MPs of World War II. There is a single display in the Journey dedicated to the Iron Elite. In it are a bike and gear from prominent 1970s racer and club member P. Wee, as well as shop equipment and riding gear from William B. Johnson, the first black Harley dealer. For the opening, Harley-Davidson invited some of the riders who helped put the exhibit together like Benny Hardy’s protégé Sugar Bear, and leaders of the Buffalo Soldiers, the Savage Skulls and other African-American motorcycle clubs.

3 QUESTIONS WITH…

Harley-Davidson’s John Comissiong John Comissiong, director of market outreach for the Harley-Davidson Motor Co., talks about the new exhibit. American Motorcyclist: What is the genesis of the “Journey of the Iron Elite” exhibit? Comissiong: “Journey of the Iron Elite” is a continuation of our efforts to recognize and celebrate African-American riders and the impact they have had shaping motorcycling culture. Harley-Davidson’s

Black History Month activities are part of a broader Motor Company initiative to document and preserve the rich history and heritage of African-American riding culture. AM: Was it just John Comissiong an extension of the outreach program? Comissiong: The exhibit is an extension of our efforts to highlight the stories of influential African Americans who have made their mark on the history of motorcycle culture. Harley-Davidson has a long-standing history with AfricanAmerican riders. We wanted to shine the light on these existing stories that were begging to be told. We hope that by doing this, it will inspire more people to step forward with stories of their own to tell. AM: How did you choose the clubs and individuals highlighted? Comissiong: Some of the exhibit stories were chosen as a result of a contest we held last year. The other stories were chosen as a result of the relationship we have developed with various African-American riders over the years and the extent of their contributions to motorcycling culture. To help gather and feature more stories of African-American riders, the Harley-Davidson Iron Elite section of our website actively seeks and showcases African-American rider stories, motorcycle customization and legends.

Photos Harley-Davidson Motor Company

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BOARD ELECTIONS FOR 2013

Northwest, North Central Regions Individual member representatives on the AMA Board of Directors will be elected to serve the Northwest and North Central Regions starting in 2013. For information about obtaining a candidate application, email AMA Director of Administrative Services Sean Maher at smaher@ama-cycle.org or call (614) 856-1900.

AMA LEGENDS WEEKEND RETURNS TO LAS VEGAS The AMA Legends Weekend features motorcycling history’s legends and collectible motorcycles of every genre. And on Nov. 16-17 at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nev., you can be front and center when the motorcycling world shines a spotlight on its best and brightest. First up is the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday evening, Nov. 16. The 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d’Elegance bike show takes place the next day, Saturday, Nov. 17, showcasing many of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. “The AMA Legends Weekend has, without question, become one of motorcycling’s must-attend events, celebrating motorcycling’s heritage at one of America’s most electrifying destination cities,” says AMA President and CEO Rob

Dingman. “We invite all motorcyclists to join us in Las Vegas as we spotlight our enduring legends.” The Hall of Fame Class of 2012—which will be announced later this spring— includes individuals who have excelled in motorcycle design, engineering and business, as well as those who have made lasting contributions to road riding, offroad riding and all categories of racing. “The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors those who have re-shaped, redefined and, in some cases, invented the motorcycling lifestyle as we know it today,” says Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises money for the Hall of Fame. “I’m looking forward to commemorating the accomplishments of the 2012 class on Nov. 16.” Ticket information will be announced soon at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

U.S. SENATOR, MOTORCYCLING SUPPORTER TO RETIRE

penalized states for not passing mandatory helmet laws. In 1992, working with Sen. Dave Durenberger (R-Minn.), she introduced a proposal that Sen. Olympia Snowe removed a controversial requirement that would have stripped freedom-of-choice states of control over their highway construction spending. Motorcyclists returned support in several ways, including the “Another Biker for Olympia Snowe” bumper stickers that were prevalent during election season. Snowe was elected to the House in 1978 and represented Maine’s 2nd Congressional District until 1995 when she moved to the Senate.

Sen. Olympia Snowe Fought For States’ Rights

U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, a Republican senator from Maine and a longtime champion of motorcyclists’ rights, will retire when her term ends on Jan. 3. “Sen. Snowe has been a helpful contact in the Senate and a strong advocate on behalf of all motorcyclists for decades,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations and former two-term U.S. senator from Colorado. “As a fellow member of the motorcycling community and a former colleague, I thank Sen. Snowe for her invaluable legislative support and wish her well.” During her legislative career, Snowe helped defeat measures that would have

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THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT! AMA Members Still Celebrating Lead Law Victory

Representatives from District 23 (Minnesota) presented this expression of thanks for defeating the lead law to the AMA at the Indianapolis Dealer Show in late February. No, thank you, guys! Grassroots support is what makes victories like this possible!

Photos Legends: Camilla Sjodin Photography; Snowe: U.S. Senate Photographic Studio

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K 1600 GT. UNSTOPPABLE TOUR. Surprisingly low monthly payments are available through 3asy Ride financing, ask your local dealer for details. ©2012 BMW Motorrad USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. MSRP excludes tax, title, destination and registration fees. 3asy Ride is not offered in MD, NC, ND, NH, NV, PA and WV. Visit your local dealer for details and alternate ﬁnancing options. The BMW name and logo are registered trademarks. Always ride safely and wear proper protective gear.

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AMA WELCOMES CORPORATE MEMBERS TO BOARD

Husqvarna is proud to sponsor the 2012 AMA National Dual-Sport Series

Two new corporate board As CEO of Cobra Moto, Hilbert members have joined the AMA understands minicross and the Board of Directors and a third has grassroots appeal of amateur been re-elected. motorcycle competition in Sean Hilbert, CEO of Cobra America. Moto, was elected to the board, “The AMA has uniquely while Russ Brenan, senior adviser positioned itself to become of government relations and the strongest advocate for public affairs at Kawasaki Motors motorcyclists in Washington, Corp. U.S.A., was appointed to fill D.C., and over my tenure, I hope the seat vacated by Jim Williams, to help the association become Russ Brenan who represented Kawasaki on the even more customer focused,” board before joining the AMA as Hilbert says. vice president of industry relations Brenan guides Kawasaki’s and corporate member programs. advocacy and outreach efforts in In addition, John Ulrich, the United States. founder and owner of Roadracing “As a lifelong motorcyclist, I World & Motorcycle Technology, look forward to helping the AMA was re-elected to the board. advance and promote the sport The election took place at the through its advocacy efforts, annual AMA corporate member ensuring that motorcycling meeting in Indianapolis on Feb. remains both a viable form of 18. Ulrich’s and Hilbert’s terms recreation and transportation in are both three years in duration, the future,” Brenan says. Sean Hilbert while Brenan’s term runs through At the corporate member February 2013. meeting, the AMA also welcomed A longtime board member, Ulrich helped 15 new corporate members: Academy shepherd the AMA through the sale of of Motorcycle Operation, Cobra Moto, AMA Pro Racing and its recommitment to Double Take Mirror, EnfoTrace GPS, motorcycling advocacy. GE Capital, GiFOR USA/GOLDfren, “The AMA is the first line of defense Keihin North America, Metro Racing, against unreasonable government RoadRunner Publishing, Saddlemen/ restrictions on our sport. That’s why I kept BST Enterprises, Schuberth North renewing my membership for 25 years, America, Sprocket Media Group, Strider and that’s why I continue to serve on the Sports International, Touratech USA, and Board of Directors,” Ulrich says. Trailmaster Adventures.

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Q: How should you pass (or be passed by) a tractor-trailer that momentarily blocks the wind? A: We are unable to give you an exact formula for the adjustments you need to make in windy conditions when passing or being passed by a tractor-trailer. This is something each rider must anticipate and respond to immediately and improve upon with experience. There are many variables—primarily your speed, the bike’s weight, and whether or not it has a full fairing; tractortrailer speed; and crosswind strength and direction. And a tractor-trailer that passes you not only unblocks the wind, but creates a low-pressure zone behind it that can pull you toward its lane (due to

Bernoulli’s Principle). The vacuum effect can be minimized by adjusting your lane position to place you farther from the truck. We imagine riders have more control when they are doing the passing, because you can ease past the tractor-trailer and into the crosswind. In either situation, the best advice we can offer is to tighten your grip on the handlebars, be ready to react with proper handgrip pressure to maintain your path when affected by sudden changes in crosswind strength, and be willing to pull over and wait it out if the winds are too strong. More: MSF-USA.org.

Photos Brenan: Courtesy Russ Brenan; Hilbert: Christopher McGuire Photography

Includes Representatives From Kawasaki, Cobra Moto

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CORY BUTTRICK WINS SANDLAPPER NATIONAL ENDURO Fast and Solid by Shan Moore After getting off to a relatively slow start with a fourth-place finish at the series opener in January, Cory Buttrick came on strong to win round three of the AMA Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series—the Sandlapper National Enduro in Salley, S.C. The FMF/KTM rider was solid in all six tests—turning the fastest time in two tests

and never finishing outside of the top three in the other four—to take the overall win by 42 seconds over KTM rider Steward Baylor. The win was Buttrick’s first since late 2010, and it elevated him to second in the series standings behind Baylor. “I’m happy to start strong and finish strong and finally put it all together,” said

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Buttrick. “For the most part, things went flawless, with the exception of a pretty good crash in section two. I managed to stay pretty consistent all day and it feels good to finally get another win.” Baylor came on strong in the final test to eclipse eight-time champ Michael Lafferty for the runner-up position. But several mistakes in the early going, including a couple of falls, left the South Carolina rider in a hole he couldn’t dig his way out of. Despite the poor start, Baylor still leads the series standings by 12 points with seven rounds to go with wins in the opening two rounds of the series. Lafferty rounded out the podium. The factory Husaberg rider said he was in position to finish second had he not “thrown it away” in the final test. Defending champ Russell Bobbitt, who won this event handily in 2011, finished fourth on his KTM. Bobbitt continues to struggle to regain his form after spending the winter recovering from a wrist injury. It was another strong event for the AMA Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series, which is solidifying its resurgence as the country’s premier woods racing series. The South Carolina event had a record number of entries, nearly selling out online in a matter of hours. Series info: NationalEnduro.com.

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RYAN VILLOPOTO EXTENDS AMA SUPERCROSS POINTS LEAD Wins In St. Louis

Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto won his fifth AMA Supercross race of the season at St. Louis’ Edward Jones Dome after taking the lead from Yamaha’s Davi Millsaps on the second lap and never looking back. KTM’s Ryan Dungey made a late charge at Villopoto after moving into second on the 13th lap, but was unable to reel in the points leader. “The track was tough tonight,” said Villopoto. “I tried to ride smart and consistent, paying attention to where Dungey was. I was able to hold on for another win and my first-ever in St. Louis.” For the consistent Dungey, his second place was his seventh podium finish of the year.

The AMA has negotiated insurance cost savings of up to 18 percent for AMA event organizers running AMA-sanctioned events. The new lower rates are geared to make riding and racing more affordable for AMA members everywhere. Offered by Lockton Affinity, the preferred insurance provider of the AMA, the new program took effect on March 1. The current reduction is the second insurance rate reduction in six months. On Sept. 29, Lockton Affinity offered rates that were 10 percent lower than its previous rates. “AMA racing and recreational events are the gold standard for amateur motorcycle competition and riding in America,” says Joe Bromley, the director of AMA racing and organizer services. “Our riders, clubs and promoters expect quality customer service and competitive prices, especially in today’s environment. “That’s why we’re pleased to be in a position to lower costs to the clubs and promoters who sanction their events with the AMA,” he says. “We’re looking forward to organizers of AMA events taking

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advantage of these new savings.” The new 2012 sanctioned event insurance option form is now available for AMA Organizers to download at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Clubs & Promoters > Resources and Forms. For more information about the updated insurance program and sanctioning questions, AMA organizers should contact Cherie Schlatter, AMA organizer services manager, at cschlatter@ama-cycle.org or at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1242.

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Online race entry is now open for the 2012 AMA Vintage Grand Championships, which will be held during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 20-22, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Competitors in all disciplines can access online pre-entry at AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com > Register to Race. Supplemental rules, class structures and a weekend schedule are also available. For those who prefer to mail in physical entries, downloadable forms are also available. The AMA Vintage Grand Championships include amateur championship racing in motocross, hare scrambles, trials and roadracing at the expansive Mid-Ohio complex. The dirt-track event, which is round 10 of the AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series, will be held at the nearby Ashland County Fairgrounds in Ashland.

All proceeds from the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships are donated to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Pre-entry fees for off-road and motocross are $40 per class. Dirt track pre-entry is $30 per class. Roadrace preentry is $80 for the first class and $70 for each subsequent class (per day). “We’re proud to elevate vintage racing with national recognition at the premier vintage motorcycling event in America— AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” says AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “From casual racers to the country’s top vintage racers, there’s a class for everyone.” Riders in designated “A” classes will compete for national championships, the right to run AMA National No. 1 plates and vie for the honors of AMA Track Racing Vintage Grand Champion, AMA Off-Road Vintage Grand Champion and AMA Vet/ Senior Vintage Grand Champion.

AMA EXPANDS CHAMPIONSHIP BANQUET PROGRAM FOR 2012 Top Three Racers Per Class, Per Discipline Will be Honored

The AMA is ramping up the program for the 2012 AMA Championship Banquet, bringing the event closer to Eastern riders and honoring even more racers. The top three finishers in 2012 AMA motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle national championship competition will be recognized Jan. 19 at the Aladdin Center in Columbus, Ohio. “When we surveyed our champions, it was clear that everyone would welcome a return to an eastern venue for the

championship banquet,” says AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. The program—which will include dinner, door prizes, refreshments, a bike show and an after party—will honor hundreds of top competitors in disciplines ranging from land-speed racing to motocross to woods

Photos Vintage: Corey Mays; Banquet: Sjodin Photography; Hammill: Mark Kariya

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U.S. TEAM PREPARING ASSAULT ON SPEEDWAY WORLD CUP Billy Hammill, Greg Hancock On Board The U.S. Team has launched its 2012 campaign to chase the Speedway World Cup in Slovenia, beginning May 5. Organized by the AMA and led by 1996 Speedway World Champion Billy Hamill, who will ride for the team, the effort is attracting widespread support from America’s speedway elite. Hamill won the world title in 1996 and is a five-time U.S. champion, the last title coming in 2007. He brings valuable Speedway World Cup experience, riding for the U.S. team when it was victorious in 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1998. The U.S. riders also won the title in 1982. The AMA’s speedway advisory group is supporting and assisting with the World Cup team effort. The group includes Hamill; racer Josh Larsen; Richard Child, reigning world champ Greg Hancock’s team manager; and promoters Steve Evans, Jason Bonsignore and Dave Joiner. The Speedway World Cup has been contested since 1960. The event features multiple days of competition by a number of national teams. The winning team of the Speedway World Cup collects the Ove Fundin Trophy, named after the five-time world champion.

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CELEBRATION

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June 5* - 9 racing and everything in between. Class champions will receive medals and No. 1 plates at the banquet, while second- and third-place finishers also will receive awards. The winners of special annual awards, such as AMA Athletes of the Year, will be announced as well. “AMA Organizer Services also will recognize those clubs and promoters who provide exceptional events for our racers,” Bromley adds. Columbus’ Aladdin Center is adjacent to the Easton Town Center shopping complex and only 20 minutes from AMA headquarters and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. It offers free parking, is just off Interstate 270 and is a short drive from Port Columbus International Airport.

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HALL OF FAME

1980 YAMAHA OW48 ROADRACER King Kenny’s Throne AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Kenny Roberts will certainly go down in history as one of the all-time racing greats in motorcycling—not just in America, but the world over. Roberts won the 1977 AMA Formula One roadracing championship before storming into the Federation

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) World 500cc Grand Prix Championship Series. In 1978 he garnered worldwide respect—and stirred the pride of U.S. riders and fans—by becoming the first American to win a World 500 Grand Prix title. In the following years, Roberts

dominated the World Grand Prix circuit and by 1980 he had captured three consecutive World 500 Grand Prix titles. This is one of the bikes he used in 1980—a Yamaha OW48. Roberts was the favorite to win the championship in 1980. But Suzuki wanted the title badly, sending waves of riders after Roberts, including American and future Hall of Famer Randy Mamola. Yamaha built a number of new tricks

Photos Sjodin Photography

into Roberts’ machine. The engine was derived from the same inline fourcylinder two-stroke that had carried him to his first two titles. But the frame, painted black to avoid attention, was made of square-section aluminum tubing, a first for Yamaha. The fork options included a set with hydraulic anti-dive, but Roberts favored the traditional type on this machine, with externally adjustable rebound and

compression damping and no anti-dive. The engine in this machine features the standard cylinder arrangement of the previous two years, but midway through the season, the team tried reversing the outside two cylinders— placing the intake in front and the exhaust at the rear—with two silencers on each side of the bike instead of three and one. Roberts rode this machine to victory in

the first three races of the 1980 season, then hung on as Suzuki swept four of the last five rounds. In the end, he held off Mamola to win his final championship. This 1980 Yamaha OW48, now owned by Joe Fenech, was previously on display at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. Info: MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Hall of Fame features the machines and people of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that receives support from the AMA and from motorcycling enthusiasts. For info and directions, visit MotorcycleMuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222. May 2012

HALL OF FAME Hall of Famer

STEVE MOREHEAD The Fan-Favorite Findlay Flyer Steve Morehead, known as “The Findlay Flyer,” was one of the leading AMA Grand National dirt-track racers from the mid1970s through the 1990s. In all, he won 23 AMA Nationals during his 26-year professional racing career. He finished his career ranked in the top 10 a remarkable 17 times. Born in Findlay, Ohio, in 1955, Morehead got his first motorcycle from his father at age 8, a 100cc Hodaka. He soon began competing in amateur motocross, roadrace and dirt-track events. He started winning right away and appeared to be headed in the direction of becoming a motocross star, but for a fateful visit to the Lima Half-Mile in Ohio. Once he saw future Motorcycle Hall of Famer George Roeder sliding his big Harley-Davidson around the white crushed-limestone track, Morehead knew that was what he wanted to do. He got his pro license in 1972 at age 16. He was the top novice in the country, and then became an Expert rider in 1974.

In his early years, Morehead raced only the Nationals that were close to home. His bread and butter came from racing the numerous regional dirt-track races around Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. Winning more than 200 regional events on country fair tracks across the Midwest earned Morehead a strong grassroots following of fans. In 1976, Morehead scored his first podium finish in a home state National, the Columbus Half Mile. He earned three podium finishes the following year. In 1978, he scored his first career Grand National victory at the Meadow Lands Half Mile in Pennsylvania, and cracked the top 10 for the first

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time with a seventh-place ranking in the year’s point standings. During his long career, Morehead rode for Harley-Davidson and Honda. He also helped Yamaha develop its V-Twin Virago-based dirt-track racer in the mid-1980s, and helped the AMA develop a new formula for dirt-track racing engines by developing streetbased 1,000cc V-Twin motors in the SuperTracker Series. Morehead finished fourth in the Grand National Championship standings in 1989 and fifth in 1990. Although the next three years produced a dry spell of National wins, he celebrated his 20th year on the Grand National circuit by finishing fourth for the year in 1993, thanks to a noteworthy 14 top-10 finishes. The Findlay Flyer began his third decade as an Expert by turning in his best-ever year in 1994. He finished third in the standings behind future Hall of Famers Scott Parker and Chris Carr. It was a brilliant season that saw him win three half-mile Nationals—Dallas, Lima and Lake Odessa in Michigan. He hung up his steel shoe after the 1999 season, ranked 10th on the alltime AMA Grand National win list, and fourth in half-mile victories. Steve Morehead was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2004. To see more biographies of members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, go to MotorcycleMuseum.org.

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

AMA REWARDS

AMA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

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Now Available Free To AMA Members Get your full-color copy of the all-new AMA Member Benefits Guide online at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Members and make sure to check out some of these featured benefits.

STAYING INFORMED American Motorcyclist Each month, you receive the best magazine covering the motorcycle lifestyle. 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 free. For details, call (800) 262-5646. AMA Lodging Save At Choice Hotels AMA members save 15 percent off the best available rates at participating Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality Inn®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay®, Rodeway Inn® and Econo Lodge® hotels. Reserve online at ChoiceHotels.com and use discount code #00947556. Motorcycle Rentals Arrive And Ride EagleRider offers a 10 percent discount on Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW and Polaris rentals and tours. Call (888) 900-9901.

AMA Credit Card Show your motorcycling passion and enjoy special rates and cash back with the AMA Visa Card from Capital One. Go to AMAVisa.com.

Motorcycle Shipping Ride Where You Want In the United States, call Federal Companies, an agent for Allied Van Lines, at (877) 518-7376 for at least $60 off standard rates. For international shipments, call Motorcycle Express at (800) 245-8726. To get your discount, be sure to have your AMA number handy. Motorcycle Express also offers temporary international insurance. Car Rentals Save Money When You Drive Get up to 25 percent off prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency. For Avis, enter discount code: D388100. For Budget, enter code: Z942000. Camping Save With KOA KOA campgrounds in the United States and Canada offer a 10 percent discount. Find locations at KOA.com, and get your discount coupon in the Members Area of AmericanMotorcyclist.com or by calling (800) AMA-JOIN. AMA Gear Buy AMA Stuff Online Find unique patches, pins, posters, T-shirts and books at AmericanMotorcyclist.com and at

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CHEAP•THRILLS Can You Get Started In Motorcycling For $2,500 Or Less? You Bet! W

hat do nearly all motorcyclists have in common? Each of us wants the latest and greatest in our garage. Unfortunately, you can’t always get what you want. But getting what you need? That’s a different story. What you need is a motorcycle. Period. Anything else is just a bonus. We talked to five AMA members who didn’t sit on their piggy banks or wait around for a tomorrow that never comes. They went online, grabbed the classifieds or went down to a local dealer and made something happen—all for less than $2,500—usually way less. They may not have ended up with top-shelf sportbikes, high-end custom cruisers or uber-adventure bikes with more farkles than an Elvis Presley jumpsuit, but each brought home a functional, rideable and realistic means of getting out there on a motorcycle. And that, after all, is the point. By James Holter

honda xr600 Ryan Alward, from Folsom, Calif., always knew he loved motorcycles. He just never had the best experience on one. “My younger brother, Chad, always was a motocross guy, riding dirtbikes and doing big jumps,” Alward remembers. “He’d let me go out on his dirtbikes, and I’d wreck them in the first 20 minutes. Nobody ever

his past performance on a motorcycle, he figured he would hit the ground. “With the XR, it’s a dirtbike, so you can fall over and it still looks OK,” he says. Alward likes the stature of the big Honda. On the road, the upright seating position allows him to see over cars. The short gearing and low-end power, typical on off-road machines, also provides strong acceleration from lower speeds, which he says makes him feel safer in traffic. “I felt like the acceleration allowed me to get out of the way easier,” he says. While the XR was Alward’s first bike, it wasn’t his last. He next bought a Honda Magna, which he says would be “a phenomenal bike for a beginner,” and most recently picked up a 2007 BMW R1200RT that he and his wife will use for two-up touring. None of it would have been possible without that first cheap bike, he says. “You do not need to spend much money to get started in motorcycling,” he says. “You can find old bikes that are mechanically sound for less than $2,000 for sure. The key is getting something you feel comfortable on and something that fits your riding style. If you do that, you will have a great time.”

New Rider Tips

Ryan Alward’s recent experience has taught him a few lessons about getting started on a cheap, used bike. • First, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. “Before you buy a motorcycle, learn how to ride a motorcycle and get in the frame of mind you need to ride a motorcycle. The MSF course will do that.” • Ride a bicycle. “I am an avid cyclist. I’m used to feeling vulnerable and interacting with traffic when not in a car. If riding a bicycle in traffic is not an acceptable risk for you, maybe you’re not ready to be a motorcyclist.” • Right-size your bike. “If you’re a new rider or looking to save money, don’t be influenced by the popular culture and buy the first 600cc sportbike you find. The aggressive seating and the nature of those bikes makes it hard for a beginner to get a sense of awareness.” • Join an AMA club. “When you have an older bike, you’ll work on it a lot, and finding fellow riders who can help you out with your own maintenance is important. The advice is free and can save you as much as a hundred dollars an hour on labor.”

Photo by Bill Mahon Photo

Ryan Alward Learning To Ride—And Wrench

pegged me to be a motorcyclist.” While Alward’s motocross career didn’t exactly take off, he was still bitten by the motorcycling bug, and several years later he eased back into riding in a very different way. “About four years ago, when gas prices were first going way up, I bought a scooter for my wife—a 50cc Honda Metro,” he says. “I put it in the back of my parents’ SUV and brought it home.” The scooter was a hit—both for Alward and his wife, Christine—and it convinced him that he absolutely needed a motorcycle of his own. After some looking, he found what he considered the perfect bike: a 1997 Honda XR600 that he bought from a firefighter in Tahoe. “I bought it for $2,400,” Alward says. “It was [converted to] a dual-sport, street-legal bike, but the electronics didn’t work. So, the first thing I had to do was sort out the wiring. That was OK, though. I bought it partially to learn how to work on motorcycles, and I did.” Alward, a geologist, was just out of college and working his first job when he bought the XR, so money was a factor. He also says that because of

suzuki gs500 Amy Lassiter Father Knows Best

Amy Lassiter, from Canton, Ohio, grew up surrounded by enablers, not the least of whom was her own father, John Lassiter. “My dad was riding bikes all the time,” she says. “I’ve always been a passenger, but never a rider. He’d try to get me and my sisters riding when we were in high school, but we were like, ‘No, Dad! We’re not riding motorcycles!’” Lassiter says that all changed when she turned 23. She told her dad that she wanted to start riding herself, and he jumped into action. “He immediately started looking and found a 2001 Suzuki GS500 for $1,500,” she says. Lassiter says the bike was exactly what she had in mind.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

“I didn’t want anything too bulky or too sporty because I’ve known people who have really big sportbikes, and it looks uncomfortable to ride,” she says. “The Suzuki is a good hybrid. It looks sporty, but it’s a little more comfortable to ride. I was really excited.” John, a lifelong rider, taught Amy how to ride in a school parking lot near his house. Amy says that even though she had ridden as a passenger, it couldn’t compare to the thrill of her being at the controls. “It was a completely new experience for me,” she says. “It was so exhilarating. It definitely got me hooked. Then, when I got more proficient and I ventured out onto the open road, that’s when I got the sense of freedom that all motorcyclists feel.” Lassiter says that going the cheap bike route worked out great for her. She says the couple tip overs that she had her first few weeks after getting the Suzuki would have been tougher to stomach if she had bought a new motorcycle instead.

She points out, though, that doesn’t mean her Suzuki was beat up. She says it was in really good shape and needed little, if anything, in terms of extraordinary maintenance. She also saved a lot of money on her gear, buying most of it on clearance. Her next step? “It’s kind of tentative, but one of my sisters is getting married down in North Carolina, and my dad and I might ride down,” she says. “Riding through the mountains together will be a great experience.” As for her next bike, Lassiter isn’t looking that far down the road. “I really haven’t thought about my next bike at this point,” she says. “I really like the bike I have. It’s not the smoothest on the road, but it’s my first bike and it will be with me always.” Photo by Thomas Simon

Chris Overby Jr. Mechanic’s Special

kawasaki kz650

Chris Overby Jr., from Washington, D.C., wasn’t sure what type of bike he wanted, only that he wanted it to be inexpensive. He found it in a 1979 Kawasaki KZ650. “I didn’t want to spend much money on my first bike,” he says. “I found this KZ for sale in Pennsylvania on eBay. I bid on it, won it for $750 and went up to get it.” Overby admits the bike wasn’t necessarily a gem. It had “a number of issues,” but he has kept it running through a combination of ingenuity and persistence. “This old Kawasaki, well, the thing just runs like crazy,” Overby says. “It always gets a lot of looks. I get some offers to buy it, but I don’t feel I could get what it’s worth to me.” Overby says that when you buy an old bike, especially an inexpensive one, you had better be prepared to work on it. “I’m not mechanically inclined by any means, but something is going to break on an old bike, and most shops, at least in my area, won’t work on a bike that’s 10 years old or older,” he says. “So you buy a manual and start doing it yourself.” That process, though, has been enormously rewarding, he says. And not just in terms of keeping the bike in operating condition but in finding small ways to make it better—such as discovering that he could use a more modern master cylinder off a newer Kawasaki to replace the broken original on his KZ. Overby says older bikes also have a style that is tough to match. “It’s just a cool looking bike,” he says. “A lot of people take these KZs and mod them into café

racers. And of course, I loved [the movie] ‘Mad Max’ as a kid and to have a bike from [the model lineup represented in] ‘Mad Max’ really did it for me, too.” Overby says it’s an open question whether a 30-year-old $750 motorcycle is right for everyone. His advice before anyone chooses to follow in his footsteps is that they spend some time considering what they really want out of the experience. “The choice [to buy a cheap, older bike]

echoes some of the ideas in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” he says. “Do you prefer the beauty of it all that you might get with a new, modern motorcycle, or do you not mind experiencing the mechanical nature of everything?”

Photo by Aaron Clamage

Bill Jones Small Bore, Big Fun About four years ago, Bill Jones’ daughter, Helen, started riding on a Yamaha PW50. But Jones, an experienced motorcyclist, felt something was missing. “When Helen got to be old enough to ride around on the trails, I realized that following her with my YZ426 was going to be unreasonable,” he says. “The YZ was a good bike for what it was intended [to do], but it’s a brutal bike. It’s not exactly the right motorcycle for following your child when you might need to help them pick out lines or help them with a tip over.”

So Jones, of O’Fallon, Ill., went shopping. He found what he wanted in a Yamaha TT-R 230 trailbike. The combination of a quiet exhaust, electric start, user-friendliness, low price, low maintenance and a kickstand, all for less than $2,500, made it the perfect tool for what he needed. “I immediately started having the best motorcycling experiences of my life riding with my daughter,” he says. For Helen, the addition of the TT-R to her dad’s

yam-aha tt r 230

garage brought even more benefits. “Because we were able to experience this together, I think she enjoyed our riding more and got more confidence from it,” Jones says. “If I had just bought her the bike and myself a lawn chair and watched her ride around, I don’t think she would have gotten that much out of it. Now, though, we ride together, work on the bikes together, and she’s gaining confidence. Plus, when others, like my brother John, are there, we’re riding as a family, making memories. She’s a part of that story.” Jones says there’s more to a cheap, small-bore trailbike. Although he has had, and still has, more powerful machines, Jones says he now opts for the TT-R for off-road rides. He’s also persuaded several friends to go with the inexpensive, simpler option. “Several of my friends who were also riding big motocross bikes in the woods made the switch [to a small-bore trailbike],” Jones says. “We ride down at Missouri’s St. Joe State Park. It’s wooded, sandy and we bring these trailbikes and have so much fun. You can ride over any type of terrain. They’re easy to work on. If you fall over, you don’t have to worry about it.” The bike even sees track time at local hare scrambles. “The play bikes are fantastic for it,” he says. “When you’re picking your way through the tight woods, the speeds aren’t high. The only time you’re at a disadvantage is when the ground is real soft and the ruts get really deep. But on a dry course, for most skill levels, these bikes can do 90 percent of what a purpose-built race bike can do.” For Jones, however, it always comes back to family. “The local hare scrambles are very family oriented,” he says. “[Motorcycle racing] is quite possibly one of the last American sports where parents and children compete on the same day at the same event. It’s challenging, fun, safe and brings everyone together.” Photo by Susan Jackson

kawasaki ninja 250 Susan ANN sinka Getting What She Wants Susan Ann Sinka, from Pittsburgh, was tired of riding on the back of her boyfriend James Eiben’s Triumph Trident. Not that she had anything against Eiben, or his Trident, she just wanted to be at the controls. It’s an aspiration that she traces back to a particular day in high school. “My dad rode bikes for as long as I remember,” she says. “I never really thought about riding myself. Then, one day in high school, I saw a girl ride by on a yellow sportbike, and I was like, ‘I want to do that!’” Several years later, after she established her career and had the money to make her sportbike dream a reality, Sinka started looking. She found a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250 in Cadiz, Ohio, checked it out and bought it. “It had no mechanical problems at all,”

she said. “It was beautiful. I think it may have been laid over once, but you couldn’t even tell.” In addition to the motorcycle, which cost $2,100, Sinka bought all the gear—helmet, gloves, boots, riding pants and a jacket. She says she found everything on the closeout rack of a local dealer and got it all for a few hundred dollars. Sinka says that riding on her own was even better than she could imagine and now she rarely finds herself on the back of a motorcycle. “It’s so much better when you’re in control, and I can enjoy myself so much more now,” she says. “It was relieving. Once you take that step, I don’t think you can ever go back to being a passenger.” Now, Sinka spends as much time on her ’05 Ninja—since joined by a 2008 Ninja 250—as she can. She takes a lot of rides just outside the city, as well as extended regional trips, such as to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days in Lexington, Ohio, every

summer (where she says she took the demo ride that convinced her to buy the ’08 Ninja). Sinka says she never had an issue sticking with the 250cc motorcycle. “I think a lot of people let their egos get in the way, and they end up with the wrong first bike,” she says. “I have people make fun of my 250, but if you have a bike with a lot of power and you don’t know how to ride, it won’t turn out well. “You have to respect your bike, not fear it,” she says. “And if the bike is too powerful for you, you’ll fear it, and you may not ride it properly.” That was the reason Sinka bought another Ninja 250, she says. “After riding the new generation Ninja 250 at Vintage Motorcycle Days, I had so much fun,” she says. “Maybe that’s unheard of, for people to step up to the same model of motorcycle, but it’s all I really need.” Photo by Seth L. Williams

Bonus Content: A Complete Guide to Buying or Selling Are you inspired by these stories? Are you ready to buy a cheap bike of your own? For some practical advice on how to buy a used motorcycle, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Resources > Special Section: Buying A Motorcycle.

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Motorcycling Heroes Recognized For Outstanding Service That’s the message delivered by the AMA Board of Directors with its recognition of six motorcycling heroes whose efforts have protected motorcyclists’ rights, improved the sport and promoted the fun of riding. Motorcyclist rights activist Jerry Abboud has earned the prestigious AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award for 2012, recognizing a lifetime of outstanding service to the motorcycling community.

Other 2012 award recipients include: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, AMA Bessie Stringfield Award; Bernie Bredbenner Jr., AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award; William Wollner, AMA Outstanding Road Rider Award; Jay Hall, AMA Outstanding OffRoad Rider Award; and Robert Althoff, Friend of the AMA Award. “The AMA Board of Directors is pleased to honor these outstanding men and women who have done so much for motorcycling,” says AMA Board of Directors Chairman Stan Simpson. “The world of motorcycling is in better shape and more fun because of the efforts of these individuals. “We all owe them a sincere thanks, and these awards are our way to show that appreciation on a national level, and commemorate their accomplishments for this, and future, generations,” Simpson says.

Jerry Abboud: Defender For more than a quarter of a century, Jerry Abboud has been fighting for the rights of motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders. This year, that dedication earned Abboud the prestigious Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award. The award acknowledges the highest level of service to the AMA and the motorcycling community in any area—rights, riding or racing. “The AMA Dud Perkins Dud Perkins Lifetime Award really Achievement caught me Award off balance,” Abboud says. “Motorcycling advocates don’t work in the arena of regular acknowledgement. They are rewarded by the success they enjoy, stopping the bad guys, and the friends they make. I never dreamed I would one day be the recipient of this prestigious award. This is an incredible honor and one I will savor for a lifetime.” Named after its first recipient, a San Francisco motorcycle dealer who embodied tireless and generous support of motorcycling, the AMA Dud Perkins Award has been presented 48 times since its establishment in 1971. “The many wonderful things Dud stood for and how he was so well respected

Photo McCory James

An individual can make a difference.

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, AMA Bessie Stringfield Award The AMA Bessie Stringfield Award recognizes those who have introduced motorcycling to new markets. It is named after AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame member Bessie Stringfield, the pioneering motorcyclist who traversed the country in the 1930s-40s, breaking gender and racial barriers. Until her recent retirement, U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was the co-chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus. As a rider for more than 20 years, and as a member of the U.S. House and the caucus, she worked with the AMA on a number of issues to protect and promote motorcycling. Arguably, Giffords is the most visible woman motorcyclist ever elected on the

just makes me all the more humble in becoming a recipient of the award that bears his name,” Abboud says. “I am truly honored that the AMA sees fit to make me a recipient. There is an incredible line of people that this award has represented over the past 40 years, and to be a part of that is amazing.” Despite the nature of the award, however—given for career-long service to motorcycling—Abboud is showing no signs of letting up or slowing down. A lawyer and resident of the Denver suburb of Thornton, Colo., Abboud serves as executive director of the Powersports Dealers Association of Colorado (PDAC). The PDAC was formed more than 40 years ago to protect the interests of motorcycle, ATV, personal watercraft and snowmobile dealers in the government arena, fighting unfair regulations and laws and proposing more equitable ones. Over the course of his career as a lobbyist for the association and then as executive director, Abboud has been involved in a variety of issues fighting for riders’ rights. Those include efforts by others to block responsible motorized recreation on public land, no-fault insurance, and the recently overturned federal law that essentially banned the sale of kids’ dirtbikes and ATVs. He also was an original member of the executive board of the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), a national organization that champions the responsible use of public land for the benefit of all recreationists; and was on the original design team for the National Off-Highway

“Much of the OHV battle is between elitists... and people who believe in freedom and reasonable access.” Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), which is a national body of off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation enthusiasts that works toward a positive future for responsible OHV recreation. Plus, Abboud served as the main lobbyist in the effort to win approval for the Motorcycle Operator Safety Training Program in Colorado, and challenged the city and county of Denver for closing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to motorcycles, and winning that battle in court. The focus on both street and offhighway issues is not just embodied by Abboud’s work. It’s part of his passion for riding.

Off-Highway Target A longtime off-highway and street motorcycle rider as well as an ATV

national level, and her embrace of motorcycling has encouraged many other women to take up riding. “This is a great honor from the AMA,” says Gifford’s husband, astronaut Mark Kelly. “Gabby and I have been motorcyclists for many years, and I can tell you that motorcycling, and motorcyclists, have been important in our lives. She has been able to inspire so many others to take up riding, particularly women.” Kelly adds that Giffords is progressing in her recovery from a January 2011 assassination attempt, and that the couple hope to ride together again one day in the future.

AMA Bessie Stringfield Award

enthusiast, Abboud says he got involved in the fight for riders’ rights because “offhighway vehicle use was a recreational use of public lands that lay dead between the crosshairs in anti-access groups’ sights. “I hate bullies,” he says. “Much of the OHV battle—and it is a battle—is between elitists who believe they occupy some fairyland moral high ground, and people who actually believe in freedom and reasonable access.” Abboud isn’t alone in the fight. He says that among the riders’ rights activists who have inspired him over the years are offroad racing legend Malcolm Smith; Clark Collins, who founded the BlueRibbon Coalition; Brian Hawthorne, who works at the BRC; the AMA government relations staff and Russ Ehnes, executive director of the NOHVCC. Abboud also praises John Martin of Grand Junction, Colo., who is a former chairman of the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition. Abboud has seen a lot in his more than 25 years in the trenches, but in recent years he’s seen a disturbing trend in the tactics of OHV opponents that he believes all riders should be concerned about. Groups are taking new approaches to try to stop OHV recreation, he says. In the past, most of the attacks on OHV recreation were over challenges to federal, state and local government opportunities through the land-use planning process. While anti-motorcycling and anti-ATV Continued on page 42

May 2012

Continued from page 41

groups continue to attack riders on those fronts, they are now also trying to move money in the state registration programs from muchneeded maintenance, signage and facilities to law enforcement and land restoration. “It’s not that the money spent in these areas is wrong if state law provides for it, but they want up to 70 percent of monies spent in these two areas,” Abboud says. “Never mind that most agencies do not view these two issues as the lynch pins of managed recreation.” Another issue Abboud sees is dwindling resources to maintain trail opportunities. “Federal and state budgets are in miserable condition, and this is reflected particularly on U.S. Forest Service [USFS] and U.S. Bureau of Land Management [BLM] land,” he says. Plus, there are a lot of Wilderness bills in Congress that should be a major concern. “When is enough, enough?” Abboud asks. “The desire for Wilderness status is nothing more than an effort to zone federal land for specific purposes.” A Wilderness designation is one of the strictest forms of public land management. Once Congress designates an area as Wilderness, nearly all forms of non-pedestrian recreation are prohibited, including responsible motorized recreation. While some areas are appropriate for such strict levels of protection, the vast majority of Wilderness proposals are attempts by those opposed to responsible OHV recreation to abuse federal legislative and administrative processes to ban OHV riders and others from public land. Those abuses also restrict access to groups that depend on motorized vehicles, such

“The desire for Wilderness status is nothing more than an effort to zone federal land for specific purposes.” 42

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

as the elderly, handicapped and families with children. Besides keeping track of Wilderness proposals, Abboud says it’s important for riders to get involved with USFS and BLM resource management and travel management plans in their areas. “Resource management planning is big-picture planning about what the future of the forest or BLM district is going to be, how it will look and the major priorities,” Abboud says. “Travel management is more travel-system oriented: how and where will people move around the land and what means will they employ—horses, cars, OHVs or hoofing it. “Because of a lack of funds, a self-imposed deadline and the usual pressure by the anti-OHV groups, no real travel management was done,” Abboud says. “By simply taking whatever was already designated and saying ‘good,’ other highquality routes were closed and never considered in most cases. “Now the question becomes how to include them in future travel management plans or revisions,” he says. “Also, working hard to maintain what is open and keeping it open on any level—federal, state or local— ought to be an ongoing concern.”

Combined Force Because Abboud has been at the forefront of the fight for riders’ rights, he knows that it takes the entire riding community to join together to win. “There are issues that the AMA and All-Terrain Vehicle Association, and BRC, are almost exclusively needed for, like national politics and mass communication networks to get news or notice out to the public and to assist them in responding,” he says. “But, without state organizations and local clubs providing the kind of significant input or ammunition, if you will, they cannot provide meaningful assistance at the local level,” Abboud says. “Clubs and state organizations are the eyes and ears on the ground. They have to tell someone what is in jeopardy or what is at stake in their backyard. “If local folks aren’t willing to organize as volunteers or to spend the money on three memberships, we may as well pack it in for now,” he says. “Am I nuts saying that all three levels of organizations must be supported when the economy is tight? No, I am not. “If you are in dire straights you know it, and if you can participate you know it,” he says.

Jay Hall, AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider Award New for 2012, the AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider Award highlights the career of an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the offroad riding community and, like the road rider award, AMA demonstrated Outstanding commitment Off-Road Rider Award to the AMA mission. Jay Hall, who runs Hall’s Cycles in Springfield, Ill., has been making those contributions for decades. This AMA Life Member is also an AMA off-road congressman, District 17 (Northern Illinois) hare scrambles director, former International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) racer and longtime ISDE team manager, mechanic and selection committee member. “I’m a firm believer in participation in our sport,” Hall says. “If we don’t participate and help out with our sport, it will die. We have to be proactive about it. I eat, breathe, live and work with dirtbikes six days a week, and on the seventh day, we go racing. I’ve been doing it my whole life. My youngest son—he’s 15 now—he wants to be a racer and motorcycle dealer like his dad. I’m very blessed. “Also, going and helping the U.S. team at the Six Days has been a big honor for me, both as a participant and as a helper,” he continues. “The Six Days is a pinnacle of an off-road racer’s career. And if I can give them just a little bit of help or knowledge, maybe a little bit of inspiration, that they can do it, then that’s great.”

Photo Terry Farmer Photography

Jerry Abboud: Defender

Carson City , NV Enjoy great roads, great friends and great experiences, not to mention the camaraderie that you can only ﬁnd in the presence of so many like-minded women motorcyclists. Join us in Carson City, Nev., for the country’s premier gathering expressly for female riders. Expect demo rides, seminars, parties and more at the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference. EARLY REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY TO AMA MEMBERS FOR $125, A $50 SAVINGS, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2012. NOT A MEMBER? JOIN NOW AT AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

WomenAndMotorcycling.com For more information about Carson City and the surrounding area, please see visitcarsoncity.com

Bernie Bredbenner, AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award The AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter raising more than $1 million. AMA Image Award, established in “Hazel Kolb was quite a lady, Hazel Kolb 1987, honors an individual and it’s an honor to receive [this] Brighter who has generated good award,” Bredbenner says. Image Award publicity for motorcycling. “To the non-riding public, Its namesake, Hazel Kolb, giving back impresses them an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer, is with the generosity and the kindness of renowned for her 1979 perimeter ride motorcyclists,” he continues. “Hopefully, around the United States that generated they will remember that when they see a national recognition for motorcycling. motorcyclist on the road and show him or This year’s recipient, Bernie Bredbenner, her some courtesy, because quite often created a fundraising ride called the [that rider has] donated to help the kids. Motorcycle Miracle Tour in 1986 to raise I think the ride has touched the minds of funds to benefit pediatric services at the non-riding public, making them more Geisinger Health System in Danville, aware of motorcyclists, and I think they’ve Pa. The ride has continued for 26 years, learned to respect motorcyclists more.”

William Wollner, AMA Outstanding Road Rider Award Presented 27 times something that I never AMA since it was created dreamed about,” Wollner Outstanding Road Rider Award in 1977, the AMA says. “I’m just amazed Outstanding Road Rider that I would even be Award is given to an considered. I’ve always individual who has contributed to the considered myself just an average promotion of the motorcycling lifestyle AMA member. and the protection of on-highway “I’ve been working with District motorcycling, and has consistently 36 for quite a few years, and it’s one demonstrated leadership, hard work, of those things that you have to get and dedication to the AMA mission. inspired about to persevere,” he AMA District 36 (Northern California) continues. “My inspiration starts with Director William Wollner has been a gentleman who was my contact [at doing that for more than two decades. AMA District 36], Joe Morgan. Joe As a District 36 vice president and instilled this need to keep this district a three-time president of the Port together and make things interesting, Stockton MC, Wollner organizes 18 promote safety and change the road events a year through the club. perception of motorcycling to safe “Receiving this recognition is and courteous.”

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Presented periodically at the discretion of the AMA Board of Directors, the Friend of the AMA Award recognizes individuals, companies or organizations in the motorcycling community that strongly support the AMA mission. Few have done that as consistently Friend of the AMA Award as Bob Althoff, dealer principal of A.D. Farrow Co. Harley-Davidson, America’s Oldest Harley dealer with locations in Columbus, Sunbury and Pataskala, Ohio. Altoff’s Columbus dealership is celebrating its 100th year selling Harley-Davidsons in 2012. In addition to providing an AMA membership with the purchase of a new Harley-Davidson as well as to each student who takes a Rider’s Edge course, Althoff has been the driving force behind a number of strategic partnerships and key initiatives to promote the AMA’s mission and grow the AMA membership ranks. “Our vision is to grow and serve the motorcycling community,” Althoff says. “Support of the AMA by every part of our industry—O.E.M., dealers and riders—is critical. When we present a paid AMA membership to our new bike buyers we say, ‘This our gift, now it is your responsibility.’ It is our firm belief that they will become lifetime AMA members as we are.” For more information about the AMA Awards Program, to see past recipients and learn how to nominate candidates, see AmericanMotorcyclist. com > About > AMA Awards.

Photos Bredbenner: R. Brown/Premier Studios; Wollner: Matthew James Photo; Althoff: Gary Rohman

Bob Althoff, Friend of the AMA Award

BRING T H Kids

E KIDS!

under 12 g e t with a in FREE paying adu lt!

GO RIDE

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

3 July 20-22, 2012

1 4

July 26-29, 2012

5 November 16-17, 2012

The 2012 Aspencash Motorcycle Rally, which is an AMA Regional Convention, will be held May 17-20 in Ruidoso, N.M. The event features a $10,000 poker run and a four-day trade show with 33,000 square feet of vendor display. Aspencash is part of the AMA Premier Touring Series. Info: MotorcycleRally.com.

Springfield, Ill., is the place to be this month if you’re a dirt-track fan. The Illinois State Fairgrounds will host the Springfield TT on May 26 and the famed Springfield Mile on May 27. See the full schedule on page 49.

The Buckeye DualSporters will be presenting the 16th annual Hanging Rock 200, which boasts two days filled with riding and fun, May 19-20 in Zaleski, Ohio. Saturday features a dual-sport ride of 100-plus miles, which is part of the AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series, and an AMA Yamaha National Adventure Ride Series ride

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

of 140-plus miles. On Sunday, riders can choose how they ride with an AMA Yamaha National Adventure ride or optional adventure/dual-sport road enduro. Info: KaeppnersWoods.com.

The outdoor excitement kicks off this month in the AMA Pro Motocross Series, with the season opener at Hangtown in Sacramento, Calif., on May 19, followed by a round in Freestone, Texas, May 26. Both events also feature rounds of the Women’s Motocross Championship. For the full schedule, see page 49.

A great way to ride at your own pace and still take part in the AMA’s Premier Touring Series is to participate in one of the AMA Grand Tours. These tours include the Polar Bear, Smoke Chasing, Tour of Honor and Hodgepodge grand tours. For more info, see page 52.

The AMA National Hare & Hound Series continues on May 19 in Jericho, Utah. For the full schedule, see page 49.

COMING UP If there’s one place where your motorcycling memories will come alive, it’s at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, July 20-22. Browse nearly 1,000 swap meet vendors at vintage motorcycling’s biggest bash. The event also includes racing, seminars, stars from the sports past and present, bike shows and more. Info: AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com. Mark your calendar now. The 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference rolls into Carson City, Nev. July 26-29. The extravaganza combines inspirational speakers, great roads, demo rides, product showcases and unmatched camaraderie. Info: WomenAndMotorcycling.com.

MAY EVENTS ARIZONA

FASTFRIDAYS.COM

COMPETITION

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 12: (Includes ATVs) LODI: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 3687182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM

MAY 6: KINGMAN: CENTRAL ARIZONA TRIALS INC, (602) 8403640, CAT.ORG ARKANSAS

COLORADO COMPETITION

RECREATIONAL

MOTOCROSS

ROAD RUN

MAY 13: MILLEKEN: TWO RIVERS RACING LLC, (970) 587-5770

MAY 11: MARBLE FALL: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAY 19-20: SHERWOOD: 2-DAY EVENT, DIRT BIKE MIKE LLC, (870) 342-5373, DIRTBIKEMIKE.COM CALIFORNIA RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE MAY 5-6: BUCK MEADOWS: 2-DAY EVENT, FAMILY OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES, (209) 649-3633, FAMILYOFFROADADVENTURES. COM MAY 7: SAN DIEGO: COUNTDOWN, (775) 884-0399, DUALSPORTWEST. COM DUAL SPORT - OFF ROAD MAY 19: IDYLLWILD: ORANGE COUNTY DUALIES, (951) 312-9084, DUALIES.COM DUAL SPORT RIDE MAY 19: IDYLLWILD: ORANGE COUNTY DUALIES, (951) 312-9084, DUALIES.COM DUAL SPORT - OFF ROAD MAY 19-20: STONYFORD: 2-DAY EVENT, OAKLAND MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (510) 888-1930, OAKLANDMC.ORG DUAL SPORT RIDE MAY 19-20: STONYFORD: 2-DAY EVENT, OAKLAND MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (510) 888-1930, OAKLANDMC.ORG POKER RUN MAY 6: STOCKTON: STOCKTON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 9561505, STOCKTONMC.ORG ROAD RUN MAY 6: TORRANCE: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG MAY 16: RANCHO CUCAMONGA: RUN FOR THE WALL, RFTW.ORG COMPETITION 1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK MAY 19: (Includes ATVs) RANCHO CORDOVA: SLIDEWAYS, (415) 3207889, SLIDEWAYRACING.COM

MAY 26-27: COTOPAXI: 2-DAY EVENT, ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRIALS ASSN

MAY 25: (Includes ATVs) PIERCETON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM

DELAWARE COMPETITION ENDURO MAY 13: DELAWARE CITY: DELAWARE ENDURO RIDERS, (302) 834-4568, DELAWAREENDURORIDERS.COM MOTOCROSS MAY 5-6: NEW CASTLE: 2-DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 375-1059, MAMAMX.COM IDAHO RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY MAY 5: BOISE: IDAHO COALITION FOR MOTORCYCLE SAFETY, (208) 863-4280, IDAHOBIKERRIGHTS. ORG SWAP MEETS MAY 5: CATALDO: NORTHWEST CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (509) 294-1249, NWCLASSICMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM ILLINOIS COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES MAY 20: (Includes ATVs) MARION: LITTLE EGYPT OFF-ROAD MC, (618) 982-2992, LEORMC.ORG MOTOCROSS MAY 19: (ATV only) ALTON: SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC, (618) 372-4355, SPLINTERCREEK.COM MAY 20: ALTON: SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC, (618) 372-4355, SPLINTERCREEK.COM MAY 27: DU QUOIN: PARADISE MOTO-PARK, (618) 542-6203, PARADISEMOTOCROSS.COM TT

INDIANA ROAD RUN

MAY 17: RANCHO CORDOVA: DIRT DIGGERS NORTH M.C. INC, (916) 952-8336, HANGTOWNMX.COM OBSERVED TRIALS MAY 19-20: CAHUILLA CREEK: 2-DAY EVENT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (714) 580-7369, SOCALTRIALS.COM SPEEDWAY MAY 11: AUBURN: FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY, (530) 878-7223,

MAY 26: (Includes ATVs) PIERCETON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM MAY 26: (Includes ATVs) CROTHERSVILLE: LET’S GO RACING LLC, (812) 374-8228, HIGHFLYMX.COM MAY 27: (Includes ATVs) CROTHERSVILLE: LET’S GO RACING LLC, (812) 374-8228, HIGHFLYMX.COM MAY 27: (Includes ATVs) PIERCETON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM MAY 28: (Includes ATVs) PIERCETON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM IOWA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAY 12: (Includes ATVs) CEDAR RAPIDS: CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 363-7800, CVTR. ORG KENTUCKY RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY MAY 19: DAWSON SPRINGS: AMERICAN VOYAGER ASSOCIATION, (270) 797-3421 LOUISIANA RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN MAY 20: ALEXANDRIA: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

2012 RAFFLE BIKE Get a Chance to Win! For details, please visit

MotorcycleMuseum.org 1948 Indian Chief

COMPETITION ENDURO MAY 6: FOREST HILL: ACADIANA DIRT RIDERS INC, (337) 519-2520, ACADIANADIRTRIDERS.ORG MARYLAND

MAY 12: (Includes ATVs) BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 277-3478, BETDIRT. COM RECREATIONAL

MOTOCROSS

MAY 20: (Includes ATVs) AKRON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 12: OMO RANCH: POLKA DOTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (530) 644-8567, POLKADOTSMC.COM MAY 12-13: (Includes ATVs) RDIGECREST: 2-DAY EVENT, BADGERS MC, (661) 242-2712, BADGERSMC.ORG

MAY 19: (Includes ATVs) AKRON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.CO

MAY 20: (Includes ATVs) PARIS CROSSING: HOOSIER HILLTOPPERS, (812) 873-1178, HOOSIERHILLTOPPERSMX.COM

ENDURO

EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES

MAY 13: (Includes ATVs) AKRON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM

MAY 28: KOKOMO: MIDNIGHT RIDERS MC, (765) 566-3807, MIDNIGHT-RIDERS-MC.COM COMPETITION MOTOCROSS

RECREATIONAL BIKE SHOW MAY 20: CLARKSBURG: CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE DAY INC., CLASSICMOTORCYCLEDAY.ORG COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAY 5-6: (ATV only) MECHANICSVILLE: 2-DAY EVENT, MOTOPROMO, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM MICHIGAN

MAY 5: (Includes ATVs) ROCHESTER: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM

RECREATIONAL

MAY 6: (Includes ATVs) ROCHESTER: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM

MAY 20: BALDWIN: PARA-DICE MC, (231) 854-4545

MAY 6: (Includes ATVs) CROTHERSVILLE: LET’S GO RACING LLC, (812) 374-8228, HIGHFLYMX.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 12: (Includes ATVs) AKRON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM

BIKE BLESSING

COMPETITION MAY 13: (Includes ATVs) CADILLAC: CADILLAC MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (231) 884-3729, CADILLACMC.COM MAY 19: (Includes ATVs) BATTLE CREEK: BATTLE CREEK MOTORCYCLE

A minimum donation of $5 per ticket, or $20 for five tickets, is suggested.

MAY EVENTS CLUB, (369) 729-9691, BATTLECREEKCYCLECLUB. COM MAY 20: (Includes ATVs) BATTLE CREEK: BATTLE CREEK MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (269) 7299691, BATTLECREEK MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM OBSERVED TRIALS MAY 6: WHITMORE LAKE: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (517) 849-9231, MOTATRIALS.COM MAY 20: FLUSHING: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (248) 583-1438, MOTATRIALS.COM SHORT TRACK MAY 19: (Includes ATVs) DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MC, (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMB MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

NEVADA

ROAD RUN

RECREATIONAL

MAY 4: LAS VEGAS: FELD MOTOR SPORTS, (800) 2167482, ARENACROSS.COM

MAY 6: PITTSBORO: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

POKER RUN

MAY 25: SPARTA: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION,

MAY 13: SCHUYLKILL HAVEN: SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 3851460, SCHUYLKILLCOUNTY MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

ENDUROCROSS MAY 4: LAS VEGAS: SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA, (702) 3657111, ORLEANSCASINO.COM GRAND PRIX MAY 5-6: (Includes ATVs) PRIMM: 2-DAY EVENT, SUNLAND SHAMROCKS, (818) 767-4594 MINIMOTO MAY 6: LAS VEGAS: SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA, (702) 3657111, ORLEANSCASINO.COM NEW JERSEY

MAY 20: (Includes ATVs) DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MC, (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMB MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

ROAD RALLY MAY 27: BRIDGEWATER: DAWN PATROL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (908) 722-4664, DAWNPATROLMC.COM NEW MEXICO

ROAD RUN

COMPETITION

MAY 6: MANKATO: KATO CYCLE CLUB, KATOCYCLECLUB.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL MAY 19-20: THEILMAN: 2-DAY EVENT, GOLDEN EAGLES CYCLE CLUB, (507) 273-7400, GOLDENEAGLESMC.ORG COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES MAY 6: CAMBRIDGE: NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (763) 263-0385, NORSEMENMC.ORG MAY 13: MILLVILLE: HI WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM MOTOCROSS MAY 6: MILLVILLE: HI WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM MAY 6: BROWERVILLE: MOTO CITY RACEWAY & RECREATION INC, (612) 919-3457, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM MAY 20: BROOKSTON: ECHO VALLEY MOTOCROSS PARK, (218) 348-4754, ECHOVALLEYMOTOCROSS. COM MAY 20: MAZEPPA: HURRICANE HILLS MX PARK INC, MAY 27-28: (ATV only) MAZEPPA: 2-DAY EVENT, HURRICANE HILLS MX PARK INC

MAY 5-6: SAN YSIDRO: 2-DAY EVENT, NEW MEXICO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (505) 410-2235, NMTRIALS.ORG NEW YORK RECREATIONAL DICE RUN MAY 20: TUXEDO: RAMAPO MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (201) 767-3594, RAMAPOMC.ORG

OHIO RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE MAY 19-20: ZALESKI: 2-DAY EVENT, BUCKEYE DUAL SPORTERS, (740) 380-3050, KAEPPNERSWOODS.COM DUAL SPORT - OFF ROAD MAY 19-20: ZALESKI: 2-DAY EVENT, BUCKEYE DUAL SPORTERS, (740) 380-3050, KAEPPNERSWOODS.COM DUAL SPORT RIDE MAY 19-20: ZALESKI: 2-DAY EVENT, BUCKEYE DUAL SPORTERS, (740) 380-3050, KAEPPNERSWOODS.COM POKER RUN MAY 6: PORTSMOUTH: PORTSMOUTH MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 352-7200 COMPETITION HILLCLIMB MAY 19: (Includes ATVs) MARIETTA: PIONEER MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (740) 350-8626, PIONEERMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM

MAY 26: MELVILLE: IDONTKNOW MC, (641) 7153900, IDONTKNOWMC.COM

MAY 20: (Includes ATVs) MARIETTA: PIONEER MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (740) 350-8626, PIONEERMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 20: (Includes ATVs) ATHENS: ATHENS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 592-6480, ATHENSMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM

ROAD RUN

MAY 6: (Includes ATVs) VANETTEN: DREAM RIDERS, (607) 589-6337, WNYOA.NET MOTOCROSS MAY 6: (Includes ATVs) WALLKILL: WALDEN MX, (845) 895-2537, WALDENMX.COM MAY 6: (Includes ATVs) MAPLEVIEW: SMX ASSOCIATES LLC, (315) 480-7733, MOTOMASTERS.COM MAY 19-20: (Includes ATVs) NEW BERLIN: 2-DAY EVENT, UNADILLA VALLEY SPORTS CENTER, (607) 965-8450, UNADILLAMX.COM OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 27: MILLVILLE: HI WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

MAY 6: BOLIVAR: DISTRICT 4 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (716) 372-4576

MAY 27-28: BROOK PARK: 2-DAY EVENT, BERM BENDERS RACEWAY, (320) 679-2582, BERMBENDERS.COM

MAY 20: PINE CITY: DISTRICT 4 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (607) 732-3027

MAY 27: (Includes ATVs) LOGAN: HOCKING VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (614) 989-3326, HOCKINGVALLEYMC. COM MOTOCROSS MAY 13: (Includes ATVs) : AMERICAN MOTOSPORTS LLC, (937) 358-2427, AMERICANMX. COM MAY 27: (Includes ATVs) SUGAR GROVE: CENTRAL OHIO COMPETITION RIDERS INC., (740) 983-3937, COCRMX.COM MAY 28: (Includes ATVs) MARYSVILLE: AMERICAN MOTOSPORTS LLC, (937) 3582427, AMERICANMX.COM OKLAHOMA

SHORT TRACK

COMPETITION MOTOCROSS

OBSERVED TRIALS

MAY 5: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

MAY 12: THEILMAN: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG

MAY 18: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

MAY 13: THEILMAN: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG

MAY 19: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

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

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

PENNSYLVANIA

ARENACROSS

RECREATIONAL

MINNESOTA

ORG

RECREATIONAL

NORTH CAROLINA

COMPETITION

MAY 26: BEGGS: SOUTH 75 MX, (407) 967-6599, SOUTH75MX. COM OREGON RECREATIONAL POKER RUN - OFF-ROAD MAY 5: (Includes ATVs) BEND: CENTRAL OREGON MOTORCYCLE AND ATV CLUB, (541) 382-5560, COMACCLUB.

MAY 12: LEBANON: PA MOTOR MAIDS, (610) 275-2634, PAMOTORMAIDS.COM

MAY 13: MARIETTA: AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS PA POST CHAPTER #466, (717) 898-0871 MAY 20: BIRDSBORO: PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 5823717, PAGODAMC.ORG MAY 28: LEBANON: LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (717) 270-9797, LEBANONVALLEYMC.COM ROAD RUN

RIDERS, (803) 385-5332, FAMILYRIDERSMC.COM DUAL SPORT RIDE MAY 20: CHESTER: FAMILY RIDERS, (803) 385-5332, FAMILYRIDERSMC.COM TENNESSEE RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN MAY 20: FRANKLIN: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG TEXAS RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY MAY 18: NEW ULM: BRITISH MOTORCYCLE OWNERS ASSN OF HOUSTON, BMOAONLINE. COM COMPETITION MOTOCROSS

MAY 5: GLENSIDE: MOTORCYCLISTS FOR JESUS MINISTRIES, (215) 887-2289, GLENSIDEBIBLECHURCH.ORG

MAY 27: WORTHAM: FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY LLC, (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM

MAY 12: HORSHAM: MOTORCYCLISTS FOR JESUS MINISTRIES, (215) 260-4957, GO2MJM.COM

MAY 28: WORTHAM: FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY LLC, (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM

MAY 20: READING : MOTORCYCLISTS FOR JESUS MINISTRIES, (610) 763-1943, GO2MJM.COM

COMPETITION

ROAD RALLY MAY 17: BIRD IN HAND: RETREADS - MID ATLANTIC REGION, (856) 241-8979, MIDATLANTICRETREADS.COM COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES MAY 5: SKIPPACK: BLUE COMET MOTOCYCLE CLUB INC, (610) 489-1240, BLUECOMETMC.COM MAY 20: (Includes ATVs) EVANSVILLE: BP PROMOTIONS, (267) 261-0186, PAHSRACING. COM MOTOCROSS MAY 5: (ATV only) THREE SPRINGS: ROCKET RACEWAY, (814) 448-2701, ROCKETRACEWAY.COM MAY 6: SHIPPENSBURG: DOUBLIN GAP MX PARK INC, (717) 249-6036, DOUBLINGAP. COM MAY 13: HANOVER: HAPPY RAMBLERS, (717) 634-2353, HAPPYRAMBLERS.COM OBSERVED TRIALS MAY 5-6: SPRING GROVE: 2-DAY EVENT, WHITE ROSE MC, (717) 229-2621, WHITEROSEMC. ORG MAY 12: ELIZABETHTOWN: CANDYTOWN MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (717) 246-2116, CANDYTOWNMC.ORG MAY 13: ELIZABETHTOWN: CANDYTOWN MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (717) 246-2116, CANDYTOWNMC.ORG TT MAY 13: PARKESBURG: E PA PISTON POPPERS MC INC, (484) 336-9160

VIRGINIA GRAND PRIX MAY 6: MARTINSVILLE: VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP HS SERIES, (276) 252-6801, VCHSS. ORG MAY 27: DENDRON: VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP HS SERIES, (757) 488-6315, VCHSS.ORG MOTOCROSS MAY 12-13: PETERSBURG: 2-DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 376-1059, MAMAMX.COM MAY 19: SUTHERLIN: BIRCHCREEK PROMOTIONS, LLC, (434) 836-7629, BIRCHCREEKMXPARK.COM MAY 20: SUTHERLIN: BIRCHCREEK PROMOTIONS, LLC, (434) 836-7629, BIRCHCREEKMCPARK.COM MAY 27: DILLWYN: MOTOPROMO, (434) 548-6043, ACTIONTOWNMX.COM WASHINGTON RECREATIONAL CRUISE-IN MAY 28: YAKIMA: IRON SAINTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (509) 594-6382, FACEBOOK/ISMC. YAKIMA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS MAY 20: WASHOUGAL: WASHOUGAL MX PARK LLC, (541) 673-1671, WASHOUGALMXPK.COM SHORT TRACK MAY 12: (Includes ATVs) CASTLE ROCK: MOUNT ST HELENS MC CLUB INC, (360) 274-8700, MSHMC.ORG TT

DUAL SPORT - OFF ROAD

MAY 12: (Includes ATVs) CASTLE ROCK: MOUNT ST HELENS MC CLUB INC, (360) 274-8700, MSHMC.ORG

MAY 20: CHESTER: FAMILY

WISCONSIN

SOUTH CAROLINA RECREATIONAL

MAY EVENTS RECREATIONAL POKER RUN MAY 20: WEST BEND: KETTLE MORAINE SPORT RIDERS INC, (262) 334-1743, KETTLEMORAINE SPORTRIDERS.COM ROAD RUN MAY 5: GILMAN: ROAD WOLF PRODUCTIONS, (715) 785-8025

MAY 18: SPRING GREEN: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION,

MAY 5: TIGERTON: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-2863, FANTASYMOTO.COM

COMPETITION

MAY 6: TIGERTON: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-2863, FANTASYMOTO.COM

HILLCLIMB MAY 20: (Includes ATVs) NEKOOSA: RAPID ANGELS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (715) 451-1168, RAPIDSANGELS.COM MOTOCROSS

CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 2651582, AZTALANMX.COM MAY 20: (Includes ATVs) MARSHIELD: MARSHFIELD T & T RIDERS INC, (715) 384-4555

MAY 12: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 2651582, AZTALANMX.COM

MAY 27: (Includes ATVs) ATHELSTANE: PINE RIDGE RACEWAY LLC, (715) 856-6612, PINERIDGERACEWAY.COM

MAY 13: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN

SCRAMBLES

MAY 20: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB INC, , BEAVERCYCECLUB.COM SHORT TRACK MAY 19: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB INC, , BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM

2012 EVENTS HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM. ORG The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Recognizing those who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling. Dirt-Track! All-American Motorcycle Racing: Celebrating the storied history of the men and machines who battle on the dirt oval. 30-Year Ride: Honda’s Ohiomade Motorcycles: Gold Wings aren’t the only bikes that Honda produced at its plant in Marysville, Ohio. This exhibit showcases the 30 years of production, from the CR250 to the Rune. Founder’s Hall: Honoring the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s generous contributors. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days: July 20-22, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio; AMA VintageMotorcycleDays.com AMA PRO RACING AMA SUPERCROSS SERIES AMASUPERCROSS.COM April 14: New Orleans: Louisiana Superdome April 21: Seattle: Qwest Field April 28: Salt Lake City: RiceEccles Stadium May 5: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium AMA MOTOCROSS SERIES MXSPORTSPRORACING.COM May 19: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown May 26: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway June 2: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley June 9: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway June 16: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek Motocross July 7: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud July 14: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek Motocross July 21: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park Aug. 11: Southwick, Mass.: Moto-X 338 Aug. 18: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla Sept. 1: Delmont, Pa.: Steel City Raceway Sept. 8: Southern Calif.: TBD

AMA PRO SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM

AMA PRO HILLCLIMB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM

Trailblazers; (702) 994-6823,

April 20-22: Braselton, Ga.: Road Atlanta

June 3: Jefferson, Pa.: White Rose MC; WhiteRoseMC.org

May 4-6: Sonoma, Calif.: Infineon Raceway

June 10: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC; BikeHillcimb. com

Oct 14: Johnson Valley, Calif.: Justin Shultz, SoCal MC; (949) 981-6776, SoCalMC.com

May 26-28: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park June 1-3: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America June 22-24: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park July 13-15: Lexington, Ohio: MidOhio Sports Car Course July 27-29: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Sept. 7-9: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

June 13: Canaan, N.H.: Ridge Runner Promotions; RidgeRunnerPromotions.com June 23 (night event): Oregonia, Ohio: Dayton MC; DaytonMC.com July 15: West Branch, Mich.: Ogemaw Hills Bike Week; OgemawHillsBikeWeek.com Aug. 5: Muskegon, Mich.: Muskegon MC; MuskegonMotorcycleClub.com

Sept. 21-23: Homestead, Fla.: Homestead-Miami Speedway

Sept. 9: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC; BikeHillclimb. com

Oct. 5-7: New Orleans: NOLA Motorsports Park

Sept. 30: Jefferson, Pa.: White Rose MC; WhiteRoseMC.org

AMA PRO GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM

Oct. 14: Oregonia, Ohio: Dayton MC; DaytonMC.com

May 26: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield TT, Illinois State Fairgrounds May 27: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile, Illinois State Fairgrounds June 9: TBD: TBD June 30: Lima, Ohio: Lima HalfMile, Allen County Fairgrounds July 7: Hagerstown, Md.: Hagerstown Half-Mile, Hagerstown Speedway July 14: Lake Odessa, Mich.: I-96 Half-Mile, I-96 Speedway July 28: Sacramento, Calif.: Sacramento Mile, Cal Expo Aug. 4: Castle Rock, Wash.: Castle Rock TT, Castle Rock Race Park Aug. 12: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria TT, PMC Race Park Aug. 18: Indianapolis: Indy Mile, Indiana State Fairground Sept. 1: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield ST, Illinois State Fairgrounds Sept. 2: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile II, Illinois State Fairgrounds Sept. 8: Knoxville, Iowa: Knoxville Half-Mile, Knoxville Raceway Sept. 15: TBD: TBD Sept. 30: Santa Rosa, Calif.: Santa Rosa Mile, Sonoma County Fairgrounds Oct. 6: Tucson, Ariz: USA Raceway Half-Mile, USA Raceway Oct. 13: Pomona, Calif.: AMA Flat Track Finals at the Pomona HalfMile, LA County Fairplex

AMA PRO ATV MOTOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ATVMOTOCROSS.COM April 21-22: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway May 5-6: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek May 19-20: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge June 2-3 (night race): Oakland, Ky.: Ballance MX June 16-17: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway June 30-July 1: Millfield, Ohio: Sunday Creek July 14-15: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla July 28-29: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud Aug. 11-12: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn’s AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMA NATIONAL HARE & HOUND NATIONALHAREANDHOUND.COM April 22: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Steve Williams, Vikings MC; (310) 490-4575, VikingsMC.com May 5: Jericho, Utah: Talisa Flitton, Sage Riders; (801) 8335946, SageRidersMC.com May 19: Jericho, Utah: KC Bogue, Sugarloafers MC; (435) 864-8305, SugarloafersMC.com

https://sites.google.com/site/ silverstatetrailblazers/

Oct. 28: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Ryan Sanders, 100’s MC; (949) 584-9395, 100sMC.org AMA NATIONAL ENDURO NATIONALENDURO.COM April 22: West Point, Tenn.: Paul Traufler, NATRA; (256) 837-0084, NATRA.DirtRider.net May 6: Forest Hill, La.: Tracy Barstow, Acadiana Dirt Riders; (337) 519-2520, AcadianaDirtRiders.org June 17: Upton, Wyo.: Paul Douglas, Inyan Kara Riders; (307) 468-2840, NationalEnduro.com July 29: Cross Fork, Pa.: Peter Burnett, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 368-7332, BER.us Sept. 9: Park Hills, Mo.: Michael Silger, Missouri Mudders; michael. silger@avnet.com, MoMudders. com Oct. 14: Matthews, Ind.: Doug Spence, Muddobbers MC; (765) 998-2236, MuddobbersMC.org Nov. 4: Stanton, Ala.: Glenn Hollingshead, Perry Mountain MC ; (334) 872-4286, PerryMountain. com ENDUROCROSS ENDUROCROSS.COM May 4: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena June 9: Sacramento, Calif.: Power Balance Pavilion TBD: Los Angeles: TBD Sept. 15: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Bank Arena Oct. 6: Denver: National Western Complex Oct. 20: Everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena Oct. 27: Boise, Idaho: Idaho Center Nov 17: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM April 14 (Youth) April 15 (Amateur): Shasta Lake, Calif.: Karl Hankins, Redding Dirt Riders; (530) 953-7272, ReddingDirtRiders.com June 16 (Youth & C Amateur) June 17 (Pro, A & B Amateur): Elkton, Ore.: Toni Bamford, ETRA; (541) 968-1664, ETRA.net

June 24: Reno, Nev.: Jeff Henning, Western States Racing Association; (775) 544-66463, DirtIncRacing.com

Aug. 25 (Youth) Aug. 26 (Amateur): Big Sky, Mont.: Jamey Kabisch, Lone Peak Racing; (406) 223-0478, BigSkyXC. com

Sept. 8: Panaca, Nev.: Zach Livreri, Silver State

AMA EAST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM

May 13 (Youth & Amateur): TBA: Rita Coombs, Racer Productions; (304) 284-0084, GNCCRacing.com June 9 (Youth) June 10 (Amateur): S. Edmeston, N.Y.: Jim Simmons, Thunder Ridge Sports; (607) 847-6522, ThunderRidge.biz July 8 (Youth & Amateur): Millfield, Ohio: Rita Coombs, Racer Productions; (304) 2840084, GNCCRacing.com July 21 (Youth & Amateur): Valley View, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600, RauschCreekRacing. com Aug. 4 (Youth) Aug. 5 (Amateur): Hill City, Minn.: Paul Otto, Range Riders MC; (763) 229-1177, RangeRidersMC.org Aug. 11 (Youth) Aug. 12 (Amateur): E. Freetown, Mass.: Gordie Coyle, Pilgrim Sands Trail Riders; (781) 294-8355, PSTR.org Sept. 1 (Youth) Sept. 2 (Amateur) Arrington, Va.: Chuck Honeycutt, April Fools Promotions; (757) 3755665; AprilFools62@verizon.net AMA/NATC MOTOTRIALS AMARACING.COM May 19-20: Cahuilla Creek, Calif.: Pete Croft, So. California Trials Assn.; (714) 580-7369, SoCalTrials.com May 26-27: Cotapaxi, Colo.: Frank Peterson, Rocky Mountain Trials Assn.; (303) 477-6793, RockyMountainTrials.org June 16-17: Toronto, Ohio: Jim Watson, Trials Inc.; (317) 861-6275, TrialsInc.org June 23-24: Exeter, R.I.: David Alen, Rhode Island Trials Club, (508) 285-6074, RITrialsClub.com AMA/NATC YOUTH MOTOTRIALS AMARACING.COM June 6-8 (East): Sequatchie, Tenn.: Ashley Jackson, Southeastern Trials Riders Assn., (423) 942-8688; TrialsTrainingCenter.com July 20-22 (West): Howard, Colo.: Bill Markham, International Trials School; (719) 942-3372, ITSoffroad.com AMA ATV HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM June 9: S. Edmeston, N.Y.: Jim Simmons, Thunder Ridge sports; (607) 847-6522, ThunderRidge.biz July 22: Valley View, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600, RauschCreekRacing.com Aug. 4: Hill City, Minn.: Paul Otto, Range Riders MC; (763) 229-1177, RangeRidersMC.org Oct. 13: TBD: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084, TheMAXC.com Oct. 27: Gosport, Ind.: Mike May 2012

2012 EVENTS Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 4186084, TheMAXC.com AMA ATV MOTOCROSS ATVMOTOCROSS.COM April 21-22: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek May 5-6: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek May 19-20: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge June 2-3 (night race): Oakland, Ky.: Ballance MX June 16-17: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway June 30-July 1: Millfield, Ohio: Sunday Creek July 14-15: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla July 28-29: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud Aug. 11-12: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn Ranch AMA ATV EXTREME DIRT TRACK ATVMOTOCROSS.COM May 12: Kinston, N.C.: Lenoir County Fairgrounds, Ironclad Motorsports, (252) 624-9808, EDTRacing.com June 9: Oktakha, Okla.: Outlaw Motor Speedway June 29-30: Sioux Falls, S.D.: Sioux Valley Cycle Club, (605) 9773866, SiouxValleyCycleClub.com July 21-22: Ashtabula, Ohio: Pine Lake Off-Road Facility, Bud Fischer, (440) 997-4166, EDTRacing.com Aug. 11: Batavia, N.Y.: Batavia Motor Speedway, BataviaMotorSpeedway.com Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Goldsboro, N.C.: Busco Beach, (919) 2229614, BuscoBeach.com AMA VINTAGE DIRT TRACK AMARACING.COM May 5: Tallassee, Ala.: ST, Monster Mountain MX Park, Tom Brinkman; (334) 318-8475, MonsterMX.com May 6: Tallassee, Ala.: ST, Monster Mountain MX Park, Tom Brinkman; (334) 318-8475, MonsterMX.com June 29: Harpursville, N.Y.: ST, Don Miller; (877) 746-3876, SquareDealRiders.com June 30: Harpursville, N.Y.: ST, Don Miller; (877) 746-3876, SquareDealRiders.com July 21: Ashland, Ohio: Half-Mile, Ashland County Fairgrounds, Ken Saillant; (800) 262-5646, AMARacing.com Aug. 17: Dundee, N.Y.: 4/10Mile, Black Rock Speedway, Dean Hoag; (607) 243-8686, BlackRockSpeedway.com Aug. 18: Dundee, N.Y.: 4/10Mile, Black Rock Speedway, Dean Hoag; (607) 243-8686, BlackRockSpeedway.com AMA RACING PRO-AM MOTOCROSS AMARACING.COM April 15: Birdsboro, Pa.: Pagoda Motorcycle Club; (610) 582-3717, PagodaMotorcycleClub.com April 21-22: Milford, Calif.: Honey Lake Motocross Park; (530) 8272639, HoneyLakeMX.com May 5-6: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Dutch Sport Park; (269) 521-7800, DutchSportParkMX.com May 6: Wallkill, N.Y.: Walden MX; (845) 895-2537, WaldenMX.com May 12-13: Little Falls, Minn.: RM Promotions; (612) 919-3457,

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

MotoCityRaceway.com May 13: Petersburg, Va.: Virginia Motor Sports Park; (443) 7833249, VirginiaMotorSports.com May 26-27: Dalton, Ga.: Lazy River MX; (706) 278-1620, LazyRiverMotocross.com May 27: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; (715) 856-6612, Gmellissa337@aol.com May 27: Crothersville, Ind.: High Fly MX; (812) 374-8228, HighFlyMX.com May 28: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trails Motosports; (217) 932-2041, LincolnTrailMotosport.com May 28: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway; (713) 962-3386, FreestoneMX.com May 28: Brush, Colo.: Swene Cycle Park; (970) 768-0518, SweneyCyclePark.com June 16 (Sat night): Mendota, Ill.: Moto Pro Inc. Stadium Megacross; (815) 539-9021, Megacross.com June 17: Mt. Carroll, Ill.: MC Motopark; (815) 238-1614, MCMotopark.com June 17: Leonardtown, Md.: Budds Creek Motocross Park; (301) 481-6148, BuddsCreek.com July 1: Shippensburg, Pa.: Doublin Gap MX; (717) 249-6063, DoublinGap.com July 14: Batavia, N.Y.: Area 51 MX; (585) 345-7433, HighFlyMX. com July 15: Crothersville, Ind.: High Fly MX; (812) 374-8228, HighFlyMX.com Aug. 26: Armagh, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway; (814) 695-2453, PVRMX.com Aug. 26: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek MX Park; (507) 753-2779, SpringCreekMX.com

Nov. 19-21: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park; (813) 4707498, UnlimitedSportsMX.com Nov. 22-24: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park; (813) 4707498, UnlimitedSportsMX.com AMA FEATURED SERIES AMA MID AMERICA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES THEMAXC.COM June 9-10: Casey, Ill. June 17: Springville, Ind.: Riley Miracle Trail Race July 21: Martinsville, Ind. Aug. 11: Merango, Ind. Sept. 8: Canaan, Ind. Sept. 22: Spencer, Ind. Oct. 13: Veedersburg, Ind. Oct. 27-28: Casey, Ind. AMA WESTERN CHECKPOINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RIDECHEC.COM

Nov. 4: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek; (205) 699-8857, RPMSportsonline. com Nov. 10-11: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway; (713) 962-3386, FreestoneMX.com Nov. 10-11: Lizella, Ga.: Echeconnee MX Park; (205) 6998857, FreestoneMX.com

April 28-29: Millington, Mich.: Mid-East area qualifier, Baja Acres, (989) 871-3356

May 5-6: Tigerton, Wis.: North Central area qualifier, Motozone, (920) 419-2863

Oct. 20-21: Red Mountain, Calif.: Ghost Rider Enduro, Training Wheels MC

May 5-6: Lakewood, Colo.: South Central area qualifier, Thunder Valley, (303) 697-1003

Nov. 11: Stoneyford, Calif.: Climbers Enduro, Valley Climbers MC

May 12-13: Winchester, N.H.: Northeast area qualifier, Winchester Speed Park, (603) 239-6406

May 5: Peoria, Ill.: TT & ST, Peoria Speedway, Steve Nace Racing, Steve Nace, (270) 442-7532, SteveNaceRacing.com

Nov. 4: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway; (713) 962-3386, FreestoneMX.com

April 28-29: Blountville, Tenn.: Southeast area qualifier, Muddy Creek, (423) 323-5497

Oct. 20-21: Fouts Springs, Calif.: Jackhammer Enduro, Jackhammer MC

Sept. 23: New Castle, Del.: Blue Diamond MX Park; (302) 834-5867, BCTRA.com

Oct. 28: Prentiss, Wis.: Golden Pine Raceway; (601) 506-8669, GoldenPineRaceway.com

April 28-29: Batavia, N.Y.: Northeast area qualifier, Area 51, (585) 345-7433

May 5-6: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Mid-East area qualifier, Dutch Sports Park, (269) 521-7800

April 22: Lodi, Calif.: ST, Lodi MC, Ralph Lee, (209) 224-9582, LodiCycleBowl.com

Oct. 27-28: Leonardtown, Md.: Budds Creek Motocross Park; (301) 481-6148, BuddsCreek.com

April 21-22: Milford, Calif.: Southwest area qualifier, Honey Lake, (530) 827-2639

Oct. 6-7: Reno, Nev.: Wildhorse Enduro, Western States Racing Assn.

Sept. 9: Clifford, Pa.: Hurricane Hills Motorsports; (570) 222-9290, HHMotocross.com

Oct. 14: Birdsboro, Pa.: Pagoda Motorcycle Club; (610) 582-3717, PagodaMotorcycleClub.com

April 21-22: Milford, Calif.: Northwest area qualifier, Honey Lake, (530) 827-2639

May 5-6: Armagh, Pa.: Northeast area qualifier, Pleasure Valley, (814) 695-2453

April 21: Lodi, Calif.: TT, Lodi MC, Ralph Lee, (209) 224-9582, LodiCycleBowl.com

Oct. 7: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park; (734) 446-7800, RacewayPark.com

April 21-22: Breaux Bridge, La.: South Central area qualifier, Gravity Alley, (87 342-5373

May 19-20: Gorman, Calif.: Hungry Valley 2 Day, Ventura County MC

Sept. 2: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; (715) 856-6612, Gmellissa337@aol.com

Oct. 7: Gaylord, Mich.: Ostego Club; (989) 871-3356, BajaMX.com

April 21-22: Winterset, Iowa: North Central area qualifier, Riverside Raceway, (515) 266-7509

April 28-29: Richwood, Mo.: North Central area qualifier, Romp MX, (573) 701-8674

AMA DIRT TRACK GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP HOLESHOT SERIES AMARACING.COM

Sept. 30: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX; (815) 379-9534, SunsetRidgeMX.com

April 21-22: Underwood, Ind.: Mid-East area qualifier, CLCR, (612) 559-6777

April 15: Camp Wood, Ariz.: AMRA Enduro, Arizona Trail Riders Assn.

Sept. 1-3: Millington, Mich.: Baja MX; (989) 871-3356, BajaMX.com

Sept. 30: Canton, Texas: Buffalo Creek Motocross Park; (214) 9394321, BuffaloCreekMX.com

Northeast area qualifier, High Point, (304) 284-0084

May 6: Peoria, Ill.: TT, Peoria Speedway, Steve Nace Racing, Steve Nace, (270) 442-7532, SteveNaceRacing.com May 12: Castle Rock, Wash.: TT & ST, Mount St Helens MC, Denise Holt, (425) 785-7702, MSHMC.org May 18: Harpursville, N.Y.: ST, Square Deal Riders, (877) 746-3876, SquareDealRiders.com May 19: Harpursville, N.Y.: ST, Square Deal Riders, (877) 746-3876, SquareDealRiders.com AMA AMATEUR GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS MXSPORTS.COM April 14-15: Byron, Ill.: North Central area qualifier, Byron Motosports Park, (815) 234-2271 April 14-15: Livingston, Tenn.: Mid-East area qualifier, Thunder Valley, (423) 323-5497 April 14-15: San Antonio, Texas: South Central area qualifier, Cycle Ranch, (210) 635-9199 April 14-15: Marysville, Calif.: Northwest area qualifier, E Street, (916) 209-3855 April 21-22: Mt. Morris, Pa.:

May 12-13: Little Falls, Minn.: North Central area qualifier, Little Falls Raceway, (612) 919-3457 May 12-13: Beaumont, Texas: South Central area qualifier, Cowboy Bad Lands MX, (409) 794-1985 May 19-20: New Berlin, N.Y.: Northeast area qualifier, Unadilla Valley Sports Center, (607) 9658450 May 19-20: Danville, Va.: Southeast area qualifier, Birch Creek, (434) 836-7629 May 19-20: Nelsonville, Ohio: Mid-East area qualifier, Fast Traxx Motoplex, (740) 767-3740 May 19-20: Mason, Ill.: North Central area qualifier, Cross Roads MX, (618) 686-2769 May 19-20: Little Rock, Ark.: South Central area qualifier, Tony Wynn MX, (870) 342-5373 May 20: Washougal, Wash.: Northwest area qualifier, Washougal, (360) 601-5347

June 9-10: Bowling Green, Ky.: Mid-East regional (Youth), Ballance MX, (423) 323-5497 June 9-10: Milford, Calif.: Northwest regional (Youth & Amateur), Honey Lake, (530) 827-2639 June 16-17: Ellerbe, N.C.: Southeast regional (Youth), Windy Hills MX, (423) 323-5497 June 16-17: Millville, Minn.: North Central regional (Youth), Spring Creek, (507) 753-2779 June 16-17: Conroe, Texas: South Central regional (Youth), Three Palms, (936) 321-8725 June 16-17: Hesperia, Calif.: Southwest regional (Youth & Amateur), Competitive Edge, (909) 454-1070 June 23-24: Shippensburg, Pa.: Northeast regional (Youth), Doublin Gap, (717) 249-6036 June 23-24: Mt Carroll, Ill.: North Central regional (Amateur), MC Motopark, (815) 238-1614 July 29-Aug.4: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Grand Championships (final), Loretta Lynnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ranch AMA DIRT TRACK GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM May 29-June 1: Springfield, Ill.: AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships AMA VINTAGE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMAVINTAGEMOTORCYCLE DAYS.COM July 20-22: Lexington, Ohio: AMA Vintage Grand Championships, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course AMA HILLCLIMB GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM Aug. 17-19: Bay City, Wis.: AMA Hillclimb Grand Championships AMA LAND SPEED GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS/BUB MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS BUBSPEEDTRIALS.COM.COM Aug. 26-30: Wendover, Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats, Delvene Manning, (530) 272-4310 AMA ISDE QUALIFIERS AMA ISDE QUALIFERS AMARACING.COM June 2-3: (Round 1) Idaho City, Idaho: Peter Reynolds, Boise Ridge Riders; (208) 384-5141, BoiseRidgeRiders.org June 9-10: (Round 2) Wellston, Ohio: William Defue Jr., Appalachian Dirt Riders; (740) 384-6379, ADROhio.org Sept. 24-29: 2012 ISDE: Sachsenring Circuit, Saxony, Germany AMA DUAL-SPORT/ ADVENTURE SERIES

May 26-27: Chatsworth, Ga.: Southeast area qualifier, Lazy River, (706) 278-1620 May 26-27: Walnut, Ill.: North Central area qualifier, Sunset Ridge, (815) 379-9534 June 2-3: Delmont, Pa.: Northeast regional (Amateur), Steel City, (304) 284-0084 June 2-3: Buchanan, Mich.: MidEast regional (Amateur), Red Bud, (269) 695-6405 June 2-3: Wortham, Texas: South Central regional (Amateur), Freestone, (713) 962-3386 June 9-10: Mill Creek, Ala.: Southeast regional (Amateur), Mill Creek, (205) 699-8857

AMA HUSQVARNA NATIONAL DUAL-SPORT SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM May 19: Zaleski, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050, Kaeppnerswoods.com June 2-3: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers National Dual Sport, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros;

2012 EVENTS (570) 726-3343, Durtydabbers. com

Creek Sportsmen, Mike Goetz; BearCreekSportsmen.com

Jennings; (713) 248-7222, TRHCycle.org

June 2-3: Bixby, Mo.: Show Me 200, Midwest Trail Riders Assn., Robert Kaufman; (314) 434-5095, RideMTRA.com

Aug. 11-12: Columbus, Ind.: Buffalo 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC; Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772, StoneyLonesomeMC.com/ DualSport/index.html

Oct. 27-28: Chatsworth, N.J.: Meteor Ride in the Pines, Meteor MC, Jeff Fitzpatrick; (609) 6545015, MeteorMC.com

June 2-3: Custer, Mich.: Whiskey Creek Classic, Great Lakes Dual Sporters, Jeramey Valley; (989) 751-6863, GLDSMC.org June 9-10: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Dual Sport, Northwest Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881, BlackDogDualSport.com June 9-10: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride For Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030, WIDualSportRiders.org June 23-24: Fort Rock, Ore.: Fort Rock National Dual Sport, Lobos MC, Billy Toman; (503) 656-5801, LobosMC.com July 14-15: Chandlersville, Ohio.: Zanesville National Dual Sport, Zanesville Trail Riders, Jerry Sode; (740) 221-1050, ZanesvilleTrailRiders.com July 21-28: TBD, Mich.: 28th Annual Six Days of Michigan, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Lewis Schuler; (517) 416-0126, CycleConservationClub. com Aug. 1-5: Stevenson, Wash.: Dualsport Northwest, SoundRider!, Tom Mehren; (206) 329-7808, SoundRider.com Aug. 4-5: Walden, Colo.: Moose Run Dual Sport Rally, Front Range Riders, Deborah Nielsen; (307) 778-8685, FrontRangeRiders.com Aug. 4-5: Hancock, N.Y.: Hancock Quarry Run, Bear

Aug. 18-19: Wolverine, Mich.: Ted’s Chandler Hill Challenge, Great Lakes Dual Sporters, Jeremay Valley; (989) 751-6863, GLDSMC.org Sept. 8-9: Golden Pond, Ky.: Land Between the Lakes 200, K.T. Riders, Jesse Thomas; (270) 5223703, LBL200.com Sept. 22-23: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Dual Sport Adventure, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 649-3633, FamilyOffRoadAdventures.com Sept. 22-23: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckey Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 3803050, KaeppnersWoods.com Sept. 29-30: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 3502030, GLDSMC.org Oct. 6-7: Mt. Solon, Va.: Shenandoah 500 Dual Sport, Washington Area Trail Riders, Andy Giordano; (703) 505-9123, WATR.us Oct. 6-7: McArthur, Ohio: Baby Burr National Dual Sport, Enduro Riders Assn., Steve Barber; (614) 582-7821, EnduroRiders.com Oct. 20-21: Study Butte, Texas: 15th Annual Terlingua National DS, Trail Riders of Houston, Jack

Oct. 27-28: Wickenburg, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon Dual Sport, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (602) 692-9382, dohood@us.ibm. com Nov. 3-4: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469, TeamHammer.org Nov. 23-24: Palmdale, Calif.: LABarstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 7927384, District37AMA.org

AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ NATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM April 14-15: Bybee, Tenn.: Slate Creek 300, JB Saki Promotions, John Strange; (865) 322-0193, VolunteerRiders.com April 14-15: Hammonton, N.J.: Pine Barrens 300, Cross Country Cycles, Jack O’Conner; (732) 6350094, PineBarrens500.org May 5-6: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Adventure Tour, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 649-3633,

FamilyOffRoadAdventures.com

3050, KaeppnersWoods.com

May 19-20: Zaleski, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 3803050, Kaeppners woods.com

Oct. 27-28: Payson, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon Dual Sport, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (602) 6929382, ArizonaTrailRiders.org

June 2-3: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Adventure Ride, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343, DurtyDabbers.com

Nov. 3-4: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (856) 785-2754, TeamHammer.org

June 9-10: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, Northwest Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 6818881, BlackDogDualSport.com

Nov. 23-24: Palmdale, Calif.: LABarstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 7927384, District37AMA.org

June 9-10: Atlanta, N.Y.: Thrills in the Hills 2012, Wayne County Motorcycle Club, Don Rice; (315) 945-6911, WayneCountyMC.com June 22-25: Fairbanks, Alaska: Tag the Deadhorse Adventure Ride, Aerostich Tours, Roger Pattison; (575) 776-8785, AerostichTours.com Aug. 11-12: Columbus, Ind.: Buffalo 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772, StoneyLonesomeMC.com Aug. 20-24: TBD, Idaho: Sasquatch Adventure Tour, SoundRider!, Tom Mehren; (206) 329-7808, SoundRider.com Sept. 8-9: Morganton, N.C.: Blue Ridge Adventure Ride, JB Saki Promotions, Ron Miller; (704) 3093271, VolunteerRiders.com Sept. 14-16: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.: Land of Enchantment, Aerostich Tours, Roger Pattison; (575) 776-8785, AerostichTours. com Sept. 22-23: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckey Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-

AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST. COMROADRIDE/TOURING AMA GRAND NATIONAL RALLY July 26-29: Carson City, Nev.: International Women & Motorcycling Conference, AMA, (614) 856-1900, WomenandMotorcycling.com AMA NATIONAL RALLY July 20-22:Lexington, Ohio: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, AMA, Connie Fleming; (614) 856-1900 ext. 1258, AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com AMA NATIONAL CONVENTION June 4-9: Lake George, N.Y.: Americade, TourExpo.com Sept. 12-16: Ruidoso, N.M.: Golden Aspen Rally, MotorcycleRally.com AMA NATIONAL TOURING RALLY June 24-28: Avon, Colo.: STAR 2012, SportTouring.us/STAR2012 Aug. 1-5: Stephenson, Wash.:

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2012 EVENTS Rally in the Gorge, SoundRider. com/rally

Grand Tour, Midnight Riders Motorcycle Club, (765) 566-3807, Midnight-Riders-MC.com

AMA REGIONAL CONVENTION

AMA EXTREME NATIONAL GRAND TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM/ ROADRIDE/TOURING

May 17-20: Ruidoso, N.M.: Aspencash, MotorcycleRally.com AMA DISTRICT TOURING RALLY June 18-21: Matamoros, Pa.: MTA 2012 Gathering, Vikingbike@ mindspring.com

Jan. 1-Dec. 31: USA Four Corners Grand Tour, Southern California Motorcycle Association (SCMA), (949) 246-4941, USA4Corners.org

AMA NATIONAL GYPSY TOUR June 11-19: Laconia, N.H.: Laconia Bike Week, LaconiaBikeWeek.com

Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Best US 15 Roads Challenge Grand Tour, Southern California Motorcycle Association (SCMA), SC-MA.com

Aug. 9: Sturgis, S.D.: Sturgis Gypsy Tour, Jackpine-Gypsies. com

Aug. 30-Sept. 4: Three Flags Classic Grand Tour, Southern California Motorcycle Association (SCMA), SC-MA.com

Oct. 12-14: Redding, Calif.: Big Bike Weekend, BigBikeWeekend. com

AMA GYPSY TOUR

AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM/ ROADRIDE/TOURING

April 26-29: Alvarado, Texas: Biker’s Adult Rally, Texas State Gypsy Tour, BikersAdultRally.com

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

June 16-17: Kingston, Idaho: Gyro Daze, District 24 Gypsy, HiRollers.org AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM/ ROADRIDE/TOURING

March 1-Nov. 30: Smoke Chasing Grand Tour, Team Strange Airheads, SmokeChasing. com

Nov. 12-13: Titusville, Fla.: March of Dimes Bikers for Babies, BikersforBabies.org

April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor Grand Tour, Tour of Honor, TourofHonor.com

Aug. 6: Sturgis, S.D.: Sturgis Mayor’s Ride , (605) 720-0800,

April 1-Nov. 30: Hodgepodge

SturgisMotorcycleRally.com/ events

Independence Fieldhouse Soccer Fields, road ride

AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS RIDE FOR KIDS PBTFUS.ORG/RIDEFORKIDS/ EVENTS/2012/

June 10: Golden, Colo.: Jefferson County Human Services Building, road ride

April 15: Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Quiet Waters Park, road ride April 22: Jacksonville, Fla.: Florida State College, road ride April 22: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen Raceway Park, dualsport ride April 29: Humble, Texas: Humble Civic Center, road ride May 6: Pittsboro-Raleigh, N.C.: White Oak Recreation Area, road ride May 6: Los Angeles: American Honda Motor Co. Corporate Headquarters, road ride May 20: Alexandria, La.: Rapides Parish Coliseum Annex, road ride May 20: Franklin, Tenn.: Jim Warren Park, road ride June 3: Alpharetta, Ga.: North Point Mall, road ride June 3: Mechanicsville, Va.: Richmond Times-Dispatch, road ride June 3: Albuquerque, N.M.: Mesa del Sol Fieldsat Journal Pavilion, road ride June 10: Independence, Ohio:

July 8: South Bend, Ind.: Pinhook Park, road ride July 15: White Bear Lake, Minn.: East Century College, road ride July 15: Elgin, Il.: Elgin Community College, road ride July 15: Deerfield, N.Y.: Deerfield Volunteer Fire Dept., road ride July 22: Marysville, Ohio: Scotts Miracle-Gro Headquarters, road ride July 29: Knoxville, Tenn.: Pellissippi StateCommunity College, road ride

Aug. 19: Fiskdale, Mass.: Tantasqua Regional High School, road ride Aug. 26: Ann Arbor, Mich.: Washtenaw Community College, road ride/dual-sport Aug. 26: Fletcher, N.C.: WNC Ag Center and Fairgrounds, road ride Sept. 9: Carnation, Wash.: Remlinger Farms, road ride Sept. 9: Leeds, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park, road ride Sept. 9: Indianapolis: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, road ride Sept. 16: Tulsa, Okla.: Tulsa Health Dept., road ride Sept. 16: Phoenixville, Pa.: Valley Forge Christian College, road ride

July 29: Overland Park, Kan.: Johnson County Community College, road ride Aug. 5: Cranberry Township, Pa: Home Dept, road ride Aug. 5: Central Valley, N.Y.: Central Valley Elementary School, road ride Aug. 5: Middleton, Wis: Firemen’s Park, road ride Aug. 11: Salt Lake City: This is the Place Heritage Park, road ride Aug. 19: Cottleville, Mo.: St. Charles Community College, road ride

Sept. 23: Ellicott City, Md.: Turf Valley Resort, road ride Sept. 30: Las Vegas, Nev.: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, road ride Oct. 7: Fairfield, Calif.: Solano Community College, road ride Oct. 7: Grapevine, Texas: Grapevine Mills Mall, road ride Oct. 21: Cardiff, Calif.: MiraCosta College, road ride Oct. 21: Mesa, Ariz.: Desert Ridge High School, road ride Nov. 4: Lithia, Fla.: Heinrich Training Center, road ride

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May 2012

GUEST COLUMN OPEN ROADS Adventure riding is near and dear to me. So, you can imagine how excited I was when I learned that a new area was now open to motorcycles. After all, what could be more adventurous than riding into the unknown? The groundwork for this opportunity was laid in May 2011 when the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Arizona reversed an unwritten policy and allowed street legal motorcycles access into the area on a permit basis. This decision was made thanks to the persistent encouragement of AMA member Keith Dishong, AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris and Brian Hawthorne of the BlueRibbon Coalition. It was Nick who contacted me after the opening to ask if I had ever ridden in the area. Of course I hadn’t, so it came as great news when Nick explained the refuge’s recent decision and encouraged me to contact Cabeza Prieta Manager Sid Slone. Which I did. Sid and Public Use Assistant Margot Bissell were very friendly and glad we were coming over for a visit. They explained the rules, regulations and permitting process. It was all pretty straight forward: Vehicles must be licensed and insured; each rider needs his or her own permit; groups of five or more need a special-use permit; persons 17 and younger need to be accompanied by someone 18 years or older. Because the area is patrolled by the Border Patrol and crosses into the Barry Goldwater Air Force Range, each vehicle needs a flag on a mast to make it more visible from a distance. The suggested speed limit is 25 miles an hour. You must call the Air Force range before you enter its territory and, by all means, you cannot pick up any unexploded ordinance. My riding buddies and I filled out our permit requests, faxed them in, and within a couple of days, the permits arrived in the mail. There are three routes into the refuge: the Camino Del Diablo, or “the Devil’s Highway,” being the best known. It starts in Ajo, Ariz. We rode there from Tucson, across the Tohono O’odham Nation on a two-lane secondary road through lush Sonoran desert. We arrived in Ajo, a picturesque town that has a plaza that looks very much like old Mexico with its white-washed stucco churches. (While admiring the scenery, remember to watch your speed or it’s possible the local law enforcement may put you through a “permit process” of their own!) Next up, what all the fuss was about: riding the Devil’s Highway. After riding out to what seemed like the edge of civilization, we took the Bates Well Road west into the unknown. As we rode through the western edge of Organ Pipe National Monument, the route began as lush desert but then the terrain started to become more open and sandy. The tricks to riding in the sand are elbows out, head up, weight back on the rear wheel and plenty of throttle control for braking and accelerating. The route constantly changed from deep sand to sun-baked earth (and sun-baked earth with marbles) to plain old rocks. We even crossed some small lava fields at the northern tip of the Pinacate Desert. When you ride the Devil’s Highway, you’ll see wells listed— Bates Well, Papago Well, Tule Well. These were all watering holes that travelers would have to find before continuing. Unfortunately, many lost the trail and succumbed to the harsh environment. Later travelers would use the gravesites to navigate by, and that’s how the route earned its name. The road in spots has a hump in the middle of it and some

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

section had metal planking. On the edge of the road are creosote bushes, ready to reach out and swat your handlebars. Every plant outside of the creosote bushes has thorns, and lots of them, so go easy and control your speed. (A comb is a must-have cactus removal tool.) At Bates Well, the National Parks Service is restoring the old ranch for visitors. There are several picnic tables at Papago Well, where you can relax with a meal. At Tule Well, there is a one-room building that you can go inside to escape the elements and sign the logbook. Along the route is the Border Patrol outpost known as Camp Grip. If you happen to see a Border Patrol agent out and about, give them a wave or say “hi.” While the Cabeza Prieta is closed to travel from March 15 through July 15 to allow the wildlife time to breed before the difficult summer ahead, this is the perfect time to plan for a late summer or fall ride through the area. Just keep in mind that if you ride in this area in July or August, temperatures could be extreme and monsoon rains could bring about flash flooding. Experiencing Cabeza Prieta was a real joy and adventure, and I owe my personal appreciation to the persistence and hard work of AMA members for opening this area and keeping it open for responsible motorized recreation. This is a textbook example of what we can accomplish when we work together—great riding, great hospitality and USAF F-18 flybys. You can’t beat it. Pete Pfeifer has been an AMA member for 20 years, and a member of Arizona State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Group. He loves adventure riding and camping with his wife, Beth, and Scottish terrier.

Photo Michael Chansley Photography

Discovering Adventure On The Devil’s Highway By Pete Pfeifer

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