American Motorcyclist 06 2011

JUNE 2011

ERIK BUELL’S SECOND ACT

The King Of The American Sportbike Rises Again

THE JOURNAL OF THE

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

• • • • •

All the benefits of AMA Membership, including money-saving discounts and a voice protecting motorcyclist rights at the federal, state and local levels 12 issues of American Motorcyclist magazine AMA Roadside Assistance AMA Life Member Plus Membership Card AMA Life Member Plus Pin And Decal

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

$29 PER YEAR

SAVING PEOPLE MONEY

on more than just car insurance.

Saving people money on more than just car insurance.

SAVING PEOPLE MONEY

on more than just car insurance.

Call 1-800-442-9253 today or visit your local office.

Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Homeowners, renters, boat and PWC coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Government Employees Insurance Co. • GEICO General Insurance Co. • GEICO Indemnity Co. • GEICO Casualty Co. These companies are subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. GEICO: Washington, DC 20076. © 2011 GEICO

NAVIGATION

Cover

Erik Buell is redefining the American sportbike—again.

His story continues on page 36.

Photo by Kevin Netz.

Navigation Photo

Chad Reed is racing without a factory ride in 2011—and he’s still winning. Read about how his privateer effort came together starting on page 28.

Photo by Jeff Kardas.

10. LETTERS

You write, we read.

12. ROB DINGMAN

AMA Members have spoken.

14. RIGHTS

AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb, and anti-lock brakes for streetbikes.

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 2011.

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.

June 2011 Volume 65, Number 6 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) AmericanMotorcyclist.com

6

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

22. RIDING

Mark your calendars: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is July 22-24.

28. RACING

Privateer Chad Reed, vintage racer Mike Anderson and supporting the ISDE team.

32. HALL OF FAME

Two-time AMA Executive Secretary Linton Kuchler, and enduro legend Bill Baird’s 1968 Triumph.

36. ERIK BUELL’S SECOND ACT

America’s innovative sportbike genius is hard at work doing what he does best.

42. TAKING BACK PUBLIC LANDS

Lawmakers and the AMA want to return 43 million acres to the public.

45. GO RIDE

What to do, where to go.

54. TIM MARSHBURN Heading West.

EDITORIAL OFFICES

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

E THE ADVENTUR

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

Contact any member of the AMA Board of Directors at www.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 Nora Berardi, Production Coordinator Jen Muecke, Designer Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer

is out there

coGetmite

Jim Williams, Vice-Chairman Irvine, Calif.

Jon-Erik Burleson, Assistant Treasurer Murrietta, Calif.

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.

Ray Monroe, Eastern Advertising Manager (Eastern States) (815) 633-8011, rmonroe@ama-cycle.org

Charles Goman, Winder, Ga.

Misty Walker, Advertising Assistant (614) 856-1900, ext. 1267, mwalker@ama-cycle.org

Maggie McNally, Albany, N.Y.

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, 2011.

Art More, Surprise, Ariz.

Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.

NB

KEVIN NETZ, Photographer Kevin Netz, a Wisconsinbased commercial photographer, looks forward to every editorial assignment because each is an excellent mental exercise. “I feel very fortunate to be able to make a living doing exactly what I have always wanted to do—livin’ the dream!” More of Kevin’s work can be seen at www. kevinnetz.com. For this issue, Kevin shot Erik Buell at Buell’s home in Mukwonago, Wis. TIM MASHBURN, Contributor Tim Mashburn had the ride of his life traveling across the country and back with his son.

Read more in this month’s Guest Column on page 54.

re High Adventu o, roads and tw The best routes ts. by local exper track, mapped inded nge with like-m A great challe ities, eekend’s activ riders. A full w campfires, food with camping, ll information at and prizes. Fu iding orcyclist.com/R AmericanMot

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill. AMA PRESIDENT AND CEO Rob Dingman, Pickerington, Ohio

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

CONTRIBUTORS AND STAFF

KN

. No Hassle.

Dwight Conant, Kearsarge, N.H.

GRANT PARSONS, Director of Communications Grant will not be joining the staff page this month. He is currently spending alone time with a Canon 1:2.8 IS II USM 70200mm lens and a new Canon body. Check back in 30 days when the honeymoon period may be over. Or not.

JAMES HOLTER, Managing Editor Although he swore off new bikes for 2011, James is salivating over KTM’s twostroke XC line—something of the 250cc variety. Available for trade: a 2010 450 XC-W Six Days, ridden only on Sundays.

BILL KRESNAK, Government Affairs Editor Keeping one step ahead of the gypsy clan that owes him money (yeah, it’s complicated), Krez has moved again, this time to a place without a storage unit. The result? Fire sale! Old T-shirts. Kevin Schwantz memorabilia. RD400 parts. Custom-fit leathers. Arai

JG

BK

helmets. Vintage posters. Learn more at craigslist.com.

MARK LAPID, Creative Director Mark is this close to firing up his Ninja 250 project bike. It’s amazing what can come together if you hold a cold beverage in your hand and stare at something long enough.

JEN MUECKE, Designer Jen lives in Milwaukee, works for an organization in central Ohio and has a husband, Christian, who commutes to Chicago. Due to their whacky schedules, she’s not always in a position to supervise what goes on at the homestead, and is used to scenerios like leaving with a GSX-R 1000 in the garage and returning to a YZ450F in its place—allegedly an early move in a chess game that will result in Christian taking his roadracing game to a new level in 2012.

NORA BERARDI, Production Coordinator As Nora rolls her busted CB350 into the sunset, we can’t help but wonder, “Would life be simpler if your passion weren’t your job?”

Naaaaah! Good luck, Nora!

JEFF GUCIARDO, Production Manager/Designer The only thing between Jeff permanently filling Nora’s capable boots is that pesky new-employee probationary period. No problem, Jeff. As soon as you stick a Nac-Nac backflip to no-handed lander off the company freestyle ramp, you’re in!

Other contributors include: Jim Kimball, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Open Image Studio and Jeff Kardas.

Getting the very best for your machine isn’t hard.

You just have to know which buttons to press.

You put your heart and soul into your bike.

At BikeBandit.com, we make sure your investment pays off, whether you’re ordering OEM parts to keep it in perfect condition or gear and accessories to make your riding experience just a little sweeter.

So log on to BikeBandit.com and find out why 70,000 customers a day trust us to provide superior selection, quality, and service.

Get it Fast. Get it Right. Get Riding.

Total parts shipped

Our customers are talking.

“Perfect part, came faster than I’d expected. BikeBandit.com always comes through for me.”*

*Actual review from resellerratings.com

Log on now, or call 1.877.887.BIKE to get parts done right.

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 CONTINUED SUPPORT

After reading to page 12 in the April issue, I really must comment.

First, a couple pages earlier in the letters section, I must say that Mr. Snook (“I Ride I Wave”) is a much more prudent and wise man than me. Had that been me, and considering the comment he received after a friendly greeting, both me and the jerk would have exited the park. One in handcuffs, one on a stretcher, maybe both in cuffs or both horizontal.

I own two Harleys. I wave at everyone. Around here, everyone waves.

People on porches, in the garden, in their car, in buses, on mopeds, walking or pedaling a bike. Many times, they wave first, but then this is the South.

On page 12, I had to read a paragraph in Rob Dingman’s article several times. It had to be a misprint, I thought, but it isn’t. Two-thirds of the members drop out after the magic 25 years. Why? The $10 subscription? Ten bucks a year for American Motorcyclist magazine is a giveaway!

These two situations show that we, as motorcyclists, are doing ourselves a lot of harm.

As an average American, I have a social security number, an honorable military discharge, no criminal record and a 46-year work history. This means I have no voice in government except for two great organizations to which I will always belong. If you own a motorcycle, you need the AMA. If you own a firearm, you need the National Rifle Association.

Keep up the good work, AMA! Larry McConnell Blythewood, S.C.

LIFE MEMBER PLUS IS OPTIONAL I’ve belonged to the AMA for 25 years, as of this summer earning Life membership status. That’s because I believe strongly, and consistently, in our right to practice our favorite sport and pastime of motorcycling. The AMA advocacy in government and the sense of the camaraderie amongst committed, and yet diverse sets of riders (along with the fine monthly magazine), are my basic reasons to keep renewing my yearly membership.

That said, I’m not thrilled to see I must again pay a fee to maintain a semblance of what I had thought I’d earned over the last quarter century by “belonging” (“Engaging our AMA Life Members,” April issue).

Nor do I agree with the position of the AMA regarding off-road legislation, or pushing for the rights of minors to become hard-core gas guzzlers for life either, all the while adding more noise and pollution to what was once the peace of nature’s outdoors away from overpopulation, towns and roads.

Solution? Electric dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles someday, quietly. We all know its coming.

But at least these children aren’t glued like Velcro to the video/TV/gaming console in the present. Let’s hope they become AMA members, too.

John Hoover Gallup, N.M.

RE-OPEN CLEAR CREEK The report that exposure to naturally occurring asbestos while riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) is negligible at Clear Creek [in California] is good news. Clear Creek was, for me, always one of the most difficult hotbutton issues in motorcycling to understand.

The area itself has many beautiful places where trail riding is an appropriate recreational activity. There has been a lot of courage shown through the years by AMA District 36 [Southern California] and other OHV recreation groups in tackling it. I hope the Bureau of Land Management will make the right decision and bring the use back.

Their list price was not the best, but it was very good. Then I subtracted my 10 percent AMA discount, added a flat $8.95 shipping rate and no taxes. At this point their’s was the best deal on the Internet.

But it got better. I ordered the tires on a Wednesday—a 30-pound shipment that I paid $8.95 to ship—and they arrived on Thursday! I was blown away.

The best price and next day delivery.

That’s a deal that can’t be beat. Thanks AMA and BikeBandit.com!

Don Crafts Oswego, Ill.

Eric Lundquist Waukesha, Wis. (Lundquist is a former AMA legislative affairs specialist) TIRES FOR LESS It’s spring, and my Harley needed tires.

I did the mandatory Internet search for the best deal and was about to pull the trigger when my AMA membership packet arrived, including a BikeBandit.com card, so I thought I’d give them a try.

10

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Don Crafts

Thanks for the note, John. It gives us an opportunity to clear up any misconceptions about the new AMA Life Member Plus program. The program is completely optional. You continue to be an AMA Life Member whether you participate in the Life Member Plus program or not. That means that you continue to receive the benefits that Life Members have always received, including valuable discounts and services from AMA partners, the ability to participate in AMA-sanctioned competition and recreational events, and access to the members-only area of AmericanMotorcyclist.com and the electronic version of this magazine.

The AMA Life Member Plus program adds, at a substantially reduced fee available exclusively to AMA Life Members, two premier member benefits that AMA Life Members currently do not receive: AMA Roadside Assistance and the printed version of American Motorcyclist magazine.

Most importantly, as an AMA Life Member, you continue to support the organization that supports your right to ride (see this month’s “Letter of the Month”).

John Lorenz

DON’T BE A STUNTER I completely agree with Mr. Gibson on his observation of some dangerous highspeed stunt riders on our public roads.

I have seen these riders blast past me, within inches, at speeds in excess of 100 mph while on the highway.

People in cars just see them as guys on motorcycles, not sportbike or cruiser riders. It affects all riders in a bad way.

JOINING THE FIGHT I was impressed with the Guest Column

by Bob Althoff (April issue). I have been wondering for years where the OEMs and community are with regard to the plight we see on so many fronts. From kids’ bikes being attacked to cities banning streetbikes and land closures, we are at war.

As a new business owner and one who has been active in the fight, I applaud the letter and challenge the OEMs and community. I started by sponsoring a little racer in the San Francisco Bay area, Brenden Ketelsen, No. 44, in the SCminiGP series. My goal is to also support local efforts to keep CCMA (San Benito County), Carnegie State OHV in California open.

I am starting out and cannot afford much, but every dollar helps, if not by dollars, by educating as well. We have to stay in the fight or lose. As a start-up, I will do what I can. It only takes a dollar and the power of 10.

you choose an overpass, please move far away from the bike, at least just behind the guardrail. Drivers are easily distracted, and when they see something “shiny” on the side of the road, they may target fixate.

And low and behold, they’ll come over for a visit when you’re not expecting them.

As with everything else, give cars a wide berth, and never give them the benefit [of the doubt] when your life is in the balance.

Jenna Novic Atlanta, Ga.

Leo Huggins Belhaven, N.C. WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES Just a suggestion to add to the response that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation gave to the rider wondering what to do when you see lightning in the distance (May issue).

Getting off the road is a great idea while looking to take shelter in a covered parking structure or an overpass. But if Jenna Novic

John Lorenz Hollister, Calif.

MAX BUBECK: 1917 - 2011 Hall of Famer Max Bubeck died April 8 in Palm Springs, Calif. He was 93.

Bubeck became famous for winning enduros on Indians during a long career that spanned more than 40 years from the 1930s to the 1970s. He also built and raced top-speed-record Indians. In June of 1948, he rode an Indian Chief and Scout hybrid (dubbed the “Chout”) to a record speed of 135.58 mph on the Rosamond Dry Lake north of Los Angeles.

After retiring from competition in the late-1970s, Bubeck continued to be active in motorcycling, doing everything from restoring classic Indian motorcycles to sponsoring antique motorcycle meetings. He was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

On Facebook? Us, too! Like the fan page of the American Motorcyclist Association and you could leave comments like these: www.facebook.com/AmericanMotorcyclist

“Carmichael!”

— Mark Fowler, in response to the question “Who is the greatest motorcycle racer of all time?”

“‘Even the Ninja knows to hide from a Hurricane’ circa late 1980s.”

— Anthony Mitchell, in response to the question “What’s your favorite motorcycle commercial?”

“Dave Coombs Sr. Except when he ran out of gas one time at Steel City and Davey and I had to go and deliver it to him... Dave did more to promote racing than all others combined. I’d say his wife, Rita, has done as much or more for the sport, but I never saw her ride ;) Godspeed, Dave...” — Bill Janitor, in response to the same question.

“The kids. They are the only ones I can keep up with (for now) on the trails!” — Russ Theis, answering “Who are you riding with this week?” during AMA Get Out and Ride Together! Week, April 11-17.

“Go to the paddock at any amateur event (road race, MX, trials, doesn’t matter) and find the guy who brought his bike in the back of a pickup, does all his own wrenching, helps his competitors prep their bikes, coaches young riders, and still finds time to volunteer with the rest of the workers. There you will find the greatest racers of all time (even if they never finish above mid pack).”

— Jason Kaplan, same question.

“My dad and I are headed east on Saturday to the start of the TAT... looking forward to a great time!”

— Mark Hutson, same question.

“Here we go again! More government red tape involvement doing useless spending on good old common sense. I love the viewpoints above. How about this: Put the cellphone down and drive! Anyone?” – Dave Vlasicak, responding to a post about lawmakers wanting a federal traffic safety agency to concentrate on crash prevention and rider education rather than mandatory helmet laws.

You can connect with fellow AMA members on Facebook. You can also always find more information at AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

June 2011

11

FROM THE PRESIDENT

AMA MEMBERS HAVE SPOKEN

Few issues have generated the kind of response we have seen to the designation of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as the 2010 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year (MOTY). Rest assured that we are listening to you and your concerns as members more than ever before. I, myself, have been critical of the AMA over the years for its inability to recognize its mistakes, own up to them and reverse course if necessary. I confess to you that I now believe this designation to have been a mistake. I take responsibility and apologize to you for it.

Perhaps, the only thing we accomplished, as I read in one blog posting, was to heighten awareness of a new law signed by the former governor requiring all California-registered motorcycles and exhaust systems built in 2013 and later to display a federal Environmental Protection Agency label somewhere on the exhaust itself, certifying that the exhaust meets the federal sound standards. Frankly, drawing attention to this issue was our intention with the MOTY designation. The California law sets this nation down the wrong path to reducing excessive motorcycle sound because it is discriminatory and will do little to solve the problem.

Unfortunately, too often other states look to California and replicate their overly restrictive laws.

Some who have written or called the AMA about this issue got the impression that the AMA was in favor of this new law and was pleased with the actor-turned politician for signing it. Quite the contrary—make no mistake, the MOTY was given in this case for a very negative reason. The AMA opposed SB 435 and continues to oppose this ill-advised approach.

Much of the confusion likely stems from the cover photo depicting a smiling former governor astride a heavyweight cruiser, leaving the impression that he had cooperated with the story and consented to a photo shoot with the AMA. In fact, the photo was a stock photo purchased by the AMA. Understandably, some people didn’t even bother to read the story based on the cover photo. The photo on the cover should have conveyed our dissatisfaction with the actions of its subject.

The intended negativity of the distinction was further blunted by our efforts to provide editorial balance. Early on in his tenure as governor, Schwarzenegger did do some positive things for the off-highway riding community, but the MOTY recognition was for something negative he had done in the previous year and not for his overall body of work. The adverse actions of the former governor in the waning months of his administration arguably overshadowed anything positive he may have previously done for motorcyclists. This too should have been more clearly communicated.

Some of the comments we have received suggest that the MOTY story came off as smug and communicated a “we told you so” attitude. This was not at all the intention. What we hoped to convey was that this approach to addressing excessive sound was the kind of “wrong answer” we have been concerned about.

For years, the AMA has encouraged the self-regulation of sound,

12

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

and since 2009 we have endorsed and promoted the adoption of the SAE J2825 sound measurement standard as a practical and economical solution. Unfortunately, California’s EPA-labeling law will do little to solve the problem.

Although Gov. Schwarzenegger was not my first choice, a persuasive argument was made that he met the criteria due to the far-reaching negative impact his action would have on motorcycling for years to come. The criteria established when the MOTY was created in the January 2009 issue of this magazine was that the designation would go to the person who has had the most profound impact on motorcycling, positive or negative, in the previous 12 months. Despite this criteria, some have complained that the “honor” of 2010 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year was wasted.

The MOTY was created as a “distinction” rather than an “honor.”

Many of you, however, have told us that the MOTY should be an honor bestowed upon someone for positive reasons. Given the reaction to the 2010 choice, I agree with you. In fact, in February the AMA Board of Directors adopted a policy that awards and key designations such as AMA Motorcyclist of the Year be given for positive reasons. Going forward that will be the case.

The American Motorcyclist Association is your organization.

It is my responsibility to ensure that the Association is reflective of our membership and responsive to your input. I recognize this mistake and take responsibility for it. In an effort to be responsive to your input, we are changing the MOTY designation to always be an honor for its recipient. This decision is another demonstration that the AMA is becoming more responsive to your concerns, and I encourage you to continue sending us your thoughts and opinions on what the AMA can do to best serve our members.

Rob Dingman is president and CEO of the AMA.

Photo Open Image Studio

Future ‘Motorcyclist Of The Year’ Designations Will Honor Positive Actions

By Rob Dingman

MOST BIKERS ARE ALSO SOMETHING ELSE. GOOD THING WE COVER ALL KINDS. And we don’t just cover you, we cover you in some of the best ways possible. That’s why we’re the #1 motorcycle insurer. Ready to ride with the best? Visit progressive.com, call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE or a local agent today.

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co & its affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. No.1 in motorcycle from 2009 Millward Brown national survey data. 11D00155 (02/11)

RIGHTS

14

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

AMA FAMILY CAPITOL HILL CLIMB: MAY 26

Photos Camera: istockphoto.com/Oleksiy Mark; Poster: Mark Lapid

Make A Difference In Washington, D.C., For Kids Who Ride

As a motorcyclist, you know how much fun off-highway motorcycle riding is for kids. Now you can help protect that experience for current and future generations of youngsters on Thursday, May 26, at the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb in Washington, D.C. The AMA is organizing the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb to send a resounding message to federal lawmakers that action is needed now to exclude kidsized dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008. If we don’t speak out now against this misguided law, new dirtbikes and ATVs built for kids 12 and under will essentially be banned at the end of 2011, and American families who love to recreate responsibly on off-highway vehicles (OHVs) will suffer.

The CPSIA, commonly called the “lead law,” was designed to ban small toys with high lead content. However, because of broadly written language in the law, it has been interpreted to apply to all products for kids, including dirtbikes, bicycles, clothing and books.

The best way for motorcyclists to address the problem is with H.R. 412, the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, which would exempt kids’ machines from the lead law.

In addition to showcasing families and kids who ride, the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb will feature AMA Government Relations Department experts who will help families lobby their lawmakers in support of the Kids Just Want to Ride Act. “This is one of the most important events the AMA will be hosting all year, not only because of the critical need to get lawmakers to support the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, but also because the lead law will destroy kids’ off-highway riding if it isn’t changed,” says Jessica Irving, AMA grassroots coordinator.

It’s critical that many families and young riders turn out for the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb to show lawmakers that there are real families and kids being affected by the lead law, she says.

“When these families and young riders gather on the steps of the nation’s Capitol, they can’t be ignored,” Irving says. “They will be sending a powerful statement that will become even more powerful when they meet face-to-face with their own lawmakers.”

U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.), author of the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, will be among those attending the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb. A highlight of the

event will be the debut of a kid-produced video selected as the winner in the AMA’s “Kids Just Want to Ride!” video contest.

“Anyone with an interest in protecting the rights of young riders needs to participate in this event,” Irving says.

Those planning to attend the event are asked to inform the AMA Government Relations Department by May 12, if possible, so that staff can help arrange meetings with lawmakers. Contact the AMA Grassroots Team at (202) 742-4310 or email grassroots@ama-cycle.org.

T TO RIDE!

KIDS JUST WAN

T

VIDEO CONTES

The AMA’s “Kids Just Want to Ride!” video contest is attracting a lot of attention among young riders who are using it to tell federal lawmakers why they love to ride.

The Kids Just Want to Ride! video contest is part of the AMA’s effort to get lawmakers to change the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, also known as the “lead law,” which will effectively ban dirtbikes and ATVs for kids 12 and under at year’s end.

The contest is part of an effort to gather support for H.R. 412, the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, which would exempt kid-size machines from the lead law.

The homemade videos will be used to help deliver the message that real families are being hurt by the lead law.

The winning video will be a key component of an AMA-organized AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb in Washington, D.C., on May 26 to urge lawmakers to exempt kids’ dirtbikes and ATVs from the CPSIA. The grand-prize winner of the video contest will receive a trip for three to Washington, D.C., to be the guest of honor at the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb.

For information on the details on the Kids Just Want to Ride! video contest as well as the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/ KidsJustWanttoRide.aspx or contact the AMA Grassroots Team at (202) 742-4310 or by email: grassroots@ama-cycle.org.

RIGHTS

Nancy Nord

5 QUESTIONS WITH…

Commissioner Nancy Nord, Consumer Product Safety Commission Nancy Nord has been in the thick of the controversy surrounding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, also known as the “lead law,” from the very beginning. In 2005, she became a commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which is responsible for implementing the law. Nord served as acting CPSC chairwoman from July 2006 to May 2009 and continues to serve as a commissioner.

Here’s her take on the CPSIA. American Motorcyclist: What dangers do kids who ride face due to the CPSIA? Nancy Nord: The CPSIA has banned any children’s product (that is, products primarily intended for a child 12 years of age and younger) that contain even very small amounts of lead.

Unfortunately, with respect to the lead ban, Congress cast a very fine net and youth ATVs and dirtbikes have been swept up in this net. For example, the battery terminals and handlebars have levels of lead higher than the statute allows. Even though we recognize that the lead in these ATV components does not pose a health

risk to children, the law does not give us the flexibility to reach a sensible regulatory result and, therefore, these products cannot be made available to kids 12 and younger.

Youth ATVs and dirtbikes are specifically designed to the capabilities of younger riders. The size and speed specs for adult bikes are much too large and go far too fast for kids to handle. If, as a result of the CPSIA, youth ATVs and dirtbikes are no longer available to kids, they are more likely to get on a machine they cannot handle. All our years of work trying to get kids off these large machines will be for nothing. Deaths and injuries to children will result. This unintended consequence of the CPSIA is one of the most outrageous examples of a law intended to keep children safe that is providing the exact opposite result.

AM: Why can’t the CPSC just exempt kids’ dirtbikes and ATVs from the CPSIA? NN: Because of how the CPSIA was written, the criteria for exempting products or product categories is cumbersome at best, nearly impossible at worst. The

law says we can exempt only under very limited circumstances, including if the lead is inaccessible or if it can be proven the product will never exceed the statutory lead limit. So far, the agency has only been able to exempt a few materials including precious metals, stainless steel, textiles, gems and a few other items. However, youth ATVs aren’t made of stainless steel

That’s Tren t Young wit h his wife A Last summ va. er a buddy turned Tren to S100 Tota t on l Cycle Clean er. Then he wrote us: “I was absolu tely floored watched th as I e road grim e, bugs and I didn’t even dirt know was th ere…Now I don’t have to be afraid of the rain.

I am absolu tely enthralle d on how well your pr oduct works .” What Tren saw was S10 t 0’s amazing penetrating power gettin g the dirt th at other cleaners m iss, especial ly in the plac he couldn’t es see or reac h. That’s whe corrosion ca re n start! Love your bike?

Want to prot ect your inve stment and do it all in le ss time? Ask your dealer to set you up with some S 100 Total Cycle Clean er. Read Tren t’s entire m and lear n m ail ore at www .s100.com or call us at 20 3-488-6569 .

RIGHTS

EUROPE MAY REQUIRE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FOR STREETBIKES Could Fuel Similar Effort In The United States

The European Union (EU) Parliament may vote this year to mandate anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on motorcycles, which could bolster efforts for a similar mandate in the United States.

In America last year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is funded by insurance companies, asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to mandate antilock brakes based on IIHS research.

But Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government relations, says

that anti-lock brakes shouldn’t be required for all motorcycles, and that the IIHS has produced questionable research in the past to further its agenda against motorcycles.

“Anti-lock brakes are already an option for some models, and ABS should continue to be an option,” Moreland says.

The EU Commission proposed to the EU Parliament that anti-lock brakes be mandated for all road-legal bikes with engine sizes of 125cc or bigger beginning in 2017 in the EU’s 27 member countries. The Parliament is now considering the proposal.

Photo © BMW AG

with diamond handlebars.

AM: What needs to be done to fix the CPSIA as it relates to kids who ride dirtbikes and ATVs? NN: I believe that most in Congress now agree some fixes need to be made to the CPSIA in order to prevent these absurd and dangerous results. We should be regulating based on whether a product actually presents a risk to a child. The CPSC is not able to exempt youth ATVs and dirtbikes under the CPSIA as it is currently written.

AM: What can parents of kids who ride and concerned adult riders do to get appropriate changes made to the CPSIA? NN: Many in the ATV community have already contacted their congressmen urging a change in the law. The law needs to be amended to prevent these absurd results.

AM: Is there anything else you would like to add?

NN: The CPSC is committed to keeping American families safe. Unfortunately, the CPSIA had redirected our resources and our focus from real safety issues to things like banning youth ATVs and dirtbikes and, thus, creating graver safety issues. It’s unfortunate that the law prohibits us from making common sense safety decisions.

S TAT E WAT CH

CALIFORNIA Inyo County would establish a pilot project under Assembly Bill 628 to designate combined-use highways in the unincorporated area of the county to link existing roads to existing trails and trailheads on federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or U.S. Forest Service land. The action would create trail systems for offhighway vehicles (OHVs). Rep. Conway (R34th Visalia) sponsored the bill. To support the legislation, go to American Motorcyclist. com > Rights > Issues & Legislation.

MASSACHUSETTS Cities and towns would be barred from adopting any law or rule that would ban motorcycles from any public way under House Bill 895, sponsored by Rep. Demetrius Atsalis (D-Barnstable).

Also, those pleading guilty of certain failure to yield the right-of-way offenses that result in injury, serious bodily injury or death would face increased financial penalties and driver license suspensions under Senate Bill 1797, sponsored by Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).

To support the legislation, go to American Motorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation.

MISSOURI House Bill 549, sponsored by Rep. Kurt Bahr (R-Dist.19), would prohibit any global positioning system or other technology that identifies and records a person’s location at all times to be used to monitor motor vehicle mileage traveled for the purpose of imposing

any tax on the mileage traveled by such motor vehicle.

NEW JERSEY The Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) wouldn’t be able to increase certain fees and previous fee increases for motorcycle registrations, among others, would be rescinded under Assembly Bill 1094, sponsored by Assembly Member Denise Coyle (R-Somerville), and Senate Bill 357, sponsored by Sen. Mike Doherty (R-Washington). The MVC recently increased fees for motorcycles from $10 to $65. Future registration fees would be set by state law. To support this legislation, go to American Motorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation.

NEW YORK All motorcycle exhaust systems would be inspected and tested for sound during the New York state vehicle inspection process under Assembly Bill 135, sponsored by Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows). A motorcycle would have to comply with the sound level provisions established in Section 386 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to pass the inspection and receive a validation sticker, which is 86 decibels at a distance of 50 feet for a bike going 35 mph or less and 90 decibels when traveling more than 35 mph.

NORTH CAROLINA Law enforcement agencies would be barred from setting up checkpoints based on a particular type of vehicle under House

REPORT: ASBESTOS RISK LOW AT CALIFORNIA’S CLEAR CREEK Riding Area Has Been Closed Since 2008 A new scientific study states that the health risk from naturally occurring asbestos at the Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA), which is a popular riding area near Hollister, Calif., is minimal.

In fact, the report says that other activities are more risky than the asbestos exposure from riding at Clear Creek: “Other recreational activities, such as swimming, hiking, and snow skiing are over a 100-fold more dangerous.”

The report is titled: “Preliminary Analysis of the Asbestos Exposures Associated with Motorcycle Riding and Hiking in the CCMA San Benito County, California.” It was produced by Richard Wilson of the Physics Department at Harvard University, the International Environmental Research Foundation in New York, and the Center for Applied Studies of the Environment and Earth and Environmental Sciences at the City University of New York.

18

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Tens of thousands of acres of the CCMA have been closed to the public— including off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders and hikers—since May 1, 2008, due to the asbestos issue. The land is controlled by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The new study was commissioned by the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of the California State Parks Department. However, Daphne Greene, deputy director of the OHMVR Division, said more analysis is needed before CCMA can be re-opened.

“This report provides additional data which needs to be considered, along with the data from the [earlier] EPA report, before any final decisions are made concerning long-term recreation opportunities at the CCMA,” she said. “We look forward to continuing discussions with the BLM.”

Bill 381, sponsored by Rep. John Torbett (R-Stanley). To support this legislation, go to American Motorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation.

SOUTH CAROLINA In March, the House approved legislation that would make it illegal for anyone under 9 years old to operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Gov. Nikki Haley has indicated that she will sign the measure into law if it comes to her desk. AMA members are encouraged to review the legislation and send a prewritten letter to their senator by going to American Motorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation.

WASHINGTON A bill that allows the use of modified off-highway motorcycles on public roads is now law. The bill—Senate Bill 5800— would require the Department of Licensing to create a declaration, which must be submitted by an off-road motorcycle owner when applying for on-road registration of an off-road motorcycle.

The declaration must include the following: documentation of a safety inspection conducted by a licensed dealership or repair shop; documentation that the licensed dealership or repair shop didn’t charge more than $100 for the inspection, all of which goes to the dealership or repair shop; verification of the vehicle identification number; and a release signed by the owner that releases the state from liability.

Jim Abbott, acting BLM state director, said he “welcomes the dialog” with the OHMVR Division, adding that the BLM is in the final stages of completing a longterm plan for managing the CCMA. The report is available at www.ohv. parks.ca.gov.

Photo BLM

RIGHTS

Highland Scenic Highway

Txt “ridefree” to 304.782.0400 for Rides, Rooms & More!

8 Rides, 1200+ Miles Come Ride The Playground

Scan with your phone or barcode reader

Enter keycode “ridefree” on our website for Rides, Rooms & More!

With over 1200 exhilarating miles of road covering 8 distinct rides, you could spend several months in Nature’s Mountain Playground–and still not see it all.

For more info visit:

NaturesMtnPlayground.com/ridefree or call:

800.336.7009 AM_06_2011_pp019-021_PocahontasAdvertisement.indd 19

4/22/11 11:27 AM

& ENJOY THE STAY

M

JERICO B & B AND CABINS

LOCUST HILL B & B AND CABIN

Jerico offers private hot tubs, outdoor fire pits and rooms with private bathrooms. Hot, country-style breakfast. Discounted rates offered to groups. Located off Rt. 219.

Central to the region’s activities and attractions.

Wi-Fi available.

Home away from home. In Marlinton, yet located on 20 acres. Easy access to both Rt. 219 and Rt. 39 into Virginia.

Private baths, fully furnished cabin. Great outdoor space for grilling, fishing, horseshoes, or just hanging out.

Hearty breakfast.

Wi-Fi available.

888.499.6241 www.jericobb.com

OLD CLARK INN Offering motorcycle-oriented lodging at the center of some of the best riding on the East coast. We know––We ride!

Budget-friendly, motorcycle amenities, walk to food and shopping, free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast.

800.849.4184 www.oldclarkinn.com

8

W y T (

F c

800.617.0530 www.locusthillwv.com

N

o

Highland Scenic Highway

For Rides, Rooms & More!

Enter keycode “ridefree” on NaturesMtnPlayground.com or Txt “ridefree” to 304.782.0400

AM_06_2011_pp019-021_PocahontasAdvertisement.indd 20

NaturesMtnPlayground.com/ridefree Scan with your phone or barcode reader

4/22/11 11:28 AM

8

MORNING GLORY INN MOUNTAIN VALLEY PROPERTIES Spacious, comfortable rooms and a great front porch for gathering on summer evenings. Excellent location at the base of Snowshoe Mountain just off of Route 219 for easy access.

866.572.5700 www.morninggloryinn.com

Mountain Valley Properties offers private homes and condominiums with paved driveways and garages for your bikes. Adventurous, secluded cabins, private hot tubs, and outdoor fire pits!

877.572.2210 www.snowshoerentals.com

EJ’S COTTAGES Whether you ride a horse or a motorcycle, you will enjoy where you end up after a long day’s ride if you stay at EJ’s.

Once you stay at our 6 bedroom, 3 bathroom house with hot tub, you’ll become part of the family and NEVER want to leave!

800.317.9120 www.ejcottages.net

8 Rides, 1200+ Miles: Come Ride The Playground

With over 1200 exhilarating miles of road covering 8 distinct rides, you could spend several months in Nature’s Mountain Playground–and still not see it all.

The Rides: High Road, A Pleasant Valley, Mountain Waters...

(For more rides and other info, use any contact method below in this ad) For more information on these places, contact them directly or visit:

NaturesMtnPlayground.com/ridefree or call:

800.336.7009

AM_06_2011_pp019-021_PocahontasAdvertisement.indd 21

4/22/11 11:29 AM

RIDING p Top of page: “Somewhere on Imogene Pass, between Telluride and Ouray, Colo.

August 2010.” —Monty Walters of Royse City, Texas. u Clockwise from left: One way to show off where you stand with regard to the lead law.—Jim Williams “I turned 68 this year and was out riding my ’68 Penton Six Day.” —David Sanders of Lawrenceville, Ill. Motocrosser Shawn Clark of Louisville, Ky., married riders Jackilin Troutman-Sombke of Indianapolis and Aaron Caudill of Denver on Dec. 10, 2010, at Valle Vista Country Club in Greenwood, Ind. Have a photograph you’d like to see in American Motorcyclist? Send it to submissions@ama-cycle.org with “Snapshots” in the subject line.

22

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

RIDING

GET YOUR VINTAGE ON!

Photos Vetter: Ken Frick; Swap Meet And Bike Show: Open Image Studio; Road Racing And Motocross: Dan Focht

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Offers The Best Of Classic Bikes—And A Special Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge, Too! America’s grandest celebration of vintage motorcycles and the people who love them enters its 20th year in 2011 with more bikes, more to do and more love for old machines over three must-do days in July.

Set for July 22-24 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features national championship vintage racing, the world’s largest motorcycle swap meet, new bike demo rides, seminars, classic motorcycle shows, new product vendors, club displays, a used motorcycle sales area, and more.

New for 2011 will be the Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge—a special contest Friday, July 22, that harkens back to Vetter’s iconic high-mileage motorcycle meets of the 1980s.

The version for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days gives a nod to yesteryear with a class for vintage bikes—1966 and older—as well as a class for specially built modern bikes. In honor of the new millennium, Vetter is even hosting a class for electric bikes, with the bike that rides the farthest winning the class.

Typical of the real-world focus that has graced many of Vetter’s fuel-economy contests, all entrants must carry a useful load of four bags of groceries and cover a 100-mile course. Upon returning to MidOhio, fuel consumption will be measured and winners announced.

On the racing side, the beautiful MidOhio grounds form the backdrop for

vintage roadracing on the 15-turn, 2.4-mile asphalt track, motocross racing on a specially-built vintage-friendly track, and vintage hare scrambles and trials in nearby woods. For full entry information, including online entry, see AmericanMotorcyclist. com > Events > AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

The Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet continues to grow, with acre upon acre of everything a vintage-bike enthusiast may need, from rusty pipes for an NSU, to perfect new-old-stock rims for your Bridgestone restoration, to complete bikes in every state of restoration and repair, from barn-fresh and rough to perfect and immaculate.

And every item is up for sale.

Also included are new-bike demo rides from several manufacturers, seminars from the fast and famous, special presentations and autograph-signing opportunities, historical displays from clubs and the AMA and much, much more.

Then there’s the kind of camaraderie that can only come with a few tens of thousands of your closest friends.

Enthusiasts who have been to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days know the crowd spans ever kind of motorcycling interest, and the common bond is a simple love of all things motorcycle.

If you’ve attended AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days in the past, you know what we’re talking about. If you haven’t been before, make this year the time you find out for yourself.

Tickets are available online at www.

MidOhio.com.

And of course, as always, all proceeds from the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The goal of the Hall of Fame, which is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling’s legends and heroes.

June 2011

23

v

RIDING

RIDE TO WORK DAY: JUNE 20

Up to N.J. Gov. Chris Christie for signing a bill to allow motorcycle sales in New Jersey on Sundays.

Motorcycles And Scooters Represented On The Road

If you’re reading this magazine, you probably already ride to work every chance you get. On June 20, more than twice the normal number of motorcycling commuters are expected to join you.

The 20th annual Ride to Work Day will demonstrate not just the economic and environmental benefits of riding, but will also remind other road users that there’s a more fun way to get to work.

“Riding on this day showcases the positive value of motorcycles and scooters for transportation,” says event organizer and past AMA Board member Andy Goldfine. “It is an economical, efficient and socially responsible form of mobility that saves energy, helps the environment and provides a broad range of other public benefits.”

Ride to Work Day has been recognized by proclamation by more than 100 American cities. It also has become an international effort in recent years, with rider organizations worldwide asking their members to ride to work on this day.

“One of the best ways to protect and promote motorcycling is to simply go ride,” says AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Our motorcycles are an excellent advertisement for our passion, and the AMA encourages all its roadriding members to commute on their

Down to the Carolina Beach, N.C., Town Council for dropping plans to send a letter to motorcycle clubs and charities inviting them to Carolina Beach.

Up to the Montgomery County (Tenn.) Sheriff’s Office for putting up additional signs to remind motorists to watch out for motorcyclists.

motorcycles and scooters this June 20.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Transportation, more than 80 million cars and light trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and about 200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix.

On Ride to Work Day, the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a large number of America’s millions of motorcyclists ride to work.

Studies show that across equal distances, commuting motorcyclists reach their destinations in less time than those using automobiles, that motorcycles and scooters consume fewer resources per mile than automobiles, and that they take up less space on roads.

More information about Ride to Work Day can be found at RideToWork.org.

Up to Cobra Engineering for developing an aftermarket exhaust, the Tri-Pro for the Yamaha Raider, that meets the SAE J2825 sound-testing standard.

Down to the Australian teen who did wonders for the image of motorcyclists everywhere when he rode his dirtbike into a crowded supermarket then fled police.

Up to Smithsonian magazine for publishing in their April issue a retrospective on board track racing in the early 1900s.

American Motorcyclist Archives

APRIL 1991

There is something about adventure that speaks to all motorcyclists. Seeing new places, exploring unfamiliar routes and overcoming the unknown draws us all in.

That universal truth makes dual-sport and adventure riding so popular, and it’s also what persuaded the AMA to establish a national dual-sport riding series in the early 1990s. We introduced it with the story “Dual-sport diversions” in the April 1991 issue: “Dual-sport riding lets you see the countryside like no other type of travel. You can start out on a gently winding back road through a rural landscape then turn onto a dirt road that takes you off the beaten path.

24

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

And when you come across a designated motorized recreation trail in a forested area, you can explore it, too, all from the seat of the same motorcycle.”

Over the years, riders have voted with registrations, and the series has become two: The AMA KTM National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series, which caters to enduro motorcycles, and the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series, designed for larger adventure-style bikes.

For more on these series, see the Riding section of AmericanMotorcyclist.com. For more articles from past issues of American Motorcyclist, see Books.Google.com.

Photos Ride To Work Day: Ride To Work

When Dual-Sport Made A Comeback

ROAD WARRIOR He owns the road – and was able to cover the extras he owns in order to ride his bike worryfree, with coverage for safety equipment and much more. Plus, Towing & Roadside Assistance with Trip Interruption coverage, just in case.

Go to Foremost.com to learn more and find an agent near you. Or, call 1-800-237-2060 and mention Customer Priority Number M129, for a no-obligation quote.

Foremost. For You.™ Auto, Manufactured Home, Motor Home, Travel Trailer, Luxury Motor Coach, Specialty Homeowners, Vacant Property, Seasonal Property, Landlord and Rental Property, Motorcycle, Off-Road Vehicle, Snowmobile, Boat, Personal Watercraft, Collectible Auto, Flood and Commercial. Product availability varies by state. “Foremost” and the “F” logo are registered trademarks of FCOA, LLC, 5600 Beech Tree Lane, Caledonia, MI 49316. 9004935 6/11

RIDING

Want to be an AMA tester?

E-mail submissions@ama-cycle.org for an application.

PROTECT YOUR HEAD Shoei QWEST

MSRP: $369.99 Sizes: XXS-XXL Shoei-Helmets.com Designed for all-day comfort on the road, Shoei’s QWEST combines premium fit and function with a mid-level price.

Helmets ultimately have one goal: protect the user’s noggin. However, as they have evolved, comfort, convenience and style have carved out their place in the design criteria. The Shoei QWEST helmet is certainly one that combines engineering excellence with aesthetic beauty.

The engineering evidence begins with the shape. It reflects wind tunnel testing, with a spoiler integrated into the surface.

Edges are rounded, leaving the impression of smooth sailing through the wind. Shoei says the wind-tested design reduces road and wind noise.

The helmet fits well, with removable cheek guards that provide a firm safety pad without sacrificing comfort. The dual-layer EPS liner keeps the rider’s head wrapped in coziness. The finish, a semi matte, exhibits understated elegance.

M E M B E R T E S TED

The newly designed faceshield provides ample visibility with clever features. The clear visor is easily switched to a tinted one by sliding two small plastic triggers.

There are seven Kevin Parsons position ratchets. A “one click up” lock for city riding keeps that annoying fog at bay.

Ventilation includes two intake vents at the chin guard and forehead areas and two exhaust vents high and in the back to keep your lid cool in hot weather. It’s easy to click them into position with a gloved hand. The breath guard and chin curtain additionally serve in air management.

While the helmet’s price is slighly above the average these days, for the quality of this particular model, it’s appropriate, if not on the low end of what you might expect for a top-of-the-line lid. In any case, when it comes to safety equipment, the possible costs of compromise are enormous— insurance deductibles, lost time at work, co-payments. This perspective transforms the price into a pretty good deal.

Extras include a bag, tinted visor, and a user manual. The included thumb drive looked entertaining, but this reviewer couldn’t get it to work in four different computers.

The Shoei QWEST helmet is practical, yet comfortable and attractive. Wear one and enjoy all its secondary purposes, while you hopefully avoid relying on it for its ultimate function.— Kevin Parsons

RIDING Ask the MSF

RIDING WITH PASSENGERS

Crash Course

PAY ATTENTION!

Photos Shoei QWEST: Shoei; Crash Course: ©iStockphoto.com; MSF: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

By Jim Warner

It was a gorgeous sunny January day in east Tennessee, and I was making the most of it. I was riding north on Alcoa Highway, about 60 miles north of The Dragon. I was in the left lane of the divided four-lane highway, and I was fairly conscientious about scanning, identifying, planning, deciding and being ready to execute, which I learned long ago in the motorcycle safety course.

Nevertheless, I was a bit late recognizing the lack of acceleration from a car that had pulled from the left in front of the car in front of me. When I saw the brake lights come on, I hit the binders.

I was focused on not hitting the car in front of me when I heard a screech of tires just before my left saddlebag exploded.

A black Mercury Cougar was sliding past me. How I managed to stay upright, I’ll never know, but I stopped, put the kickstand down, turned off the engine, and climbed off.

The kid who hit me was cited for following too closely. But I was left with plenty of “what if” questions.

“What if I had been in the middle of the left lane instead of slightly right of center?”

I could have been hit and thrown into the other lane, which also was crowded with traffic.

“What if he had reacted a split second later?” Without the time to swerve, he also likely would have hit my rear fender.

“What if I had concentrated more on my mirrors and seen how close he was?” I might have planned for an escape instead of just hitting the binders.

Regardless, I’m lucky. Lucky my bike wasn’t totaled. Lucky to be alive. You can bet I’ve said a bunch of prayers since the accident.

And you can bet next time I’ll be paying more attention to my mirrors.

AMA member Jim Warner lives in Greenback, Tenn.

You Ask: “Are there ‘rules of thumb’ for how I should adjust my riding when riding with a passenger? I’m sure to some extent this depends on the bike. If it matters, I ride a late-model Gold Wing.”

The MSF Responds: There are basic adjustments operators should make to their motorcycles and their riding style when carrying a passenger. Adjustments to the tire pressure and suspension settings are usually required. And, be sure not to exceed the weight limit (the total of operator, passenger, accessories and cargo) for your motorcycle. Refer to your owner’s manual for those details.

Regarding riding style, the extra weight of the passenger will tend to make the motorcycle slower to respond to steering input, may require more throttle and clutch finesse to start off from a stop, may require greater pressure on the brake controls, may reduce cornering clearance, and may increase the time and space needed for passing. And as you surmised, the effects of a passenger will vary somewhat depending on the motorcycle.

A lighter motorcycle may be affected more than a heavier motorcycle, because passenger weight will constitute a bigger percentage of total loaded motorcycle weight.

If you’re a novice when it comes to carrying a passenger, practice turning and braking with your passenger aboard in a low-risk area like an open parking lot before you take to the streets. Learn

the needed skills gradually. Remember, too, that novice passengers tend to fear leaning, so execute turns, corners and curves more gently than you normally do.

Your passenger should know to brace when you’re stopping to avoid knocking helmets together, to keep his or her feet on the footrests at stops, and to look over your shoulder in the direction of the turn to ensure the proper lean in a corner. And passengers should always wear proper protective gear, even for short rides.

Finally, don’t overlook the advantages of carrying a passenger. Two immediately come to mind: • More weight over the rear tire may increase the usefulness and stopping power of the rear brake, especially in quick-stop situations.

• A passenger serves as a trusted companion with whom to share the joy of motorcycling!

Find more info about the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at MSF-USA.org.

RACING

CHAD REED: PRIVATEER TwoTwo Motorsports Goes It Alone In 2011 By most accounts, Chad Reed’s 2010 season was dismal, and many had written off the former champion for 2011. When no appealing contract offers came his way, Reed was undeterred. He started his own team, TwoTwo Motorsports. Wearing the hats of both team owner and principal rider seems to have recharged the Aussie racer, and he is battling once again for another AMA Supercross Championship.

Contributor Jim Kimball sat down with Reed to talk about the turnaround.

American Motorcyclist: Chad, why did you start your own team?

Chad Reed: I didn’t have a job! I did have a two-year deal with Kawasaki, but things just weren’t jelling there, and I felt that I wasn’t the right guy for them. I also wasn’t well, and felt that I needed time off to get well. When I was sick, I was just trying to race, but it wasn’t doing me or the team any good. I knew the position that I was putting myself in with the economy and everything like that. I knew that jobs weren’t going to be easy to come by, and that many people were going to think that I was done and over it—I understand all that.

I got to take a lot of time off the bike and away from the industry. I got to enjoy being a father and a husband, and take all that in. I later decided to do a race in my hometown in Australia where I borrowed a bike from Honda Australia, and Mitch [Payton] at Pro Circuit hooked me up with some good parts. We literally showed up

28

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

in a pick-up truck there, and got it done.

It just proved to me that the fire was still there.

At that point I got on the phone and put some pressure on my agent and told him that I wanted to go racing. I did do some test rides for a couple teams like Valli Motorsports Yamaha and Troy Lee Designs Honda, which both had great bikes, but it just didn’t feel like it was what I wanted.

I had envisioned doing it on my own, and that’s what we did.

AM: That must have been one heck of an undertaking.

CR: It has been huge to do this. I have had a pretty successful career, and made some money here and there, and have put myself and my family in a great position.

This has been a multimillion dollar effort, and I’m footing the bill. But we have got some great help and support. The first people to support us were BelRay. They were making a re-launch into Supercross, and I felt like I was making a re-launch with my career in my own little way.

Maybe why I have been successful is that I never looked at anything as being too big of a deal—from my early days of racing in Australia, to coming to America

to race the biggest series in the world. Probably my best experiences in racing were when I was with Suzuki. The guys there like Roger [DeCoster], Mike Gosselaar and Ian Harrison really wanted to go racing.

They had an attitude to “get it done at all costs.”

Mike Gosselaar taught me so much, and was almost like a second father to me, and I felt as if they were my people.

AM: Have you now found your people again?

CR: Yes. I was originally nervous about Dave [Osterman, team manager] for the same reasons people were nervous about me. I didn’t really realize it at the time until my wife said: “All the questions that you have about Dave are the same questions that people have about you.” So I met with Dave, and threw questions at him, and immediately I had a good feeling about him and felt that he was the right guy.

There were no signed contracts, no ink on anything, and immediately he was working, and working his butt off! We both appreciate the sport a lot, and this time around, we have both had a lot of fun.

AM: As for this season, maybe it didn’t start out the best, but now you’re in contention for another championship.

RACING

FOUR QUESTIONS WITH…

Photos Chad Reed: Jeff Kardas; Don Gibson: Flat-Out Photo

Vintage Racer Mike Anderson

CR: It feels great. At the beginning, we were changing some bike set-up stuff, but I knew that that was going to happen.

When you make a decision to create a race team in late October, it only gives you about a month or two to fully get prepared.

Back then, my sole focus was to get in shape. I knew that if I could show up at Anaheim in shape that during the week we could sort the bike out, but I did not feel that I could show up at Anaheim with the best bike, but not be in shape, and then during the week suddenly find my fitness.

It takes months and months to get your fitness up to a level where you can race Supercross week in and week out.

AM: This season has been fantastic for fans. As a racer, how does this season compare to previous ones?

CR: There are a lot of fast guys this year. Whoever wins this championship can definitely be proud. There’s a lot at stake, a lot of pressure, a lot of people riding very, very good, so it’s just going to take being there every week. In the past years, I have been pretty good at being in it every weekend, and so far it’s working again this year. I do believe that I am going to have to get race wins, but at this point we’re in it. I’m not going to back down without a hell of a fight. Anything can happen, but I believe in myself and my team.

I’ve been in many two-way, and threeway championship battles, but never a five-way championship battle. There are literally five guys that can win this thing.

Last year, Princeton, Iowa’s Mike Anderson, 70, went into the final round—a doubleheader—of the AMA Racing Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series needing two wins. If his chief rival got second, Anderson would claim the 1952-1968 251-750cc Class No. 1 plate by a single point. Anderson pulled it off, winning in style, riding a bike once fielded by Motorcycle Hall of Famer Gary Nixon.

We caught up with Anderson to find out what drives him and to get an update on his 2011 title defense, which will hinge on his performance at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships this July 22-24 in Lexington, Ohio.

American Motorcyclist: So, Mike, vintage racing isn’t your first trip around the dirt oval, is it?

Mike Anderson: I rode my first AMA scrambles race in 1958, and then I went into the Marine Corp for four years. When I got out, I knew I wanted to be a motorcycle racer, but I was a kid with no money, and you had to have money to have a decent bike because you had to build all your own stuff then. I went to work in my old town of Freeport, Ill. After two or three years, I got a novice license, then rode as an expert on Harley-Davidson KRs. I always had factory support, but never a full factory ride. I had a lot of help, people in the background. It’s never a one-man show. You always have people behind you no matter how much talent you have.

AM: What about the bike you ride?

MA: It’s a beautiful motorcycle. It’s near show quality and weighs 228 pounds.

It was one of Gary Nixon’s factory motorcycles for the 1968 season. Ray Hensley built him two special frames that had three positions for the motor depending on where you wanted the weight bias. Gary was one of the few people who could make that work most of time. At the Daytona Short Track [round one of the 2011 season], Gary, who I’ve known since the ’60s, walked by it, saw it and sat on it. I could see he was just reliving the ’68 season.

AM: How did the 2010 season come together?

MA: I grew up racing brakeless bikes, and that was a class I had been interested in. When it came about with the AMA’s new vintage program, Bill Milburn told me he had this bike sitting in pieces, and he said if I put it together I could race it.

I was very impressed with the presentation of the series, and the guys who put these races on had a great time. The tracks were prepped well.

We were very lucky to win the championship by one point. It was a close thing, and that’s always good. I’ve been doing this since 1958, so nerves aren’t a problem. It was just fun. Jeremy Eischen, who I was racing for the title, is a clean, respectful rider. It was just good, hard racing the whole weekend. Sometimes you come away out front, and sometimes you don’t. It was a good way to end the season.

AM: Why go vintage racing?

MA: Vintage racing is a place for people to go out and have fun. These are incredibly enjoyable motorcycles to ride.

They have personality. The pressure isn’t there, even for those who want to win.

There’s no money in it, and the people you meet are what make this sport great. I’ll turn 70 this year, and I have no intention of quitting.

See the Silkolene-backed Anderson, his vintage dirt-tracker and classic racing first hand this July 22-24 at the Ashland County Fairgrounds during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Info: AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com.

AMATEUR ROADRACERS TO DECIDE TITLES OCT. 8-9 Road Race Grand Championships At Indiana’s Putnam Park

Each year, the AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships invite the country’s fastest amateur roadracers to battle for national No. 1 plates. The 2011 titles will be decided Oct. 8-9 at the Putnam Park Road Course near Greencastle, Ind. “We’re excited to give AMA competition members a premier event on such an exciting track where they can showcase their talent against the country’s best amateur roadracers,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley.

The event will also have a different look this year thanks to a new partner. The AMA is working with the U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union (USGPRU) to promote and help run the program.

“The USGPRU’s vision for the AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships is one of a capstone race weekend that brings together the top club-level teams from across the country to compete for the prestigious AMA Amateur National Championships in roadracing,” said USGPRU President Stewart Aitken-

SUPPORT THE U.S. ISDE TEAM

Cade. “We are already working on an updated class structure and format, and will announce more details about the weekend’s program shortly.”

The AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships will determine amateur national champions in numerous expert and novice classes that are broken down by combinations of bike displacement, weight, and intent (GP vs. Street).

The best riders will compete for the AMA Roadracing Horizon Award, which is awarded to the rider showing the most promise for success in the professional ranks.

Past winners of the AMA Roadracing Horizon Award have included Hayden Gillim, Miles Thornton, Jason DiSalvo, Ben Spies and Blake Young.

The Putnam Park Road Course is a 1.78-mile road course with 10 turns. It is located 35 miles west of Indianapolis, about 1.5 miles south of U.S. 40. More information about the track can be found at PutnamPark.com.

…And Rock This Cool Shirt

The International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) is one of the most historic motorsports events in the world. The multiday motorcycle extravaganza, held in exotic locations around the globe, has determined the best off-road talent since 1913.

Today, America sends teams represented by our best club, women, vet and pro-level racers to the annual event.

But supporting those riders with fuel, crew, food and logistics takes resources, and that’s where the AMA can use your help. By picking up one of these cool t-shirts, you can root for the team this year with the knowledge that a few of your dollars are behind the U.S. effort.

You can buy this shirt, and learn more about America’s involvement in the ISDE, at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing > ISDE. Or, call us at (800) 262-5646.

To ask about other volunteer opportunities, email AMA Off-road Manager Chuck Weir at cweir@ama-cycle.org.

Front

Back

RACING

LEARN TO RIDE TRIALS…VIRTUALLY There is no question trials occupies its own niche in riding. But while the bikes and terrain are unique, the people you’ll meet and the skills you’ll learn are as genuine as any in motorcycling.

For many in the eastern United States, the Trials Training Center in Sequatchie, Tenn., is “trials central.”

But the club, which includes a 650-acre riding area, is more than the promoter for the AMA/NATC East Youth MotoTrials Championships and three rounds of the AMA/NATC MotoTrials National Championship Series. It’s also a great place to learn one of motorcycling’s most

endearing disciplines.

That message is brought home by the extensive How To Ride section of the club’s website (TrialsTrainingCenter.com > How To Ride).

There are 19 chapters, ranging from basic turns, to jumping to “splatters” (whatever those are!), each complete with in-depth instruction, photos and video.

While nothing replaces hands-on experience, the club’s site is a great resource for getting started or rounding out your understanding of one heck of a cool sport.

FMF / KTM

UNBREAKABLE

SELLI KURT CA

Photos RRGC: Dan Focht Motorsports Photography; Tyler Bowers: Corey Mays; Trials: Grant Parsons

AMA Club Offers Online Tips, Advice

DESIGNED FOR THE RIGOROUS DEMANDS OF MOTOCROSS • Tougher and more resilient than aluminum tubes

Scan QR Code

TYLER BOWERS WINS ARENACROSS TITLE

ENGINEERED

Kawasaki Rider Claims His First Career Championship

Use Smartphone

PHOTO: KARIYA M.

Although TUF Honda’s Jeff Gibson had the early season momentum in the 2011 AMA Arenacross Championship Series, Babbitt Kawasaki’s Tyler Bowers took control when it counted. The Danville, Ky., rider finished the season strong, locking up the title with one round to go, thanks to his 11th win of the season.

Bowers’ championship-clinching win on the second night of the Rockford, Ill., doubleheader, followed two of his worst races of the season. Nevertheless, Bowers had already accumulated enough points for the win despite Gibson’s second-place finish in the same race.

For Bowers, his first championship sufficiently redeemed a sour 2010 season.

He was in contention to win the title last year before season-ending injuries. It took months of physical therapy for Bowers to come back from the two broken legs he suffered.

“Winning the title means so much to me,” said Bowers. “I really don’t know what to say, but I’m so happy for all the hard work to pay off.”

FOR YOU MOTIONPRO.COM

MSRP $24.99

E E R F A WI N

!

E L C I VE H

MOTION PRO, INC. ©2011 MOTION PRO

$ 7,000

VALU E!

Enter the CheapCycleParts Spring Fever Sweepstakes for your chance to win a 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 900, a 2010 Polaris Sportsman 550 or a 2010 Honda CRF 450!

www.CheapCycleParts.com/AMA Visit www.CheapCycleParts.com/AMA or call us at 1-866-842-0086 for your chance to win!

Contest ends May 31st, 2011 so enter today! No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

Must be 18 or older and a U.S. resident to be eligible. Residents of FL, NJ, NY, and RI are not eligible. Official Rules are available on our website.

Linton Kuchler (left) and Hall of Famer Roger Reiman, who received the trophy for winning the 1961 Daytona 200.

During both of his terms, Kuchler helped steer the AMA out of financially troubling times and set the association on a path that led to growth and stability.

HALL OF FAME Hall of Famer

LINTON KUCHLER: 1916-2011 Two-Time AMA Executive Secretary Linton “Lin” Kuchler, who served two terms as AMA executive secretary, has passed away. He was 94.

Kuchler held the top administrative position at the AMA from 1958 to 1965 and then, after serving as a top executive for NASCAR for 13 years, he returned to head the AMA for a second time in 1978, retiring in 1981. During both of his terms, Kuchler helped steer the AMA out of financially troubling times and set the association on a path that led to growth and stability.

He oversaw a period of steady growth in AMA membership, in part due to his efforts to increase the visibility of the

32

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

association through innovative media and public relations campaigns.

He was liked and well respected by all segments of the AMA membership.

Kuchler was born in Milwaukee on Oct. 18, 1916. He died April 18, 2011, in Mount Dora, Fla. Kuchler grew up just two miles from the Harley-Davidson factory.

After a year at the University of Miami, Kuchler moved back to Milwaukee and applied for a position at the HarleyDavidson factory. He was hired in 1938 and his first job was factory tour guide.

In 1950, Kuchler established a small Harley-Davidson dealership in Ann

Arbor, Mich.

By the mid-1950s, longtime AMA Secretary Manager and future fellow Hall of Famer E.C. Smith made it known that he would soon retire. The AMA’s Board began looking for a replacement for Smith. In 1956 Kuchler went to work for the AMA as Smith’s assistant.

In 1958, Kuchler took charge of the AMA from Smith, who had served as the head of the AMA for 30 years. Kuchler was only the third executive secretary of the AMA following Hall of Famer A.B. Coffman (1924-28) and Smith.

Upon taking over the reins of the AMA, Kuchler discovered that the association’s financial condition was poor. AMA annual membership dues remained at $1, the same price since the founding of the association in 1924.

Kuchler recognized he needed to put the association on better financial footing and argued the AMA wouldn’t be able to accomplish its mission without sufficient funding.

In 1959, the Board agreed to Kuchler’s request for an AMA membership dues increase to $2. With the additional funding, Kuchler went into high gear improving the AMA, such as the wellreceived Put Your Best Wheel Forward campaign.

In 1966, Kuchler left the AMA to take an executive position with NASCAR, but by the mid-1970s, the AMA once again needed strong leadership due to hard financial times. The Board called on Kuchler to turn things around, and in 1978 he left a very comfortable position at NASCAR to return to his previous position with the AMA. Kuchler’s charge was to get the AMA’s finances under control. He lobbied for, and got approved, a $2 increase in membership dues. Once again, Kuchler’s direction saw the AMA gradually return to a solid financial footing.

After retiring, Kuchler continued to serve the motorcycling community, including helping lead the effort to establish the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises money for the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Kuchler is survived by his wife, Lorry, and his three children.

HALL OF FAME

HALL OF FAME BOARD MEMBER PROFILE Ron Ribolzi

Born: LaSalle, Ill., 1954 First motorcycle ride: Both of my brothers had motorcycles. I first rode a Honda C110. The Mertes family moved to town and I met Tony, who had a Honda stepthrough 90. We never shut it off, and in the winter we put a sidehack on it. His father, Dale, had BSAs and competed in enduros. The national enduros were my first experience with [Hall of Famer] Bill Baird. My first bike was a ’69 Yamaha AT-1 when I was 15.

Best bike ever: The 1994 Honda CRE that Kevin Hines loaned me for the Tulsa ISDE. That was the time I learned you did not have to win everything you entered.

AMA Member since: 1966.

Why I’m an American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation (AMHF) Board Member: I first took over Dave Mungenast’s seat after he passed away, and then I was re-elected by the Board.

I am passionately involved and can

visualize and experience what a great team and hard work can produce for motorcycling.

The biggest challenge facing the Hall of Fame: The challenge is building from our membership so we may broaden our ability to create a better understanding of our past heroes and machines. Life Members, past inductees, current members as well as new members need to believe and support what the Hall of Fame is doing and become involved. All of you can make a difference.

NINA’s AN orIgINAl.

Motorcycling experience: My first enduro was in 1970. Then I got hooked on scrambles and flat track. (Blame Eddie Mulder, 1966 Peoria TT.) I got my Junior ranking in 1974. I landed on the same row as John Penton at an Indiana National, and he told me I had a bright future in off-road if I rode a Penton. I bought a Penton and rode the International Six Days Trials five times, my first earning gold in 1979, and my last winning a Bronze in 1994. I continue to ride enduros and adventure rides.

Work experience: I am currently working for one of the best families I have ever met, the Mungenasts. I really got to know Dave on my trip to the ISDE [International Six Days Enduro] in Wales where my roommate was Ray, his son.

Dave asked me to come to work for him in 1985 at his Acura dealership, and I am still employed today, 25 years later, as a general manager. I still try to live every day by Dave’s standards!

Why I ride: To stay in touch with the greatest people on earth! I enjoy the benefits of my bike set-up and new technology, the exercise, along with the camaraderie and knowledge of the people I spend time with. I enjoy being involved with the Missouri Mudders motorcycle club and supporting the AMA at our events both locally and nationally.

Favorite bike: My favorite bike(s) are still the old stuff like my 1968 Yamaha DT-1. I do, however, appreciate all the new stuff that is much, much easier on your body!

And so is her Yuasa battery – the original equipment battery on more motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and personal watercraft than all other brands combined. To locate your nearest Yuasa dealer, visit www.yuasabatteries.com.

THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT BATTERY

Buy Yuasa Batteries online!

Now you have the power to purchase our most popular Yuasa batteries at www.yuasabatteries.com.

Our dealers will ship them directly to you, or arrange for in-store pickup.

HALL OF FAME

Photos Grogan Studios

BILL BAIRD’S 1968 TRIUMPH T100C An Enduro Champ’s Final Title-Winner In the mid-1960s, Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bill Baird ruled the AMA National Enduro circuit, riding Triumph machines to seven straight Grand National Enduro Championships.

And this bike, a 1968 Triumph T100C, was the one that carried Baird to his last— and perhaps most impressive—title.

That’s because it came at a time when many of his competitors were giving up on their heavy machines and going with new, lightweight, purpose-built woods racers, including new-school European twostrokes.

But Baird didn’t make the switch. For his ’68 campaign, the champ stuck with the 500cc, 340-pound, vertical-twin Triumphs that had been so successful for years.

Surprisingly, he made few modifications for enduro duty.

“I made my own air cleaner, and ’68 was the only year that I put on the Ceriani forks,” Baird says. “It was pretty well stock, other than that. Stock gearing. Stock motor. I did saw down the handlebars so I could get through the trees faster.”

Baird says he had no trouble keeping up

with the lighter bikes.

“The Husqvarna was just getting popular, and Honda was coming around, but when I got into a battle in the woods, I always seemed to be able to outmaneuver them,” Baird says, attributing a lot of that to the twin’s broad power. “It would take you over any log in second, and it would still run 40-50 mph in the same gear.”

It all worked great in ’68. Baird won four nationals that year, including the prestigious Jack Pine Enduro, to sew up his final championship.

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.

34

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

HALL OF FAME

June 2011

35

As A Racer, Buell Knows: When You Crash, Get Up and Get Back In The Race Words: Grant Parsons Photos: Kevin Netz

36

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Erik Buell’s Second Act O

ut of a small shop in Wisconsin, America’s most innovative sportbike genius is hard at work doing what he always excelled at—re-inventing. Only this time he’s focused not just on bikes, but his company, and himself.

In October 2009, a lot of people counted Erik Buell out.

When the Buell Motorcycle brand was shuttered by owner Harley-Davidson 18 months ago, it would have been easy enough for Buell—a member of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a former member of the AMA Board and perhaps modern motorcycling’s most maverick manufacturer—to ride off into the sunset.

But that’s not how Buell thinks. As a longtime roadracer, he notes that the instinct when you crash is never to stay down.

“It was the motivation to get up, and quickly,” he says of his lightning-fast launch of Erik Buell Racing (EBR) and his new company’s new bike, the exclusive 1190RS. “The first thing you do is run over to the bike and see if you can grab the clutch before the engine stalls, and get back up and start racing again. That’s what it was for me. I wanted to get back to it, and put some people back to work.”

And that’s exactly what he’s done, creating from a clean computer screen a new company and an all-new motorcycle—the 1190RS—that shares almost no parts with its predecessors.

June 2011

37

Erik Buell Racing’s first bike is not cheap.

Starting at $40,000, it’s an unashamedly high-end motorcycle. But Buell is quick to put it in perspective.

“The price may be kind of high—it’s lessexpensive than the high-end Ducatis, but it’s still a lot for a bike,” he says, allowing a smile before continuing. “It’s the price of a Town & Country Chrysler minivan, so you can pick which one you want. I know which one I’m picking.”

Besides, he notes, it’s just the first step of many more to come. In one sense, the 1190RS is merely the latest move from a man who has re-imagined the modern American sportbike.

Buell is psyched about his latest creation. But as he told a sold-out crowd at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona during an interview with motojournalist Laurel Allen, he has even grander ideas in mind for the future.

“I have a 200-year-plan, he says. “The plan has changed a little, but I’m still thinking way out there in time.”

“

I couldn’t ride a motocross bike, but I could ride the roadrace bike. So I went to a race and got third.

”

For Erik Buell, the idea of innovation started early.

Growing up on a farm with the usual assortment of aging and older equipment, it was natural to start working with tools at a young age.

“On a farm, you’re always fixing stuff— you’re always modifying things, changing them around. I probably had a welder in my hand when I was about 10 years old,” Buell says. “I got used to that and thinking it was perfectly normal to change things.”

38

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

From the start, though, it was sportbikes that fired him up.

“When I was 15, I bought a Harley chopper, disassembled, and put it together,” he says. “I rode it for a while, but I lived in western Pennsylvania where the roads are twisty. Someone beat me down a back road on a Triumph Sprint, and it was suddenly, ‘OK, I need a sportbike.’ I never looked back from that.”

Gravitating to power and handling, Buell bought a Velocette Thruxton, the sportbike of its day, and spent hours on the winding roads of Pennsylvania. Then he saw the movie “On Any Sunday.” The images of Hall of Famers Malcolm Smith and Steve McQueen riding and racing were too much, and he soon started motocross racing.

Injuring his leg in a crash may have curtailed his MX riding, but it didn’t slow his desire to race.

“With my leg hurt, I started helping a friend who was roadracing. That was fun, and when he decided to quit, I bought his bike from him,” Buell says. “I couldn’t ride a motocross bike, but I could ride the roadrace bike. So I went to a race and got third, and said, ‘OK, I guess I can do that.’”

With no motorcycle riders or racers in his family, Buell was on his own. But he worked himself up to trying to qualify to compete on motorcycling’s biggest stage—the Daytona 200. He remembers showing up to try to work his way through 80-bike heat races on a 250 Yamaha in an attempt to make the main event. Unfortunately, another injury derailed his plans. This time, though, he used the recovery time to reflect.

“It was when I was healing that I decided that I was either going to quit or try really hard,” Buell says. “I went back to racing and got my Superbike license, and then my Formula 750 license. I was the fastest qualifying rookie in 1978, and was running in the top 10 when the bike broke.”

He remembers some good times, such as sitting on the provisional pole position for the AMA National at Sears Point Raceway in California in 1978—only to see the race rained out. Despite being the fastest racer in practice, he never got to run the race.

There were a few laughs along the way, too.

“There was one time in Daytona in my rookie year that I was dicing in the top group with [Hall of Famer] Gary Scott,” he says.

“The riders we were with were fast, and we were passing a lot of people. When [Hall of Famer] Kenny Roberts came by me, I thought something must have happened in the pits, and he was back out passing me.

“Then I came around on the banking and looked at the leaderboard, and he was leading! I was like, ‘Oh, I was just lapped!’

Talk about going from high to low in a second!”

“

In America, if we’re anything, we’re pioneering. We try things differently.

”

It was about this time that Buell—armed with an engineering degree and working at Harley-Davidson—started building American sportbikes. Typically, he didn’t take a conventional route. In the early 1990s, he decided to build his bikes around the HarleyDavidson Sportster engine. That decision, he

says, was the start of the innovative thinking that came to be a hallmark of the Buell line.

“I’ve got a lot of things to thank HarleyDavidson for, and one of them is that when I wanted to build a sportbike with a Harley motor, I had to go outside of the box with the design,” he says. “That motor in a sportbike was just a strange combination. It was something no one had done before. There were a lot of problems I had to solve. It was, ‘This doesn’t package well, and it shakes like crazy. If I make the bike light, it will shake it apart, so what do you do?’”

The upside, though, was the charisma of the motor itself: “It was such a great engine, and it sounds so good, and it led to things like putting the shock underneath the engine, and all those crazy things—and they worked.

“At that point, it was, ‘Wow, maybe I could

do this!’”

It was also the beginning of a philosophy.

Buell was unashamedly making massproduction U.S.-built performance streetbikes. That, too, was something that had never been done.

“There is something to an ‘American sportbike,’ and I think it boils down to being creative,” he says. “In America, if we’re anything, we’re pioneering. We try things differently. To me, not every piece of this bike has to be made in America. The ‘America’ part is a mix of different things—innovative thinking, a willingness to do something differently. That’s the spirit of an American sportbike, to me.”

That willingness to try different paths led to things such as the underslung shock absorber on the bike and the perimeter brake

June 2011

39

on the front wheel, which was lighter than the current industry-standard dual discs.

Combined with the rough-edged, charismatic Harley motor, the result was a sportbike that rode and looked like no other.

His efforts built up a loyal fan following, and a fair bit of critical success for his go-their-own-way bikes. Perhaps more importantly, by the time Harley-Davidson bought a stake in the Buell Motorcycle Company in 2003 and production expanded, Buell was building up a team of free-thinking designers who thought the same way he did.

“We used to call it Erik Buell’s home for wayward racers,” he laughs. “We had a lot of racers and ex-racers working for us.

And it wasn’t just racers—it was national champions, whether from snowmobiling or cars or whatever. Racers are just goodspirited. Racers are OK with a challenge.”

The “Buell Way” coalesced around the growing team of engineers.

“As more people got on board, they really started to feel this was an American thing, and we were bringing young people who thought more broadly, and we started to get there really easily,” he notes. “People would come to me with a new design, and it was like, ‘Whoa, that’s really cool!’ It was contagious.”

The fast-moving team of engineers added more innovation in mid-2000 model Buells by using the bike’s frame as the fuel tank and the rear swingarm as the oil reservoir. Plenty of refinements were also made to every part of the design that helped move the machines forward.

By 2007, Buell was announcing a new machine, the 1125CR, built around a nonHarley-Davidson Austrian-built Rotax motor.

With the new powerplant, Buell fielded a race team that ultimately culminated in an AMA Pro Racing National Championship in the Sportbike class in 2009 for the race-only

40

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

1125RR, ridden by Danny Eslick.

The race effort, Buell notes, was a great reward for years of refinement to the motorcycles that bore his name. But it was anything but a foregone conclusion.

“We didn’t expect to win the championship that year at all, since we went out of [the season-opener at] Daytona with negative points,” he says. “Danny was penalized for passing under a yellow. But we learned a lot.

More than anything, it reminded me how key everyone on a race team is, and it all has to gel. Fundamentally, the bikes ran well, but we had pre-tested the heck out of them.

“The race effort taught us a lot. People who are on race teams solve problems more quickly and with less stress and more fun.

Those are the ones you want to have leading your organization.”

“

People have one thing in mind about the split, but it was gentler and had more common sense than people may have thought.

”

Only 36 days after winning the title, Buell’s world was turned upside-down.

Harley-Davidson was struggling with the economic downturn, and the Buell brand would be shuttered. It was a tough blow to Buell and the company he worked to build, in addition to the company’s engineers and manufacturing workers.

Buell himself weighed in with a video hosted on the company website.

“I will always be proud of America’s little sportbike company that took on the world, and with brilliant innovations, produced some of the best-handling motorcycles of all time,” an obviously emotional Buell said at

the time. “We’ve proven that a small group of passionate and inspired people can compete against industry giants.”

These days, with 18 months of perspective, Buell remains thankful for his partnership with Harley-Davidson.

“I have a lot of gratitude,” he says. “I had a great run. I learned a lot from them. I had a chance to make a lot of really cool bikes, and I’m just glad I had that opportunity.

They ended it for really important business reasons, but that doesn’t change the fact that we got a lot done. We had different customers, and I have to give them respect for trying something new, or having me try a bit to go in a different direction.”

Ultimately, he says, the decision made sense.

“People have one thing in mind about the split, but it was gentler and had more common sense than people may have thought,” he explains. “Motorcycling is an emotional sport, and people are emotional about motorcycling. The fact is, we went through some very hard times here with an economic recession, and I think that compounded it so that people thought, ‘Oh, this is terrible.’ But it just had to happen.

There always has been this difference between sportbikes and cruisers. For me, I was very emotional initially, but my emotion was realizing that a whole lot of people were going to lose their jobs.”

The breakup also paved the way for Buell’s second act—the founding of Erik Buell Racing. His plan from the start was simple: Buell wanted to be back in the bike-building business.

“It still came back to the fact that I wanted to make American motorcycles,” Buell says.

“Back when I was riding, we had [Hall of Famers] Kenny Roberts and Freddie Spencer and Randy Mamola—all these worldchampion-level guys from America—but we had never done a bike here. I know we can do it, and I know the desire is here.

“I knew it would be hard, but I know a lot more than I did before,” Buell says. “I learned from Harley. We made 140,000 motorcycles.

People ask if it’s as hard or harder to start now, and it’s not.”

EBR 1190RS

“

The majority of the people in the world really are good human beings.

”

At first, it was just Erik Buell and a plan.

“Then I called a few people, and people were helping me on the side,” he says. “The first thing we did was start making race parts for the Buells that were out there, which Harley-Davidson helped me do. It was important for all the customers and everyone.

We needed to keep the spirit up. The company may not be making bikes, but the bikes are cool, and there are still enthusiasts out there enjoying them.”

Then came the harder part: Building an all-new motorcycle for sale. By February of this year, the prototype bike was complete and shown to prospective sellers at the Indianapolis Dealer Show. At presstime, production was to begin in late April on the first-ever EBR 1190RS. Buell is clearly pumped when he talks about the new bike.

“I’m really proud of the team that put this together,” he says. “This is a little team of workers and suppliers working crazy, crazy hours. It’s new from front to back and there are almost no common parts from what we did before. That’s a huge task.”

Key to the comeback, he says, is the network of parts suppliers who agreed to help out.

“We’d call them up and say, ‘We’re going to build 100 bikes the first year,’ and these were people who were selling us parts for 12,000 bikes the year before,” Buell says.

“A few said ‘No,’ but almost all of them said, ‘Yes, absolutely. We’ll help you.’ And you know it’s not a big money-making proposition for any one of them.

“That makes you say, ‘Wow—it’s a good world.’ The majority of the people in the world really are good human beings.”

The 1190RS was designed from the outset to be a high-end motorcycle.

“There are only going to be 100 of these, and being able to put the highest-end things on it that we can is really cool,” Buell says.

“To work on it and wonder how it’s going to turn out is really cool. We can project most of this stuff on Computer-Aided Design machines, but as it takes shape, it’s like, ‘I want one.’ Then it’s like, ‘I must have one.’

And then it’s, ‘Wow! I gotta have one!’”

There is a plan behind the early cost-noobject design, however. Buell says the idea is to use the bikes as design statements to find out what is possible, then look for ways to find nearly the same level of performance at a lower price. If you don’t take the first step, he says, you can’t take the second step.

“

In the end, none of that really stopped us.

”

These days, Buell and his crew are focused on bringing the machine to market by lining up dealers and preparing production. But he’s still looking at this rebirth as the first step on a long road.

Characteristically, he’s thinking big.

“I think there’s a viable niche for a motorcycle like this, to some extent—but I want to be back in the mainstream motorcycle manufacturing area,” he says.

“I like to see people on motorcycles. I think there should be more motorcycles in the world. I really, really believe that on an intense level.

“The first 100 bikes will be a celebration that we’re back. And the people who get them will get something really special,” he says. “But I’ve also been a young guy without lots of money, and I want to be able to build bikes for those people, but have them be great motorcycles. In the end, if we can make some new motorcycles and bring some people into the mix who help grow the industry, that’s great.”

So far, he says, there have been no regrets. And talking to him, you get the feeling that there never will be.

“In the end, I love what I’m doing,” he says. “I love the people I’m around. I love the life I’m having—the good parts and the bad parts. You have to embrace both. To walk away from the bad parts is to walk away from the good parts, too. When the business was almost gone before Harley bought into it years ago, that was tough. The shutting down of the business was tough. In the end, none of that really stopped us.

“It definitely set us back a few days, but that didn’t stop us.”•

June 2011

41

TAKING BACK

by Bill Kresnak photos by Jeff Kardas

Lawmakers And The AMA Want To Return 43 Million Acres Of Public Land To The Public

I

n December, federal administrators gave themselves the authority to close off vast parcels of public land without public debate. Now, members of Congress, with the support of the AMA, are responding with a broad-based effort to put more land into the public arena.

Call them the forgotten lands—vast tracts of federal public land that have been off-limits for most activities for years, if not decades.

There are almost 43 million acres of them. And despite the fact that the agencies managing them say they should be open, they’re not.

That’s because they were once considered for a highly restrictive form of federal protection called “Wilderness.” And, though they were subsequently deemed as not meeting the strict criteria for a Wilderness designation, they were never released back to the public the way authorities recommended they should.

Federal lawmakers, led by U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), are now targeting these lands, working to get them open. But their effort highlights what’s wrong with how land agencies and anti-access forces in Congress view the modern Wilderness program.

These days, far from protecting pristine lands, the Wilderness program has been co-opted by opponents of responsible off-

42

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

highway vehicle (OHV) recreation.

“The Wilderness Act of 1964 made it clear that approved acreage must meet very strict criteria to qualify for a Wilderness designation—and the AMA supports appropriate Wilderness designations that meet that criteria,” says AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “The problem is that anti-access advocates have been abusing the Wilderness process in order to ban responsible OHV recreation on public land.”

Remembering Forgotten Lands Since 1964, Congress has designated approximately 107 million acres of public land as Wilderness. That’s an area bigger than the entire state of California.

Now, though, it’s the lands that were considered for the Wilderness designation by land managers, but later rejected, that are at the center of a heated new debate over how and where Americans should be allowed to use public lands, including enjoying motorized recreation.

The federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) controls almost 7 million acres of these forgotten lands, and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) manages more than 36 million acres of them.

This is land that the BLM and USFS, beginning in the 1970s, evaluated to determine whether Congress should designate the land as Wilderness, which is one of the most restrictive forms of public land management. Once Congress designates an area as Wilderness, nearly all forms of non-pedestrian recreation are illegal.

How restrictive is a Wilderness designation?

The Wilderness Act of 1964 specifically states that “there shall be no temporary road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation within any such area.”

In short, it completely eliminates traditional uses like motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and bicycle riding.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 made it clear that approved acreage must meet very strict criteria to qualify for a Wilderness designation, notes Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government relations. The law states that the land must be “an area where the earth and its community of life are

untrammeled by man” and that it “generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable.”

“The problem is that much of this land has been reviewed, and fell short of the standard for Wilderness designation—and yet has never been released back to the public,” Moreland says. “That should have happened long ago.”

De Facto Wilderness Today, the BLM manages roughly 545 Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs), which are areas evaluated by the agency for possible Wilderness designations. Those WSAs encompass more than 12 million acres, primarily in the West.

After careful review, the BLM determined that 6.7 million acres of the 12 million shouldn’t be designated as Wilderness.

But all 12 million acres remain managed as if they have Wilderness land-use designations until Congress actually designates them as Wilderness or “releases” the land to be evaluated for other uses.

The Forest Service also has inventoried its land, and has some 52 million acres of what it calls Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs), which are much like WSAs. The Forest Service believes that 36 million acres of that land isn’t suitable for a Wilderness designation.

Even so, the entire 52 million acres is essentially managed under very strict landuse restrictions.

The bottom line adds up to almost 43 million acres of federal public land that have been closed to most uses for many years, even though they shouldn’t be.

That’s because various laws and directives require them to be managed strictly.

Opening Up Closed Lands U.S. Rep. McCarthy and other lawmakers want to free up those 43 million acres so that they can be evaluated for various uses.

Those uses could include responsible offhighway recreation.

In April, McCarthy—along with Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands; and Rep. Steve Pearce (R-N.M.), chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus— planned to introduce the Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011.

The bill would remove the use restrictions on the 6.7 million acres of BLM land and 36 million acres of Forest Service land that the agencies have determined don’t qualify for a Wilderness designation. That action would allow land managers to determine new uses, if any, for the land.

The measure also would bar the BLM and the Forest Service from using other means to manage the land as if it had received a

“The problem is that much of this land has been reviewed, and fell short of the standard for Wilderness designation—and yet has never been released back to the public,” Moreland says. “That should have happened long ago.”

Wilderness designation, such as the U.S. Interior Department’s “Wild Lands” policy.

“As strong supporters of multipleuse principles for our public lands, we should release public lands from restrictive management practices that are unnecessary,” McCarthy told his colleagues.

“This bill also would preserve and strengthen the robust local land management planning process by returning emphasis to local stakeholders and local communities who know best how to manage their public lands, rather than bureaucrats here in Washington.”

Rick Podliska, AMA Washington representative, thanked McCarthy, Bishop and Pearce for moving forward with the bill.

“This legislation is long overdue,” Podliska says. “For years, anti-access groups have used WSAs and other tactics to inappropriately keep responsible riders off public land that is well-suited for motorized recreation. The time to change that is now.”

Wild Lands Policy Targeted McCarthy, Bishop and Pearce made a point of specifying in their bill that the Interior

Department’s (DOI) new Wild Lands policy can’t be applied to the almost 43 million acres of public land that would be released.

The language is a reflection of the controversy that has been sparked on Capitol Hill over the new DOI policy that could close millions of acres of public land to responsible motorized recreation.

On Dec. 22, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar signed Secretarial Order 3310, creating the Wild Lands land-use designation that essentially allows BLM officials to manage public land as if it had received the very restrictive Wilderness land-use designation from Congress, but without requiring congressional approval.

The new policy was sharply criticized on March 1 during a U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources hearing on “The Impact of the Administration’s Wild Lands Order on Jobs and Economic Growth.”

At that hearing, Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter argued that the Interior Department “has circumvented the sovereignty of states and the will of the public.” Utah Gov. Gary Herbert maintained that “by bureaucratic fiat,

AMA Aggressively Seeking Wild Lands Answers Efforts Include Meetings With Government Officials

The AMA Government Relations Department has doggedly pursued answers related to the new Wild Lands policy, while voicing its opposition to the policy.

AMA Government Relations Department staff in Washington, D.C., have met twice with officials of the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to get answers and express concerns. They have also written numerous letters to officials and lawmakers.

In a letter dated Jan. 11 to U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government relations, asked several questions including: What is the definition of “Wild Lands” as opposed to “Wilderness” and “Wilderness Study Area,” whether the BLM will work with local officials and user groups to preserve established uses such as responsible off-highway recreation, and what land is being considered for Wild Lands.

In a letter dated March 1 to the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, Moreland wrote that he hopes the committee will include the public in deliberations over new public land uses.

The AMA has also joined forces with others to get answers.

In a letter dated March 16 to BLM Director Robert Abbey, a coalition of influential groups representing the interests of millions of off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders asked numerous questions related to the Wild Lands policy and stressed that there is strong grass-roots opposition to the policy.

Coalition members include the AMA, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (a sister organization of the AMA), the Trails Preservation Alliance, the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition, the Utah Shared Access Alliance, AMA District 36 (Northern California, Northwestern Nevada), AMA District 37 Off-Road Division (Southern California) and the California Off-Road Vehicle Association.

June 2011

43

one branch of government has overstepped and overreached and has devalued the rights of the states and the citizens.”

And Dennis Smith, a commissioner in Jackson County, Ore., said the Wild Lands policy “should be reversed in its entirety.”

But BLM Director Robert Abbey defended the Wild Lands policy, testifying that it “restores balance to the BLM’s multipleuse management of the public lands in accordance with applicable law.”

Courts have ruled that the BLM inventory of public land must include “inventory of wilderness values and that BLM must consider those values in its land-use planning,” Abbey said.

At the heart of the controversy is whether federal bureaucrats or the people’s representatives in Congress, as well as local elected officials and the public, will decide the uses to be allowed on public land.

Devastating Effects Many fear the Wild Lands policy will allow bureaucrats to create de facto Wilderness in areas that aren’t eligible to be managed that way. The policy is widely expected to restrict or eliminate responsible OHV use.

At the March 1 hearing, Otter testified that the new Wild Lands policy places a higher priority on protection of “wilderness characteristics” than on multiple uses of land.

The drastic change in public policy for public land “was done without public input,” he testified.

“Tourism and motorized recreation are important industries in Idaho,” Otter testified.

“Cross country, off-highway vehicle travel is not allowed in WSAs and, most assuredly, will not be allowed in Wild Lands.

“Due to repeated closures of roads and trails on federal lands, experience tells us that existing trails will be closed and no new trails for OHV travel will be authorized in LWCs [lands with wilderness characteristics] and areas designated ‘Wild Lands,’” he said.

“The impact to motorized recreation in southern Idaho will be dramatic and, in turn, will impact Idaho’s economy,” he said.

Herbert noted that Secretarial Order 3310 “has undone years of collaborative and costly work between county officials, environmental organizations, natural resource industries, citizens and our local Bureau of Land Management offices as they have worked together to craft BLM resource management plans.”

He added: “This action usurps the authority of Congress, and for the first time ever, creates a favored category [wilderness characteristics] for multipleuse management, creates new levels of centralized bureaucratic review, contains vague, inconsistent and overly broad definitions of Wild Lands, and lacks clarity as to what is wilderness and what is subject to multiple use and development.”

44

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Act Now To Protect Your Right To Ride Oppose the Wild Lands Policy

All concerned riders should contact their federal lawmakers immediately and ask them to oppose the Wild Lands policy because it usurps congressional authority over public land-use designations, says Jessica Irving, AMA grassroots coordinator.

Besides asking their federal lawmakers to oppose the Wild Lands policy, riders should ask them to support the Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act, he says.

The easiest way to contact your lawmaker is through the AMA website: AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation.

There, you can find the names of the members of your congressional delegation as well as their addresses and telephone numbers, and you can let them know how you feel.

You can also send a pre-written letter from there.

Plus, you can sign up for the AMA Government Relations Department’s Action E-list to be notified by email when your support is needed to make a difference on important issues.

The AMA has a supply of “Stop the Land Grab” stickers that are a great way to show your opposition to unwarranted efforts by anti-access groups to restrict access to public land without saying a word.

To request a sticker, note your AMA number and send your request to: American Motorcyclist Association Attn: STLG 13515 Yarmouth Drive Pickerington, OH 43147-8214

STOP THE LAND GRAB TM

Smith said his county and surrounding counties in Oregon have unemployment rates of 15 percent to 20 percent, and the Wild Lands policy could be devastating for them.

“Secretarial Order 3310 promises to make an intolerable situation even worse by locking up even more BLM land, creating de facto Wilderness areas without congressional action or oversight, and without the support of local communities that will be adversely impacted,” he said.

Following the hearing, Moreland noted the Wild Lands policy usurps congressional authority over public land-use designations.

“With the new Wild Lands policy, antiaccess advocates and the administration are now seeking an end-run around Congress that could have far-reaching negative implications for the 245 million acres of public land managed by the BLM,” he said.

Fighting Back With Lawsuits While members of Congress are grilling federal officials about the broad scope of the Wild Lands policy and taking testimony from state officials about the dire impacts, local officials are in court.

In a lawsuit filed on March 22 in U.S. District Court in Utah, Uintah County and the Utah Association of Counties charge that

the Wild Lands policy will improperly create Wilderness areas in Utah.

Among other things, the complaint says that the Wild Lands policy is in conflict with the BLM’s multiple-use mandate to manage public land for a variety of uses.

Meanwhile, Utah Chief Deputy Attorney General John Swallow confirmed for the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper that the state was planning to file a lawsuit of its own challenging the Wild Lands policy.

So from Washington, D.C., to Uintah County, the policy is creating controversy.

Wild Lands Policy Hits Major Snag The funding measure that keeps the federal government operating through Sept.

30—which was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in mid-April—includes language that bars the Interior Department from using any money to carry out the Wild Lands policy.

The Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution specifically states that no federal money “may be used to implement, administer, or enforce Secretarial Order No. 3310 issued by the Secretary of the Interior on Dec. 22, 2010.”

This is a major victory for OHV riders but the fight will continue for the next fiscal year.•

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

GO RIDE

6

6 2

1

4

5 11

6 3 3

Photos 1: Jeff Whitehead; 4: Tom Bear; VMD: Open Image Studio

6

1

Don’t miss the season-opener of the AMA Pro Racing Hillclimb Series on June 5 in Jefferson (York County), Pa., followed by the second round on June 12 in Freemansburg, Pa. The nine-round series concludes on Oct. 9 at Oregonia, Ohio. For the full schedule, see page 50.

2

The famed Laconia Motorcycle Week, a mega-gathering that is an AMA National Gypsy Tour and part of the AMA Premier Touring Series, is set for June 11-19 in Laconia, N.H. This is the 88th anniversary of this popular event, which means organizers will be working hard to make it the best ever. Info: LaconiaMCWeek.com.

3

Looking for some real adventure on your adventure-tourer? Then check out the “Tag the Deadhorse” Adventure Ride that is part of the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré Adventure Riding Series.

Set for June 17-20 starting in Fairbanks, Alaska, the event features an adventure

from Fairbanks to the end of the continent at Deadhorse, Alaska, and back. See the full AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré Adventure Riding Series schedule on page 51.

4

The MTA 2011 Gathering June 2023 in Cedar City, Utah, emphasizes friends, both old and new, and family. A District Tour in the AMA Premier Touring Series, the gathering is hosted by the Motorcycle Touring Association, which is an “all brands, makes and models” club. The event offers a cool patch, a dinner, a grand prize ticket and more. Info: MTARiders.com.

5

For a rockin’ good time in a familyfriendly atmosphere, head off to the Thunder in the Valley Motorcycle Rally in Johnstown, Pa., June 23-26. The event is an AMA National Gypsy Tour and attracts thousands of riders. Info: JohnstownThunder.com.

6

The 28th Annual USA Four Corners Tour is running through Dec. 31.

Imagine the adventure and outright

break-in-a-broad-smile satisfaction of visiting San Ysidro, Calif., Blaine, Wash., Madawaska, Maine, and Key West, Fla., in 21 days. Info: David Johnson (909) 2710137 or USA4Corners.org.

COMING UP One of the greatest motorcycling events on the planet is right around the corner: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 22-24 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. There’s the largest motorcycle swap meet in North America, vintage racing, vendors, new bike demos and more. Info: AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com.

The AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships are set for Aug. 1-6 at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. Racers compete nationwide through June in the various qualifiers and regional championships to earn the right to compete in this prestigious event. Info: MXSports.com.

June 2011

45

CALIFORNIA

FLORIDA

RECREATIONAL

COMPETITION

DUAL SPORT RIDE

MOTOCROSS

JUN 25: WILDWOOD. WILDWOOD INN, IRONMAN DUAL SPORT, (530) 680-6019, IRONMANDUALSPORT.COM

JUN 11: WINTER GARDEN. UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX.COM

JUN 25: BIG BEAR LAKE. BIG BEAR TRAIL RIDERS CLUB, (818) 391-3083, BIGBEARTRAILRIDERS.COM ROAD RUN JUN 11: SAN DIEGO. ANNUAL BENEFIT RIDE, BLUE KNIGHTS-CA VI, (619) 749-8690, BK-CAVI.ORG COMPETITION 1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

GEORGIA RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE JUN 11: SUCHES. GEORGIA RECREATIONAL TRAIL RIDERS ASSN, (770) 517-7835, GARTRA.COM ROAD RUN

JUN 26: BYRON. MOTORSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD., (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 25: POLO. WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (608) 434-4553, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG JUN 26: OREGON. ROCK RIVER RIDERS MC, (815) 946-6218 SHORT TRACK JUN 18: PEKIN. PEKIN MOTORCYCLE, (309) 231-4945, PEKINMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM JUN 25: PEKIN. PEKIN MOTORCYCLE, (309) 231-4945, PEKINMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM TT

JUN 4: DIXON. DDT PROMOTIONS, (925) 260-5041, DDTPROMOTION.COM

JUN 5: ALPHARETTA. PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (828) 665-6891, RIDEFORKIDS. ORG

MOTOCROSS

IDAHO

JUN 18: HESPERIA. COMPETITIVE EDGE MX PARK, (909) 456-6107, RIDECEMX.COM

RECREATIONAL

INDIANA

DISTRICT RALLY

RECREATIONAL

JUN 18: KINGSTON. GYRO DAZES, HI ROLLERS M.C., (509) 326-7154

POKER RUN

JUN 19: HESPERIA. ROVERS MC, (661) 252-6392, AMASOCALMOTORCROSS.COM SCRAMBLES JUN 4: ANZA. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (949) 981-6776 JUN 4: ANZA. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (949) 981-6776 JUN 11: LUCERNE VALLEY. RACERS UNDER THE SON INC, (626) 641-1968, WWW.RUTS.ORG JUN 11: LUCERNE VALLEY. RACERS UNDER THE SON INC, (626) 641-1968, RUTS.ORG SHORT TRACK JUN 11: LODI. LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 368-8718 JUN 25: LODI. LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 368-8718 COLORADO RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUN 12: GOLDEN. PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG COMPETITION MOTOCROSS JUN 11: LAKEWOOD. COLORADO MOTORSPORTS PROMOTIONS LLC, (303) 697-7100, MXTHUNDERVALLEY. COM JUN 19: DACONO. IMI MOTORSPORTS INC, (303) 8334949, IMIMOTORSPORTS.COM CONNECTICUT RECREATIONAL POKER RUN JUN 5: STRATFORD. BRIDGEPORT MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC., (203) 395-0782 DELAWARE COMPETITION

JUN 5: FOSTERBURG. SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC, (618) 372-2435, SPLINTERCREEK.COM JUN 11: BELLEVILLE. BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 233-3131, BETDIRT.COM

COMPETITION

JUN 19: COLUMBIA CITY. DOUBLE DEALER, AMA-DIST 15 ROAD DIVISION, (765) 452-7654

REL-ENDURO - ISDE

COMPETITION

JUN 4: IDAHO CITY. BOISE RIDGE RIDERS, (208) 384-4514, BOISERIDGERIDERS.ORG

HARE SCRAMBLES

ILLINOIS RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE JUN 18: STERLING. COW PATTY CRUISE, BRUSHPOPPERS M.C., (815) 622-4099, BRUSHPOPPERSMC.COM COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 12: OAKFORD. DIRT RIDERS INC, (217) 789-9010 JUN 25: FOSTERBURG. SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC, (618) 372-4355, SPLINTERCREEK.COM JUN 26: FOSTERBURG. SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC, (618) 372-4355, SPLINTERCREEK.COM HILL CLIMB JUN 11: NEOGA. CENTRAL ILLINOIS M/C, (217) 234-4250 JUN 12: NEOGA. CENTRAL ILLINOIS M/C, (217) 234-4250 JUN 19: OREGON. ROCK RIVER RIDERS MC, (815) 946-6218

JUN 4: GREENCASTLE. MID AMERICA XC RACING, (317) 418-6084, MIDAMERICAXC.COM JUN 4: GREENCASTLE. MID AMERICA XC RACING, (317) 418-6084, MIDAMERICAXC.COM JUN 5: GREENCASTLE. MID AMERICA XC RACING, (317) 418-6084, MIDAMERICAXC.COM JUN 5: MATTHEWS. MUDDOBBERS MC INC, (765) 9982236, MUDDOBBERSMC.ORG JUN 19: COLUMBUS. STONEY LONESOME M/C, (812) 3500573 MOTOCROSS JUN 25: WABASH. WABASH CANNONBALL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (260) 578-8224, WABASHCANNONBALLMC.COM JUN 29: KINGSBURY. MOTOLAND - IN, (219) 988-6686, MOTOLAND.COM IOWA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES

MOTOCROSS

JUN 5: DAYTON. CENTRAL IOWA ENDURO RIDERS, (515) 795-3440, (515) 795-3992, IERA22.COM

JUN 4: WALNUT. 4P PROMOTIONS INC, (815) 379-9235, SUNSETRIDGEMX.COM

HILL CLIMB

JUN 4: GEORGETOWN. PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (309) 8385062, PLEASURERIDERS.NET JUN 5: BYRON. MOTORSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD., (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM JUN 18: WALNUT. 4P PROMOTIONS INC, (815) 379-2358, SUNSETRIDGEMX.COM

MOTOCROSS

JUN 19: MT CARROLL. MC MOTOPARK, (815) 238-1614, MCMOTOPARK.COM

JUN 4: NEW CASTLE. MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 375-5105, MAMAMX.COM

JUN 25: BELLEVILLE. BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 233-3131, BETDIRT.COM

JUN 5: ANAMOSA. MIDWEST HILLCLIMBERS ASSOCIATION, (319) 489-2361, ANAMOSAHILLCLIMB.COM MOTOCROSS JUN 18: CEDAR RAPIDS. CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 363-7800, CVTR.ORG JUN 25: CEDAR RAPIDS. CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 363-7800, CVTR.ORG MARYLAND COMPETITION MOTOCROSS JUN 17: BUDDS CREEK. BUDDS CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-5200, BUDDSCREEK.COM JUN 19: BUDDS CREEK. BUDDS CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-5200, BUDDSCREEK.COM MICHIGAN RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUN 19: BAY CITY. TRI-CITY TRAVELERS, (989) 501-0911 JUN 25: BRIGHTON. JOHN LONSKEY MEMORIAL RIDE, H.O.G.-MI BRIGHTON CROSSROADS CHAPTER #1774, (810) 844-2055, HARRISONMCSERVICE.COM COMPETITION DIRT DRAG JUN 24: BRIDGETON TWP. MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 726-6937, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM JUN 25: BRIDGETON TWP. MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 726-6937, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM ENDURO

JUN 12: MARQUETTE. UP SANDSTORMERS, (906) 2287010, UPSANDSTORMERS.COM

JUN 12: BROOK PARK. BERM BENDERS RACEWAY, (320) 679-9258, BERMBENDERS.COM

JUN 20: BENTLEY. VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS, (989) 879-6397, VALLEYTRAILRIDERS.TRIPOD.COM

JUN 19: MILLVILLE. HI WINDERS, (507) 753-3277, SPRINGCREEK.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

JUN 19: CAMBRIDGE. RTW RACE PROMOTIONS, (218) 894-2826, CAMBRIDGEMX.COM

JUN 5: BENTLEY. VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS, (989) 879-6397, VALLEYRAILRIDERS.TRIPOD.COM JUN 26: ROSE CITY. BENT WHEELS COMPETITION CLUB INC, (248) 345-4944, BENTWHEELS.COM HILL CLIMB JUN 26: BRIDGETON TWP. MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 726-6937, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM MOTOCROSS JUN 4: NEWAYGO. BIG AIR MOTOCROSS, (231) 652-2522, BIGAIRMOTOCROSS.COM

COMPETITION

JUN 26: BROOKSTON. ECHO VALLEY MOTOCROSS PARK, (218) 348-4754, ECHOVALLEYMOTOCROSS.COM JUN 26: LITTLE FALLS. MOTO CITY RACEWAY & RECREATION INC, (612) 919-9345, MOTORCITYRACEWAY. COM OBSERVED TRIALS

SCRAMBLES

JUN 18: CHRISTMAS. X-MAS FAMILY MOTORSPORTS PARK LLC, (906) 202-2681, UPPERACING.COM JUN 19: CADILLAC. CADILLAC MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (231) 884-3729, CADILLACMC.COM JUN 25: NEWAYGO. BIG AIR MOTOCROSS, (231) 652-2522, BIGAIRMOTOCROSS.COM JUN 26: MIDLAND. POLKA DOTS M/C, POLKADOTSMC. NCT OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 5: METAMORA. MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (248) 634-4218, MOTATRIALS.COM SHORT TRACK JUN 11: MIDLAND. POLKA DOTS M/C, POLKADOTSMC. NCT JUN 18: DEFORD. LUCKY THUMB MC, (989) 635-2219 TT JUN 12: MIDLAND. POLKA DOTS M/C, POLKADOTSMC. COM JUN 19: DEFORD. LUCKY THUMB MC, (989) 635-2219 JUN 25: BRIDGETON TWP. MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 726-6937, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM MINNESOTA RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUN 5: OSTEGO. VETERANS RIDE INC, (651) 260-7204, VETERANSRIDEINC.COM COMPETITION ENDURO JUN 4: HUNTERSVILLE. RIVER VALLEY ENDURO RIDERS, (763) 682-1778 JUN 25: AKELEY. NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (612) 363-9512, NORSEMENMC.ORG HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 12: BROWERVILLE. MOTO CITY RACEWAY & RECREATION INC, (612) 919-9345, MOTORCITYRACEWAY. COM HILL CLIMB JUN 12: MANKATO. KATO CYCLE CLUB, KATOCYCLECLUB.COM MOTOCROSS JUN 4: MILLVILLE. HI WINDERS, (507) 753-3277, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM JUN 5: MANKATO. MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 601-1169, MOTOKAZIE.COM JUN 5: BROOKSTON. ECHO VALLEY MOTOCROSS PARK, (218) 348-4754, ECHOVALLEYMOTORCROSS.COM JUN 12: KELLOGG. MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 244-9996, MOTOKAZIE.COM

ROAD RALLY

JUN 26: MAZEPPA. HURRICANE HILLS MX PARK INC, (507) 843-5154, HURRICANEHILLS.COM

JUN 11: PORTLAND. PORTLAND TRAIL RIDERS, (517) 6477045, WWW.PORTLANDTRAILRIDERS.COM

JUN 12: BELDING. GRATTAN RACEWAY MOTOCROSS, (616) 691-7221

JUN 4: BIXBY. MIDWEST TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (314) 434-5095, RIDEMTRA.COM JUN 23: BRANSON. THE WAY WE WERE, RETREADS GATEWAY REGION

JUN 19: N MANKATO. UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879

JUN 11: CRYSTAL FALLS. VALLEY RACEWAY, (906) 3670600, VALLEYRACEWAY.COM

JUN 4: BIXBY. MIDWEST TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (314) 434-5095, RIDEMTRA.COM

JUN 25: MILLVILLE. HI WINDERS, (507) 753-3277, SPRINGCREEKMX.COM

JUN 11: BELDING. GRATTAN RACEWAY MOTOCROSS, (616) 691-7221

JUN 11: BUCHANAN. RED BUD, (269) 695-6405, REDBUDMX.COM

DUAL SPORT RIDE

JUN 26: CAMBRIDGE. ON TRACK PROMOTIONS INC, (612) 328-4410

MOTOCROSS JUN 12: FARMINGTON. SEAT TIME MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (573) 701-1867, WASHITAOFFROADTRAILS.COM JUN 18: COLUMBIA. MOTOCROSS PARENTS, (660) 6211029, MXPRACING.COM NEW HAMPSHIRE RECREATIONAL GYPSY TOUR JUN 11: LACONIA. LACONIA MOTORCYCLE WEEK ASSOCIATION, (603) 366-2000, LACONIAMCWEEK.COM NEW JERSEY

JUN 26: CAMBRIDGE. ON TRACK PROMOTIONS INC, (612) 328-4410

RECREATIONAL

SHORT TRACK

JUN 26: PEMBERTON. SOUTH JERSEY ENDURO RIDERS, (609) 268-8927, SJER.ORG

JUN 4: NEW ULM. FLYING DUTCHMEN CYCLE CLUB INC, (507) 388-8167, FLYINGDUTCHMENMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM JUN 11: ST CHARLES. GOLDEN EAGLES CYCLE CLUB, GOLDENEAGLESMC.ORG JUN 25: CAMBRIDGE. ON TRACK PROMOTIONS INC, (612) 328-4410 TT JUN 5: NEW ULM. FLYING DUTCHMEN CYCLE CLUB INC, (507) 388-8167, FLYINGDUTCHMENMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM MISSOURI RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE

POKER RUN JUN 11: DENVILLE. GIBBY’S RUN, MORRIS R.F.C. RC, (973) 402-0825, EVERYTHINGGIBBY.COM JUN 11: JACKSON. SINISTER STEEL MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, (732) 688-1451, SINISTERSTEELMA.COM ROAD RUN JUN 15: ROCKAWAY. BLUE KNIGHTS-NJ IX, (973) 271-9248 JUN 19: OLD BRIDGE. 16TH ANNUAL KELSEY CHARITY RUN, KELSEY CHARITY RUN INC, (908) 252-2454, KELSEYRUN.COM JUN 26: ASBURY PARK. BIKERS FOR BABIES, (732) 9522901, MARCHOFDIMES.COM/NEWJERSEY

COMPETITION MOTOCROSS JUN 4: WILDWOOD. NEW JERSEY THUNDER MOTORSPORTS INC, (609) 523-8051, THUNDERMOTO. COM NEW MEXICO RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUN 5: ALBUQUERQUE. PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS. ORG

JUN 4: PORT CRANE. SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM JUN 5: PATTERSONVILLE. ELECTRIC CITY RIDERS, (518) 542-2144

JUN 4: TIGARD. WESTERN STATES 1000, ROSE CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (503) 706-6396, ROSE-CITY-MC. ORG ROAD RALLY

JUN 24: PORT CRANE. SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (877) 746-3876

JUN 23: ATHENA. HODAKA CLUB, (503) 475-6005, HODAKADAYS.ORG

NORTH CAROLINA

ROAD RUN

COMPETITION

JUN 18: PORTLAND. TRINITY ROAD RIDERS, (503) 3144757, TRINITYROADRIDERS.COM

MOTOCROSS JUN 11: EAST BEND. EAST BEND MOTORSPORTS, (336) 699-3629, EASTBENDMOTORSPORTS.COM

COMPETITION MOTOCROSS

OBSERVED TRIALS

JUN 19: HENDERSON. LONE RIDER PRODUCTIONS, (866) 967-8927

JUN 11: ELKTON. EMERALD TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION INC., (541) 968-8166, ETRA.NET

JUN 4: VADIDO. NEW MEXICO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (505) 332-2317

OHIO RECREATIONAL

JUN 12: ELKTON. EMERALD TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION INC., (541) 968-8166, ETRA.NET

NEW YORK

BIKE SHOW

RECREATIONAL

JUN 26: ATHENA. HODAKA CLUB, (503) 475-6005, HODAKADAYS.ORG

JUN 4: WILMINGTON. CLINTON CO CAR AND BIKE SHOW, ABATE-OH INC, (937) 289-2758, ABATE.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

COMPETITION

ADVENTURE RIDE JUN 4: PORT CRANE. SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 221-2371 JUN 12: ATLANTA. WAYNE COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (315) 945-5691, WAYNECOUNTYMC.COM CONVENTIONS JUN 6: LAKE GEORGE. AMERICADE, (518) 798-7888, AMERICADE.COM JUN 6: LAKE GEORGE. AMERICADE, (518) 798-7888, AMERICADE.COM ROAD RALLY JUN 26: CLARENCE. ROSWELL, REGENT RIDERS, (716) 759-6837

DUAL SPORT RIDE JUN 26: BROWNSVILLE. FLINT RIDGE DUAL SPORT, LICKING COUNTY TRAIL RIDERS INC RELIABILITY RUN JUN 4: TORONTO. SPRING CLASSIC, OHIO VALLEY BSA OWNERS CLUB, (724) 945-5601, BSA-CLUB-OV. HAILWOOD.COM ROAD RUN JUN 5: ROCKY RIVER. PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS. ORG

JUN 25: ATHENA. HODAKA CLUB, (503) 475-6005, HODAKADAYS.ORG PENNSYLVANIA RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE JUN 4: MILL HALL. DURTY DABBERS, (570) 726-3343, DURTYDABBERS.COM JUN 4: MILL HALL. DURTY DABBERS, (570) 726-3343, DURTYDABBERS.COM CARNIVAL RUN JUN 11: BUCK. POKER RUN, GENTLEMEN MC SPORTSMEN, (717) 255-5371

ROAD RUN

JUN 12: TALLMADGE. MEMORIAL BENEFIT RUN, CIRCLE CITY HORSEPOWER PROMOTIONS, (330) 608-8869, DANDFUND.ORG

JUN 4: ARKPORT. RIDIN FOR A REASON, CONESUS LAKE RIDERS M/C, (585) 335-5322, CLR-MC.COM

JUN 26: AKRON. MASONIC LODGE RUN, GREATER AKRON M/C, (330) 760-0371

JUN 5: PALASIDES. NYACK HOSPITAL CHARITY RIDE, HUDSON VALLEY HARLEY RIDERS INC, (845) 548-5553, HUDSONVALLEYHARLEYRIDERS.COM

SWAP MEET

JUN 4: MILL HALL. DURTY DABBERS, (570) 726-3343, DURTYDABBERS.COM

JUN 4: TORONTO. SPRING CLASSIC, OHIO VALLEY BSA OWNERS CLUB, (724) 945-5601, BSA-CLUB-OV. HAILWOOD.COM

JUN 4: MILL HALL. DURTY DABBERS, (570) 726-3343, DURTYDABBERS.COM

JUN 5: AMHERST. REGENT RIDERS, (716) 937-9524 JUN 5: LONG ISLAND CITY. NEW YORK CITY HOG BABC, H.O.G.-NY NEW YORK CITY, (718) 707-9300, NYCHARLEYDAVIDSON.COM

COMPETITION

JUN 12: NEW WINDSOR. SALUTE TO VETERANS RIDE, ROLLING THUNDER NY CHAPTER 3, (845) 597-2649, RTNYCH3.COM

JUN 5: RAY. CHILLICOTHE ENDURO RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (740) 773-6115, CHILLICOTHEENDURO. COM

JUN 19: NEW ROCHELLE. FIRST EVER FUN RUN, NEW ROC H.O.G., (914) 632-6139, NRHOG.COM

GRAND PRIX

ENDURO

JUN 12: MARIETTA. AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS PA POST CHAPTER #466, (717) 898-0871 DUAL SPORT RIDE

JUN 26: SPRING MILLS. SEVEN MOUNTAINS DUAL SPORT, SEVEN MOUNTAINS CONSERVATION CORPS, (814) 5740404, SEVENMOUNTAINSCONSERVATIONCORP.COM GYPSY TOUR JUN 23: JOHNSTOWN. THUNDER IN THE VALLEY MOTORCYCLE RALLY, JOHNSTOWN/CAMBRIA COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU FOR TH, (800) 2377859, JOHNSTOWNTHUNDER.COM

TOY RUN

JUN 5: ATHENS. ACTION SPORTS PROMOTIONS INC, (740) 591-7223, ACTIONSPORTSRACING.COM

JUN 12: HICKSVILLE. XMAS IN JUNE, NASSAU COUNTY FIRE RIDERS MC, (516) 570-0678

JUN 12: LOGAN. HOCKING VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (740) 503-3111

JUN 6: STEVENS. GARDEN SPOT MC, (717) 336-6545, GARDENSPOTMC.COM

COMPETITION

JUN 26: SUGAR GROVE. CENTRAL OHIO COMPETITION RIDERS INC., (740) 983-3937, COCRMX.COM

JUN 12: SCHUYLKILL HAVEN. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 385-5146, SCHUYLKILLCOUNTYMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 5: PALMYRA. ARCADIA BARK BUSTER, (315) 548-5145

HARE SCRAMBLES

JUN 12: BERKSHIRE. TIOGA COUNTY DIRT RIDERS, (607) 427-7392, WNYOA.NET

JUN 19: CHILLICOTHE. CHILLICOTHE ENDURO RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (740) 773-6115, CHILLICOTHEENDURO. COM

JUN 26: BERKSHIRE. ITHACA DIRT RIDERS INC, (607) 6578248, ITHACADIRTRIDER.COM

MOTOCROSS

MOTOCROSS JUN 5: NEW BERLIN. UNADILLA VALLEY SPORTS CENTER, (607) 965-8450, UNDILLAMX.COM JUN 12: NEW BERLIN. THUNDER RIDGE SPORTS, (607) 847-6520, THUNDERRIDGE.BIZ JUN 19: CKEEKTOWAGA. AREA 51 MOTOCROSS, (585) 345-7433 JUN 19: NEW BERLIN. UNADILLA VALLEY SPORTS CENTER, (607) 965-8450, UNADILLAMX.COM

JUN 12: DAYTON. DAYTON MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (937) 263-9321, DAYTONMC.COM JUN 19: NEW VIENNA. NEW VIENNA MOTORSPORTS, (937) 987-2100, NEWVIENNAMOTORSPORTS.COM JUN 26: BLANCHESTER. DIRT COUNTRY, (513) 625-7350, DIRTCOUNTRYMX.COM OREGON RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE

JUN 26: AUBURN. FROZEN OCEAN MOTOCROSS INC, (315) 784-5466, FROZEN-OCEAN.COM

JUN 4-5: ODELL. NORTHWEST TOUR & TRAIL, (503) 6818881, BLACKDOGDUALSPORT.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

DUAL SPORT RIDE

JUN 4: BOLIVAR. AMA-DIST 04 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (716) 372-4576

JUN 4-5: ODELL. NORTHWEST TOUR & TRAIL, (503) 6818881, BLACKDOGDUALSPORT.COM

JUN 5: BOLIVAR. AMA-DIST 04 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (716) 372-4576

JUN 25-26: FORT ROCK. LOBOS MC INC, (503) 656-5801, LOBOSMC.COM

SHORT TRACK

ROAD ENDURO

POKER RUN

JUN 19: LEBANON. LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (717) 270-0979, LEBANONVALLEYMC.COM JUN 26: COLUMBIA. THUNDERBIRD MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (717) 898-0871 ROAD RALLY JUN 16: GETTYSBURG. MID ATLANTIC WOMENS MOTORCYCLE RALLY, (717) 471-7026, MAWMR.ORG JUN 17: SPRINGROVE. WHITE ROSE MC, (484) 769-8703 ROAD RUN JUN 5: DANVILLE. MOTORCYCLE MIRACLE TOUR, MOTORCYCLE MIRACLE TOUR, (570) 745-5383, GEISINGER.COM JUN 5: NORRISTOWN. RIDE FOR FREEDOM, FRIENDS OF THE FORGOTTEN INC., (215) 362-2798, FRIENDSOFTHEFORGOTTEN.COM JUN 19: YORK. YORK MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (717) 854-5980 JUN 26: SKIPPACK. ANNUAL CAMP JOY CHARITY ROAD RUN, BLUE COMET MOTOCYCLE CLUB INC, (215) 3627989, BLUECOMETMC.COM COMPETITION 1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK JUN 25: PORT ROYAL. TWO WHEEL PROMOTIONS

ENDURO

RECREATIONAL

JUN 19: DUPONT. HIGH MOUNTAIN DIRT RIDERS, (570) 954-7799, HMDR.ORG

DISTRICT TOUR

HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 4: NEELYTON. SOUTH PENN ENDURO RIDERS, (717) 712-0804, ECEA.ORG JUN 5: MARKLEYSBURG. BRADDOCK’S TRAIL RACEWAY, (724) 880-5536, BRADDOCKSTRAILRACEWAY.COM JUN 11: TAMAQUA. READING OFF ROAD RIDERS, (570) 754-4331, RORR.ORG JUN 19: MARKLEYSBURG. BRADDOCK’S TRAIL RACEWAY, (724) 880-5536, BRADDOCKSTRAILRACEWAY. COM

INTERNATIONAL RALLY, BMW-OH BMW RIDERS ASSN INC, (715) 561-1400, BMWRA.ORG COMPETITION

JUN 20: CEDAR CITY. MOTORCYCLE TOURING ASSOCIATION, (828) 837-7325, MTARIDERS.COM

ENDURO

VIRGINIA

JUN 18: STONE LAKE. MIDWEST OFFROAD TRAIL RIDERS, (715) 834-2793, MOTRWEB.WEBS.COM

RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUN 5: MECHANICSVILLE. PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS. ORG

HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 25: HIXTON. CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 220-6853, CMJRACEWAY.COM

COMPETITION

HILL CLIMB

GRAND PRIX

JUN 19: KEWASKUM. KETTLE MORAINE SPORT RIDERS INC, (262) 334-1743, KETTLEMORAINESPORTRIDERS.COM

JUN 19: PLYMOUTH TWP. BACK MOUNTAIN ENDURO RIDERS, (570) 675-1814, MBER.ORG

JUN 12: IVOR. VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP HS SERIES, (757) 871-1573, VCHSS.ORG

MOTOCROSS

MOTOCROSS

JUN 26: HIXTON. CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 220-6853, CMJRACEWAY.COM

JUN 5: NEW ALEXANDRIA. PITTSBURGH RACEWAY PARK, (724) 665-7600, PITTSBURGHRACEWAYPARK

JUN 5: WYTHEVILLE. VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 3235497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

MOTOCROSS

JUN 5: SHIPPENSBURG. DOUBLIN GAP MX PARK INC, (717) 249-6036, DOUBLINGAP@AOL.COM

JUN 25: AMELIA. MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 375-5105, MAMAMX.COM

JUN 4: CHILTON. GRAVITY PARK USA, (920) 849-7223, GRAVITYPARKUSA.COM

WASHINGTON

JUN 5: HIXTON. CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 220-6853, CMJRACEWAY.COM

JUN 5: PINE GROVE. DUTCHMEN MX PARK, LLC., (570) 345-5668, DUTCHMENMXPARK.COM JUN 10: LATROBE. MX PRODUCTIONS, (724) 322-0415, LATROBEMOTORSPORTS.COM

RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE

JUN 11: BIRDSBORO. PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 582-3717, PAGODAMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

JUN 18: LEAVENWORTH. DIRTY FACE DUAL SPORT, LAKE WENATCHEE RECREATION CLUB, (509) 763-3372, LAKEWENATCHEERECCLUB.COM

JUN 12: BIRDSBORO. PAGODA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (610) 582-3717, PAGODAMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

COMPETITION

JUN 12: HANOVER. HAPPY RAMBLERS, (717) 633-7708, HAPPYRAMBLERS.COM JUN 12: MT MORRIS. RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, RACERPRODUCTIONS.COM JUN 18: MT. MORRIS. RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, RACERPRODUCTIONS.COM JUN 19: ELKLAND. MILES MOUNTAIN MX, (814) 258-0204, MILESMOUNTAINMX.COM JUN 19: MT MORRIS. RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, RACERPRODUCTIONS.COM JUN 24: LATROBE. MX PRODUCTIONS, (724) 322-0415, LATROBEMOTORSPORTS.COM JUN 26: SEWARD. PLEASURE VALLEY RACEWAY, (814) 539-4114, PVRMX.COM OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 11: VALLEY VIEW. RAUSCH CREEK POWERSPORTS, (570) 682-2460, RAUSCHCREEKRACING.COM SHORT TRACK JUN 18: SHIPPENSBURG. SHIPPENSBURG MC, (717) 796-0294 STADIUM CROSS

JUN 12: LAKE MILLS. AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (608) 692-4648, AZTALANCYCLE.COM JUN 18: HILLPOINT. SUGAR MAPLE MX LLC, (608) 3938812, SUGARMAPLEMX.COM JUN 19: WITTENBERG. FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 4199286, FANTASYMOTO.COM

MOTOCROSS JUN 11: BELLINGHAM. MONROE MOTOCROSS CLUB (MMXC), (425) 356-7437 JUN 26: PORT ANGELES. OLYMPIC PENINSULA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (360) 565-5030, OPMC.ORG WEST VIRGINIA

JUN 25: RHINELANDER. SUGAR CAMP AREA RACING ENTERPRISES, (715) 272-2110, SUGARCAMPENT.COM OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 12: BLACK RIVER FALLS. WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (608) 434-4553, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG

COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 25-26: SNOWSHOE. RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM WISCONSIN RECREATIONAL

SHORT TRACK JUN 3: PLYMOUTH. SOUTHEASTERN SHORT TRACKERS LTD, (262) 339-7430, DAIRYLANDCLASSIC.COM

ADVENTURE RIDE

JUN 11: BURNETT. BEAVER CYCLE CLUB INC, (920) 3196889, BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM

JUN 11-12: WABENO. WISCONSIN DUAL SPORT RIDERS, (920) 350-2030, WIDUALSPORTRIDERS.ORG

JUN 18: LAKE MILLS. AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (262) 754-0686, AZTALANCYCLE.COM

DUAL SPORT RIDE

WYOMING

JUN 11-12: WABENO. WISCONSIN DUAL SPORT RIDERS, (920) 350-2030, WIDUALSPORTRIDERS.ORG

COMPETITION

ROAD RALLY

MOTOCROSS

JUN 30: CHIPPEWA FALLS. 2011 BMW RIDES

JUN 19: UPTON. INYAN KARA RIDERS, (307) 468-8284

JUN 18: ELKLAND. MILES MOUNTAIN MX, (814) 258-0204 TT JUN 12: PARKERBURG. E PA PISTON POPPERS MC INC, (484) 336-9160, PISTONPOPPERSMC@MYSPACE.COM TENNESSEE RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY JUN 26: JOHNSON CITY. STAR 2011, MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION, (888) 372-2501

May 27-30, 2011

COMPETITION MOTOCROSS

RFK Stadium Festival Grounds

JUN 26: BLOUTVILLE. VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 3235497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

Washington, DC

OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 25: SEQUATCHIE. SOUTHEASTERN TRIALS RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (423) 942-8688, TRIALSTRAININGCENTER. COM TEXAS RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUN 4: HOUSTON. RIDE FOR LIFE, RIDERS FOR THE CURE, (713) 563-9230, RIDERSFORTHECURE.ORG

sta

rs-st

ripes-spokes

.co

m

• Free Admission • Free Motorcycle Parking • RV Parking • Live Music

Fri - Sun 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Mon 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM • Military Vehicle & Equipment Displays • Hundreds of Vendors • Convenient Access to Metro • Short Ride to National Monuments

Honoring America’s Armed Forces

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Warrior/Family Support Fund of the Walter Reed Society.

UTAH W ASHINGTON C ONVENTION AND S PORTS A UTHORITY

HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG

AMA PRO HILLCLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM

Rita Coombs, Racer Productions; (304) 2840084, GNCCRacing.com

June 5: Jefferson (York County), Pa.

July 23 (Youth & Amateur): Valley View, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600, RauschCreekRacing.com

The 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.

June 12: Freemansburg, Pa.

Main Hall: Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Recognizing those who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling.

July 31: Canaan, N.H.

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

Sept. 11: Freemansburg, Pa.

30-Year Ride: Honda’s Ohio-made 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 Hall of Fame’s generous contributors.

July 10: West Branch, Mich.

July 24: Jefferson (York County), Pa. Aug. 21: Dansville, N.Y. Sept. 25: Jefferson (York County), Pa. Oct. 9: Oregonia, Ohio AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES CAN-AM GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY GNCCRACING.COM May 14-15: Gosport, Ind.

AMA PRO RACING

May 28-29: Patton, Pa.

AMA PRO SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM

June 25-26: Snowshoe, W.Va.: Snowshoe Mountain Resort

May 28-29: Tooele, Utah: Miller Motorsports Park

July 9-10: Millfield, Ohio: Sunday Creek Raceway

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

Sept. 10-11: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla Raceway

June 17-19: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park July 8-10: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course July 22-24: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Sept. 24-25: TBD Oct. 8-9: St. Clairsville, Ohio: Powerline Park Oct. 22-23: Crawfordsville, Ind: Tom’s Marine Polaris

Aug. 20 (Youth) Aug. 21 (Amateur) S. Edmeston, N.Y.: Jim Simmons, Thunder Ridge Sports; (607) 847-6520, ThunderRidge.biz Sept. 17 (Youth) Sept. 18 (Amateur) Lynnville, Ind.: Kenny Moore, IN IL KY Enduro Riders; (812) 549-8385, BlackCoal.org Oct. 15 (Youth) Oct. 16 (Amateur) Westfield, Mass.: Scott Fontaine, Knox Trail Riders; (508) 864-7316, WNYOA.net Oct. 30 (Youth & Amateur) Gosport, Ind.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC (317) 418-6084, TheMAXC.com AMA/NATC MOTOTRIALS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AMARACING.COM June 11-12: Valley View, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600, RauschCreekRacing.com June 25-27: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Darryl Davis, Southeastern Trials Riders Association, (423) 942-8688, TrialsTrainingCenter.com

Park; (360) 837-3975, WashougalMXPark.com July 31: Taylorville, Ill.: South Fork Dirt Riders, South Fork Dirt Riders; (217) 237-4752, SouthForkDirtRiders.com Aug. 12-14: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla Valley Sports Center, Unadilla Valley Sports Center; (607) 965-8784, UnadillaMX.com Aug. 21: Armaugh, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway, Pleasure Valley Raceway; (814) 6952453, Cernics.com Aug. 28: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek MX Park, Hi-Winders; (507) 753-2779, SpringCreekMX.com Sept. 3-5: Millington, Mich.: Baja MX, Baja MX Inc.; (989) 871-3356, BajaMX.com Sept. 4: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway, Pine Ridge Raceway; (715) 8566612, PineRidgeRaceway.com Sept. 4: Delmont, Pa.: Steel City Raceway, Bellco Inc.; (304) 284-0800, RacerProductions. com Sept. 11: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX, 4P Promotions Inc.; (815) 379-9534, SunsetRidgeMX.com

AMA RACING ATV HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM

Sept. 17-18: Richford, N.Y.: Broome-Tioga, Broome-Tioga Sports Center; (607) 849-4438, Broome-Tioga.com

June 4: TBD: Mike Gibbs, SCSCA; (317) 4186084, TheMAXC.com

Sept. 18: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud, RedBud; (269) 695-6405, RedBudMX.com

July 2: Covington, N.Y.: Ken Rose, Full Action Racing; (585) 297-2742, FullActionCycles.com

Sept. 24-25: New Castle, Del.: Blue Diamond MX Park, Baltimore County Trail Riders; (302) 834-5867, BCTRA.com

AMA RACING NATIONAL HARE & HOUND NATIONALHAREANDHOUND.COM

July 24: Valley View, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600, RauschCreekRacing.com

Sept. 2-4: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park

May 21: Jericho, Utah: Rob Davies, Sugarloafers MC; (435) 743-4180, SugarloafersMC.com

Aug. 20: S. Edmeston, N.Y.: Jim Simmons, Thunder Ridge Sports; (607) 847-6520, Thunderridge.biz

AMA PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP MXSPORTSPRORACING.COM

Oct. 9: Johnson Valley, Calif.: Justin Shultz, SoCal MC; (949) 981-6776, SoCalMC.com

Oct. 29: TBD: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084, TheMAXC.com

Oct. 2: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park, K.R.O.C.; (734) 446-7800, Racewaypark.com

May 21: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown

Oct. 23: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Ryan Sanders, 100’s MC; (949) 584-9395, 100sMC. org

ATV EXTREME DIRT TRACK AMARACING.COM

Oct. 2: Danville, Va.: Birch Creek Motorsports, Birch Creek Motorsports; (434) 836-7629, BirchCreekMotorsports.com

Aug. 12-14: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

May 28: Wortham, Texas: Freestone June 11: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway June 18: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek June 25: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley July 2: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud July 16: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek July 23: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal Aug. 13: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla Aug. 27: Southwick, Mass.: Moto-X 338 Sept. 3: Delmont, Pa.: Steel City Raceway Sept. 10: San Diego, Calif.: Pala Raceway AMA PRO GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM May 28: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield TT, Illinois State Fairgrounds May 29: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile, Illinois State Fairgrounds June 11: Hartford, Mich.: Hartford Half-Mile, Hartford Motor Speedway June 25: Lima, Ohio: Lima Half-Mile, Allen County Fairgrounds July 9: Hagerstown, Md.: Hagerstown HalfMile, hagerstown Speedway July 23: Lake Odessa, Mich.: I-96 Half-Mile, I-96 Speedway July 30: Sacramento, Calif.: Cal Expo Fair Mile, Cal Expo Fair Aug. 6: Castle Rock, Wash.: Castle Rock TT, Castle Rock Race Park Aug. 21: Peoria, Ill.: Peoria TT, Peoria Race Park Aug. 27: Indianapolis: Indy Mile, Indiana State Fairgrounds Sept. 3: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield ST, Illinois State Fairgrounds Sept. 4: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile II, Illinois State Fairgrounds Sept. 10: Knoxville, Iowa: Knoxville Half-Mile, Knoxville Raceway Sept. 24: Minneapolis: Canterbury Park Mile, Canterbury Park Oct. 1: Calistoga, Calif.: Calistoga Speedway Half-Mile, Calistoga Speedway Oct. 9: Prescott, Ariz.: Yavapai Downs Mile, Yavapai Downs

50

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

AMA NATIONAL ENDURO NATIONALENDURO.COM

May 14: Muskogee, Okla.: Thunderbird Speedway June 11: Sikeston, Mo.: Sikeston Race Park

May 22: Bismark, Ark.: Steve Pierce or Jim Holub, Arkansas Dirt Riders; (501) 529-5122, ArkansasDirtRiders.net

July 9: Danville, Va.: Birch Creek Motorsports

June 19: Upton, Wyo.: Paul Douglas, Inyan Kara Riders; (307) 468-2840, NationalEnduro.com

Aug. 6: Franklin, Pa.: Tri-City Speedway

July 17: Moorestown, Mich.: Jeff Hunt, Lansing Motorcycle Club; (231) 267-9534, LansingMotorcycleClub.org July 31: Cross Fork, Pa.: Peter Burnett, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 368-7332, BER.us Aug. 28: Chandlersville, Ohio: Kory Young, Zanesville Trail Riders; (614) 204-1438, ZanesvilleTrailriders.com Oct. 1: Matthews, Ind.: Doug Spence, Muddobbers MC; (765) 998-2236, MuddobbersMC.org ENDUROCROSS ENDUROCROSS.COM Aug. 13: Everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena Aug. 26: Indianapolis: Pepsi Coliseum Sept. 17: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Bank Arena Oct. 1: Denver: National Western Complex Oct. 22: Boise, Idaho: Idaho Center Nov 19: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena AMA RACING WEST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM May 28 (Amateur) May 29 (Youth): Ridgecrest, Calif.: Ryan Sanders, 100’s MC; (949) 584-9395,100sMC.org June 11 (Youth) June 12 (Amateur): Elkton, Ore.: Toni Bamford, ETRA, Inc.; (541) 9681664, ETRA.net Aug. 27 (Youth) Aug. 28 (Amateur): Big Sky, Mont.: Jamey Kabisch, Lone Peak Racing; (406) 223-0478, BigSkyXC.com

July 23: Ashtabula, Ohio: Pine Creek Aug. 20: Souix Falls, S.D.: Sioux Valley Cycle Club Sept. 3: Goldsboro, N.C.: Busco Beach AMA RACING PRO-AM MOTOCROSS AMARACING.COM May 19-20: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Hangtown MX, Dirt Diggers, North M.C. Inc.; (530) 758-5554, HangtownMX.com May 21-22: Little Falls, Minn.: RM Promotions, LLQ; RM Promotions, (612) 9193457, MotocityRaceway.com May 29: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway, Freestone County Raceway LLC; (713) 880-5533, FreestoneMX.com May 29: Athelstan, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway, Pine Ridge Raceway; (715) 856-6612, PineRidgeRaceway.com May 30: Brush, Colo.: Sweney Cycle Park, Sweney Cycle Park; (970) 768-0518, SweneyCyclePark.com June 5: Wytheville, Va.: Pro Sport MX, Victory Sports Inc.; (423) 323-5497, VictorySportsRacing.com June 12: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway, Racer Productions; (304) 284-0800, RacerProductions.com June 19: Mt. Carroll, Ill.: MC Motopark, MC Motopark; (815) 238-1614, MCMotoPark.com June 29: Kingsbury, Ind.: Motoland-IN, Motoland-IN; (219) 988-6686, Motoland.com July 3: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud, RedBud; (269) 695-6405, RedBudMX.com

AMA RACING EAST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM

July 10: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway, Victory Sports Inc.; (423) 323-5497, VictorySportsRacing.com

June 5 (Youth & Amateur): Casey, Ill.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084, TheMAXC.com

July 17: Carrollton, Ohio: Area 330 Action Complex, Area 330 Action Complex LLC; (330) 863-6056, Area330.com

July 3 (Youth & Amateur): Covington, N.Y.: Ken Rose, Full Action Racing Promotions; (585) 297-2742, FullActionCycles.com

July 17: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Dutch Sport Park, Dutch Sport Park; (269) 521-7800, DutchSportParkMX.com

July 10 (Youth & Amateur): Millfield, Ohio:

July 21-22: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX

Sept. 25: Canton, Texas: Buffalo Creek Motocross Park, , Kingdom Motorsports; (214) 939-4321, Buffalocreekmx.com Oct. 2: Gaylord, Mich.: Baja MX, Baja MX Inc.; (989) 871-3356, BajaMX.com

Oct. 9: Birdsboro, Pa.: Pagoda Motorcycle Club, Pagoda Motorcycle Club; (610) 582-3717, PagodaMotorcycleClub.com Oct. 16: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway, Victory Sports Inc.; (423) 323-5497, VictorySportsRacing.com Oct. 30: Prentiss, Mich.: Golden Pine Raceway, Golden Pine Raceway; (601) 5068669, GoldenPineRaceway.com Oct. 30: Leonardtown, Md.: Budds Creek Motocross Park, Budds Creek Motocross Park; (301) 481-6148; Buddscreek.com Nov. 6: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek, RPM Sports; (205) 699-8857, RPMSportsonline.com Nov. 13: Musella, Ga.: Hillbilly Hills, LLQ; RPM Sports, (205) 699-8857, RPMSports. online.com Nov. 21-23, Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, Unlimited Sports MX; (813) 4707498, UnlimitedSportsMX.com Nov. 24-26: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, Unlimited Sports MX; (813) 4707498, UnlimitedSportsMX.com AMA AMATEUR GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS MXSPORTS.COM May 14-15: Washougal, Wash.: Northwest Regional Championships (area qualifier), Washougal; (360) 837-3975 May 14-15: Lakewood, Colo.: South Central Regional Championships (area qualifier), Thunder Valley (303) 697-1003 May 14-15: Winterset, Iowa.: North Central Regional Championships (area qualifier), Riverside Raceway; (515) 266-7509 May 14-15: Winchester, N.H.: Northeast Regional Championships (area qualifier), Winchester Speed Park; (603) 239-6406 May 14-15: Chatsworth, Ga.: Southeast Regional Championships (area qualifier), Lazy River; (706) 278-1620 May 19 and 22: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Northwest Regional Championships (area qualifier), Hangtown MX-Pro National; 800-HANGTOWN May 21-22: Dillwyn, Va.: Northeast Regional Championships (area qualifier), Actiontown; (434) 836-7629 May 21-22: Little Rock, Ark.: South Central Regional Championships (area qualifier), Tony

Wynn MX; (870) 342-5373 May 21-22: Cushing, Minn.: North Central Regional Championships (area qualifier), Little Falls Raceway; (612) 919-3457 May 21-22: Owenton, Ky.: Mid-East Regional Championships (area qualifier), Horseshoe Bend; (423) 323-5497 May 28-29: Blountville, Tenn.: Southeast Regional Championships, Youth, Muddy Creek; (423) 323-5497 May 28-29: Washougal, Wash.: Northwest Regional Championships, Youth/Amateur, Washougal; (360) 837-3975 June 4-5: Millfield, Ohio: Mid-East Regional Championships, Youth, Sunday Creek; (304) 284-0084 June 4-5: Wortham, Texas: South Central Regional Championships, Youth, Freestone; (713) 880-5533 June 11-12: Hesperia, Calif.: Southwest Regional Championships, Youth/Amateur, Competitive Edge; (909) 454-1070

NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; BlackDogDualsport.com

MC, Nathan Gaskill, (812) 343-9772; StoneyLonesomeMC.com

June 11-12: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride for Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; WiDualSportRiders.org

Aug. 26-28: Wynoochee Lake, Wash.: Ride the Hoh Rain Forest, AltRider, Christina Olson; (206) 922-3618; Altrider.com

June 25-26: Fort Rock, Ore.: Fort Rock National Dual Sport, Lobos MC, Billy Toman; (503) 656-5801; LobosMC.com

Aug. 27-28: McCloud, Calif.: McCloud Adventure Ride, McCloud Dualsport Adventures, Michael Lingsch; (530) 925-0151; McCloudDualsportAdventures.com

July 23-30: Newberry, Mich.: Six Days of Michigan, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Lewis Schuler; (517) 416-0126; CycleConservationClub.org Aug. 20-21: Columbus Ind.: Buffalo 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772; StoneyLonesomeMC.com Sept. 3-4: New Straightsville, Ohio: Black Diamonds: New Straightsville Enduro Riders, Steve Wheeler; (740) 394-2220; NSEnduro.com Sep 10-11: Golden Pond, Ky.: LBL 200, KT Riders, Jesse Thomas, (270) 522-3703, ginny42211@yahoo.com

Sep 15-19: Pendenton, Wash.: Sasquatch Dualsport Adventure Tour, Soundrider, Tom Mehren; (206) 329-9808; SoundRider.com Sep 17-18: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckeye Dualsporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; KaeppnersWoods.com Sept. 17-18: Morganton, N.C.: Blue Ridge Adventure Ride, JB SAKI Promotions, Ron Miller; (704) 309-3271 Sept. 17-18: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.: New Mexico Natl Adventure Ride, Aerostich Tours, Roger Pattison; (575) 776-8785; AerostichTours.com

Sept. 17-18: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckeye Dualsporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; KaeppnersWoods.com

Sept. 24-25: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Adventure Tour, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 6493633; FamilyOffroadAdventures.com

June 11-12: Buchanan, Mich.: Mid-East Regional Championships, Amateur, Red Bud; (269) 695-6405

Sept. 24-25: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Dual Sport Adventure, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borge; (209) 6493633; FamilyOffRoadAdventures.com

Oct. 1-2: McCloud, Calif.: McCloud Adventure Ride, McCloud Dualsport Adventures, Michael Lingsch; (530) 925-0151; McCloudDualsportAdventures.com

June 11-12: Winter Garden, Fla.: Southeast Regional Championships, Amateur, Gatorback; (407) 473-4373

Sept. 24-25: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; WiDualSportRiders.org

June 11-12: Broome Tioga - Richford, N.Y.: Northeast Regional Championships, Youth, Broom Tioga; (607) 849- 4438

Sept. 24-25: Wolverine, Mich.: Ted’s Chandler Hill Challenge, Great Lakes Dual Sporters, Jeramy Valley; (989) 751-6863; GLDSMC.org

Oct. 15-16: McCloud, Calif.: McCloud Adventure Ride, McCloud Dualsport Adventures, Michael Lingsch; (530) 925-0151; McCloudDualsportAdventures.com

June 11-12: Lakewood, Colo.: South Central Regional Championships, Amateur, Thunder Valley; (303) 697-1003

June 18-19: Walnut, Ill.: North Central Regional Championships, Youth, Sunset Ridge June 18-19: Mt. Morris, Pa.: Northeast Regional Championships, Amateur, High Point; (304) 284-0084 June 25-26: Millville, Minn.: North Central Regional Championships, Amateur, Spring Creek; (507) 753-2779 Aug. 1-6: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: AMA National Motocross Championship (final), Loretta Lynn’s Ranch AMA RACING VINTAGE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMAVINTAGEMOTORCYCLEDAYS.COM July 22-24: Lexington, Ohio: AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships - Round 1, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course July 22: Ashland, Ohio: AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships - Round 2, Ashland County Fairgrounds AMA RACING DIRT TRACK GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM July 25-31: Du Quoin, Ill.: AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships, Du Quoin State Fairgrounds AMA RACING HILLCLIMB GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM Aug. 13-14: Oregonia, Ohio: AMA Racing Hillclimb Grand Championships AMA/NATC YOUTH MOTOTRIALS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM July 2-4: Sequatchie, Tenn.: AMA/NATC East Youth MotoTrials Championships, Southeastern Trials Riders Association, Dan Brown; (423) 9428688, TrialsTrainingCenter.com Aug. 6-8: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.: AMA/ NATC West Youth MotoTrials Championships, International Trials School, Bill Markham; (719) 942-3372, ITSTrials.com AMA DUAL-SPORT/ADVENTURE SERIES AMA KTM NATIONAL DUAL SPORT TRAIL RIDING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM May 21-22: Zaleski, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; KaeppnersWoods.com June 4-5: Bixby, Mo.: Show Me 200, Midwest Trail Riders Assoc., Robert Kaufman; (314) 434-5095; RideMTRA.com June 4-5: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers National Dual Sport, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343; DurtyDabbers.com June 4-5: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Dual Sport,

Oct. 1-2: Mt. Solon, Va.: Shenandoah 500 Dual Sport, NVTA, Detter Merz; (703) 5059123; NVTR.org Oct. 8-9: McArthur, Ohio: Baby Burr National Dual Sport, Enduro Riders Association, Steve Barber; (614) 582-7821; Enduroriders.com Oct. 29-30: Chatsworth, N.J.: Meteor Ride in the Pines, Meteor MC, Jeff Fitzpatrick; (609) 654-5015; MeteorMC.com Nov. 5-6: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, E. Polhaumas; (856) 785-2754; TeamHammer.org Nov. 5-6: Wickenburg, Ariz: Howlin’ at the Moon Rally, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (602) 692-9382 Nov. 12-13: Study Butte, Texas: 14th Annual Terlingua National DS, Trail Riders of Houston, Jack Jennings; (713) 248-7222; TRH-Cycle.org Nov. 25-26: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 792-7384; District37AMA.org AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM May 21-22: Zaleski, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dualsporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; KaeppnersWoods.com June 4-5: Odell, Ore: Black Dog Dual Sport/Adventure Ride, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 6818881; BlackDogsDualsport.com June 4-5: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Natl Adventure Ride, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343; DurtyDabbers.com June 10-12: Wynoochee Lake, Wash.: Ride the Hoh Rain Forest, AltRider, Christina Olson; (206) 922-3618; Altrider.com June 11-12: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride for Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; WiDualsportriders.org June 17-20: Fairbanks, Alaska: Tag the Deadhorse Ride, Aerostich Tours, Roger Pattison; (575) 776-8785; AerostichTours.com

Nov. 5-6: Wickensburg, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon Rally, AZ Trail Riders, Don Hood; (602) 692-9382; ArizonaTrailRiders.org Nov 5-6: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, E. Polhaumus; (856) 785-2754 Nov 25-26: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D-37, Paul Flanders; (626) 7927384; District37AMA.org

Midnight-Riders-MC.com Jan. 1 - Dec. 31: California Parks Adventure, SCMA, (760) 985-7660, SC-MA.com Jan. 1 - Dec. 31: California Mission Tour, SCMA, (760) 985-7660, SC-MA.com Jan. 1 - Dec. 31: Three Flags Classic, SCMA, (626) 274-2237, SC-MA.com SIGNATURE EVENTS May 15: Torrance, Calif.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org May 15: Franklin, Tenn.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org May 22: Tulsa, Okla.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org June 5: Alpharetta, Ga.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org June 5: Albuquerque, N.M..: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org June 5: Mechanicsville, Va.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org June 5: Rocky River, Ohio: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org June 12: Golden, Colo.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org July 10: Sound Bend, Ind.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org July 10: Overland Park, Kan.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org July 17: Deerfield, N.Y.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org July 17: White Bear Lake, Minn.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org July 17: Elgin, Ill.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org July 23: Marysville, Ohio: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org

AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES

July 31: Knoxville, Tenn.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM/ROADRIDE/ TOURING

Aug. 7: Central Valley, N.Y.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org

AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS AMAVINATGEMOTORCYCLEDAYS.COM

Aug. 7: Middleton, Wis.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org

July 22-24: Lexington, Ohio: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, AMA, Connie Fleming, (614) 856-1900 ext. 1258, AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com

Aug. 7: Cranberry Township, Pa.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org

NATIONAL CONVENTIONS June 6-11: Lake George, N.Y.: Americade & TourExpo, Bill Dutcher, (518) 798-7888, TourExpo.com Sept. 14-18: Ruidoso, N.M.: Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally; Golden Aspen Rally Assn; Patric Pearson, (800) 452-8045, Motorcyclerally.com NATIONAL GYPSY TOURS June 11-19: Laconia, N.H.: Laconia Motorcycle Week, Laconia Motorcycle Week Assn, Charlie St. Clair, (603) 366-2000, LaconiaMCWeek.com June 23-26: Johnstown, Pa.: Thunder in the Valley, Johnstown Conv & Visitors Bureau, (800) 237-8590, JohnstownThunder.com Aug. 3-7: Las Vegas, Nev.: National Bikers Roundup, National Bikers Roundup, (702) 5229043, NBRKCMO.com NATIONAL TOURING RALLIES May 19-22: Ruidoso, N.M.: Aspencash Motorcycle Rally, Golden Aspen Rally Assn, Patric Pearson, (800) 452-8045, Motorcyclerally.com DISTRICT TOURS AND RALLIES May 7: Gilman, Wis.: Freedom Ride 2011, Road Wolf Productions, (715) 785-8025

Aug. 13: Salt Lake City: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org Aug. 21: Fiskdale, Mass.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org Aug. 28: Ashville, N.C.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org Aug. 28: Ann Arbor, Mich.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride and dualsport), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org Sept. 11: Carnation, Wash.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org Sept. 11: Leeds, Ala.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org Sept. 11: Indianapolis: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org Sept. 18: Cottleville, Mo.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org Sept. 18: Phoenixville, Pa.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org Sept. 25: Lido Beach, N.Y.: 9th Annual Dee Snider Ride (road ride), March of Dimes, (561) 496-8442, BikersforBabies.org Sept. 25: Ellicott City, Md.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org Oct. 2: Las Vegas, Nev.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org

June 18: Kingston, Idaho: Gyro Daze, Hi Rollers MC, (509) 326-7154, HiRollers.org

Oct. 2: Grapevine Texas: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org

June 20: Bloomsburg, Pa.: Giant Look Adventure Ride, AltRider, Christina Olson; (206) 922-3618; Altrider.com

June 20-23: Cedar City, Utah: MTA 2011 Gathering, Motorcycle Touring Assn, (828) 837-7325, MTARiders.com

Oct. 2: Fairfield, Calif.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org

July 16-17: McCloud, Calif.: McCloud Adventure Ride, McCloud Dualsport Adventures, Michael Lingsch; (530) 925-0151; McCloudDualsportAdventures.com

GRAND TOURS

Oct. 16: Mesa, Ariz.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org

Jan. 1 - Dec. 31: USA Four Corners Tour, SCMA, (909) 271-0137, USA4Corners.org

Oct. 16: Cardiff, Calif.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org

March 25 - Oct. 1: Smoke Chasing 2011, Eddie’s Road, smokechasing@teamstrange. com, SmokeChasing.com

Oct. 23: Lafayette, La.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org

Aug. 6-7: Hancock, N.Y.: Hancock Nat’l Dual Sport, Bear Creek Sportsmen, Mike Goetz, BearCreekSportsmen.com

April 1 - Nov. 30: Ride For Your Rights Grand Tour, AMA, Dave Hembroff, (614) 8561900 ext. 1202, AmericanMotorcyclist.com/ Roadride/Touring.com

STATE RALLIES

Aug. 20-21: Columbus, Ind.: Buffalo 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome

April 1 - Nov. 30: Travel the USA with KOA, Midnight Riders MC, (765) 566-3807,

July 27-31: Stevenson, Wash.: Dualsport Northwest Adventure Rally, Soundrider, Tom Mehren; (206) 329-9808; SoundRider.com

Nov. 6: Lithia, Fla.: Charity Ride for Kids (road ride), PBTFUS, RideforKids.org July 14-16: Alvarado, Texas: Bikers Adult Rally, Bikers Adult Rally, (972) 551-0024, BikersAdultRally.com

June 2011

51

速

FOR A RIDE THAT IS AS SMOOTH AS GLASS.

GOT NUMB & TINGLY HANDS? 速

CRUISING GLOVES ARE THE CURE ERGONOMICALLY MOLDS HAND TO GRIP PATENTED DESIGN ABSORBS VIBRATION & SHIELDS NERVES

1.866.352.7251 www.dynabeads.com

MEMORY FOAM

PALM SWELL速

714-379-9413 WWW.MOTO.GRIPSWELL.COM

KINEKT GEAR RING

moving gears you can wear watch the video

www.kinektdesign.com 888-600-8494

Now

A

va Ame Zazzle ilable... .c r (new icanMotoom/ rcy logo gear clist too!

)

OFFICIAL MOTORCYCLE AND POWERSPORTS VALUE GUIDE

Trading Bikes?

Get the most Timely, Independent & Accurate™ market values for ATVs, Motorcycles, Snowmobiles, and Personal Watercraft.

officially licensed product

800•554•1026 www.BlackBookUSA.com

NEVER BE BLINDED

BY THE SUN AGAIN!

GET INVOLVED

Height Adjustable & Removable Visor.

Exclusively Designed to Block the Sun ON ALL Helmets With a Face Shield!

1-888-231-0710 • www.super-visor.com/a

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM/RIGHTS

ADVERTISER INDEX Adaptiv Technologies.........................................53 Allstate................................................................55 AMA Government Relations...............................13 AMA KTM DS Series..........................................14 AMA Life Member Plus.........................................2 AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré NARS......................8 Americade..........................................................47 Best Rest............................................................53 Black Book.........................................................53 Bike Bandit...........................................................9 Bridgestone Motorcycles...................................56 CheapCycleParts.com.......................................31 Discount Ramps.................................................26

Dynabeads.........................................................52 EagleRider..........................................................27 Fed-Co...............................................................17 Foremost............................................................25 Geico....................................................................3 GRIPSWELL Gloves...........................................52 JC Motors...........................................................30 Kinekt.................................................................52 Laconia Bike Rally..............................................53 Manic Salamander.............................................52 Metro Racing........................................................7 Motion Pro..........................................................31 Pit Posse............................................................30

Pocahontas.................................................. 19-21 Port-A-Chopper..................................................52 Progressive.........................................................13 Rally in the Gorge...............................................46 Safe T Kick.........................................................52 S100 Cycle Care Products.................................16 Sound Rider.......................................................53 Stars & Stripes & Spokes...................................49 SuperVisor..........................................................53 Yamaha............................................................. 4-5 Yuasa..................................................................33

June 2011

53

GUEST COLUMN

HEADING WEST

When I was 11 years old, my father took my brother to the Grand Canyon on his ‘77 Yamaha 750. I was envious of the experience, and since then I had always wanted to visit the American West. In 2008, I got my chance.

I purchased a 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad, with the express intent of taking this same trip with my son, Zach.

For me, it would be the realization of a lifelong aspiration.

I was hoping that, for Zach, it would be an experience he wouldn’t forget.

Of course, as I pored over others’ ride reports, I came across routes that I wanted to add to our itinerary. What started out as a weeklong trip morphed into a monthlong adventure. First, the plan expanded to include the Badlands and Mount Rushmore. Then Yellowstone and Glacier. I decided to add the Pacific Ocean to the trip, as well as the Redwoods, San Francisco and Yosemite. Then why not Vegas and the Hoover Dam? We left our Gastonia, N.C., home on July 1, 2009, and rode to Marion, Ill., a total of 584 miles. The biggest challenge was keeping Zach awake! The next morning, we rode through St. Louis and saw the Gateway Arch. Zach pointed out a Lewis and Clark statue. I told him our route would track much of their expedition. From then on, we noticed the Lewis and Clark trail markers in many states.

From Council Bluffs, Iowa, our stop that night, we rode through South Dakota, where we saw Falls Park, the Corn Palace and a lot of rain. Pressing through, during which we got stuck inching along in construction traffic and me with an unzipped rain liner, we made it to Murdo.

The next morning, on July 4, we set out for the Badlands and arrived just after the rain had stopped.

The colors were amazing. We rode the loop and came back at Wall, S.D. We then went back east on I-80 to the National Minute Man Missile Museum, the actual site of a decommissioned missile silo. On the way to see Custer, we saw the Crazy Horse Monument. We enjoyed a great Native American Museum and a laser light show. Custer State Park dominated the next day’s ride.

We continued on to Highway 16 through the Black Hills.

Then it was on to Deadwood and the Number 10 saloon.

We tagged Sturgis and saw Mount Rushmore before we headed toward Wyoming.

From Worland, Wyo., we rode through Cody, then took the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway to a small portion of the Bear Tooth Highway. We entered Yellowstone from the northeast gate and made our way to the Mammoth Springs campground. The next day, we explored Yellowstone. Along with Old Faithful, the Geyser basins, Yellowstone Lake, Tower Falls and Mammoth Springs.

The following days took us through Choteau, Mt. Glacier

54

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

National Park, Going to the Sun Road, then to the Seletz River on the coast of Oregon, where we woke up on July 12 to celebrate Zach’s 16th birthday. We ate breakfast at Gracie’s Old Sea Hag restaurant in Depoe Bay. We took the Pacific Coast Highway south through the Redwood National Park and the Sonoma Valley, then through San Francisco and on to Yosemite. From here, it was on to Vegas. Over the 9,950-foot Tiago Pass, the temperature was in the 40s. Once down into the desert, it was roughly 117 degrees going into town, where we spent a day exploring the sights.

Next we saw the Hoover Dam, then hooked onto Rt. 66 to Seligman. From there, it was I-40 into Williams, Ariz., when Zach realized I-40 could take us all the way home to North Carolina. He asked if we could head straight back after seeing the Grand Canyon. I acquiesced.

We had a great time at the Grand Canyon and camped in the Desert View campground. Afterward, we got on I-40 and made a beeline for Gastonia.

From the Grand Canyon, we rode close to 2,000 miles in three days. Our last day was the longest in terms of distance: 740, about 10 percent of our trip total of 7,633 miles across 22 states in 22 days.

Was the trip successful? On all accounts, yes! I was able to spend the majority of a month traveling with my son by motorcycle, and we made memories that will last our entire lives. I encourage anyone to do the same. It will be the trip of a lifetime.

Tim Marshburn is an AMA member from Gastonia, N.C.

Photo Heather Houston

A Father And Son Take A Trip Of A Lifetime

By Tim Marshburn

AFTER

THREE ROUND TRIPS TO STURGIS, 3200 MILES ON YOUR FAVORITE BACK ROADS,

28 TRIPS TO YOUR LOCAL ROADHOUSE AND 11 TRIPS TO SEE GRANDMA, YOU’RE G O I N G T O N E E D N E W T I R E S. Designed for stability, easy handling and comfort. Because you’ve got lots of rides ahead of you. And every mile is worth it. Available for most cruiser/ touring models.

New SizeS aNd FitmeNtS bridgestonemotorcycletires.com