American Motorcyclist 06 2012

JUNE 2012

WHIISNBIKE! e Info

T e Page 55 For Mor Se

TOURING AMERICA AMA Members Find Great Rides And Destinations From Coast To Coast

THE JOURNAL OF THE

BE COOL INTAKE AIR

The high-performance warm-weather mesh jacket that also delivers on-the-road versatility, convenience and protection.

• Maximum ventilation with cool styling • Tough 600-denier Carbolex® plus Armor-Link Mesh • 1680-denier ballistic polyester in impact areas • 360º Phoslite® reflective piping and rear triangle increase nighttime visibility • Comfortable, mandarin-style collar • Soft microfiber-lined collar and cuffs • Adjustable sleeve take-up straps • Removable, CE-approved armor at shoulders and elbows • Articulated triple-density back protector • Removable, Two-Stage Aqua-Therm® liner is waterproof, windproof and insulated • Zippered chest map pocket • Hand-warmer pockets • Internal pouch pocket and mobile media pocket • Adjustable waist belts • Jacket/pant zipper attachment • Also available in six colors, men's tall and women's sizes

Get the free mobile app for your smartphone at http://gettag.mobi to play the Intake Air Series 3 Jacket Video. Check out all our videos at youtube.com/helmethouse. For more information see your local dealer or visit tourmaster.com. Cortech and Tour Master are registered trademarks of Helmet House. ©Helmet House, Inc. 2012. Always maintain, inspect and wear protective motorcycle riding gear. No gear can offer complete protection from all situations. Obey all speed and safety laws. Riding and alcohol or other drugs don’t mix.

NAVIGATION Cover

Ron Lieback of Bear Creek Township, Pa., is one of several AMA members who write about one of their favorite rides this month. Read about some great rides from all around America starting on page 38.

Photo: The Susquehanna Photographic.

8. LETTERS You write, we read.

12. ROB DINGMAN The state of your AMA.

Navigation Photo

Honda rider Johnny Lewis (center) kicked off his 2012 season with a win at the opening round of the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship during Bike Week. But the second race in Daytona didn’t go so well for Lewis, who ended up on the ground on the last lap while Matt Weidman (left) took the win.

Photo: Jim Grant.

14. RIGHTS 4 Questions With... U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell, and a derogatory federal trail guide.

20. RIDING Dispatch from Pikes Peak, and AMA Member Tested: Barnett clutch cable.

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

Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2012.

Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $10 covered in membership dues; $15 a year for non-members.

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

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

June 2012 Volume 66, Number 6 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) AmericanMotorcyclist.com

6

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

28. RACING Ryan Villopoto wins another AMA Supercross title, Justin Brayton climbs higher, Daytona track action wrap-up.

34. HALL OF FAME Don Emde’s 1972 Yamaha TR3 roadracer, and Hall of Famer Bill Baird.

38. MOTORCYCLING AMERICA AMA members find freedom on the road.

46. ROCKERS AND MODS! Classic motorcycling subcultures in the limelight at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

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

58. STEVEN HOLT Motorcycling passion.

How did we get to be top dog?

We asked our customers what would make BikeBandit.com even better ... and you told us! Introducing BikeBandit.com Podium, our new membership program with the benefits you want:

TM

• Free shipping with no minimum purchase, guaranteed to save you some green.

• Purchase protection on all your apparel.

We’ve got your back, including replacement for damage or theft.* • Free stuff from the biggest names in powersports, just for joining. And that’s only the beginning! *All for a small annual fee. Restrictions apply.

See our website for complete program details.

Join today! Just log on to bikebandit.com/podium to get it fast, get it right, and get riding ... with no shipping charges!

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 FIX FOR LESS

I agree with the recent used-bike/ bang-for-the-buck article (“Cheap Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a Bike Thrills,” May). In the 30 or so years I’ve Bandit gift card worth $100. Didn’t win? No worries. You can still take advantage of your been riding, I’ve only had one brand10% AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com. new bike, and while nice and clean, it did no better than any used bike I had previously owned, and the payments were no fun whatsoever.

My current bikes are a 2003 YZ250 that’s used for trail riding, hare scrambles, single-track and the occasional lap or two on a motocross track.

Truth be told, that nine-year-old bike has more ability and power than I’ll ever need for any of those activities.

For street use I just picked up a 1998 Honda Super Hawk with less than 3,000 miles. Again, it has more power and performance than I’ll ever need and with such Padrick low mileage, it’s just getting broken in.

Handley I’ve had the YZ for about two years and paid $1,500 for it. The Super Hawk has been with me about four months and was, in my opinion, a steal at $3,600. Sans lottery winnings, I’ll most likely never buy new again.

Padrick Handley Atlanta

THE SOUND ANSWER As a street and trail motorcyclist and racing enthusiast for 40 years now, I enjoy and am stimulated by a strong-sounding bike as much as the next guy. But as a suburban dweller, I roll my eyes every time I hear the intruding sound of a loud bike, whether a 600cc mall-sickle being redlined through the gears or a V-twin blasting away from a light. I sympathize with my non-riding neighbors every time.

That said, I support the AMA’s efforts to promote the SAE J2825 approach to sound-level enforcement as summarized in your April article. Your argument that the SAE roadside test is more effective than an EPA label approach is solid, but surprisingly makes no mention of the significant advantage of being applicable to all registered motorcycles regardless of year of manufacture. If put in place and enforced, the noise problem would disappear in a season!

A further suggestion: Although I have not witnessed a sample of J2825 testing to have a first-hand impression, I expect you could get more grassroots support by having demos at the bigger bike shows, races and gatherings. It seems to be more routine to have dyno pulls going on at

8

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

these events. Having an opportunity to hear a few SAE J2825-compliant bikes run would generate familiarity and, I expect, even more support.

I want to close with support for adding former Colorado Sen. Wayne Allard to the staff to help lead such efforts, and to note the improvement in the depth of American Motorcyclist. Keep up the good work.

Bob Linden Westminster, Colo.

GET INVOLVED I am currently the chairman of the Western Montana Resource Advisory Council (RAC). The RAC provides a good chance to influence Bureau of Land Management actions, no matter if they involve motorized, non-motorized recreation or other land management topics. It’s also a good chance to learn about topics and issues that might otherwise be overlooked. The Western Montana RAC is very well balanced and members show a high level of respect, no matter their individual philosophies.

I would recommend that anyone interested apply for a seat on their area RAC to influence future BLM actions and

Bob Walker

to be a part of the process.

Bob Walker Western Montana RAC Last Chance Riders Motorcycle Club Helena, Mont.

Thank you for your letter, Bob. Your willingness to volunteer your time for service on a RAC is admirable. The AMA has written numerous letters of recommendation for applicants to RAC’s and Desert Advisory Councils and actively encourages our members to attend these meetings. Input from the off-highway vehicle community is vital to ensure federal public land managers plan for motorized recreation when revising their land management plans.

BI-PARTISAN PUSH The AMA will soon publish a voter guide informing members about political candidates’ positions on issues pertaining to motorcyclists’ rights. Wayne Allard, AMA’s vice president for government relations, was quoted in the May issue of the American Motorcyclist encouraging members to “cast their ballots and work on political campaigns based in part on candidates positions on motorcyclingrelated issues.”

As an AMA member, I find this troubling for two reasons.

First, special interest groups concerned about protecting their “rights” against undue government restriction or regulation (for example, the AMA and National Rifle Association) tend to attract the (politically expedient) support of the Republican Party, and special interest groups dominated by white male membership (for example, the AMA and NRA) tend, as polls show, to gravitate toward the Republican Party...

My concern (admittedly jumping the gun, since the voter guide has yet to be published) is that the guide will simply become advertising for conservative

American motorcyclist june_Layout 1 3/27/12 10:2

DESIGNED FOR

candidates.

Second, and far more importantly, the very notion that motorcycling issues should in any way influence voting behavior seems ridiculous on its face. We live in a period of great national strife with pressing economic, health care, human rights and foreign policy concerns. Despite our tendency, as motorcyclists, to wax poetic and to think of cycling as a way of life, it is not. It’s just a hobby—a consuming one, I’ll admit, but just a hobby.

Hobbies shouldn’t influence matters of grave significance and voting in a democracy is one of these. By encouraging your membership to vote on the basis of narrow and parochial concerns, you’ve not only encouraged simple-mindedness but, I believe, a push toward the Republican Party. Was this your intent?

Al Scovern Lexington, Ky. As a non-partisan association, the AMA does not endorse political candidates.

However, we encourage our members to cast their ballots based on candidates’ positions on motorcycling-related issues, as well as other issues of importance to them. For more information about the AMA’s “Vote Like A Motorcyclist” campaign, please visit our webpage at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ votelikeamotorcyclist.

IT’S ABOUT CHOICE I believe that some people are educated far above their intelligence. Many seem unable to understand basic concepts. You would think that living in the United States would give one a rudimentary knowledge of freedom.

I am a Charter Life Member of the AMA. I have been riding for almost 45 years.

There has been a time or two that wearing a helmet has saved me from injury. Yet still, on occasion, I prefer to ride without a helmet. Why? Because I darn well want to.

That’s freedom. I know that I would be safer wearing one, but I don’t care. I’d be safer yet if I never rode a motorcycle at all. The main reason I ride is for the joy. Sometimes it is more joyful to ride bare headed.

Boy, am I an idiot for making irresponsible choices. I also ski without a helmet, played football without a helmet, and I even jumped out of perfectly good airplanes. Oh, the horror!

If you want to see the end of your enjoyment of dangerous hobbies just keep asking the government to make more laws.

The future of motorcycling depends on those who fight for freedom.

I implore all motorcyclists (responsible or not) to support the AMA. The AMA does support “comprehensive” (which means “involving much” not “all inclusive”) safety programs and your freedom.

EASY REMOVAL

Randall Beecham Bellville, Ohio

Ron Fish

FOREVER YOUNG First of all, I understand the current direction of the AMA. Rob [Dingman, president and CEO] is taking us where we need to go. I get it. Something else I value in my longtime AMA membership is that we are all in this together. There is something for all of us in our membership as well as in every issue of American Motorcyclist.

I especially loved the letter from Raymond Milian of Puerto Rico in the May issue, where, at age 68, he took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, bought a 750 and is enjoying himself at now 70 years of age. Good for him and others like him.

I am 68, and have just finished (with a lot of help) a two-year restoration of a basement-find 1968 Triumph T100c basket case. My previous ride was an ’03 Heritage Softail, and before that a ’96 H-D Super Glide.

Here is an after photo of the project. The bike is soon to appear in a book published as a result of our local Boyertown, Pa., Martin MotorSports Modern Classics show.

It’s a first-class affair and, in early March, a cure for cabin fever.

Like Ray, I am having a great time. With still under 100 miles on the rebuild and the rings still seating, etc., it may stall on me occasionally when I fail to keep the revs up at a stop. So I pull in the clutch, click one up to neutral—right side shift, remember 1968?—give it a push, click one more up to second, pop the clutch, it fires, and off I go, usually laughing, just like I did all those years ago at age 16 on my 350cc Velocette thumper.

I hope I never get old.

Ron Fish Valley Forge, Pa.

WRENCH-OFF PERFORMANCE OIL FILTER

-

Welded Nut on Canister* Pre-Drilled for Safety Wire* High-Flow Synthetic Media Ideal for Synthetic Oils Heavy-Duty Canister* Pre-Lubed Base Seal* K&N Limited Warranty

*where applicable

FIND YOURS TODAY: KNFILTERS.COM/AMM 800-735-1557 x3035

© 2012 K&N Engineering, Inc.

EDITORIAL OFFICES

High Adventure. No Hassle.

The best routes, roads and twotrack, mapped by local experts. A great challenge with like-minded riders. A full weekend’s activities, with camping, campfires, food and prizes.

For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding.

THE ADVENTURE is out there

comteit Ge

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

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

Stan Simpson, Chairman Cibolo, Texas

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

Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla.

Maggie McNally, Vice Chairwoman Albany, N.Y.

Perry King, Assistant Secretary Northern California

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

John Ulrich, Executive Committee Member Lake Elsinore, Calif.

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

Russ Brenan, Irvine, Calif.

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

Sean Hilbert, Hillsdale, Mich.

Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis. Art More, Surprise, Ariz.

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.

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

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

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

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

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

Marie Esselstein, Government Affairs Assistant Nick Haris, Western States Representative Jessica Irving, Grassroots Coordinator Rick Podliska, Deputy Director Sharon Smolinka, Legislative Coordinator Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager - On-Road Royce Wood, Government Affairs Manager - Off-Road INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Rob Baughman, Network Administrator John Boker, Developer Dave Coleman, Network Architect Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst Ed Madden, Managed Services Manager Bill Miller, Web Architect Peg Tuvell, Operations Manager MARKETING Connie Fleming, Events Manager Drew Parrott, Marketing Manager Tigra Tsujikawa, Marketing Manager MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager Angie Miller, Member Services Representative Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative Misty Walker, Member Services Representative EXECUTIVE Rob Dingman, President/CEO Rhonda Hixon, Administrative Asst./Litigation Manager Bruce Moffat, Chief Financial Officer Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations Bob Chaddock, Vice President, Administration Jeff Massey, Vice President, Operations Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations and Corporate Member Programs Grant Parsons, Director of Communications & Marketing Rob Rasor, Director of International Affairs

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

VictoryMotorcycles.com Victory and Victory Motorcycles® are registered trademarks of Polaris Industries Inc. Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing and obey the speed limit.

Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ©2012 Polaris Industries Inc.

FROM THE PRESIDENT THE STATE OF YOUR AMA The Future Is Bright The AMA turned a crucial corner last year.

Despite the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s, your association reported improved revenues and lowered expenses. While we still reported an overall loss in the 2011 fiscal year, we have narrowed the gap significantly and the trend is toward profitability. This has been possible because the AMA has steadfastly remained true to its vision of being the premier advocate

By Rob Dingman of the motorcycle lifestyle.

Although the AMA suffered membership losses during the recession, we now serve 225,000 dedicated members. Had our decline mirrored the precipitous drop in U.S. sales experienced by the manufacturers over the same period, we would have suffered much greater attrition. While never good, the decline tells us that we must do everything possible to increase the value of AMA membership.

Thanks to a number of significant decisions made by our board of directors that fundamentally altered the course of the association, our organization now enjoys responsible guardianship, and today we are on a path that adds greater value to AMA membership. As I’ve written here in the past, the decision by the board in 2008 to sell the assets of AMA Pro Racing to the Daytona Motorsports Group removed a significant drain on our resources while placing the future of AMA Pro Racing in the hands of motorsports entertainment professionals with a proven track record.

The AMA board also made wise investments in key areas to upgrade our infrastructure. We launched new accounting software in 2009 and fully implemented a new association management system (AMS) software package in 2011. These improvements were augmented by significant hardware upgrades as well. Today, these systems provide immediate checks and balances and enhanced capabilities, and are another reason why we are able to operate more efficiently and effectively.

Another important action taken by our board was the decision to move our investment portfolio to a new management firm in 2009.

That decision helped soften the blow caused by the recession, and has paid dividends during the economic recovery. At the same time, we decided to stop budgeting earnings from our investments to offset annual operational losses. This kind of sound stewardship, undertaken in concert with our strategic planning process, is another reason why the AMA is in better financial condition today.

Our board has been particularly effective because we have enjoyed the strong and capable leadership of Chairman Stan Simpson. Stan has worked closely with the board’s committees as well as its individual members, who collectively represent the right balance of member-elected, corporate and at-large directors. I am equally proud to report that, at the end of 2011, the board selected Northeast Region Director Maggie McNally as vice chairwoman, the highest position held by a woman on the AMA Board of Directors.

Our mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling has been strengthened by our renewed commitment to member retention and acquisition. Beginning in 2010, we improved our responsiveness and outreach to existing members by strengthening our Member Service Center and adding out-bound calling. Last year, we undertook several new affinity programs designed to appeal to key segments of our membership.

While our AMA Life Member program continues unchanged,

12

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Life Members seeking increased benefits and communications were pleased to enroll in our new AMA Life Member Plus program beginning in April 2011. Competition members now receive the quarterly amateur racing magazine, AMA Racer, bound into their monthly American Motorcyclist. We introduced programs with KTM and Kawasaki to reward the loyalty of AMA members who ride these brands, and more brand affinity programs are coming.

Women riders continue to be a vital and growing segment of our membership. In addition to giving special focus to women riders in AMA publications, the sixth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference will be held July 26-29, 2012, in Carson City, Nev. Finally, our guardianship of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame—and the raised profile it is enjoying thanks to our efforts to significantly enhance the annual induction ceremony—is attracting new members who value the legacy of motorcycling’s heroes and legends.

Recent victories on the advocacy front demonstrate the power and appeal of the AMA brand. Overturning key provisions of the federal lead law in 2011 that had banned the sale of kids’ dirtbikes saved the future of motorcycling. The elimination of motorcycleonly checkpoints is occurring in many states, and federal funding for such checkpoints may soon end. Our battle to retain dedicated funding for the Recreational Trails Program is ongoing, but recent congressional action is promising. Last but not least, the AMA is at the forefront of the E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline) debate to ensure that motorcycle engines are not damaged from inadvertent use of this fuel.

The AMA is on the right track to fulfill our vision to be the premier advocate of the motorcycle lifestyle. We’ve arrived at this point because we have strong support from the motorcycling community, excellent guidance from our board, a strong management team, and the willingness to engage our members in discussion about the value of AMA membership. While we continue to face a challenging economic environment, I am very optimistic about the future of motorcycling and the expanding role that the AMA will take in shaping that world.

Rob Dingman is AMA president and CEO.

MOST BIKERS ARE ALSO SOMETHING ELSE. GOOD THING WE COVER ALL KINDS. Nobody insures more bikes than Progressive. So nobody knows bikers, or what they need, better. Ready to ride with America’s #1 motorcycle insurer? 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 2011 Millward Brown national survey data. 11D00464 (03/12)

4 QUESTIONS WITH… U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell

U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell (R-Va.) is a freshman lawmaker who also happens to be a Harley-Davidson rider. Rigell serves on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, which deals with ethanol and other issues. We caught up with the congressman to find out a little about his riding and issues facing riders.

American Motorcyclist: Tell us about your riding experience.

Rep. Scott Rigell: My first bike was a Honda SL70 [I got] when I was 11 years old. Eventually I progressed up to a Honda XL200 in my teen years.

After marrying Teri and having our children, I wanted to assure they could enjoy motorcycling as I did. Our daughter, Lindsey, rode a little screamer Yamaha PW50 and my son, Justus, went through several bikes. So off-roading runs through the Rigell family!

Justus showed up at the house with a Harley-Davidson Street Bob about seven months ago. As a father, I had mixed feelings. At first, I was not sure that street riding at his age was a very rational idea.

He was 22. However, I soon realized just

14

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

how cool it was and I became very proud of him.

Within just a few weeks, I ended up purchasing my current bike, which is a 2011 Harley-Davidson Road King. Of course, I have added a few touches to make it mine, as most riders do.

AM: What is your favorite place to ride?

SR: I reach my riding nirvana as soon as I hit the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (Route 13 N) heading towards the eastern shore. To the east, you have the Atlantic Ocean and to the west the Chesapeake Bay. Just the ships and history that have traversed this body of water brings me to a place where I feel in touch with the fabric of the 2nd District of Virginia.

There is also the engineering wonder of this structure that includes two mile-long tunnels… Once I reach the end of the bridge-tunnel and arrive at Fishermen’s Island, the rural environment takes over and allows me to disconnect.

When riding a motorcycle, the rider feels connected to the environment due to the sensory stimulation. This closeness makes me more aware of the history, farms and

Photo Courtesy U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell

RIGHTS

people in the district that I am privileged to be serving. I recommend this route to any rider due to the terrain being easy to navigate. The only challenging part of this ride would be taking in the sights because there is not an issue with grades or curves, but the beauty just takes you over.

AM: What are the biggest issues facing motorcyclists or offhighway vehicle (OHV) users today?

SR: We need riders to bring awareness to road conditions.

For obvious reasons, a motorcycle has specific dangers that a four-wheeled vehicle would navigate without issue. In our district, as an example, the highways have expansion cracks that in some portions measure close to 4 inches in width. The scary bit is that they run parallel in the middle of the lanes. I dread ever getting stuck in one of these as I ride.

Off-highway riders face the issue of lack of access to federal lands, but there is an even more acute issue. Just finding somewhere to ride has become problematic. Many riders, including those here in Virginia, face the issue of having to travel great distances in order to ride their machines. Encroachment laws, sound laws and the like all play a role in this issue and need to be addressed or soon there will no longer be areas to ride our OHVs. AM: Is there anything else you would like to add?

SR: Since I started street riding, I have noticed a unique aspect of motorcyclists.

Veterans are represented at a very high rate among this community and held in very high regard. The patriotism, generosity, and love of country are overwhelming to me. Groups such as the Patriot Guard Riders embody the spirit that Americans should show towards its veterans. I am looking forward to joining organized rides, especially in Washington, D.C., to show the nation how motorcycling and personal freedom go hand-in-hand.

PERFECT SOLUTION SOLUTION 2.0 WP

How do you choose the right riding boot when you have no idea what’s waiting down the road? The answer’s easy: Select the Solution 2.0 WP Road Boot from Tour Master. Built with all-day comfort in mind, the Solution is constructed of durable leather plus a waterproof and breathable HiPora®membrane—a combination that delivers weatherproof protection that’s ready to deliver 100 percent of the time.

And for use in warmer weather, select the vented and breathable Solution WP Air Road Boot for extra air flow.

Get the free mobile app for your smartphone at http://gettag.mobi to play Solution 2.0 WP Boot Video. Check out all our videos at youtube.com/helmethouse. For more information see your local dealer or visit tourmaster.com. Cortech and Tour Master are registered trademarks of Helmet House. ©Helmet House, Inc. 2012. Always maintain, inspect and wear protective motorcycle riding gear. No gear can offer complete protection from all situations. Obey all speed and safety laws. Riding and alcohol or other drugs don’t mix.

RIGHTS

AMENDMENT REVIVES RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM Motorcycle Safety Program Also Funded

As originally written, S. 1813 would have effectively ended the RTP by severing the program from its dedicated funding. But Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and several bipartisan cosponsors offered an amendment to S. 1813 to continue the RTP, which was approved by the full Senate.

On the House side, H.R. 7, the transportation bill titled the “American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012,” included $85 million a year through fiscal 2016 for the RTP and funding for state motorcycle safety programs.

After passing the House committees that shared jurisdiction of the subject matter in the bill, the House leadership is debating its options on what version of the transportation bill to consider.

Funds for the RTP come from the federal Highway Trust Fund and represent a portion of the federal motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use. In other words, taxes generated by the sale of fuel used for off-highway vehicle recreation—by snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, offhighway motorcycles and off-highway light trucks—fund the RTP. The RTP is an assistance program of the U.S. Transportation Department’s Federal Highway Administration.

TEXTING DRIVER GETS PRISON TIME IN DEATH OF MOTORCYCLIST But In Another State, Community Service Is Ordered

A California woman who was text messaging while driving has been sentenced to five years in prison in the death of a motorcyclist.

Sequoia Monay Jones, 23, of Sacramento, was sentenced March 12 after pleading no contest to charges of vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run.

On Oct. 24, Jones was driving a Volkswagen Beetle in Sacramento and text messaging when she sideswiped Robert Wilson’s motorcycle, knocking him off.

The 64-year-old Wilson was killed when another car ran over him.

The Jones case contrasts sharply with that of Andrew James Watkins, 25, of Mecklenburg County, N.C., who pleaded guilty last summer to killing a motorcyclist while driving and texting.

Watkins pleaded guilty to misdemeanor death by vehicle in an August 2010 crash that killed motorcyclist Joel Severson, 39. He was given a 60-day suspended jail term, ordered to perform 200 hours of community service and was fined $1,000 plus court costs.

“These are very tragic cases in which texting while driving caused needless deaths. Our condolences go out to the Wilson and Severson families,” says Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager.

“Distracted driving poses a deadly danger to motorcyclists, and it’s something that we are working on to try to reduce.”

Szauter has attended national summits on distracted driving, including a National Transportation Safety Board forum in Washington, D.C., that was held on March 27.

Don’t Waste Time!!

JUDGE REJECTS ANTI-ACCESS LAWSUIT Clears The Way For New Trails

Arkansas, Colorado, West VA Motorcycle Tour Books The Best Moto-Roads Good Stops Good Eats Good Sleeps

A federal judge has rejected efforts by three groups that wanted to block the creation of motorized trails in the Superior National Forest in Minnesota.

On April 12, the judge ruled against the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness and the Sierra Club.

The three groups had filed a lawsuit to stop the U.S. Forest Service from proceeding with a plan to create new motorized trails. Officials plan to create the motorized trails while, at the same time, closing some other motorized trails.

The three groups, which claimed forest officials failed to follow environmental and land-management laws, have 60 days to appeal the judge’s ruling.

On Boring Roads

RidersGuides.Com 501 318 5233

Photos RTP: Royce Wood

The U.S. Senate has approved a bill to extend the embattled Recreational Trails Program (RTP) that provides funding for trails, and the federal motorcyclist safety grant program, for nearly two more years.

“Motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders by the thousands spoke about the benefits of the Recreational Trails Program and the fact that it’s funded by off-highway vehicle users, and federal lawmakers listened,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.

“We want to thank all the AMA members and others who contacted their lawmakers asking them to preserve the RTP,” Allard says. “It was a hard-fought battle in the Senate, and we are going to keep a close watch on the legislation to try to ensure that the language remains in the bill when it goes to the House.”

On March 14, the full Senate approved S. 1813, “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century,” known as MAP-21.

This bill authorizes transportation funding through fiscal 2013, which ends Sept. 30, 2013, maintains the RTP and provides $6 million a year for funding state programs that focus on motorcyclist safety. The AMA has long promoted motorcycle rider education and motorist awareness programs to help prevent motorcycle crashes.

RIGHTS

A Wilderness designation is one of the strictest forms of public land management. Once Congress designates an area as Wilderness, nearly all forms of non-pedestrian recreation are prohibited, including OHV use.

In the letter to Vilsack, the seven organizations representing OHV interests ask questions concerning the planning and review process of the guide, the content of the initial guide, and whether there are plans to reissue the guide without the offending language.

MAKING YOUR LIFE EASIER

TOOLS

Posse 5pc Mini Textured T-handle Set W/deep Sockets $24.95

FEDERAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE TRAIL GUIDE UNDER FIRE Document Contains Derogatory Statements

A new U.S. Forest Service (USFS) guide to help land managers maintain off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails contains derogatory language, and OHV groups want to know why.

In a letter dated March 9, seven organizations are demanded answers from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, whose department oversees the USFS. The groups are the AMA, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association, the BlueRibbon Coalition, the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition, the Colorado Snowmobile Association, Trails Preservation Alliance, and the Utah Shared Access Alliance.

“The intent of the guidebook is laudable: to help OHV trail managers develop sustainable trails and protect the environment surrounding the trails,” says Wayne Allard, a former U.S. senator and U.S. representative from Colorado who is now the AMA vice president for government relations.

“But the document includes statements and innuendo that reflect an anti-OHV bias, and cites as a source for information an anti-OHV group,” Allard says. “This type of government guide should be factbased and neutral. It shouldn’t include inflammatory, biased language and the recommendations of a group known to oppose OHVs.” The 318-page guide, “A Comprehensive Framework for Off-Highway Vehicle Trail Maintenance,” was released in January in book form and was posted on the USFS website. But the document was quickly

pulled off the website, apparently following protests from the OHV community about offensive language.

Among other things, the document states: “This framework was developed to help trail managers corral the OHV management dragon. The author hopes it has provided some insight into the nature of OHV trails, and some tools to help keep the beast at bay. Happy herding and happy trails!”

The guide also indicated that OHVs cause weather problems by claiming that OHV use causes an “increase in frequency and intensity of weather events.” The guide also acknowledges gathering information from the Wildlands CPR, which is an anti-OHV group.

On its website, Wildlands CPR claims that “off-road vehicles can go nearly anywhere, killing and harassing wildlife and destroying vegetation,” and that “as a result of our on-going efforts, so far (with 47 decisions still to come), the Forest Service has removed 7,890 miles of roads and motorized trails from the designated travel system, and refused to designate 28,679 miles of user-created routes.”

In addition, the government document admits to citing a Wildlands CPR proposal that no routes or trails should be allowed in “citizen or agency proposed wilderness... and other lands with wilderness character.”

“This management practice usurps congressional authority in the process to designate Wilderness,” Allard says. “Only Congress can designate Wilderness.”

TRANSPORTING Posse Chrome Removable Wheel Chock $39.95

SHOP

Posse Aluminum Bike Stand Colors: Black, Blue, Orange, Silver and Red $49.95

TRAILERS

HARDPARTS Outlaw Racing Billet Brake Pedal w/Folding Tip Colors: Blue, Green, Orange and Red $99.95

Can’t find our products at your local dealer?

Go to www.pitposse.com for dealer locator or call

1-866-44POSSE!

12PitPosse_Ad2_AMAmag.indd 1

4/18/12 8:24:12 PM

RIGHTS

YOUR BIKE DESERVES QUALITY

RESEARCH SHOWS HOW TO BE A SAFER RIDER

951.756.1030

DUAL SPORT & ADVENTURE BIKE COMFORT SEATS Use Coupon code: AMA2012 for free shipping.

www.seatconcepts.com 2.25” x 2”

A comprehensive motorcycle crash causation study is under way at the Oklahoma Transportation Center, an independent research facility at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla.

Once this research is completed, which is expected to be next year, motorcyclists should gain new insights into how to be safer riders, much like riders did after the 1981 release of the “Hurt Report,” the last major motorcycle crash causation study.

The report was nicknamed after the late Professor Hugh H. “Harry” Hurt—a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame—who served as the lead researcher.

The report’s official title is “Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures Volume I: Technical Report.”

The Hurt Report provided a wealth of data that has been used to develop training and strategies to help keep riders safer on the road. In the decades since, the traffic environment has changed enormously, prompting the AMA to begin campaigning for a new study several years ago, which led to the Oklahoma research.

Here are several safety tips gleaned from the “Hurt Report” as well as other motorcycle-related research.

1. Watch Out at Intersections. The most common motorcycle accident involves a car making a left turn in front of an approaching motorcycle at an intersection because the car driver didn’t see the motorcycle. Slow down, be prepared to brake or swerve, and wear bright clothing to increase your chance of being seen.

2. How to Avoid Crashes. Don’t drink and ride, don’t speed, and be extra careful

on rural roads. Crash statistics show that impaired riding is a major problem. So is speeding, especially among riders under 30. And more and more, crashes are happening on rural roads.

3. Get Training. Riders who have gone through a motorcycle safety-training course are less involved in crashes than those who haven’t had training, and are less injured when they do crash because they have better collision-avoidance skills.

To find a safety training program near you, go to www.MSF-USA.org.

4. Be Licensed. Properly licensed riders are less likely to crash because of their attitude. Riders who take motorcycling seriously, ride legally, ride sober and try to continuously improve their riding skills are more likely to have long riding careers.

5. Gear Up. Wear good protective gear.

The legs are most at risk in motorcycle crashes, yet riders are least likely to protect their legs with protective clothing.

Good gear may reduce cuts, abrasions, exhaust pipe burns, friction burns and serious injury to skin and muscle.

6. Brake or Swerve? To avoid an obstacle, judge the traffic around you. If you have a car following you closely you probably shouldn’t brake. If a swerve will put you into oncoming traffic you probably shouldn’t swerve. Generally, at speeds below 30 mph, it’s better to swerve.

7. Stopping Quickly. Practice. The quickest stops in a straight line are made by following this sequence: 1) Close the throttle and apply the rear brake; 2) apply appropriate pressure to the front brake and pull in the clutch; 3) adjust the front and rear brake pressures until you stop. A good rider can complete steps 1 and 2 in two-tenths of a second.

Photo Jeff Kardas

7 Safe Riding Tips

ay l tod Cal details for

STATEWAT C H ALABAMA House Bill 487, sponsored by Rep. Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn), would authorize the director of public safety to suspend the license of a driver without a preliminary hearing if the licensee committed a right-ofway violation that resulted in serious bodily injury or death to another road user at an intersection with a stop or yield sign.

CALIFORNIA The U.S. Forest Service may close 42 off-highway-vehicle routes in the Eldorado National Forest while the agency completes an environmental analysis. The potential travel prohibitions are the result of a February 2012 court order by U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Karlton. The order said the Forest Service failed to comply with the National Forest Management Act in 2008 when it designated “open for public motor vehicle use” portions of 42 routes that cross meadows. Karlton ordered the Forest Service to reconsider the decision and “set aside” the decision that designated these segments as “open.”

ILLINOIS House Bill 930, sponsored by Rep. Dan Beiser (D-Alton), would prohibit any law

RIGHTS

enforcement agency of the state or a political subdivision of the state from accepting federal funding for the establishment of motorcycle-only checkpoints.

Meanwhile, Alton Police Chief David Hayes says his officers will be more aggressive in writing tickets for motorcycles generating excessive sound this riding season. He says he has received a lot of sound complaints, particularly along East Broadway and Washington Avenue to the city limits. His department issued 27 citations for loud motorcycle pipes last year.

rider safety course or had a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years, and must carry an additional $20,000 or more in medical insurance.

LOUISIANA

TENNESSEE

House Bill 902, also known as the “2012 Pickholtz Act,” which is sponsored by Rep. Frank Hoffmann (R-West Monroe), and Senate Bill 168, offered by Sen. Gary Smith (D-Norco),would establish increased penalties for those convicted of, or pleading guilty to, certain right-of-way violations that result in injury or death to other roadway users.

House Bill 2483, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Haynes (R-Knoxville), and Senate Bill 2458, sponsored by Sen. Becky Duncan Massey (R-Knoxville), would authorize a Rolling Thunder new specialty license plate for motor vehicles. The plate would be designed in consultation with the leadership of the Tennessee chapters of Rolling Thunder and display an appropriate logo or design representative of the organization.

Funds produced from the sale of the plates would be allocated to Rolling Thunder’s Tennessee chapters for the exclusive use of publicizing Prisoner of War-Missing In Action (POW-MIA) issues.

MICHIGAN Motorcyclists can now ride without helmets under a bill signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder on April 12. The rider must be at least 21, have passed a motorcycle

MISSOURI Senate Bill 897, sponsored by Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia), would prohibit any law enforcement agency from establishing a roadside checkpoint or roadblock pattern based upon a particular vehicle type, including the establishment of motorcycleonly checkpoints.

DISPATCH FROM PIKES PEAK From The Snow To The Salt By Hans Schulz

I am an AMA member and a sidecar racer. It has been my pleasure to experience competition in America—from one of this country’s steepest peaks to one of its flattest surfaces.

My American race journey began last year at the historic Pikes Peak. My arrival on Monday of race week was scary. When I asked which mountain Pikes Peak was, people pointed straight up in the air and said “see that mountaintop in the clouds with snow on it? That is Pikes Peak.”

It looked impossible to drive up, let alone race up on my motorcycle. I could not sleep all night thinking what possessed me to do this. After all, I’m afraid of heights. What would I tell my friends if I couldn’t go through with this after accepting an invitation? To gather my nerve, the next morning, my “monkey” (sidecar passenger) and I drove up the mountain to make sure we could do it.

I decided we could, and we did. It was an unforgettable experience.

With my home-built sidecar—which my passenger and I weren’t sure would make the first turn—we were able to raise

20

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

the wheel and drift through the corners. It was just amazing! By Thursday’s practice day, coming back down the mountain, I realized the significance of this race and I appreciated what we were able to accomplish.

Putting my homebuilt ZX7/GSX-R600 sidecar against two 1,000cc machines, I knew I had no chance to win, but we gave them hell and the fans loved us. Next year? We’ll be on a Hayabusa-powered sidecar. It’s all experimental, but I know one thing for sure: It will have more power than we’ll need.

The next stop was the Bonneville Salt Flats for the 2011 BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials. When I arrived, I found out that my friends from Norway had broken the record I was chasing with their Formula 1 Racing Sidecar. It was somewhat by happenstance, because they actually came to the salt thinking they had a 750cc engine, but tech revealed they actually had a 600cc motorcycle. So, with this new record set, I had my work cut out for me.

Going through tech, I ended up with a long list of stuff to do before they would

let me go out. Some of the things seemed to be impossible, but with the help of my fellow competitors with parts and advice, I made it.

My first run was pretty good and by the next day at noon, I had broken the Norwegian’s record by 1 second on my out-run. I was so pumped up and excited!

However, I would need to complete another run in the other direction to set a new record. When I got to the other end, the wind started to come up, blowing from the left and almost head-on.

The Norwegians did their return run with a backwind. Not wanting to be at a disadvantage, I chose to wait it out. I waited, but unfortunately, the wind got so strong that they had to shut down the track for the day, and there went my chance to break the record.

The next day, the record was not to be mine, either. We struggled with getting our weight right (lighter is not always better on the salt) and with running out of time during our runs.

Despite coming up short, I have tasted success, and the learning experience was enormous. This year, I will be back, hoping to set a new record.

Hans Schulz is an AMA member from Hayward, Calif.

Photo Mathew James Photo

RIDING

SAVING PEOPLE MONEY

on more than just car insurance.

SM

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

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Boat and PWC coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2012 GEICO

FMF’s Don Emler

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

LESS SOUND MEANS MORE GROUND

FMF Joins Husqvarna To Support National Dual-Sport Series Need a new silencer? Have we got a series for you. With FMF signed on as the presenting sponsor for the 2012 AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series, presented by FMF, riders in the series will have a shot at winning a new exhuast.

“With its Q Stealth and Q4 quiet off-road exhausts, FMF has long been a responsible corporate citizen of the motorcycling community,” says AMA Director of Operations Jack Penton.

“We’re excited that FMF is on board with the country’s leading series of organized off-road motorcycle recreational rides.”

FMF has provided industry-leading exhausts for more than 39 years. With products for two- and four-stroke platforms, full-sized bikes, minibikes, allterrain vehicles and more, the company has a full lineup of both performanceenhancing and quiet pipes.

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE REMINDER Check Your Card

www.husqvarna-motorcyclesna.com

One of the most popular benefits of AMA membership is AMA Roadside Assistance. AMA Roadside Assistance covers you and your family members in case of a mechanical breakdown on the road, whether you are riding your motorcycle, driving your car or towing your trailer.

Three-year and auto-renewing members receive this valuable benefit at no additional cost.

However, to take advantage of this benefit, you must call the number on your

“A driving force at our company is the love of riding,” says FMF founder Don Emler. “We ride every chance we get, and that fuels our passion to build the best products possible. Our goal is to help our customers get the most out of their riding experience, and to that end we’re pleased to support the AMA and the 2012 AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series, presented

by FMF. Dual-sport riding is some of the most fun you can have on two wheels.

We’re happy to be a part of this series, and I’m personally looking forward to throwing my leg over my motorcycle and experiencing these great rides myself.”

For more about the AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series, presented

by FMF, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Riding > Husqvarna Dual Sport or Facebook.com/AMADualSport. current AMA membership card. If you use an expired card, you may be calling the wrong number and your service could be delayed.

Pretty simple, right?

If you have any questions about whether you have your most current card, just give us a call at (800) 262-5646 or email us at membership@ama-cycle.org, and we’ll help you out.

MEMBE R T E S T E D

Want to be an AMA tester?

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

RIDING

AMA MEMBER TESTED

Barnett “Stealth Series” Clutch Cable

Photos FMF: FMF Photo Files; Member Tested: Rich Haggan

Applications: 1987 and later style HarleyDavidson cables Color: Black on black Price: Throttle/idle, $46.50; Throttle/idle/ cruise, $62; clutch, $68 Info: www.barnettclutches.com Barnett has filled a niche market with a nicely crafted aftermarket cable for both American and metric cruisers (and most any motorcycle with clutch and throttle cables). Their cable assemblies are nicely constructed and the finish is top notch.

I recently tested a Stealth Series clutch cable on my 2010 Harley-Davidson FLTRX. Aesthetically, it fit in nicely with the blackedout look that I am working on. Unlike the stock piece, there’s no exposed aluminum; the cable is all powder-coated black. Barnett also offers other colors and materials: traditional black, stainless steel with clear coat, and their platinum series. Fitment was a breeze. The cable was easy to install and fit perfectly in place of the stock unit.

The inner cable element is referred to as high-efficiency, meaning it takes less effort to pull and has more durability than stock components. To help with operation, the cable also came with its own lubrication packet.

The adjuster is a bit different than stock, but the design works very well. The stock Harley-Davidson part is high quality, but it may be over-engineered for some tastes; it’s heavy duty and could probably actuate the clutch in a bulldozer!

In short, the Barnett cable looks good, installed easily and appears to require less effort to disengage the clutch. And as with all Barnett accessories, it is proudly made in the USA. — Rich Haggan, Navarre, Fla.

OTELS MAKE CHOICE H ROAD TRIP. PART OF YOUR ®

Wherever the road takes you, Choice Sports Travel makes getting there easy. With more than 6,100 hotels in 35 countries, and great amenities* like FREE breakfast or FREE Internet, staying with Choice Hotels is the right move.

Save 15% when you use Special Rate ID: 00947556

*Amenities vary by location. ©2012 Choice Hotels International, Inc. 12-175/03/12

Go to choicesportstravel.com or call 877.249.AWAY (2929)

Check Out the All-New AMA CLASSIFIEDS! YOUR ONLINE MARKETPLACE FOR MOTORCYCLES, POWERSPORTS & MORE.

• FREE basic ad posting • AMA Member badge on ads • $50 ad upgrade credit • 1000’s of listings

BUY. SELL. TRADE. BROWSE.

powered by

June 2012

23

MAD Maps’ Jenny Lefferts

‘RIDE WELL’ IN CARSON CITY Women’s Conference Seminar Lineup Debuts

Seminars Include Get involved: How You Can Protect Your Rights To Ride And Race.

Hosted by Jessica Irving, AMA grassroots coordinator, and 2011 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year Nancy Sabater.

Women In The Business Of Motorcycling. Hosted by MAD Maps’ Jenny Lefferts.

The Best of Motorcycling Tips, Tricks and Techniques. Hosted

by Diane Ortiz, president of the Big Apple Motorcycle School.

The History of Women in Motorcycling, and Women of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Hosted by author and Hall of Fame member Cris Sommer-Simmons.

How to Pack & Eat Healthy for the On-the-Road Motorcyclist. Hosted by health and fitness consultant Debbie Voss.

The Power of PINK: Aligning Power, Integrity, Negotiation & Knowledge. Hosted by personal growth and performance consultant Eldonna Fernandez.

Photo Brad Wenner

Hundreds of women motorcyclists will come together July 26-29 in Carson City, Nev., for one of the year’s most inspirational motorcycling events, the 2012 AMA International Women and Motorcycling Conference.

In keeping with the theme of this year’s conference—”Ride Well”—seminar topics will promote safety, health, awareness and preparation.

“We are thrilled to announce the first part of our exciting seminar lineup,” says AMA Marketing Manager Tigra Tsujikawa.

“Seminars are always one of the most popular activities at the AMA International Woman & Motorcycling Conference, and the women conducting these seminars all have a true passion for sharing their expertise.”

In addition to the seminar lineup, the 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference will also feature a health fair, where women can get a variety of health screenings such as mammograms and cholesterol and blood pressure checks. Conference participants will also have the opportunity to donate blood.

“Riding well means many things to women motorcyclists,” says Tsujikawa.

“In a broader, more philosophical sense, it is also a call-to-action to be supportive members of our riding community.”

See WomenAndMotorcycling.com to register, which includes entry to seminars, the marketplace and moto action center, the Saturday Women’s Health Fair, priority registration for manufacturer demo rides, the Friday night cookout and Saturday night celebration banquet, as well as a conference t-shirt and gift bag.

Carson City , NV Enjoy great roads, great friends and great experiences, not to mention the camaraderie that you can only find in the presence of so many like-minded women motorcyclists. Join us in Carson City, Nev., for the country’s premier gathering expressly for female riders.

Expect demo rides, seminars, parties and more at the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SIGN UP TODAY!

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

RIDING

AMA FLASH TOURS Ride To Win Cool Stuff!

No time to commit to a full-on AMA Grand Tour? Get out and ride the AMA Flash Tours!

AMA Flash Tours challenge you to get on the road to interesting destinations—many off the beaten path—and document the challenge for others.

To participate, just email your photos that correspond to the active Flash Tour publicized on the AMA’s website and Facebook. We’ll add your photo to our AMA Flash Tours photo gallery on Facebook, and at the end of each Flash Tour, we’ll select a winner at random from among the valid entries. (Prizes vary. See the website for details.)

For more info and the current theme, see AmericanMotorcyclist. com > Events > AMA Flash Tours or Facebook.com/ AmericanMotorcyclist.

RIDING AND WINNING

AMA Member Wins A New Yamaha Super Ténéré

Jim and Shelly Holtman won the prize for the first AMA Flash Tour of 2012—a prize pack from the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame—with this shot in front of the Classic Diner in Jacksonville, Ill.

th

CELEBRATION

Join the Party

June 5* - 9

Lake George NY

ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO On the Road, Off the Bike & Around the Region

Check out the Factory Demo bikes you love to ride!

Above motorcycle manufacturers participated in the 2011 event

Save $$ Register before May 1 Special June 4* events for Pre-registrants

www.americade.com 518-798-7888

Roy Craft of Cocoa, Fla., had a Bike Week to remember in March. The AMA Life Member took delivery of Yamaha’s new 2012 Super Ténéré, which he won for riding in the 2011 AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series, courtesy of series sponsor Yamaha.

The Yamaha Super Ténéré was the grand prize in the annual drawing to reward participants in the series.

“It’s difficult to put on these events, and it takes volunteers and support, and if it wasn’t for the AMA clubs and Yamaha supporting adventure riding the way they do, these opportunities wouldn’t exist,” Craft says.

David Docktor, Motorcycle Marketing Manager of Yamaha’s Motorsports Group, said he’s pleased to see the grand prize go to such an enthusiastic and dedicated adventure rider.

“Adventure riders embody some of motorcycling’s best elements—from exploring the unknown to pushing your limits—and we’re sure Roy will put his new Super Ténéré to the test,” Docktor says. “For everyone else, we plan to have a Super Ténéré at many AMA ride events, so make sure you come out and see this class-leading motorcycle first-hand.”

Craft says adventure riding strikes all the right chords.

“I became [an AMA] member back in the mid-1970s to race motocross in places like Lake Sugar Tree,” says Craft. “Although I’ve moved away from competition, I still enjoy the camaraderie that you can find at organized rides, and you can find it at these adventure rides.”

See AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Riding > Yamaha Adventure Riding for the 2012 schedule, latest updates and more information about the Super Ténéré.

RIDING

ONLINE COMMUNITIES SUPPORT THE AMA Bay Area Riders Forum Signs On As First AMA O/MC The Bay Area Riders Forum (BARF) is the AMA’s first official “AMA O/MC,” or Online Motorcycle Community.

The recognition comes on the heels of the group’s 10th anniversary as the San Francisco area’s go-to internet gathering spot, and BARF members have established a contribution fund in the group’s name at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

You can find BARF online at http:// bayarearidersforum.com/forums/ Bud Kobza (aka “Budman”), BARF’s CEO, says he’s glad to support the AMA for all the work it does on behalf of motorcycling.

“I originally joined the AMA to race in

the early ’80s and enjoyed the heck out of those days,” Kobza says. “However, I soon learned that the AMA is so much more than racing, and the good work it does to help protect our right to ride, our places to ride and the opportunity to ride for future generations became so important to me.”

As an AMA O/MC, BARF enjoys special branding on its site unique to members of this new program, and enjoys knowing its members are taking the extra step to help protect the future of motorcycling.

For more on how your website or web forum can become an AMA-recognized O/MC, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/ ClubsAndPromoters/OMC.aspx.

FLY YOUR COLORS WITH AMA AFFINITY CARDS KTM, Kawasaki Cards Available

If you bleed orange or see green, you now have a unique opportunity to proclaim that brand affiliation on your AMA card itself.

The KTM and Kawasaki affinity programs include themed AMA cards for fans of either manufacturer. The specialized cards are available to a rider of any model year bike from each manufacturer.

To get either card, which will replace your standard-issue AMA card, simply request it when you sign up for the affinity programs by calling the AMA at (800) 262-5646.

Choose your Card design...

Select from designs that reflect your style.

...then seleCt your produCt online Go online for these additional product options. Select the one that fits your needs.

rewards Visa® Card For those who want to earn great rewards on everyday purchases.

low intro rate Visa® Card Save on balance transfers and everyday purchases.

Apply online at www.AMAVisa.com

Credit building Visa® Card For those who are new to credit or want to rebuild their credit.

RACING 4 QUESTIONS WITH… Supercross Racer Justin Brayton By Jim Kimball Originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa, Justin Brayton began his professional racing career within the tight confines of AMA Arenacross, marking his pursuit with hard work and dedication. Eventually moving into AMA Pro motocross and Supercross, the 28-year-old gradually climbed through the ranks to podium finishes and as a member of one of the most-respected teams in the paddock: Muscle Milk Honda.

American Motorcyclist: Justin, how about your recent podiums in the premier class, starting with St. Louis?

Justin Brayton: It was really awesome to achieve our goal of getting on the podium. That’s what we wanted at the beginning of the series, but, unfortunately, we just fell short. To get on the podium after my leg injury at the San Diego round was a big relief. I was happy to get things going, and then to get some momentum on my side for the remaining rounds.

AM: You earned second in your heat

race and a fourth in the main at the series opener in Anaheim. How did you adapt to your new team so quickly?

JB: Getting results is what we all work for. So, to get that good of a finish at the first race was quite encouraging.

In the off-season we worked on a lot of different things to gain speed, and at that first race I was right there with [the front runners]. I just had a couple small tipovers, and some bad starts.

I got some momentum rolling, and at San Diego I felt very strong. However, during practice I had a crash, and broke my fibula, and have been riding with that injury ever since. It’s not a really bad break, just a minor fracture. So, yeah, it was good to get that podium in St. Louis.

AM: Some bench themselves when they have injuries. Why haven’t you?

JB: I am racing because this is what I do. The fibula is a non-weight bearing bone, so it’s not super painful to walk on, but can be painful when I’m on the bike.

But as I said, racing is what I do.

I also set some long-term goals for the season, and sitting at home doesn’t get any of those done. I want to meet my goals, and while it’s definitely painful at times, it is not unbearable. Racing with [the type of] injuries I have won’t make things worse, so if it is at all possible I’ll be racing. And as it’s worked out, I have had some pretty good results riding injured.

AM: What are your thoughts on the rest of the year, especially outdoors?

JB: I’m really looking forward to motocross. The bike is truly going to be unbelievable outdoors, just as it is in Supercross. I don’t want to say that motocross fits my style more, but I do think that it fits that hard-working, inshape approach that I believe I have. I work on my fitness a great deal, and I take it very seriously.

It would be awesome to take some wins outdoors, but for now I am still focused on Supercross. I’d love to win one of these before the series ends. I definitely want to spray some champagne, and thank the guys who have helped me out.

RACING

RACE ON THE SPRINGFIELD MILE!

Photos Brayton: Jeff Kardas; Dirt Track: Dewanna Comer

Pre-Entry Available For AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships The fastest amateur dirt-track racers on the planet will descend on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill., May 29June 1, for the 2012 AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships.

Registration forms, a daily schedule, applications for the AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award and Fast Brain Award, and a full class list are available on the event promoter’s website at SteveNaceRacing. com.

This year, for the first time, the event will feature a women’s class, which will award national championships in each discipline as well as an overall grand championship. The class will be open to female competitors 12 and older who are racing 250cc-open singles.

“The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships have a long and rich history of featuring amazingly talented female racers in age- and displacementbased classes, but this is the first time we’ve included a dedicated women’s

class,” says AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley.

“The addition of this class came at the request of a number of female racers and their families, and we’re excited to offer it at this year’s Grand Championships.”

This year, the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships immediately follow the third and fourth rounds of the AMA Pro Flat Track, which will feature TT competition as well as mile racing on the legendary Springfield Mile on Memorial Day weekend.

“With the pro race immediately preceding this year’s amateur championship, we’re looking forward to having several pro racers on location

to support the Grand Championships,” Bromley says.

The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships crown amateur and youth champions in individual dirt-track disciplines, including half-mile, TT and short-track events. Amateur racers also compete in mile events. In addition, AMA Grand Championships are awarded to the riders in each class who have the highest point totals across all disciplines.

The fastest riders also compete for the AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award, which recognizes an amateur racer poised for success on the pro level.

For more information about dirt-track competition, see the Racing section of AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

The 2012 Yamaha AMA National Adventure Riding Series.

Presenting the 2012 AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré® National Adventure Riding Series. Sixteen weekend events throughout the U.S., open to riders of all brands, offering the best routes, roads and two-track trails that let you push your hunger for adventure to the limit. Plus lots of other fun activities like camping, bon fires, food, prizes and more. Yamaha Super Ténéré riders receive 25% off their entry fees*. And all riders earn a chance to win a new 2012 Super Ténéré just for participating. So log on. Then, Get Out and Ride™.

To learn more visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com/riding/dirt/eventsandseries/nationaladventureride *Excluding Fairbanks AK ride.

Professional riders depicted on closed course. European spec model shown with available accessories. Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. ©2012 Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., Cypress, CA 90630.

2012 Super Ténéré

®

For your nearest dealer or Pro Yamaha dealer, and to learn more about the Super Ténéré, visit yamaha-motor.com

RYAN VILLOPOTO GETS TWO

Kawasaki Rider Clinches 2012 AMA Supercross Championship Poulsbo, Wash.’s Ryan Villopoto clinched his second AMA Supercross Class Championship at the Houston round of the AMA Supercross Championship Series.

Villopoto locked up the title early despite what started out as one of the more competitive seasons in years, with four winners in the first four rounds.

However, injuries to other top riders thinned the field, and by Houston, Villopoto stood alone.

“It’s huge,” said Villopoto after the race. “There is a lot of hard work that went into this, and I am only one piece

KURT CASELLI WINS IN IDAHO Takes Round Three of AMA Kenda National Hare & Hound

With temperatures in the 70s and a slight breeze to carry away the dust, desert racers were treated to perfect racing conditions at round three of the AMA Kenda National Hare & Hound Championship series in Murphy, Idaho.

For the third time this year, FMF/KTM’s Kurt Caselli led the first lap. Even getting

of the pie; the whole Monster Energy Kawasaki team has worked very hard all year to help me make this happen.”

Still, it has been a stellar year for Villopoto, who had wins at seven rounds before Houston, and added a ninth at New Orleans the following week. At press time, he was heading to his home race in Seattle before the final two rounds at Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, Nev. With three rounds to go, Davi Millsaps was second in points, 115 points behind Villopoto’s 321. Justin Brayton was in third, another 5 points back.

lost for more than a minute did not stop Caselli, who came down pit row in the lead and kept charging hard during the second loop of the 100-mile event to take the win.

Caselli also was first to catch the “hare” (a brave man dressed in a bunny suit on a dirtbike) and pocketed an extra $500 on top of his share of the pro purse.

JCR/Honda’s David Kamo had a great race behind Caselli. Kamo was held up by dust for most of the first loop, but after a speedy 2-second pit stop, he made a pass on THR Motorsports rider David Pearson and came down the main pit row in second.

Kamo and Pearson battled hard the second half of the race, with Kamo coming out on top.

Series info: NationalHare AndHound.com.

Photos Villopoto: Jeff Kardas; Caselli: Mark Kariya; Daytona: Brian J. Nelson

RACING DAYTONA TRACK WRAP

Bike Week Racers Make History Bike Week 2012 is in the history books, but not without several highlights that should keep fans talking until next year’s Daytona. u In the AMA Pro SuperSport race: Suzuki rider Elena Elena Myers Myers of Discovery Bay, Calif., became the first female to win a professional motorsports event at Daytona International Speedway.

Myers won a tight four-bike duel on the final lap.

Coming off of turn four, she held off Joey Pascarella Suzuki rider Corey Alexander and Yamaha rider Hayden Gillim by a margin of 0.240 seconds.

“I’d say this is my first legitimate win because I won last time on a red flag,” said Myers afterwards, who previously won an AMA Pro SuperSport event at Infineon Raceway in 2010. “That’s why we come out here and do what we do…to stand on top of the box.” u In the 71st running of the Daytona 200, Project One Yamaha’s Joey Pascarella of Vacaville, Calif., survived a four-bike scramble to take the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race win.

Pascarella, who led 41 of the 57 laps, held off 2011 Daytona 200 champion Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha’s Cameron Beaubier and Suzuki’s Martin Cardenas to win by a margin of 0.048 seconds. u In the AMA Pro SuperBike races, title favorites Josh Hayes and Blake Young opened the 2012 season with a welldeserved win apiece.

In Friday’s season-opening race, Hayes’ off-season work showed. He easily had the motor to break free of the draft, taking a lopsided win. The result was a promising sign for Hayes, who often dominated qualifying in 2011 only to be defeated by the Yoshimura Suzukis in the race.

Young wasn’t deterred by his 8.332-second loss, however, and made the necessary adjustments for Saturday’s contest to stay close and draft Hayes at the checkers, nipping him by a scant 0.002 seconds. u In the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Expert mains, Honda riders Johnny Lewis and Matt

Weidman put on a thrilling show, each taking a win at the opening two rounds.

Lewis struck first, leading every lap of the 25-lap, 18-rider main event on Thursday night for his first career victory at Daytona. Lewis held off Weidman at the checkered flag for a margin of victory of 0.696 seconds.

On the second night, last-lap drama between Lewis and Jared Mees gave Weidman the win. Mees led the first 24 laps of the 25-lap main event, but in the final lap, there was contact with Lewis.

The brush left Lewis on the ground and Mees was slowed long enough to let Weidman take the win by 0.114 seconds.

DAN’s AN origiNAl.

And so is his 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.

Josh Hayes

HALL OF FAME

1972 YAMAHA TR3 A Giant Killer At Daytona Bigger isn’t always better, even on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway.

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Don Emde proved that argument in 1972, winning America’s biggest motorcycle race, the Daytona 200, riding this 350cc two-stroke Yamaha TR3 against a field of bikes with engines as big as 750cc.

Emde’s Daytona 200 win was the first for a two-stroke, and it was

34

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

accomplished on the smallest bike ever to win the race. The victory was also Yamaha’s first in the 200, the first for a son of a Daytona 200 winner (Emde’s father, Floyd, won in 1948), and the first in Yamaha’s record streak of 13 consecutive Daytona wins.

For Emde, it also was the pinnacle of his roadracing career. An up-andcoming racer from Southern California, Emde earned a ride on the BSA team for

Photos Jeff Guciardo

1971. But despite good results, he was a victim of budget cuts after just one season.

For the ’72 season, Emde found support from Team Motorcycle Weekly and Yamaha dealer Mel Dinesen.

Dinesen had backed Emde before the BSA ride, and owned the TR3.

The bike, a production model, was fairly close to stock for a racebike. It had an extended swingarm, an aftermarket

seat, a more aerodynamic fairing, Koni shocks and some porting work.

Emde says that despite having little time to shake down the bike, he had high expectations.

“I actually was very confident—maybe in a naive way,” Emde says. “I expected to be competitive with the 750cc Kawasakis and Suzukis, which were having early season reliability problems.”

And that’s exactly what happened.

With attrition hitting the race’s early frontrunners—future Hall of Famers Kel Carruthers crashed and Kenny Roberts got a flat tire—Emde kept a steady pace, moving into the lead for good with five laps to go.

You can see this piece of pre-mixburning history, donated by Paul Kelsay, at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio.

More info: MotorcycleMuseum.org.

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

June 2012

35

HALL OF FAME Hall of Famer

BILL BAIRD The first AMA Grand National Enduro Champion Hall of Famer Bill Baird, a leading AMA National Enduro rider in the mid-1950s to the late 1960s, won seven consecutive national championships.

In addition to being a top competitor, Baird was also a key figure in the AMA, serving on the Board of Trustees for 21 years and being one of the driving forces behind the formation of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame through his activities for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises funds for the Hall of Fame.

Baird was born near Mt. Vernon, Ill., on May 5, 1929. His family moved to the northern Illinois community of Sterling when he was a teenager. Unlike many successful racers, Baird really didn’t take up motorcycling at an early age.

He bought his first bike, a Triumph Tiger, when he was 19. He rode on the street, but really didn’t do much in the way of offroad riding in the early years.

By the mid-’50s, Baird began to ride in local enduro events in northern Illinois. In

oto ur ph o y

t e G AMA in the cle Hall cy Motor ame for F

of

1955, he entered Michigan’s famous Jack Pine Enduro for the first time.

By 1956, Baird was getting more serious about his racing. He began winning on the local level, gaining a lot of experience.

In 1962, Baird competed in the newly formed AMA Grand National Enduro Championship on a new 500cc Triumph Trophy. He edged out Michigan rider Bert Wieland by four points to win the first championship series.

Baird defended his national enduro title in 1963, and again for the next several years, battling his way to seven straight national titles through 1968.

He brought his National win total to 14 after his final championship year. He then raced at a few nationals in 1969 before retiring from the series.

Bill Baird was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

To read more about members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, go to MotorcycleMuseum.org.

HANG

with the

! $20

LEGENDS

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR hall of fame—we couldnʼt exist without the generous support of our sponsors. Now thereʼs a new way for you to show that support in a very visible way: My Hall of Fame. The idea is simple: $20 gets you a 3-inch-square space on the wall in the Hall of Fame entrance foyer that hangs for one year.

Want a bigger space? A 6-inch square is an $80 donation, and a 9-inch square is a $180 donation. You also get an official certificate noting that your picture is on display in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

9” 6”

Hang your picture, your kidʼs picture, your company logo, almost anything. Itʼs up to you! Get in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame today!

MotorcycleMuseum.org/MyHallofFame

3”

3”

6”

9”

1 square $20

4 squares $80

9 squares $180

d s o M & Ro ck er s d Come to VMD an

e help us celebrat

scooterd n a e ik b it r b onderful 60s England 19 o t k c a those crazy-w b n e k r ho ha crazed riders w hio

Days at Mid-O 2012 le c cy r o ot M e g Ride to AMA Vintase in Lexington, Ohio, July 20-22, Sports Car Cour

New for 2012: AMA Members Save Money On Advance Tickets!

Save $5 off a one-day pass!

Save $10 off a Weekend pass!

Special price only available to AMA members, and only through May 28. Call the AMA directly for the good-guy rate! (800) AMA-JOIN!

Act today and start making plans!

This is a square deal! There are NO shipping Fees or “convenience” fees applied!

3-Day Admission: STANDARD - $55 Advance - $45 AMA Member advance - $35

Single-Day Admission: STANDARD - $35 Advance - $25 AMA Member Advance - $20 Camping Fees and GolF Cart Rentals: Tent Camping: STANDARD - $45 Advance - $35 RV Camping: STANDARD - $70 Advance - $60 Cart Rental: Advance - $100

BRING T H

Kids un E KIDS! der 12

get in F paying REE adu

with a

lt!

Swap Meet | Road Racing | Seminars | Motocross Vintage Displays | Scrambles | Bike Shows | Trials | And More!

And… A classic field meet on the infield!

Enjoy all those great field meet games that test your skills and get the laughs! Ride the plank, bite the weenie, slow race! Have fun, win prizes!

Special AMA member pricing only available by calling the AMA directly: (800) AMA-JOIN.

Learn more on the World Wide Web: AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com

A

MA members come from many riding backgrounds, but we all crave the sense of freedom motorcycle riding gives us. How we express our moto-independence doesn’t matter—it might be 10 minutes on a backroad detour or 10 days across an Interstate highway—but we express it nonetheless.

The goal may not be to circumnavigate the globe, cross the continent or even test your skills on the most challenging local twisties. It’s to find some gem of riding bliss that provides your fix until the next ride.

Here are five very different rides—some challenging and some simple—that do just that. Ridden by five different AMA members from five different parts of the country, each route took them on a different journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels.

AMA Members Find Freedom On The Road

Motorcycling America

DISCOVERING THE SOUTHWEST

South To El Paso And Up To The White Sands

By Lee De Leonard I am a Jersey boy, born and raised.

After many years on the East Coast with a friend, physicist and great photographer telling and showing me how great New Mexico was, I decided to relocate.

My first impression? If the aliens did land in Roswell, it most likely was because of the weather, which is conducive to do many things—one of which is year-round motorcycle riding.

The views are amazing, and you can see for miles and ride for miles on some of the most scenic roads in the country.

Whether you want to ride through the

38

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

desert or into the mountains, it’s here.

The traffic is minimal to none, freeing you to set your cruise control and ride endlessly.

A recent ride took me through the Guadalupe Mountain National Park to El Paso, Texas, back north to Las Cruces, N.M., and the Whites Sand National Park, then to Cloudcroft, N.M., before trekking back through the desert to Roswell. The sun was shining and the temperatures were perfect. All I had to do was soak in the scenery.

A highlight for me was the White Sands. It was like riding down to the Jersey shore minus the ocean and the bumper-to-bumper traffic. Then, after going straight for miles across the desert, the elevation rises into the mountains, the temperature drops and you enjoy the numerous twisties. At times you can see elk, deer or antelope grazing in grassy fields mixed in with cattle.

Once in El Paso, I’m slightly reminded of riding back East, with more traffic and the view over the Rio Grande River, which is more like a brook in some sections.

The rest of this route is absolutely breathtaking and perfectly relaxing. The mood appears to be contagious, as others on the road seem more at ease and less high-strung.

Thanks to the advice of a friend—who I hope is not disappointed that I’ve revealed his secret—I’ve discovered a new frontier where, for me, the riding is fresh, new and different, with a pace and landscape that leaves me in awe. But what is important is what is the same— the freedom on two wheels that follows us wherever we ride, from Roswell to Hoboken and back again.

Lee De Leonard is an AMA member from Roswell, N.M.

REDWOODS AND COAST LINES

Photos Lee De Leonard: Tyler Green; Bryan Knysh: James Thomas Long

From California To Canada, Experience The Best Of The Northwest

By Bryan Knysh I recently had the opportunity to do my first cross-country ride across the United States and parts of Canada, and one of my favorite sections of that ride was up the west coast of California, through Oregon and Washington state.

In addition to providing some beautifully diverse scenery, the trip taught me a valuable lesson: Take time and enjoy the journey, balancing route choices with the need to stay on schedule.

This ride begins on Highway 280 through Silicon Valley to San Francisco. It is typical rush-hour traffic. Once through San Francisco, I stop at the scenic overlook on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge. I have a nice perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay through the fog—a great view and worth the stop.

From San Francisco, I continue up Highway 1. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a beautiful ride. Much of it hugs the coast, winding along with slow, tight turns. Just north of San Francisco, the PCH takes you through the Point Reyes National Seashore with everything from rocky headlands and forested ridges to sandy beaches.

I stop for lunch at a clam chowder and oyster bar in Marshall, Calif. The lunch tables sit on a dock lining Tomales Bay, giving me a great view of the bay and the sailboats floating in the water. The picturesque setting sure beats a seat at even the finest restaurant, and the clam chowder is really good, too.

Riding along the PCH takes me through many small coastal towns such as Stinson Beach, Bodega Bay and Mendocino. It’s an interesting mix of beach towns, parks and other tourist attractions, sprinkled with local folks trying to find solitude along the ocean.

That relative isolation is one of the best parts of the PCH. There aren’t many ways to get onto the highway, so traffic is light, with few tourists. On the down side, if it’s foggy and cold, you don’t have too many places to run. There are few roads exiting the highway, taking you inland to warmer weather. Dress for unexpected cold.

Highway 1 eventually leads inland

north of Fort Bragg and reconnects with Highway 101. I spend the night in Garberville, Calif.

Garberville is on the southern end of the “Avenue of Giants” running through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Thousand-year-old Redwoods stretch 200 to 300 feet into the air. I stop at the State Park Information Center and walk some wetland trails. A side trip on the Prairie Creek Scenic Parkway is suggested. I come across a herd of elk along the side of the road, and a little further up the parkway, I ride through some of the largest redwood trees in the world. It is definitely worth the detour.

Once in Oregon, I head inland on Highway 199. The first section takes me through another giant redwood forest.

The highway then starts to wind its way along the Rogue River. It’s very scenic, and very fun if winding roads are your thing. Highway 199 eventually runs into Highway 5 at Grants Pass, Ore. Short on time and already off schedule, I hop on Interstate 5 to Seattle. From here, I resume my planned route, going east on Highway 542, the Mount Baker Highway. My route takes me north on Highway 9 before 542 reaches the

Cascades, and I enjoy winding roads, rolling hills, forested areas and farmland.

As I approached the Sumas-Abbotsford border crossing into Canada, I’m reacquainted with the Cascades and consider the great riding to come.

If there is any downside to an epic cross-country journey, it’s the need to maintain a certain pace to reach your destination on time. However, it also affords you a taste of what this great country has to offer. My ride through the Northwest convinced me I must go back, and I will, to explore its countless small highways and back roads.

Bryan Knysh is an AMA member from Saratoga, Calif. He maintains a blog at www.oldboystoys.com.

GETTYSBURG SURPRISE

Wrong Turns And Misadventures In Historic Pennsylvania

By Ron Lieback It begins as a trip of firsts—the first following surgery, the first adventure-touring trip, and the first of 2012.

The destination? Gettysburg, Pa. My initial plans are to spend two days touring the Civil War battlefields and the historical surroundings, but this quickly changes. I realize the much larger attraction for the adventure motorcyclist resides in Tumbling Run Game Preserve and Michaux Forest, just west of the historic town.

After a lengthy recovery from gall bladder surgery, I leave on an unseasonably warm Thursday in March. I get on the road late, at 2 p.m., throttling onto Bald Mountain Road near my Bear Creek Township home in Pennsylvania, connecting to Suscon Road toward Pittston to Ransom, an adored touring area that has the high-adventure of off-highway vehicle roads to the top of Camel’s Ledge. This is a place filled with everything from Native-American folklore to the twisties that resemble the Ramsey areas of the Isle of Man TT course.

Although my V-Strom is donning Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport tires, I can’t pass up the challenge of some roads better suited to full-on knobbies. I snake around the upperbranch of the Susquehanna River near the Tunkhannock/Falls region via all-dirt roads.

Next up are some sportbike-friendly routes with a few more dirt connections throughout the Dallas/Harvey’s Lake/ Hunlock Creek regions. Along the way, some unusual sightings occur, including the Cease Cemetery in the Hunlock Creek area.

The trip is going perfectly. By the time I pass the Berwick Power Plant on US Route 11, I have already traveled around 90 miles— much better than the standard, and straight, 20-mile shot from my garage.

Due to waning sunlight, I contemplate cutting out what I considered the highlight of day one—Ridge Road through the isolated Tumbling Run Game Preserve. Riding in complete desolation on Ridge Road without sunlight seems like a bad idea. However, that’s exactly what happens. Following

40

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

some slabbing on the dreaded major highways near Harrisburg, I find the access to Ridge Road from Interstate 34.

Over The Ridge It’s late, and I have about a half-hour of decent sunlight remaining. I check my Android phone’s My Track app, and a secure, safe feeling overcomes me when I realize I could simply bypass the desolate dangers of Ridge Road.

But where is the adventure in that?

Seconds later, I ascend Ridge Road, while the sun descends toward the horizon.

Sections are covered with sharp rocks, appearing like stone-built daggers sticking through the earth, followed by segments of soft sand and loose shale. Desolation begins, and I don’t see another human for three hours.

Although Ridge Road has unique scenery, photo opportunities are limited in such dense forest. So, at the first one I see, I attempt to stop. Yes, attempt. I slow, and when pulling near the edge, the road becomes soft. I wash out the front of the ’Strom. (If those trees had ears, they probably would have learned some new words that evening.) But the ’Strom is upgraded with a slew of Touratech goodies, and those parts save me, especially the crash bars and hand guards.

After picking up the 600 pounds of motorcycle and luggage, those familiar, nervous feelings overcome me. Will the bike start? Will I be stuck here, camping out on the side of the road? And how about those Civil War ghosts?

Ah, but my 21st century technology comes through, and one push of the starter and the twin is purring. Nervous feelings are abolished, then quickly return when my phone dies as I check the map and realize I am miles off Ridge Road.

Luckily, I filled the tank on I-34. Unluckily, I made a rookie mistake. I didn’t pack paper maps. With almost 100,000 solo soulsearching miles of motorcycle travel, I’ve always remembered paper maps, but not this time. Of course, this is the time I am lost.

Minutes turn into hours, and I’m stopping at every intersection, attempting to find the most southbound route. My plan works,

and I find a two-lane highway (though no signs of humanity). I make a left, hoping I am traveling east toward Gettysburg.

About 20 minutes later, I find a gas station. The tenant tells me I am only 7 miles from Gettysburg, where I had booked a room for two nights.

Upon arrival, the restaurant at the hotel, the Appalachian Brewery, is closed, forcing a visit to the local 7-11. Back in my room, I read some local ghost stories about the hotel, where General Robert E. Lee allegedly was bunked up during the four-day battle at Gettysburg. Although not a believer in anything supernatural, one thing I don’t want to see is an apparition of Lee. Throughout the night, a few noises startle me, but I blame them on a trick of the travel-wearied mind.

Living History The next morning, I begin my tour of Gettysburg by riding what’s referred to as the “Auto Tour,” a self-navigated tour of historic spots, with places to pull off the road and further analyze each highlight.

One point on the tour is the Eternal Light Peace Memorial, a light that perplexed me during my lost way into town the previous night.

If you haven’t visited Gettysburg, do it for the rich context and theatrical feeling of history. But for the adventure motorcyclist who hasn’t visited Gettysburg, throttle to the hills of Tumbling Preserve and Michaux Forest.

I am here to ride, and know I will finish the southern end of the Auto Tour when departing. Plus, I need round two with those dense forest roads that almost swallowed me the previous evening.

Heading west on I-34, in about 15 miles I arrive in Michaux Forest. After

shooting some photos around Long Pine Lake Reservoir, I check my destination maps. (Lesson learned, these were crudely hand-drawn in a rush that morning.) I begin buzzing through the forest roads and find that the beauty lies in the transitions from rock to sandy areas as you ascend and descend from around 600- to 2,060-foot elevation. Three hours and 100 miles later, I had met only a few other humans on twolane connector roads throughout the forest.

All is well until the end of the day when I take Watershed Road toward the Waynesboro dam. The rocks are daggerlike, similar to what I encountered at the beginning of Ridge Road the previous day.

There is a loud pop at non-cautious speed, forcing me to inspect the ’Strom. All seems well, and I make another quick pass through a lonely Newman Road to grab I-34 and head back to the room.

But near the end of the wide Newman Road, the bike is unstable. Very unstable.

Yep, I have a flat.

I place the bike on its centerstand, and this time notice a dent in the rim. Luckily, a couple of locals are passing through in a rotted-out ’90s Chevy Blazer. They offer help, and have one of those cigarette-lighter activated compressors. After a few cracks on the rim with the flattest rock I find, the tire holds some air. I then get moving. I know this rim won’t hold air much longer.

It gets me back to the hotel—barely. I have to get this bike going for Saturday’s few-hundred mile trip to watch the Daytona 200 at my good friend Jay’s house. I push the ’Strom a few blocks to a local tire station to top off the air, purchase some tire sealant at a local shopping district and, the next morning, further “adjust” the bent rim.

The air holds, and I sign out of Lee’s hotel. I conclude the Gettysburg Auto Tour,

checking out the spectacular views from Little Round Top and the once-gruesome sight of Wheatfield, where the bloodiest battle of the war took place, claiming more than 6,000 men. Shaken with historical thought, and my last two evenings in that hotel, I check the rear tire before heading into Maryland. It had lost 2 psi, easily due to temperature changes.

I travel southbound on 15, then explore various roads throughout Maryland, including a quick pass on Stoner Road. The curvy stretch must be a favorite of sportbike riders near that region—likewise with a loop north on Route 86, which turns into 516 in Pennsylvania.

The Run Home Not wanting to miss the Daytona 200 at Jay’s, I take some main streets to speed up travel. But the opposite occurs; it is St. Patrick’s Day, and I’m stuck in parade traffic in York, the Pennsylvania town of HarleyDavidson.

I am a few minutes late for the race, but saved by Jay’s DVR, we won’t miss a beat.

We first settle into a relaxed discussion of all things moto, including the current stars of professional racing and an un-restored 1962 Harley Duo Glide that was passed down through the generations from his grandfather.

It is completely un-restored, and I am itching to ride it. Jay’s response?

“Like my grandfather used to say, if you can start it, you can ride it.”

I pass.

It is well after 8 p.m. when we watch the Daytona 200. The race provides the excitement only found in endurance motorcycle racing. Although I praise the young Joey Pasceralla for taking the win in his third start in the Daytona Sportbike class, my pick was Jake Zemke, a

frontrunner in the former Formula Xtreme class—well, that, and he rides one of my favorite machines, a Ducati 848EVO. After a night with a maniacal-motorcycle friend, I awake early and check over the ’Strom. The rear tire is good. It needs just a few psi. I then began the slow trek home on a cloudy, cool morning.

I take 222 North, then turn onto 61 South.

On the way, I find an entrance to a state park near Hawk Mountain completely by mistake.

Due to the slight coldness of the morning, I throw on a fleece and check my rear rim.

Should I take to the dirt even though I don’t completely trust the rim? I check Google Maps. Reassured, I am soon ascending the correctly christened “Dirt Road.”

Except for some mud, Dirt Road is not too challenging. But I take the shortest route due to my hammered rim, and after picking my way around Hawk Mountain, I follow 895 to one of my favorite routes, White Haven Road.

It’s then on to Route 115 and back home as clouds part way to sunshine.

While the mud-ravaged V-Strom ticks and cools in the garage, I reflect on the past four days of solo travel, the surprises and the firsts represented by this ride. Many lessons surfaced. Always pack a good tire-repair kit, including a pump or CO2 cartridges for inflation, and never leave home without a good paper map for when electronic devices fail.

But most importantly, never underestimate the therapeutic power of another journey made.

Ron Lieback is an AMA member from Bear Creek Township, Pa.

Photo The Susquehanna Photographic

Motorcycling America

DESERT DUAL SPORT Following Familiar Ground To Motorcycling Nirvana

By John Gil

Into The Desert Meeting up at the Holiday Inn in Palmdale, Calif., with a few familiar faces on Thanksgiving night is a great way to kick off the 28th annual LA Barstow to Vegas dual-sport ride. I can’t help but notice how different it is today compared to my one and only entry in the famous desert race the ride is named for. (That was also on a Husqvarna—a 1978 390 CR.) The next

morning is a particularly inspiring sight. Bikes are everywhere, from everywhere. It really is something.

I hit the trail around 0800. My GPS and an extremely full roll-chart holder are in clear view, and an eager 630 Husky is keeping my hands warm. I’m an early sweep rider. My job is to stay approximately mid-pack and offer assistance to those who may encounter problems.

After a few pavement miles, the route turns toward the foothills. Recent rains make for prime dirt-riding conditions. I give an emphatic tip of the hat to those involved laying out the first several miles of dirt on this epic ride. The terrain is challenging enough to get a feel for what is in store the rest of the weekend. I’m asked more than once where the “easy” route is.

“You’re on it, buddy.” I say.

Once out of the foothills, and after a brief fuel stop, we enter the Antelope Valley, and then make our way into the desert. This is where I feel like I’m in my element. Riding

Photo Conrad Lim

“So how was your weekend?”

It’s a fair question.

I like to think that for those of us who spent the previous two days riding our motorcycles, we simply say something about going on a bike ride, then drift into a pleasant daydream of a moto highlight reel.

Some motorcycling weekends, however, are bigger than others. When I was asked the Monday following Thanksgiving about my weekend, the inquisitor surely was sorry he asked. The ride was simply too much to share in a short time.

For the last two years I have participated in the LA Barstow to Vegas dual-sport ride.

Also, for the last two years, I have ridden my motorcycle to the event and back from Las Vegas to my home in the San Fernando Valley near Los Angeles, Calif.

After Thanksgiving dinner at my motherin-law’s house, it is off to Palmdale, Calif., and the start of my ride. I am slightly apprehensive this year because I’m on a new bike. My 2011 Husqvarna TE 630 is just past its break-in period. Although I’m well packed with tools, tubes and spares, and the only thing I’m missing is the 200 pounds that I saved off my old bike, there are always unknowns about a new machine. Thankfully, this ride is the beginning of something wonderful between my new red-and-white friend and me.

42

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Motorcycling America a motorcycle through the desert is an experience that is unmatched and hard to explain. Yes, it may be my backyard, but I never grow tired of the desert.

There are so many variables in an organized event of this size, but weather has got to be one of the biggest concerns. It is so important to be prepared for anything. As a sweep rider, I can say that most riders were well prepared for what was ahead. I was impressed by the lack of broken bikes along the route. Bike prep was taken seriously by most of the riders this year.

And for good reason. If you look at a map, the distance between Los Angeles and Barstow doesn’t look that far, but considering our route, it is quite a ride. I roll into Barstow well after dark.

when I’m reminded how great this sport is.

Here I am on Highway 159. It’s dark, pretty chilly, and I have traveled close to 500 miles in two days on what most people would consider an outright dirtbike. Despite the hot shower waiting for me at the end of this day’s ride, something in me already wants to turn around and ride it all again. Alas, I have more miles of sweep rider duties ahead of me, however, so I ride into Las Vegas and take Flamingo Road to the Orleans Hotel.

Dual-Sport Dreams Over the years, I’ve learned that much of the success of a dual-sport event depends on accurate roll charts and GPS maps. This event had both. The months and months of hard work came down to just two days for the LA Barstow to Vegas crew. Absolutely, mission accomplished (again) this year.

Thankfully, a lot of folks enjoyed all that hard work. For 2011, there were a record number of participants. It was great to see so much enthusiasm on two wheels. There was also a large contingent of adventure

bikes this year. That’s fine, though. As with most rides, a lot of care was taken to find routes that would be enjoyable for both smaller and larger machines. At the end of the ride, most of the adventure crowd reported they were challenged, but not uncomfortably so. Perfect.

The terrain on this ride varies greatly.

There are routes designated easy and hard, and each rider can make the choice that suits him or her. That is a huge plus when accommodating more than 500 riders. For me, I added another layer to this incredible weekend by riding the Husky back to L.A. No truck or trailer for me. There is nothing like wearing out a set of tires in four days!

I guess that brings up a question. What do I call myself? A dual-sport rider? An adventure rider? Whatever the answer, I’m the guy grinning under my helmet like Malcolm Smith in “On Any Sunday.”

So, how was your weekend?

Day 2 Saturday morning around the sign-up area is even more impressive than Day 1. I’m also excited to see an old desert John Gil is an AMA member from racing partner and his son. We plan to Reseda, Calif. ride together as much as possible barring any incidents requiring my attention. We managed to stay together a good portion of the day—just like old NATIONAL DUAL-SPORT, ADVENTURE SERIES times.

All The Thrills, None Of The Hassle It’s a mix of old and new for me. I hadn’t As in past years, in 2012, the LA Barstow to Vegas dual-sport ride will be part of two of ridden through the Calico the AMA’s national recreational riding series: the AMA Husqvarna National Dual Sport Riding Mountains since the late Series, presented by FMF, and the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré Adventure Riding Series.

1970s. A ride through Afton The AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Riding Series, presented by FMF, was created by Canyon is a first, and muchthe AMA in 1987 to highlight this amazing way to use a motorcycle. It has become increasanticipated, event that didn’t ingly popular, as off-road and street riders alike have turned to dual-sport recreation to disappoint. If riding through experience the freedom of two wheels. The 2012 schedule for the AMA Husqvarna National deep sand for what may Dual-Sport Trail Riding Series is one of the largest in history, featuring 24 events. feel like 100 miles doesn’t The AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré Adventure Riding Series is geared toward riders of all appeal to you, then you may brands of adventure-touring motorcycles. It offers incredible rides in some of the most scenic want to make other plans. riding areas in the country. The series’ “High Adventure, No Hassles” approach includes asThe Husky never backs phalt, gravel and two-track routes mapped by local experts, the camaraderie of like-minded down. enthusiasts and a full weekend of activities, including camping and bonfires.

“Sand, rocks, roots, ruts, For more on either series, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Riding. hills. What else you got?” I imagine I hear this quite a For the full schedules see few times over the weekend.

I definitely made a good page 54 of this magazine or visit choice concerning the bike AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Riding. (although I might want to get those voices looked at…).

Riders choosing the more difficult route through Red Rock Canyon on Saturday are treated to some spectacular scenery.

It is, however, a challenging ride in a few places. Similar to the previous year, I run slightly behind schedule and manage to view the sunset in this incredible place.

It’s moments like these

Motorcycling America

Biased Expectations Make Way For Great Destinations

By Steve Stoyke As a college kid in Minneapolis who simply could not afford a car, learning how to ride a motorcycle brought a world of discovery and freedom that I never thought possible.

However, for me, the utility of riding continued to dominate my time on two wheels. I’ve traveled extensively for my job, much of the time riding a motorcycle.

In recent years, however, I’ve tried to focus more on the pleasure of riding, and have tried to visit places that didn’t involve work.

What I learned is that my assumptions were formed with prejudices based on what I read or heard. When I’ve taken the time to experience an area first-hand, I’m usually surprised at what I find.

For example, I could expound on the beauty of the West in Colorado, or the thousands of lakes throughout the northern Midwest, but for this seasoned biker, nothing can compare to the innocence, the variety and the culture of the southern Vermont’s Green Mountain area and its roadways.

On North As I pass through Hoosick, N.Y., I notice stores welcoming me to Vermont.

I see the many chainsaw sculpture galleries along Route 7 leading into Bennington, with the Vermont logo of untouched or unmolested America.

Soon, the tourist in me makes way for the biker. The road becomes a smaller two-lane blacktop with mountain views on both sides. As you enter Vermont, the landscape’s demeanor changes. There are clean, broad roads that smell of fresh air. Litter and signs disappear, and it is easy to navigate at any speed toward my destination: the Aerie Inn of Vermont.

As I continue riding, I bypass Bennington, Vt., on 279 and reconnect with Route 7 north. Within a few short miles the terrain changes from rolling hills to green mountains carved with perfectly banked roads.

Roughly 1 mile past the small gas station of East Dorset I barely see the sign on the right that tells me to take the next right onto Bowen Hill Road for the Aerie Inn. Bowen Hill Road is an unassuming small lane off of Route 7 that glides up a tree-lined drive. It opens up to a vast 20-acre meadow. The inn is surrounded on all sides by the mountains, and there are no other structures within view. For a

44

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

traveler seeking security, privacy and ample parking, this is it.

I find out the owners are motorcyclists, and as fellow riders, they already know me before I put the kickstand down. After checking in, I’m recommended a variety of restaurants for dinner. I opt for a place in Manchester, have a great meal and stop by the local bookstore to pick up a motorcycle magazine.

The next morning, after a complementary continental breakfast, I take advantage of the owners’ local knowledge. They suggest a ride north to Route 30 and a little area known as Paulet. The ride itself is unbelievable. The forests are so dense they go straight up on both sides of the roads, crowned by massive mountains that are highlighted by the clarity of the surrounding skies.

At my day’s destination, I discover something I have never seen despite travels all over the United States and Canada: a hardware/dry goods store built over

a waterfall with a floor open to the raging rapids below. I browse the establishment, but remain captivated by this small store with a waterfall running under it.

This area offers a number of great experiences and routes. Some roads reveal isolated Victorian villages where nothing appears to have changed since the American Revolution. Others lead to more modern experiences, such as the Dam Diner in Townshend—a must-try. Another great ride is Hogback Road, just east of Jeffersonville and spanning Routes 109 and 15 that leads to another colorful local establishment, punctuated by views that span three states.

The weeklong trips to a beach or on a cruise were nice, but for me they no longer provide enough life experience to matter.

Superb is the road less traveled.

I work and compromise like everyone else, but thanks to my motorcycle, I can also enjoy a biker life of roaming.

Steve Stoyke is an AMA member from Frederick, Md.

Photo Patrice Gilbert

NEW ENGLAND EXPERIENCE

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

AMA REWARDS

AMA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

The Best Deal In Towing For All Your Vehicles

Maximize your riding time and minimize the inconvenience of a mechanical breakdown with AMA Roadside Assistance, which offers peace of mind for you and all your family members.

le At AvailabCharge! a r No Ext oose to

h r if you clly renew you call tica automa embership—day AMA m MA-JOIN tor (800) A dd it to you to a bership! mem

AMA Roadside Assistance Offers: • Coverage for bikes, cars, pickups, motorhomes and trailers (excluding utility trailers) registered to you, your spouse, and dependent children under the age of 24, living at home or away at college.

• Coverage in all 50 states and Canada.

• Towing up to 35 miles, with all dispatch and hook-up fees.

• Flat tire, lockout, battery and minor-mechanical assistance.

• Emergency fuel, oil, water, fluid delivery.

• No exclusions for older motorcycles.

• Toll-free assistance available 24/7/365.

• AMA Roadside Assistance pays first. No need to pay and wait for reimbursement.

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

STAYING INFORMED American Motorcyclist Each month, you receive the best magazine covering the motorcycle lifestyle.

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

Best of all, you can get this coverage free. For details, call (800) 262-5646.

AMA Lodging Save At Choice Hotels AMA members save 15 percent off the best available rates at participating Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality Inn®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay®, Rodeway Inn® and Econo Lodge® hotels. Reserve online at ChoiceHotels.com and use discount code #00947556.

Motorcycle Rentals Arrive And Ride EagleRider offers a 10 percent discount on Harley-Davidson,

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

Honda, BMW and Polaris rentals and tours. Call (888) 900-9901.

Motorcycle Shipping Ride Where You Want In the United States, call Federal Companies, an agent for Allied Van Lines, at (877) 518-7376 for at least $60 off standard rates.

For international shipments, call Motorcycle Express at (800) 2458726. To get your discount, be sure to have your AMA number handy. Motorcycle Express also offers temporary international insurance.

Car Rentals Save Money When You Drive Get up to 25 percent off prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency. For Avis, enter discount code: D388100. For Budget, enter code: Z942000.

AMA Gear Buy AMA Stuff Online Find unique patches, pins, posters, T-shirts and books at AmericanMotorcyclist.com and at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio. Details at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Parts And Gear Save With BikeBandit.com Get 10 percent off your order at BikeBandit.com by entering your AMA number at checkout.

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS AMA/Sprocketlist Online Classifieds AMA members can place free classified ads in the AMA member classifieds at AMA.Sprocketlist. com or AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Shop > Classifieds.

AMA Supercross And AMA Arenacross Tickets Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off. Call (800) AMA-JOIN for details.

Ezy-Lift Products Save 10 percent by calling (800) 974-3032. Ezylift.com.

Flash2Pass Garage Door Openers Save 10 percent. Enter code AMA2011 at checkout from F2PTechnologies.com.

GiFOR USA/GOLDfren Save 15 percent on brake pads and 10 percent on brake discs at giforusa.com.

LifeLock Identity Theft Protection Get 30 free days and 10 percent off. Use promo code AMACYCLE at LifeLock.com or by calling (800) 543-3562.

AMA Government Relations A full-time staff in Washington D.C., California and Ohio protects your right to ride.

MAD Maps The best routes made easy. Save 20 percent. Use promo code AMATHXU at MADmaps.com.

MASA Medical Evacuation Services The $60 initiation fee is waived for AMA members. Enter your AMA number when you sign up at MASAAmerica.com or by calling (828) 994-2621.

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

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine offers a 20 percent subscription discount to AMA members. RoadRUNNER is the touring expert of North America giving readers information on the best places to ride. AMA discount code is CRIAMA at www.roadrunner. travel/promo/ama.

Schampa Cold-Weather Gear Save 15 percent. Enter SCHAMA during checkout at Schampa.com.

Classic motorcycling subcultures to take center stage at...

T Mike Seate

46

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

wo of motorcycling’s most iconic genres are the British café-racer motorcycles and Italian metal-bodied scooters made popular by the selfdescribed Rockers and Mods of the 1960s.

On July 20-22, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days—the country’s grandest celebration of classic bikes and the people who love them—will highlight the history, as well as the popular resurgence, of these twowheeled subcultures at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

High-profile characters in one of motorcycling’s most colorful bits of history, Rockers sported pompadours, wore leather jackets festooned with pins, and rode Triumph, Norton, BSA and other Brit-bikes chopped into café racers. The Rockers stood in stark contrast to the Mods of the same era—dapper-dressed riders who prized the glorious cosmetic and performance enhancements of Italian metal-body scooters like Vespas and Lambrettas. For a Mod, the more shinychrome rear-view mirrors mounted on the front legshields, the better.

The Rockers and Mods showcase at Mid-Ohio will be evident in bike and scooter shows, and in a special tent devoted to the Rockers and Mods, with machines, memorabilia, history displays, interviews and entertainment throughout the three-day event.

Heading up the café contingent and coordinating bike shows and displays is Mike Seate, motorcyclist, author, founder of Café Racer magazine (www.caferacermag. com) and star of the “Café Racer” television show (www.caferacertv.com) on Velocity.

“We’ve had a significant presence at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days for several years now, and we love the crowds, the energy, the fun and the very cool vibe you get there,” Seate says. “We’re glad to be at the forefront of the modern resurgence of the café-racer motorcycle, and taking that enthusiasm to the next level by being frontand-center at this event will be awesome.”

Spearheading the Mods and their scooters will be Phil Waters of the Pride of Cleveland scooter shops (www. clevelandscooters.com), who is working with scooter clubs—like the Columbus Cutters in Ohio, XYL in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh Vintage in Pennsylvania—to create one of the most unique opportunities in years for scooter enthusiasts.

“This is just going to be great,” Waters says. “Scooter riders—all scooter riders but especially those who love vintage metal-bodied scooters—will find plenty to love with everything we’re pulling together for this event. We’ll even have a special area for the scooter crowd to camp, and a few surprises that I don’t want to give away yet but definitely involve field games.

I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones at this year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.”

As with every year at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the festivities aren’t limited to one brand or theme. Riders and fans of all types—and their motorcycles and scooters—will be out in full force, whether to take in the bike shows, catch a high-demand seminar, peruse the massive swap meet or race some vintage motorcycles in the woods or on a track.

Field Meet: Bike Games On Mid-Ohio’s Infield Do You Have What It Takes To Ride The Plank Or Push The Barrel?

One of motorcycling’s most classic activities is the field meet—when riders get

together and display their riding skills in classic bike games in an organized setting.

The main goal of all field meets is the same: for everyone to have fun. Activities are designed to be as entertaining as they are challenging. These aren’t trials contests!

You certainly don’t need a particular type of motorcycle, and you don’t need any special skills—beyond a healthy confidence in your own ability to maneuver your motorcycle.

This year, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will host a classic field meet on the infield with the help of ABATE of Ohio, which will oversee registration and officiating. All licensed motorcyclists are invited to register and participate. Prizes will be awarded and everybody will have a great time. Classic field meet games will include activities like Ride the Plank, Bite the Weenie and Push the Barrel—to name a few.

And, with this year’s theme of Rockers and Mods, there no doubt will be several café bike riders and scooters in the mix.

Here are the field game details: • There is no extra cost to register and participate, but a small donation to the Hall of Fame is encouraged.

• Registration will take place throughout the event and be located onsite in the infield (follow the signs).

• Field meet activities will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Specific times will be provided at sign up.

• You will need to provide your own motorcycle or scooter and wear appropriate gear (helmet, long pants and eye protection are mandatory).

• Classes will divide riders based on motorcycle size and type.

• Class finishes will be determined by a rider’s performance across all activities.

• Prizes will be awarded each day based on that day’s class finishes.

Questions? Email Dave Hembroff at dhembroff@ama-cycle.org.

Vintage Racing Is About Having Fun Motocross, Roadracing, Hare Scrambles, Trials, Dirt Track Few—very few—things on this planet are more fun than blasting around a field or through the woods on a dirt bike.

The same could be said about slicing your way along a perfectly smooth asphalt track, or circulating a classic half-mile in the shadow of a mid-20th century grandstand.

This is vintage motorcycle racing, and its unique combination of high thrills, low pressure and reasonable cost makes it one of the best pastimes on the planet. Throw in a few hundred friendly competitors, national championship competition and classes for nearly all ages, skill levels and motorcycle eras, and you have the AMA Vintage Grand Championships.

Now in their fourth year, the AMA Vintage Grand Championships crown vintage class AMA amateur national champions in motocross, hare scrambles, trials and roadracing. The dirt-track competition is a round of the AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series. Top riders also compete for AMA Vintage Grand Champion honors.

Continued on page 48

June 2012

47

Continued from page 47

Best of all, you can bring the kids and give them a taste of what racing was like years ago. Riders 12 and older can compete in motocross, off-road and dirttrack events. (Riders must be 14 or older to compete on a motorcycle 250cc or larger, and youth riders are not permitted in the dirt-track Brakeless class.)

Finally, like all activities at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the racing is a fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Entry fees are donated to the Hall of Fame to preserve and promote motorcycling’s heritage for future generations.

You can sign up now at AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com > Register to Race.

AMA Members Save On Advance Tickets Purchase By May 28, Get $10 Off A Weekend Pass What’s better than AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days?

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days for less.

AMA members can now purchase a weekend pass for $35, a $10 savings off the regular advance rate, and a one-day pass for $20, a $5 savings off the regular advance rate. The AMA member discount is in addition to the regular $10 savings on advance ticket purchases, and there is no service charge for AMA members when purchasing through the AMA. But you’ll have to act fast to save big.

You must order your tickets by May 28, and you must order them by calling the AMA directly at (800) 262-5646.

In addition to these ticket savings, kids under 12 will be admitted free with a paying, supervising adult.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Schedule Everything Vintage Under The Sun A fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features classic motorcycles of all makes and styles, and honors the riders who made them famous. Activities include vintage racing, North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows and awards, stunt shows, demo rides of current production bikes, a classic field meet, seminars on a number of topics by noted motorcycling experts and much more.

Below is the 2012 schedule. (As always, the schedule is subject to change without notice.)

FRIDAY, JULY 20

7 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Event Registration (Gate 3)

7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Mid-Ohio gate hours / ticket sales for the general public

8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Second Annual Life Members

Only Breakfast 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mid-Ohio gate hours / ticket sales for the general public

North America’s Largest Motorcycle Swap Meet

New Product Factory Demo Rides

Off-Road Demo Rides

Public Service Displays

Vendor Midway

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Tent

7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Event Registration (Gate 3)

7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Mid-Ohio gate hours / ticket sales for the general public

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

North America’s Largest Motorcycle Swap Meet

New Product Factory Demo Rides

Classic Club Displays

Off-Road Demo Rides

Club Corrals

Public Service Displays

TBA

Seminars

Vendor Midway

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Tent

• Hall of Fame Display • Hall of Fame Gift Shop • Raffle Bike Tickets • AMA Membership Services • AMA Member Hospitality

Classic Club Displays

Club Corrals

SATURDAY, JULY 21

• Hall of Fame Display • Hall of Fame Gift Shop • Raffle Bike Tickets • AMA Membership Services • AMA Member Hospitality

Racing Schedule (subject to change) THURSDAY, JULY 19 Competitor Registration: Roadrace (Gate 3); Off-Road (Ross Road)

FRIDAY, JULY 20 Competitor Registration: Roadrace (Gate 3); Hare Scrambles, Motocross & Trials (Ross Road)

7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Event Registration (Gate 3)

Vintage Roadrace Practice

7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Mid-Ohio gate hours / ticket sales for the general public

Vintage Hare Scrambles Races

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

North America’s Largest Motorcycle Swap Meet

Got Motorcycle Stuff?

New Product Factory Demo Rides

Competitor Registration: Roadrace (Gate 3); Motocross & Trials (Ross Road); Dirt-Track (Ashland County Fairgrounds)

Sell It In The Swap Meet Do you have a shelf of old motorcycle parts in your garage, or maybe even an old motorcycle?

A great place to turn that old motorcycle stuff into cash so you can buy some new motorcycle stuff is the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days swap meet.

In addition to perusing the swap meet, enthusiasts can sign up as swap meet vendors and take advantage of free onsite primitive camping. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days experience.

Swap meet vendor applications are available at AMAVintageMotorcycleDays. com > Vendor and Swap Meet Info.

Off-Road Demo Rides

Vintage Roadraces

Public Service Displays

Vintage/E1 Motocross Races

Vendor Midway

Vintage Trials Tech Inspection

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Tent

Vintage Dirt-Track Races (Ashland County Fairgrounds)

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

• Hall of Fame Display • Hall of Fame Gift Shop • Raffle Bike Tickets • AMA Membership Services • AMA Member Hospitality

SATURDAY, JULY 21

SUNDAY, JULY 22 Competitor Registration: Roadrace (Gate 3); Motocross & Trials (Ross Road) Vintage Roadraces

Classic Club Displays

E2/E3/E1,2,3 (Age) Motocross Races

Club Corrals

Trials Competition

11 a.m.

Annual Hall of Fame Raffle Bike Drawing

Motocross Awards Presentation (1/2 hour after racing concludes)

12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike

Show Judging (AMA Motorcycle

Hall of Fame Tent) TBA

48

SUNDAY, JULY 22

Seminars

Trials Awards Presentation (1/2 hour after racing concludes) Roadrace Awards Presentation (1/2 hour after racing concludes)

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

3

2

6 5 4

1

GO RIDE

4 7

6 4 4

6

July 20-22, 2012 Lexington, Ohio

8

July 26-29, 2012 Carson City, Nev.

November 16-17, 2012 Las Vegas, Nev.

1

Are you an adventure rider who wants to try something new? Then check out the first-ever Adventure Summit that will be held May 27-28 at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah. Organizers say that it’s a test of all the essential adventure-riding skills, and to win you need to be a good navigator, photographer or videographer. Info: ADVSummits.com.

2

Americade, one of the largest roadriding rallies on the planet, will be held in picturesque Lake George, N.Y., June 4-9. This AMA National Convention, which is part of the AMA Premier Touring Series, features legendary roads in the 6-millionacre Adirondack National Park. It’s billed as a great motorcycle vacation—and it is. Info: Americade.com.

3

The gladiators of the AMA National Enduro Championship Series will battle in Upton, Wyo., on June 17. Don’t miss it.

For the full schedule, see page 53.

4

Catch some vertical drag racing. The season-opener of the AMA Pro Racing Hillclimb National Championship Series will be held on June 3 in Jefferson, Pa., hosted by the White Rose Motorcycle Club. The second round is set for June 10 in Freemansburg, Pa., and then the hillclimbers head to Canaan, N.H., June 13 and Oregonia, Ohio, June 23. For the full schedule, see page 52.

5

The AMA Pro Grand National Championship is in full swing with the best dirt-track racers in the nation headed to Lima, Ohio, on June 30 for a half-mile battle. For the full schedule, see page 52.

6

There are more events than you can point a wheel at in the AMA Husqvarna Dual-Sport Series and the Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Ride Series this month, beginning June 2-3 in Mill Hall, Pa., Bixby, Mo., and Custer, Mich. For the full schedules, see page 54.

7

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 9-17 in Laconia, N.H. Info: LaconiaMCWeek.com.

8

The 2012 ROT Biker Rally promises more fun than you can fit in a 10-gallon hat. An AMA National Gypsy Tour, the ROT rally will be held June 7-10 in Austin, Texas. Info: ROTRally.com.

COMING UP One of the greatest motorcycling festivals in the world is AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, which will be held July 20-22 at the MidOhio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

The event features North America’s largest motorcycle-related swap meet, vintage racing, demo rides, seminars and more.

Info: AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com.

The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference is set for July 26-29 in Carson City, Nev. The 2012 extravaganza, which has a theme of “Ride Well,” combines inspirational speakers and seminars, great roads, demo rides, product showcases and unmatched camaraderie.

Info: WomenAndMotorcycling.com.

June 2012

49

JUNE EVENTS ALABAMA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS JUN 9-10: PELL CITY: 2-DAY EVENT, RPM SPORTS, (205) 6998857, MILLCREEKMOTOCROSS. COM ALASKA RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE JUN 21: FAIRBANKS: AEROSTICH TOURS, (575) 776-8785, AEROSTICHTOURS.COM JUN 22: FAIRBANKS: AEROSTICH TOURS, (575) 776-8785, AEROSTICHTOURS.COM ARIZONA COMPETITION OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 3: FLAGSTAFF: CENTRAL ARIZONA TRIALS INC, (602) 8403640, CENTRALARIZTRIALS.ORG CALIFORNIA RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE JUN 23-24: WILDWOOD: 2-DAY EVENT, IRONMAN DUAL SPORT, (530) 680-6019, IRONMANDUALSPORT.COM

MOTOCROSS JUN 24: DACONO: IMI MOTORSPORTS INC, (303) 8334949, IMIMOTORSPORTS JUN 24: BERTHOUD: ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROMOTIONS INC, (720) 220-4698, RPMEVENT.COM CONNECTICUT RECREATIONAL POKER RUN JUN 3: DERBY: BRIDGEPORT MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC., (203) 395-0782 ROAD RUN JUN 23-24: DANBURY: 2-DAY EVENT, STAYIN’ SAFE/THE A.R.T. OF MOTORCYCLING, (724) 7712269, STAYINSAFE.COM GEORGIA RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUN 2: CORNELIA: 2 DAY EVENT, STAYIN’ SAFE/THE A.R.T. OF MOTORCYCLING, (724) 771-2269, STAYINSAFE.COM JUN 3: ALPHARETTA: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG IDAHO

LTD, (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM JUN 10: (Includes ATVs) BYRON : MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM JUN 10: NASHVILLE: SEAT TIME MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (573) 7018674, SEATIME.US

JUN 23: (Includes ATVs) BYRON : MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271, MOTOBYRON.COM OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 24: OREGON: ROCK RIVER RIDERS MC, (815) 946-2183, ROCKRIVERRIDERSMC.COM TT JUN 10: (Includes ATVs) FOSTERBURG: SPLINTER CREEK DIRT RIDERS INC, (618) 372-4355, SPLINTERCREEK.COM JUN 16: (Includes ATVs) BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 2773478, BETDIRT.COM RECREATIONAL

JUN 16-17: KINGSTON: 2-DAY EVENT, HI ROLLERS M.C., (509) 326-7154, HIROLLERS.ORG

ROAD RALLY

GRAND PRIX JUN 2-3: (Includes ATVs) ANZA: 2-DAY EVENT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (949) 981-6776, SOCALMC. COM JUN 16: SAN BERNARDINO: PRAIRIE DOGS MC, (714) 2316718, PRAIRIEDOGMC.COM HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 9-10: (Includes ATVs) LUCERNE VALLEY: 2-DAY EVENT, RACERS UNDER THE SON INC, (949) 689-5078, RUTS.ORG MOTOCROSS JUN 16-17: HESPERIA: 2-DAY EVENT, COMPETITIVE EDGE MX PARK, (909) 456-1070, RIDECEMX. COM JUN 17: (Includes ATVs) LAKE ELSINORE: ROVERS MC, (661) 252-6392, AMASOCALMOTORCROSS.COM JUN 24: (Includes ATVs) HESPERIA: DESERT DAISIES MC, (626) 438-5164 SHORT TRACK JUN 9: (Includes ATVs) LODI: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 3687182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM JUN 23: (Includes ATVs) LODI: LODI MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (209) 368-7182, LODICYCLEBOWL.COM COLORADO RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUN 10: GOLDEN: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG JUN 22: AVON: STAYIN’ SAFE/THE A.R.T. OF MOTORCYCLING, (724) 771-2269, STAYINSAFE.COM JUN 23: AVON: MOTORCYCLE SPORT TOURING ASSOCIATION, COMPETITION

50

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

JUN 1-2: HARVARD: 2-DAY EVENT, ABATE OF NORTH IDAHO, (208) 771-1774, ABATEOFNORTHIDAHOBIKERS. ORG COMPETITION ENDURO JUN 2-3: BOISE: 2-DAY EVENT, BOISE RIDGE RIDERS, (208) 3845141, BOISERIDGERIDERS.ORG ILLINOIS RECREATIONAL TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL JUN 3: (Includes ATVs) OTTAWA: VARIETY RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 434-3669, VARIETYRIDERS.COM JUN 17: (Includes ATVs) OTTAWA: VARIETY RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (815) 434-3669, VARIETYRIDERS.COM COMPETITION HILLCLIMB JUN 9-10: (Includes ATVs) NEOGA: CENTRAL ILLINOIS M/C, (217) 234-2505, CENTRALILLINOIS MOTORCYCLECLUB.ORG JUN 17: OREGON: ROCK RIVER RIDERS MC, (815) 946-2183, ROCKRIVERRIDERSMC.COM HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 9: (Includes ATVs) CASEY: MID AMERICA XC RACING, (317) 4186084, MIDABERICAXC.COM JUN 10: WHITE CITY: CAHOKIA CREEK DIRT RIDERS, (618) 9464316, CCDIRT.COM MOTOCROSS JUN 2: (Includes ATVs) PECATONICA: PRO SHOW INC, (815) 275-6686, STATELINEMX. COM JUN 2: (Includes ATVs) BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 2773478, BETDIRT.COM JUN 3: (Includes ATVs) BYRON : MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES

RECREATIONAL POKER RUN - OFF-ROAD

COMPETITION

DISTRICT TOUR

JUN 9: SACRAMENTO: SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA, (916) 455-4647, POWERBLANCEPAVILLION.COM

IOWA

JUN 23-24: MT. CARROLL: 2-DAY EVENT, MC MOTOPARK INC., (815) 238-1614, MCMOTOPARK.COM

JUN 9: SAN DIEGO: BLUE KNIGHTS-CA VI

ROAD RALLY

JUN 10: MARQUETTE: UP SANDSTORMERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (906) 228-7010

JUN 17: WINTERSET: EASTERN IOWA TRAIL TAMERS, (515) 253-0190

RECREATIONAL

ENDUROCROSS

ENDURO

JUN 30-July 1: (Includes ATVs) CAYUGA: 2-DAY EVENT, PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (309) 8385062, PLEASURERIDERS.NET

JUN 17: MT. CARROLL: MC MOTOPARK INC., (815) 238-1614, MCMOTOPARK.COM

ROAD RUN

COMPETITION

COM

INDIANA

JUN 8: WEST HARRISON: MOTORCYCLISTS FOR JESUS MINISTRIES

JUN 3: ANOMOSA: MIDWEST HILLCLIMBERS ASSOCIATION, (319) 489-2361, ANAMOSAHILLCLIMB.COM

JUN 17: (Includes ATVs) BENTLEY: VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS, (989) 8796397, THEVALLEYTRAILRIDER. COM

MOTOCROSS

JUN 24: (Includes ATVs) ROSE CITY: BENT WHEELS COMPETITION CLUB INC, (248) 895-6740, BENTWHEELS.COM

JUN 9: (Includes ATVs) CEDAR RAPIDS: CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 363-7800, CVTR.ORG

JUN 2-3: BUCHANAN: 2-DAY EVENT, RED BUD, (269) 695-6405, REDBUDMX.COM

JUN 17: (Includes ATVs) MONTEZUMA: FV MOTO X, (641) 623-3456, FVMOTOX.COM

JUN 3: MIDLAND: POLKA DOTS M/C, (989) 832-8284

JUN 23: (Includes ATVs) CEDAR RAPIDS: CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (319) 363-7800, CVTR.ORG JUN 30: (Includes ATVs) MONTEZUMA: FV MOTO X, (641) 623-3456, FVMOTOX.COM KENTUCKY COMPETITION JUN 2-3: (ATV only) OAKLAND: 2-DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORYSPORTS.COM

JUN 24: COLUMBUS: STONEY LONESOME M/C, (812) 342-4411, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM MOTOCROSS JUN 2: (Includes ATVs) ROCHESTER: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING. COM JUN 3: (Includes ATVs) ROCHESTER: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING. COM JUN 9-10: (Includes ATVs) WABASH: 2-DAY EVENT, WABASH CANNONBALL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (765) 985-3657, WABASHCANNONBALLMC.COM JUN 10: (Includes ATVs) AKRON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.COM JUN 16: (Includes ATVs) PIERCETON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING. COM JUN 17: (Includes ATVs) PIERCETON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING. COM JUN 17: (Includes ATVs) CROTHERSVILLE: LET’S GO RACING LLC, (812) 374-8228, HIGHFLYMX.COM JUN 23-24: (Includes ATVs) LAOTTO: 2 -AY EVENT, G & S RACING, (260) 637-5416, GANDSRACINGS.COM JUN 30: (Includes ATVs) PIERCETON: READS RACING, (574) 893-1649, READSRACING.

MOTOCROSS

JUN 16: (Includes ATVs) MONTEZUMA: FV MOTO X, (641) 623-3456, FVMOTOX.COM

MOTOCROSS

JUN 3: COLUMBUS: STONEY LONESOME M/C, (812) 342-4411, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 3: (Includes ATVs) MIO: WHITE TRASH RACING MC, (989) 274-7243

HILLCLIMB

HARE SCRAMBLES

JUN 23-24: (Includes ATVs) BRIDGETON TWP: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 7339856, MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

HILLCLIMB

COMPETITION JUN 2-3: (Includes ATVs) CAYUGA: 2-DAY EVENT, PLEASURE RIDERS MC, (217) 247-2216, PLEASURERIDERS.NET

HILLCLIMB

JUN 9-10: BOWLING GREEN: 2-DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORYSPORTS.COM MASSACHUSETTS COMPETITION OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 3: BRIMFIELD: SPRINGFIELD MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (508) 625-2074

JUN 9-10: (Includes ATVs) BARK RIVER: 2-DAY EVENT, DEGRAVE MOTORSPORTS PARK, (906) 4200205, DEGRAVEMX.COM JUN 9-10: (Includes ATVs) PORTLAND: 2-DAY EVENT, PORTLAND TRAIL RIDERS, (517) 647-7045, PORTLANDTRAILRIDERS.COM JUN 10: (Includes ATVs) CADILLAC: CADILLAC MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (231) 884-3729, CADILLACMC.COM JUN 15: (Includes ATVs) LAKE ODESSA: I-96 SPEEDWAY LLC, (616) 642-0555, I96SPEEDWAY. COM JUN 16-17: (Includes ATVs) CHRISTMAS: X-MAS FAMILY MOTORSPORTS PARK LLC, (906) 202-2681, X-MASFAMILYMOTORSPORTS. COM JUN 22: (Includes ATVs) LAKE ODESSA: I-96 SPEEDWAY LLC, (616) 642-0555, I96SPEEDWAY. COM

RECREATIONAL

JUN 23-24: MILLINGTON: BAJA MX INC, (989) 871-3356, BAJAACRES.COM

DUAL SPORT RIDE

OBSERVED TRIALS

JUN 2-3: CUSTER: 2-DAY EVENT, GREAT LAKES DUAL SPORTERS, (989) 751-6863, GLDSMC.ORG

JUN 3: METAMORA: MICHIGAN ONTARIO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (248) 634-2184, MOTATRIALS.COM

MICHIGAN

POKER RUN JUN 17: BAY CITY: TRI-CITY TRAVELERS, (989) 501-0911 JUN 23: BRIGHTON: LONSKEY’S ANGELS, (810) 844-2055, HARRISONMCSERVICE.COM COMPETITION DIRT DRAG JUN 22: (Includes ATVs) BRIDGETON TWP: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 7339856, MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM 1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK JUN 8: (Includes ATVs) LAKE ODESSA: 2 DAY EVENT, I-96 SPEEDWAY LLC, (616) 642-0555, I96SPEEDWAY.COM

MINNESOTA RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUN 3: OSTEGO: VETERANS RIDE INC, (651) 260-7204, JOHN@ VETERANSRIDEINC.COM TRAIL RIDE - RECREATIONAL JUN 17: (Includes ATVs) MANKATO : KATO CYCLE CLUB, , KATOCYCLECLUB.COM COMPETITION 1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK JUN 24: (Includes ATVs) CAMBRIDGE: NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (612) 8652661, NORSEMENMC.ORG ENDURO

JUN 16: (Includes ATVs) MIDLAND: POLKA DOTS M/C, (989) 8328284, POLKADOTSMC.NET

JUN 2-3: HUNTERSVILLE: 2-DAY EVENT, RIVER VALLEY ENDURO RIDERS, (763) 682-1778

JUN 23: (Includes ATVs) CROSWELL: 2 DAY EVENT, PORT HURON MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (810) 985-7800, PHMC-USA. COM

JUN 30: AKELEY: NORTHERN LITES MC, (218) 829-6656, ARMCA.ORG HILLCLIMB

JUNE EVENTS JUN 10: (Includes ATVs) MANKATO: KATO CYCLE CLUB, KATOCYCLECLUB.COM JUN 16-17: HILL CITY: 2-DAY EVENT, RANGE RIDERS MC, (218) 341-9691, RANGERIDERSMC.ORG HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 10: CARVER: MOTOKAZIE OFF ROAD CLUB, (952) 601-1169, MOTOKAZIE.COM MOTOCROSS JUN 3: MANKATO: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 601-1169, MOTOKAZIE. COM JUN 3: BROOKSTON: ECHO VALLEY MOTOCROSS PARK, (218) 348-4754, ECHOVALLEYMOTOCROSS.COM JUN 10: (ATV only) LITTLE FALLS: MOTO CITY RACEWAY & RECREATION INC, (612) 919-3457, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM JUN 10: BROOK PARK: BERM BENDERS RACEWAY, (320) 6792582, BERMBENDERS.COM JUN 10: MILLVILLE: HI WINDERS, (507) 753-2779, SPRINGCREEKMX. COM JUN 16-17: MILLVILLE: 2-DAY EVENT, HI WINDERS, (507) 7532779, SCMXPARK@MR.NET JUN 17: MAZEPPA: HURRICANE HILLS MX PARK INC, JUN 24: KELLOGG: MOTOKAZIE INC, (952) 244-9996, MOTOKAZIE. COM JUN 24: (ATV only) BROWERVILLE: MOTO CITY RACEWAY & RECREATION INC, (612) 919-3457, MOTOCITYRACEWAY.COM JUN 24: BROOKSTON: ECHO VALLEY MOTOCROSS PARK, (218) 348-4754, ECHOVALLEYMOTOCROSS.COM MISSOURI

NEW JERSEY DUAL SPORT RIDE JUN 3: PEMBERTON: SOUTH JERSEY ENDURO RIDERS, (609) 266-9272, SJER.ORG DUAL SPORT RIDE JUN 9-10: HAMMONTON: 2-DAY EVENT, BMW OF MANHATTAN, INC., (732) 714-8874 POKER RUN JUN 9: JACKSON: SINISTER STEEL MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, (732) 688-1451, SINISTERSTEELMA.COM ROAD RUN JUN 17: BRIDGEWATER: KELSEY CHARITY RUN INC, (908) 2524545, KELSEYRUN.COM JUN 24: LIVINGSTON: NEW JERSEY BLUE KNIGHTS CHAPTER VII, (973) 951-5011 JUN 24: FREEHOLD: MARCH OF DIMES, (732) 952-9016, MARCHOFDIMES.COM/ NEWJERSEY COMPETITION MOTOCROSS JUN 1: (Includes ATVs) WILDWOOD: NEW JERSEY THUNDER MOTORSPORTS INC, (609) 523-8051, THUNDERMOTO. COM NEW MEXICO RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUN 3: ALBUQUERQUE: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG NEW YORK RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE

DUAL SPORT RIDE

JUN 2: HARPURSVILLE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 6932634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

JUN 2-3: BIXBY: 2-DAY EVENT, MIDWEST TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (314) 434-5095, RIDEMTRA.COM

JUN 9-10: ATLANTA: 2-DAY EVENT, WAYNE COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (315) 945-6911, WAYNECOUNTYMC.COM

ROAD RALLY

CONVENTIONS

JUN 17: SPRINGFIELD: AMERICAN GOLD WING ASSOCIATION, (319) 350-4669, AGWA.COM

JUN 4-9: LAKE GEORGE: AMERICADE, (518) 798-7888, AMERICADE.COM

COMPETITION

FUN RUN

MOTOCROSS

JUN 3: CLARENCE: REGENT RIDERS

RECREATIONAL

JUN 16-17: COLUMBIA: 2-DAY EVENT, MOTOCROSS PARENTS, (573) 489-1500, MXPRACING.COM JUN 24: (Includes ATVs) KIRKSVILLE: THUNDER RIDGE MX PARK LLC, (660) 626-5138, THUNDERRIDGE-MXPARK.COM MONTANA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 2-3: CLANCY: 2-DAY EVENT, LONE PEAK RACING LLC, (406) 431-8228 NEVADA COMPETITION HARE & HOUND JUN 23-24: RENO: 2-DAY EVENT, WESTERN STATES RACING ASSOCIATION, (775) 544-6463, WESTERNSTATESRACING.COM

ROAD RUN JUN 2: ARKPORT: CONESUS LAKE RIDERS M/C, (585) 335-2084, CLR-MC.COM JUN 3: LONG ISLAND CITY: H.O.G.-NY NEW YORK CITY, (718) 707-9300, NYCHARLEYDAVIDSON. COM JUN 10: CASTLE POINT: ROLLING THUNDER NY CHAPTER 3, (845) 928-0895, RTNYCH3.COM

RIDGE SPORTS, (607) 847-6520, THUNDERRIDGE.BIZ JUN 17: (Includes ATVs) CATO: CATO MX, LLC, (315) 247-7245, CATO-MX.COM

JUN 2-3: TORONTO: 2-DAY EVENT, OHIO VALLEY BSA OWNERS CLUB, (724) 945-6018

MOTOCROSS

ENDURO

JUN 2: BATAVIA: AREA 51 MOTOCROSS, (585) 345-7433, AREA51MOTOCROSS.COM JUN 3: (Includes ATVs) SOUTH EDMESTON: THUNDER RIDGE SPORTS, (607) 847-6522, THUNDERRIDGE.BIZ JUN 9-10: (Includes ATVs) RICHFORD: BROOME TIOGA SPORTS CENTER INC, (607) 8494438, BROOME-TIOGA.COM JUN 17: (Includes ATVs) NEW BERLIN: UNADILLA VALLEY SPORTS CENTER, (607) 965-8450, UNADILLAMX.COM JUN 24: (Includes ATVs) RICHFORD: BROOME TIOGA SPORTS CENTER INC, (607) 8494438, BROOME-TIOGA.COM JUN 30: (Includes ATVs) CAROGA LAKE: ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN.COM OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 10: CAYUTA: DISTRICT 4 TRIALS COMMITTEE, (607) 738-2077 SHORT TRACK JUN 2: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM JUN 29-30: (Includes ATVs) PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM NORTH CAROLINA COMPETITION CROSS COUNTRY JUN 17: (Includes ATVs) HENDERSON: LONE RIDER PRODUCTIONS LLC, (804) 9667595, VXCS.ORG MOTOCROSS JUN 3: (Includes ATVs) ASHEBORO: ZOO CITY MOTOR SPORTS PARK, (336) 873-9447, ZOOCITYMX.COM JUN 16-17: ELLERBE: 2 DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS. COM OHIO RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE JUN 2: TORONTO: OHIO VALLEY BSA OWNERS CLUB, (724) 9456018

JUN 24: CLARENCE: REGENT RIDERS, (716) 759-6837 TOY RUN

POKER RUN

JUN 24: HICKSVILLE: NASSAU COUNTY FIRE RIDERS MC, (516) 570-0678

JUN 10: TALLMADGE: CIRCLE CITY HORSEPOWER PROMOTIONS, (330) 633-5296, DNDFUND.ORG

ENDURO

JUN 3: (Includes ATVs) NEWARK: ARCADIA BARK BUSTER, (315) 548-5145

JUN 10: DAYTON: DAYTON MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (937) 263-9321, DAYTONMC.ORG

JUN 9-10: (Includes ATVs) NEW BERLIN: 2 DAY EVENT, THUNDER

ROAD RALLY JUN 13: SUNBURY: THE

JUN 16-17: ELKTON: EMERALD TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION INC. MOTOCROSS JUN 24: ATHENA: HODAKA CLUB, (503) 475-6005, HODAKADAYS. ORG OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 24: ATHENA: HODAKA CLUB, (503) 475-6005, HODAKADAYS. ORG PENNSYLVANIA RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE

JUN 16-17: (Includes ATVs) MARIETTA: PIONEER MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (740) 350-8326, PIONEERMOTORCYCLECLUB. COM

JUN 2-3: MILL HALL: 2-DAY EVENT, DURTY DABBERS, (570) 726-3343, DURTYDABBERS.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 3: (Includes ATVs) SUGAR GROVE: CENTRAL OHIO COMPETITION RIDERS INC., (740) 983-3937, COCRMX.COM JUN 17: CHILLICOTHE: CHILLICOTHE ENDURO RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (740) 773-6115, CHILLICOTHEENDURO.COM MOTOCROSS JUN 3: DAYTON: DAYTON MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC., (937) 263-9321, DAYTONMC.ORG JUN 10: GREENVILLE: TREATY CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (937) 548-7197, TREATYCITYMC. COM JUN 15: (Includes ATVs) HILLIARD: AMERICAN MOTOSPORTS LLC, (937) 358-2427, AMERICANMX. COM JUN 17: (Includes ATVs) BLANCHESTER: DIRT COUNTRY, (513) 625-7350, DIRTCOUNTRYMX. COM OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 16-17: TORONTO: 2-DAY EVENT, TRIALS INC, (317) 8616275, TRIALSINC.ORG OKLAHOMA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS JUN 16: BEGGS: SOUTH 75 MX, (407) 967-6599, SOUTH75MX.COM JUN 30: BEGGS : SOUTH 75 MX, (407) 967-6599, SOUTH75MX.COM TT JUN 9: (ATV only) MUSKOGEE: SD RACING, OREGON RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE JUN 9-10: ODELL: 2-DAY EVENT, NORTHWEST TOUR & TRAIL, (503) 681-8881, BLACKDOGDUALSPORT.COM DUAL SPORT RIDE JUN 9-10: ODELL: 2-DAY EVENT, NORTHWEST TOUR & TRAIL, (503) 681-8881, BLACKDOGDUALSPORT.COM JUN 23-24: FORT ROCK: 2-DAY EVENT, LOBOS MC INC, (503) 6565801, LOBOSMC.COM

ROAD RALLY

HARE SCRAMBLES

HARE SCRAMBLES

HILLCLIMB

JUN 2-3: TIGARD: 2-DAY EVENT, ROSE CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (503) 706-3969, ROSE-CITY-MC. ORG

GYPSY TOUR JUN 9-17: LACONIA: LACONIA MOTORCYCLE WEEK ASSOCIATION, (603) 366-2000, LACONIAMCWEEK.COM

JUN 9-10: WELLSTON: 2-DAY EVENT, APPALACHIAN DIRT RIDERS INC, (740) 384-6379, ADROHIO.ORG

ROAD ENDURO

RECREATIONAL

JUN 10: DEPOSIT: RIDGE RIDERS M/C, (201) 456-5519, ECEA.ORG

COMPETITION

ROAD RUN JUN 10: INDEPENDENCE: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

NEW HAMPSHIRE

SWAP MEETS

JUN 24: (Includes ATVs) BERKSHIRE: ITHACA DIRT RIDERS INC, (607) 657-8248, ITHACADIRTRIDERS.COM

JUN 24: BROWNSVILLE: LICKING COUNTY TRAIL RIDERS INC, (740) 323-4129

COMPETITION

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE RALLY, (614) 321-7909, AMERICANMOTORCYCLE RALLY.COM

JUN 21: ATHENA: HODAKA CLUB, (503) 475-6005 COMPETITION

JUN 23: SPRING MILLS: SEVEN MOUNTAINS CONSERVATION CORPS, (814) 574-0404, SEVENMOUNTAINS CONSERVATIONCORP.COM CARNIVAL RUN JUN 3: REAMSTOWN: GARDEN SPOT MC, (717) 336-5451, GARDENSPOTMC.COM JUN 10: MARIETTA: AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS PA POST CHAPTER #466, (717) 898-0871 DISTRICT TOUR JUN 18: MATAMORAS: MOTORCYCLE TOURING ASSOCIATION, (570) 491-2400, MTARIDERS.COM DUAL SPORT RIDE JUN 2-3: MILL HALL: 2-DAY EVENT, DURTY DABBERS, (570) 726-3343, DURTYDABBERS.COM JUN 24: SPRING MILLS: PENNSYLVANIA TRAIL RIDERS ASSN, (814) 574-1798, PATRAILRIDERS.ORG GYPSY TOUR JUN 21: JOHNSTOWN: JOHNSTOWN/CAMBRIA COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU, (800) 237-8590, JOHNSTOWNTHUNDER.COM POKER RUN JUN 3: BUCK: GENTLEMEN MC SPORTSMEN, (717) 285-3710 JUN 10: SCHUYLKILL HAVEN: SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (570) 3851460, SCHUYLKILLCOUNTY MOTORCYCLECLUB.COM JUN 17: LEBANON: LEBANON VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (717) 270-9797, LEBANONVALLEYMC.COM JUN 24: COLUMBIA: THUNDERBIRD MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (717) 898-0871 ROAD RUN JUN 3: DANVILLE: MOTORCYCLE MIRACLE TOUR, (570) 745-3835 JUN 9-10: BRIDGEVILLE: 2-DAY EVENT, STAYIN’ SAFE/THE A.R.T. OF MOTORCYCLING, (724) 7712269, STAYINSAFE.COM JUN 10: NORRISTOWN: FRIENDS OF THE FORGOTTEN INC., (215) 362-7989, FRIENDSOFTHEFORGOTTEN. COM ROAD RALLY JUN 21: GETTYSBURG: MID ATLANTIC WOMENS MOTORCYCLE RALLY, (717) 4717026, MAWMR.ORG COMPETITION ENDURO JUN 17: RYAN TWP: HIGH MOUNTAIN DIRT RIDERS, (570) 954-7799, HMDR.ORG

June 2012

51

JUNE EVENTS JUN 10: (Includes ATVs) NEELYTON: FT OF MOUNTAIN, (814) 259-3873

JUN 29: (Includes ATVs) LATROBE: MX PRODUCTIONS, (724) 3220415, LATROBEMOTORSPORTS. COM

JUN 2: HOUSTON: RIDERS FOR THE CURE, (713) 563-9230, RIDERSFORTHECURE.ORG

JUN 17: (Includes ATVs) PLYMOUTH: BACK MOUNTAIN ENDURO RIDERS, (570) 675-1814, BMER.ORG

SHORT TRACK

MOTOCROSS

JUN 30: DELTA: BALTIMORE COUNTY TRAIL RIDERS ASSOC., , BCTRA.COM

JUN 23-24: TAMAQUA: 2-DAY EVENT, READING OFF ROAD RIDERS, (610) 921-3592, RORR. ORG

TT

HARE SCRAMBLES

JUN 30: (Includes ATVs) SHAMOKIN: 2 DAY EVENT, VALLEY FORGE TRAIL RIDERS, (610) 4763747, VFTR.ORG MOTOCROSS JUN 2-3: DELMONT: 2-DAY EVENT, BELLCO INC, (304) 284-0084, RACERPRODUCTIONS.COM JUN 3: SHIPPENSBURG: DOUBLIN GAP MX PARK INC, (717) 2496036, DOUBLINGAP.COM JUN 3: (ATV only) HANOVER: HAPPY RAMBLERS, (717) 6342353, HAPPYRAMBLERS.COM JUN 10: HANOVER: HAPPY RAMBLERS, (717) 634-2353, HAPPYRAMBLERS.COM JUN 15: (Includes ATVs) LATROBE: MX PRODUCTIONS JUN 16: ELKLAND: MILES MOUNTAIN MX, (607) 368-3429 JUN 16-17: (ATV only) MT. MORRIS: 2-DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 2840084, ATVMOTOCROSS.COM JUN 17: ELKLAND: MILES MOUNTAIN MX, (607) 368-3429 JUN 22: SHIPPENSBURG: DOUBLIN GAP MX PARK INC, (717) 249-6036, DOUBLINGAP.COM JUN 29: SHIPPENSBURG: DOUBLIN GAP MX PARK INC, (717) 249-6036, DOUBLINGAP.COM

JUN 10: PARKESBURG: E PA PISTON POPPERS MC INC, (484) 336-9160 RHODE ISLAND COMPETITION OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 23-24: EXETER: 2-DAY EVENT, RHODE ISLAND TRIALS CLUB, (508) 285-6074, RITRIALSCLUB.COM SOUTH CAROLINA RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE JUN 3: ABBEVILLE: LONG CANE MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, (864) 223-3848 SOUTH DAKOTA COMPETITION TT JUN 29-30: (ATV only) SIOUX FALLS: MICHAEL COBURN RACING, (605) 594-3465 HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 2-3: TBA: 2-DAY EVENT, SOUTH PENN ENDURO RIDERS TEXAS RECREATIONAL DISTRICT TOUR JUN 7: AUSTIN: REPUBLIC OF TEXAS BIKER RALLY, (512) 2529768, ROTRALLY.COM ROAD RUN

COMPETITION JUN 16-17: CONROE: 2-DAY EVENT, E.S.E. EXTREME SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, (936) 321-8725, THREEPALMSESP.COM UTAH RECREATIONAL ROAD RALLY JUN 9: KANAB: AMERICAN VOYAGER ASSOCIATION, (208) 746-3530, AMERVOYASSOC.ORG COMPETITION ROAD RACE JUN 30-July 1: TOOELE: 2-DAY EVENT, UTAH SPORT BIKE ASSOCIATION, (435) 277-RACE, MILLERMOTORSPORTSPARK. COM VIRGINIA RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN JUN 3: MECHANICSVILLE: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG COMPETITION GRAND PRIX JUN 10: IVOR: VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP HS SERIES, (757) 570-2209, VCHSS.ORG MOTOCROSS JUN 9-10: DILLWYN: 2-DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 375-1059, MAMAMX.COM

JUN 16: (Includes ATVs) LEAVENWORTH: LAKE WENATCHEE RECREATION CLUB, (509) 763-3858, LAKEWENATCHEERECCLUB.COM WEST VIRGINIA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS JUN 2-3: HEDGESVILLE: 2-DAY EVENT, MIDDLE ATLANTIC MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION, (410) 375-1059, MAMAMX.COM WISCONSIN RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE JUN 9-10: WABENO: 2-DAY EVENT, WISCONSIN DUAL SPORT RIDERS, (920) 350-2030, WIDUALSPORTRIDERS.ORG COMPETITION 1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK JUN 9: (Includes ATVs) JUNEAU: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB INC, BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM ENDURO JUN 16-17: HAYWARD: 2-DAY EVENT, MIDWEST OFFROAD TRAIL RIDERS, (715) 834-2793 HILLCLIMB JUN 17: KEWASKUM: KETTLE MORAINE SPORT RIDERS INC JUN 24: (Includes ATVs) HIXTON: CMJ RACEWAY LLC, CMJRACEWAY.COM HARE SCRAMBLES JUN 24: HIXTON: CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 220-6853, CMJRACEWAY.COM

CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 265-1582, AZTALANMX.COM JUN 16-17: (Includes ATVs) ARKANSAW: ARKANSAW CREEK CYCLE CLUB INC, (715) 285-5679, ARKANSAWMX.COM JUN 24: TIGERTON: FANTASY MOTO LLC, (920) 419-2863, FANTASYMOTO.COM JUN 30: (Includes ATVs) RHINELANDER: SUGAR CAMP AREA RACING ENTERPRISES, (715) 272-1101, SUGARCAMP. ENT.COM OBSERVED TRIALS JUN 3: TRIMBELLE: UPPER MIDWEST TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (507) 351-8879, UMTA.ORG JUN 10: BLACK RIVER FALLS: WISCONSIN OBSERVED TRAILS ASSOCIATION, (608) 434-5530, WISCONSINTRIALS.ORG SCRAMBLES JUN 24: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB INC, , BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM SHORT TRACK JUN 1: (Includes ATVs) PLYMOUTH: SOUTHEASTERN SHORT TRACKERS LTD, (262) 339-7430, DAIRYLANDCLASSIC.COM JUN 16: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 265-1582, AZTALANMX.COM JUN 23: (Includes ATVs) BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB INC, , BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM WYOMING

MOTOCROSS

COMPETITION ENDURO

RECREATIONAL

JUN 3: HIXTON: CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 220-6853, CMJRACEWAY.COM

DUAL SPORT RIDE

JUN 10: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN

WASHINGTON

JUN 17: UPTON: INYAN KARA RIDERS, (307) 468-3840, UPTONWYO.COM

2012 EVENTS HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM. ORG The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Recognizing those who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling.

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

30-Year Ride: Honda’s Ohiomade Motorcycles: Gold Wings aren’t the only bikes that Honda produced at its plant in Marysville, Ohio. This exhibit showcases the 30 years of production, from the CR250 to the Rune.

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

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days: July 20-22, MidOhio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio; AMA VintageMotorcycleDays.com AMA Legends Weekend: Nov.

52

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

16-17, Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa, Las Vegas, Nev.; MotorcycleMuseum.org AMA PRO RACING AMA MOTOCROSS SERIES MXSPORTSPRORACING.COM May 19: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown May 26: Wortham, Texas: Freestone Raceway June 2: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley June 9: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway June 16: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek Motocross July 7: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud July 14: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek Motocross July 21: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park Aug. 11: Southwick, Mass.: Moto-X 338 Aug. 18: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla Sept. 1: Delmont, Pa.: Steel City Raceway Sept. 8: Lake Elsinore, Calif.: Lake Elsinore Motocross Park

AMA PRO ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM May 26-28: Tooele, Utah: Miller

Motorsports Park June 1-3: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America June 22-24: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park June 26-27 Official Series Test: New Orleans: NOLA Motorsports Park July 13-15: Lexington, Ohio: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course July 27-29: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Aug. 18-19: Indianapolis: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sept. 7-9: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park Sept. 21-23: Homestead, Fla.: Homestead-Miami Speedway Oct. 5-7: New Orleans: NOLA Motorsports Park

AMA PRO GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM May 26: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield TT, Illinois State Fairgrounds May 27: Springfield, Ill.: Springfield Mile, Illinois State Fairgrounds June 30: Lima, Ohio: Lima HalfMile, Allen County Fairgrounds July 7: Hagerstown, Md.: Hagerstown Half-Mile, Hagerstown Speedway

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

AMA PRO HILLCLIMB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM June 3: Jefferson, Pa.: White Rose MC; WhiteRoseMC.org June 10: Freemansburg, Pa.:

Bushkill Valley MC; BikeHillcimb. com June 13: Canaan, N.H.: Ridge Runner Promotions; RidgeRunnerPromotions.com June 23: Oregonia, Ohio: Dayton MC; DaytonMC.com July 15: West Branch, Mich.: Ogemaw Hills Bike Week; OgemawHillsBikeWeek.com Aug. 5: Muskegon, Mich.: Muskegon MC; MuskegonMotorcycleClub.com Sept. 9: Freemansburg, Pa.: Bushkill Valley MC; BikeHillclimb.com Sept. 30: Jefferson, Pa.: White Rose MC; WhiteRoseMC.org Oct. 14: Oregonia, Ohio: Dayton MC; DaytonMC.com

AMA PRO ATV MOTOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ATVMOTOCROSS.COM May 19-20: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge June 2-3: Oakland, Ky.: Ballance MX June 16-17: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway June 30-July 1: Millfield, Ohio: Sunday Creek July 14-15: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla July 28-29: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud

2012 EVENTS Aug. 11-12: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn’s AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMA KENDA HARE & HOUND NATIONALHAREANDHOUND. COM May 19: Jericho, Utah: KC Bogue, Sugarloafers MC; (435) 864-8305, SugarloafersMC.com June 24: Reno, Nev.: Jeff Henning, Western States Racing Association; (775) 544-66463, DirtIncRacing.com Sept. 8: Panaca, Nev.: Zach Livreri, Silver State Trailblazers; (702) 994-6823, https://sites.google.com/site/ silverstatetrailblazers/ Oct 14: Johnson Valley, Calif.: Justin Shultz, SoCal MC; (949) 981-6776, SoCalMC.com Oct. 28: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Ryan Sanders, 100’s MC; (949) 584-9395, 100sMC.org AMA REKLUSE NATIONAL ENDURO, PRESENTED BY MOOSE RACING NATIONALENDURO.COM June 17: Upton, Wyo.: Paul Douglas, Inyan Kara Riders; (307) 468-2840, NationalEnduro.com July 29: Cross Fork, Pa.: Peter Burnett, Brandywine Enduro Riders; (610) 368-7332, BER.us Sept. 9: Park Hills, Mo.: Michael Silger, Missouri Mudders; michael.silger@avnet.com, MoMudders.com Oct. 14: Matthews, Ind.: Doug Spence, Muddobbers MC; (765) 998-2236, MuddobbersMC.org Nov. 4: Stanton, Ala.: Glenn Hollingshead, Perry Mountain MC ; (334) 872-4286, PerryMountain. com GEICO AMA ENDUROCROSS ENDUROCROSS.COM June 9: Sacramento, Calif.: Power Balance Pavilion TBD: Los Angeles: TBD Sept. 15: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Bank Arena Oct. 6: Denver: National Western Complex Oct. 20: Everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena Oct. 27: Boise, Idaho: Idaho Center Nov 17: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM June 16 (Youth & C Amateur) June 17 (Pro, A & B Amateur): Elkton, Ore.: Toni Bamford, ETRA; (541) 968-1664, ETRA.net Aug. 25 (Youth) Aug. 26 (Amateur): Big Sky, Mont.: Jamey Kabisch, Lone Peak Racing; (406) 223-0478, BigSkyXC.com AMA EAST HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM June 9 (Youth) June 10 (Amateur): S. Edmeston, N.Y.: Jim Simmons, Thunder Ridge Sports; (607) 847-6522, ThunderRidge.biz July 21 (Youth & Amateur): Valley View, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600, RauschCreekRacing. com Aug. 4 (Youth) Aug. 5 (Amateur): Hill City, Minn.: Paul Otto, Range Riders MC; (763) 229-1177, RangeRidersMC.org Aug. 11 (Youth) Aug. 12 (Amateur): E. Freetown, Mass.: Gordie Coyle, Pilgrim Sands Trail

Riders; (781) 294-8355, PSTR.org Sept. 1 (Youth) Sept. 2 (Amateur) Arrington, Va.: Chuck Honeycutt, April Fools Promotions; (757) 375-5665; AprilFools62@verizon.net AMA/NATC MOTOTRIALS AMARACING.COM May 19-20: Cahuilla Creek, Calif.: Pete Croft, So. California Trials Assn.; (714) 580-7369, SoCalTrials.com May 26-27: Cotapaxi, Colo.: Frank Peterson, Rocky Mountain Trials Assn.; (303) 477-6793, RockyMountainTrials.org June 16-17: Toronto, Ohio: Jim Watson, Trials Inc.; (317) 8616275, TrialsInc.org June 23-24: Exeter, R.I.: David Alen, Rhode Island Trials Club, (508) 285-6074, RITrialsClub.com AMA/NATC YOUTH TRIALS AMARACING.COM June 6-8 (East): Sequatchie, Tenn.: Ashley Jackson, Southeastern Trials Riders Assn., (423) 942-8688; TrialsTrainingCenter.com July 20-22 (West): Howard, Colo.: Bill Markham, International Trials School; (719) 942-3372, ITSoffroad.com AMA ATV HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM June 9: S. Edmeston, N.Y.: Jim Simmons, Thunder Ridge sports; (607) 847-6522, ThunderRidge.biz July 22: Valley View, Pa.: Tiffany Tobias, Rausch Creek Powersports; (570) 682-4600, RauschCreekRacing.com Aug. 4: Hill City, Minn.: Paul Otto, Range Riders MC; (763) 229-1177, RangeRidersMC.org Oct. 13: TBD: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084, TheMAXC.com Oct. 27: Gosport, Ind.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084, TheMAXC.com ITP/MOOSE RACING AMA ATV MOTOCROSS, PRESENTED BY PARTS UNLIMITED ATVMOTOCROSS.COM May 19-20: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge June 2-3: Oakland, Ky.: Ballance MX June 16-17: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway June 30-July 1: Millfield, Ohio: Sunday Creek July 14-15: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla July 28-29: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud Aug. 11-12: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn Ranch AMA ATV EXTREME DIRT TRACK EDTRACING.COM May 12: Kinston, N.C.: Lenoir County Fairgrounds, Ironclad Motorsports, (252) 624-9808, EDTRacing.com June 9: Oktakha, Okla.: Outlaw Motor Speedway June 29-30: Sioux Falls, S.D.: Sioux Valley Cycle Club, (605) 977-3866, SiouxValleyCycleClub. com July 21-22: Ashtabula, Ohio: Pine Lake Off-Road Facility, Bud Fischer, (440) 997-4166, EDTRacing.com Aug. 11: Batavia, N.Y.: Batavia Motor Speedway, BataviaMotorSpeedway.com Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Goldsboro, N.C.: Busco Beach, (919) 2229614, BuscoBeach.com

AMA VINTAGE DIRT TRACK AMARACING.COM May 29: Springfield, Ill.: Mile, Steve Nace; (270) 442-7532, SteveNaceRacing.com June 29-30: Harpursville, N.Y.: ST, Don Miller; (877) 746-3876, SquareDealRiders.com July 21: Ashland, Ohio: Half-Mile, Ashland County Fairgrounds, Ken Saillant; (800) 262-5646, AMARacing.com Aug. 17-18: Dundee, N.Y.: 4/10Mile, Black Rock Speedway, Dean Hoag; (607) 243-8686, BlackRockSpeedway.com AMA RACING PRO-AM MOTOCROSS AMARACING.COM May 12-13: Little Falls, Minn.: RM Promotions; (612) 919-3457, MotoCityRaceway.com May 13: Petersburg, Va.: Virginia Motor Sports Park; (443) 7833249, VirginiaMotorSports.com May 26-27: Dalton, Ga.: Lazy River MX; (706) 278-1620, LazyRiverMotocross.com May 27: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; (715) 856-6612, Gmellissa337@aol.com May 27: Crothersville, Ind.: High Fly MX; (812) 374-8228, HighFlyMX.com May 28: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trails Motosports; (217) 932-2041, LincolnTrailMotosport.com May 28: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway; (713) 962-3386, FreestoneMX.com May 28: Brush, Colo.: Swene Cycle Park; (970) 768-0518, SweneyCyclePark.com June 16 (Sat night): Mendota, Ill.: Moto Pro Inc. Stadium Megacross; (815) 539-9021, Megacross.com June 17: Mt. Carroll, Ill.: MC Motopark; (815) 238-1614, MCMotopark.com June 17: Leonardtown, Md.: Budds Creek Motocross Park; (301) 481-6148, BuddsCreek.com July 1: Shippensburg, Pa.: Doublin Gap MX; (717) 249-6063, DoublinGap.com July 14: Batavia, N.Y.: Area 51 MX; (585) 345-7433, HighFlyMX. com July 15: Crothersville, Ind.: High Fly MX; (812) 374-8228, HighFlyMX.com Aug. 26: Armagh, Pa.: Pleasure Valley Raceway; (814) 695-2453, PVRMX.com Aug. 26: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek MX Park; (507) 753-2779, SpringCreekMX.com Sept. 1-3: Millington, Mich.: Baja MX; (989) 871-3356, BajaMX.com Sept. 2: Athelstane, Wis.: Pine Ridge Raceway; (715) 856-6612, Gmellissa337@aol.com Sept. 9: Clifford, Pa.: Hurricane Hills Motorsports; (570) 2229290, HHMotocross.com Sept. 23: New Castle, Del.: Blue Diamond MX Park; (302) 8345867, BCTRA.com Sept. 30: Canton, Texas: Buffalo Creek Motocross Park; (214) 9394321, BuffaloCreekMX.com Sept. 30: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX; (815) 379-9534, SunsetRidgeMX.com Oct. 7: Gaylord, Mich.: Ostego Club; (989) 871-3356, BajaMX. com Oct. 7: Englishtown, N.J.: Raceway Park; (734) 446-7800, RacewayPark.com

Oct. 14: Birdsboro, Pa.: Pagoda Motorcycle Club; (610) 582-3717, PagodaMotorcycleClub.com Oct. 27-28: Leonardtown, Md.: Budds Creek Motocross Park; (301) 481-6148, BuddsCreek.com Oct. 28: Prentiss, Wis.: Golden Pine Raceway; (601) 506-8669, GoldenPineRaceway.com Nov. 4: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway; (713) 962-3386, FreestoneMX.com Nov. 4: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek; (205) 699-8857, RPMSportsonline.com Nov. 10-11: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway; (713) 962-3386, FreestoneMX.com Nov. 10-11: Lizella, Ga.: Echeconnee MX Park; (205) 6998857, FreestoneMX.com Nov. 19-21: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park; (813) 4707498, UnlimitedSportsMX.com Nov. 22-24: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park; (813) 4707498, UnlimitedSportsMX.com AMA FEATURED SERIES AMA MID AMERICA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP HARE SCRAMBLES SERIES THEMAXC.COM May 19: Greenfield, Ind. June 9-10: Casey, Ill. June 17: Springville, Ind.: Riley Miracle Trail Race July 21: Martinsville, Ind. Aug. 11: Merango, Ind. Sept. 8: Canaan, Ind. Sept. 22: Spencer, Ind. Oct. 13-14: Culver, Ind. Oct. 27-28: Casey, Ind. AMA WESTERN CHECKPOINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RIDECHEC.COM May 19-20: Gorman, Calif.: Hungry Valley 2 Day, Ventura County MC Sept. 29-30: Reno, Nev.: Wildhorse Enduro, Western States Racing Association Oct. 20-21: Fouts Springs, Calif.: Jackhammer Enduro, Jackhammer MC Oct. 20-21: Red Mountain, Calif.: Ghost Rider Enduro, Training Wheels MC Nov. 11: Stoneyford, Calif.: Climbers Enduro, Valley Climbers MC AMA DIRT TRACK GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP HOLESHOT SERIES AMARACING.COM May 12: Castle Rock, Wash.: TT & ST, Mount St Helens MC, Denise Holt, (425) 785-7702, MSHMC.org May 18-19: Harpursville, N.Y.: ST, Square Deal Riders, (877) 7463876, SquareDealRiders.com AMA ALL-STAR NATIONAL FLAT TRACK SERIES STEVENACERACING.COM May 19: Little Rock, Ark.: ST, Crooked Creek Speedway June 2: Chilton, Wis.: ST, Calumet County Speedway June 15: Peoria, Ill.: ST, Peoria Speedway June 17: Peoria, Ill.: TT, Peoria Motorcycle Club July 4: Frederick, Md.: Half-mile, Al Wilcox Memorial at the 90th Annual Barbara Fritchie Classic July 6: Winchester, Va.: Halfmile, Winchester Speedway July 21: Billings, Mont.: ST, Billings Motorcycle Club

Aug. 10: Peoria, Ill.: ST, Peoria Speedway Sept. 28: Hanover, Pa.: ST, Trailway Speedway Sept. 29: York, Pa.: Half-mile, York Fairgrounds AMA CAN-AM IATVHSS IATVHSS.COM May 26-27: Fort Dodge, Iowa: Mineral City Speedway June 17: Spragueville, Iowa: Hansen Hollows July 7-8: Beaconsfield, Iowa July 20: Centerville, Iowa: Appanoose County Fair July 25: Indianola, Iowa: Warren County Fair July 28-29: Mount Pleasant, Iowa: Greenhurst Farms Aug. 4: Chariton, Iowa: Lucas County Fairgrounds Aug. 17-18: Carlisle, Iowa: Heartland Challenge Sept. 8-9: Beaconsfield, Iowa Oct. 6-7: Carlisle, Iowa: Blue Ridge Run AMA GBC MOTORSPORTS HEARTLAND CHALLENGE HEARTLANDCHALLENGE.COM Aug. 16-18: Carlisle, Iowa AMA ENDURO TRIALS TRIALSTRAININGCENTER.COM Aug. 16-18: Sequatchie, Tenn.

AMA AMATEUR GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS MXSPORTS.COM May 12-13: Winchester, N.H.: Northeast area qualifier, Winchester Speed Park, (603) 239-6406 May 12-13: Little Falls, Minn.: North Central area qualifier, Little Falls Raceway, (612) 919-3457 May 12-13: Beaumont, Texas: South Central area qualifier, Cowboy Bad Lands MX, (409) 794-1985 May 19-20: New Berlin, N.Y.: Northeast area qualifier, Unadilla Valley Sports Center, (607) 9658450 May 19-20: Danville, Va.: Southeast area qualifier, Birch Creek, (434) 836-7629 May 19-20: Nelsonville, Ohio: Mid-East area qualifier, Fast Traxx Motoplex, (740) 767-3740 May 19-20: Mason, Ill.: North Central area qualifier, Cross Roads MX, (618) 686-2769 May 19-20: Little Rock, Ark.: South Central area qualifier, Tony Wynn MX, (870) 342-5373 May 20: Washougal, Wash.: Northwest area qualifier, Washougal, (360) 601-5347 May 26-27: Chatsworth, Ga.: Southeast area qualifier, Lazy River, (706) 278-1620 May 26-27: Walnut, Ill.: North Central area qualifier, Sunset Ridge, (815) 379-9534 June 2-3: Delmont, Pa.: Northeast regional (Amateur), Steel City, (304) 284-0084 June 2-3: Buchanan, Mich.: Mid-East regional (Amateur), Red Bud, (269) 695-6405 June 2-3: Wortham, Texas: South Central regional (Amateur), Freestone, (713) 962-3386 June 9-10: Mill Creek, Ala.: Southeast regional (Amateur), Mill Creek, (205) 699-8857 June 9-10: Bowling Green, Ky.: Mid-East regional (Youth), Ballance MX, (423) 323-5497 June 2012

53

2012 EVENTS June 9-10: Milford, Calif.: Northwest regional (Youth & Amateur), Honey Lake, (530) 827-2639 June 16-17: Ellerbe, N.C.: Southeast regional (Youth), Windy Hills MX, (423) 323-5497 June 16-17: Millville, Minn.: North Central regional (Youth), Spring Creek, (507) 753-2779 June 16-17: Conroe, Texas: South Central regional (Youth), Three Palms, (936) 321-8725 June 16-17: Hesperia, Calif.: Southwest regional (Youth & Amateur), Competitive Edge, (909) 454-1070 June 23-24: Shippensburg, Pa.: Northeast regional (Youth), Doublin Gap, (717) 249-6036 June 23-24: Mt Carroll, Ill.: North Central regional (Amateur), MC Motopark, (815) 238-1614 July 29-Aug.4: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Grand Championships (final), Loretta Lynn’s Ranch AMA DIRT TRACK GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM May 29-June 1: Springfield, Ill.: AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships AMA VINTAGE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMAVINTAGEMOTORCYCLE DAYS.COM July 20-22: Lexington, Ohio: AMA Vintage Grand Championships, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course AMA HILLCLIMB GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS AMARACING.COM Aug. 17-19: Bay City, Wis.: AMA Hillclimb Grand Championships AMA LAND SPEED GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS/BUB MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS BUBSPEEDTRIALS.COM Aug. 26-30: Wendover, Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats, Delvene Manning, (530) 272-4310 AMA KENDA TENNESSEE KNOCKOUT TENNESSEEKNOCKOUT ENDURO.COM Sept. 1-2: Sequatchie, Tenn.

AMA ISDE QUALIFIERS AMA ISDE QUALIFERS AMARACING.COM June 2-3: (Round 1) Idaho City, Idaho: Peter Reynolds, Boise Ridge Riders; (208) 384-5141, BoiseRidgeRiders.org June 9-10: (Round 2) Wellston, Ohio: William Defue Jr., Appalachian Dirt Riders; (740) 384-6379, ADROhio.org Sept. 24-29: 2012 ISDE: Sachsenring Circuit, Saxony, Germany AMA DUAL-SPORT/ ADVENTURE SERIES

AMA HUSQVARNA NATIONAL DUAL-SPORT SERIES, PRESENTED BY FMF AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM May 19: Zaleski, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740)

54

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

380-3050, Kaeppnerswoods.com June 2-3: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers National Dual Sport, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343, Durtydabbers. com June 2-3: Bixby, Mo.: Show Me 200, Midwest Trail Riders Assn., Robert Kaufman; (314) 434-5095, RideMTRA.com June 2-3: Custer, Mich.: Whiskey Creek Classic, Great Lakes Dual Sporters, Jeramey Valley; (989) 751-6863, GLDSMC. org June 9-10: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Dual Sport, Northwest Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 6818881, BlackDogDualSport.com June 9-10: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride For Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030, WIDualSportRiders. org June 23-24: Fort Rock, Ore.: Fort Rock National Dual Sport, Lobos MC, Billy Toman; (503) 656-5801, LobosMC.com July 14-15: Chandlersville, Ohio.: Zanesville National Dual Sport, Zanesville Trail Riders, Jerry Sode; (740) 221-1050, ZanesvilleTrailRiders.com July 21-28: TBD, Mich.: 28th Annual Six Days of Michigan, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Lewis Schuler; (517) 416-0126, CycleConservationClub.com Aug. 1-5: Stevenson, Wash.: Dualsport Northwest, SoundRider!, Tom Mehren; (206) 329-7808, SoundRider.com Aug. 4-5: Walden, Colo.: Moose Run Dual Sport Rally, Front Range Riders, Deborah Nielsen; (307) 778-8685, FrontRangeRiders.com Aug. 4-5: Hancock, N.Y.: Hancock Quarry Run, Bear Creek Sportsmen, Mike Goetz; BearCreekSportsmen.com Aug. 11-12: Columbus, Ind.: Buffalo 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC; Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772, StoneyLonesomeMC.com/ DualSport/index.html Aug. 18-19: Wolverine, Mich.: Ted’s Chandler Hill Challenge, Great Lakes Dual Sporters, Jeremay Valley; (989) 751-6863, GLDSMC.org Sept. 8-9: Golden Pond, Ky.: Land Between the Lakes 200, K.T. Riders, Jesse Thomas; (270) 522-3703, LBL200.com Sept. 22-23: Buck Meadows, Calif.: Yosemite Dual Sport Adventure, Family Off Road Adventures, Lawrence Borgens; (209) 649-3633, FamilyOffRoadAdventures.com Sept. 22-23: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckey Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050, KaeppnersWoods. com Sept. 29-30: Wabeno, Wis.: Big Woods 200, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030, WIDualSportRiders. org Oct. 6-7: Mt. Solon, Va.: Shenandoah 500 Dual Sport, Washington Area Trail Riders, Andy Giordano; (540) 379-5631, NVTR.webs.com Oct. 6-7: McArthur, Ohio: Baby Burr National Dual Sport, Enduro Riders Assn., Steve Barber; (614) 582-7821, EnduroRiders.com Oct. 27-28: Chatsworth, N.J.: Meteor Ride in the Pines, Meteor MC, Jeff Fitzpatrick; (609) 6545015, MeteorMC.com

Oct. 27-28: Payson, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon Dual Sport, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (602) 692-9382, dohood@us.ibm. com Nov. 3-4: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469, TeamHammer. org Nov. 23-24: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 792-7384, District37AMA.org

AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ NATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM May 19-20: Zaleski, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050, Kaeppners woods. com June 2-3: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Adventure Ride, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343, DurtyDabbers.com June 9-10: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, Northwest Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881, BlackDogDualSport. com June 9-10: Atlanta, N.Y.: Thrills in the Hills 2012, Wayne County Motorcycle Club, Don Rice; (315) 945-6911, WayneCountyMC.com June 21-25: Fairbanks, Alaska: Tag the Deadhorse Adventure Ride, Aerostich Tours, Roger Pattison; (575) 776-8785, AerostichTours.com Aug. 11-12: Columbus, Ind.: Buffalo 500 D/S Adventure Ride, Stoney Lonesome MC, Nathan Gaskill; (812) 343-9772, StoneyLonesomeMC.com Aug. 20-24: Varous locations, Idaho: Sasquatch Adventure Tour, SoundRider!, Tom Mehren; (206) 329-7808, SoundRider.com Sept. 8-9: Morganton, N.C.: Blue Ridge Adventure Ride, JB Saki Promotions, Ron Miller; (704) 309-3271, VolunteerRiders.com Sept. 14-16: Taos Ski Valley, N.M.: Land of Enchantment, Aerostich Tours, Roger Pattison; (575) 776-8785, AerostichTours. com Sept. 22-23: Logan, Ohio: Nutcracker 200, Buckey Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050, KaeppnersWoods. com Oct. 27-28: Payson, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon Dual Sport, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (602) 692-9382, ArizonaTrailRiders.org Nov. 3-4: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (856) 785-2754, TeamHammer. org Nov. 23-24: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 792-7384, District37AMA.org AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST. COMROADRIDE/TOURING AMA GRAND NATIONAL RALLY July 26-29: Carson City, Nev.: International Women & Motorcycling Conference, AMA, (614) 856-1900, WomenandMotorcycling.com

AMA NATIONAL RALLY July 20-22: Lexington, Ohio: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, AMA, Connie Fleming; (614) 856-1900 ext. 1258, AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com AMA NATIONAL CONVENTION June 4-9: Lake George, N.Y.: Americade, TourExpo.com Sept. 12-16: Ruidoso, N.M.: Golden Aspen Rally, MotorcycleRally.com AMA NATIONAL TOURING RALLY June 24-28: Avon, Colo.: STAR 2012, SportTouring.us/STAR2012 Aug. 1-5: Stephenson, Wash.: Rally in the Gorge, SoundRider. com/rally AMA REGIONAL CONVENTION May 17-20: Ruidoso, N.M.: Aspencash, MotorcycleRally. com AMA DISTRICT TOURING RALLY June 18-21: Matamoros, Pa.: MTA 2012 Gathering, Vikingbike@mindspring.com AMA NATIONAL GYPSY TOUR June 7-9: Austin, Texas: Republic of Texas Biker Rally, ROTRally.com June 11-19: Laconia, N.H.: Laconia Bike Week, LaconiaBikeWeek.com Aug. 9: Sturgis, S.D.: Sturgis Gypsy Tour, JackpineGypsies. com Oct. 12-14: Redding, Calif.: Big Bike Weekend, BigBikeWeekend.com AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST. COM/ROADRIDE/TOURING Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Polar Bear Grand Tour, AMA District 2 of New Jersey, (609) 894-2941, PolarBearGrandTour.com March 1-Nov. 30: Smoke Chasing Grand Tour, Team Strange Airheads, SmokeChasing.com April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor Grand Tour, Tour of Honor, TourofHonor.com April 1-Nov. 30: Hodgepodge Grand Tour, Midnight Riders Motorcycle Club, (765) 566-3807, Midnight-Riders-MC.com AMA EXTREME NATIONAL GRAND TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST. COM/ROADRIDE/TOURING Jan. 1-Dec. 31: USA Four Corners Grand Tour, Southern California Motorcycle Association (SCMA), (949) 246-4941, USA4Corners.org Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Best US 15 Roads Challenge Grand Tour, Southern California Motorcycle Association (SCMA), SC-MA.com Aug. 30-Sept. 4: Three Flags Classic Grand Tour, Southern California Motorcycle Association (SCMA), SC-MA.com AMA GYPSY TOUR June 16-17: Kingston, Idaho: Gyro Daze, District 24 Gypsy, HiRollers.org AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST. COM/ROADRIDE/TOURING Nov. 12-13: Titusville, Fla.: March of Dimes Bikers for Babies, BikersforBabies.org Aug. 6: Sturgis, S.D.: Sturgis Mayor’s Ride , (605) 720-0800, SturgisMotorcycleRally.com/ events

AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS RIDE FOR KIDS PBTFUS.ORG/RIDEFORKIDS/ EVENTS/2012/ May 20: Alexandria, La.: Rapides Parish Coliseum Annex, road ride May 20: Franklin, Tenn.: Jim Warren Park, road ride June 3: Alpharetta, Ga.: North Point Mall, road ride June 3: Mechanicsville, Va.: Richmond Times-Dispatch, road ride June 3: Albuquerque, N.M.: Mesa del Sol Fieldsat Journal Pavilion, road ride June 10: Independence, Ohio: Independence Fieldhouse Soccer Fields, road ride June 10: Golden, Colo.: Jefferson County Human Services Building, road ride July 8: South Bend, Ind.: Pinhook Park, road ride July 15: White Bear Lake, Minn.: East Century College, road ride July 15: Elgin, Il.: Elgin Community College, road ride July 15: Deerfield, N.Y.: Deerfield Volunteer Fire Dept., road ride July 22: Marysville, Ohio: Scotts Miracle-Gro Headquarters, road ride July 29: Knoxville, Tenn.: Pellissippi StateCommunity College, road ride July 29: Overland Park, Kan.: Johnson County Community College, road ride Aug. 5: Cranberry Township, Pa: Home Dept, road ride Aug. 5: Central Valley, N.Y.: Central Valley Elementary School, road ride Aug. 5: Middleton, Wis: Firemen’s Park, road ride Aug. 11: Salt Lake City: This is the Place Heritage Park, road ride Aug. 19: Cottleville, Mo.: St. Charles Community College, road ride Aug. 19: Fiskdale, Mass.: Tantasqua Regional High School, road ride Aug. 26: Ann Arbor, Mich.: Washtenaw Community College, road ride/dual-sport Aug. 26: Fletcher, N.C.: WNC Ag Center and Fairgrounds, road ride Sept. 9: Carnation, Wash.: Remlinger Farms, road ride Sept. 9: Leeds, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park, road ride Sept. 9: Indianapolis: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, road ride Sept. 16: Tulsa, Okla.: Tulsa Health Dept., road ride Sept. 16: Phoenixville, Pa.: Valley Forge Christian College, road ride Sept. 23: Ellicott City, Md.: Turf Valley Resort, road ride Sept. 30: Las Vegas, Nev.: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, road ride Oct. 7: Fairfield, Calif.: Solano Community College, road ride Oct. 7: Grapevine, Texas: Grapevine Mills Mall, road ride Oct. 21: Cardiff, Calif.: MiraCosta College, road ride Oct. 21: Mesa, Ariz.: Desert Ridge High School, road ride Nov. 4: Lithia, Fla.: Heinrich Training Center, road ride

2012 RAFFLE

BIKE

OUR Y GETCKET TI WIN TOnate onlineuamt .org

use Do cleM l y c r o l Mot or ca 2222.

6 of ) 85 tion (614 um dona 20 for r$ nim A mi ticket, o ggested. r u e $5 p ckets, is s i t five

1948 Indian Chief

T

he 1948 Indian Chief is an iconic masterpiece of Americana. The motorcycle not only represents America’s love for big V-twin motorcycles, but speaks to what stirs in the heart of all motorcyclists – a passion for the open road. Now is your opportunity to win this classic machine and support the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in the process.

Ready to fly and ride! See it in action and donate at

MotorcycleMuseum.org/RaffleBike

GOT NUMB & TINGLY HANDS? ®

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

MEMORY FOAM

PALM SWELL®

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

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

KINEKT GEAR RING

moving gears you can wear watch the video

www.kinektdesign.com 888-600-8494 56

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Thinner, Lighter, Stronger!

800.646.5916 www.gerbing.com

ADVERTISER INDEX Allstate.............................................................. 60 Anthony’s Leatherworks................................... 23 AMA Classifieds powered by Sprocketlist.com ......................................................................... 23 AMA Hall of Fame...................................... 36, 55 AMA Husqvarna National DS Series................ 22 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days......................... 37 AMA Women’s Conference.............................. 25 AMA Yamaha Super Ténére NARS..................... 8 Americade........................................................ 26 American Motorcycle Specialties..................... 56 Benchmark Helmets......................................... 24 Best Rest Products.......................................... 56 Bike Bandit......................................................... 7 Black Book....................................................... 56 Bohn................................................................. 57 Brookside S/100............................................... 19 Capital One................................................. 27, 59 Choice Hotels................................................... 23 Cycle Analysis.................................................. 57 Discount Ramps............................................... 29 Draggin Jeans.................................................. 56

Federal Co........................................................ 32 Geico................................................................ 21 Gerbings........................................................... 56 GRIPSWELL Gloves......................................... 56 Helmet House............................................4-5, 15 JC Motors......................................................... 18 K&N Filters.......................................................... 9 Kinekt............................................................... 56 Manic Salamander........................................... 56 Pit Posse.......................................................... 17 Progressive....................................................... 13 Port-A-Chopper................................................ 57 Racecrafters..................................................... 57 RidersGuides.com............................................ 16 Seat Concepts.................................................. 18 Sound RIDER!.................................................. 57 Sudco............................................................... 18 Victory.............................................................. 11 Yamaha................................................ 2-3, 30-31 Yuasa................................................................ 33

AMA Trademarks The following represent active, registered trademarks, trademarks and service marks of the AMA. Usage of any AMA trademark or registered trademark without our permission is prohibited. Please contact smaher@ ama-cycle.org for more information or assistance.

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

June 2012

57

GUEST COLUMN MOTORCYCLING PASSION I recently stopped by to browse in a Ducati store and, lo and behold, there it was, sitting on a pristine podium under a spotlight, the latest MV Agusta 1000cc F4 Series Del Oro! Yum… My heart rate went up about 10 clicks and my blood pressure increased. It was as if I was standing in front of royalty. I didn’t know whether I should kneel down and kiss its tires or just stand back in awe. It was love at first sight with a big dollop of passion.

My girlfriend was used to this type of behavior and just whispered sardonically under her breath, “It’s just a motorcycle…”

What is passion? According to the dictionary, it’s: “1. Any powerful emotion or appetite, such as love, joy, hatred, anger or greed. 2. Ardent, adoring love. 3. Boundless enthusiasm.”

Certain things evoke certain passions at differing times in a person’s life. Inclusive of the arts, dance, music and love, passion is the one glowing aura of human nature that especially manifests when dealing with motorcycles. Motorcyclists, you see, follow a very poignant creed.

Given its rather industrial development in the late 19th century, the motorcycle was just another form of transportation in those early days of the internal combustion engine. One more form of locomotion for the masses, overtaking the legendary horse and buggy. Today, the motorcycle has well exceeded its transportation function by becoming the focal point of millions of people’s interest throughout the world. Its inventors probably had no idea what future passions it would instill in the hordes of riders who would fall under its spell.

Rarely in the field of human studies has one seen such levels of enthusiasm, nay, obsession, for a tangible collection of metallic and rubberized items; mechanical things that make the total more than the sum of its parts. The motorcycle stimulates people into a frenzy of lifelong passion possibly more than love itself.

How motorcycles came to develop this wide-ranging growth of passion is nearly universal. Perhaps it has been through the media, which has searched continuously through the years to find an action vehicle suitable for its movie heroes such as Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen, Peter Fonda, Angelina Jolie, et al. They needed some exciting, vested vehicle for their exploits.

Similarly, the literary love for motorcycle rests in the pages of novels like “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” a must-read book for the guru hippies of the mid-1970s. Or modern movies such as “Faster.” All these forms of media images are absorbed and assimilated into young minds just waiting for the right time of maturation and finances to pursue their adventures.

Throughout the world we see people dreaming of riding off into the sunset on a motorcycle, free and fast. Motorcycles, depending on their genre, are a cheap, practical and fun way to offer that image and project it onto the public as they see fit. The machine transposes itself into one’s psyche and persona.

Motorcycles also offer a practical and economical way to parlay status in the motorized world. Why buy a Ferrari or a Porsche when, for a fraction of the cost one can merely buy a stock Japanese, German, Austrian or Italian 1,000cc street bike that can blow those cars away—if that’s the intended purpose?

Motorcycles not only offer form, function and technological advances well beyond that of most automobiles in production, but also the performance-per-cost ratio of an SR-71 Blackbird. They offer something extreme for the common man that is well within his price range.

58

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Beyond the image issue, there’s the actual, deep-rooted love for the motorcycle itself. Some people just love technology and the mechanical soul. To these people, there is something intimately sexy and alluring about the metallurgy, mechanical aptitude, design and sound of a finely tuned machine.

Just as art or music embodies their fans’ passion, a truly great motorcycle goes down in history as either a wonderful technological design or as a piece of art within itself. Ask an Italian male of any age to view a beautiful piece of artwork or a blood red Ducati 1199 Panigale, and then ask him to point to his favorite. You know the answer… Show a picture of an old Triumph Bonneville traversing the winding English countryside to a Brit and you’ll likely get either a tear or a smile of reminiscence. The passion for motorcycles knows no geographic, age, nationality or gender boundaries.

Passion lives deep within us all and is brought out by images, senses and smells of just the right attributes of imagination, practicality and mechanical form. The motorcycle evokes all of these senses from those who have come under its infatuating spell. Enveloped within a domain of multiple realities, the motorcycle offers so much to so many for so little, surpassing many other great passions of life.

The passion for a motorcycle is far deeper to some than even the passion for love itself. Trust me. I speak from experience.

Steven Holt, a former AMA roadracer, is from San Diego County, Calif.

Photo Chelsea Anne Photography

It’s What Drives Us

By Steven Holt

Show your support for the American Motorcyclist Association and

GET 1.25 MILES FOR EVERY $1 SPENT!

REV UP YOUR REWARDS The American Motorcyclist Association has partnered with Capital One® to offer you three credit card options to fit your needs. Choose a card that earns you great rewards, one with a low introductory APR or another to help build your credit. Plus, you can choose an image for your card that highlights your support for the AMA. Apply today!

www.AMAVisa.com Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Offered by CapitalOne, N.A.. © 2012 Capital One.

EVERY DAY IN THIS COUNTRY, THREE MOTORCYCLISTS ARE KILLED AT INTERSECTIONS. Allstate thinks that’s insane. And we’re doing something about it.

If you know of an intersection that deserves a sign, tell us at FACEBOOK.COM/ALLSTATEMOTORCYCLE

QUOTE TODAY

|

A LOCAL AGENT

|

877-361-BIKE

|

ALLSTATE.COM

Based on U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System averages. Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate Insurance Company, Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL and Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Bridgewater, NJ. © 2012 Allstate Insurance Company