American Motorcyclist December 2015 Street (preview version)

DECEMBER 2015

MOTORCYCLISTS GIVE BACK

Photo Terry Clark

2015 MOTORCYCLE GIFT GUIDE

AMA REWARDS

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

HOW YOUR AMA MEMBERSHIP PAYS FOR ITSELF Are You Covered?

Value

American Motorcyclist magazine

$19.95

Included

AMA Roadside Assistance

$104

Included*

Unlimited Classified Ads On The AMA Website

$40

Included

AMA Online Road And Trail Guide

$19

Included

AMA Member-Only Website

$75

Included

$40**

Up To 20% Off

$187.50***

Up To 25% Off

Priceless

Included

Hotel And Motel Discounts (Choice Hotels, Red Roof Inn) Gear Discounts (BikeBandit.com, EVS, Heat Demon And More) Protecting Your Right To Ride

Your Cost

Your Membership Dues

$49

Total Membership Value

$490.45

*with membership automatic renewal **average cost of $100/night stay – 2 nights ***average $750 per year expenses on gear/parts/accessories

THE ESSENTIALS AMA Roadside Assistance

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

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

Lodging

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

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

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

EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals

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

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

Motorcycle Shipping

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

Car Rentals

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

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

AMA Gear

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 www.

MotorcycleMuseum.org.

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

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

Insurance, Credit Card, Finance and Banking

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

PRODUCT DISCOUNTS ActionStation/Bohn Body Armor

Save 10% on complete product line—plus bonus. Go to www.actionstation.com/ama/ and use coupon code AMAB4U at checkout.

AMA Members also receive exclusive discounted pricing on the Bohn Bodyguard System at www.bohn-armor-pants.com/ ama/.

ADVMoto

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

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

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AMA/Sprocketlist Online Classifieds

AMA members can place free ads in the AMA member classifieds at AMA.Sprocketlist.com or AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Classifieds.

AMA Supercross And AMA Arenacross Tickets

Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Supercrossonline. com and use password SXAMA5. AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Arenacross.com and use password AMA5OFF. Certain restrictions apply, call (800) 262-5646 for details.

Anthony’s Leatherworks

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

Colorado Motorcycle Adventures

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

Design Engineering, Inc.

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

Dowco Powersports

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

Powertye Tie-Downs

Save 10%. Enter code TYES4AMA at checkout from www.powertye.com/ama.

Rider Magazine

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

AmericanMotorcyclist.com for the discount link.

RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine

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

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

Sam’s Club EVS Sports

AMA Members receive 10% off and free shipping on all orders. Simply use the code AMAEVS15 during checkout at www.EVS-Sports.com.

As an AMA Member, you can join or renew your Sam’s Club membership and receive a $10 gift card using a special members-only certificate.

Visit Members Only section on www.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com to download the coupon.

Gear Brake

Sena

International Motorcycle Shows

Shark Kage

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

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

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

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

Shock Sox

Get 30 free days and 10% off. Use promo code AMACYCLE at www.

LifeLock.com or by calling (800) 543-3562.

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

ShockSox.com

Biker Rain Chaps

MAD Maps

Spot LLC

Black Wolf Mototours

Medjet

BikeBandit.com

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

(Discount is not available on tires.)

Save 25%. Visit www.bikerrainchaps. com/ama/ and use the code AMA1015-TDAY at checkout to receive your discount.

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

Brooks Leather

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

Just present the code AMABRO when ordering.

Cardo Systems, Inc.

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

LifeLock Identity Theft Protection

The best routes made easy. Save 20%.

Use promo code AMATHXU at www.

MADmaps.com.

Learn More and Enroll – visit www.

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

MYLAPS

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

Pagnol Moto

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

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

TomTom

TomTom would like to offer you a 10% discount on any TomTom product (excluding accessories). Visit www. tomtom.com to place your order and enter AMA10_TT2015 at check out to receive your discount.

US Chrome

AMA Members save big at US Chrome!

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

For more information visit the Members Area of the website.

Warm & Safe

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

Jeff Kardas

On Sept. 25-26, Ernée, France, hosted the 2015 FIM Motocross of Nations. The U.S. team of Cooper Webb (No. 9), Jeremy Martin and Justin Barcia battled valiantly against the best MXGP riders in the world, finishing second behind France.

Next year’s race will be at the famed Maggiore, Italy, circuit—the stage for a spectacular U.S. victory in 1986.

NAVIGATION 8. LETTERS 10. VIEWPOINT 12. RIGHTS 26. HALL OF FAME 40. EVENTS CALENDAR

STREET COVER Motorcyclists are some of the most charitable souls on Earth. Get an update on three AMA-chartered groups that keep giving on pages 20-22.

DIRT COVER Riding schools not only teach you how to ride faster, but they make you safer. We look at several for both on-road and off, starting on page 32.

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

Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2015.

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

PAGE 20. Steve Koretoff wanted things to be better for off-highway riders in California.

So, he did something about it.

PAGE 23. Motorcycle films are either really, really bad or really, really good. Here are some good ones.

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December 2015 Volume 69, Number 12 Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com

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

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

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

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

IT’S IN THE DETAILS. You know every inch of your bike. Not just the engine size, or the color code of the paint. It’s the special details that only you know about. Like the way the exhaust opens up just right at 3,200rpm.

Or that scuff on the footpeg you picked up while riding through Deal’s Gap. It’s the details that make your bike unique, and no one knows this more than GEICO. With GEICO Motorcycle insurance, you’ll get coverage specific to your bike, and a team of people who love motorcycles as much as you do.

When it comes to insurance, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Trust the details to GEICO Motorcycle.

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

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Motorcycle coverage is underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2015 GEICO.

COMMUNICATIONS

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Contact any member of the AMA Board of Directors at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ about/board Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, Chair Schenectady, N.Y.

James Holter, Director of Communications/Managing Editor Jim Witters, Government Affairs Editor Heather Wilson, Associate Editor Mark Lapid, Creative Director Jeff Guciardo, Production Manager/Designer Halley Immelt, Graphic Designer

Perry King, Vice Chair, Northern California Ken Ford, Assistant Treasurer Bartow, Fla. Paul Puma, Executive Committee Member, Laguna Beach, Calif.

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

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

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

Jerry Abboud, Thornton, Colo.

All trademarks used herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned by the AMA and may only be used with the express, written permission of the AMA. American Motorcyclist is the monthly publication of the American Motorcyclist Association, which represents motorcyclists nationwide. For information on AMA membership benefits, call (800) AMA-JOIN or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Manuscripts, photos, drawings and other editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited material. Copyright© American Motorcyclist Association, 2015.

Russ Brenan, Irvine, Calif.

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

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.

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

AMA STAFF EXECUTIVE

BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS

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

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

ACCOUNTING/DATA ENTRY Dawn Becker, Accounting Manager Lori Cavucci, Data Entry Representative Deb D’Andrea, Data Entry Representative Melanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator Ed Madden, System Support Specialist Nicole Weppler, Member Fulfillment Specialist

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Motion Pro offers a limited 5 year warranty on Titan™ Throttle Tubes ®

AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME Connie Fleming, Manager of Events and AMHF Operations Jordan Cavallaro, Museum Admissions and Collections Assistant Paula Schremser, Program Specialist Katy Wood, Collections Manager AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES

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

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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

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

it’s more than a ride, it’s a 75 year pilgrimage.

75th annual DAYTONA BEACH BIKE WEEK March 4 – March 13, 2016 America’s most famous beach invites you to come make history where history was born at the world’s premier motorcycle event: The 75th annual Daytona Beach Bike Week. Start your historic journey with 10 days of riding, entertainment, bikes shows, and celebrations in the one and only destination with an authentic American motorcycle vibe. Join us and you’ll understand why this is the ultimate motorcycle mecca. Daytona Beach, the Original American Beach.

officialbikeweek.com

NOVA FAMILY CAMPGROUND Get 50% off the first night stay when you reserve a tent or primitive site for Bike Week 2016.

386-767-0095 www.novacamp.com

MEMBER LETTERS

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

Letter of the Month TOWED TO SAFETY I’m really not sure how long I’ve been an AMA member. And am really not sure how long I’ve had the AMA Roadside Assistance service via automatic renewal.

I have wondered if it was good enough to drop another big-named roadside assistance service I had. Well, after the clutch cable broke on my 2010 Honda NT 700 on my way back from Richmond, Va., to my home in Pennsylvania, I am a believer and true supporter.

The cable broke around 10 a.m. about 18 miles outside of Winchester, Va. I placed the call, and while I don’t recall the agent’s name, she was very professional. Several follow-up calls later, a flatbed tow truck arrived by around 11:45 a.m. By a little after noon, he was depositing me at Valley Cycle in Winchester—at no cost to me since it was under 30 miles.

The accommodating staff of Valley Cycle worked on fabricating a new clutch cable from either a Suzuki, Kawasaki or Yamaha as there is no Honda dealer in Winchester area. By 2:45 p.m., I was on the road again.

I believe in the AMA. I really enjoy the monthly magazine. And, I am amazingly impressed by the AMA Roadside Assistance service. Did I mention it is good for any vehicle I own?

Mark Gagnon Lancaster, Pa. RAPIDO MEMORIES Bravo! In the October issue, the bike featured in the Hall of Fame section was none other than the bike I rode as a teenager: a 1968 Rapido!

The memories came flooding back.

I didn’t ride it on the road (much) but navigated endless hours on the trails in abandoned strip mines near our home in South Park, Pa. The wheels were 17 inch, and I finally found a knobby tire that would fit between the swingarm rails. I think it came off a 75cc Honda trail bike. The traction was much better than the stock street treads on our wet clay/dirt trails. I stripped off the tail light, headlight, horn and front fender.

Dealing with flying mud and grit was better than watching mud clog the front tire and grind me to a stop. I always wondered how such a slick tire could make such an effective brake with mud, but that’s what it did.

I found out that if I took off the muffler, it helped the low-speed torque but made an ungodly loud sound. Dad was coming home from work one afternoon and was waiting where the trail crossed Wilson Road to see who the idiot was making such a racket. That ended the muffler-less riding for me.

A fellow trail buddy of mine, Steve

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

with the army of great volunteers who made that event happen under some challenging circumstances, gave new life to a 40-year-old motorcycle when my 1974 Honda CB350F set a record in the 350cc Production Classic division. That effort enabled a nearly life-long dream of the bike’s even older rider to become a reality. Setting that record at Bonneville and getting the AMA medal and National No. 1 plate that went with it was a dream come true for me.

Special thanks to Ken Saillant, the AMA’s track racing manager, for his involvement in making these great events possible.

Today, my old Honda is retired from land speed racing. These days, the little four-cylinder seldom soars near its 10,000 rpm red line as it did a year ago out on the salt flats, and quiet country roads are the territory it covers at a leisurely pace.

All the best for much continued success!

Gary Ilminen Lone Rock, Wis.

Weinheimer, had the plans to make an expansion chamber exhaust. I borrowed them and made the chamber for my shop project in 10th grade metal shop class.

Mr. Zavage allowed me to bring the bike in on a Saturday so I could make the mitre cuts that tucked the pipe between the air cleaner and seat on the left side. Brazing the cones and tubes together and bending the header pipe was the next weekend’s job. Results were that the engine had very little torque in the low rpm range but it came on like crazy at the top end! The plans came with templates to port the head and stretch the power band out but I was afraid that I would screw up the job, so I just revved the life out of it until it shattered the skirt off the piston. Mom got to take me to the Harley shop to get a new piston, rings and gaskets to rebuild it.

Sadly, I don’t have many photos of the ‘68 Rapido from my trail days in South Park but thanks again for featuring the Rapido 125 and helping me relive those golden days.

Bryan Halsey Brownsburg, Ind. WEEKEND WARRIOR Special thanks to all at the AMA for their continuing work in keeping amateur and professional motorcycle competition of all types safe, accessible and fun!

In the case of land speed racing, AMA efforts have made it possible for some remarkable things to happen. For example, at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials in 2014, the AMA, together

LIKES READING WHEATON I have been a member of AMA for a few years now, and part of the benefits of membership is your great magazine, American Motorcyclist. I always get around to reading them but not promptly. They go on a pile and eventually I’ll look at one.

I just read Mr. Rick Wheaton’s May 2015 article “From The Arctic To Sahara.” Yikes!

What an adventure! All of Mr. Wheaton’s articles are intriguing, and I’d be willing to pay my yearly AMA dues just to read about his trips.

John Cook Bellingham, Wash.

WHEATON ERRATA In the article titled “60 Years...20 Bikes” on page 22 of your November issue, the author, Rick Wheaton, says, “when BMW brought out its first inline-four tourer, the shaft-driven K75...” Actually, the K75 was a triple. The K100 was a four.

Dan Whitlock Lewiston, Idaho Thanks, Dan. Don’t blame Rick. We take full responsibility for not catching the typo.

RESPECT MATTERS I have the good fortune to live in the beautiful wooded hill country of southeastern Ohio. Our tiny community of Cutler sits right on State Route 555, famous for its miles of twisty, steep terrain that attracts riders from all over.

On a recent perfect fall afternoon, as I

Sound Off!

was sitting outside our little neighborhood gas station and community gathering place, a group of riders on sportbikes blasted through the town at probably 60 to 70 mph.

The unnecessary danger that these riders posed for our community and themselves prompted me to write this letter.

A child, elderly person or someone’s pet could have easily been struck, not to mention people pulling out of the station or the post office across the street. Also, it was the time of late afternoon when deer are plentiful.

I like to go fast. In my youth, I raced some motocross and later some hare scrambles and enduros. I love to ride my KLR on backroads and serpentine pavement. Sometimes I have the urge to turn up the wick, but I make sure that when I do, I am only risking myself. When I pass through communities, I respect the people who live there and always ride slowly.

Here is my message to those riders: If you want to go fast, go to the track.

People generalize, and flying through our community taints the image of the rest of us motorcyclists who love to ride but who also have respect for the lives of others.

Nathan Zlatkind Cutler, Ohio

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

In response to a photo gallery from the Monster Energy Cup...

Corey Kaufman: Hands down the best sport and athletes in the world.

Kayla Bertram: This is what I’ve been dying to go to in Vegas! Let’s go to the AMA Supercross race in March!

Responding to a post about the November issue...

Jay Peterson: I’d hope that all motorcyclists would be members.

Sending in a fall riding photo...

In response to a shout out for throwback pics...

George Rasco: First bike, a ’72 Yamaha 60cc Mini Enduro.

Michael Falton: Gotta love it!

TRIM SAFETY

VIEWPOINT

WINS AND LOSSES Year In Review

The year just ending has been a busy one for those of us working on our common mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.

Government officials and regulatory

By Wayne Allard agencies from small-town councils to the U.S. Congress continued their assaults on riders, pressing for laws, rules and regulations that would infringe on responsible motorized recreation, on-highway and off.

At the same time, though, motorcyclists and all-terrain-vehicle riders can celebrate victories in several areas where—through grassroots action—our collective voice made a difference.

As explained more fully in an article elsewhere in this magazine, the major issues addressed by the AMA this year included: higher ethanol blends in your fuel supply, lane-splitting legislation, access to public and private lands for motorized recreation, distracted driving and vehicle-to-vehicle technology.

Developments in 2015 included: • Nearly 30,000 people signed a petition showing support for AMA objections to proposed Renewable Fuel Standard mandates, which would force higherethanol blended fuel into the retail market, risking damage to 22 million motorcycles and ATVs not designed for its use.

• More states enacted legislation to augment the penalties for drivers who

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cause injury or death due to distracted driving, and increase protections for vulnerable road users.

• Five states considered legislation that could make lane splitting legal. While none passed, three of the bills are pending and will be taken up during the next legislative session. The case in favor of lane-splitting was bolstered by research from the University of California at Berkeley’s Safe Transportation Research & Education Center that showed that lane-splitting riders were less likely to be rear-ended by other vehicles and were less likely to suffer head injury, torso injury or fatal injury.

• Legislation was introduced in Congress to prohibit federal funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints and to ban federal agencies from lobbying states to further misguided highway safety programs.

• U.S. Forest Service officials reopened nearly 30 miles of off-highway-vehicle trails in the DeSoto National Forest in Mississippi after they had been “temporarily” closed for more than 20 years.

Nevertheless, motorcyclists still face significant challenges as we roll into the new year.

The Obama Administration and some members of Congress continue their efforts to create more national monuments and inappropriate Wilderness designations that restrict motorized access, often by sidestepping Congress and ignoring the wishes of local stakeholders.

The antics of urban OHV riders and sport-bike stunters hurt all motorcyclists by harassing citizens, creating law-

enforcement headaches, tying up traffic and damaging public property.

Zoning boards and town councils seem to have a higher regard for neighborhood biases than for solid scientific studies when it comes to dirt-bike riders on private property.

The AMA will continue to represent its members and other motorcyclists everywhere a challenge arises.

But we need your help.

Sign up for AMA Action Alerts (www. americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/ issueslegislation) and respond when we ask for your help.

Get to know your local, state and federal officials and share with them your concerns about the issues that affect you most as a rider.

Maintain your AMA membership, and convince your friends, family and fellow riders to join or renew. Let them know about the AMA’s efforts on their behalf, as well as all the member benefits that are available.

And, finally, keep in touch with us. We need your input. Tell us when unfavorable legislation appears. Tell us about a new law you think we should help support.

Ask us for help as soon as you identify an issue that you and other riders believe is important. We’ll help you get involved.

You are the AMA. There is strength in numbers. Join with all your fellow motorcyclists in our resolve to make 2016 an even better year for riders across our great nation.

Wayne Allard is AMA vice president for government relations.

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HIGHWAY FUNDING UPDATE Two Motorcycle-friendly Amendments Adopted

State Rep. Joann Ginal poses on a Harley-Davidson at the AMA booth at the National Conference of State Legislators meeting.

Three Questions With...

COLORADO REP. JOANN GINAL Riding The Mountain State

When Colorado Rep. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) needs a break from the day-to-day stress at the state capitol, she hops on her Honda Shadow 600 and goes for a ride.

“Even if it’s for an hour or two, I come back refreshed and ready to tackle work again,” she says.

Legislative issues can become hectic, with Ginal sitting on three House committees: Health, Insurance and Environment; Health and Human Services; and Transportation and Energy.

Ginal holds a doctorate in reproductive endocrinology and has worked in the fields of biology and medicine for more than 20 years.

During her freshman year in the state House, Ginal introduced a bill to provide funding for students taking motorcycle rider safety courses. Called the MOST bill—for Motorcycle Operator Safety Training—the idea was to encourage more people to complete a training course before riding.

It passed and the governor signed it into law in 2012.

Ginal offered to share some of her background and her thoughts on Colorado motorcycling.

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AM: What is the current big issue for motorcyclists in Colorado?

JG: The MOST law is getting some blowback from the Colorado Department of Transportation right now.

They want to use the MOST money for other transportation concerns. But we are fighting those efforts. The MOST program is funded through a fee paid by motorcyclists.

What is your favorite Colorado ride?

JG: My favorite ride in Fort Collins, where I live, is around Horsetooth Reservoir, through Masonville and Buckhorn Road to Colorado 14, then go south. Stop at Mishawaka Inn for a burger or to listen to the band; and then head back to Fort Collins via S.R. 287. I also like The Hideout, a great biker bar in Fort Collins. They always have live bands and dancing.

AM:

What would you like to add?

Some of the most interesting and wonderful people I know I’ve met through riding my motorcycle. People from all walks of life are riding. They, too, know the feeling of the road, the smells in the air and the freedom of the open road.

AM:

JG:

One amendment to the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2015 adopted by the Science Subcommittee on Research and Technology would prevent the federal government from providing grants to state and local governments to create motorcycle-only checkpoints. It also requires the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the most effective means to prevent motorcycle crashes.

A second amendment would have prevented the Department of Transportation from using taxpayer money to lobby government officials. That change was pulled by U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.). But at press time, the AMA was working to reinstate it through a House floor amendment.

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.) offered both on behalf of U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.).

The AMA supported the amendments.

“These amendments are intended to protect motorcyclists from discriminatory traffic stops and provide for motorcyclist safety through the crash-prevention study,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations.

“The intent of the anti-lobbying provision is to prevent the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other agencies from spending taxpayer money to press state legislatures to pass mandatory helmet laws,” Allard explains.

LIABILITY RELIEF House Bill Would Protect Stewardship Groups

The AMA supports H.R. 2290, the Volunteer Protection Act of 2015. The bill would expand liability protections to volunteer nonprofit organizations.

Introduced by U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), the bill would extend government immunities to non-profit organizations for actions taken at the request of, or on the authority of, a government entity that would be immune if it undertook the actions itself.

That means nonprofits that receive grant money for land stewardship projects on federal lands would receive the same liability protections afforded the government entity providing the grant.

BLM CLOSE TO PLAN FOR CALIFORNIA DESERT

ALTERNATIVE DESERT PROTECTION Cook Drafts Bill To Similar To Feinstein Plan

Proposal Would Affect 10 Million Acres

Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan Independence

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After more than six years of work, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management is close to issuing its final plan governing the use of nearly 9.8 million desert acres in seven California counties.

Phase One of the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan will designate areas for recreation, energy, conservation and renewable energy production.

Between 2.4 million and 3.6 million acres will be Special Recreation Management Areas.

The affected counties include Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.

The plan is a collaborative effort among the California Energy Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. About 22.5 million acres of land are in the DRECP Area.

“We will closely examine the final Phase One plan for its impact on the

off-road-riding community,” says Nick Haris, AMA western states representative. “We also are concered about the possible closing of OHV trails for renewable energy projects.”

U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) has drafted an alternative to U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s desert protection bill that Cook says addresses U.S. Rep. Paul Cook recreation shortfalls (R-Apple Valley) and expands the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area.

Cook’s bill (H.R. 3668) would create five new national OHV recreation areas in the California U.S. Sen. Dianne Desert. Under Feinstein (D-Calif.) the bill, off-road enthusiasts would have access to more than 60,000 additional acres of land. The act also would designate Johnson Valley as a National OHV Recreation Area and expand it by nearly 20,000 acres.

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A motorcycle approaches an SUV from behind at a high rate of speed during a blind spot monitoring test. Tests have revealed a number of deficiencies in car and truck blind-spot detection systems as they relate to motorcycles.

POWERSPORTS COMPANIES FORM ALLIANCE Connected Motorcycle Consortium On V2V

BMW Motorrad, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. announced in October that they are collaborating to develop and deploy “cooperativeintelligent transportation systems” applications for motorcycles and scooters.

The three companies are establishing the Connected Motorcycle Consortium to accelerate the process and plan to begin introducing C-ITS features in 2020. The agreement is part of a memorandum of understanding signed by all manufacturing members of ACEM, the European motorcycle industry association.

And the companies encourage other manufacturers to join the consortium.

“If well considered and properly deployed, ITS technologies offer the potential to further increase safety, security and efficiency in all transport systems, in particular for motorcycles,” the companies say in a press release.

“ITS systems require the integration of information and communications technology including transport infrastructure, vehicles and users.”

ITS systems designed for cars cannot

“If well considered and properly deployed, ITS technologies offer the potential to further increase safety, security and efficiency in all transport systems, in particular for motorcycles. Intelligent Transport Systems require the integration of information and communications technology including transport infrastructure, vehicles and users.”

— Joint press release issued by BMW Motorrad, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.

simply be transferred to motorcycles, the manufacturers say. Because space is limited, electronic systems must be smaller and must resist water, dust and vibration.

Also, new software and algorithms must be developed to account for the driving dynamics of motorcycles.

SENATORS URGE AGENCY COOPERATION Wi-Fi May Interfere with V2V Signals

Three U.S. senators are urging federal agencies to work together to test the 5.9 gigahertz band to determine whether unlicensed technology, such as Wi-Fi, can share the spectrum allocated for intelligent transportation systems, including vehicleto-vehicle (V2V) communications.

Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Corey Booker (D-N.J.) asked the Federal Communications Commission to work with the Department of Transportation and the Commerce

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Department to determine if Wi-Fi and other technologies will interfere with V2V and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications.

“The AMA supports research by these agencies and cooperation in establishing guidelines for this rapidly emerging technology,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “Our goal is to ensure that the deployment of these systems doesn’t jeopardize the safety of motorcyclists.”

The Obama administration announced in September that the greater sage-grouse does not warrant a listing as an endangered species. Such a listing could have resulted in severe restrictions on motorized off-road recreation in the 11 Western states where the bird roams.

“The AMA joined Western governors and others in lobbying against the ‘endangered’ listing, believing that the bird can be protected by other means,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “The Obama administration acknowledged the successful efforts of federal and state officials, energy companies and ranchers to devise a plan that protects the greater sage-grouse habitat while allowing responsible recreation and other uses of the land.”

The bird’s habitat stretches across 173 million acres.

“An unprecedented, landscapescale conservation effort across the western United States has significantly reduced threats to the greater sage-grouse across 90 percent of the species’ breeding habitat and enabled the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conclude that the charismatic rangeland bird does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act. This collaborative, science-based greater sage-grouse strategy is the largest land conservation effort in U.S. history,” the U.S. Department of Interior stated in a press release.

Jeanne Stafford/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Government Says Bird Can Survive Without Designation

American Automobile Association

SAGE-GROUSE AVOIDS ‘ENDANGERED’ LIST

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OHIO GROUP WINS PILOT PROJECT OK

BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS CONDITIONS UNDER REVIEW Save The Salt Coalition Includes AMA

The AMA, as a member of the Save the Salt Coalition, is working with business and government officials in Utah to develop ways to restore the Bonneville Salt Flats to allow racing and other activities to resume.

The coalition also is working with the Utah Alliance, an economic development agency.

Group members say there are no quick fixes. But they believe safe racing conditions can be restored.

Steve Salisbury, AMA government affairs manager for off-highway issues, says rainy weather this year caused mud to cover about 6 miles of the area usually used for racing.

During 2015, four major racing

STATEWATCH ALABAMA H.B. 37, sponsored by state Rep. Micky Hammon (R-Decatur) and passed by a Senate committee, would define an autocycle as a vehicle with three wheels on the ground that is equipped with a steering wheel and seating that does not require straddling a seat or saddle, but which was manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.

Autocycle drivers would not need a motorcycle endorsement. The bill passed the House.

CALIFORNIA A six-year statute of limitations would be imposed for vehicular manslaughter crimes when a person flees the scene of a crash if Gov. Jerry Brown signs A.B. 835.

The bill provides the same limitations for prosecution of vehicular manslaughter as

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events – including the 2015 AMA Land Speed Grand Championship, scheduled for Aug. 29-Sept. 3 – were canceled due to poor weather and deteriorating conditions of the salt surface.

“Although concerns about deterioration at Bonneville have existed for decades, today marked the first time officials representing government, industry and racers sat at the same table to discuss solutions,” Save the Salt Chairman Doug Evans said following a Sept. 10 tour of the site.

The Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship, is the premier motorcycle land-speed racing event in the world.

for fleeing the scene of an accident involving death or permanent, serious injury.

The Ohio Division of Forestry has approved a pilot project in the Maumee State Forest that will provide a single-track dirt-bike trail for area riders.

The Toledo Trail Riders – who initiated the proposal for single-track trails – will be responsible for creating and maintaining the half-mile to three-quarter-mile trail, working with Forest Manager Don Schmenk.

The Toledo Trail Riders enlisted the help of the AMA early in 2014. That April, AMA staff member Steve Salisbury visited Ohio to ride and walk the existing trails at Maumee.

“Matt Bucher of the Toledo Trail Riders and the AMA drafted the original proposal for the Division of Forestry,” says Salisbury, AMA government relations manager for off-highway issues.

“The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council advised Matt on the project and worked on the near-final draft.

And we are happy to be a part of this success story for Ohio riders.”

The TTR proposal contained no specific mileage target for the single-track trails.

But the club hopes the pilot project proves successful, so the project can be extended.

“This trial effort in Ohio is a welcome counterbalance to the trend of trail closings we have seen across the country, especially on public land,” Salisbury says.

“If this project succeeds, it could serve as a case study for other enthusiast groups to emulate.”

MONTANA A law effective Oct. 1 increases the offhighway-vehicle temporary use permits for non-residents from $5 to $27 a year. The expected revenue increase will be used to support OHV trail maintenance, abate noxious weeds and increase OHV education and law enforcement.

PENNSYLVANIA A bill sponsored by state Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Big Beaver) repealing the requirement that all gasoline sold in the state contain at least 10 percent ethanol has passed the House. A 2008 state law requires that all gasoline be mixed with ethanol when in-state production of ethanol exceeds 350 million gallons. Marshall says production has never exceeded the threshold, rendering the mandate useless.

NORTH CAROLINA H.B. 6, which became effective Oct. 1, defines an auto-cycle as a three-wheeled motorcycle with a steering wheel, pedals, seat belts, anti-lock brakes, air bags and completely enclosed seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride. Other than the exceptions specified, auto-cycles must comply with federal safety requirements for motorcycles. A driver’s license is required to operate an auto-cycle, but no motorcycle endorsement is needed.

VERMONT The state Agency of Natural Resources conducted two public hearings on a proposal to designate connector trails for use by all-terrain vehicles on agency land.

In Vermont, the definition of an ATV includes motorcycles with full-time two-wheel drive.

The connectors would link Vermont All Terrain Vehicle Sportsman’s Association trails on private or public lands and would establish a connector on of the 7,988-acre Les Newell Wildlife Management Area.

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NORTHWEST REGION AMA MEMBERS TO VOTE FOR BOARD REPRESENTATION

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Director Election Will Be Held Online

28 If you live in the Northwest Region of the United States, you can vote for a member of the AMA Board of Directors from Dec. 15, 2015, through Jan. 15, 2016.

The election is open for voting for AMA members living in 36 Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Northern California (District 36).

Vote online by visiting https://eBallot4.votenet.com/amacycle and signing in using your AMA number and last name. Votes will be tallied by an independent organization.

At the website, you can read platform statements from the candidates to fill the seat: Ted Cabral, Penngrove, Calif., and Richard Claypoole, Canby, Ore. Those statements also are reproduced below.

The electronic election is intended to replace paper ballots. Paper ballots are still available for those who VOTE request them by calling (800) 262-5646.

ONLINE AT The AMA Board of Directors includes 12 https://eBallot4. members—six elected by individual members, four votenet.com/ elected by corporate members and two at-large amacycle members who are appointed and ratified at the annual individual member meeting.

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Ted Cabral, Penngrove, Calif.

Richard Claypoole, Canby, Ore.

I feel honored to be considered for the American Motorcyclist Association Board of Directors and would like to share a bit of my background and qualifications.

I have worn many hats in the motorcycle industry. On the retail side, I was the general manager of Cycle West Honda/Suzuki Ted Cabral, Penngrove, Calif. for over 20 years. In the 1980s, I held a professional AMA motocross license and later worked as a technician on professional motocross and road racing teams. I was the first general manager of Race Tech and developed many of the programs that have allowed the company to remain successful to this day. I also created Top Shelf Motorcycle Tours, an all inclusive motorcycle vacation company based in Northern California’s wine country. We even had an AMA road racing team to promote Top Shelf Tours, allowing me to gain first hand experience with the issues that have plagued road racing in America.

In 2013, I was fortunate to be appointed by the Governor of California to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission and am currently the chairman. I also have been appointed to the California State Parks Transformation Advisory Committee.

Additionally, I’m the chairman of the Sonoma Country Flood Advisory Committee. I am the former president and chairman of the board of directors for the Marin County Motorcycle Association. I am an AMA Life Member, a life member of AMA District 36 and a member of the Marin County Motorcycle Association.

I feel the most pressing issues the AMA faces today are laws and regulations that discriminate against motorcyclists and recreation access. I also believe the AMA should engage in long-range public planning to include motorcycles as a solution for urban transportation challenges. Additionally, I will work tirelessly to increase the membership of the AMA and strengthen the bond with amateur racing.

I have a vast working knowledge of the motorcycle industry and sport, proven leadership skills and a professional approach toward opposing views. I believe I am deserving of your vote to represent you on the AMA Board of Directors.

I started riding motorcycles in 1965 on a Benelli 90cc. I then got a Honda CL305.

In 1970, I started riding off-road on a CZ250 and joined the AMA so I could race off-road and motocross.

I retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after spending 29 years on active duty.

Richard Claypoole, Canby, Ore. During that time I developed and taught on/off-road safety courses for the military while stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and served as a Marine Corps Combat Motorcyclist. I also commanded troops assigned to several overseas embassies.

After the Marine Corp., I worked for 20 years in the motorcycle industry at Beaverton Motorcycles in Tigard, Ore. From 1976 to 2012, I was directly involved with the U.S. International Six Days Enduro team effort, and from 1986 to 2012, I was the U.S. ISDE team manager/director and Jury Delegate to the International Jury. I have been awarded the AMA Sportsman of the Year Award two times, in 1996 and 2013.

I have held positions of leadership and responsibility with the following motorcycling organizations: Oregon Motorcycle Riders Association; Boise Ridge Riders MC, Rose City Motorcycle Club, Desert MC. Today, my motorcycling activities are split between adventure riding on my Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and my KLR650. I also like riding dual-sport events on my Honda XR400.

I have been interested in becoming a board member for about 10 years. I’m always interested in the work the AMA does for both on-road and off-road riders. For me, two of the most pressing concerns for the AMA are the implementation of E15 (fuel) and off-road land closures.

Here in the Northwest, we are constantly working on land use issues and rider education for both on and off-road. If you elect me to represent you on the AMA Board of Directors, I will bring my organizational skills, my ability to solve problems and my commitment to teamwork.

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RUNNING FOR THE MONEY

Motorcyclists Raise Funds, Awareness For Variety of Causes

By Jim Witters Each year, motorcyclists combine their love of riding with an abiding community spirit to raise money and awareness for hundreds of charities.

Off-highway events, poker runs, rallies and the annual Run For The Wall provide the means for riders to lend support to their favorite causes while shining a light on the positive aspects of motorcycling.

The Ride for Kids, which benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, is one of the longest running and largest beneficiaries of motorcyclists’ efforts.

The money raised each year is used for research into one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer.

During 2015, more than 10,000 motorcyclists, volunteers, fundraisers, donors and others participated in 37 Ride for Kids events across the country.

“Funding for childhood brain tumors is very small when you consider 28,000 kids in the United States are living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor,” says Steve Reynolds, Ride for Kids national director.

“Kind and generous motorcyclists all over America have opened their hearts and their wallets, providing hope and encouragement to many desperate and suffering families.”

The AMA sanctions numerous charity riding events around the country each year. Here are two that stand out.

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Star Holmes, 6, is all smiles at the 2015 Asheville Ride for Kids event.

Run For The Wall

The annual California-to-Washington, D.C., Run For The Wall, first staged in 2008, is intended as a message to the general public about the importance of accountability in wartime actions, emphasizing that no one should be left behind in battle, says Greg “Pied Piper” Smith, RFTW president.

Part of the mission of the run is to call for an accounting of all prisoners of war and those classified as missing in action.

Participants in the RFTW also hope to promote healing among veterans and their families, honor the memory of those killed in action and support U.S. military personnel, Smith says.

The event encompasses three rides on three routes. In 2015, 1,528 riders participated in the run, with 778 of them “All The Way” riders who rode from Ontario, Calif., to Washington, D.C., says John “Wicked” McKee, the event’s director of risk management.

“Each year we see an increase in the

The 2015 Run For The Wall drew more than 1,500 riders.

number of first-time participants,” Smith says. “However, the greatest and most important measure is the stories of healing we have all heard and read from the participants. If we have helped one person to start the healing process, which we have, then we are a success.”

RFTW raises money through merchandise sales and small donations, in addition collecting entry fees from participants. The run is the only event the organization stages.

Although Smith calls success “subjective,” he clearly is proud of the event and believes that its message is reaching more people each year.

“As we begin our journeys each year with the first-time participants, we have the honor of watching their eyes open to the depth of patriotism and support that we encounter as we cross the country,” Smith says. “As we are greeted and hosted by city after city, school after school, and organization after organization, it becomes clear the efforts of veterans have not gone unnoticed nor unappreciated by the American people.

“We watch people that have carried pain in their hearts and minds for decades start to see a beginning or continuation of their healing,” he explains. “We ride for healing, we ride for accountability, we ride for those who can’t.”

7/17/15 3:10 PM

“Hoagy” Carmichael, right, and John Wilson volunteer their time to benefit children in need.

Hoagy’s Heroes

In 2002, Robert Lee “Hoagy” Carmichael rode his motorcycle straight through from his home in Glendale, W.Va., to Florida, covering about 1,000 miles. At the end of the ride, he vowed to never do that again.

But, by the following day, Carmichael was already planning his next big ride, with the hope of creating a charity event to benefit children.

Since 2004, Carmichael has organized several events each year, tying them in with the Iron Butt Association’s recognized time-and-distance requirements.

Under the banner of Hoagy’s Heroes Inc., Carmichael has attracted as many as 119 riders for a single run. Riders from 30 states and four Canadian provinces have participated in the rides.

Riders pay entry fees and must recruit at least one sponsor—or sponsor themselves—to be eligible to participate in an event.

All the money raised goes to A Special Wish Foundation Inc. in Columbus, Ohio, to the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund in Temple Hills, Md., or to the Augusta Levy Learning Center in Wheeling, W.V.

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Some riders select one of those charities to receive the money the rider raises. Others let Carmichael divvy up the funds.

All the money raised by the rides goes directly to the charities. The event costs are covered by t-shirt sales and registration fees.

To date, Hoagy’s Heroes has raised more $200,000 in pledges for the charities the organization supports, and participants have traveled more than 750,000 miles.

With no staff, advertising or promotional budget, Hoagy’s Heroes rides usually draw about 20 participants, Carmichael says.

Carmichael organized two runs in 2015, but hopes to do six in 2016.

Rides in the planning stages include a June Trifecta through parts of West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio; an IBA BunBurner 1500 that covers 1,500 miles in 24 hours; an IBA BunBurner 1500 that covers 1,500 miles in 36 hours; an August 500-mile Dawn-To-Dusk ride; and what Carmichael calls a “Hillbilly Run.” “The true heroes are the kids who have been diagnosed as having life-threatening disorders, those born with autism, and ones who have lost a parent who was serving our country,” Carmichael says.

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Member Tested

Rekluse automatic clutches are wellknown in the off-road market. They make it easier to ride over difficult, inconsistent terrain by automatically engaging and disengaging the clutch so the rider can concentrate on other riding functions.

It may occur to you that this would have benefits in less-extreme terrain. Rekluse agrees. The company hopes to capitalize by offering its clutches for additional types of motorcycles, such as the dual-sport Kawasaki KLR 650.

One of those KLR 650s is mine, a 2012 model. I recently had it fitted with a Rekluse EXP automatic clutch.

Before the Rekluse was installed in my bike, I had never ridden a motorcycle with an auto-clutch. I found a mechanic to install it for me, anyway, and off I went.

The Rekluse product literature promises “faster corners, better starts, quicker lap times.” I was eager to find out what that meant for a rider like me—mostly street, some easy off-road riding, commuting to work and an occasional day of several hundred mixed-use miles.

After a couple circles around the ASK Powersports parking lot in Columbus, Ohio, I headed onto the streets for the 10-minute ride home. My first impressions: Idling at stop lights is much more tolerable if you can stay in gear without squeezing the clutch; accelerating around slow traffic

is quicker, at least for me, when I don’t have to clutch for gear shifts; and the bike launches much more quickly when I am not easing out the clutch from a stop.

It’s important to note that the clutch lever remains fully functional with the clutch installed. If the auto-clutch is engaged, and you wish to manually disengage it, you simply pull the clutch lever.

On a sunny Saturday in August, I took the KLR for a 200-mile ride through southern Ohio that included two-lane county roads; four-lane state highways; country gravel roads; and a short section of very rough two-track gravel.

Through it all, I found the Rekluse to be an asset.

I purposely started the bike from a standstill in first, second, then third gear.

(Note that repeated standstill starts in high gear could cause premature clutch wear.)

Each time the auto-clutch functioned perfectly, getting the bike moving efficiently. Downshifting was smooth, and compression braking worked as expected.

It’s a good idea to practice overriding the auto-clutch with the lever, especially as you get used to the engagement rate.

I didn’t, and when turning around on the gravel two-track, I gave the KLR too much throttle, and I launched myself into a ditch.

I chalk it up to operator error.

All in all, I am happy with the Rekluse on my KLR, and I believe it will add to my enjoyment of the bike, on the road and off.

—Jim Witters

in unfavorable conditions.

For group riding, if the road is fairly straight and there are no unusual traffic or surface conditions, the staggered riding formation gives each rider enough time and space to maneuver and to react to hazards, while still keeping the group compact.

Because the first and second rider are on opposite sides of the lane, their onesecond spacing is adequate and ensures

they don’t end up side-by-side due to normal variations in each rider’s speed.

Riders on the same side of the lane, such as the first and third riders, end up with a two-second following distance between them.

MSF recommends that a single-file formation with more than a two-second following distance be used on curvy roads, under conditions of poor visibility or poor road surfaces, entering/leaving highways.

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RIDING IN FORMATION

Q: How far apart should riders be while riding in staggered formation?

A: Traffic safety professionals originally set the guideline for following distance in terms of car lengths, such as “leave one car-length between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you for each 10 mph.”

However, since cars are not all the same length, and time is easier to estimate than distance, safety professionals created the “two-second rule.”

Find a stationary object on the roadside and when the vehicle ahead of you passes it, count two seconds. If you reach the object before two, you’re too close to the vehicle ahead of you.

Following distance should be increased

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Inset, top to bottom: 50 Years Of Kicks, The Coast To Coast Trial, Dirtbag II.

‘50 Years Of Kicks’

RIDING ON THE SILVER SCREEN 2015 Motorcycle Film Festival, New York City By Rashmi Tambe The world of big-budget movies has traditionally had little to offer motorcyclists.

Since the inception of cinema, only a relative handful of movies have told our stories accurately.

This is why it is exciting that access to affordable cameras, editing software and online distribution has put film making into the hands of riders.

The Motorcycle Film Festival in New York was started three years ago by riders and film enthusiasts who wanted to showcase these movies.

This year’s selection of 35 films featured everything from slick productions with significant sponsor backing to amateur garage flicks.

These are some of my favorite films from the festival.

unanticipated problems. You laugh with them as they mess up, but you also see them learning from their mistakes.

Film maker Paolo Asuncion likens the process of building the bike to his own journey of questioning the belief system he grew up with. As with the Rattler, he had to figure out which parts of that system to keep, which ones needed to be swapped out, and which ones needed to be created from scratch.

You see other builders, all of whom talk about how satisfying it felt to build something real. Their belief is that “Anybody can do this.” By the end of the movie, you believe them.

This 20-minute short film is a biopic of 60-plus year old dirt riders Paul Rodden and Larry Murray. Each of them has almost 50 years of riding experience and many amateur enduro wins, which comes across when you see them tearing through ruts, sand, mud, water crossings and hill climbs.

Motorcycling media tends to focus on young riders as the target demographic. This makes it harder for us to envision riding when we hit a certain age, because we see nobody else doing it. That’s what makes “50 Years” important. It shows that we don’t have to give up our passion as we age. Hopefully, it leads to more positive representations of older motorcyclists.

‘Discovery’

This short film showcases rider Kristen Reed from New York City. The movie is as much an homage to the city as it is to Reed while capturing the essence of NYC neighborhoods and streets and the serenity of riding through them.

Reed talks with an easy confidence and quiet excitement about her journey into motorcycling, the mods she made on her Triumph, and the community she found with The Missfires, a local all-woman motorcycling group. The film makes you recall that first glow of happiness when you began your own love affair with riding.

‘The Coast To Coast Trial’

This is a five-minute gem of a film about two men riding across England on completely inappropriate vehicles— Montesa trials bikes with 3-liter gas tanks, a top speed of 30 mph and no seats.

They ride through rough single track trails, logging roads and frozen snowscapes with minimal speed. It’s impossible to watch this movie without a big smile on your face. Filmmaker Greg Villalobos truly knows how to say more with less as he hits the magic formula of capturing the joy of exploring in your own backyard.

‘Dirtbag II: The Return Of The Rattler’

Four men decide to participate in the Dirtbag Challenge—build a rideable chopper in one month for less than $1,000. They have no building experience but they aren’t going to let that stop them.

They cuss and laugh their way through

December 2015

23

Holiday Marketplace

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

It’s the season for giving! Do your part and make a fellow rider in your life a little happier this year. Need ideas? Here are some of 2015’s 2 hottest products.

Sena 10S Motorcycle Bluetooth Communication System

The 10S is the next generation model of Sena’s SMH10 Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset, with new and improved features. These features include the highest-performing speakers in the company’s product line; an all-in-one clamp to connect speakers; a microphone as well as an earbud connector; increased intercom distance of up to 1.6 kilometers; built-in FM-radio; and a slimmer jog dial design. Because the 10S is using 4.1 Bluetooth, the device is compatible with the company’s wristband and handlebar remotes, as well as Sena’s convenient smartphone app.

MSRP: $239.

INFO: www.sena.com/product/10s/

Support The Hall of Fame

America's greatest motorcyclists are enshrined in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Honor their accomplishments by purchasing a cool Hall of Fame T-shirt or a 2016 commemorative calendar.

MSRP: Varies INFO: www.motorcyclemuseum.org

AMA Decals & Gear

Advertise to the world that you're an elite rider and support the freedoms of motorcyclists everywhere by rocking some cool AMAbranded hats, coffee mugs, decals and other items from the AMA online gift shop.

MSRP: Varies INFO: www.americanmotorcyclist.com

KTM/Fox 360 Gear

The KTM/Fox 360 pant and jersey are made from highquality materials to provide performance and style.

Both pant and jersey are finely perforated for maximum ventilation and are designed to provide an optimum fit in the riding position. The gear is made exclusively for KTM by Fox and sold entirely by KTM dealers.

See your local dealer or visit www.ktm.com for more information.

MSRP: KTM/Fox 360 Jersey: $69.99; KTM/ Fox 360 Pant: $189.99 INFO: Your local KTM dealer

Synergy Seals X-Bushing Z-Bolt Kit

The X-Bushing Z-Bolt Kit is available for all KTM and Husaberg bikes with PDS suspension from 1998 to 2014. The X-Bushing Z-Bolt kit will make the rear end of your bike adjustable in height and allow you to fine-tune the handling of your machine.

MSRP: $95-$100 INFO: www. synergyseals.com

KTM Pit Mat DoubleR Jacket

The DoubleR jacket adds a dash of style to city riding or touring. The BMW colors and logo are a discreet but assured mark of proven quality, while the white letter appliqué emphasizes the jacket’s masculine lines. It features removable NPL protectors at the shoulder, elbows and back, along with a double front zip air vent system. Available in men’s U.S. sizes 36 to 50.

MSRP: $589.00 INFO: Your local BMW Motorrad USA dealer SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Display your “Ready To Race” KTM with pride in the pits or garage atop of this custom pit mat. Made from polyester with special rubberized back that is oil and gas resistant.

MSRP: $99.99 INFO: Your local KTM dealer

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Dual Head Chain Adjustment Wrench with Built-In Bottle Opener

KTM/Kurt Caselli Foundation Hat

Support the Kurt Caselli Foundation and its efforts to protect and support the lives of off-road riders with this low-profile, structured, stretch to fit hat.

It features an embroidered Kurt Caselli autograph on the underside of the bill and a Kurt Caselli Foundation logo on the back. Proceeds go directly to support the Kurt Caselli Foundation. Sold exclusively by KTM dealers. Visit www.ktm.com for more information.

MSRP: $19.99 INFO: Your local KTM dealer

TPX Radar and Laser Detection System Adaptiv Technologies’ TPX Motorcycle Radar and Laser Detection System is designed for motorcycle use. It is water, vibration and shock proof. It features large buttons, top-side LCD display, an easy-to-setup harness and an external LED Visual Alert. An optional Bluetooth transmitter, multi-purpose mounts and car kits are also available.

MSRP: $299 INFO: Your local dealer, www.AdaptivTech.com

2015 BMW Motorrad Collectable Stein

The Best Motorcycle Glasses!

This limited edition stein is a testament to the father of the boxer flat-twin’s iconic creation.

Developed with a leading German stein manufacturer, it features a fully hand carved and painted relief design with a fine pewter lid.

It is limited to just 500 pieces, each with a hand numbered stamp on the bottom and a certificate of authenticity.

It measures approximately 10.5 inches tall with a 5-inch base and holds 0.75 liters.

MSRP: $199 INFO: Your local BMW Motorrad USA dealer

Don’t let your tears stop you from riding! $15 glasses (smoked/amber/clear).

Mention “AMA2015” for a free protective bag for your glasses.

MSRP: $15 INFO: www.biker-glasses.com

KTM Hour Meter

Help ensure proper service intervals with the KTM PowerParts hour meter. The meter, as well as an optional mounting bracket, are built to OEM quality standards and will withstand the rigors of riding.

MSRP: $39.99 INFO: Your local KTM dealer

AMA Membership

DSS Inc. has released the company’s newest product, the TOOL #40 Dual Head Chain Adjustment Wrench with Built-In Bottle Opener.

It’s designed for the do-it-yourself rider who wrenches on single-sided swingarm bikes with a notched hub for chain adjustment. It fits most Ducati, MV Agusta and KTM Super Duke 1290 street bike models and any bottle of your favorite beverage. American Made.

MSRP: $31 each.

INFO: www.dssalesusa.net or 949-240-9357

Help friends and loved ones save money while helping protect their right to ride and race. Give an AMA membership as a gift. AMA members enjoy a variety of money-saving benefits and discounts. More members mean more political clout for the AMA to fight to protect our riding freedoms.

DUES: Starting at $49 INFO: membership@ama-cycle.org or (800) 262-5646

MotoGP & Superbike 2016 Calendar

Concepts International is celebrating 32 years of supplying motorcycle racing fans with highquality products. Their spiral-bound MotoGP and Superbike calendar is 13-by-18.85 inches.

The 2016 edition contains world-class photos of the 2015 season that captures the action and drama of MotoGP and Superbike racing.

MSRP: $19.95 (freight included) INFO: www.conceptsi.com

Synergy Fork Flex-Seals

Available in 16 sizes (30 mm through 52 mm) for WP, Showa, KYB, Marzocchi, Ohlins, Sachs and Cobra, these seals are designed with a performance advanced material for a smooth-as-silk feel. They can be removed, cleaned and reinstalled multiple times so that you do not have to buy new seals, saving you money over time.

MSRP: $38-$45 per pair INFO: www.synergyseals.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Photos Alison Grogan The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, features the people and machines that have deďŹ ned the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling in America.

The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-proďŹ t corporation that receives support from the AMA and from the motorcycling community. For info and directions, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.

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1973 YAMAHA YZ360 Pierre Karsmakers’ Factory Motocrosser

Pierre Karsmakers was one of the first European motocross champions to bring his expertise to America. A three-time motocross champion in his native Holland, Karsmakers came to the United States to gain wider exposure and attract the attention of the Japanese motorcycle makers.

Racing for Yamaha in 1973, Karsmakers won the 500cc motocross national championship series racing Yamaha YZ360s. Karsmakers says that Yamaha gave him a new bike every four races or so. This is one of those bikes.

The 351cc two-stroke was tuned and modified with numerous titanium and magnesium parts to make it as fast, reliable and as light as possible. Karsmakers won several races on these Yamahas.

Not every bike was the same, though. Karsmakers says that at the end of that season, his team started moving the top shock mount forward on the frame to get more travel for the rear wheel. This is one of the

first bikes that received that modification.

In 1974, a new three-round series was launched, and Karsmakers was ready. He won the inaugural 250cc AMA Supercross Championship in 1974, taking a win at Daytona, scoring a runner-up finish in Houston and finishing fourth in Los Angeles.

Karsmakers switched from Yamaha to Honda for the 1975 season, finishing second overall in the 250cc class of the AMA National Motocross Championship.

He also returned to race overseas and won the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme 500cc MX World Championship.

Karsmakers retired from competitive motocross in December 1979, at the age of 34.

This Yamaha, one of the bikes that helped establish motocross in America, is currently on display at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, on loan from Cody Tellis. For directions to the Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, see www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer

ALBERT CROCKER: MASTER DESIGNER Albert Crocker was born in 1882. In the early 1930s, he founded the Los Angeles-based Crocker Motorcycle Co., which produced highquality speedway race machines, heavyweight touring motorcycles, and scooters.

Today, his motorcycles are among the most sought-after collector bikes in the world.

Crocker was trained as an engineer. Following engineering school he worked in Chicago with the Aurora Automatic Machine Co., the manufacturer of the Thor motorcycle, which he raced for the Thor factory. He next worked with the Indian Motocycle Co., and operated Indian dealerships in Kansas City, Mo., and Denver. In the late 1920s, he operated an

Indian dealership in Los Angeles.

In the early 1930s, Crocker and mechanic and pattern maker Paul Bigsby designed and produced single-cylinder speedway machines, which were highly acclaimed by racers of the day.

By the mid-1930s the Crocker Motorcycle Co. had developed a new 61 cubic-inch V-twin engine that delivered superior performance compared to other machines of the day.

Anecdotes from the time claim the Crocker twin produced 60 horsepower and was capable of top speeds over 110 mph.

In the late 1930s, Crocker also built the

PICK A CARD,

ANY CARD

No matter what or how you ride, the AMA has a special card for you. Want one? Just let us know by renewing early, or telling us when you renew via our online signup form at AmericanMotorcyclist.com, or calling (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646).

d Indian an Victory cards now! available

streamlined “Scootabout� scooter, but by 1942 the company had ceased motorcycle production due to the wartime economy and material shortage. Crocker went on to manufacture components for the World War II aviation effort in southern California.

Due to their unique qualities and limited production runs, original Crocker motorcycles are highly prized by collectors.

Crocker died in 1961. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.

BUY A 2016 HALL OF FAME CALENDAR 12 Months Of Amazing Motorcycles

TWO BIKES UP FOR GRABS: 1947 INDIAN, 1986 CR250 Which One Revs You Up?

Imagine yourself rolling through the countryside as king of the road, riding a gorgeous 1947 Indian Chief, with its muscular V-twin engine and deeply skirted fenders?

What about roosting your riding buddies—just like Hall of Famers Rick Johnson and David Bailey did in their heyday—from the seat of this originalcondition 1986 Honda CR250R? The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is raffling one of each of these classic bikes to raise

money to further its mission. You get one chance to win for a $5 donation and five chances for a $20 donation.

The drawing for the Indian will be at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at MidOhio Sports Car Course next July.

We’ll pull the winning ticket for the CR250R during the AMA Championship Banquet at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus on Jan. 23.

Donate and get your chance to win at www.motorcyclemuseum.org > Raffle Bike.

You can own some the coolest wall art ever by buying a 2016 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame commemorative calendar.

The calendar features motorcycles from the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame collection, as well as loaned bikes on display. Expertly photographed and featured alongside their histories, these pages are sure to keep you entertained for the next 12 months.

This commemorative calendar makes an excellent Christmas gift for all the motorcyclists in your life, and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the Hall of Fame.

Buy one at www.motorcyclemuseum. org, or by calling (614) 856-2222.

Put yourself in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR hall of fame—we couldn’t exist without the generous support of our donors. Now there’s a new way for you to show that support in a very visible way: My Hall of Fame. The idea is simple: A $20 charitable donation gets you a 3-inch-square space on the wall in the Hall of Fame entrance foyer that hangs during the campaign year.

Want a bigger space? A 6-inch square is an $80 donation, and an 8-inch square is a $180 donation. You also get an official certificate noting that your picture is on display in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

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

8” 6” 3” 3”

$20

donation

6”

$80

donation

www.motorcyclemuseum.org/myhalloffame or call 1-800-342-5464 for assistance

8”

$180

donation

WELCOME TO THE HALL OF FAME Full Throttle Celebration Inducts Class Of 2015 Wayne Rainey, a 1999 inductee into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, was invited back to be honored as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend.

Friends and family of Class of 2015 members Richard Teerlink (above, left, with Harley-Davidson’s Paul Raap), John Parham (above) and Rodney Smith (right) celebrate their inductions into the Hall of Fame.

Event emcee and AMA Board Vice Chair Perry King greets Keith McCarty.

Below: Rodney Smith acknowledges the crowd.

Right: John Kocinski’s son, also John, joined his dad on stage.

Photos Jeff Guciardo and Jen Muecke

Hall of Famer Chris Carr (back turned) presented Alex Jorgensen with his Hall of Fame ring.

The Class of 2015 (L-R): Rodney Smith, John Parham, Alex Jorgensen, Keith McCarty, John Kocinski (with son, John) and Richard Teerlink.

At the end of the evening, all attending Hall of Famers joined the Class of 2015 on stage.

Right: Fellow AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Malcolm Smith greets newly annointed Legend Wayne Rainey.

December 2015

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RIDING AND RACING SCHOOLS

BECOME A BETTER RIDER

Riding And Racing Schools Offer Benefits For All Levels By Heather Wilson

M

aybe you are just learning how to ride, or perhaps you’re an experienced racer. No matter how long you’ve been behind the handlebars, there are skills to be gained or fine-tuned at a riding school. Not only will the skills you learn make you a smoother rider or faster racer, knowing and practicing good technique will keep you safer.

Gifting a riding class is also a great thing for family and friends. There are several options for riders or racers across the country when it comes to discipline, number of days of instruction and pricing. We’ve broken the schools down based on experience level and highlighted schools for off-road, track, street and adventure riding. These are just a few of the many schools that exist. Search online for a riding school near you.

ADVANCED COURSES

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LEARN TO RIDE STREET RIDING

While most AMA members are riders, if you want a refresher or want your family member or friend to learn how to ride on the road, there’s the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse. The BRC is a great way to learn how to ride the right way and sharpen your skills.

Riders complete approximately five hours of classroom-based instruction and 10 hours of riding time. They learn how to use the clutch’s friction zone, shifting, stopping quickly, how to negotiate corners and turns, and more. Some states waive their on-motorcycle skills test if a rider passes the BRC, and many insurance companies offer discounts for course completion.

Info: www.MSF-USA.org

ADVENTURE RIDING Knowing how to turn your big adventure bike on a dime might come in handy during the apocalypse—or just while exploring a new forest road.

The BMW Off-Road Academy in Southern California, presented by RawHyde Adventures, is one of 10 BMWaccredited riding schools in the world. The course teaches body position, controlling skids, hill climbing, riding in different conditions, turning and more.

The academy offers introductory (not a “learn to ride” course) and intermediate courses that include two full days of riding and an advanced program that lasts five days. Riders can bring whatever brand of adventure bikes they’d like or rent from the fleet of BMWs onsite. Cost ranges from $1,395 to $2,500.

Jim Hyde, owner of RawHyde Adventures, says that they teach riders to go “beyond the pavement” through experience, not just training.

They have three facilities with different terrain: one in Southern California, one in Death Valley and one in Colorado.

“We make the advanced course extremely challenging, so people realize where their thresholds are,” Hyde says.

The advanced course is focused on expedition preparedness, with elements of navigation, field repair and first aid.

He says that they offer follow-up rides that allow riders to cement the skills they learned with the trainers.

“Once you have the skills, you can do amazing things with the bike,” Hyde says.

“You can go darn near anywhere.”

Info: www.BMWOffRoadAcademy.com

Riding school instructors report that students often think skills learned for one discipline won’t translate to another. The bottom line is, the more skills you have on the bike and the more practiced you are in those skills, the better rider you will be—no matter what style of riding you’re doing.

For many of the off-road racing-oriented schools, single-day class rates start around $200 and multi-day class rates can be $600-plus.

DIRT BIKE SCHOOL

RACING SCHOOLS

HARLEY-DAVIDSON RIDING ACADEMY

The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy offers a Skilled Rider Course for experienced riders. Many Harley-Davidson dealership offers the course, and despite what some people think, you don’t have to ride a Harley in the course.

Some dealerships contract with independent MSF RiderCoaches, and others use employees of the dealership.

Larry Loyd of Henderson HarleyDavidson, in Henderson, Nev., has been the manager of the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy for the dealership since 2009. He’s been an MSF instructor for 25 years and also has taught MSF Dirt Bike School and ATV Safety Institute courses.

“People can bring their own bikes or borrow our Street 500 model,” Loyd says. “In Nevada, when you have your temporary permit, you have to have a licensed rider to ride with you wherever you go, so sometimes it’s hard to find someone to ride to the course with you.”

He says the range where they teach is located at the dealership. They teach one to two courses a week. Their availability is often better than state-operated sites.

“We are primarily MSF RiderCoaches.

We just teach at a dealership,” Loyd says.

Cost varies, but it’s $150 for a skilled course at Henderson Harley-Davidson.

Info: www.Harley-Davidson.com/ LearnToRide

Tom Varden

The MSF Dirt Bike School is the perfect way to learn how to ride or build those beginner skills, whether you’re wanting to ride dirt or street.

Many states adopt this MSF curriculum and run courses through state-operated training sites. There are also private training providers located nationwide.

America Honda owns and operates four Honda Rider Education Centers that use MSF curriculum. Course participants simply show up and are matched with gear and a bike to begin instruction on the onsite range.

Students learn riding posture, shifting, turning, traversing hills, riding over obstacles, counterbalancing and more.

Info: www.DirtBikeSchool.org

MOTOCROSS

Champ Factory, owned and operated by two-time FIM World Motocross Champion Sebastien Tortelli, is based in Temecula, Calif., and uses tracks throughout southern California for its training schools.

Tortelli says he has a wide range of training options, from single-day schools with six riders to private training that lasts for months. His monthly training goes beyond just riding.

“It’s usually four days a week on the motorcycle from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and then in the gym during the afternoon,” Tortelli says. “Then one day is cycling.”

A benefit to his schools’ location is that most of the tracks he uses offer variations for riders of different skill levels.

“I have guys who just bought a bike and want to start riding motocross, to pro-level Supercross racers,” he says. “I teach all levels of riders.”

When asked what techniques he commonly works on with riders, Tortelli says he believes you make up time in corners, so he often has riders work on corner speed repeatedly.

So what sets Tortelli’s school apart

If you want to learn how to ride motocross, why not learn from a world champion?

from others, besides the fact that he’s a two-time world champion? After he retired from racing, Tortelli completed a two-year study to be able to coach riders in France and Australia.

“You have to know how to approach and understand riders,” Tortelli says.

“People have different ways of seeing things. Coaches have to be able to adapt.

It’s important to be able to be a proficient trainer. Experience is one thing, but you have to have the knowledge of training properly. For me, studying was important to make sure everything was done to the perfect level.”

Tortelli adds that the coach has to be able to communicate to the rider what needs to be done. He believes a coach should be able to help the rider understand the dynamics of the motorcycle to be safer and ride better.

“Know where you’re supposed to be and what you’re supposed to be doing on a motorcycle,” Tortelli says. “That’s what training is about: improving safety. If you do things without knowing, that’s when you sometimes make mistakes.”

Info: www.ChampFactory.com

December 2015

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RIDING AND RACING SCHOOLS

DirtWise, an off-road racing school, is owned and operated by Shane Watts, a six-time Australian Enduro champion, Australian National Motocross champion, World Enduro champion, GNCC champion and ISDE overall winner.

Watts and 2015 AMA Grand National Cross Country XC2 champion Jason Thomas hold workshops all over the country throughout the year.

Riders bring their own bikes to the school and work on a variety of off-road skills. Watts said the majority of his students are B and C-level riders who are 30 to 55 years old, but that they have men and women from 8 to 72 years old.

“We have developed an extensive my friends doing just that. Then my friend, curriculum for entry-level to pro level Mike Myers, said, ‘I think people would riders,” Watts says. like to come and experience this.’”

When asked what students struggle In March 2011, the first Texas Tornado with most often, Watts said it depends on Boot Camp was born. the student.

The camp not only has students riding “A lot of riders don’t understand the their bikes, but target shooting and fundamentals,” he says. “They don’t camping in a “hotel” overnight. There’s understand what they are doing and why also a game room. they need to do it.”

He said another thing is lack of confidence in pushing their DirtWise teaches a range of skills for riding off road. abilities.

“That’s what we do,” Watts says.

“We push them in a controlled environment. It’s amazing what riders can achieve versus being afraid. They don’t improve themselves with fear.”

Watts says the biggest tool for improvement is simply repetition.

He also says that clear feedback is important.

“Our program speaks for itself,” Watts says. “We have a return rate of about 15 to 20 percent, and not only do they come back, they bring three of their mates as well.”

“The first thing we built was a big arena, Info: www.ShaneWatts.com so if it rains we can do everything we need to do as far as our curriculum goes,” Edwards says.

The Texas Tornado Boot Camp in He says it’s more than just riding, it’s Montgomery, Texas, is owned and also connecting people. operated by two-time World Superbike “We teach everything from learning Champion and MotoGP racer Colin how to visualize a race track to body Edwards. This four-day riding school goes position to throttle control and cornering— beyond just riding. everything involved with riding a “It’s a riding school, but it’s also an motorcycle,” he says. “You can take those experience,” Edwards says. “I’ve guestskills and apply them to any motorcycle instructed at a lot of riding schools around discipline.” the world. There’s always one common While you may experience sticker shock factor: Everyone wants to ride the bikes. at the price of $2,250, riders quickly realize Then at night, everyone goes to their the value of the package. Yamaha TTR hotel and waits for the next day to come 125s and TTR 230s, along with riding gear, around. I like hanging out with guys and are supplied on the nearly 21-acre facility, gals that like bikes. Just hanging out and and room and board are included. shooting the breeze. It started with me and Info: www.TexasTornadoBootCamp.com

DIRT TRACK

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Shea Fouchek

OFF-ROAD

The Texas Tornado Boot Camp is about more than just riding Yamaha TTRs quickly in circles. It’s also about having a good time.

TRIALS

The Trials Training Center in Sequatchie, Tenn., dates to 1992. The 680-acre property is host to several trials, hare scramble and dual sport events throughout the year.

Charlie Roberts manages the facility and has taught there for 14 years.

The facility is not only a place for trials riders to train, but is also a resort for motorcyclists traveling through the area.

“A lot of people who are headed to ride the Tail of the Dragon stop and stay at our resort,” Roberts says. “We have cabin, RV, and primitive camping sites available.”

Riders can bring their bikes or rent from the facility. The school is set up on a building block system where students learn how to steer with their feet, and negotiate hills and cambers, log crosses, creeks, ledges and more.

Roberts says they encourage people to take two days of instruction, “because with just one day you’re overloaded with information.”

While there are three instructors on staff, the facility regularly has guest instructors who are some of the top trials competitors in the country, such as Graham Jarvis, Laia Sanz, Mick Andrews, Geoff Aaron, Ray Peters and Ryan Young.

He says enduro and hare scrambles riders use trials techniques and training to gain an advantage over their competitors.

“If you learn how to ride on a trials bike, you can basically ride any motorcycle discipline,” Roberts says. “Trials teaches the physics of how your body works with the physics of the motorcycle and it teaches you those techniques at 3 to 5 mph. It’s safer because of lack of speed and only one person is in a section at a time. You learn where to be on the bike.”

Info: www.TrialsTrainingCenter.com

Holiday Cards Genuine Holiday Cards from the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Proceeds benefit the Hall of Fame www.AMAHOFCards.com

YEAR-END REVIEW Ethanol Fuel Tops 2015 Motorcycle Issues Lane Splitting Gains Momentum

By Jim Witters

B

y proposing increases in the amount of ethanol blended into our gasoline supply during the next two years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moved E15 fuel (15 percent ethanol by volume) to the top of the AMA’s priority list during 2015, generating an outpouring of anti-ethanol sentiment on social media, letters to Congress and comments to the EPA and resulting in nearly 30,000 signatures on the AMA’s anti-E15 petition.

But the EPA’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard was just one of many issues faced during the year by motorcyclists and all-

ETHANOL FUEL Issue: The EPA announced proposed a Renewable Fuel Standard mandate for 2015 and 2016 in May that would increase the amount of ethanol in gasoline each year, placing motorcyclists and all-terrain-vehicle riders at greater risk of misfueling.

That’s because none of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and ATVs in use in the United States are certified by the EPA to use fuel blends with more than 10 percent ethanol. The higher blends can damage engines and fuel systems and void manufacturer warranties. In fact, it is illegal to use blends higher than E10 in those motorcycles and ATVs. At the same time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $100 million matching grant program that will add nearly 5,000 blender pumps to 1,400 service stations in 20 states. The intent of the program is to make

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

terrain-vehicle riders.

AMA staff members monitor national, state and local legislation that affects motorcyclists, respond to members who ask for help and coordinate with state motorcyclist rights organizations to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.

During 2015, the AMA Government Relations Department’s efforts prompted thousands of advocates to take direct action on behalf of motorcyclists’ rights. Those actions included about 3.7 million messages, nearly 79,000 letters and 40,501 petition signatures.

higher ethanol blended fuels— including E15 and E85—more readily available to the public.

The E15 and E85 designations refer to the percentage of ethanol by volume blended into the gasoline. E15 fuel contains 50 percent more ethanol that the E10 most commonly available in the United States. And E85 is legal for use only in flex-fuel vehicles.

The EPA proposed setting the renewable fuel standard for 2015 at 16.3 billion gallons. And for 2016, the total increases to 17.4 billion gallons.

By increasing the amount of ethanol in America’s gasoline marketplace, the EPA would force distributors to exceed the “blend wall” by hundreds of millions of gallons. The blend wall is the point at which no more ethanol can be added to the fuel supply without resulting in ethanol content higher than 10 percent.

While the federal government requires pump labels indicating the

“It has been a very busy year, with both new and ongoing challenges to the motorcycling lifestyle,” says Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO. “The efforts of the AMA and its allies have proven effective in many areas.”

More states are enacting stiffer penalties for distracted drivers who injure others, including motorcyclists. Five states seriously considered lane-splitting legislation during 2015, and several others are likely to introduce legislation during their next sessions.

“And we were successful in getting at least one motorcyclefriendly amendment in the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2015 – one that would prohibit federal funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints,” Dingman says.

“We are ready to build on those successes during the coming year to make motorcycling safer, more accessible and more fun for everyone.”

The AMA encourages everyone to sign up for our alerts about important issues and to respond when the call to action is sounded.

Here is a roundup of some of 2015’s key issues.

percentage of ethanol in the fuel, blender pump hoses can hold as much as a quart of fuel, which is then deposited into the tank of the next customer at that pump.

The EPA was scheduled to announce its final RFS standards for 2014, 2015 and 2016 by Nov. 30.

AMA Action: The AMA opposes the government promotion of E15 and higher ethanol fuel blends, because of the dangers they present to motorcycle engines and fuel systems. The AMA supports federal proposals to reassess the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Latest Development: The AMA gathered nearly 30,000 signatures that were attached to its comments to the EPA opposing the RFS proposals for 2014-2016.

In addition, an AMA poll of 2016 likely voters found widespread concern about ethanol’s unintended consequences.

LANE SPLITTING Issue: Five state legislatures— California, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington— considered bills during 2015 that would have legalized and regulated lane splitting, which is the practice of riding between lanes of traffic to ease congestion and improve rider safety. None of the bills passed.

But some remain active for 2016.

AMA Action: The AMA worked with motorcyclists in those states where lane-splitting bills were introduced, promoting the benefits to riders and to traffic flow.

Western States Representative Nick Haris worked particularly closely with riders and sponsors of the California bill. And AMA Vice President of Government Relations Wayne Allard flew to Oregon to testify in favor of that state’s proposed law.

The AMA joined the Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association in opposing the Texas bill, because it contained a provision making motorcycle helmets mandatory for lane splitters. The AMA strongly supports voluntary helmet use, but

Jeff Kardas

Call To Action

Make sure the 2016 presidential and congressional candidates, as well as your local and state officials, understand the threat that higher-ethanol fuel blends create for motorcyclists and ATV riders.

Urge them to oppose efforts to increase the availability of E15 at service stations and to support an overhaul of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard.

ACCESS FOR MOTORIZED RECREATION Issue: As residential and commercial development expand and environmentalists clamor for less recreational use of public lands, the areas where dirt biker and ATV riders can enjoy the outdoors continues to shrink.

Sidestepping Congress, President Obama has designated national monuments, restricting access to vast swathes of federal lands by administrative decree.

opposes mandates.

In all states, the AMA highlighted the results of studies by the University of California Berkeley that lane-splitting riders were less likely to be rear-ended by other vehicles and were less likely to suffer head injury, torso injury or fatal injury.

The AMA endorses responsible lane splitting and will help bring legal lane splitting to the states.

Latest Development: Bills in California, Tennessee and Washington were carried over for 2016.

Kevin Wing

Seventy-eight percent of those polled had serious concerns that higher blends of ethanol, such as E15, can cause severe damage in cars, motorcycles, boats, lawn equipment and other small engines.

The poll, released in July, also found that 67 percent of respondents favor the EPA setting ethanol volumes below what is required by law, with 68 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of Republicans supporting volumes lower than the statute.

AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman took part in media interviews via satellite that reached an estimated 4.1 million people on 251 radio and TV stations with the AMA’s anti-E15 message.

The AMA also supports H.R. 704, sponsored by U.S. Reps.

Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), which would amend the Renewable Fuel Standard to recognize market conditions and realities and prohibit the EPA from allowing stations to sell fuel blends higher than E10.

Call To Action

Contact legislators in your state to encourage lane-splitting legislation. And let the AMA know about your efforts.

On the local level, cities and townships continue their knee-jerk reaction to constituents alleging that the potential for excessive sound or dust from off-roadvehicle use on private land will diminish their quality of life.

In some cases, such as in Rockingham County, Va., practice tracks have been shut down after years of noncontroversial operation when new neighbors objected.

And proposed tracks and training facilities have been denied essential permits because elected officials rejected professionally prepared sound-level projections in favor of the emotional reactions from community residents.

At the same time, the AMA began working with riders, community leaders and elected officials in Philadelphia and Baltimore to consider urban OHV riding areas. The OHV parks would help remedy the traffic and public safety problems created by dirtbike and ATV riders who illegally clog city streets and parks.

AMA Action: The AMA supports responsible recreational access to public lands for the use of offhighway vehicles.

At the national level, the AMA supports the continuation of the Recreational Trails Program, which uses gas-tax revenues attributed to OHV use to build and maintain trails on public lands. And the AMA staff and membership are active in opposing any further reductions in recreational opportunities.

The RTP, as part of the Federal Highway Trust Fund, requires longterm authorization.

In addition to lobbying Congress and the president in favor of expanded off-road recreational

December 2015

37

opportunities, the AMA—through its staff and members—has fought ordinances and zoning regulations that harm private land owners.

Among the AMA’s successes was working with local riders and the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council to win the reopening of 28 miles of the Rattlesnake Bay OHV trail in the DeSoto National Forest in Mississippi. The trails had been closed since 2003.

Latest Development: U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) introduced S. 228, the National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2015, which would require the president to get congressional approval and certify compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 before designating a national monument.

Call To Action

Alert the AMA to any threat to OHV access, whether on public or private lands. Let your elected officials know you object to unnecessary and unjustified restrictions on your responsible riding. Attend meetings where these issues are raised, so you can voice your support for fellow riders.

V2V TECHNOLOGY Issue: Automobile manufacturers are expanding their use of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications technology, which experts believe will make the nation’s roadways safer by alerting drivers and pedestrians to nearby threats.

Google and other companies are developing autonomous vehicles, in which the driver plays a secondary role.

These technologies present a danger to motorcyclists if they are not designed to communicate with motorcycles and scooters and recognize their presence nearby.

Also present is the threat of hackers using Wi-Fi networks to hack into a vehicle’s navigation or

Issue: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that “at any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.”

Nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds of the event, according to a report from the NHTSA and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

Distracted drivers in cars and trucks present an imminent danger to motorcyclists, who already are among the more “invisible” road users.

Forty-six states and the District of Columbia ban text-messaging while driving, with 41 of those considering it a primary offense.

AMA Action: The AMA tracked 165 bills during 2015 that address distracted driving. Meanwhile, the AMA is working at the federal level to reform the grant process for states to qualify for grants to battle distracted driving. Adjusting the standards could help more states receive grant money for awareness campaigns and driver training.

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Grogan Studios

DISTRACTED DRIVING

The AMA supports legislation that includes enhanced penalty options to be determined by the courts, such as increased fines, suspension of operator’s licenses, points assessed on an operator’s record, community service and imprisonment.

The AMA issues alerts to motorcyclists to share information or call for action in support of or opposition to government proposals, writes directly to state and federal elected officials and agency chiefs on behalf of the motorcycling community and initiates and responds to press coverage of these topics.

Latest Development: The AMA worked closely with state Rep. Jaret Gibbons (D-Pa.) in the drafting of H.B. 853, which would increase the penalties for drivers who injure others while distracted.

Call To Action

Contact the AMA if you are involved in a motorcycle crash caused by a distracted driver.

And respond to the AMA’s call to action by contacting your legislators at the state and federal levels to urge their support of enhanced penalties for distracted drivers whose actions harm other road users.

control system and alter the path or behavior of the car.

A related concern is the use of event data recorders – sometimes called black boxes – that collect information about the vehicle’s performance and behavior. At issue is who owns that data, who can access it and how.

Event data recorders are not required for motorcycles, but the AMA believes their use on motorcycles will continue to grow, and, eventually, will be mandated.

AMA Action: The AMA supports research by government agencies and cooperation in establishing guidelines and regulations for this technology. The implementation of this technology must in no way jeopardize the safety of motorcyclists or the privacy of their information.

The AMA also applauds the motorcycle manufacturers who are working together to improve motorcycle safety through the introduction of new technology.

Latest Development: BMW Motorrad, Honda Motor Co. and Yamaha Motor Co. are creating the Connected Motorcycle Consortium to begin introducing V2V and V2I technology in motorcycles and scooters (see page 14).

The companies recognize the special requirements of motorcycles in developing and implementing the technology, including the need for resistance to water, dust and vibration.

In Congress, U.S. Sens.

John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced S. 766, the Driver Privacy Act, which would codify that information collected by an event data recorder – commonly referred to as a black box – would be the legal property of the owner or lessee of a passenger motor vehicle.

Call To Action

Tell your congressional representatives to support legislation that will help ensure motorcyclist safety.

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

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Central Florida Cruisers Inc. is hosting a toy run on Dec. 5 in Leesburg, Fla. Info: www. centralfloridacruisers.org 4 2 5 2

2

On Dec. 13, Jimmy Weinert Riding Park is hosting a motocross race in Maysville, N.C. Info: www.jwtfmx.com

3

1

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5

Baltimore County Trail Riders Association is hosting an indoor short track race in Timonium, Md., on Dec. 12 and also on Dec. 19. Info: www.bctra.com

4

In Amherst, Wis., the Kettle Moraine Sport Riders are hosting a short track on Dec. 31. Info: www. kettlemorainesportriders.com

COMING UP The drawing for the 1986 Honda CR250R raffle bike will be held at the AMA Championship Banquet in January 2016. Raffle tickets are available for a donation to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You can receive one ticket for a $5 donation or five tickets for a $20 donation.

This bike is ready to compete for post-vintage motocross glory or simply to show off in your living room. For full rules, see www.motorcyclemuseum. org/rafflebikerules2.aspx. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the United States to win. Info: www. americanmotorcyclist.com

A dual sport ride will take place Dec. 12 in Tucson, Ariz., hosted by Tucson Dual Sport. It’s the final dual sport in the 2015 Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series, presented by Moose Racing. Info: www. tucsondualsport.com

DECEMBER EVENTS ARIZONA RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT RIDE DEC 12: TUCSON: TUCSON DUAL SPORT, LLC, (520) 979-8398, TUCSONDUALSPORT. COM

DEC 12: TIMONIUM: BALTIMORE COUNTY TRAIL RIDERS ASSOC., BCTRA.COM DEC 19: TIMONIUM : BALTIMORE COUNTY TRAIL RIDERS ASSOC., BCTRA.COM

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DEC 12: FLINT: FLINT MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (810) 744-0580

DEC 6: GLOBE: CENTRAL ARIZONA TRIALS INC, (602) 370-7546, CENTRALARIZONATRIALS.ORG CALIFORNIA RECREATIONAL TOY RUN DEC 13: GLENDALE: ABATE-CA LOCAL 1, (818) 344-4656 COMPETITION

COMPETITION OBSERVED TRIALS DEC 6: SAN YSIDRO: NEW MEXICO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (505) 780-2551, NEWMEXICOTRIALS.COM

High Adventure. No Hassle.

NORTH CAROLINA COMPETITION

DESERT SCRAMBLES DEC 12: (Includes ATVs) LUCERNE VALLEY: RACERS UNDER THE SON, INC., (714) 2648570, RUST.ORG

MOTOCROSS DEC 13: MAYSVILLE: JIMMY WEINERT RIDING PARK, (845) 313-6590, JWTFMX.COM

RECREATIONAL

RECREATIONAL

TOY RUN

TOY RUN

DEC 5: LEESBURG: CENTRAL FLORIDA CRUISERS, INC., (352) 396-3239, CENTRALFLORIDACRUISERS.ORG

DEC 6: TEMPLE: CEN-TEX ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (254) 220-5032

COMPETITION MOTOCROSS DEC 5: JACKSONVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, WW MOTOCROSS PARK, (904) 509-5696, WWMOTOX.COM MARYLAND COMPETITION SHORT TRACK

The best routes, roads and two-track, 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.

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DEC 6: HOUSTON: SAN JACINTO HIGH ROLLERS MC-NW CHAPTER, NWSJHR.COM DEC 13: MIDLOTHIAN: GRYPHONS MC OF ELLIS COUNTY, (972) 754-5496 WISCONSIN COMPETITION SHORT TRACK DEC 31: (Includes ATVs) AMHERST: KETTLE MORAINE SPORT RIDERS, (262) 689-2842

UPCOMING EVENTS June 4: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National Presented by

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

MOTOCROSS 2016 LUCAS OIL PRO MOTOCROSS

June 25: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National

Supporting Sponsors

July 2: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National

Official Boot

AMASUPERCROSS.COM

July 9: Southwick, Mass.: Southwick National May 21: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic

July 16: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National

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

July 23: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National

Facebook.com/AMAAdventureRiding @ama_riding, #AMAadv

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41

December 4/21/15 2015 11:01 AM

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

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

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

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

Aug. 27: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman National 2016 MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS AMASUPERCROSS.COM

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

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

Jan. 9: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

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

Jan. 16: San Diego, Calif.: Petco Park

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

Jan. 23: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

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

Jan. 30: Oakland, Calif.: O.Co Coliseum Feb. 6: Glendale, Ariz.: University of Phoenix Stadium Feb. 13: San Diego, Calif.: Petco Park Feb. 20: Arlington, Texas: AT&T Stadium

AmericanMotorcyclist.com a Riding a Dual Sport

March 12-13: Lafayette, La.: Cajondome

May 6-8: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena (Amateur National Championship) AMA PROAM MOTOCROSS EVENTS AMARACING.COM

Feb. 27: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome

Nov. 23-25: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, UnlimitedSportsMX.com, (312) 689-3461

March 5: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (note: not a Feld Motor Sports produced race)

Nov. 26-28: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, UnlimitedSportsMX.com, (312) 689-3461

March 12: Toronto, Canada: Rogers Centre

Dec. 5-6: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, AZopen.com, (623) 853-0750

March 19: Detroit, Mich.: Ford Field April 2: Santa Clara, Calif.: Levi’s Stadium

Dec. 6: Jacksonville, Fla.: WW Motocross Park, WWmotoX.com, (904) 509-5696

April 9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Lucas Oil Stadium April 16: St. Louis, Mo.: Edward Jones Dome April 23: Foxboro, Mass.: Gillette Stadium April 30: East Rutherford, N.J.: MetLife Stadium May 7: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium 2016 AMA AMSOIL ARENACROSS SERIES ARENACROSS.COM

Jan. 9-10: Cincinnati, Ohio: U.S. Bank Arena

DIRT TRACK AMA PRO FLAT TRACK AMAPRORACING.COM Nov. 20: Las Vegas, Nev.: Flat Track Season Finale

Jan. 15-17: Baltimore, Md.: Royal Farms Arena

Presented by

Jan. 22-24: Allentown, Pa.: PPL Center Jan. 30-31: Greensboro, N.C.: Greensboro Coliseum

Supporting Sponsors

Feb. 4-7: Colorado Springs, Colo.: Broadmoor World Arena

Official Boot

42

AmericanMotorcyclist.com 0615_AMA_Beta_Natl_Dual_Sport_Series.indd 1

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Feb. 13-14: Birmingham, Ala.: Legacy Center /AMADualSport

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April 8-10: Circuit of the Americas

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April 8-10: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the Americas April 15-17: Braselton, Ga.: Road Atlanta May 13-15: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway June 3-5: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America June 10-12: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park July TBA: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

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Nov. 21-22: Amado, Ariz.: Trail Riders of 4/25/14 3:25 PM Southern Arizona Nov. 27-28: Palmdale, Calif.: AMA District 37 Dual Sport

Nov. 15: Stoneyford, Calif.: Valley Climbers MC

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Nov. 20-21: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena FEATURED SERIES: BIG 6 AMA WEST COAST GRAND PRIX SERIES BIG6RACING.COM

Dec. 5-6: Lake Elsinore, Calif.: Vikings MC FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) - ENDUROS

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Feb. 13-14: Waterford, Mich.: Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

Dec. 12: Tucson, Ariz.: Tucson Dual Sport LLC

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

RECREATION

Jan. 1-Dec. 15: Best 15 U.S. Roads Challenge: SC-MA.com, steve_howe@sc-ma. com, (562) 298-6236 Jan. 1-Dec. 15: USA Four Corners Tour: SC-MA.com, steve_howe@sc-ma.com, (562) 298-6236

Nov. 14-15: Delaware Hare Scrambles, Delaware Enduro Riders

AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

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Nov. 14-15: Union, S.C.: Big Buck Farm Sprint Enduro

Nov. 27-28: Palmdale, Calif.: AMA District 37 Dual Sport

AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS

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FEATURED SERIES: AMA KENDA FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO SERIES

Nov. 21-22: Amado, Ariz.: Trail Riders of Southern Arizona

AMA ICE RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP

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Nov. 22: New Lisbon, N.J.: Pine Hill Enduro, Central Jersey Competition Riders, CJCRmc. org

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Nov. 13-15: Hammonton, N.J.: BMW of Manhattan Motorcycles

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March of Dimes - Bikers for Babies (events nationwide): BikerForBabies.org Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation - Ride for Kids (events nationwide): RideForKids.org

December 2015

43

UPCOMING EVENTS AMA VINTAGE GRAND TOUR

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

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Road riders can earn points by attending events that are part of the AMA Vintage Grand Tour.

Visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Riding > AMA Vintage Grand Tour to view eligible events, download the registration form, and get more information.

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

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

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

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

HALL OF FAME

EXHIBITS AND EVENTS AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

JOIN THE AMA TODAY

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

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

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December 2015

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GUEST COLUMN

SOLO TOURING

Your Motorcycle And The Open Road My “solo ride of a lifetime” were actually climbing a steep was my opportunity to see the grade? This happened to me country on my own terms—just crossing back over the Rocky me and my new Indian Scout— Mountains as I was making my and it was an experience I’ll way back to the left coast. I still never forget. Space won’t allow don’t know how to explain it, but me to completely recount the this was not the first time I had trip, but I would like to share a experienced this phenomenon.) few highlights.

Mother Nature did her part to

By Mark Harrigan The first came soon enough, contribute to my solo experience. and went just as planned. My I was lucky weather-wise for ride began during a triple-digit heatwave most of the ride. There was plenty of rain in California’s Bay Area. From there, it took forecast along the way, but I was missing me to Wendover, Utah, and the Bonneville most of it. Utah provided a real show, with Salt Flats, a place that I’ve always felt had a lightning illuminating the majestic red rocks special connection to the Scout since I saw of Monument Valley as rain poured down in the film “The World’s Fastest Indian.” The buckets. I tucked in behind a semi, hoping ride down Bonneville Speedway Road was that if the lightning came it would prefer the beautiful, and being able to get a few photos truck. And then—the storm just stopped, of the bike on the salt was priceless. with bright sunshine and towering clouds The second came soon after, and was claiming the sky. by accident. I wanted to avoid Denver The show wasn’t over. I had plans to stay traffic, and looking at the map I noticed in Delta, Utah, about 70 miles away from my what appeared to be an interesting last gas stop, but by the time I got to Scipio route to the north. It turned out to take the sky I was heading toward was very, very me through Rocky Mountain National dark. I pulled under the canopy of the Scipio Park. I was treated to a beautiful twisty motel where a KLR rider was looking at his road, winding up to a peak well above cell phone. I asked him if he was staying 12,000 feet. There were moose herds in there. He said he wasn’t and then pointed to abundance, incredible mountain vistas his weather map: “I stopped here to avoid and a great conversation with another this.” Within five minutes, the sky opened up solo rider on a Triumph who was riding the with another torrent, and wind and lightning. continental divide from Canada to Mexico.

I was sure glad I had decided to stop!

(Have you ever pulled over to the side My ride was not without another purpose. of the highway thinking you were going I was heading to a wedding in Washington, downhill only to find that gravity is pulling D.C. Conveniently, I arrived a day early. I you in the opposite direction because you made my way to Highway 16 in Delaware

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AmericanMotorcyclist.com

where I stopped at the Po’ Boys Creole Restaurant for a sandwich to take with me to the beach. Here, a local couple took an interest in my journey and offered to let me follow them down to the Atlantic shoreline.

Although dredging had created a berm that made it difficult to get a photo with the Atlantic as my backdrop, I was able to navigate my way around. Afterward, I feasted on the incredibly delicious blackened chicken sandwich with fries while sitting on an old pier out on the beach.

I have enjoyed too many rides with one or more riders to count in the 45 years I have been riding, but as I have gotten older, I find myself less and less willing to sacrifice the total freedom a motorcycle offers as the trade-off for that companionship.

Being able to stop, start, take photos, grab a meal, choose a motel or camping spot, etc., without having to consult with others is as close to motorcycling nirvana as it comes for me at this point in my life.

To some, this may sound harsh, but to me riding with others has become the twowheeled equivalent of taking the bus.

I have also discovered that as a solo rider (and a relatively shy one at that), I am much more likely to engage in conversations with strangers. So, in a fortunate, roundabout way, my affection for riding by myself has expanded my social circle—just another way motorcycles can make the unexpected possible.

Mark Harrigan is an AMA member who lives in California.

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Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.

James Claeys, Seattle, member of the Bad Chickens Motorcycle Club, on a 2014 Indian ® Chief ® Vintage through Lebec, CA

STAYCATIONS ARE DANGEROUS. People say riding a motorcycle is dangerous. But for those who can’t imagine life without two wheels, NOT RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IS DANGEROUS. That’s why Allstate offers protection with one purpose: to keep riders riding.

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Subject to terms, conditions, availability and qualifications. New Motorcycle Replacement is an optional coverage. Claims will be settled based on customer choice to obtain original equipment manufacturer parts for their bike make and model. Actual savings will vary and may depend on coverages selected. Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL and Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Bridgewater, NJ. © 2014 Allstate Insurance Company