American Motorcyclist November 2015 Dirt (preview version) by American Motorcyclist Association

November 2015

COLLEEN MILLSAPS: MX TRAINER

Six Motorcycling Innovators Who Are Changing Your World

Photo Kay Meyer

AMA ARENACROSS 101

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, Schampa, 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-armorpants.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. powered by

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.

Biker Rain Chaps

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

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.

Gear Brake

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

International Motorcycle Shows

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

LifeLock Identity Theft Protection

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

MAD Maps

The best routes made easy. Save 20%. Use promo code AMATHXU at www.MADmaps.com.

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

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.

Sena

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

Shark Kage

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

Shock Sox

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

Black Wolf Mototours

Medjet

Spot LLC

Brooks Leather

MYLAPS

TomTom

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.

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.

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.

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 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.pagnolmoto.com and use the code 1AMAVIP at checkout to receive your AMA exclusive 10% discount.

Powertye Tie-Downs

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

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 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.

Yve Assad

NAVIGATION

Riders at Sportbike Northwest get to enjoy Maryhill Loops Road in Washington state. Actually, “enjoy” is most deﬁnately an understatement.

8. LETTERS 10. VIEWPOINT 12. RIGHTS 28. HALL OF FAME 38. EVENTS CALENDAR 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.

STREET COVER One person can make change. A community can make a difference. The Bay Area Riders Forum is one such community, thanks in part to Dennis “Budman” Kobza.

DIRT COVER Colleen Millsaps knows a thing or two about raising a fast kid. She shares her knowledge with those who attend her training facility in Cairo, Ga.

PAGE 24. While the U.S. team might have come up short at the ISDE, Ryan Sipes didn’t, becoming the ﬁrst U.S. rider to win the individual overall.

PAGE 18. Maybe fall touring is a cliché, but we’re OK with that because, well, fall touring is awesome— especially in North Georgia.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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November 2015 Volume 69, Number 11 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 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

TAKE CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

JAKE GAGNE ROADRACE FACTORY/ RED BULL YAMAHA, SUPERSTOCK 1000

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

CAM REEL / PROGRESSIVE RATE

50MM

INTERCHANGEABLE REELS

45MM 40MM

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

35MM

KIT INCLUDES 4 STRAIGHT RATE REELS AND 1 PROGRESSIVE RATE REEL VIEW THE INTERACTIVE CHART ONLINE FOR PERFORMANCE GAINS ON SPECIFIC YEAR, MAKE, AND MODELS

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 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

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 Marcy Day, Racing Administrative Assistant 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, Organizer Services 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 STATE CHAPTERS Marie Wuelleh, State Chapter Manager INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director Dave Coleman, Network Architect MARKETING 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

LIFE IS A LIMITED TIME OFFER Introducing the Spyder® RT-S Special Series. Powered by a Rotax® 1330 ACE™ engine, it’s the most luxurious open-air riding machine ever created. Now available in limited quantities featuring black chrome wheels, exclusive Triple Black coloration and graphics, and a signature seat. This is one offer you shouldn’t refuse. Visit CanAmSpyder.com and reserve yours before they’re gone.

©2015 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.

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.

background of how you got there (“Yes, I Ride,” October issue). All my life I’ve heard the same comments and questions from people (especially the younger women), and I tell them to buy one, learn, and ride—no excuses or you’ll never accomplish that goal. I bought my ﬁrst bike, a ‘66 BSA, when I got out of the service in 1970, and I’ve been riding since. My current ride is a 2013 Triumph Street Triple, and I love it. Anne Koskinen Redondo Beach, Calif.

Letter of the Month HONEYMOON RIDE A great big “Thank You” to AMA members who wrote articles about their favorite roads in the United States. For seven years, I saved every article, and this year my husband and I took our dream vacation: a 9,800-mile honeymoon around this beautiful country, with the articles in my dufﬂe bag. What an amazing trip! Let me add a couple of our favorite roads to the list. First, Route 65 in Colorado through Grand Mesa National Park: It has awesome views of the valley and a gorgeous river at the top. Next, there is a 100-mile continuation of the beautiful curves found on Tail of the Dragon on the Tennessee/North Carolina border: After Route 129, pick up Route 28 into Route 64 (Highlands Road). It was our best day of riding in the six weeks we were traveling. Maureen Grifﬁn-Damone Curtis Damone Copiague, N.Y. RE: FREEDOM Gary Karasik (“Legal Matters” page 10, October issue) is exactly correct when he reminds us that in the United States, any behavior is permitted unless it is prohibited. Thus, there is no need for a law that legalizes behavior not already illegal. The problem is lack of understanding on the part of administrators in state departments of transportation and public safety, prosecutors, the judiciary, the law enforcement community and the public. Until they are educated, and regardless if there is or is not a law “permitting” lane splitting, police will keep issuing citations to lane splitters for “reckless driving,” “careless driving,” negligent driving,” “dangerous driving” or whatever the equivalent “crime” is in your jurisdiction. Chuck Esposito AMA Life Member Suches, Ga.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

It’s so much fun to read about other lady riders like Carla Heller. After I passed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse and Advanced RiderCourse and rode a 550F Super Sport on a 30day trip around the United States, I felt I needed something bigger. A salesman didn’t take me seriously, either. He went home and left me standing there, with check in hand. No problem. I went to Otto Brothers Honda and three days later rode my new Gold Wing home. I’m sure I was out riding when the other dealer called to apologize for his actions. Bonnie Cousins AMA Life Member

TIP TAKE 2 Tom [Mehren]’s concern [in the October issue’s “Tips & Tricks” column] that polarized lenses might mask the glare from fuel spills is valid, but I can’t remember the last time I encountered a fuel spill on the highway. (Because I was wearing polarized lenses? I think not.) And if it has been raining, I expect water puddles. I feel my most dangerous areas on a motorcycle are intersections. Polarized lenses allow me to see into cars at intersections, by cutting window glare, revealing the face and potential action of the driver. I’m convinced that ability has saved me from incidents many times. James Garton Milwaukee, Wis. WOMEN RIDERS Thank you, Carla Heller, for a wonderful article about being a woman rider, and the

HOV/HOT CONFUSION Having read “Tolls, Fees and Taxes” (August issue), I found the comments on HOV/HOT lanes interesting. Here in California, we have ﬁve different agencies managing the various HOV/HOT lanes plus toll roads, each with a different view of how to handle motorcycles. Los Angeles has two HOT sections managed by LA Metro. On these sections, motorcycles can use the HOT for free — no transponder required. However, if you have personalized plates, they need to be registered with the LA Metro Fast Track site to avoid a citation in the mail. (There is a check box to indicate it is a motorcycle, so no foul there.) The I-15 Express Lanes are also free to motorcyclists. Again, no transponder is required, and based on personal experience, personalized plates do not cause a problem there. The 91 Express Lanes require a transponder for all vehicles, motorcycles

Sound Off!

included. Motorcycles can use the 91 without charge, except for Eastbound between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. The Transportation Corridor Agencies operate the 73, 133, 241 and 261 toll roads in Orange County. These are not HOT lanes, so are outside this discussion. The Alameda County Express Lanes appear to require transponders for all vehicles, but motorcycles are free. The Bay Bridges all appear to require transponders for all vehicles, with motorcycles paying the carpool fare. Lastly, the 125 Expressway in San Diego is a toll road, requiring transponders on all vehicles, motorcycles included. Fortunately, the FastTrack transponder is good on all the toll roads and expressways in California. It gets confusing knowing what rules are in effect in what areas. And this is just in California. The signs are often confusing as well and do not spell out the exact requirements for transponders. It would be nice if the rules were consistent throughout the state/nation and there was interoperability between the various manufacturers of toll tags. John Gretzinger Los Angeles, Calif.

A roundup of recent posts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist), Instagram and Twitter (@AMA_Racing, @AMA_Riding). In response to a request for members’ beautiful bikes and landscape shots…

In response to a #WhereRidersBelong pic of the day from Beast Custom Cycles... Jeff Pochik: That’s a very nice looking bike. In response to a #TwoWheelTuesday feature of a BSA at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days…

Harold Olaf Cecil, Stonehenge, Wash.

In response to Ryan Sipes winning the individual overall at the ISDE… Charles Plewa: Way to make history. Many more great rides I hope. @mikelong811: Awesome job, Sipes. Congratulations

Save on rentals with your AMA membership.

Make your reservations today. Visit budget.com or call 1-800-527-0700.

Lynn Musgrove-Duponte: Sweet! Dad was a BSA nut.

Get more out of your American Motorcyclist Association membership. Book a rental with Budget and mention BCD # Z942000 to save up to 20% on every rental. Plus, use coupon # UUGZ039 and get a FREE single upgrade.

Terms and Conditions: Coupon # UUGZ036 is valid for a one-time, one-car-group upgrade on an intermediate (Group C) through full-size, four-door (group E) car. Maximum upgrade to premium (group G). Offer valid on daily, weekend, weekly, and monthly rates only. The upgraded car is subject to vehicle availability at the time of rental and may not be available on some rates at some times. Coupon valid at participating Budget locations in the U.S. and Canada. One coupon per rental. A 24-hour advance reservation with request for upgrade is required. May not be used in conjunction with any other coupon, promotion or offer. For reservations made on budget.com, upgrade will be applied at time of rental. Renter must meet Budget age, driver and credit requirements. Minimum age may vary by location. An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old. Fuel charges are extra. Rental must begin by 12/31/12. 12/31/15. Budget features Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

21510

TRIM SAFETY

VIEWPOINT

ETHANOL DEBATE HEATS UP Don’t Be Fueled By E15

What lights up AMA social media whenever something is posted about it? The issue of ethanol in motor fuel. Despite the passion this topic stirs up, many may still not be aware of its relevance By Rob Dingman to motorcyclists. Just what is ethanol, and what is the issue about anyway? Corn ethanol is a type of biofuel made from corn. Biofuels are any energy source made from a living organism, such as a plant. A government mandate called the Renewable Fuel Standard was initiated by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and extended and expanded by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. It requires increasing amounts of renewable fuels such as ethanol to be blended into the fuel we buy at the gas pump. The RFS requires transportation fuel sold in the United States to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels. Under this program, fuel with 10 percent ethanol content, which is known as E10, has virtually replaced E0, or fuel with no ethanol content, in the marketplace. Congress developed the RFS to reduce greenhouse gases, expand the nation’s renewable fuels sector and reduce our nation’s dependence upon foreign oil. While these are certainly laudable goals, the policy ignores the roughly 22 million motorcycles and ATVs currently in use in this country because ethanol can wreak havoc on engines not designed for its use. Corrosion, swollen or dissolved seals and gaskets, and heatdamaged engine parts are all possible. That’s why E15 (fuel with 15 percent ethanol) is not approved for use in motorcycles by the Environmental Protection Agency—which establishes the ethanol volume requirements—and why its use can void your warranty. Perhaps you are thinking, “I just won’t use it.” If the EPA gets its way, you may not have a choice. Because the RFS requires more and more renewable fuels to be forced into the marketplace each year, the only way to achieve the required volume is to blend higher percentages of ethanol

into the fuel we use. The EPA is expected to publish a rule by the end of November that will lead to more widespread distribution of E15. This means that E15 will become more and more common and E10 (which most modern motorcycles are designed to use) may become harder to find. Just as the proliferation of E10 has pushed E0 almost completely out of the marketplace—which caused great concern among vintage bike enthusiasts—it is only a matter of time before E15 will do the same thing to E10. If it is available at all, motorcyclists may have to pay a premium for gas with less ethanol content. The EPA is also proposing federal grants and “contract mechanisms” to increase the amount of higher-than-E10 ethanol blended fuels into the marketplace and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently unveiled a $100 million plan to double the number of higher-ethanol-blend fuel pumps. This grant program will increase the number of blender pumps in the market, which will increase the risk of inadvertently misfueling with E15 leftover in the hose from a previous user. When the AMA raised concerns about the potential for misfueling, the government’s mitigation plan was to mandate a 4-gallon minimum fuel purchase—more fuel than most motorcycle fuel tanks can hold! You really can’t make this stuff up. The rule was eventually revised following our complaints, but it is still easily misunderstood, misapplied or ignored by state governments and producers, distributors and vendors. We’ve since pushed back even harder. When the EPA issued its proposed rule in May, the AMA’s comments were submitted along with a petition signed by nearly 30,000 people who opposed the E15 mandate. We suspected an overwhelming number of Americans agreed with us, and now we have the data to prove it. A poll commissioned by the AMA revealed that 70 percent said they oppose increasing the amounts of ethanol blended into gasoline, while 78 percent said they had very serious concerns about E15 use. Those currently seeking the highest office in the land might want to take notice as voters are less likely to support a presidential candidate who supports the ethanol mandate. Now is the time of year when those of us who live in climates that don’t allow for year ‘round riding must begin to think about winterizing our motorcycles and ATVs. It is important to remember that any amount of ethanol in your fuel can cause damage if it is left to sit in a gas tank, fuel line or carburetor for even a relatively short period of time. Repair costs associated with ethanol damage can be significant. There is no doubt that motorcycle manufacturers are working on models that will run on fuel with increased amounts of ethanol. But even if all of the motorcycle manufacturers certified their machines to run on E15 tomorrow, there are many, many vintage and current model motorcycles that were not engineered to accommodate any ethanol in gas, and they should not be forced to run on gas with increasing amounts of ethanol. The AMA will continue to stay on top of this important issue for as long as it takes, and your voice is encouraged and welcomed in the discussion. Let us know your thoughts at www.facebook.com/ americanmotorcyclist, and on Twitter and Instagram at @AMA_Riding and @AMA_Rights. You also can join the conversation by using the hashtag #RFSBroken. Rob Dingman is AMA president and CEO.

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BARRETT TRAIL REOPENS

Sierra Nevada Route Had Been Closed Since 2012 The Barrett 4-Wheel-Drive Trail, which connects Wright’s Lake to Barrett Lake in California, has reopened following reconstruction of three segments to protect sensitive meadows. The rugged 6-mile route has been used by recreationists since the 1960s and provides one of the most challenging off-highwayvehicle experiences in the Sierra Nevada. The Barrett trail was one of 18 routes in the Eldorado National Forest travel system identiﬁed as in need of corrections to comply with the environmental protection guidelines in the U.S. Forest Service’s Sierra Nevada Plan, according to the agency. The routes were closed in 2012 to complete further analysis and make corrections.

Feinstein Asks Obama To Sidestep Congress

Two bills that she U.S. Sen. Dianne introduced for those areas Feinstein (D-Calif.) has asked President Obama to during the past six years have not moved through bypass Congress to create three national monument Congress. The AMA opposes areas in California, the act of bypassing encompassing more than 1 million acres between Palm Congress to unilaterally create new national Springs and the Nevada U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) state line. monuments. The senator wants the The areas Feinstein seeks president to invoke the Antiquities designation for are Mojave Trails, Sand Act of 1906 to make the designations. to Snow and Castle Mountains.

Castle Mountains

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Proposal Would Prohibit OHVs On 715,000 Acres

H.R. 3336, the Colorado Wilderness Act of 2015, introduced by U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), would designate as Wilderness 32 areas totaling 715,000 acres, making the land off limits to off-highwayvehicle enthusiasts. None of the proposed Wilderness included in DeGette’s bill is located within the district she U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) represents. This means the residents living in these areas—and those most impacted—have limited options to voice their disapproval because they are not her constituents. Wilderness is one of the most restrictive classiﬁcations for public land. Once land is designated as Wilderness, no vehicles— including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles or bicycles—are allowed on that land. The AMA opposes the bill and has called upon Colorado residents to send letters of opposition to their elected ofﬁcials.

David Lamfrom

SENATOR SEEKS THREE NEW MONUMENTS

MORE WILDERNESS DESIGNATIONS SOUGHT IN COLORADO

NHTSA SEEKS NEW RULES FOR HELMETS

South Bay Riders

AMA Tells DOT Current Rules Are Sufficient

The AMA contacted the U.S. Department of Transportation in July to voice its support for the existing requirement that every motorcycle helmet sold in the United States be certified by its manufacturer to meet the DOT standard. The AMA letter to the U.S. DOT came in response to a proposal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to set new federal standards for helmet construction. The AMA believes the proposed standards would stifle manufacturers’ ability to provide motorcyclists with helmets that use advanced technology. The proposed law also would include a testing procedure for law enforcement officers to use in the field to check helmet liner thickness.

CALIFORNIA OHV AGENCY ACQUIRES 25,000 ACRES Move Preserves Kern County Land For Riders

open riding areas. “If the property had been purchased by a private party, the parcels could have been fenced to exclude OHV recreation and further fragment the existing checkerboard of BLM land,” according to an OHMVR update. “Acquiring the land helped ensure that continued, sustainable OHV recreation in the area will continue now and into the future.” Funding for the acquisition came from the OHV Trails fund.

Courtesy of California State Parks

The California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division has acquired approximately 25,000 acres in eastern Kern County that is surrounded by U.S. Bureau of Land Management property used for OHV recreation. The land acquisition was approved in November 2014 as the Eastern Kern County State Vehicle Recreation Area, Onyx Ranch project. The site is adjacent to the Dove Springs and Jawbone Canyon

To coroners in six South Carolina counties set to begin stenciling road surfaces with a cross and the message “Look Twice, Save a Life” at locations where fatal motorcycles crashes occurred. Participating counties include Anderson, Laurens, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg. “I hope with (drivers) seeing that, they’ll be more aware of the next motorcycle they pass,” Rick Allison, president of the state’s Motorcycle Awareness Alliance, told a local TV station. “Just take a little bit more time and check your surroundings.”

OHVS PERMITTED ON SOME INYO COUNTY, CALIF., ROADS

The Inyo County, Calif., Transportation Commission has approved the use of some off-highway vehicles on designated county roads as part of a pilot project authorized under A.B. 628. The Independence No. 1 combined-use route opened July 14. And two more roads began combined use in late July and early August. Several other routes approved by the commission are pending approval by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The openings are part of the planned Adventure Trails System of the Eastern Sierra. The combined-use roadways can be used to link existing off-highway motor vehicle trails on U.S. Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service property to create a uniﬁed trail system. “This plan would provide more opportunities for OHV riders by connecting riding areas and providing

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Sara Manley/BLM

Pilot Project Limits Scope To 10 Miles

easier access to lodging, restaurants and fuel in local communities,” says AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris. “But the AMA urges all OHV enthusiasts to operate their vehicles in accord with the manufacturer’s instructions, including restrictions when it comes to riding on paved or hardened surfaces.” The pilot program ends Jan. 1, 2017. For the combined-designation to become permanent, the pilot project must demonstrate that the project preserves trafﬁc safety, improves natural resource protection, reduces off-highway-vehicle trespassing on private land and minimizes the impact on county residents.

To law enforcement and court officials in Oakwood Hills, Ill., for issuing citations and fines to motorcyclist Dan Homan for riding his 2002 Harley-Davidson Road King with his daughter and niece in a two-seat sidecar. Despite Homan’s presentation of Illinois law exempting sidecars from seatbelt requirements, the judge found him guilty. Homan has hired a lawyer and plans to file an appeal.

FEDERAL AUTOCYCLE BILL INTRODUCED Elio Motors Behind Move To Standardize Definition

U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) has introduced a bill (H.R. 2892) that would create a national deﬁnition of “autocycle” and eliminate the ambiguity created as states adopt varying standards for the enclosed three-wheeled vehicles. “From time to time, regulations have to be updated to keep pace with American ingenuity and innovation,” Moolenaar told Boston.com. He added that “outdated regulations” are holding back the business developing these vehicles. The House bill is a companion to S. 685, U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) introduced by U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.). More than 25 states have enacted or are developing classiﬁcations for three-wheeled vehicles that meet some standards for motorcycles, but feature automobile-type steering wheels, seats and other features. The AMA maintains a neutral position on autocycle bills at both the state and federal levels.

OHIO CITY WANTS STRICT LIMITS ON OHV RIDING

One Vehicle, One Hour A Day On Two Acres Or Less The Macedonia, Ohio, City Council is considering new measures to regulate dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles that would require a $5 annual permit to operate the vehicles on private property and limit riding to one hour a day. The proposal also would allow just one off-road vehicle at a time on properties of less than two acres, while no more than two OHVs could operate on larger parcels. Vehicles would be subject to the community’s existing noise ordinances, but would be required to use an

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unaltered stock mufﬂer. This proposed ordinance stems from a single situation in one neighborhood. Steve Salisbury, AMA government relations manager for off-road issues, says all motorcyclists should be concerned about such overly restrictive ordinances. “You may think that this doesn’t affect you if you don’t live in Macedonia,” he says. “Be assured that every town that unreasonably restricts off-road motorcycling makes it far easier for others to do the same.”

AMA ASSISTS NEW JERSEY RIDERS

Political Action Session Offers Effective Approach

STATEWATCH ILLINOIS House Joint Resolution 89 would ask President Barack Obama to require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to adhere to the Congressional standards for Renewable Fuel Standards’ blending rules. The resolution is intended to demonstrate legislative support for the state’s corn growers and ethanol industry. The EPA has recommended RFS blending rules for 2014, 2015 and 2016 that fall below the Congressional mandates, but still increase the amount of ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply.

Motocross Track Demolished After Unsuccessful Appeal The Harper family of Rockingham County, Va., lost its appeal before the Board of Zoning Appeals and the family was forced to demolish the motocross track they had used for 14 years. The case stemmed from neighbor complaints about noise. But the county’s ruling concerned a code violation: The track was not a permitted use on agricultural land. The AMA attempted to help the Harpers keep the track open, writing a letter to county ofﬁcials, attending the zoning appeals meeting and rallying supporters. The Rockingham County Planning Commission is considering a provision that would allow tracks on private property if the owner obtains a special-use permit.

National Park Service

AMA staff members conducted a political action training session in August for about 30 members of the East Coast Enduro Association gathered in Burlington, N.J. The training was an overview of the new political action capabilities of the AMA, showcasing ways the AMA can assist local and regional groups in legislative and regulatory battles with online and offline techniques. The ECEA is engaged in a conflict over access to public land in New Jersey, where they hold enduro events. The AMA and ECEA have been working together for several years on a variety of projects, and the training fortifies this working relationship.

VIRGINIA FAMILY LOSES BATTLE WITH NEIGHBORS

NATIONAL PARK MONITORS VEHICLE SOUND Grand Teton Meter Alerts Riders

The National Park Service installed a sound meter at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming to monitor real-time sound levels during the summer months as part of the park’s noise reduction program. According to the park, the meters target motorcycles in particular. Measurements include sound from vehicles, construction work, maintenance activities and other park operations. The meter displays the sound level in green, yellow, red or black to alert people to the sound being emitted. In addition to the meter monitoring, park ofﬁcials provided visitors with information about ways to reduce the impact of their vehicles. The roadside meter was on loan from the National Park Service’s Natural Sounds Program ofﬁce and was moved around the park during the summer.

According to the park’s press release, “The NPS hopes to reach motorcycle riders in particular with this information. Riding a motorcycle through Grand Teton is an exciting way to experience the park’s scenic beauty. However, low-frequency sound—like that from some motorcycles— travels farther and can have greater harmful effects on wildlife and park resources than typical passenger cars and trucks. Not all motorcycles are loud, but all riders can be part of the solution by taking actions to minimize their own noise levels.” AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris says, “The AMA supports the use of sound meters, because they can provide consistent measurements and repeatable results. But we believe every possible source of excessive sound should be treated equally. Motorcycles should not be singled out for enforcement.”

NORTH CAROLINA H.B. 6 would define an autocycle as a three-wheeled motorcycle that has a steering wheel, foot controls, completely enclosed seating and other features, but is otherwise manufactured to meet the federal safety requirements of a motorcycle. The bill would not require the operator to straddle the seat. Autocycle drivers would not need a motorcycle license. The requirement for a completely enclosed seating area excludes the Polaris Slingshot, leaving that vehicle in the motorcycle category. OHIO S.B. 146, sponsored by state Sen. Jim Hughes (R-Columbus) and Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati) would create a $100 additional fine for distracted drivers who are pulled over for another violation and found to be using a handheld electronic communications device or “engaging in any activity that is not necessary to the operation of a vehicle and impairs…the ability of the operator to drive the vehicle safely.” In lieu of paying the fine, the driver may attend a safety course for distracted drivers. The bill has passed the Senate. PENNSYLVANIA H.B. 471 would remove the requirement that gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a minimum percentage of ethanol. Under existing law, all gasoline sold in the state must contain at least 10 percent cellulosic ethanol by volume. Cellulosic ethanol is ethanol made from the inedible parts of plants. The bill passed the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on a 23-3 vote. It was next to be heard by the Appropriations Committee before a vote by the full House.

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The Next Level AMA Arenacross Challenges Riders, Engages Fans

Josh Rud

By Heather Wilson

MA Arenacross has been thrilling fans and preparing racers for top-tier professional motocross racing for nearly 30 years. Today, the AMSOIL AMA Arenacross Championship Series is the direct path to that next level: AMA Supercross. Promoted by Feld Motor Sports since 2007, which also promotes the AMA Supercross Championship, the 14-round AMA Arenacross season conducts races in all regions of the country. At each round, nearly 150 riders attempt to qualify for a spot in the main event. Ultimately, only 30 qualifying spots are available in the final program for two classes: Arenacross and Arenacross Lites, which is split into East and West regions. AMA Arenacross is essentially a toneddown version of Supercross, held in a smaller arena setting vs. a large sports stadium. Arenacross laps are quick, usually between 20 and 30 seconds on a track that’s about 1,000 feet long and filled with tight turns, jumps and whoops. Arenacross and Arenacross Lites class competitors complete 15 laps in each main event on either a 125cc two-stroke or 250cc four-stroke. They launch themselves nearly 30 feet off the ground and 50 feet in distance, especially over the finish-line catapult jump. Because the tracks are relatively tight, Arenacross races are known as aggressive, physical contests where riders have to ride hard and fast and be committed to win against the 15 other riders in the main event.

Arenacross Early Years The AMA Arenacross series dates to 1986, when Dennis Hawthorne became the first AMA Arenacross national champion. He won five consecutive titles in the series and went on to work for Kawasaki as a Team Green field technician after his retirement from Arenacross in 1995. He eventually became a district sales manager for Kawasaki and is approaching 20 years with the company. Buddy Antunez is tied with Hawthorne in titles, winning the national championship from 1997 to 2001. “Arenacross was certainly good to me,” says Hawthorne, who also raced for Team Green. “I was fortunate to win five consecutive championships with the

help of my mechanic, Jack Yost. But they weren’t without challenges. “I enjoyed the tighter venues,” he says. “Arenacross really brings out your technical abilities, and you have to be aggressive with your passing. But the challenges the riders face today are similar: Get to the checkers ﬁrst.” Hawthorne says the series allowed riders to make good money during the winter months, which were usually lean times for motocross racers.

Jan. 9-10: Cincinnati, Ohio / Jan. 15-17: Baltimore, Md. / Jan. 22-24: Allentown, Pa. / Jan. 30-31: Greensboro, N.C. / Feb. 4-7: Colorado Springs, Colo. / Feb. 13-14: Birmingham, . Ala

GRASSROOTS EXPERIENCE

Arenacross Now

Head To Head

More recently, AMA Arenacross has been dominated by riders like Team Babbitt’s Kawasaki’s Tyler Bowers, a fourtime champion who has since moved onto AMA Supercross, and Ti-Lube TUF Racing Husqvarna’s Kyle Regal, the reigning Arenacross champion. “It meant a lot to me to win the championship,” Regal says. “I’ve put in so much time on a dirt bike in my life, and it was really cool to get an AMA National Championship in my name.” With a smaller venue comes more opportunity for fan and rider interaction. Riders are pitted indoors most of the time and are very close to each other. Competitors and their teams will interact frequently with the fans. Like Supercross and other high-proﬁle series, most Arenacross and Arenacross Lites riders have a mechanic assisting them. “I have my mechanic, Andy [Brannon], go through the exact same program every time when we’re on the gate,” Regal says. “I’m not too picky when it comes to bike setup in Arenacross, because every track is different.”

Arenacross not only includes main events, but bracket-style racing, which is great entertainment for the fans. The top four riders from each Arenacross class heat race earn one championship point for competing in the head-to-head bracket race. These are one-on-one races for two laps. The first-place rider competes against the eighth-place rider, the second races the seventh, etc. The rider who reaches the top of the bracket earns an extra point toward the title. “Head-to-head racing was my strong point,” Regal says. “It was nice to get the extra track time and the extra point when I would win.” The overall Arenacross class finish for each event is determined by combining the total championship points earned from the first and second main events and the headto-head bracket racing.

Two Row Starts When it comes time for the night program, Arenacross and Arenacross Lites racers compete in one of two heat races, and the last chance qualiﬁer if they don’t transfer from their heat. Races are usually no more than seven minutes each. The 2015 Arenacross runner-up Jacob Hayes, who rides for Team Babbitt’s Kawasaki, said that good starts are always key in Arenacross, in addition to being equipped for the whoops section. “Be prepared for the whoops,” Hayes says. “Don’t take it for granted. There are some really good riders here and that makes it really challenging.” Team Babbitt’s Kawasaki’s Chris Blose adds that a lot of amateurs come into Arenacross thinking they can ride whoops, but they need more practice. Once the qualifying riders have been determined, they compete in two main events. Eight riders line up behind the starting gate with eight more riders staggered behind them. Heat race ﬁnishing positions determine gate pick order.

Race To The Championship Adding excitement to the championship battle, the series features a “race to the championship” that gives racers a fresh shot at the AMA National No. 1 plate. At the conclusion of Round 9, the main event points reset. However, only the top 10 riders in Arenacross class standings at that time are eligible for the title. ThermoTec/FMC Racing Yamaha’s Bobby Kiniry, an Arenacross class racer, says the format is good for him. “My whole career, I’ve done better as the season goes on,” Kiniry says. “You can have a bad night here and there and still be able to make it into the championship run at end of season. It allows me to gain momentum leading into it.”

Ricky Carmichael’s Road To Supercross AMA Arenacross and AMA Supercross are tightly linked in several ways. Perhaps the most direct link is Ricky Carmichael’s Road to Supercross, established in 2013 and named after the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and the most-decorated AMA Motocross racer of all time. Riders must go through Ricky Carmichael’s Road to Supercross to earn their 250SX eligibility for AMA Supercross. They must accumulate so many points at various rounds to earn their endorsement. ThermoTec/FMC Racing Yamaha’s Kyle Bitterman says that Arenacross helps you mature for Supercross. “With short lap times, you can only make up so much time on someone,” Bitterman says. “You try not to be dirty about passing someone, and you have to be able to take the pressure of being block passed and not get overheated about it.”

Amateur Racer Zach Easter Chases Arenacross Glory At nearly every round of Arenacross, amateur racers compete the day after the Arenacross and Arenacross Lites pro classes race. The amateur races attract more than 500 participants, from local riders to competitors who travel the entire circuit. Fourteen-year-old Zach Easter from Chillicothe, Ohio, has raced the series in its entirety since 2010. We caught up with him to hear what he and his dad think of the program. AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: What was the toughest thing transitioning from motocross to Arenacross? ZACH EASTER: The fast pace and racing bar-to-bar. You have to think very quickly, because it’s so technical. You have to set up your passes and protect your lines more than motocross. There’s always someone right there waiting to throw a block pass on you. AM: What would you say to encourage other amateurs to race the series? ZE: The racing is a lot like motocross but has more to offer. Sponsorship deals are easier to get, because you’re racing in front of more fans. AM: What do you learn from watching the classes the day before your races? ZE: It’s easy to see what lines they are using and what they are doing in the rhythm sections. It’s always good to watch how they get through lapped trafﬁc as well.

Zach’s dad, Joe, says you won’t ﬁnd any better competition and that his son is not only improving his riding ability, but is learning how to interact with sponsors. AM: What skills do you think your son is gaining from Arenacross? JOE EASTER: He’s learning how to perform under pressure and think faster. He’s learning how to set up passes and ride aggressively. Arenacross also puts more emphasis on getting a good start. The tracks are a lot more technical than traditional motocross tracks, so he is also learning to be more agile on the bike.

Feb. 20-21: Tampa, Fla. / March 5-6: Omaha, Neb. / March 12-13: Lafayette, La. / April 1-3: Ontario, Calif. / April 9-10: Salinas, Calif. / April 16-17: Tacoma, Wash. / April 22-24: Nampa, Idaho / May 6-8: Las Vegas, Nev.

RYAN SIPES: TOPS ALL AT ISDE First Ever Overall Win For Any American Rider Story and Photo by Steve Berkner The United States sent 33 riders to Kosice, Slovakia, Sept. 7-12, to compete against the best off-road racers in the world at the 90th International Six Days Enduro. For the first time in history, an American rider topped all individual scores at the historic event. Kentucky’s Ryan Sipes, competing in the E2 class, was the week’s fastest rider, beating Australia’s David Milner by 43 seconds for the best time overall. It was Sipes’ second time competing at the ISDE and his first time racing in the World Trophy division. “It’s unbelievable, to be honest,” Sipes says. “I didn’t expect to be here, let alone at the top for most of the week. Everything about this week has been awesome. It’s an incredible feeling.” Sipes’ triumph was the highlight of this year’s event. U.S. team results fell short of their early potential. Injuries, mechanical failures and even a provisional disqualification marred the team’s efforts. Of the four U.S. riders to retire before the end of this year’s Six Days, two were on the U.S. World Trophy Team and two were on the U.S. Junior Trophy Team. In the final tally, the U.S. Trophy Team finished 22nd, and the U.S. Junior Trophy Team finished 13th. The U.S. Women’s World Trophy Team was fifth overall. The highest-placing U.S. club team was the GoFasters.com team, which finished fourth in the club division. Prior to losing any riders, the U.S. Trophy Team was in first place, and the

Junior Trophy Team was on the podium with just three of four riders competing. “The outcome of this Six Days can be looked at like a bump on the road, as it takes more than speed to win,” says U.S. Team Manager Antti Kallonen. “We need to stay healthy, keep our bikes running and hold it together. As a team, we all have to carry the responsibility of the outcome, and if we have problems or make mistakes, we need to learn from them so we are that better prepared next year.” In team results, France won the World Trophy division, and Australia won the Junior Trophy division and the Women’s World Trophy division. VAMC Drie Musketiers from The Netherlands won the Club Team Award. In addition to Sipes, the U.S. World Trophy Team included Mike Brown, Thad Duvall, Taylor Robert, Kailub Russell and Gary Sutherlin. The U.S. Junior Trophy Team included Grant Baylor, Steward Baylor, Nick Davis and Layne Michael. The U.S. Women’s World Trophy Team included Rachel Gutish, Mandi Mastin and Jamie Wells.

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ISDE TOP FINISHER RYAN SIPES By Greg White

To see the full interview with Ryan Sipes, see AMA TV’s Youtube channel at: www.youtube.com/americanmotorcylist. AMA TV: Congratulations on being the first American to win the ISDE overall. How did you do it? RYAN SIPES: I knew that my speed was similar to Taylor [Robert] and Kailub [Russell], and that if I wouldn’t be in the running for the win that I could be top three. Then, the first two tests of the week I won. As the days went on, I kept building my lead, and on Day 4, I crushed them, winning four out of six tests and putting 32 seconds on second place. At that point, I knew I could do it. AMA TV: How has GNCC racing helped out riding at the ISDE? RS: I think this ISDE was just a perfect combination for the intensity I bring from moto and the off-road technical skills I’ve gotten from GNCCs. I felt good the whole week. I just kind of rode and did my best and pulled it off. AMA TV: Did the pressure mount knowing the team wasn’t doing well? RS: A little bit. Everybody was disappointed with Kailub going out with injury and Thad [Duvall] going out with a bike issue, so then everybody said, “We’ve still got you. You can still win it. No pressure!” But it was cool. Everybody rallied around me. Thad, since he was out, would help by scouting out the sections for me. Taylor was on the front line with me the last day, and it really helped for us to be able to ride together.

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JEREMY MARTIN TAKES 250 CHAMPIONSHIP

CAMERON BEAUBIER WINS SUPERBIKE TITLE

BILLY JANNIRO CAPTURES SIXTH SPEEDWAY TITLE

On Aug. 22, Jeremy Martin successfully defended his 250 class AMA Motocross championship. The Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha-backed rider didn’t have a standout day in Crawfordsville, Ind., but was able to capture the 2015 title with fourth and ninth place moto ﬁnishes. Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin wrapped up the season in second after suffering mechanical issues in the ﬁrst moto and taking third in the second. Joey Savatgy ended the season in third, after going 5-2 in the motos. Info: www.promotocross.com

Monster Energy/Graves Yamaha’s Cameron Beaubier captured the AMA Superbike championship at New Jersey Motorsports Park at the last round of the MotoAmerica season. Beaubier’s teammate Josh Hayes ended the season in second place in the points. Yoshimura Suzuki’s Roger Hayden was third. Jake Gagne won the MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Championship. Taylor Knapp was second for the year, and Mark Heckles ﬁnished in third. Info: www.motoamerica.com

Billy Janniro emerged as the national champion at the ﬁnal round of the series in Auburn, Calif., on Sept. 18. Max Ruml ﬁnished the series in second place, with Bart Bast in third. Info: results.americanmotorcyclist.com

GAGE MCALLISTER CLAIMS KTM RC CUP CHAMPIONSHIP

At the season finale of MotoAmerica on Sept. 13, 20-year-old Gage McAllister put his name in the record books as the firstever RC Cup Champion. Last year’s AMA Road Race Horizon Award winner Anthony Mazziotto III finished the series in second, followed by Braeden Ortt. Info: www.motoamerica.com

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Purvines Racing Beta’s Nick Burson got his ﬁrst win of the season at the penultimate round of the series in Panaca, Nev., on Aug. 22. Jacob Argubright, riding a Husqvarna, took second. Gary Sutherlin was third on his FMF/ KTM. Ivan Ramirez continues to lead in the point standings with one round remaining, followed by Sutherlin and Ricky Brabec. Info: www.nationalhareandhound.com

KAILUB RUSSELL WRAPS UP XC1 CHAMPIONSHIP

With three rounds remaining, FMF/ KTM’s Kailub Russell placed fourth on Sept. 20 to secure the XC1 Championship in the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series. He rode with a knee injury sustained the week prior while competing on the U.S. Trophy Team at the ISDE. Husqvarna’s Josh Strang won the event, held at Unadilla in New Berlin, N.Y. Info: www.gnccracing.com

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AMA Members Call

XAVIER ZAYAT WINS 2015 AMA ROAD RACE HORIZON AWARD

Jen Muecke / Brian J. Nelson

Amateurs Shine At AMA Road Race Grand Championship

By Heather Wilson The country’s top amateur road racers showcased their skills at the AMA Road Race Grand Championship held at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va., Sept. 19-20. Xavier Zayat, 17, from Bronx, N.Y., won the 2015 AMA Road Race Horizon Award. The distinction honors the rider showing the most promise for success in the professional ranks. Other winners of the AMA Road Race Horizon Award have included Jason DiSalvo, Ben Spies and Blake Young. Zayat also won the Expert AMA SuperSport 600 national championship at the event, in addition to the Expert AMA Moto 2 national championship. “It’s a privilege to be awarded [the Horizon Award],” Zayat says. “It’s what every young road racer dreams of, coming up through the ranks. This award means you’re on the right track.” Zayat has been road racing since

2007 and currently rides a Yamaha R6 in amateur classes around the country. Zayat hopes to race the Superstock 600 class in MotoAmerica next year. “I’m just going to take it step by step,” he says. “Next is to pull through the ranks and establish myself in America. If it turns out that I’m good enough to go overseas, that’d be great.” The 2015 AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year award went to 14-year-old Jackson Blackmon of Rock Hill, S.C. Blackmon captured the Expert AMA Moto 3 class aboard a Moriwaki 250. Adam Ayers of Wellington, Colo., won the AMA Novice Road Racer of the Year award. Ayers raced aboard his Yamaha R6

and secured the AMA Moto 2 and AMA Superbike 600 national championships. The AMA Vet/ Senior Road Racer of the Year honor went to Brian Kcraget of Dry Fork, Va. He seized the national title in the Expert AMA SuperSport Lightweight Twins class on his Suzuki 650.

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Tomás Pantin

Trials riders riders are battling local government to keep their access to the trails of Emma Long Park in Austin, Texas.

URBAN OFF-HIGHWAY: THREE CITIES Austin, Baltimore, Philadelphia Work With Riders On Issues By Jim Witters

s riders in Austin, Texas, battle officials who want to close more trails in a city park, coalitions are forming in Baltimore and Philadelphia to build urban centers where off-highway vehicles can operate within the law. In each of these cities, the AMA is helping bring together the parties involved, so they can share successful strategies. “We are offering our support and expertise, when asked,” says Steve Salisbury, AMA government affairs manager for off-highway issues. “We hope that the groups in each of these cities can reach compromises that provide for the needs of responsible riders, while also addressing the legitimate concerns of the communities at large.” The efforts of local motorcyclists, with AMA support, are beginning to pay off. Officials who once viewed the riders as a nuisance now are listening to the concerns of urban motorcyclists and ATV riders and are seeking solutions to the ongoing conflict. The changes in attitude detected by motorcycling advocates during the summer are encouraging. But both the riders and the AMA recognize that these

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

long-simmering issues will not be resolved with the wave of a wand. Local riders in each community, in conjunction with the AMA, are stressing the beneﬁts of OHV parks as a way to curb illegal riding in streets and parks, to steer young enthusiasts along the right path and to provide a safer and supervised area for responsible riding. In Austin, the battle involves enforcing longstanding agreements that protect the riding trails. In Baltimore and Philadelphia, Salisbury has been highlighting the successes of OHV programs in urban areas, including Detroit and in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. The Detroit program is operated by the National Youth Project Using Minibikes (NYPUM), which was started by American Honda Motor Co. Inc. as a way to engage youth who were not interested in traditional sports and did not respond to other youth services. The New Jersey program, called Ready to Ride, is run by the Police Athletic League. A 35-acre park provides ATV, dirt bike and go-kart activities in a family atmosphere. Organizers say the park attracts kids who otherwise would be riding illegally on the streets.

Emma Long Park, Austin For more than 40 years, motorcyclists and mountain bikers have used the trails at Emma Long Park. And the riders say their activities—including a 1984 national trials event—never disturbed the park’s golden cheek warbler population. In 1996, when most of the park was declared a golden cheek warbler preserve, the motorcycle area was exempted— until someone spotted the bird in the riding area, says Laura Peters, former vice president of the Central Texas Trials Association. “The deal at the time was that we were allowed to keep riding the areas we had in the main portion of the [motorcycle] park,” she recalls. “As I understand it, we gave up some areas across the roads to keep the central area.” But, in 2012, the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve turned over management of the preserve to the Austin Water Utility, which promptly proposed closing the creek trails where the trials were staged. Since then, 25 trails have been closed. Tomás Pantin and Kent Browning are at the forefront of the effort to reopen the closed trails and prevent additional closings.

“They keep changing the argument on us,” Browning says. “At first, they claimed we weren’t grandfathered. Then they said we harmed the birds. Now they are saying that we are causing erosion. But the erosion in parks without motorcycles or mountain bikes is similar or worse.” What once seemed an unwinnable battle against the public agencies has begun to turn. The riders gained support from two city commissioners and one county commissioner and are working hard to educate more elected officials on the facts. “We need a massive letter-writing campaign,” Pantin says. In addition to working with the AMA to get the word out to area motorcyclists, the Austin riders are collaborating with the International Mountain Bikers Association to increase the political pressure to keep the trails open.

Baltimore City

”

Welch likens the dirt bike riders to skateboarders, BMX bicyclists and operators of radio-controlled cars. When those groups posed a threat to public safety, the city stepped in and provided areas for their activities, he says. Welch and Police spokesman T.J. Smith participated in an Aug. 26 discussion on radio station WYPR-FM. During the radio broadcast, Smith called for a “holistic solution” that includes talking to the motorcyclists. Salisbury says the AMA has been working with Hayman, religious leaders, senior police personnel, city councilmen and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to find a solution to the problem of illegal street riding.

Philadelphia Philadelphia officials have long considered that city’s illegal street riders a law-enforcement problem. The result of that approach has been a cycle: Police issue citations and impound vehicles, the violator pays the fine and gets another bike. In many instances, the impounded bikes have been sold at auction to other illegal riders, according to reports in the Philadelphia Inquirer. This year, though, off-roaders appear to have turned the corner with officials, forming a coalition that includes a powersports dealership, an event organizer and magazine publisher, a NYPUM representative and the AMA. The Philadelphia OHV Park Coalition is working with the police and other city departments toward the goal of establishing a supervised riding area within the city limits.

Tomás Pantin

Gregory Brooks

For years, kids, adolescents and young adults have been riding dirt bikes and ATVs illegally through city streets and parks, often taunting law enforcement officials, frustrating motorists and disrupting

“

They keep changing the argument on us. At first, they claimed we weren’t grandfathered. Then they said we harmed the birds. Now they are saying that we are causing erosion. But the erosion in parks without motorcycles or mountain bikes is similar or worse.

the peace in the community. The activities became the subject of a documentary film in 2014 called “The 12 O’Clock Boys” and, more recently became the focus of community scrutiny when 24-yearold Allison Blanding was struck and killed by a stunt rider who did not stop after the incident. Each Sunday, hundreds of riders flow through the streets to parks and parking lots, pulling wheelies, doing stoppies and performing other stunts. The activity draws a crowd, sometimes in the thousands. Baltimore police have turned to arresting riders and impounding vehicles to curb the problem. Even as Baltimore police turned up in riot gear in August and used tow trucks to block streets near the parks where dirt-bike and ATV riders gather, community members and political leaders began to seek an alternative solution. Lorren Hayman, representing the Blanding family, staged a press conference in August during which she called for the rider responsible for Blanding’s death to come forward. At the same time, though, Hayman called on city officials to establish a safe environment for the riders and spectators. Rather than halt the weekly events, she says, officials should close a city park or church parking lot for a time on Sundays to allow the riders to do their thing, while providing onlookers a safe area to watch the shows. City Councilman Pete Welch has proposed a task force study the feasibility of establishing an urban OHV park—using public or private financing—that would help alleviate the problem.

November 2015

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1993 KAWASAKI ZX7R AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Rob Muzzy is one of motorcycle racing’s most proliﬁc and successful tuners. He worked for Kawasaki teams that won AMA Superbike championships in 1981, 1982 and 1983. His riders later won the Daytona 200 and the AMA Superbike Championship for Honda. After starting his own aftermarket performance business, which thrived throughout the 1980s, Muzzy went back to work for Kawasaki and won the 1990 AMA 750cc Supersport and Superbike Championships and then moved to the World Superbike series, where he won two titles.

One of those world championship titles was earned with this 1993 Kawasaki ZX7R with Hall of Famer Scott Russell at the controls. The year after Russell gave Kawasaki its first Daytona 200 win—and won his first AMA Superbike Championship—he earned a ride on the Muzzy-led Kawasaki World Superbike team. The ZX7R he rode was a heavily modified version of the stock sportbike. It featured Kawasaki “works” pistons inside the four inline cylinders, each with a 71mm bore and a 47.3mm stroke. The transmission— another Kawasaki works part—was

Photos Alison Grogan

Rob Muzzy’s World Beater

modified to support multiple ratios for each gear with an adjustable primary ratio. The forks and shocks were Öhlins, with Dunlop tires on Marchesini hubs. Both the steering head and swingarm pivot were adjustable to allow for easily customized handling characteristics. Braking duties were handled by Nissin calipers and carbon fiber rotors. All that Muzzy-tuned tech, combined with the exceptional riding skill of Russell, resulted in four wins that year—at Hockenheim, Brno, Sugo and Donington Park— and 14 second-place finishes. To see this world-title-winning, Hall-of-Famer raced and tuned Kawasaki, visit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, features the people and machines that have deﬁned the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling in America. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-proﬁt corporation that receives support from the AMA and from the motorcycling community. For info and directions, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.

November 2015

Jean Michel Bayle (left) and Hall of Famer Mike Kiedrowski

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer

JEAN MICHEL BAYLE: FRENCH INVADER Jean Michel Bayle is a multi-time AMA and FIM World Motocross Champion who later turned to road racing, where he also enjoyed success on the world stage. Over the course of his career he raced with a variety of manufacturers, including Kawasaki, Honda, Aprilia, Team Roberts KR3 and Yamaha. He has also piloted cars in off-road rally and touring car races. Born April 1, 1969, in Manosque, France, Bayle began riding motorcycles at age 6. He raced throughout the early 1980s as an amateur, and at age 13 won the 1982 Provence Championship. In 1985, at age 16, he entered the 250cc class at the Paris Bercy Supercross, racing aboard a Kawasaki. While his Bercy results were not impressive, this was his ﬁrst taste of racing against

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an international field of competitors, including many AMA Supercross stars of the time. In 1986, Bayle finished fourth in the French National 125cc Motocross Championship. He also raced in the 125cc World Championship, where he earned points and finished 24th at season’s end. In 1987, he switched to Honda with plans to race in the World 125cc Championship, the French National 125cc Motocross Championship, and the 250cc class of the French National Supercross series. Bayle dominated the French 125cc class, winning his first national title, and earned third-place in the World 125cc Championship. In 1988, he went on the win the World 125cc Motocross Championship, the French

National 125cc Motocross title, and the French 250cc Supercross title. In 1989, after consulting with Honda Racing’s Roger DeCoster (also an AMA Hall of Fame member), Bayle planned to race a limited season in the United States aboard a 250cc machine, then race in the FIM World 250cc Championship, and then return to the United States to race in the AMA 500cc Motocross Championship. Bayle acquired an AMA competition license and trained in California, then entered and won the AMA 250cc Motocross race in Gainesville, Fla. He then campaigned and won the World 250cc Championship. Ironically, the Frenchman became the FIM World Champion while licensed as a U.S.based AMA competitor. He followed up with a win at the AMA 500cc Motocross race in New Berlin, N.Y., and finished that season ranked fifth overall while racing against future Hall of Famers Jeff Ward, Jeff Stanton and Rick Johnson, among others. In 1990 Bayle returned to the United

States to race in the AMA 125cc Motocross Championship, where he earned three overall wins and was ranked fourth overall in points. He contested the AMA 250cc Supercross Series, earning five wins and finishing as runner-up for the title. In 1991, Bayle and Honda set their sights on winning the AMA 250cc and 500cc Motocross Championships, as well as the AMA 250cc Supercross title. Bayle went on to earn three wins and the title of the six-race AMA 500cc Motocross Championship (the remaining three races were won by Jeff Ward). He also won the AMA 250cc Motocross Championship, and took the AMA 250cc Supercross Series title with eight wins. Bayle entered the 1992 AMA 250cc Motocross Championship, taking a win at Troy, Ohio, and earning three wins in the AMA 250cc Supercross Series, but his career would change course for the 1993 season. Having entered the 1992 French Grand Prix 250cc road race aboard a Honda, in 1993 Bayle switched entirely to road racing. He teamed with Aprilia in the World 250cc Championship, finishing that season ranked 22nd, with a best result of eighth at the British Grand Prix.

He improved in 1994, earning topfive finishes at the British and Czech Republic Grand Prix. Bayle continued with Aprilia for the 1995 World 250cc Championship, earning pole position at the Argentina Grand Prix. In 1996, he moved up to the World 500cc Championship riding a Team Roberts Yamaha. He earned five top-five finishes, and took pole position at the Czech Republic GP. In 1997, he rode the Modenas KR3 and finished the season ranked 19th. He continued to race in the World 500cc Championship in 1998, taking pole position and a top-five finish at Imola aboard a Team Rainey Yamaha. He raced his final year in the World 500cc Championship in 1999 aboard the Proton Modenas KR3. In 2002, Bayle teamed with Sébastien Gimbert and Nicolas Dussauge to win the Bol d’Or and the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle road course endurance races. In the mid-2000s, Bayle’s career took another turn as he moved to four wheels, competing in Touring Car and Off-Road Rally races in Europe. One of the most versatile motorcycle racers in history, Jean Michel Bayle was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.

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!

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Individuals Who Are Changing The Way We Ride By Jim Witters

Innovation. For some, it’s an idea that occurs in the heat of competition. For others, it is a slowly developing concept that needs time to mature. For all, it is the fresh approach, the shift in perspective and the ability to grasp a vision and make it reality. Custom motorcycle builder Tony Prust eased into his current business by combining his creative vision, his love of bikes and a finely tuned attention to detail mastered during his years as a finish carpenter. “Ever since I have been able to drive or ride—or even skateboard or ride bicycles as a kid—I have had this desire to have something a little different from everybody else,” says Prust, who founded Analog Motorcycles in 2013 on that desire to be different. One of Prust’s creations—a 1960s-70s-styled replica racer based on a 1949 parallel twin Indian Scout—earned first place in the Custom/Modified category at the 2015 Quail Gathering. Bob Weber’s idea struck during a bicycle ride, leading to the patented “suspended layers” design that forms the basis for 6D Helmets. Seeking solutions, transferring skills, improving the ideas of others. Thousands of people have provided valuable contributions to the motorcycle lifestyle. Here are six who demonstrate how creative thinking, business acumen, dedication and hard work can change motorcycling for the better.

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ob Weber is a former professional motocross rider from New England who has spent his working life around motorcycles and motorcyclists. He was the sales manager at White Brothers Cycle Specialties, worked in sales and management at Petersen Publishing and, until 2011, was a vice president at Troy Lee Designs. After leaving Troy Lee, Weber dedicated himself to developing a better helmet. “I just kept noodling the problem in my mind, thinking about how we could improve the helmet’s design using materials known today to be effective,” Weber says. “We couldn’t make the helmet too big or too heavy, but had to add suspension and threedimensional displacement capability to the interior liner. “That’s when I called my friend and engineer Robert Reisinger and said, ‘Hey, I need some help. I have an idea! What are you doing right now?’ “He figured we could build something better, and we agreed to go for it,” Weber says. 6D helmets are designed to manage angular acceleration and “scrub off a high percentage of it, compared to traditional helmet designs. A secondary bonus is its ability to manage low-threshold energy at the same time,” Weber says. What that means is 6D helmets have two liners inside the shell. At impact, the liners move independently, enabling the helmet to absorb more force, instead of transferring it to the rider. “I think we have really helped the athlete,” he says. “We have [received] a lot of really amazing letters and notes from moms and dads out there about their experience with their 6D.” Helmets Weber says 6D’s success has driven other helmet companies to invest in research to improve their products. “We can’t stop here,” he says “We have to keep improving and getting better. So to answer the question about how 6D has benefitted motorcycling: I think we built a better mouse trap, and we got some of the other brands reengaged with their engineering departments. “No one expects to have that big crash, but when it happens you definitely want to be in the best possible helmet you can be in.”

Bob Weber

Conrad Lim

November 2015

olleen Millsaps says the most innovative aspect of her motocross training facility in Cairo, Ga., is that “we train all ages of riders year round in every aspect of racing: technique, race strategy, physical ﬁtness and mental toughness. “We also believe that training riders in groups helps each individual learn to focus on themselves and also develop competitiveness on the track,” she says. Millsaps started the 50-acre facility at a time when no one else was training motocross riders in an immersive camp setting. “To my knowledge, there was no other facility of its kind anywhere in the world,” she says. “The concept of

sending kids to train year round is not new, but just hadn’t been done in MX.” Millsaps’ experience includes coaching high-level riders for 18 years. During that time, many of her clients have gone into the professional ranks, including her son Davi, an AMA Horizon Award winner and 2006 AMA East Coast 250 Supercross champion. Millsaps says she “saw the need for a place where aspiring racers could have a structured program that would help them realize their dreams.” So she and her partners created a fully equipped training facility that opened in 2003. The effort now boasts the backing of companies such as Red Bull, Factory Connection, Dunlop, Under Armour, FMF and Scott Goggles. The training facility offers short

camps of one to eight weeks, during which riders learn the fundamentals of going fast with control on a dirt bike. The full-time annual training program is designed to prepare riders for national level amateur events or professional series. By far the hardest part of the 48week session is keeping the riders focused on their off-track education, Millsaps says. In 2015, for the ﬁrst time, the training facility provides a full-time accredited teacher working with all the school-age kids. “In the end, each rider will get out of the training what they put into it,” she says. “No secret recipe will replace good old-fashioned hard work.”

Colleen Millsaps

Kay Meyer

Millsaps Training Facility

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

or Chris Carter, a Yamaha factorysupported development rider and 1970s motorcycle racer, the first business idea was a simple one. “I started Motion Pro over 30 years ago, because I saw a need for a good source of replacement control cables,” he says. “There were many other products that I wanted to develop, but I needed a good base to start. “I’ve always had an interest in specialty tools,” he adds. “From watching mechanics, and working on my own bikes, I saw a need for tools that didn’t yet exist. Once I had my own system, [I was] ready to develop and manufacture these tools.” Starting with the control cables, Carter began adding tools, parts and accessories to the product line. Motion Pro is known for providing professional-quality tools at prices the home mechanic can afford. “One of our goals is to offer Motion tools of convenience, tools we feel make difficult or timeconsuming jobs much easier,” Carter says. “Some of my favorites are forged aluminum tire levers and our titanium wrench sets that we were able to bring to market at an affordable price.” Carter is proud that weekend warriors, as well as professional race teams, benefit from his company’s innovations. “We’ve made professional level products available to the motorcycle enthusiast, as well as pro riders,” he explains. “Because we’ve been successful, we’ve been able to support all types of motorcycle activities and serve as advocates for the industry, supporting our community’s issues alongside the AMA.” Carter credits the Motion Pro team for many of the company’s popular products. “This is a great crew that continues to be engaged with the motorcycle community and industry, from event support to customer relations, and from research and development to championing the motorcyclist spirit,” Carter says. “That’s the secret behind our innovations.”

Chris Carter

Pro Inc.

uring the workday, Dennis ‘Budman’ Kobza operates Dennis Kobza & Associates Inc., a design ﬁrm in Mountain View, Calif. But the rest of the time, he serves on the California Motorcycle Safety Committee and the California Motorcyclist Safety Program advisory committee. He also is the moderator of the Bay Area Riders Forum, an Internetbased community of 54,000 registered members who exchange information and opinions on all things motorcycle and who get together for weekly meets. Kobza found BARF – as its members affectionately call it – in April 2002, when the forum was 4 months old. “Actually, a

Dennis “Budman” Kobza Bay Area Riders

gent named Steve Cole started it,” Kobza says. “Based on my racing experience, he appointed me a moderator in a new part of the forum called The Racer’s Corner. By the end of the year, I had organized our ﬁrst charity ride, gotten us involved with the American Federation of Motorcyclists racing organization and became his partner. “I took over completely in ’05,” he says.”I thought BARF was a good thing for the riding community, and it gave me an opportunity to reach the younger generation. I wanted to keep that going and build on it.” The BARF web pages have been a hotbed of discussion and debate on the issue of lane splitting during 2015, as ﬁve states, including California, considered laws to codify the practice. Kobza, who worked with the California Highway Patrol to establish its

lane-splitting guidelines, has been at the forefront of the issue, working with the AMA and other motorcycle groups and activists, meeting with the sponsors of the California bill and initiating a “Slow Your Roll” campaign to encourage safer lane-splitting practices. Through his involvement with state agencies and elected ofﬁcials, Kobza is representing the interests of California motorcyclists. Through BARF, he is providing a valuable tool for motorcyclist interaction. “We help new riders decide what kind of bike is right, where to ﬁnd training, experience the track and learn about the mental part of riding,” Kobza says. “For me it was about connecting with people,” he says. “I enjoy talking bikes, riding bikes and I learned quickly that discussing other things with likeminded folks was fun, too.”

Eric Le

Forum

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Julie Monacella

ony Prust, who runs the custom motorcycle shop Analog Motorcycles in Chicago, has built a reputation for creating unique, purposeful bikes with exceptional attention to details. “I founded Analog Motorcycles in 2008 out of passion, principal, and necessity,” Prust says. “Combining skills from my past careers and interests, including audio engineering and carpentry, I focused my interests and imagination into creating motorcycles and components that were complex in thought and design, yet simple and pure in execution, just like analog music.” Prust’s executions are known for ﬁnding what makes a certain model cool and emphasizing that through modiﬁcations— even if that cool factor wasn’t so obvious in the stock bike. “For me, the most innovative thing I

Tony Prust do is try to change some of these old stepchild bikes that nobody really liked into something beautiful and desirable,” he says. “I try to see the beauty in things that aren’t very beautiful.” As a ﬁnish carpenter, Prust had been doing “some artistic stuff” with wood, challenging his creativity. But when the housing market crashed in 2008, all that remained available to him was standard framing and cabinetry work. “I had been doing some bikes as a side gig, and I saw the growth in that market and the potential there,” he says. “But I wanted to do bikes that people could afford, based off a sub-$1,000 motorcycle.” Prust’s ﬁrst full vintage build was completed in 2009. He decided on a name for his company and got a buddy to create a logo “just in case” the business succeeded. Analog Motorcycles “was still

Analog Motorcycles

a hobby and part-time job until 2013. Carpentry and custom building both require thought and planning to minimize waste and to ensure precision in executing the plan. “I strip every bike to a rolling chassis, and that’s my canvas,” Prust says. Prust is impressed by the recent efforts of other custom builders. But what sets him apart is his focus on “very peculiar ugly ducklings” and the “very discrete details in fit and finish that are similar to high-end carpentry.” In the end, Prust’s designs not only turn those “ugly ducklings” into highly desirable custom motorcycles—but those that stir modern passions while paying homage to the original’s heritage. “I am a little flattered,” Prust says. “I don’t view myself as an innovator—just a guy making cool stuff.”

November 2015

Louis Parks

Lee Parks Total Control Motorcyclist Training Courses

ee Parks says he has developed “the only riding school to take a truly holistic approach to rider training.” “We not only teach the physical skills of riding a motorcycle, but also include comprehensive training on the mental skills of riding, such as overcoming fear, improving concentration and having the right attitude to make better choices about riding,” he explains. “Additionally, we teach some of the critical mechanical skills of riding, such as setting up suspension systems and choosing tires for optimum performance, comfort and safety.” The Total Control system is being adopted by more states each year as their ofﬁcial training program for motorcycle license endorsement. In 2015, Parks landed the contract with the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, one of the largest training programs in the nation. Parks says his training program sprang from an absence of available courses. “I was in college in 1987 and wanted to get into road racing, but there were no schools near me at the time,” he says. “That meant I had to get creative. So, I set up a bunch of dirty sweatshirts in a pattern in my dorm parking lot until I found the right radius. I started slowly and methodically going faster and faster in the same turn until I started ﬁguring out the basics of high-performance cornering.”

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Parks is the author of Total Control and Race Tech’s Motorcycle Suspension Bible. Total Control training focuses on developing a safer rider, Parks says. “Different people learn differently, and traditional training programs generally focus on one type of learning,” he explains. “We use auditory, visual and kinesthetic techniques for every lesson to make sure all kinds of learners get specifically what they need to break through to the next level. In our beginner program, we are unique in our honesty about the dangers of riding and not being afraid to tell some folks that riding is not a good choice for them.” In practice, that often translates into fewer students earning a passing grade and a motorcycle license endorsement. “Raising the standards keeps a lot of folks who did not possess the balance, skills or judgment to safely ride a motorcycle from becoming statistics in the future,” Parks explains. “It has also created increased demand for intermediate and advanced training.” And Parks’ innovations continue. “As our R&D team, along with other researchers around the globe, comes up with improvements to rider training, we can get them implemented in electronic files immediately,” he says “In addition to saving more lives, our method also has the benefit of saving thousands of trees, too.”

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

On Nov. 1, the Virginia Competition Hare Scramble Series is hosting a grand prix in Spring Grove, Va. It’s the ﬁnal race of the 13-round series. Info: www.vchss.org

Field of Dreams is hosting a motocross race on Nov. 8 in Millville, N.J. It’s part of AMA District 34. Info: www.njmpfod.com

In Leaf River, Ill., the Forest City Riders Motorcycle Club is hosting an off-road dualsport on Nov. 7. It’s an AMA District 17 event. Info: www.forestcityriders.com

The Trail Riders of Southern Arizona are hosting an adventure ride Nov. 21-22 in Amado, Ariz. It’s part of the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series. Info: www.trsaz.org

GO RIDE

2 3 1

5 6

COMING UP The drawing for the 1986 Honda CR250R twostroke motocrosser 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 road run is being held by the March of Dimes of Fort Myers on Nov. 15 in Naples, Fla. The ride is a fundraiser for the nonproﬁt that supports medical research and health education for momsto-be. It also supports families with newborns in intensive care. Info: www.bikersforbabies.org/ southwestﬂorida

On Nov. 7, the California Flat Track Association is hosting a TT in Chowchilla, Calif. It’s the ﬁnal round of the California Flat Track Championship. Info: www. californiaﬂattrack.com

OCTOBER EVENTS ALABAMA

CALIFORNIA

COMPETITION

RECREATIONAL

MOTOCROSS

ADVENTURE RIDE

NOV 7: PELL CITY: 2 DAY EVENT, RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM

NOV 27: PALMDALE: 2 DAY EVENT, AMA DISTRICT 37 DUAL SPORT, (626) 446-7386, LABARSTOWVEGAS.COM

ARIZONA

NOV 7: UPPER LAKE: HAYWARD MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (925) 2844368, HAYWARDMC.COM NOV 15: STONYFORD: VALLEY CLIMBERS MC, (707) 678-1292 NOV 22: STONYFORD: RICHMOND RAMBLERS MC, RRMC.ORG ENDUROCROSS

DUAL SPORT RIDE

RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE NOV 21: AMADO: 2 DAY EVENT, TRAIL RIDERS OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA, (520) 400-8147 DUAL SPORT RIDE NOV 21: AMADO: 2 DAY EVENT, TRAIL RIDERS OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA, (520) 400-8147

NOV 27: PALMDALE: 2 DAY EVENT, AMA DISTRICT 37 DUAL SPORT, (626) 446-7386, LABARSTOWVEGAS.COM

NOV 21: ONTARIO: TEN: THE ENTHUSIAST NETWORK, INC., (909) 244-5600, ENDUROCROSS.COM

FUN RUN

HARE SCRAMBLES

NOV 14: SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLING ASSN, SC-MA.COM

NOV 7: RANCHO: 2 DAY EVENT, DIRT DIGGERS NORTH M.C. INC, (800) 426-8696

COMPETITION

DESERT SCRAMBLES

OBSERVED TRIALS

NOV 7: (Includes ATVs) LUCERNE VALLEY: HILLTOPPERS MC, INC., (562) 857-1183, HILLTOPPERSMC.COM

NOV 8: VALENTINE: CENTRAL ARIZONA TRIALS INC, (602) 370-7546, CENTRALARIZONATRIALS.ORG

ENDURO

TTS NOV 7: (Includes ATVs) CHOWCHILLA: CALIFORNIA FLAT TRACK ASSOCIATION, (415) 320-7889, CALIFORNIAFLATTRACK.COM COLORADO COMPETITION

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FLORIDA RECREATIONAL ROAD RUN NOV 15: NAPLES: MARCH OF DIMES-FT MYERS FL, (239) 2712564, BIKERSFORBABIES.ORG/ SOUTHWESTFLORIDA COMPETITION MOTOCROSS NOV 23: ALACHUA: UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, (321) 303-1002,

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OCTOBER EVENTS UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX.COM NOV 26: ALACHUA: UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, (321) 303-1002, UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX.COM IDAHO COMPETITION ENDUROCROSS NOV 7: NAMPA: TEN: THE ENTHUSIAST NETWORK, INC., (208) 468-1000, ENDUROCROSS.COM ILLINOIS RECREATIONAL DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD NOV 1: MORRISON: BRUSHPOPPERS M/C, (815) 622-4099, BRUSHPOPPERSMC.COM

FACEBOOK/KAHOKA.MX NEVADA COMPETITION

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

ENDURO

NOV 7: LAUGHLIN: DARKSIDE, (702) 279-4516, MRANRACING.COM

NOV 8: GREENVILLE : TREATY CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (937) 459-0508, TREATYCITYMC.COM

NOV 7: (Includes ATVs) SEARCHLIGHT: 2 DAY EVENT, GET-XTR-EME, (805) 236-5866, GET-XTR-EME.COM SHORT TRACK NOV 21: LAS VEGAS: SMI, (844) 722-6453, SUPERPRESTIGIO.COM NEW JERSEY RECREATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDE

NOV 7: LEAF RIVER: FOREST CITY RIDERS M/C, (779) 221-9383, FORESTCITYRIDERS.COM

NOV 13: HAMMONTON: BMW OF MANHATTAN, INC., (732) 714-8874

COMPETITION

ENDURO

ENDURO NOV 8: LEAF RIVER: FOREST CITY RIDERS M/C, (779) 221-9383, FORESTCITYRIDERS.COM HARE SCRAMBLES

COMPETITION

NOV 22: NEW LIBSON: CENTRAL JERSEY COMPETITION RIDERS, (732) 558-6475, CJCRMC.ORG MOTOCROSS

NOV 1: OAKLEY: DIRT RIDERS, INC., (217) 685-1969, DIRT-RIDERS.ORG

NOV 8: (Includes ATVs) MILLVILLE: FIELD OF DREAMS, (856) 765-3779, NJMPFOD.COM

NOV 8: BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 277-3478, BETDIRT.COM

NOV 29: (Includes ATVs) MILLVILLE: FIELD OF DREAMS, (856) 765-3799, NJMPFOD.COM

NOV 15: WHITE CITY: CAHOKIA CREEK DIRT RIDERS, (217) 529-4636, CAHOKIACREEKDIRTRIDERS. COM INDIANA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES NOV 15: COLUMBUS: STONEY LONESOME M/C, (812) 343-2716, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM MISSOURI COMPETITION

NEW MEXICO

OBSERVED TRIALS NOV 8: PICKERINGTON: TRIALS INC, (614) 561-8818, TRIALSINC.ORG

RECREATIONAL POKER RUN - OFF-ROAD NOV 8: HOOD RIVER: LOBOS MC INC, (503) 871-5721 COMPETITION GRAND PRIX NOV 7: JACKSONVILLE: MOTORCYCLE RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (541) 531-9697, MOTORCYCLERIDERS ASSOCIATION.ORG

TENNESSEE COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLES

Presented by

VIRGINIA GRAND PRIX

MOTOCROSS

NOV 1: SPRING GROVE: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (757) 570-2839, VCHSS.ORG

TOY RUN

For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/ Riding.

NOV 14: UNION: 2 DAY EVENT, FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO SERIES, (304) 276-0188, FULLGASENDURO.COM

COMPETITION

RECREATIONAL

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.

ENDURO

NOV 8: WESTPOINT: NORTH ALABAMA TRAIL RIDERS ASSN, (972) 977-4112, NATRA-WESTPOINT.NET

OHIO

COMPETITION

NOV 1: SAN YSIDRO: NEW MEXICO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (505) 780-2551, NEWMEXICOTRIALS.COM

NOV 15: (Includes ATVs) ELLERBE: WINDY HILL SPORTS, (910) 895-4387, WINDYHILLSPORTSMX.COM

comteit

SOUTH CAROLINA

OBSERVED TRIALS

NORTH CAROLINA

THE ADVENTURE is out there

High Adventure. No Hassle.

OREGON

NOV 8: BYBEE: APPALACHIAN TRAIL RIDERS, (865) 322-0193, SETRA.ORG

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES NOV 8: (Includes ATVs) KAHOKA: MIDWEST MOTOSPORT, (319) 975-3139,

NOV 14: COLUMBUS: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (614) 332-0198, ABATE.COM

Supporting Sponsors Oﬃcial Boot

MOTOCROSS NOV 7: (Includes ATVs) DILLWYN: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOPROMO, LLC, (434) 5486043, ACTIONTOWNMX.COM

Facebook.com/AMAAdventureRiding @ama_riding, #AMAadv

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UPCOMING EVENTS April 23: Foxboro, Mass.: Gillette Stadium

MOTOCROSS

April 30: East Rutherford, N.J.: MetLife Stadium

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

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

May 7: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium 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.

Jan. 9: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

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

Jan. 23: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

Jan. 30: Oakland, Calif.: O.Co Coliseum

Feb. 6: Glendale, Ariz.: University of Phoenix Stadium

AmericanMotorcyclist.com a Riding a Dual Sport

Feb. 13: San Diego, Calif.: Petco Park

Feb. 20: Arlington, Texas: AT&T Stadium

Feb. 27: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome

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

March 12: Toronto, Canada: Rogers Centre

March 19: Detroit, Mich.: Ford Field Presented by

April 2: Santa Clara, Calif.: Levi’s Stadium Supporting Sponsors

April 9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Lucas Oil Stadium Official Boot

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April 16: St. Louis, Mo.: Edward Jones Dome

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2015 MONSTER ENERGY CUP

Oct. 17: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium

2016 AMA AMSOIL ARENACROSS SERIES

AMA PROAM MOTOCROSS EVENTS AMARACING.COM

Oct. 26-27: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trails Motocross, MotocrossLeague OfAmerica.com, (205) 6998857

ARENACROSS.COM

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

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

Jan. 22-24: Allentown, Pa.: PPL Center

Jan. 30-31: Greensboro, N.C.: Greensboro Coliseum

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

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

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

Nov. 1: Tallassee, Ala.: Monster Mountain, MonsterMX.com, (334) 3188475

Nov. 7: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek Motocross Park, RPMSportsOnline.com, (205) 699-8857

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

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

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

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

March 12-13: Lafayette, La.: Cajondome

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

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

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

DIRT TRACK AMA PRO FLAT TRACK AMAPRORACING.COM

Nov. 20: Las Vegas, Nev.: Flat Track Season Finale

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Sept. 19-20: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway

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Oct. 24 (Youth) | Oct. 25 (Amateur): Lucerne Valley, Calif.: 100s MC, 100smc.com

OFF-ROAD

AMA EAST HARE SCRAMBLES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

FEATURED SERIES: BIG 6 AMA WEST COAST GRAND PRIX SERIES

Nov. 14-15: Delaware Hare 4/25/14 3:25 PM Scrambles, Delaware Enduro Riders

BIG6RACING.COM

Oct. 31 - Nov. 1: Gorman, Calif.: Prospectors MC

FEATURED SERIES: AMA KENDA FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO SERIES FULLGASENDURO.COM

AMARACING.COM

Dec. 5-6: Location TBA: Vikings MC

GEICO AMA ENDUROCROSS ENDUROCROSS.COM

Nov. 7 (ATV) | Nov. 8 (Amateur, Youth): Kahoka, Mo.: Midwest Motorsports

Oct. 17: Everett, Wash.: XFINITY Arena

Nov. 7: Boise, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center

UPDATED: Nov. 20-21: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena

AMSOIL AMA GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES GNCCRACING.COM

Oct. 17-18: St. Clairsville, Ohio: Powerline Park

Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman

KENDA SRT AMA WEST HARE SCRAMBLES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AMARACING.COM

Oct. 24 (Amateur, ATV, Youth): Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Desert MC

Nov. 7 (ATV, Youth) | Nov. 8 (Amateur): Searchlight, Nev.: Get-Xtr-Eme.com

FEATURED SERIES: APPALACHIAN CHAMPIONSHIP ENDURO SERIES ACES-RACES.COM

FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) - ENDUROS ECEA.ORG

NATIONALHAREANDHOUND.COM

Nov. 8: Greenville, Ohio: Peace Pipe Enduro, Treaty City Motorcycle Club

FEATURED SERIES: VIRGINIA CHAMPIONSHIP HARE SCRAMBLES SERIES VCHSS.ORG

Oct. 25: New Lisbon, N.J.: Scrub Pine Enduro, Ocean County Competition Riders, OCCR.net

Nov. 8: Warren Grove, N.J.: Stumpjumper Enduro, Motorcycle Competition Inc., Ride-MCI.com

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

FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) - HARE SCRAMBLES ECEA.ORG

KENDA SRT AMA NATIONAL HARE AND HOUND CHAMPIONSHIP

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

Oct. 17-18: Ormond Farms Hare Scrambles, Competition Dirt Riders

Nov. 1: Spring Grove, Va.: Pipsico

Nov. 8: Rural Retreat, Va.: The Hillbilly Hare Scramble

FEATURED SERIES: WESTERN CHECKPOINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP RIDECHEC.COM

Oct. 18: Red Mountain, Calif.: Training Wheels MC

Oct. 25: Elkins Flat, Calif.: Polka Dots MC

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

November 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS

SPECIALTY

Take a photo of yourself at eligible events and send it to the AMA Road Riding Department to earn points and be entered to win prizes. BETA AMA NATIONAL DUAL SPORT SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

AMA SUPERMOTO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Oct. 24-25: Payson, Ariz.: Arizona Trail Riders

AMANATIONALSUPERMOTO.COM

Nov. 6-8: Tucson, Ariz.: Muscle Man Honda

Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Tri-County Sportsmen MC Inc.

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

RECREATION

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

AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Oct. 24-25: Payson, Ariz.: Arizona Trail Riders

Visit AmericanMotorcyclist. com > Riding > SENA AMA Flash Tour to view eligible events and get more information. AMA VINTAGE GRAND TOUR

Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Tri-County Sportsmen MC Inc.

April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor: TourOfHonor.com

AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS

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

March of Dimes - Bikers for Babies (events nationwide): BikerForBabies.org

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

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation - Ride for Kids (events nationwide): RideForKids.org

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

SENA AMA FLASH TOUR AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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

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EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

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

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

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

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

MOTORCYCLE TOURING GEAR

This tour takes place in conjunction with AMA Oasis locations, which are key spots at major motorcycling events where the AMA offers members a chance to get a drink and relax amid the commotion.

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

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

Sound RIDER!

MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG

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.

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.

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

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 2014 inductees.

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY AT AIMEXPO MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG

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

Oct. 17: Orlando, Fla.: Held in conjunction with AIMExpo. Tickets are $25 per person. VIP tickets are $90 per person and include an exclusive reception, reserved seating and AIMExpo admission.

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AMA Trademarks The following represents active, registered trademarks, trademarks and service marks of American Motorcyclist Association, Inc. (AMA). Usage of any AMA trademark or registered trademark without our permission is prohibited. Please contact smaher@amacycle.org for more information or assistance. (800) AMA-JOIN® • AMA Dragbike® • AMA Endurocross® • AMA Motorhead® • AMA Pro Grand National Championship® • AMA Pro Racing® • AMA Race Center™ • AMA Racer® • AMA Racing® • AMA Racing Land Speed Grand Championships® • AMA Supermoto® • AMA Supercross® • AMA SX Lites® • AMA U.S. ISDE Team™ • AMA U.S. Jr. Motocross Team™ • AMA U.S. Motocross Team™ • Amateur National Motocross Championships® • American Motorcyclist Association® • Arenacross® • ATV Hare Scrambles National Championship Series® • ATV Motocross National Championship Series® • Dirt Track Grand Championships™ • Grand National Enduro Championship® • Gypsy Tour® • Hare & Hound National Championship Series® • Hare Scrambles Championship Series® • Hare Scrambles National Championship Series® • Kids Just Want To Ride® • Motorcycle Hall of Fame® • Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum® • Motorcyclist of the Year® • Motostars® • National Adventure Riding Series® • National Dual-Sport Series® • National Enduro Championship Series® • Protect Your Right to Ride® • Protecting Your Right to Ride® • Ride Straight® • Rights. Riding. Racing.® • Road Race Grand Championships® • Vintage Grand Championships® • Vintage Motorcycle Days® • Vote Like A Motorcyclist®

November 2015

GUEST COLUMN

GOING GLOBAL

The Women Who Ride Project By Rashmi Tambe I stumbled into the world of motorcycling 10 years ago. A young, newly minted motorcyclist, I absolutely loved the thrill of going fast on two wheels. Sometimes I would ride to the local bookstore and eagerly peruse its shelves for more material to fuel my passion. The bookshelves held the usual classics, but no work by a woman rider. The magazine rack was worse, with no female motorcyclists and women’s bodies used to sell bikes or parts. For a new female rider, the ﬁrst was disappointing, the latter a little soul-crushing. That winter I went to a women riders meeting at a local motorcycle store. I met a woman who had ridden from Seattle to Alaska. She showed me her photos. “You can do that on a motorcycle?” I mused. A few years later, my friend Sarah and I rode to Alaska on our dual sports. A couple of years after that memorable trip, while researching how to ﬁx my bike, I found a blog written by a rider in California who owned the same bike. She worked on bikes herself and wrote guides on how to do routine maintenance. That day I went to the hardware store and bought myself some basic tools. Within a few years, I was working on all my bikes, hands-on. Then one day I read British motorcyclist Lois Pryce’s Lois on the Loose, which changed my life forever. Here was a woman on a small bike who had ridden alone across the Americas. Women did that? A whole new world of possibilities had suddenly opened up. By this time, I had joined the AMA. I remember my delight and disbelief when I received a copy of American Motorcyclist

with a woman on the cover. It was a mother-daughter pair who had ridden across the country on a BMW. Future covers continued to feature women semiregularly—a landspeed record holder, an Olympic athlete who rode in her spare time, and motorcycle couriers, one of whom was a woman of color like me, an even rarer sight in any kind of media. My heart would lift every time I saw them and I’d delightedly read them from cover to cover. Here, ﬁnally, was a magazine that acknowledged that women riders existed and treated us with respect. There used to be better times. Women have ridden motorcycles ever since bikes were invented. Cristine Sommer-Simmons, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, wrote The American Motorcycle Girls featuring hundreds of vintage photos of women from the 1920s riding, racing, doing daredevil stunts and riding crosscountry. The ﬁrst issue of American Motorcyclist had a woman rider on the cover! Women were depicted as serious riders in ads for tires and bike parts. What had happened in the years since, and how did our existence and legacy get erased and forgotten? The biggest shift occurred when motorcycles started to be marketed as a way to sell masculinity to men and left women riders entirely out of the equation. Even though women who ride are the fastest growing demographic today, the equation hasn’t changed much. We are bereft of heroes and role models who look like us and embody our spirit. This needs to change if we want to attract new women riders and make them feel like they belong, and to help existing ones push their boundaries. And that is how the Global Women Who Ride Project was born.

When I started, my goal was simple: to find a woman motorcyclist in every country and tell her story. The resulting interviews would be published on the website and showcased later in a full-color coffee table book. They would include diverse riders across different races, ages, body types and physical abilities. A year later, the Global Women Who Ride Project has featured almost a hundred motorcyclists from countries as far-flung as Nigeria, Iran, Estonia and New Zealand, to states and provinces closer to home, in the United States and Canada. These women ride enduros, dirt bikes, sport bikes, cruisers and sidecars. Some like to ride within the city, others ride longdistance. A select few have ridden around the world. They race vintage Ariels and Rudges on race tracks, KTMs in off-road rallies or Shercos on technical trails. A few grew up in conservative countries that forbade them from riding, but they still managed to find ways around that. Some found innovative ways to keep riding around disabilities and debilitating injuries. They talk about their Sunday rides and dream bikes, about female friendship and activism. They have innovative ideas about bike design and infrastructure to make the world more motorcycle friendly. Many of these women have fond memories of the men in their lives who encouraged and mentored them—fathers and uncles who taught them to ride when they were little girls, brothers who would sneak them out for rides when they were way too young, and boyfriends or husbands who bought them their first bikes and take pride in their achievements. The ever-growing gallery features interviews with iconic motorcyclists like Lois Pryce, Tiffany Coates, Melissa Holbrook-Pierson, Lisa Thomas, Doris Wiedemann, Anita Yusof, Voni Glaves, Steph Jeavons, and Anna Grechishkina. After all, everyone deserves to have heroes who look like them. I realize now that I had hungered to see people like me for the past 10 years. Perhaps my work will make things easier for the next generation of riders. Together we can go back to those times when motorcycles were for everybody. Rashmi Tambe is a motorcyclist from Seattle, Wash. She is the founder of the Global Women Who Ride Project. Follow the project at www.globalwomenwhoride.com.

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