American Motorcyclist 11 2012

THE JOURNAL OF THE

NOVEMBER 2012

LEGENDS RISINGHall Of Fame Class Of 2012

Health Insurance Discrimination: Does It Affect You?

HO021_RX_CW_2D_CRF450R_Spread_15.75x10.5.indd7-26-2012 4:49 PM Whitaker, Eric (LAN-DLA) / Mitchell, Steven C.

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JobClientMedia TypeLiveTrimBleedPubs

112MA021HondaPrint15” x 10”15.5” x 10.5”16” x 10.75”Racer XCycle World

Job info

2D Version

Notes

Art DirectorCopywriterAccount MgrStudio ArtistProofreader

M.WessonNoneH. MillerS. MitchellG. Shor

Approvals

FontsAkzidenz-Grotesk BQ (Medium Condensed Italic, Bold Condensed Italic), Helvetica Neue (55 Roman, 75 Bold, Regular, 57 Condensed)

Images021_CRF450R_N4G7863.psd (CMYK; 330 ppi; 90.9%), 3DPrint.psd (RGB; 65 ppi; 109.71%), ItsAHondaLogo186WHT.ai (36.86%)

Inks Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 186 C

Fonts & Images

Saved at Nonefrom LANDLA-DMX1005 by Printed At

SEE THE 2013 CRF450R

LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

Motocross has evolved. Today’s racers stay low off jumps to get around the track faster. And need a bike that delivers more power and maneuverability. The all-new 2013 CRF®450R is that bike. It features a next-generation aluminum frame. New front air fork. Short twin exhaust pipes. New swingarm. And new engine upgrades. The result: greater mass centralization for more control in the air. Through the berms. Over whoops. And all the way to the podium. Check it out at your Honda Dealer. And take a virtual ride at mx.honda.com.

IT’S THE FUTURE OF MOTOCROSS. BUILT FOR GENERATION SCRUB.

PROFESSIONAL RIDER SHOWN ON CLOSED COURSE. CRF450R IS INTENDED FOR CLOSED-COURSE OPERATION ONLY. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, AND PLEASE RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT. OBEY THE LAW AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. CRF® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2012 Honda Motor Co., Inc. (09/12)

T:15.5”

T:10.5”

HO021_RX_CW_2D_CRF450R_Spread_15.75x10.5.indd7-26-2012 4:49 PM Whitaker, Eric (LAN-DLA) / Mitchell, Steven C.

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112MA021HondaPrint15” x 10”15.5” x 10.5”16” x 10.75”Racer XCycle World

Job info

2D Version

Notes


M.WessonNoneH. MillerS. MitchellG. Shor

Approvals

FontsAkzidenz-Grotesk BQ (Medium Condensed Italic, Bold Condensed Italic), Helvetica Neue (55 Roman, 75 Bold, Regular, 57 Condensed)

Images021_CRF450R_N4G7863.psd (CMYK; 330 ppi; 90.9%), 3DPrint.psd (RGB; 65 ppi; 109.71%), ItsAHondaLogo186WHT.ai (36.86%)

Inks Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 186 C

Fonts & Images


SEE THE 2013 CRF450R

LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

Motocross has evolved. Today’s racers stay low off jumps to get around the track faster. And need a bike that delivers more power and maneuverability. The all-new 2013 CRF®450R is that bike. It features a next-generation aluminum frame. New front air fork. Short twin exhaust pipes. New swingarm. And new engine upgrades. The result: greater mass centralization for more control in the air. Through the berms. Over whoops. And all the way to the podium. Check it out at your Honda Dealer. And take a virtual ride at mx.honda.com.

IT’S THE FUTURE OF MOTOCROSS. BUILT FOR GENERATION SCRUB.

PROFESSIONAL RIDER SHOWN ON CLOSED COURSE. CRF450R IS INTENDED FOR CLOSED-COURSE OPERATION ONLY. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, AND PLEASE RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT. OBEY THE LAW AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. CRF® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2012 Honda Motor Co., Inc. (09/12)

T:15.5”T:10.5”

2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame

INDUCTION CEREMONYNovember 16, 2012

Red Rock Casino, Resort & SpaLas Vegas, Nevada

CLASSOF2012

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Region: USLanguage: EnglishNotes: None

NOT TO BE USED FOR COLOR APPROVAL

November 2012Volume 66, Number 11Published by theAmerican Motorcyclist Association13515 Yarmouth Dr.Pickerington, OH 43147(800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646)www.americanmotorcyclist.com

American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly

by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147.

Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2012.

Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $10 covered in membership

dues; $15 a year for non-members.

Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio,

and at additional mailing offices.

Cover Pioneering Supercross star Jimmy Ellis is just one of the extraordinary personalities being inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in November. Read about Ellis and the rest of the Class of 2012 beginning on page 36.

Photo: Lloyd-Smith Photography

Navigation Photo Kawasaki rider Brian Smith leads the field at the legendary

Springfield Mile. Smith went on to win the race.Photo: Dave Hoenig

10. LETTERS You write, we read.

12. WAYNE ALLARD Working together

14. RIGHTS Health insurance discrimination, and forest travel plans create controversy.

18. RIDING Touring Washington’s Whidbey and Fidalgo islands, and chartering your club.

26. RACING KTM’s Marvin Musquin talks about Supercross, Jared Mees wins a title, and the AMA Hillclimb Grand Championships crown champions.

32. HALL OF FAME Terry Poovey’s H-D XR750 dirt-tracker, and Hall of Famer Bruce Brown.

36. HISTORY MAKERS The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2012.

44. CELEBRATING THE RIDEHundreds of women motorcyclists gathered in Carson City, Nev., for the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference.

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

54. KENT TAYLOR My brother’s keeper.

NAVIGATION

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EXECUTIVE

Rob Dingman, President/CEORhonda Hixon, Administrative Asst./Litigation ManagerBruce Moffat, Chief Financial OfficerSen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government RelationsBob Chaddock, Vice President, AdministrationJeff Massey, Vice President, OperationsJim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Corporate Member Programs Grant Parsons, Director of Communications & MarketingRob Rasor, Director of International Affairs

ACCOUNTING

Dawn Becker, Accounting ManagerTyra Hines, Lead Accounting ClerkMelanie Hise, HR Assistant/Payroll Coordinator

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Sandi Dunphy, Coordinator/Switchboard OperatorSean Maher, Director

AMHF/MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME

Renee Bock, Management AssistantBeth Myers, Donor Relations SpecialistKaty Wood, Operations Manager

AMA RACING/ORGANIZER SERVICES

Kip Bigelow, Amateur MX ManagerJoe Bromley, Director of RacingJacki Burris, Organizer Services CoordinatorJane Caston, Racing CoordinatorLana Cox, Administrative Assistant/Switchboard OperatorKevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing RelationsBill Cumbow, Director of Special ProjectsDave Hembroff, Road Riding ManagerTamra Jones, Racing CoordinatorKen Saillant, Track Racing ManagerCherie Schlatter, Organizer Services ManagerD’Andra Schwabel, Organizer Services CoordinatorSerena Van Dyke, Organizer Services CoordinatorChuck Weir, Off Road Racing ManagerConrad Young, Timing & Scoring Manager

EDITORIAL OFFICES

American Motorcyclist 13515 Yarmouth Drive Pickerington, OH 43147 (614) 856-1900 [email protected]

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

ADVERTISING

Steve Gotoski, Advertising Director (Western States) (951) 566-5068, [email protected]

Zach Stevens, National Sales Manager (626) 298-3854, [email protected]

All trademarks used herein (unless otherwise noted) are owned by the AMA and may only be used with the express, written permission of the AMA.

American Motorcyclist is the monthly publication of the American Motorcyclist Association, which represents motorcyclists nationwide. For information on AMA membership benefits, call (800) AMA-JOIN or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Manuscripts, photos, drawings and other editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited material. Copyright© American Motorcyclist Association, 2012.

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Stan Simpson, ChairmanCibolo, Texas

Maggie McNally, Vice ChairwomanAlbany, N.Y.

Ken Ford, Assistant TreasurerBartow, Fla.

Perry King, Assistant Secretary Northern California

John Ulrich, Executive Committee MemberLake Elsinore, Calif.

Russ Brenan, Irvine, Calif.

Sean Hilbert, Hillsdale, Mich.

Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.

Art More, Surprise, Ariz.

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.

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

AMA STAFF

DEVELOPMENT/OPERATIONS

Jack Penton, DirectorPaula Schremser, Program Specialist

DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

John Bricker, Mailroom ManagerHeida Drake, Copy Center Operator/Switchboard OperatorBill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Shannon Carlin, Legislative AssistantMarie Esselstein, Government Affairs AssistantNick Haris, Western States RepresentativeSharon Long, Legislative CoordinatorRick Podliska, Deputy DirectorImre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager - On-Road

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Rob Baughman, Network AdministratorJohn Boker, DeveloperDave Coleman, Network ArchitectAmy Hyman, Senior Programmer/AnalystEd Madden, Managed Services ManagerBill Miller, Web ArchitectPeg Tuvell, Operations Manager

MARKETING

Connie Fleming, Events ManagerTigra Tsujikawa, Marketing Manager

MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY

Lori Cavucci, Member Services RepresentativeDeb D’Andrea, Member Services RepresentativeLinda Hembroff, Member Services RepresentativeDarcel Higgins, Member Services ManagerKimberly Jude, Member Services RepresentativeAngie Miller, Member Services RepresentativeTiffany Pound, Member Services RepresentativeJessica Robinson, Member Services Representative

www.husqvarna-motorcyclesna.com

Husqvarna is proud to sponsor the 2012 AMA National

Dual-Sport Series

0612_Husqvarna Dual Sport logo fix.indd 1 4/19/12 9:05 AM

BIKES ON BIKESThe “Ask the MSF” feature is one of the

best aspects of American Motorcyclist. I must, however, take exception to a blanket statement in the “Loading the Bike” column in the October issue.

Stating that, “bicycles have no business being transported on the back of a motorcycle” is factually incorrect, and ignores the safe and innovative ways bike racks have recently been incorporated onto motorcycles.

Granted, carrying a bicycle on anything other than a purpose-built rack is foolhardy, but sensible riders avoid that approach, and do so with great success. I’ll soon be joining them, as I intend to add a bicycle rack to my BMW R100R, which will support my contention that “any day on two wheels is a good day” and give me the freedom to get fun exercise when traveling via motorcycle.

Dave “AnyDayDave” MurrayBeaverton, Ore.

STAY OUT OF MY TANKI’m concerned about our government

forcing us to buy at least four gallons

of blended gas. Based on the article “Officials Say Consumers Must Buy At Least Four Gallons Of Gas From Certain Pumps” in the October issue, it appears the government thinks no bikes have a tank smaller than four gallons.

It was not mentioned that many scooters, including Vespa 250s and many others do, indeed, have a 2.5-gallon tank. Scooters are very popular among many motorcyclists as well as commuters and environmentalists.

I strongly believe that the plight of scooters should be a part of this argument to educate the bureaucrats about scooters, their small gas tanks and nominal environmental footprints.

Brenda BatesSanta Rosa, Calif.

THE ‘RIGHT’ GOVERNMENT INTRUSION

I’m confused. You give a laundry list of things that the government does “to us” using words like “overreach” and “usurp” and “discrimination.” But then you don’t oppose ethanol in gasoline, unless that’s what the market wants, which it

doesn’t. Then you’re OK with “appropriate Wilderness” with government making land, purchased with its citizens’ confiscated wealth, unusable to them. Then you’re against private companies providing the insurance coverage of their choice to the people that freely choose to work for them.

Sounds like you’re not against government intrusion, just the intrusion you don’t agree with. Indeed, it’s easy to know best how to live your neighbor’s life, isn’t it?

Robbie HarrisonGreenville, S.C.

ETHANOL CONCERNYour article on page 14 of the October

issue has, once again, got me upset with our legislators over the addition of alcohol to our gasoline.

We elected these people to work for us, but they would rather work for the ethanol lobbyists who are filling their pockets to the detriment of the consumer.

The entire concept of the addition of alcohol to gasoline in an attempt to cut the dependence on foreign oil is absurd.

To require us to purchase 4 gallons of fuel because the addition of 15 percent alcohol may reside in the hoses of blended fuels is absolutely unacceptable.

How many of us purchase more than four gallons of fuel to fill our cycles’ tanks? Do we have to carry another tank to clean out their hoses?

We need to lobby for the elimination of any alcohol in our fuel, or we need to require all stations to supply 100 percent gasoline for those of us who need it.

Lee PfeilerLexington, Ky.

IN THE BLEND[With respect to E15 blender pumps],

just doing the math, you could pump eight or more gallons and still have an average of over 11 percent ethanol. Blender pumps also shaft you in other ways.

If your bike needs premium, you have the same problem if the person before you pumped regular. You will receive

Send your letters (and a high-resolution photo) to [email protected]; or mail to 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.MEMBER LETTERS

LETTER OF THE MONTHOFF-ROAD ADVENTURERS

I could recommend no one better for the cover of the October 2012 issue of American Motorcyclist than the riders shown.

The rider on the left is Derek Swaidner, and the rider to the right is his father, Jody Swaidner. Jody is the owner of a Fort Wayne [Ind.] heating company, and he has been actively involved in motorcycles for most of his life. Derek has been traveling and riding with Jody, throughout the country, since he was a child.

Their motorcycle trips have resulted in some great adventures. They have been lost and out of gas in Alaska, resulting in a great camping and hiking adventure. I have personally witnessed Jody’s bike broken through the ice with only the headlight and handlebars showing. Their shop is filled with motorcycles, all brands and styles.

The best part about both of them is you would be hard pressed to find anyone who has something negative to say about them. If there is ever space available in the magazine for a follow-up article, they would have plenty of stories to fill whatever space you have available, and I am confident they will be happy to share them.

Brian HowellFort Wayne, Ind.

Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a Bike Bandit gift card worth $100. Didn’t win? No worries. You can still take advantage of your 10% AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com.

Al Kammerer


two-thirds of a gallon of regular before you begin receiving premium. If you are just topping off your tank, you paid for premium and received regular.

There should be a way for blender pumps to purge the hose of the previous fuel if a different fuel is requested.

Al KammererSacramento, Calif.

MAKING A STOPWhile I don’t want to have to stop for a

motorcycle-only checkpoint, I think they can be justified.

To operate a motorcycle in California you need a class M1 license. Since this is a separate license requirement for a separate vehicle class, I think a specific and separate checkpoint can be justified.

Consider commercial truck drivers with a Class A or commercial license. It has a separate license requirement and is definitely a separate vehicle class. They have mandatory weigh stations, mandatory brake check areas, they are limited to certain roads and bridges, and have their very own speed limit! Autos, sport-utility vehicles and motorcycles don’t have to abide by any of these.

If the state does start mandatory motorcycle checkpoints on the basis of them being a separate vehicle class, I think we could justify an increased speed limit for motorcycles only. Heck, we’re already allowed to lane split [in California]. Cars and trucks can’t do that!

John ClarkeFresno, Calif.

BRAKING BETTERThanks for writing “Myths Busted: Anti-

Lock Braking Systems.” There are many misconceptions, and it’s time we start to understand new technologies better.

One of the questions I have wasn’t answered. When you have ABS and find yourself in a panic-stop situation, are you supposed to just grab as much brake as possible and let the ABS bring you to a controlled stop, or do you rely on rider skills and stop as hard and as fast as you can trying not to let the ABS kick in?

Zach CooperBrooklyn, N.Y.

ABS enhances a rider’s ability to rapidly decelerate if the rider applies maximum braking and, in the process, exceeds the traction available on the front or rear wheel, or both. That said, it’s important to practice maximum braking technique without relying on ABS. In a panic-stop

situation, a rider will revert to his or her training without deliberately deciding how much braking to apply. It’s best to train and practice for the worst and rely on that style of braking in a panic situation. If called upon, the ABS will contribute to your safety.

ABOUT THE NOISEWe all—cruisers, sportbike and,

yes, even mopeds—are guilty of the “loud=cool” mentality. The big twins, American or English, started this loud trend for me back in the ’60s and ’70s. Two-strokes were blipping their throttles at stops to keep from fouling plugs…but then everybody started doing it everywhere!

If there are people on the sidewalks, in front of churches, or anywhere else, motorcyclists open up the throttles: “Look at me. I’m cool.”

No you’re not! You’re disturbing the peace!

I even hear sportbikes blipping their throttles on upshifts? I also don’t see the need to keep your engine spinning at high revs to stay in the powerband when you’re on flat streets in the city.

When I am near people, either their homes or businesses, I try and make as

little noise as possible. By riding with low revs (less than 2,000 rpm), short shifting and very small throttle openings, I’m quieter than some of my neighbor’s lawn mowers!

I live in a condo and will usually kill the engine when I can coast to my parking place. I have actually pushed my almost-800-pound bike out of the driveway when I just have to go for a ride at 2 a.m. This example may be extreme, but I love motorcycles and will do whatever I can to keep my right to ride them.

Karl DoengesBurlington, N.C.

The Road Is Calling.

Answer Well.The Best Rides. The Best Rallies.

AMA Kawsaki Vulcan Vaquero Flash

Tours on Facebook (Facebook.com/

AmericanMotorcyclist). AMA Kawasaki

Vulcan Vaquero Grand Tours.

All Riders Welcome.

What Are You Waiting For?

AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding/Street/EventsandSeries

AMAKawasaki_PremierTouringSeries.indd 1 6/15/12 1:48 PM

Dennis Carr: “Interesting articles. Even the cat’s into it.”

By the time you read this, Election Day will be just a couple weeks away. Hopefully, you reviewed our AMA Vote Like A Motorcyclist web page and studied your candidate’s record in our AMA Voter Guide. Perhaps you’ve already voted early. Congratulations on exercising your rights as a citizen of this great democracy!

What’s next? Following the election, the work of the AMA Government Relations Department returns to the more mundane tasks of reviewing, watching and responding to

the actions of those whom you and your fellow Americans elected. Fortunately, the AMA Board of Directors has decided that our

primary focus needs to be applied to advocacy and keeping track of what is happening at all levels of government—from municipal buildings and courthouses to our state and federal legislatures and regulatory agencies. Rest assured, the AMA is here to stand watch, so you can enjoy the passion of riding.

The number of bills introduced in the U.S. Congress has been rapidly increasing over the past 12 years. This year, the 112th Congress will exceed 10,000 bills introduced. (The record was set by the 109th Congress with 10,537 bills.) Each bill is reviewed for language that might affect our members. Some bills are over 1,000 pages long, such as the health care bill passed in the last Congress, which was greater than 2,000 pages. If a bill has language that might affect motorcycling, it is added to our watch list.

The number of pages introduced in the Federal Register has been as high as 79,974 pages in just one year. Proposed rules and regulations from some 50 federal agencies are published in the Federal Register every day of the workweek. We watch those rules and regulations, as well, for those that might affect motorcyclists.

Next is the number of bills introduced in all 50 states. It exceeded 222,620 this year and increases year after year. Yes, we also watch those bills for language that might affect riders.

There are no data on the number of rules and regulations promulgated within the 50 state governments, but it numbers in the tens of thousands. There are also no data on the number of laws

passed by county commissioners, city councils, special districts, and homeowner associations. We rely on you, our members, to keep us informed on issues affecting you in your local levels of government—and you do a very good job of this!

In addition to the monitoring activities mentioned above, the AMA communicates hundreds of times directly with elected officials, their staffs and policy makers throughout the United States. The AMA testifies before government committees at all levels of government. We watch out for you—the rider—both at the state and federal levels to protect your right to ride.

Finally, the AMA works to keep its members informed so they can talk to their elected lawmakers and other public officials on the issues of the day. We urge that all motorcyclists—whether members or not—get to know their elected officials and to communicate with them.

What can motorcyclists expect in the future? The issues affecting riders will continue to grow. More and more time will be spent monitoring government proposals and actions, especially among the 50 states.

As a result, there will be a greater need for AMA members to become more involved in the issues. Fortunately, our members have always stepped up when asked—witness last year’s success with the categorical exemption of kids’ dirtbikes and ATVs from the lead law. Our strength has always been in our numbers, and as the AMA grows, so will our clout.

I can assure you that the AMA Government Relations Department is also up to the task. We stand ready—24/7/365—watching and monitoring the threats (and occasional opportunities) that are ever-present. Like you, when it comes to what we love to do, we know there is no such thing as a 9 to 5 job.

Wayne Allard is the AMA vice president for government relations.

“

STANDING WATCHIt’s not a 9 to 5 job

By Wayne Allard

VIEWPOINT

We watch out for you—the rider—both at the state and federal levels to protect your right to ride.”


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Companies nationwide are cutting costs by modifying their health care plans for employees. In some cases, that’s bad news for motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle riders.

Some companies are specifically excluding coverage for injuries sustained while riding a motorcycle or ATV. This exclusion is something that all motorcyclists and ATV riders need to look for in their current insurance policies.

Just ask Roger Saltamach. He had just taken a freeway off-ramp in New Jersey when he crashed. His union health insurance didn’t pay because activities like horseback riding and motorcycling aren’t covered. He wound up with $55,000 in medical costs that he had to pay out of his own pocket.

Or, just ask the more than 2,000 employees of PITT OHIO, a trucking firm based in Pittsburgh. Beginning next year, their health insurance will no longer cover injuries sustained in a motorcycle or ATV crash.

In a memo to employees in July, PITT OHIO President Charles Hammel III says changes are being made to the company’s health care plan because of escalating costs.

The plan will undergo several changes, he writes.

Among other things, it will “be modified in 2013 to exclude coverage for high-risk activities, such as motorcycle riding, four-wheeler riding, and dirtbike riding. More details will be provided explaining these high-risk activities. In order to be insured, you will need to purchase full coverage

with a private insurance provider.”

In other words, the company is forcing employees who ride motorcycles and ATVs to either spend hundreds of dollars a month for private health insurance or give up riding because they can’t afford medical insurance to cover injuries sustained in a

motorcycle or ATV crash. Or find another job with comprehensive health coverage at a time when the country is slowly recovering from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

“Health insurance discrimination against motorcyclists and ATV riders is unconscionable,” says AMA Government Affairs Manager Imre Szauter. “Accountants and managers are making decisions based on the bottom line that are a direct assault on our passion. For motorcyclists affected by this gross discrimination, it is effectively a death sentence for their motorcycling lifestyle. This is a battle that the AMA takes very seriously, and it’s a battle we’ve fought, and won, before.”

In the 1990s, a slew of employers and unions specifically excluded coverage for injuries related to motorcycle and ATV crashes from the health insurance they provided workers. In some cases, coverage was also eliminated for activities such as skiing, horseback riding and boating.

What made these earlier cases particularly difficult to understand was that these companies and unions would cover injuries related to illegal activities, such as drunk driving, but they wouldn’t cover

injuries related to motorcycling.The AMA warned AMA members

about these discriminatory practices and immediately received reports of riders who’d found out they didn’t have insurance when they needed it most, getting saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills.

The AMA joined forces with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and others to get language included in the Congressional Record that indicated the clear intent of Congress to eliminate such discrimination as part of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act passed in 1996.

But the federal agencies charged with implementing the law reversed the intent of the law. They told employers they couldn’t deny a worker a health insurance policy because he or she rode a motorcycle, ATV, horse, etc., but could refuse to cover injuries related to those activities. This twist in logic created a massive loophole that some companies are still exploiting today.

The AMA is now back on Capitol Hill trying to end this discrimination.

In the meantime, check your health insurance policy under “Exclusions” to see if it excludes coverage for motorcycle- or ATV-related injuries. We’ve seen exclusions for “any motorcycle use, including recreational, competitive or normal transportation use.” But the same message can be worded differently in other policies.

In fact, the wording can be quite ambiguous, referring to not paying for injuries suffered while participating in “extreme” activities, which insurance-company lawyers could argue include motorcycles and ATVs. Ask your Human Resources Department for clarification, if necessary.

If you discover that you are excluded, we want to hear from you. Please contact the AMA at [email protected]. Your confidentiality will be protected.

HEALTH INSURANCE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST MOTORCYCLISTS

PITT OHIO Trucking Firm Latest Company Involved

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STATEWATCHCALIFORNIA

Some 70,000 acres of public land in California that has been off-limits to off-highway-vehicle riders since 2008 would reopen under legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.). Farr introduced a bill that would designate the popular Clear Creek Management Area—which is near Hollister and controlled by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management—as a National Recreation Area. If the bill becomes law, it would provide for recreational access to the land as allowed under the BLM’s 2005 travel management plan.

In other news, the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission has approved a general plan for the Clay Pit State Vehicle Recreation Area. This marks an important step in efforts to develop and improve riding opportunities in northern California, and is expected to result in a number of improvements to the facility in the coming years. Visit www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25572 for the latest information.

IDAHOA group called the Greater Yellowstone

Coalition has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in an effort to block a new 7.8-mile-long ATV trail in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in southeastern Idaho.

The coalition, represented by the Western Environmental Law Center, filed the lawsuit to try to stop construction of the Winschell Dugway ATV Trail System in Bonneville County because its effort to appeal the decision to build the trail failed.

Also, two Idaho-based recreation organizations have sued the U.S. Forest Service challenging the Clearwater National Forest’s decision to impose the same public-use restrictions on areas they have recommended for possible Wilderness classification as one would find in lands actually designated as Wilderness by Congress. Motorized recreation is barred from Wilderness areas.

IOWAThe state has implemented a new system

for off-highway vehicles that combines the owner’s registration, title and decal into one document. Riders renewing their 2013 registrations need to visit the county recorder during this transition. The system will require additional information that owners must bring with them, including their most current registration certificate; make, model, model year and color of the OHV; vehicle identification number, weight, engine displacement and number of wheels. Info: www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/AllTerrainVehiclesATV/ATVRegistration.aspx.

LOUISIANAA licensed driver who successfully

completes the Motorcycle, Safety, Awareness, and Operator Training Program isn’t required to take a written knowledge test to get a motorcycle operator’s endorsement, under Senate Bill 77, sponsored by Sen. Richard Gallot (D- Ruston), which became law Aug. 1. The state skill test is already waived for those who successfully complete the program.

NORTH CAROLINAMilitary members who complete a

comparable motorcycle safety program provided by federally certified instructors as for citizens who complete the Motorcycle Safety Education Program could get the same motorcycle insurance discount under House Bill 1044, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Shepard (R-Jacksonville), which became law on Oct. 1.

PENNSYLVANIAApplicants for a Class M license to

operate a motorcycle who are under 18 years old are required to present evidence of successful completion of the approved motorcycle safety course, under a new law. The law is the result of House Bill 254, sponsored by Rep. Seth Grove (R-York).

RIGHTS

DUMP TRUCK DRIVER GUILTY IN DEATHS OF FOUR MOTORCYCLISTSFaces 84 Years Or More In Prison

An Arizona dump truck driver has been found guilty of killing four motorcyclists and injuring five others when he ran into them at a Phoenix stoplight.

The driver, Michael Jakscht, was found guilty of four counts of manslaughter, five counts of aggravated assault and four counts of endangerment on Aug. 15 in a retrial of the case.

Jakscht was to be sentenced Sept. 21. He faced up to 21 years in prison for each of the manslaughter charges and 15 years

for each of the aggravated assault charges.

The retrial began June 11. Jakscht was on trial on charges related to a March 25, 2010 crash in Phoenix in which he allegedly was

under the influence of methamphetamine when he plowed into

motorcyclists stopped at a traffic signal.An earlier trial ended in a mistrial.Motorcyclists who died as a result of

the crash were Daniel Butler, 35; Clyde Nachand, 67; Stephen Punch, 52; and Dale Downs-Totonchi, 47.

TEXT-MESSAGING LAWSUIT SETTLED FOR $500,000 Two Motorcyclists Seriously Injured In Crash

A motorcyclist and his wife who were seriously injured in New Jersey when they were hit by a teenager who was texting while driving settled their lawsuit against the driver in August for $500,000.

The lawsuit involved David and Linda Kubert, who were riding a motorcycle in Mine Hill when they were hit by a car driven by Kyle Best in September 2009. As a result of the crash, David lost his left leg immediately and Linda lost hers later.

Best pleaded guilty to distracted driving in the case, admitting he was texting while driving at the time of the crash. He was

ordered to pay $775 in fines and speak to 14 high schools about the dangers of texting while driving.

The AMA Board of Directors has adopted a formal position statement related to distracted driving that states, among other things, that “…all road users are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles on public roads and highways. Advances in mobile technology have made it easier than ever to become momentarily distracted by operating the controls of a stereo system, a global positioning unit, or some other device.

“The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) acknowledges that motorcyclists—in addition to car drivers, truck drivers, and even bicyclists—share this responsibility,” the statement says. “Distracted motorcycle operation can be every bit as dangerous to the operator, other road users, and pedestrians as the distracted operation of a larger motor vehicle.”

More info: www.americanmotorcyclist.com > Rights > Position Statements.

When the U.S. Forest Service unveiled its new travel management policy in 2005, off-highway riders were hopeful they would finally get the respect they deserve.

They thought the new plan would give official recognition to their trails. They were encouraged by the words of then-U.S. Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth, who said: “Land managers will use the new rule to continue to work with motorized sports enthusiasts, conservationists, state land local officials and others to provide responsible motorized recreational

experiences in national forests and grasslands for the long run.”

But then the forests began releasing their travel management plans, and in many instances off-highway riders felt their comments, and many of their trails, were ignored.

The controversy persists today as forests nationwide continue formulating their travel management plans.

In California, the Pacific Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit in August to overturn the Tahoe National Forest travel

FOREST SERVICE TRAVEL PLANS CREATE CONTROVERSYLawsuits, Appeals And Lost Trails

management plan, which the foundation says illegally closed more than 800 miles of roads and trails.

In Idaho, the BlueRibbon Coalition and the Idaho State Snowmobile Association filed a lawsuit in August challenging the Clearwater National Forest’s decision to impose Wilderness public-use restrictions through its travel management plan on areas that haven’t been designated as Wilderness by Congress. Motorized recreation is banned in Wilderness areas.

In New Mexico, more than 20 appeals were filed related to the Santa Fe National Forest travel management plan, which off-highway riders say would reduce access to about 70 percent of the roads and trails now open to vehicles. The forest has 7,849 miles of roads and trails but the new travel management plan only allows travel on 2,463 miles.

“While some forests have put together good travel management plans, others have missed the mark,” says Nick Haris, AMA Western states representative. “It’s very important for off-highway riders to get involved in the travel management processes in their local forests so that their voices are heard.”

The travel management rules require officials in each national forest and grassland to identify roads, trails and areas that will be open to motor vehicle use. In doing so, officials begin with designated trail systems where they exist. But they are also in a position to consider user-created trails, which could give them legal protection.

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RIGHTS

ELECTION DAY IS AROUND THE CORNERVote Like A Motorcyclist

The AMA is reminding riders to “Vote Like a Motorcyclist” on Election Day, and factor in motorcycling concerns when choosing a candidate.

“The AMA is a non-partisan organization and doesn’t make political endorsements,” says Rick Podliska, AMA deputy director of government relations. “But we do provide tools to help our members make informed choices on Election Day.

“We don’t want motorcyclists to cast their ballots based solely on motorcycling issues, but we would like riders to put them into the mix of things being considered when voting. And it is very important for motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders to exercise their right to vote,” he says.

AMA members who want to know where candidates stand on motorcycling-related issues heading into Election Day should check out the 2012 AMA Voter Guide. The online tool is an exclusive benefit of AMA membership.

Motorcycle-only checkpoints, restricted recreational access to public lands and health insurance discrimination against motorcyclists are just some of the issues used to rate congressional, gubernatorial and presidential candidates in the 2012 AMA Voter Guide.

The AMA 2012 Voter Guide is part of the AMA “Vote Like A Motorcyclist” campaign to help members decide how to cast their ballots.

To learn more about the AMA’s “Vote Like a Motorcyclist” campaign and to access the AMA 2012 Voter Guide online member benefit, go to www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/members_only/voterguide.aspx.

JERRY ABBOUD GIVEN AMA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDAMA Board Chairman Stan Simpson Makes Presentation

AMA Board Chairman Stan Simpson presented Jerry Abboud with the prestigious 2012 AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award in a ceremony at the Colorado 600 off-road ride in August.

Also at the Colorado 600, Wayne Allard, a former U.S. senator and representative from Colorado who now serves as AMA vice president for government relations, briefed riders on critical legislative issues.

Abboud, a lawyer and resident of the Denver suburb of Thornton, Colo, serves as executive director of the Powersports Dealers Association of Colorado, which was formed more than 40 years ago to protect the interests of motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, personal watercraft and snowmobile dealers in the government arena.

Abboud has dedicated decades to promoting the motorcycle lifestyle and protecting the future of motorcycling.

The AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented 48 times since its establishment in 1971. The award is named for its first recipient, Dud Perkins, a San Francisco motorcycle dealer who embodied tireless and generous support of motorcycling.

A top-notch racer from the 1910s to the 1930s, Perkins opened a Harley-Davidson dealership in San Francisco in 1914 that would become one of the nation’s oldest dealerships.

Perkins was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.

Submissions for the 2013 AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award are now being accepted. To submit a name, and for more information about all AMA awards, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com/about/amaawardsprogram.aspx.

(L-R) Stan Simpson, Wayne Allard and Jerry Abboud

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November 2012

RIDING

When touring in the Pacific Northwest, summertime tours give you the advantage of very long traveling days, because the sun does not set until well after 9 p.m. Given the travel time, it’s easy to appreciate the extended daytime hours because of all there is to see. I know I certainly did on a recent all-day ride that included Washington state’s Whidbey and Fidalgo islands. The ride through these islands on Highway 20 (and 525) can be ridden as part of a longer ride known as the Cascade Loop, but that ride is best done over a couple of days to properly take it all in.

In contrast to the sometimes-challenging mountain roads and quickly changing elevations and temperatures in the Cascades, Highway 20 near the coast becomes a more sedate and relaxing sea-level ride, replacing miles of tire scrubbing on winding roads through slate gray snow-capped peaks with more serene, easy curves, laid-back white sand beaches and what is likely to be some of the deepest turquoise blue water you have ever seen.

A tour through the islands can begin from either the northern or southern end of the two-island group. On the southern end of Whidbey Island, you can enter or leave from one of two ferries. The first

runs between the town of Multikeo (on the mainland) and the town of Clinton on the southeastern side of Whidbey. The second runs between Port Townsend (on the Olympic Peninsula) and Ft. Casey State Park on the western side of the island.

Because my end-of-the-riding-day destination is my home in the Seattle area, I usually make the initial ride on I-5 or state Route 9 North (a stellar alternative for north-south travel) then go west on Highway 20 to begin the ride at the northernmost island, Fidalgo, and proceed southward. This route brings me back, on the Clinton-to-Mulkiteo ferry, to northwestern Seattle at ride’s end and gets me home before dark.

Highway 20 enters Fidalgo Island on its eastern side at about the 3 o’clock position. The highway then takes a northerly turn along Fidalgo Bay to the northern coast, leading to the picturesque seaside town of Anecortes with its small-town nautical ambiance. Marinas and boats of all kinds line the coast at the north end of Fidalgo and surrounding islands, mooring everything from small fishing boats to huge cargo ships. The town also sponsors events such as classic car and motorcycle shows. It’s the kind of place where you will want to get

off the bike and do some exploring. As it is the largest town on the two islands, Anecortes is also a good choice to find lodging if you are planning to stay for a few days or you are seeing the islands as part of a longer ride.

From the northern end of Fidalgo Island, there are several worthwhile options heading south. Highway 20 is a designated scenic highway, and it makes a fine choice to begin the ride, but if you’re a little more adventurous, spend some time at the top of the island and ride west along Spur 20 and Sunset Avenue to Washington Park. There, you’ll

BEYOND THE COASTTouring Washington’s Whidbey And Fidalgo Islands By Philip Buonpastore

Anecortes Marina

Deception Pass Bridge


find a single-lane scenic loop road that runs through the park and entirely along the coast at the island’s northwest corner. This short loop will be more enjoyable on a weekday when you can avoid weekend holiday traffic, hikers and bicyclists. Exiting the park’s loop road back onto Sunset Avenue, make a right on Anaco Beach Road, which runs south through a residential area and leads to Marine Drive/Rosario Road. Here, you can enjoy a fine 6.5-mile, moderately twisty coastal road that leads back to Highway 20 at Fidalgo Island’s southern end.

Proceeding south on Highway 20, the next well-known location for a stop and a few photos is the bridge over Deception Pass and nearby Deception Pass Park. The bridge connects Fidalgo to Whidbey Island, and runs high above the rocky coasts of Deception Pass below. The pass allows boats of all sizes to move freely between the two islands, and the bridge allows viewers to get a birds-eye view of the nautical traffic, the islands around the pass and the Cascade Mountains in the distance. There are several roadside pullouts on the northern side of the bridge, and a pedestrian walkway on the bridge will allow you to stroll out for a look and a few photos.

Stopping at Deception Pass State Park on the southern side of the bridge for more than a few minutes will require the purchase of a Washington State Park pass, called the “Discover Pass,” that will cost $10 for the day. So if you’re riding through and not planning to camp at the park, the scenic pullouts on the north side of the bridge are probably the best choice for a view.

Once south of Deception Park, you have choices on the route through

Whidbey Island. Highway 20 leads to Highway 525—the main roads that run through the center of the island. But much the same as Fidalgo Island, experiencing the best riding roads, views and vistas that the island has to offer, or visiting a seaside town or park, requires that you venture out to ride along the coast. Coastal roads run along the outer edges of both sides of Whidbey Island, but unless you are planning to ride the island as a loop ride, zig-zagging to either side could make it a long day.

The western side of the island features some of Whidbey’s most outstanding views. A right turn at West Ault Field Road just south of the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, then going south on Heller Street, to West Crosby Road, will get you out to West Beach Road. The road runs north/south within sight of the coast along several miles of mostly pristine, unspoiled beach, allowing you to view combinations of the island’s coastline on the Salish Sea with an Olympic Mountain backdrop. Hastie Lake Road, further south, is a worthy stop for taking in an island sunset.

As you continue south, the eastern side of the island offers some interesting alternatives. Highway 20 becomes Highway 525 through the narrowest part of the island. About 6 miles south

of Coupeville, a quick left turn at North Bluff Road, or Resort Road/Honeymoon Bay Road, will take you to a few short but worthwhile detours along the coast of Honeymoon Bay, a large inlet on the island that connects with Puget Sound. Both roads loop out along the bay then return to Highway 525. A short distance south, making a left turn on East Harbor Rd., will lead to Saratoga Road, and take you around Whidbey Island’s northeast peninsula. Taking the time to ride the coastal roads instead of the “straight shot” ride of Highway 525 will add considerably to a ride in this area.

Saratoga Road leads to the more cosmopolitan town of Langley on the eastern side of the island. Seaside restaurants, watering holes and specialty shops line the streets, and you can put a fine conclusion to a day’s riding on the islands by getting a room at one of the town’s local hotels or inns, choosing one of the restaurants that line the waterfront, and basking in the seaside ambience for an evening meal and drink.

The southern central part of Whidbey Island returns to open farmland. By simply using a map on a tank bag, you can improvise the ride and do a little local exploration. It’s just a matter of choosing a road and riding out to the island’s edge to destinations such as Useless Bay and Mutiny Bay, until you’re ready to exit the island on either of the two ferries on the eastern or western side of Whidbey.

When traveling through Whidbey and Fidalgo islands, you can ride straight through and traverse both islands in several hours, but that is not the best way to enjoy this ride. Take the time to explore the area and absorb the feel of Washington’s northwestern islands. The combination of winding coastal roads set against the deep turquoise color of the bays with the snow-covered peaks in the distance, access to good food and lodging and the easy return to the mainland makes this both an enjoyable ride and destination.

If you’re planning a tour in the Pacific Northwest, be sure to ride down out of the clouds and try the great sea-level rides of Whidbey and Fidalgo islands.

Hastie Lake Road

Joseph Whidbey State Park

November 2012 19

RIDING

AMA OFFERS WOMEN’S AFFINITY CARDShow Your Colors

Although the AMA is one big happy family, it’s undeniable that the association includes a wide range of riders—from off-road to street, from novice to experienced, from casual to competitive.

AMA affinity cards recognize that diversity by offering distinct groups the choice to receive a card that reflects their specific passion. The latest AMA affinity card design is the one shown here, created for women riders.

“We rolled out the AMA women’s affinity card at the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference in Carson City, Nev., this summer, and it was a huge hit,” says AMA Marketing Manager Tigra Tsujikawa. “We’re excited to now offer it to the full membership.”

The AMA now offers three specially designed affinity cards: a Kawasaki-themed card, a KTM-themed card and the new women’s card.

To receive any of these cards in place of your standard AMA membership card, contact AMA Member Services at (800) 262-5646.

CHARTER YOUR CLUBOrganize, Ride

There’s no better time than the winter season to get organized and take your riding club to the next level. And the best way you can do that is to charter with the AMA. This will help bring recognition to your efforts, advance your standing in the community, provide access to the best insurance in the business and get you administrative support from AMA Organizer Services.

The process is straightforward. Just go to www.americanmotorcyclist.com/clubsandpromoters/resources.aspx or call AMA Organizer Services at (800) 262-5646. The AMA offers a few options based on your club’s goals.

Promoting Club: $75 annual charter

Promoting clubs run AMA-sanctioned events all over the country. All club officers must be current AMA members. In addition, the club must have 10 current AMA members (which can include the officers). Two letters of recommendation are required, in addition to a club constitution and bylaws, and a club representative must go through an AMA Risk Management Workshop.

Social Club: $35 annual charter

Social clubs are for enthusiasts who ride together, whether road or off-road, but aren’t really structured or geared up to host formal events. Social clubs must have at least five current AMA members. Because social clubs cannot host AMA-sanctioned events, they are not eligible to vote for delegates to AMA Congress, the rulemaking body for the AMA and motorcycle sport in the United States.

Service Organization: $35 (non-promoting); $50 (promoting)

This charter is for motorcyclist rights, military, police, firefighter and charity-based organizations. Charters are available for both promoting and non-promoting clubs, and the requirements vary accordingly.

Online Community: $35 (waived for affiliates)

Designed for groups that primarily interact online, chartered online communities have access to the AMA’s online affiliate program. Online affiliates can earn money by selling AMA memberships. For more info, contact AMA Organizer Services.

Historic Club: $35 annual charter

These are clubs that want to affiliate with the AMA but no longer have the membership and are not active enough to maintain a promoting charter. These clubs must provide documentation showing they’ve been in existence 50 years or more.


RIDING

Meet your friends NEXT year:June 3 - 8, 2013

www.americade.com 518-798-7888

World’s Largest Touring Rally

AMA 1 inch OctNovDec.indd 1 7/9/2012 4:02:36 PM

A big thumbs up to the Treaty City M/C, based in Greenville, Ohio. The club, chartered in 1932, is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Started when seven men from Greenville, in the middle of the Great Depression, pooled their money and bought a single 1920 Harley-Davidson, the club thrives today with 128 members, 66 of whom are AMA Life Members. For more information about Treaty City M/C, including how to join, see www.treatycitymc.com.

Up to the venerable Rokon Trail-Breaker. The American-made, two-wheel-motorcycle has a starring role in this summer’s action flick “Expendables II.”

Down to police officers in Rochester, Maine, who only issued a warning to a teenage driver who made a U-turn in front of a motorcyclist, resulting in a crash.

Down to a Florida man for scamming his 78-year-old grandmother out of $200,000 so he could buy a motorcycle and live like a rock star—until he was caught.

Ask the MSF

PARKING TIPS Q: Is there any advice on parking my

bike, as well as on hills, or with respect to setting myself up for an easier “ride away” when it comes time to leave?

A: In general, avoid parking on a hill, especially if you have to move your motorcycle backward up an incline to get into or out of a space.

In regular lots, find a space visible to the attendants or the public, for security. Scan the surface for debris and oil spots so you won’t slip. Unless you have a wide, fully dressed bike, park toward one side of the space to leave room for another bike, unless it’s metered parking that prohibits multiple motorcycles.

For on-street parking, generally you want to park at an angle with your rear wheel toward the curb. Be sure the bike leans over firmly against the side stand so that it isn’t likely to topple over the other way should someone bump it. This can be difficult if the road slopes down toward the curb. In hot weather, place something solid and thin under the side stand (you can buy a “side stand puck” at your dealership) to prevent the stand from sinking into the asphalt.

When parking on a hill, point the front end uphill, even if you have to roll backward into the parking spot. If you have to park with the front end pointed downhill, leave the transmission in first gear to prevent the bike from rolling off the side stand. Whenever possible, situate your bike so gravity will help you if you need to back up.

THREE TIMES THE FUN110cc…The Perfect Displacement?

Honda has been making fun, small four-stroke playbikes since, well, forever. Sure, the Mini Trail, Z50R, XR and CRF-F lines have evolved, but the primary qualities haven’t changed: easy-to-use power, high reliability and universal appeal.

It’s a formula that has been adopted by other manufacturers, but

there hasn’t been exact model overlap. While one brand might settle on 90cc, another might go for 110cc and yet another may opt for 70cc—all for models that are identically sized physically.

But at last, we have convergence—at least in one playbike category.

Honda has updated the long-vaunted CRF70F. For 2013, the little red off-roader gets electric start, four speeds in the transmission and a 40cc displacement bump. The upgrades put the CRF110F in

the same league as the Kawasaki KLX110 and the Yamaha TTR110.

With three 110s in the marketplace, parents might

feel a bit more perplexed about making the right decision. But no worries. This is one case where making a wrong decision simply isn’t possible.

Info: powersports.honda.com, www.kawasaki.com,

www.yamaha-motor.com.

Up to Fayetteville, N.C.’s Fayetteville Observer. The newspaper published an editorial making a strong argument for more public off-highway riding areas.

Jeff

Kar

das

RIDING

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

STAYING INFORMEDAmerican MotorcyclistEach month, you receive the best magazine covering the motorcycle lifestyle.

THE ESSENTIALS

AMA Roadside AssistanceThe Best Deal In TowingGet 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.

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Motorcycle RentalsArrive And RideEagleRider offers a 10 percent discount on Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW and Polaris rentals and tours. Call (888) 900-9901.

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

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PRODUCT DISCOUNTS

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Either the Kawasaki that CHiPs used or the Triumph that the Fonz had.

Both could do anything, off road, on road and jump to the extent of flying. Nothing since has been so versatile.

Don Peter

Honda 50. Or the Suzuki Hayabusa. Or the Ducati 916. Or the... Crap, this is impossible.

Steve BotsfordThe best for me was the

'79 Honda XR80. Michael R. Brinkley

The new Yamaha VMax.

Matt Hokans The one in my garage. A KX250F!

Scott Miller

Hard one. I’m Harley guy (have three) but the Honda CB750 was and is a lot

of bike for the money. Theodore Rush I’ve been riding for over 45 years and

have yet to ride a bad one! They’re all the best in my book! Just depends on what

you want at that moment! Just ride! Make, model and year don’t mean squat!

Gary Taylor

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RIDING

BMW AirFlow Jacket

Sizes: Womens: 4-16; mens: 36-56 and 40L-50L (black), 36-50 (silver)MSRP: $599Info: www.bmwmotorcycles.com

BMW’s AirFlow Jacket is one-half of the AirFlow line, which also includes pants. I tested the jacket, which is designed to offer comfort, protection and good looks while keeping you cool.

My first impression is this is not a supple

jacket. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, of course, but in my case I opted for a slightly larger size. The EU 46 fit OK for my 5-foot, 3-inch, 135-pound build, although it was perhaps a tad roomy. I also noticed that the jacket zips “up” only, rather than in both directions, which would allow you to open it from the bottom.

The jacket does require a slight amount of break-in time. For the first 2,000 miles or so, I was more comfortable with a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath. Air flow, the main quality of this jacket, is excellent. Even with the jacket zipped all the way up,

I felt like it was just me and the wind, but without the worry of road rash or sunburn.

I encountered some rain, not a downpour, but enough to make me wipe off my faceshield. Although the jacket isn’t advertised as waterproof, I didn’t get uncomfortably wet even with the venting open. It’s a clever design. The solid material on the top of the arms and shoulders is an adequate rain shield if you are not in a monsoon.

Overall, the fit and finish were great. The electromagnetic-field blocking cell phone pocket was just the right size for my iPhone (if I didn’t have the earbuds plugged in). The glove pocket on the left and the zippered waist pockets worked well. (I did wish there was a right sleeve pocket for my credit card and some bills whenever I had to gas-n-go, though.) The armor felt solid.

Bottom line: I would trust this attractive jacket to carry me through most summer weather, from cool mornings to hot middays on black tarmac.

My few recommendations would be to make the cellphone pocket a little larger, add a sleeve pocket big enough for a

credit card and provide the option to zip the

front in both directions.—

Vicken Totten

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RIDING

In 2009, Marvin Musquin came out of nowhere to challenge for the World Motocross GP MX2 Championship. Aboard a struggling privateer team at the time, the 22-year-old was recruited by the Red Bull KTM team and he won the World Championship that year.

Musquin successfully defended his title in 2010 before packing his bags and heading for America with the American Red Bull KTM Team.

Although sidetracked with injuries last year, Musquin’s friendly off-track demeanor coupled with his fluid and almost effortless on-track style has made him a fan favorite.

Now he has an AMA Pro Motocross National win and is looking forward to his return to AMA Supercross.

Q: Marvin, tell us about your overall win at Unadilla this summer.

A: Yeah, that was just a great day! The track was very fun, and enjoyable to race on, especially with the rain from the previous day.

At Unadilla I was really focused on my starts, because at Washougal and Southwick I had great starts in both the first motos, but bad starts in both of the second motos. I got on the podium in the first motos, but my poor starts in both second motos cost me in the overall standings.

After the first moto at Unadilla where I finished second, I thought that anything was possible: “I can win the overall today.” So, as I said, at Unadilla I just really

focused on my starts, and it worked out. Not only was I very happy for myself, but I was also very happy for the team, and all the people around me. It’s been a long season and we’ve all been working very hard to get a win, which has been our goal for a while now.

Last year I had a bad season due to some injuries, and it was really hard to come back from that, but KTM believed in me, even the guys back at the factory in Austria.

Q: And you just signed on with Red Bull KTM for another two years?

A: Yes, I feel so good on the team, and am very comfortable here. There are so many great people on this team, like Roger (DeCoster, team manager), Ian (Harrison, team technician), my mechanic Frankie (Latham), and so many others. They have put so much effort into this team that it is great to see it pay off.

Ryan [Dungey] got the AMA Motocross Championship and won some Supercross races, and now I have won an outdoor round. So overall, it’s a good atmosphere

4 QUESTIONS WITH… Red Bull KTM Rider Marvin Musquin By Jim Kimball

RACING

Marvin Musquin

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here. I don’t want to leave a team that is as good as Red Bull KTM. It’s difficult to see myself anywhere else.

Q: The Monster Energy Cup is coming up, and with such a smooth style, Supercross seems perfect for you. What are your expectations?

A: I began riding Supercross in 2000 when I was 10 years old, back when I was riding a 65cc. My dad had built a track for me and my brother, and right away I just loved it! I especially enjoy the jumps, and how technical a Supercross track can be. More recently, though, I have felt that there are many more fast Supercross riders, and that it’s easier to race indoors. The tracks just seem like they are designed differently than they were before.

When you watch a Supercross from back in the day when (Ricky) Carmichael and (Jeremy) McGrath were racing, the tracks were gnarlier, and much more difficult. The jumps were steeper and trickier, and the whoops

were so huge. I’m looking forward to the Monster

Energy Cup. Last year I did OK, but in the final moto I crashed twice, and ended up out of the top 10.

After the Monster Energy Cup, I hope to take at least a short break. The season is so long that you need some time to let your body rest, and your mind too. I truly believe that it helps to get away from motocross a little bit. Then when you come back it’s exciting to ride your motorcycle again.

Q: What’s your goal when you return for the 2013 AMA Supercross season?

A: For sure, the goal is to win! This past season I got a few podiums, and ended up second overall in the championship. I didn’t get any overall race wins, but it was my first year in [AMA] Supercross. It has not been decided which coast I will race, but I will really like racing tracks that are close to my house in Southern California. The East Coast is pretty good too, because the dirt is softer, and it’s fun to race on, but it’s great to not fly every weekend.

AMA MEMBER TESTED Decal Works Pre-Printed Backgrounds And Graphics

Decal Works is a longtime provider of custom pre-printed backgrounds and aftermarket graphics for motocross bikes. The company offers a ton of stuff to help you customize your racebike, including sticker I.D. kits, apparel, plastics, etc.

Of course, Decal Works is not the only company doing this, and it can be difficult to see the difference between them and, say, Renegade MX Graphics and MGX Unlimited, especially with something as straightforward as pre-printed number-plate backgrounds.

Well, I don’t have anything against those companies, but I can say that Decal Works’ stuff does the job. It’s easy to install, looks good and holds up to abuse. Plus, the graphics fit the application. It may seem like a small thing, but aftermarket graphics often come up short in the fit department. Decal Works claims to have the best templates in the business, and it appears to make a difference.

The biggest pain with graphics, of course, is the installation. Although short of getting a pro mechanic to stick them on for you, Decal Works’ formulation works well. It resists creasing even for graphics amateurs.

I tested two variations of Decal Works graphics—the 22-mil gripper graphics and 19-mil

standard graphics. In my test, the non-grip 19 mil graphics held up much better. The-22 mil definitely gripped better initially, but once the gripper material wore away, what remained began to tear. That said, I’m exceptionally tough on side graphics. I wear knee braces and grip my bike incessantly when I ride.

Overall, I was impressed with Decal Works’ graphics and pre-printed backgrounds. They held up well and looked dynamite. Plus, the Decal Works website made ordering simple and delivery was fast.—Jason Frank

More info: www.decalmx.com

Jason Frank

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LOGAN CIPALA RULES IN WISCONSIN AMA Hillclimb Grand Championships Crown Champions

Logan Cipala, from Ellsworth, Wis., had an impressive weekend at the AMA Hillclimb Grand Championships in Bay City, Wis., on Aug. 17-19. Cipala won the 250 class and finished second in the Open class to claim AMA Hillclimber of the Year honors.

Hager City’s William Shaw, who won two national championships in the Open ATV and ATV Open 4-Stroke, is the ATV Rider of the Year, and Mini Junior Champion Casey Paider, also from Ellsworth, Wis., is the Youth Rider of the Year.

The event was promoted by Valley Springs MC, and club president Mike Bronk says the event was a hit with everybody.

“We ended up with 527 riders,” Bronk says. “It was a pretty challenging hill and for some of the people seeing it for the first time, it was a little intimidating, but as the weekend went on, we had minibikes make it up.

“Riders from out of state really seemed impressed,” he continues. “Maybe the best indication is I really didn’t have anybody come up hassling me, just folks with positive comments. We’re a new club that was just founded last year, and we’re proud to bring the nationals back to Bay City where they were held in ’77, ’81 and ’86.”

For full results from the AMA Hillclimb Grand Championships, see www.valleyspringshillclimb.com.

RACING

JARED MEES CLAIMS AMA PRO GRAND NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP AT SPRINGFIELD

Brian Smith Wins Mile; Henry Wiles Takes Short Track

Jared Mees wrapped up one AMA Pro Grand National Championship at Springfield and stayed ahead in the race for another.

But it was perhaps Bryan Smith who stole the show at the double-header event, putting his Kawasaki out front and winning the famed Springfield Mile in outstanding fashion.

“I couldn’t have done it without my team,” Smith said after the race. “They built one awesome bike, I’m very fortunate to be able to ride for them. I felt going in that I’m the best on mile tracks, and I definitely got the best out of my bike today. This was a big win for me.”

Smith claimed the lead for the first time on lap 5 and while he was challenged in the turns, he pulled solidly back out front on the back and front straights.

Sammy Halbert finished just 0.041 behind Smith, while Jared Mees finished third.

For Mees, the third-place finish was enough to keep him in the lead for combined Singles and Twins Grand National Championship points. It also came a day after the Michigan rider

locked up the Singles-only title with a third-place finish in the short-track event.

In his post-race comments, though, Mees made it clear that he has higher expectations for his season.

“[The Singles title] isn’t the biggest accomplishment that I’m aiming for this year, but it’s definitely a big one,” he said. “It was only a six-race season, but it was a lot of fun.”

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Also at the Springfield Mile, AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley (far right) and AMA Board Member Jim Viverito (far left) presented the 2012 AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider of the Year award to Jay Hall, shown here with wife, Tammy.

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TADDY BLAZUSIAK THRILLS AT ONTARIO ENDUROCROSS But Cody Webb Keeps Him Honest

KTM’s Taddy Blazusiak became the first two-time winner of GEICO AMA EnduroCross in 2012, but it didn’t come easy. Beta’s Cody Webb led for several laps and challenged Blazusiak for several more before the eventual winner moved out front for good.

In the main, Blazusiak took the holeshot with Webb close behind. Webb took the lead just past the halfway point and led for several laps toward what looked like his EnduroCross main event win, but then a small mistake opened the door for Blazusiak to reclaim the lead.

In the points race, Blazusiak leads with 99, while Webb is in second with 82. KTM’s Mike Brown is 7 more points back in third.

Jared Mees (left) and the AMA’s Joe Bromley

RACING

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

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RACE OFF-ROAD THIS WINTER AMA Mid-South Cross Country Winter Championship Series

The 2012-13 AMA Mid-South Cross Country Winter Championship Series will feature premier woods courses and high-level competition in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Alabama during the fall and winter seasons.

“Just because the calendar says it’s the off-season for part of the country, it doesn’t mean it’s the off-season for

everybody,” says AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Chuck Weir. “For riders in America’s Mid-South region, and for those willing to travel, the AMA MSXC Winter Championship Series offers excellent opportunities for riders of all ages and skill levels to get out and compete.”

The AMA MSXC Winter Championship Series kicked off in White Plains, Ky., on Sept. 23 and wraps up March 23-24, in McEwen, Tenn.

Series promoter Robert Rogers says the events are designed to run on

CORY GRAFFUNDER: NO. 1 Husqvarna Rider Wins Hare Scrambles Title

A solid finish was all it took for factory Husqvarna’s Cory Graffunder to wrap up the 2012 AMA Western Hare Scrambles Championship at the series finale: Montana’s Big Sky XC.

“I am still pretty banged up from my crash last month,” said Graffunder, who raced with a broken foot. “Between my foot, and my back, it’s been nearly a month since I’ve been on a motorcycle. I just had to come out here and ride a solid race. It didn’t matter if I won the race; I just needed to score points.”

The title is Graffunder’s first major AMA championship.

U.S. MOTOCROSSERS FARE WELL IN BULGARIA Team Brings Home Third In World Championship

On Aug. 24-26, six riders made the trek to Sevlievo, Bulgaria, to compete for the United States at the 2012 FIM Junior World Championship. The Netherlands won the team championship, followed by Italy. The U.S. team finished third.

Jordan Smith, 16, and Jerek Balkovic, 16, competed in the 125cc class. Austin Forkner, 13, and Jake Pinhancos, 14, raced in the 85cc class. Conner Mullennix, 12, and Parker Mashburn, 10, fielded 65cc bikes.

Although the U.S. riders showed considerable speed on the track, they were plagued by mechanical problems, crashes and even errant fencing throughout the event.

“We’re extremely proud of all of our riders,” says AMA Motocross Manager Kip Bigelow. “This was a tough,

character-building event, and I’m pleased to report that the young men representing the United States held their heads high and gave it their all against the best youth motocross racers in the world.

“We congratulate The Netherlands on their win, but we’re already looking forward to next year when we intend to return to the FIM Junior Motocross World Championships and reclaim the world title,” Bigelow added.

To help offset the cost of supporting the U.S. team in Bulgaria, the AMA has organized an online auction that will take place the last week of October. It will include one-of-a-kind items donated by AMA Supercross and Motocross stars. Search for “AMA Jr MX” at www.ebay.com to bid.

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schedule, challenge the riders with fun courses and

draw the region’s top talent. “We have a lot of

experienced organizers who run the individual

rounds,” Rogers says. “They

understand what land they have

available and how best to use that land to put together the best off-road routes possible. We offer a real variety, with a slight bias toward tight layouts that can really test your ability to go fast through the woods.”

Rogers says that AMA MSXC Winter Championship Series events typically feature 8- to 10-mile loops and run bikes for a minimum of 1 hour, 55 minutes. ATVs run 1 hour, 30 minutes. The program also features PeeWee, Mini and Junior youth classes. More information is available at www.msxc.com.

L-R: Parker Mashburn, Jordan Smith, Conner Mullennix, Austin Forkner, Jake Pinhancos, Jerek Balkovic

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HALL OF FAME

This Harley-Davidson XR750 dirt-tracker was raced by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Terry Poovey in the early 1980s.

The bike features a Lawwill-designed frame, Marzocchi forks, Harley hubs, Sun rims, 4.00 x 19 Carlisle tires and a rear disc brake. The engine is a 45-cubic-inch (750cc) powerplant with Axtell heads, OEM stainless valves, Lawwill cams, OEM pistons and Mikuni flat-slide carbs.

It’s a four-speed machine with a foot shift and dry clutch.

Built and tuned by Terry’s brother, Teddy, who also raced in the AMA Grand National Championship Series, this bike earned victories for Terry at the 1981 Daytona (Fla.), short track, 1981 Indianapolis Mile and the 1982 Knoxville (Tenn.) half-mile.

Over the length of his 30-year race career, Poovey earned 11 AMA Grand National wins on mile, half-mile and short-track courses while racing aboard Bultaco, Harley-Davidson, Honda and Rotax-powered machines.

In fact, Poovey is one of only a handful of riders who have competed in 350 AMA National main events. His stats spell out the success and staying power of his career: over 200 top-10 finishes, 80 top-five finishes, 11 National wins and two championship titles.

While many fans regard Poovey as a short-track specialist, only four of his Grand National wins were actually earned on short tracks. However, he has a career total of 20 wins at Daytona, 18 of those accumulated as a Junior and Junior

Expert racer.“It’s the first big race I ever won,”

Poovey says. “When I came here as a Junior in 1974, I won two out of three nights. I won the Junior night, then came back the following night and won the Junior-Expert night. If you combine the old short track and the new track I have 20 wins at Daytona.”

Poovey retired from full-time professional competition in 2005.

His Harley-Davidson XR750 dirt-tracker is now owned by Jim Oldiges and is on display in the “Dirt-Track! All-American Motorcycle Racing” exhibit at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio.

For more information, go to www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

TERRY POOVEY’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON XR750 DIRT-TRACKER An Indy Mile Winner

Moviemaker Bruce Brown produced the classic motorcycling movie “On Any Sunday” in 1971. The movie was a critical success and was nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary feature. The film helped spur the explosive growth of motorcycling during the 1970s and many people from all walks of life took up motorcycling after seeing it.

Brown’s movie conveyed the fun and enjoyment that motorcycling added to people’s lives. It also documented the 1970 season of AMA Grand National racing by following defending dirt-track champion Mert Lawwill, now a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Off-road racing legend and Hall of Famer Malcolm Smith also played a major role in the film.

Brown was born in San Francisco on Dec. 1, 1937, and grew up in Southern California. He first earned acclaim for his groundbreaking surfing movie, “Endless Summer,” which was released in 1966.

He had a Triumph and many of the

surfers he hung out with were getting into riding as well. Brown then got more involved in the sport and began attending races around Southern California.

“I remember going to Ascot Park and watching the dirt-track races,” Brown says. “I met a few of the racers and was struck by how approachable and how nice most of these guys were. It wasn’t at all like the image a lot of people had about motorcycle riders in those days. I just thought it would be neat to do a movie about motorcycle racing and the people involved.”

Actor and future Hall of Famer Steve McQueen financed “On Any Sunday.”

At one point, Brown found a perfect location for a sunset beach-riding segment featuring McQueen, Lawwill and Smith—Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base.

Brown tried to show the unique talents needed for the different forms of racing. For instance, the motocross riders were typically free-spirited types, while desert racers were often loners. In Grand National racing, Brown showed the differing personalities, such as the business-like approach to racing displayed by Lawwill in contrast to the carefree approach for

which rookie David Aldana, a future Hall of Famer, became known.

Many racers credited the movie with helping their careers. Smith credits “On Any Sunday” with giving him the worldwide recognition that enabled him to become a leading entrepreneur in the off-road motorcycling business.

Bruce Brown was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

To read more, go to www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Hall of Famer

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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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You can’t say that Zero Motorcycles is so focused on the future it has forgotten motorcycling’s past. The American-made electric motorcycle manufacturer is the official ring sponsor for the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

“It is refreshing to see Zero Motorcycles, a pioneering company that is taking electric motorcycle technology to new levels, honor motorcycling’s storied history and pay tribute to pioneers of yesteryear,” says Jeff Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises money for the Hall of Fame. “The Hall of Fame rings are an important part of the induction ceremony and, for many inductees, the ring is an enduring symbol of their lifetime achievements. Zero Motorcycles’ support is helping make all that possible.”

The prestigious AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame ring is a symbol of the significant

contributions made by an inductee to the sport, business and lifestyle of motorcycling. The gold ring, which was created

exclusively for the Hall of Fame, bears the institution’s logo, the “Glory Days” design and the name of the inductee.

Scot Harden, who is vice president of global marketing for Zero Motorcycles and also a member of the Hall of Fame, says that Zero Motorcycles is proud to be a part of the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

“On behalf of the entire staff of Zero Motorcycles, it is a proud honor indeed to support the Hall of Fame as official ring sponsor of the 2012 induction ceremony,” Harden says. “The men and women selected reflect the highest level of achievement and accomplishment possible in our sport.”

The induction ceremony will be held at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa on Friday, Nov. 16, in Las Vegas, Nev.

ZERO MOTORCYCLES SPONSORS 2012 AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME RINGS Respecting The Past

TUNER DEREK ‘NOBBY’ CLARK TO BE INDUCTED INTO AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAMECeremony Set For Nov. 16 In Las Vegas, Nev.

Famed Grand Prix motorcycle roadracing tuner Derek “Nobby” Clark has been elected to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in a supplemental vote for the class of 2012.

“I’m very excited, and I’m looking forward to being in Las Vegas for the induction ceremony and seeing my old friends,” Clark says.

The supplemental vote that inducted Clark was necessary to correct administrative and procedural errors that nullified his original ballot for the 2012 election.

“We apologize to Mr. Clark for the mistakes surrounding his original ballot, and we’re pleased to welcome him to the Hall

of Fame as the result of the supplemental vote,” says Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Hall of Fame. “Mr. Clark stands shoulder-to-shoulder with roadracing’s most enduring legends. It’s time for Mr. Clark to take his rightful place among the many legends who embody the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

For more on Clark and the rest of the Class of 2012, see page 36. For more information about the Hall of Fame, go to www.motorcyclemuseum.org.P

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HISTORY MAKERS

HISTORY MAKERS

On Nov. 16

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2012

in Las Vegas, Nev., seven legends of motorcycling will take their rightful place in history as members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of

Fame Class of 2012. The induction ceremony at the Red Rock Resort, Casino & Spa, celebrates these motorcyclists’ outstanding achievements and recognizes their timeless contributions to the sport and pastime for which we all live.

Members of the Class of 2012 are: the late Rod Bush, KTM North America president and industry visionary; world championship roadracing tuner Nobby Clark; off-road racing champion Ty Davis; 1975 AMA Supercross Champion Jimmy Ellis; pioneering female motocrosser Sue Fish; world-class bike restorer Brian Slark; and iconic race flagger, the late Al Wilcox.

In addition, the gala event will spotlight two previously inducted members of the Hall of Fame who played a key role in the celebrated motorcycling documentary “On Any Sunday”: 1998 inductees Malcolm Smith, a pioneer in off-road motorcycling, and Mert Lawwill, the 1969 AMA Grand National Champion whose title defense was the central theme of the timeless film.

Actor, motorcyclist and AMA Board of Directors member Perry King will host the Friday night induction ceremony. It will include a cocktail hour, dinner, engaging speeches and compelling video that will mark the occasion in spectacular fashion.

The weekend also includes one of the country’s leading motorcycle shows and the finale of one of the most thrilling AMA-sanctioned national racing series. On Saturday, Nov. 17, the Red Rock will host the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance, featuring many of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. That evening, at the nearby Orleans Arena, fans can catch the last round of the 2012 GEICO AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series.

The AMA Legends Weekend, Nov. 16-17 in Las Vegas, Nev., is one of the sport’s biggest events. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness history. Tickets and additional event information are available at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.


Off-Road Maestro:

Ty Davis

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through the early 2000s, Ty Davis was arguably off-road motorcycle racing’s most versatile champion. Winning at national-caliber events from the tight enduros of the east to the wide-open spaces of the western desert, Davis racked up AMA National Championships and captured the respect of fellow racers across the nation.

Born in Bakersfield, Calif., in 1969, and raised in Hesperia, Davis was encouraged by his father to start riding at an early age. Despite his dad’s affinity for desert racing, Davis says there was no pressure for him to start competing at a young age.

“I just loved riding,” Davis says. “I would just go out there and ride in circles. Did I want to become a racer? No. When they had races, I kind of shied [away] from it. But then when I finally started, around 12, I did OK. Then I did another race, and I was hooked. My dad, though, said it was too extreme to race desert and that I should race motocross, as he was trying to qualify for the [International] Six Days [Enduro] team, so we didn’t do much desert racing after that.”

Davis was a top regional amateur motocrosser, winning the Golden State National Championship in the 250cc Pro class in 1987 then the 125cc and 250cc TransCal Series championships in 1988. Davis’ most high-profile title came at the 1990 AMA Supercross 125cc West Region Championship, when he beat future AMA Supercross star and Hall of Famer Jeremy McGrath.

“The biggest thing about the 125cc title was the story behind the scenes,” Davis says. “I bought my

own two bikes, and Jimmy Button and I were driving our own vans to the races.

I just raced a production bike out there, but I had the

determination.”Davis pointed out of

the 125cc class and had to move to the

250cc class in 1991.

“Mentally, I wasn’t ready for the 250 class,” Davis says. “I needed another year to mature in that class. That’s when ATK called, and they offered me a bunch of money to win the White Brothers Four-Stroke Nationals.”

Davis accepted ATK’s offer and raced the series after the AMA Supercross season concluded, winning the 500cc and 600cc titles and then competing in the famed Baja 1000 desert race.

“The first year I raced Baja 500 for ATK, they took care of me,” Davis remembers. “They screwed up in the pits and never changed my filter. We lost the race by 17 seconds, but they were so happy, and since they realized they screwed up, they gave me my win-bonus anyway.”

Davis stayed with ATK in ’92, but was hurt most of the year. The next year, he moved to Kawasaki. The next several years were a development period for Davis. Although he was on the winning Baja 1000 team four times, from 1993-96, he was still finding his speed in individual events.

“I either got my [butt] handed to me by LR [Hall of Famer Larry Roeseler] or I couldn’t beat Danny [Hamel] in the desert,” Davis says. “I decided that if I’m going to stay at Kawasaki that I need to find another place where I can be the hero. That’s when I looked at doing the AMA National Enduro Championship.”

It was a good move. Davis earned Kawasaki its first, and only, overall AMA National Enduro Championship in 1995. Davis won again in 1999, giving Yamaha its first overall enduro title. By now,

Davis was also winning in the desert, claiming the AMA National Hare & Hound Championship in 1997, 1998 and 2002.

Davis’ success hasn’t been limited to the racecourse. In 2001, while still actively competing at the highest levels, Davis started Zip-Ty Racing Products to develop and sell specialized parts for off-road race bikes. He continues to run the company today.

Davis says he’s honored to be recognized by the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

“It’s amazing, really,” Davis says. “To be honored with so many of the guys I raced

against and those who I’ve looked up to is humbling. Being in the Hall of Fame is

a huge honor, and I’m excited to be recognized like this.”

November 2012 37

Pushing The Envelope:

Rod Bush

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when KTM motorcycles were an obscure European brand with moderate penetration in the off-road market and effectively none in the motocross world.

Then Rod Bush came along.Bush, who passed away in 2005, helped lead KTM North America through

its formative years, serving as company president from 1987 until his death in 2005. Under his leadership, the Austrian company grew from a small European alternative into an off-road racing powerhouse. Today, KTM stands atop the motocross world as well, with KTM factory rider Ryan Dungey winning the 2012 AMA Pro Motocross National Championship.

“So much of the success KTM has seen in North America is built on the foundation that Rod worked so hard to create,” says current KTM North America President Jon-Erik Burleson. “As a mentor and friend of mine, his leadership and success were, and continue to be, great inspiration to continue to push forward. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame represents the pinnacle of those who have achieved so much for our sport and industry. I am deeply happy for his family and his legacy for him to be honored with such prestigious recognition.”

While leading KTM, Bush also made numerous contributions to U.S. teams in national and international competition, helping advance American off-road racing in general. A major influence in developing both rules packages and minicycle technology, Bush’s efforts helped revolutionize youth competition in America in the 1990s—a development that has continued to fuel the steady advancement of American motocross and off-road racers.

Bush is survived by his wife, Cheri, who says his influence went beyond tangible milestones.

“Rod had a tremendous amount of integrity, honesty and fairness,” she says. “He lived every day to the fullest, and everything he did involved

motorcycles and KTM. KTM and the people who worked for him truly were a part of his family. I think that was recognized even at the highest

levels of the company. His opinions were valued greatly in Austria, where they had great faith in Rod and what he was doing in America, and I think that was reflected when he was appointed one of three managing directors for the parent company.”

Born July 6, 1955, in Huntington, W.Va., Bush rode his first hare scrambles in 1970 and three years later opened a Penton dealership in Parkersburg, W.Va., with his father. Bush started taking his racing seriously, and began competing in the International Six Days Trial in 1974, ultimately winning gold

medals in later ISDTs. In 1976, Bush started working for Penton Imports as a sales representative.

In 1978, Bush left Penton Imports to help form KTM America, later KTM North America, with Jack Lehto. In 1987, Bush took the position of KTM North America president when the company was selling about 2,500 motorcycles a year. When Bush died in

2005, KTM North America sold approximately 28,000 units annually and had 140 employees. During his

tenure at KTM, Bush was elected as a partner and one of three managing directors of KTM Group, as well as a member

of the AMA Board of Directors.Bush is also survived by his son, Robbie, his daughter, Stacy,

and granddaughter, Amaris.


Motocross Champion:

Sue Fish

The further back you look through time, the more you realize how far we’ve come. That’s the lesson taught by the career of pioneering female motocross racer Sue Fish, the 1976 and 1977 Women’s National Motocross Champion.

Fish’s career has inspired thousands of woman to race motocross and ride off-road. Today, not only do women participate in national-caliber series, but in many disciplines they compete head-to-head against male competitors. Fish helped break those boundaries for women racers.

In addition to dominating the female ranks, Fish—who currently lives in Santa Barbara, Calif.—was one of the first women motocross racers to hold a professional racing license from the AMA and compete regularly against men. Known by the nickname, “The Flying Fish,” she raced in the AMA 125cc National Motocross Championship. Fish’s talents extended beyond motocross when she competed in the 1978 Subaru International Motorcycle Olympiad, a two-day event encompassing all types off off-road racing. Fish also competed on asphalt, racing in the men’s expert ranks in 600cc roadracing classes.

Fish put her talents to work on the big screen as well, working as a Hollywood stuntwoman. Her credits include “Terminator” and “Footloose.” She also traveled as part of Evel Knievel’s stunt show in Australia.

“I was just a young gal doing what I love to do: riding motorcycles,” Fish says. “Motocross is a sport that I love with every cell in my body, and I just feel incredibly honored to be recognized for the sport I so loved. Motorcycling was my way of life. It gave me a way of looking at things that taught me so many wonderful lessons about life.”

Even though she inspired so many women racers to chase their dreams on the motocross track, Fish said that as a young woman racer she never viewed that as her purpose.

“I don’t really consider myself a pioneer,” she says. “I was just riding motorcycles. I never had an agenda. Yes, there was a lot of press, but for me it was never about proving a point. I just loved riding. Ever since my father put me on the tank of his motorcycle when I was 3 years old, I’ve had to be on a motorcycle, and it was that love of riding that drove me.”

Fish was born Nov. 9, 1958. Her father, who competed in dirt track and hare scrambles, taught her how to ride when she was 11. By 14, she started racing, winning her first race that year. At age 19, she advanced to the AMA Pro Racing national circuit. Her final professional race was the 1985 Women’s National Championship in Palmdale, Calif., where she ultimately finished third after running out of fuel in the final moto. Since her retirement from racing, Fish has focused on personal fitness training and mountain bike racing, where she raced for the Factory Yeti team and was a consistent top finisher in National Off-Road Bicycle Association competition.

November 2012 39

Tuner To Champions:

Derek ‘Nobby’ Clark

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have wrenched on one world-championship winning team. A few have tuned for a few world title winners. Perhaps only one has played a fundamental role in capturing 17 world roadracing titles across multiple displacements over three decades.

That man is Derek “Nobby” Clark.The list of greats who Clark has worked with reads like a Who’s Who

of champions. It includes Hall of Famers Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, Kel Carruthers and Kenny Roberts. In addition to 17 FIM Grand Prix world titles, earned in classes ranging from 50cc to 500cc, Clark contributed to winning three Daytona 200s, one Daytona 100, four Imola 200s and eight Italian championships.

“This was a great surprise,” Clark says of his coming induction. “It’s a great honor to be inducted. With many of the guys I worked for already in the Hall of Fame, all I can say is I know I’m in good company.”

Clark not only excelled at the highest level, tuning for some of history’s greatest racers, but also worked with racing’s most memorable personalities.

“Of course they all loved to race,” he says. “Mike, especially, loved to race and more than Kenny and more than Ago, the money didn’t come into it with Mike. He just loved to race. If he could have raced seven days a week, he would have done that.

“Kenny: I respect him for coming in from America and winning,” Clark continues. “It was different in every way, a different league, a different culture. But Kenny adapted and progressed and he represented the vanguard of American riders coming to Europe.”

Clark was born Sept. 29, 1936, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia). He studied engineering at Bulawayo Technical High School and did his apprenticeship for Rhodesia Railways. As a vibrant motorcycling counterculture developed in Zimbabwe, Clark’s high-school friend, Gary Hocking, built a reputation first on the streets of Bulawayo then on local racetracks. Hocking’s exploits ultimately took him to Europe, and he encouraged Clark to follow.

In 1960, Hocking got a ride with MV Agusta and hired Clark as his tuner. That year, Hocking was runner-up in 125, 250 and 350cc FIM World Championships. In 1961, he won the 350 and 500cc titles.

Clark went to work for the factory Honda team and Jim Redman following Hocking’s death in a Formula One car crash in 1962. He stayed with Honda, where he worked with Hailwood, and then joined a Yamaha satellite team in 1971. In 1972, he joined the Yamaha factory team.


Pioneering Supercross Star:

Jimmy Ellis

In the early 1970s,AMA Supercross was born, and one of the

first champions of what is now one of the world’s largest, most successful motorsports was Jimmy Ellis, the 1975 AMA Supercross 250cc National Champion.

Although the sport was young and featured only four rounds in 1975, the finale at the Los Angeles Coliseum was televised nationally. Ellis won the event, capping his sweep of the series, and helped ignite a mainstream passion for AMA Supercross that continues to thrive today.

Born Oct. 19, 1955, in Middletown, Conn., Ellis started racing in New England in the 1960s and quickly established himself as a regional powerhouse. His performance attracted the attention of Montreal-based Can-Am, and the growing factory team hired Ellis to race the national circuit. In 1974, riding the works 250 Can-Am, Ellis finished third for the 250cc national title, with two overall wins.

Ellis was going strong, and his most lasting contribution to the sport came the following year. In 1975, Ellis won the AMA Supercross 250cc championship by sweeping the four-round series, punctuated by a dominant victory in the high-profile finale at the L.A. Coliseum.

“The L.A. race was certainly one of the biggest races of my life,” Ellis remembers. “I think winning that race had a lot to do with how I felt at the time, and what I was feeling was that it didn’t matter who I was riding against. I knew I could win and was quite confident. And my bike was very quick. That track was a very fast layout, and it suited the bike well.”

Ellis says that those early years of AMA Supercross did not resemble the extravagant show that it has become today.

“I never realized Supercross was going to be as big as it is,” he says. “All those years ago, I took it as just simply another race that I wanted to win. It’s certainly become a much bigger business today, and more professional than what it was then. Today, it has grown six-fold into a multimillion dollar business. When we did it, we were there for the companies, sure, but mostly it was just for ourselves and racing motorcycles.”

Ellis continued to give Can-Am top finishes through the 1977 season, after which Honda hired him for its U.S. factory effort. Ellis was a contender on the national circuit for a few more years, finishing second in 1978 to future Hall of Famer Bob Hannah for the 250cc national championship.

Following a knee injury, Ellis transitioned into retirement during the 1981-82 seasons and moved back to New England to work for his father’s company. Soon, though, he got a call from a promoter in Australia offering him a ride.

“I thought it was a prank call,” remembers Ellis, who today supervises a large machine shop for an Australian manufacturing company. “I got the call in the middle of the night. I told him, ‘Sure, send me a plane ticket.’ Well, a few weeks later, a ticket showed up in the mail. I went, raced, won, got married, got a job and stayed.”

Ellis says that it is an honor to be recognized by the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

“Motorcycle racing was something that was extremely exciting for me,” he said. “It gave me a good career, a good lifestyle, and it let me see the world. It’s just fantastic to be honored with this, and I’m very, very excited and looking forward to coming and seeing some old faces. It does seem like yesterday that I was riding with some of the fastest riders in the world. The induction ceremony is going to be overwhelming, and I’m looking forward to it. I can’t thank everyone involved enough.”

November 2012 41

World-Class Motorcycle Restorer:

Brian Slark

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one of motorcycling’s true Renaissance men. Not only did he help establish the sport of motocross in America, but he has created works of motorcycling art that have found a home in the country’s leading motorcycle museums.

Born in London, England, on Feb. 2, 1938, Slark was a moving force in the creation of a vibrant motocross-racing community in the United States during the 1960s. He helped organize motocross tracks, and promoted the sport by teaching famous people—including then-teen heartthrob Bobby Darin—to ride motorcycles. He also imported and built Rickman Metisse and Cheney motocrossers.

Slark later assisted the late Dave Mungenast—who is also a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame—in the creation of a motorcycle museum in St. Louis. He then helped create the world-class Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Ala. Slark also played a key role in setting up the bikes for the immensely popular “The Art of the Motorcycle” exhibit at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City in 1998.

“As my wife said, for once I was absolutely speechless,” Slark says about learning of his Hall of Fame induction. “[Working with motorcycles is] something I’ve been doing nearly 60-plus years and I love it. I never ranked myself in the league of other people in the industry.”

Slark says he is humbled that he is being inducted into the Hall of Fame where his longtime friend Mungenast is also honored.

“Dave was an incredibly multi-talented person,” Slark says. “He did so much for kids and everybody. He was a mentor. He was a wonderful guy and a good friend. To be in the same league as Dave is an incredible compliment. I can’t express how I feel.”

Slark’s motorcycling career spans more than 60 years. It began in 1957 when he started work at Associated Motorcycles (AJS and Matchless) in London, England, testing and evaluating bikes.

In 1964 he spent a year in California riding desert events and helping organize motocross tracks. His experience prompted him to move to California the following year.

In 1969, Slark managed the service and competition departments for Norton and AJS at the west coast factory facility. Later, he became marketing communications manager for Norton-Villiers and advised designers on models for the North American market. He also did the teardown and assembly of bikes from 1971 to 1984 for Clymer manuals.

Slark decided to strike out on his own in 1976, and he opened a British bike shop in Southern California. Two years later he became the volunteer technical editor for the International Norton Owners Association—a role he still holds today.

In 1986, Slark sold his bike shop and moved to St. Louis. Ten years later, he joined the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum as technical director. He remains in that post today.


Racing Icon:

Al Wilcox

‘Airborne’ Al Wilcox was a fixture at motorcycle races for more than five decades. As one of the sport’s most legendary starters, he was an enduring ambassador for motorcycling throughout the second half of the twentieth century.

Born in Trenton, N.J., in 1919, Wilcox began riding motorcycles in 1936 and, following military service during World War II, began racing in 1947. His race career spanned 19 years—from 1947 to 1966—and he held national No. 49. In addition to being a successful speedway racer for four years, Wilcox also finished well in TT, dirt-track and hare scrambles races over the course of his long career.

Wilcox began flagging races in 1959, increasing his duties after ending his racing career in 1966. He went on to flag the famed Daytona 200 motorcycle race for many years with AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame flagger Duke Pennell, and also performed flagging duties for WERA roadraces for decades.

Wilcox became known as “Airborne Al” because of his unique flagging style, which involved jumping up in the air at the end of a race during his 50-plus years of flagging.

Wilcox also was a race promoter from 1965 through 1974. He died Feb. 3, 2011, at age 92.

“I think it’s great! I really do,” says Wilcox’s daughter Joyce Markulec. “I just wish my dad was alive to see it. He would be on cloud 49. It was his true love, besides my mother. He had 70 years of involvement with motorcycles, riding, racing and flagging. My father was a true legend, not only with the motorcycling community but with his family as well. Rest in peace, dad.”

Former racer Roger Lyle, who operates the Motorcycle Xcitement track days and roadracing school, had a longtime association with Wilcox.

“He lived motorcycle racing right up to his 92 years on this earth,” Lyle says. “Al dedicated 70 years of his life to motorcycle racing! He was my hero, best friend, Motorcycle Xcitement’s official starter emeritus, ‘Motorcycle Racing’s National Treasure,’ AMA national No. 49, `Starter to The Stars,’ race promoter, racer, family man, and so much more.

“I would always leave time at our riders meetings for Al to tell us a story,” he says. “It was my way of history class for our riders to show them what you can achieve from riding and racing motorcycles. Every story was glorious, and we hung onto his every word.

“Being in his 90s he knew what he was talking about,” Lyle says. “He had seen history made and repeat itself.”

November 2012 43

Celebrating The RideWomen Riders Bring It At The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference By Jan Plessner Photos By Karen Derby

Riding in from places

like Portland, Ore. (605 miles), Miamisburg, Ohio (2,300 miles), and Ottawa, Ontario,

Canada (2,707 miles), women

motorcyclists from all over North America—

and places beyond—converged in Carson

City, Nev., this summer for motorcycling’s premier event designed

specifically for women who ride: the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference.

The conference, attendees say, brings together such a broad group of women—and a few men—because it combines friendship, fun and self-improvement in a single event. When asked what they liked most about the conference, women talk about how easy and enjoyable it is to open up and connect with so many other women motorcyclists. Throughout the long weekend, everyone remarks on the abundance of positive energy, love, respect

and acceptance among the group.

“There is this instant bonding thing that happens when you talk to other women here,” explains 2004 Harley-Davidson V-Rod owner Marcia Lescault of Flagstaff, Ariz. “Nobody is going to criticize you if you drop your bike. The sisterhood is very nurturing, especially if you are a newer rider.”

One enduring quality of the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference is its mechanical diversity, and this year is no exception. In fact, it seems to draw an even more diverse range of bike styles than prior years. The parking lot is full with cruisers, sport, dual-sport and adventure bikes. Many of the mounts are late model or new machines—perhaps reflecting the broadening tastes among women riders in general.


The diverse license plates aren’t lost on conference attendee and presenter Peg Preble.

“These women came from far and wide. I’m sure most of these motorcycles were ridden to the event. There is a 1970s-era CB550, sportbikes with tread used up to the sidewalls, full-dress cruisers, bikes just off the showroom floor and everything else in between,” Preble says.

Common BondsMoto-journalists and co-owners of the

Big Apple Motorcycle School in Hicksville, N.Y., Diane Ortiz and husband George Tranos flew into Los Angeles so they could ride and evaluate a pair of 776-pound BMW flagship touring bikes on their way north to Carson City.

“The most impressive thing to me is that even though there are obvious differences between the sexes, women share the same goals…and have similar concerns,” Tranos says.

He notes that many of the conference

seminars address safety, skill building, overcoming obstacles and self-reliance.

“I think women are more safety conscious and have better insight into the emotional and mental obstacles that riders can put in their own way. These are topics you might not ordinarily find at a large rally,” Tranos says.

Attendee Louise “Weezie” Couturier says that the conference environment allows riders to push their personal boundaries—safely.

“At this event, you can grow past your limits. You can ride at night, in a group or go for long-distance rides,” explains Couturier, a 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom owner from Pleasanton, Calif. “It’s so nice to see such a large

group of women riding in one area. You just look around and we are everywhere.”

For vendors at the conference, women riders represent an attractive and growing population of potential customers.

“Most people consider the women’s market a niche market. When women attend other events, most vendors look past the fact that women actually operate the motorcycles, too,”

says Randy Northrup of Schuberth North America. “The women’s market is stronger than many companies realize. These women are hardcore riders and savvy consumers. This conference provided us with the opportunity to not only get in front of this key market segment, but to gain unfiltered, valuable insight directly from women riders themselves.”

Although men are in attendance, there’s no denying that this is an event primarily for women.

“Attending another AMA Women & Motorcycling Conference always validates for me the need for women riders to have a special event just for them,” says Genevieve Schmitt, editor of WomenRidersNow.com. “Seeing all these women come together from far and wide, under the shared passion of motorcycle riding, and witnessing the community and spirit that exudes from that is something you just don’t see at mixed-gender motorcycle events.”

Legends and LuminariesOne of the highlights of this year’s

conference is an emotional evening featuring special guest racing legend Mary McGee. McGee started racing cars in 1956 and motorcycles a year later. When introduced, she gallops up on stage. At 75-years-young, McGee still races a vintage 1974 Husky 250 dirtbike in the over-70 class “with the men,” she says.

McGee has the crowd in stitches with stories about desert racing, post-crash hitchhiking and three-bucket showers. Her first solo race in Baja was in 1975 and she remembers it like it was yesterday.

McGee said she prefers “motorcycle people.” Her goal is to be riding for another 30 years until she is 105. If anyone can continue to ride competitively past the century mark, it’s Mary McGee.

Another guest of honor is Sue Fish, the 1976 and 1977 Women’s National Motocross Champion and 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee. Fish will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame on Nov. 16 at the Red Rock Resort,

November 2012 45

Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev.

“Motorcycle racing provided me with an incredible career and so many opportunities,” Fish says. “The Hall of Fame induction is something I never even considered. I hope I can find a way to give back to the industry that has done so much for me.”

For Fish, the women at the conference are marked by “a kindred, adventurous spirit, and a deep passion for riding motorcycles and living life to the fullest.”

Another exceptional woman motorcyclist at the conference is Erin Hunter. Hunter, a successful San Francisco business executive, landspeed competitor and world record holder, says that she and her brother both inherited the “go fast” gene from her father.

“Yeah, my mom was also great, as she tolerated the need for speed,” she laughs.

With her petite frame and calm demeanor, you would never guess that Hunter is a Bonneville Salt Flats regular. The fastest female with a landspeed world record in a streamliner motorcycle, Hunter has since moved onto racing traditional motorcycles. Hunter and her fiancé, Andy

Sills, a successful landspeed racer in his own right, created an annual award to acknowledge other female racers who participate in the Bonneville event.

“This type of racing is gender neutral,” Hunter explains. “Men and women race against the same records.”

This Parade’s For YouThe AMA International Women &

Motorcycling Conference showcases women riders at every turn, and one of the best examples of that is the police-escorted parade right through town that kicks off the event.

“Please do not stop at red lights along the parade route. Just keep going,” instructs a local police officer at the riders meeting.

Everyone’s faces light up accordingly.At the end of the parade, opening

ceremonies for the conference take place at the Nevada Supreme Court Amphitheater, right next to the State Capitol Building. Conference attendees hear from an assortment of dignitaries including Carson City Mayor Robert Crowell, AMA Board of Directors Vice

Chairwoman Maggie

McNally and AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. The ceremonies end with a colorful father-son Native American dance and drum exhibition.

Skill SharpeningOne of the biggest draws at this year’s

conference is the seminar program.Nancy Foote, who owns motorcyclist-

training company Streetmasters, and three-time Daytona winner and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Walt Fulton offer a Precision Cornering workshop. Every person who takes the class is buzzing from the experience.

After returning home to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, on her 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan 800, Winnie Smit has good things to say about the class.

“Their [Streetmasters] expert critiquing and advice stuck with me the entire trip home,” Smit says. “On every curve, I could hear Nancy saying breathe, relax your hands on the grips, gear down and turn your head the way you are going. It does work and I’m going to continue practicing the techniques every time I ride. ”

Bonnie Warch and Andrea Beach from Coach2Ride offer daily dirtbike classes for novice off-road riders adjacent to the streetbike demo area. It is a popular attraction for women street riders interested in tackling the challenges of riding off-road.

Classes don’t focus just on riding technique. Vicki Sanfelipo, founder of Accident Scene Management Inc., and Gina Woods of Open Road Radio provide a talk and demonstration on managing a

crash scene.Betty Uhlman, who rode her

2011 Bonneville Triumph 900


The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference started out for me just like it did for hundreds of other women all over the continent. After clearing my schedule months earlier, I made sure my motorcycle was ready to go. Then I stuffed as much as I could into two 10-gallon Kawasaki Vaquero 1700 hard side cases and a backpack.

The entire trip was 473 miles door to door, with an overnight in Bishop, Calif. On day two, I joined four moto-industry gals for the 170-mile leg from Bishop to Carson City, Nev. A much earlier departure time, cooler temps, great roads, elevation changes, breathtaking scenery and riding with friends made day two a thousand times more enjoyable.

As soon as we arrived in Carson City and collected our registration goodies, I met as many attendees as possible. I could see new friendships budding all around and longtime associates catching up with laughter and hugs.

For four days, hundreds of women from all over North America, and some from as far away as Europe, shared their experiences, lessons learned and dreams for the future. No two women were exactly alike, yet I saw a piece of myself in everyone I met. Enthusiasm and positive attitudes were everywhere.

Conference attendees projected sophistication and experience. Maybe the role of the Internet and our keen ability to research products and stay informed has something to do with it. We were treated to a smorgasbord of seminars, vendor displays, demo bikes, area tours, hands-on skill building classes, health and fitness lectures and motivational speakers. There was so much to learn, see and do.

The energy was undeniable. It was incredible to be in the company of racing legends, business owners, motivational speakers, authors, safety experts, road warriors, tour guides, product specialists, lobbyists, charity fund-raisers and hundreds of women who share my passion for motorcycling.

I’ve been riding motorcycles for 23 years and been a part of the industry for just as long. It’s no secret that men significantly outnumber women when it comes to new bike purchases and the percentage of active riders. However, the role of women is growing.

With few exceptions, the vast majority of motorcycle-related events, sales materials, advertisements and corporate messages speak specifically to men. However, the traditional practice of

directing most of the industry’s marketing resources to male motorcycle customers isn’t enough to keep the industry thriving.

In fact, in 2011, new motorcycle sales were down nearly 63 percent compared to 2005. The industry used to sell well over a million new units annually. Do the math and it’s obvious that this decline has taken a tremendous toll.

As the conference progressed, I started to see and feel what I believe is the beginning of a major fundamental shift in how women will play a part in the future growth, stability and health of the motorcycle industry.

This year, the AMA conference was so much more than a gathering of women who ride motorcycles for fun. This year’s conference was a super-sized networking and problem-solving gathering with hundreds of talented experts, mentors, activists, industry representatives, ambassadors, bloggers, journalists and positive role models on hand.

We left the conference with new friends, optimism and ideas. Like so many others I talked with, I too am committed to doing everything I can to encourage more women to ride and I can’t wait to see what transpires between now and the next conference.

It’s been said for years that women are the fastest growing segment of the motorcycle industry. I think it’s time for everyone affiliated with the industry to take action so we may optimize this segment and grow it to its full potential.

Moto-Journalist and Adventure Seeker Alisa Clickenger said it best: “I was ecstatic to be around so many dedicated, adventurous and passionate women who share my love of this sport. I’m usually the odd gal out because of my dedication to two-wheeled travel, but at the AMA Women & Motorcycling Conference, I finally felt I was among sisters of the same heart.”— Jan Plessner

Sisters Of The Heart

to Carson City from Ohio, took the class. Uhlman learned about what to do in the critical minutes following an accident prior to the arrival of professional help.

“It was excellent,” she says.One popular conference feature is the

Progressive Insurance-sponsored Moto-Action Center that consistently draws 25 to 50 women every hour under the Women’s Motorcyclist Foundation canopy. An assortment of topics covered include emergency roadside troubleshooting, riding twisty roads, treading lightly, off-road riding, solo loading your bike on a trailer, women empowerment tours and developing a relationship with your bike.

Anyone wanting to see more of the local scenery can join one of the guided street rides to places such as South Lake Tahoe and Zephyr Cove. A Sunday dual-sport tour heads to the classic Wild West town Virginia City.

One standout classroom seminar is presented by Christine Firehock, who owns and operates the CKS KickSTART,

November 2012 47

a motorcycle school in Upstate New York. Christine and her daughter, Amber, rode up from Los Angeles together on a Ducati Diavel sportbike. Amber is 11 years old and the family’s fifth-generation female motorcycle enthusiast.

Test It!Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Kymco,

Victory and Yamaha roll into town with demo bikes. All of the motorcycle companies and vendors in attendance have strong traffic with several repeat riders.

Betty “B” Gorman from South Lake Tahoe, Nev., is a typical demo ride participant. She recently sold her Kawasaki Vulcan 750 but is not quite sure what she wants next.

“I’m in the market for a new bike,” she says. “My husband and I are demo riding as many as we can.”

Kymco brought an extensive line-up of scooters for attendees to ride.

“We do well at our demo events, and this event is an obvious one for us to attend,” says Kymco Director of Marketing Rick Pawelka. “The women at this

conference are serious enthusiasts.”With an estimated 65 percent ownership

of the women’s motorcycle market, Harley-Davidson is front and center with a wide variety of demo bikes to test, courtesy of Carson City Harley-Davidson.

“The women’s conference has been a great way for us to engage with our female customers,” says Christina Kutsch, an event project manager for Harley-

Davidson.Women

motorcyclists are, indeed, a powerful commercial

force. An entire boutique industry has grown up to serve them, and many companies doing just that are at the conference.

“My husband has been riding for over 40 years and has hardly spent any money on it. Since I started riding, our household motorcycle budget has gone up exponentially,” says Marianne Minkler of San Jose, Calif. “Pay attention motorcycle industry. Women love to shop.”

The Big Apple Motorcycle School’s Tranos has some thoughts on the commercial strength of the female rider.

“Women are the fastest growing segment of the motorcycle market,”

he says. “For the sport of motorcycling to achieve its full potential, men will have to accept and encourage women riders. Those men who resist this trend will be pushed out of the way, overwhelmed by the passion and mental strength of these new women riders.”

Jan Plessner writes for LadyMoto.com, where you can read more about her experiences at the 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference.

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

1Don’t miss one of the most prestigious event-weekends in all

of motorcycling—the AMA Legends Weekend—set for Nov. 16-17 at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nev. The gala features the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Induction Ceremony as well as the AMA

Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance bike show. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends Malcolm Smith and Mert Lawwill will be among those honored. Info: www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

2Catch the final round of the thrilling AMA Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series, presented by

Moose Racing, on Nov. 4 in Stanton, Ala. Info: www.perrymountain.com.

3 Go for a great ride and help out a great cause at the same time. The March of Dimes Bikers for Babies

charity ride is set for Nov. 12-13 in Titusville, Fla. Info: www.bikersforbabies.org.

4 The competitors who battle in the GEICO AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series wrap up their

season on Nov. 17 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Info: www.endurocross.com.

5 If you love dual-

sport or adventure riding and live in New Jersey or California you won’t want to miss the last events of the year in the AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series, presented by FMF, and the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series. The Hammer Run hosted by the Tri-County Sportsmen will be held Nov. 3-4 in Port Elizabeth, N.J. The LA-Barstow to Vegas ride is set for Nov. 23-24 in Palmdale, Calif. They are both part of both series, meaning routes will be available for both dual-sport bikes and larger adventure models. For more information, see page 51.

6 The Smoke Chasing Grand Tour organized by Team Strange Airheads and the Hodgepodge

Grand Tour run by the Midnight Riders Motorcycle Club end Nov. 30. For more info on these and other AMA Grand Tours, see page 51.

7 The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Tampa Bay Area

Ride for Kids charity ride is set for Nov. 4 in Lithia, Fla. Info: www.pbtfus.org/rideforkids/events/2012/tampa-bay-area.html.

COMING UP

The action is fast and furious in January in the 2013 battle for Supercross supremacy. The season gets under way Jan. 5 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., and continues Jan. 12 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Jan. 19 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and Jan. 26 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

November 16-17, 2012Las Vegas, Nev.

January 19, 2013Columbus, Ohio

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November 2012 49

NOVEMBER EVENTS

ALABAMA

COMPETITION

ENDURO

NOV 3-4: MAPLESVILLE: 2-DAY EVENT, PERRY MOUNTAIN M/C CLUB, (334) 872-4286, PERRYMOUNTAIN.COM

MOTOCROSS

NOV 3-4: PELL CITY: 2-DAY EVENT, RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM

CALIFORNIA

RECREATIONAL

ADVENTURE RIDE

NOV 23-24: PALMDALE: 2-DAY EVENT, AMA-DIST 37 DUAL SPORT DIVISION, (626) 446-7386, LABARSTOWVEGAS.COM

DUAL-SPORT RIDE

NOV 11: RIDGECREST: LOST COYOTES, (818) 262-3585, LOSTCOYOTES.ORG

NOV 23-24: PALMDALE: 2-DAY EVENT, AMA-DIST 37 DUAL SPORT DIVISION, (626) 446-7386, LABARSTOWVEGAS.COM

COMPETITION

ENDURO

NOV 11: SHASTA LAKE: REDDING DIRT RIDERS, (530) 953-7272, REDDINGDIRTRIDERS.COM

GRAND PRIX

NOV 3: (Includes ATVs) GORMON: 2 DAY EVENT, PROSPECTORS MC, PROSPECTORSMC.ORG

HARE SCRAMBLES

NOV 3: RANCHO CORDOVA: 2 DAY EVENT, DIRT DIGGERS NORTH M.C. INC, (916) 952-8636, HANGTOWNMX.COM

NOV 4: (Includes ATVs) EL CENTRO: INTERSTATE 8 DEZERT RACERS, I8DEZERTRACERS.COM

DELAWARE

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

NOV 17-18: BEAR: 2-DAY EVENT, DELAWARE ENDURO RIDERS, (302) 834-4568, DELAWAREENDURORIDERS.COM

MOTOCROSS

NOV 4: NEW CASTLE: BLUE DIAMOND MX, (302) 834-5867, BDMXPARK.COM

FLORIDA

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RUN

NOV 4: LITHIA: PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION OF THE U.S., (800) 253-6530, RIDEFORKIDS.ORG

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

NOV 19: GAINESVILLE: UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX.COM

NOV 22: GAINESVILLE: UNLIMITED SPORTS MX INC, UNLIMITEDSPORTSMX.COM

GEORGIA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

NOV 10-11: LIZELLA: 2-DAY EVENT, RPM SPORTS, (205) 699-8857, RPMSPORTSONLINE.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

NOV 10-11: RINGGOLD: 2-DAY EVENT, SOUTHEASTERN TRIALS RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (423) 942-6084, STRATRIALS.COM

ILLINOIS

RECREATIONAL

DUAL SPORT RIDE

NOV 4: STERLING: BRUSHPOPPERS M.C., (815) 622-4099, BRUSHPOPPERSMC.COM

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

NOV 4: OAKLEY: DIRT RIDERS INC, (217) 789-0107, DIRTRIDERS.ORG

NOV 4: BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 277-3478, BETDIRT.COM

INDIANA

COMPETITION

ENDURO

NOV 4: NEW PARIS: RIDERS MC, RIDERSMC.COM

HARE SCRAMBLES

NOV 4: COLUMBUS: STONEY

LONESOME M/C, (812) 342-4411, STONEYLONESOMEMC.COM

NOV 18: (Includes ATVs) LYNNVILLE: LYNNVILLE AREA DIRT RIDERS INC, (812) 300-5176, LADIRTRIDERS.COM

KENTUCKY

COMPETITION

OBSERVED TRIALS

NOV 4: TAYLORSVILLE: TRIALS INC, (502) 515-6514, TRIALSINC.ORG

MARYLAND

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

NOV 18: (Includes ATVs) LEONARDTOWN: BUDDS CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM

NEVADA

COMPETITION

ENDUROCROSS

NOV 17: LAS VEGAS: SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA, (702) 365-7111, ORLEANSCASINO.COM

NEW JERSEY

RECREATIONAL

ADVENTURE RIDE

NOV 3-4: PORT ELIZABETH: 2-DAY EVENT, TRI-COUNTY SPORTSMEN MC INC, (888) 274-4469, TEAMHAMMER.ORG

DUAL-SPORT RIDE

NOV 3-4: PORT ELIZABETH: 2-DAY EVENT, TRI-COUNTY SPORTSMEN MC INC, (888) 274-4469, TEAMHAMMER.ORG

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

NOV 4: ENGLISHTOWN: RACEWAY PARK, (732) 446-7800

NOV 11: (ATV only) ENGLISHTOWN: RACEWAY PARK, (732) 446-7800

NEW YORK

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RUN

NOV 4: MASSAPEQUA: LEATHERNECKS MOTORCYCLE CLUB- NY CHAPTER, (516) 509-9512, ORGSITES.COM/NY/LNMCNY

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

NOV 11: (Includes ATVs) YAPHANK: LONG ISLAND MOTOCROSS INC, (631) 286-9411, ISLANDMOTOCROSS.COM

OHIO

COMPETITION

ENDURO

NOV 11: GREENVILLE: TREATY CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (937) 548-7197, TREATYCITYMC.COM

MOTOCROSS

NOV 30: (Includes ATVs) COLUMBUS: AMERICAN MOTORSPORTS LLC, (937) 358-2427, AMERICANMX.COM

PENNSYLVANIA

RECREATIONAL

ROAD RUN

NOV 4: LEESPORT: CLASSIC HARLEY-DAVIDSON, (610) 916-7777, CLASSICHARLEY.COM

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

NOV 18: SKIPPACK: BLUE COMET MOTOCYCLE CLUB INC, (610) 489-1240, BLUECOMETMC.COM

MOTOCROSS

NOV 4: HANOVER: HAPPY RAMBLERS, (717) 634-2353, HAPPYRAMBLERS.COM

TENNESSEE

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

NOV 11: BYBEE: JB SAKI PROMOTIONS, (865) 322-0193, VOLUNTEERRIDERS.COM

TEXAS

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

NOV 3: WORTHAM: FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY LLC, (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM

NOV 4: WORTHAM: FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY LLC, (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM

NOV 4: AMARILLO: KINGDOM MOTORSPORTS LLC, (806) 671-7010, BOWERSMX.COM

NOV 17-18: EDGEWOOD: 2-DAY EVENT, KINGDOM MOTORSPORTS LLC, (214) 939-4321, BUFFALOCREEKMX.COM

VIRGINIA

COMPETITION

GRAND PRIX

NOV 11: SPRING GROVE: VIRGINIA COMPETITION HARE SCRAMBLE SERVICES, (757) 570-2209, VCHSS.ORG

MOTOCROSS

NOV 3-4: (Includes ATVs) DILLWYN: 2-DAY EVENT, MOTOPROMO, (434) 548-6043

NOV 11: PETERSBURG: VIRGINIA MOTORSPORTS PARK LC, (804) 862-3174, VIRGINIAMOTORSPORTS.COM

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HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

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

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

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

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

AMA Legends Weekend: Nov. 16-17, Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa, Las Vegas, Nev.; MotorcycleMuseum.org

AMA PRO RACING

AMA PRO FLAT TRACK AMAPRORACING.COM

Oct. 13: Pomona, Calif.: AMA Pro Flat Track Finals, Pomona Half-Mile, LA County Fairplex

AMA PRO HILLCLIMB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AMAPRORACING.COM

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

AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

AMA KENDA HARE & HOUND NATIONALHAREANDHOUND.COM

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

Oct. 28: Lucerne Valley, Calif.: Ryan Sanders, 100’s MC; (949) 584-9395, 100sMC.org

AMA REKLUSE NATIONAL ENDURO, PRESENTED BY MOOSE RACING NATIONALENDURO.COM

Oct. 14: Matthews, Ind.: Doug Spence, Muddobbers MC; (765) 998-2236, MuddobbersMC.org

Nov. 4: Stanton, Ala.: Glenn Hollingshead, Perry Mountain MC; (334) 872-4286, PerryMountain.com

GEICO AMA ENDUROCROSS ENDUROCROSS.COM

Oct. 20: Everett, Wash.: Comcast Arena

Oct. 27: Boise, Idaho: Idaho Center

Nov 17: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena

AMA ATV HARE SCRAMBLES AMARACING.COM

Oct. 13: Culver, Ind.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084, TheMAXC.com

Oct. 27: Gosport, Ind.: Mike Gibbs, Mid America XC; (317) 418-6084, TheMAXC.com

AMA PRO-AM MOTOCROSS AMARACING.COM

Oct. 13-14: Roberta, Ga.: Hillbilly Hills MX, RPM Sports; (205) 699-8857, RPMSportsOnline.com.com

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

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

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

Nov. 3-4: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek; (205) 699-8857, RPMSportsonline.com

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

Nov. 10-11: Wortham, Texas: Freestone County Raceway; (713) 962-3386, FreestoneMX.com

Nov. 10-11: Lizella, Ga.: Echeconnee MX Park; (205) 699-8857, FreestoneMX.com

Nov. 19-21: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park; (813) 470-7498, UnlimitedSportsMX.com

Nov. 22-24: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park; (813) 470-7498, UnlimitedSportsMX.com

AMA FEATURED SERIES

AMA MID AMERICA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES THEMAXC.COM

Oct. 13-14: Culver, Ind.

Oct. 27-28: Casey, Ind.

AMA MID-SOUTH CROSS COUNTRY WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES THEMAXC.COM

Oct. 27-28: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Barren Hollow

Nov. 18: Lynnville, Ind.: The big Stripper

Dec. 2: TBA

Dec. 15-16: Vanleer, Tenn.: Hazzard Hill

Jan. 6: Maplesville, Ala.: Southeast Cross Country Shootout

Jan. 27: Greensburg, Ky.: Russell Creek

Feb. 17: Bucksnort, Tenn.: Foxhollow

March 3: Gardendale, Ala.: Cornerstone Ranch

March 23-24: McEwen, Tenn.: Tumbling Creek

AMA WESTERN CHECKPOINT ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RIDECHEC.COM

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

Oct. 28: Elkins Flats, Calif.: 49er Enduro, Polka Dots MC

AMA DUAL-SPORT/ADVENTURE SERIES

AMA HUSQVARNA NATIONAL DUAL-SPORT SERIES, PRESENTED BY FMF AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Oct. 27-28: Chatsworth, N.J.: Meteor Ride in the Pines, Meteor MC, Jeff Fitzpatrick; (609) 654-5015, MeteorMC.com

Oct. 27-28: Payson, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon Dual Sport, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (602) 692-9382, [email protected]

Nov. 3-4: Port Elizabeth, N.J.: Hammer Run, Tri-County Sportsmen, Eldin Polhaumas; (888) 274-4469, TeamHammer.org

Nov. 23-24: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386, District37AMA.org

AMA YAMAHA SUPER TÉNÉRÉ NATIONAL ADVENTURE RIDING SERIES AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

Oct. 27-28: Payson, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon Dual Sport, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (602) 692-9382, ArizonaTrailRiders.org

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

Nov. 23-24: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386, District37AMA.org

AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES

AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

AMA NATIONAL GYPSY TOUR

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

AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

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

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

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

April 1-Nov. 30: Hodgepodge Grand Tour, Midnight Riders Motorcycle Club, (765) 566-3807, Midnight-Riders-MC.com

AMA NATIONAL EXTREME GRAND TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

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

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

AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM

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

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

Oct. 21: Cardiff, Calif.: MiraCosta College, road ride

Oct. 21: Mesa, Ariz.: Desert Ridge High School, road ride

Nov. 4: Lithia, Fla.: Heinrich Training Center, road ride

2012 EVENTS

November 2012 51

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AMA Hall of Fame.............4, 34, 35

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AMA Kawasaki Premier

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AMA Yamaha Super Ténére

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Americade ..................................22

American Motorcycle Specialties 52

Anthony’s Leatherworks .............27

Benchmark Helmets

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Best Rest Products ....................52

Bike Bandit ...................................7

Black Book .................................53

BMW Motorrad USA...................13

Bohn ...........................................53

Budget ........................................25

Discount Ramps ...........................9

Fast Company Dist. (Draggin Jeans)

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Federal Co. .................................17

Geico ..........................................55

Gerbing’s Heated Clothing .........15

GRIPSWELL Gloves ...................53

Honda ..................................2-3, 56

JC Motors ...................................24

Manic Salamander......................52

Motion Pro ..................................29

Perf-form Products .....................52

Pit Posse ....................................28

Port-A-Chopper ..........................52

RidersGuides.com ......................52

Seat Concepts ............................24

Sound RIDER!.............................52

Sudco .........................................24

The Ice Device ............................52

WPS (Shinko Tire USA) ..............21

ADVERTISER INDEX

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November 2012 53

GUEST COLUMN

No matter what else they become later in life, big brothers are, at least for a season in their younger brothers’ lives, “cool.” They own “The List Of Things That Kid Brothers Can’t Do.” Big brothers can drive. They can date. They’re taller, faster, stronger, smarter and cooler. That was my big brother, Rob, eight years older and light years tougher than I will ever be. Rob always owned a hot car and was never without a good-looking girlfriend, but in this younger brother’s eyes, it was the motorcycle that made the man.

So, like many motorcyclists, I came into the sport through a desire to be just like my big brother. Billy Grossi, one of the top motocross racers of the 1970s, once told me that when he was a kid his older brother, Bobby, another pro MXer, was like “a god” to him. In my case, I was too young for my own bike, so I could only experience motorcycling vicariously through Rob. I watched him buy and sell many bikes over the years. A partial list includes a Yamaha Big Bear, a Suzuki X-6 Hustler, a Yamaha RD 250 and the worst of the lot, a 1969 Bultaco Lobito.

And the best of the bunch, in my opinion, was the little orange Suzuki TS 90 Honcho. It was a neat-looking bike and surprisingly powerful. Rob was a big boy, 6-foot-2 and always at least 200 pounds, but that little bike carried him deftly on the street, the trails and even the motocross track. He raced that little smoker back in 1973, which was probably the last year you could still go racing with a stripped-down enduro bike. He’d finish both motos somewhere in the top 10, but I can’t tell you exactly where. Like all good racers, the older Rob got, the faster he was. Over the years, he finished seventh, worked his way up to fifth and eventually, I’m sure, he would have topped both motos, nipping Ake Jonsson at the flag to secure victory.

Rob and I didn’t ride together very often. I was 12 years old before I was finally allowed to own a motorcycle. By then Rob was 20, and he and his buddies had built a stock car, igniting a new passion in his life. He moved out and got married. I grew up and moved away. Megan was born, then Allison, and Rob didn’t ride much after that.

He had traded in a Honda CB 360 for a Yamaha DT 400, which was the last of the big UJM two-stroke singles and a pretty good bike in its day. But even though he kept the bike for three decades, he was never really very fond of it. In fact, he had wanted to sell the Yamaha, but I kept talking him out of it.

“If you sell it,” I said, “you’ll probably never buy another bike and I know you’ll miss it someday.”

He would smile, shrug his shoulders, change the subject and the big Yamaha would sit for months at a time before Rob would get the itch to wring it out down the farm lanes.

In 1991, doctors discovered a tumor in Rob’s brain. A strong man, both physically and mentally, Rob fought it for 15 years. The last time I saw Rob ride was about two years before he passed away. I brought my new Ducati Monster up to his place and watched as he took it for a short spin. I will never forget the smile on his face!

A couple of years passed. There were just too many reasons to move the old Yamaha to a new home. I had too many motorcycles

myself and the money was needed. The bike had been idle far too long. To get it running again, I gave the carburetor a long, soaking bath in one of those highly toxic chemical dips. Motorcycles need to be ridden, and if it sat around much longer, the scourge of decaying

engine seals, rotting tires, disintegrating seat foam and cracking rubber bits would turn my big brother’s nice, clean Yamaha into a salvage yard orphan.

The new owner of the old Yamaha is a member of the National Guard named Mel, who was just finishing up a stint in Iraq. We made a deal through email and a few days later, Mel sent his younger brother Gary to pick up the bike. When Gary and I shook hands, I sensed that he was taking away something more than just a composite of metal, rubber and plastic. Sure enough, Gary said their father owned a bike just like it and that both he and Mel had ridden as passengers with him when they were kids. Good karma or just a coincidence, either way, Rob’s old bike is definitely going to a good home.

Sometimes, I think that maybe I shouldn’t have sold it. Maybe I should’ve found the money somewhere else and kept it in the family. I could have made room in the garage. I could have ridden it around every now and then, misting the atmosphere with the sweet scent of two-stroke smoke.

But then I realize that whatever bike I’m riding, it’s really Rob’s bike anyway. I remember him trying to bump start that Big Bear and doing whatever he could to ignite that ill-tempered Bultaco. Where would I be today if he had given up on motorcycling back then? Rob rode a motorcycle and that would ultimately prove to be a great gift to me.

Now, when I think about the old Yamaha, I see Mel winding it out down a dirt trail somewhere. And I hope his little brother, Gary, is riding his own bike, too...following, of course. Roosting your big brother? That is most definitely on “The List!”

Kent Taylor is an AMA member in Lincoln, Neb., and the producer of the motocross documentary “BackTrack.”

MY BROTHER’S KEEPERPassing On A Love Of RidingBy Kent Taylor

Pho

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American Motorcyclist 11 2012