DECEMBER 2011

THE JOURNAL OF THE

THESTUNTWOMAN

Debbie Evans Makes Movie Magic

On Motorcycles

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December 2011Volume 65, Number 12Published by theAmerican Motorcyclist Association13515 Yarmouth Dr.Pickerington, OH 43147(800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646)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 2011.

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

dues; $15 a year for non-members.

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

and at additional mailing offices.

Cover Motorcycle Hall of Famer Debbie Evans has been

performing amazing motorcycle stunts in Hollywood movies for more than 34 years, and she shows no signs of

slowing down. Read about it beginning on page 34.Photo: Holly Carlyle.

Navigation Photo AMA Member Shayna Texter continued to pursue her

dream despite suffering a crushing loss. She succeeded, making AMA Pro Flat Track history. See story on page 18.

Photo: James Thomas Long

8. LETTERS You write, we read.

10. ROB DINGMAN Mile markers.

12. RIGHTS Responsible off-highway riding under attack, and distracted driving out of control.

18. RIDING Dirt-tracker Shayna Texter realizes her dream, and a motorcycle dolly is tested.

24. RACING Jake Lewis wins AMA Roadrace Horizon Award, Russell Bobbit earns enduro title.

30. HALL OF FAME Bruce Ogilvie’s 1985 Honda XR600R racer, and Hall of Famer Tony DiStefano.

34. THE STUNTWOMAN Debbie Evans turned a love of motorcycling and her championships in observed trials into a career performing some of Hollywood’s most memorable stunts.

40. STRIKING GOLD A great ride doesn’t have to be half the country away. AMA Member Philip Buonpastore finds a short-but-spectaculor loop in his own Washington state.

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

50. CHRIS BITHELL It’s all good.

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EDITORIAL OFFICES

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

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

ADVERTISING

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

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

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

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

publication of the American Motorcyclist Association, which represents motorcyclists nationwide. For information on AMA membership benefits, call (800) AMA-JOIN or visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Manuscripts, photos, drawings and other editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited material. Copyright© American Motorcyclist Association, 2011.

AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Stan Simpson, ChairmanCibolo, Texas

Jon-Erik Burleson, Assistant TreasurerMurrietta, Calif.

Perry King, Assistant Secretary Northern California

John Ulrich, Executive Committee MemberLake Elsinore, Calif.

Dwight Conant, Kearsarge, N.H.

Charles Goman, Winder, Ga.

Maggie McNally, Albany, N.Y.

Scott Miller, Milwaukee, Wis.

Art More, Surprise, Ariz.

Jim Viverito, Chicago, Ill.

AMA PRESIDENT AND CEO

Rob Dingman, Pickerington, Ohio

JAMES LONG, Photographer James is a wedding and portrait photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area where he lives with his wife and 3-year-old daughter. While James does not own a motorcycle right now, he did own a few dirtbikes growing up. He says that photographing Shayna Texter brought back a flood of memories and a sense of awe for what she does. SETH WILLIAMS, Photographer Seth, who shot Chris Bithell’s portrait for this month’s Guest Column, is a portrait and wedding photographer based in North Huntingdon, Pa. He specializes in client-focused photography ranging from hard urban to soft country-like styling and typically services the Pittsburgh area. GRANT PARSONS, Director of Communications You know your motorcycle portfolio has gotten away from you when the phrase that comes to mind when you visit your garage after two weeks is “oh, yeah, that.” BILL KRESNAK, Government Affairs Editor Krez won the coin flip and got to cover the AMA Roadrace Grand Championships this fall, where he had the pleasure of interviewing racers far more talented than him—guys like Youth Roadracer of the Year Nick McFadden, 14.

JAMES HOLTER, Managing Editor You know your motorcycle portfolio needs some rebalancing when your holdings include nine dirtbikes and one Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic. MARK LAPID, Creative Director Mark was so close to pulling the trigger on a new BMW G 650 GS when the sales guy—yes, the sales guy!—talked him out of it. Needless to say, the enablers who drove him to the dealership and worked foolishly hard to push him up to the edge were apoplectic. JEN MUECKE, Designer You know your motorcycle portfolio is on the aggressive side when the supermoto is the “slow bike.” JEFF GUCIARDO, Production Manager/Designer Jeff had his mind made up. He was going to drop some coin on Kawasaki’s new ZX-10R when he looked at page 21 of this issue. “I will have a Lean Mean Green Machine,” he said, as he pulled out his Amex. Other contributors include: Shayna Texter, Chris Bithell, Jeff Kardas, Kurt Bauer, Jesse Thomas, Al Shermo, Shan Moore, Motorcycle Safety Foundation

CONTRIBUTORS AND STAFF

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NICE RIDE!I read the article “Crossing California”

by Nathan Baldwin in the November issue of American Motorcyclist with great interest.

I have ridden the Pacific Coast Highway from Reedsport, Ore., to southern California, and it is a great scenic ride. About 15 years ago while working in the Carson City, Nev., area I visited the Bucket of Blood Saloon and Lake Tahoe. Nathan’s comments of these areas brought back some fond memories.

I have taken three motorcycle road trips with my son in the last six years and can appreciate the experience Nathan had with his dad and friends. And, yes, sometimes us “old guys” have been known to harass the cute waitresses.

Dave BohrerSilver Spring, Md.

GROUP AGAINST ETHANOLI am a member of a broad coalition

of groups calling on Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency for a ban of any ethanol in premium fuel. For pilots like me, any level of ethanol is too

much. Ethanol-free premium has been an FAA-approved aviation fuel since 1982, can power nearly 80 percent of the entire fleet of piston aircraft, and it is the only viable alternative to the leaded “avgas” that the EPA is trying to ban. But we may not use any gasoline containing any levels of ethanol. For many boaters, the problem is the same.

Why not join our group and ask Congress to ban the use of ethanol in premium, preserving a fuel for the millions of consumers who need it for the bikes, boats, planes, chainsaws, snowmobiles, etc.?

Kent Misegades Director, Aviation Fuel ClubPresident, EAA1114Cary, N.C.

Currently, the AMA doesn’t oppose ethanol in gasoline. What the AMA wants is proof that E15—a new gas formulation with up to 15 percent alcohol—won’t damage motorcycle engines before E15 is approved for use in them. For more info, see “AMA Supports More Study Of Ethanol-Blended Fuel” on page 14.

BUYING A NEW DIRTBIKE

I write this letter in gratitude for unconditional kindness and love shown by one of your AMA members, Brad Hall from Chester, Ill., to one of your newest AMA members this year, my son, 12-year-old Brady Parker from Millersburg, Mo.

I am a single mother of two young boys who knew nothing about motorcycles until a year ago. We are now on our third bike, a sporty Kawasaki 85, with an awesome No. 1 on it, and Brady just finished his third motocross race! The people we have met in this experience have been amazing. It blows my mind that you people are so cool!

Buying this bike from Brad was only the start of wonderful things to follow, and has become a very special relationship. First, Brad sent all sorts of extras home with us that day—goggles, chest protector, extra oil and antifreeze, and some other cool things like decals, etc., but he’s done so much more.

Brad has kept in touch and has somehow “adopted” my little motorcycle man. What he did on Sept. 10 has touched my son’s life forever. Brad asked us in the first part of September if Brady wanted to race at the Archview MX Park in St. Louis. Of course he did! So Brad helped get Brady to the race, and the result was a fantastic weekend of racing and fun. The experience was unforgettable!

If any AMA members meet Brad, they should thank him for representing your association in such a fine manner. It also turns out he is a pretty good racer, winning AMA Racing amateur ATV national championships and state championships. Thanks, Brad, for the priceless experience!

Sandi Bernard Fulton, Mo.

ATTA BOY, GEORGE!Hats off to George Richardson for

making his Bonneville Salt Flats dream a reality on that great ol’ CB350 Honda! And, likewise to American Motorcyclist for giving his story some ink and the AMA for sanctioning the BUB Racing/AMA Land Speed Grand Championship.

I went to the BUB Racing event in 2010—the first year the AMA recognized it as a Grand Championship—and had an absolute blast!

The event was superbly run, the staff was helpful and knowledgeable, and I even got to meet and have lunch on the salt at the Enola Gay Café with Denis Manning.

I ran a 1974 Honda CB350F and despite having twice as many cylinders as George’s CB350, I only managed 74.008

Send your letters (and a high-resolution photo) to submissions@ama-cycle.org; or mail to 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.MEMBER LETTERS

LETTER OF THE MONTHWINNING THE LEAD LAW

I am on the board with the Rocky Mountain Enduro Circuit (RMEC) in Colorado. My position is the RMEC Jr. Series coordinator.

I just wanted to reflect a little on what it meant to us to see the “Kids Just Want to Ride Act” passed a few months ago.

We have experienced great success with our Jr. Series, averaging over 40 kids per event, charging minimal entry fees, and awarding recycled trophies for the top three positions in each class at each event, then giving out small participation trophies to the rest of the kids, so everyone gets recognized no matter the finish position.

Seeing these kids light up when their name gets called after every event is worth every penny that was spent to get that silly law amended.

These kids are the future of our sport, and I, for one, want to teach them not only responsible riding, but also that our sport is to be guarded and not ever taken for granted. Not even for one ride. There are too many folks out there who think off-road motorcycles are noisy and a nuisance.

I just wanted to say thank you for everything that the AMA did, and we look forward to many years of success and fun, responsible recreation!

Jud BarlowSimla, Colo.

Jud Barlow (right) and a rider in his

junior enduro series.

8 AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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mph on my return (record-qualifying) run. The 5,000-plus-foot altitude of the Salt Flats really un-does performance on normally aspirated engines. Yet, because there was no record at that point in the 350cc production class, I had set the first, if unofficial, record in the class. That qualified me to enter the hallowed ground every salty wants to reach: the impound area. Before the meet ended, my speed was badly beaten by a rider on a Yamaha 12 years newer, but that’s OK.

Like George Richardson, I went there and lived the Bonneville dream. Record or not, I’ll never forget the feeling of throttling up and heading down the salt.

All the best and thanks to the AMA, Denis Manning and BUB Racing for helping a great event like the BUB possible. I hope to go back in 2012.

Gary IlminenLone Rock, Wis.

DEER DANGERSIn the October issue’s letter titled “Deer

Near-Disaster” the writer states, “my wife and I went for a short ride about sunset,” and “a deer came out of nowhere and collided with us.”

I can remember [Motorcycle Hall of Famer] David Hough writing in his book that whenever we’re involved in an accident, we, as motorcyclists, should consider it always our fault even when we’re not entirely at fault. That’s because it’s our job to figure out what bad things might happen and be proactive in avoiding it in the future.

My point is not to chastise the letter writer, but to warn other riders who read that letter about the dangers associated with riding during sunset hours. Being a city boy for the first 35 years of my life left me unaware of such dangers.

These past 10 years living in a rural area have educated me (with help from hunters) that from one hour prior to sunset through the hours of darkness to sun up is when many of the animals are active and foraging for food.

That deer that “came out of nowhere” may have been just a few feet from the road’s edge as the motorcyclist was approaching. Riding at night can sometimes be unavoidable, but if you have to do it, I sure hope you’re aware of what could possibly be waiting on the road’s edge.

Keith TurbittRhode Island

The AMA saved our butt on the late evening of Oct. 8, 2011 in Colorado. Roadside assistance came to the rescue in 40 degrees in the rain. We left Minnesota at 8 a.m. and ran into troubles about 10 p.m. After 900 miles, we were beat! It’s good to know a membership I greatly enjoy will even come

through for you. THANKS AMA! — Eric McNamara

One of each size and color of Ducati, BMW and Buell. Then one of each 1000, 750 and 600 sportbike…Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki (in that order). — James Jobe, answering the question, “What bike would you buy if you won the $1 million up for grabs at the Monster Energy Cup?”

1930 Henderson “Special” KL Four. 45 hoursepower. Triple-digit mph. Still a viable performer by today’s standards over 80 years later! — Mark Hawkins, same question

Ethanol sucks—bad. It trashes small engines, vintage motors and for God’s sake don’t put it in an airplane. It is only political BS. — Vincent Edgmon, responding to an AMA request that government take a closer look at the effects of ethanol on small engines, such as those that power motorcycles and

all-terrain vehicles.

Only go as fast as you want to crash :) — Stacy Dixon, offering some advice for new dirt riders

Cellphone users not paying attention. 40 years ago it was drunk drivers but now it’s texting and talking. — Lloyd Reeves, answering the question, “What’s the most important issue affecting street motorcyclists today?”

Politics... — Tracy McCarty, same question

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

Gary Ilminen

SHAWN FARNSWORTH (1975-2011)

Professional hillclimber Shawn Farnsworth, the 2009 AMA Pro Hillclimb Unlimited Class Rookie of the Year, died Monday, Oct. 10, in Dayton, Ohio. He was 36.

Farnsworth died as a result of injuries sustained in the Oct. 9 finale of the 2011 AMA Pro Racing Hillclimb National Championship at the Devil’s Staircase in Oregonia, Ohio.

A 21-year member of the AMA, Farnsworth belonged to the long-time hillclimbing family from New Hampshire. The Farmsworths have been a staple of the hillclimbing community for generations and ran the AMA Pro National in Canaan, N.H.

A top competitor, Farnsworth was third in Unlimited points when he won his 2009 rookie honors. He was ranked fifth heading into the Oregonia round this year.

Farnsworth is survived by his wife, Yarrow, and two sons, Sheldon and Roman.

December 2011 9

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The subject of this issue’s cover story, stuntwoman and Hall of Famer Debbie Evans, played a significant role in the creation of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame exhibit we enjoy today on the campus of the AMA.

The funny thing is that she probably doesn’t realize it.

Shortly after I became AMA president, Debbie was on hand for the dedication of a previous exhibit called “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles,” a collection of motorcycles associated with a wide variety of famous

people. Debbie was kind enough to loan us some bikes from her collection for the exhibit.

While at the event, Debbie wanted to have her picture taken in front of her Hall of Fame plaque with her friend, actor and current AMA Board member Perry King. I was happy to oblige, and I took Debbie’s camera to get the shot for her. At the time, the Hall of Fame existed in a small section on the bottom floor of the building.

Debbie’s plaque was Velcroed about 2 feet off the ground to a carpeted wall alongside other plaques honoring Hall of Famers. I had to climb over a barricade protecting the bikes in the exhibit, wedge myself between two bikes, squat down and invite Perry and Debbie to do the same so that I could get the two of them and her plaque in the shot.

To say that this was an embarrassing situation would be a big understatement. From that moment, I knew we had to elevate this remarkable resource—both figuratively and literally—to the main exhibit hall of the Museum where it now resides.

The Hall of Fame exhibit as it exists today is a major step forward. Over the years, the main exhibit hall of the Museum has hosted some terrific exhibits, from “A Century of Indian,” to “Heroes of Harley-Davidson,” to “Motocross America.” Now, fittingly, the Museum’s entire main floor pays tribute to the men and women who built the foundation upon which motorcycling now stands.

Another positive change is taking place at the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation (AMHF). As you know, the AMHF was established nearly 30 years ago to raise money for the Museum. For years, the Foundation Board of Directors operated as a governing body, not always in sync with the wishes of the AMA Board. These days, thanks to its members’ vision, hard work and dedication, the AMHF Board is doing truly impressive work and now functions as the fundraising body it should be.

One area of success brought about by the AMHF’s renewed focus is a significantly enhanced annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It’s now a part of the AMA Visa Card from Capital One Legends & Champions Weekend—which also includes the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance and the AMA Visa Card Racing Championship Banquet—taking place Nov. 18-20 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Where the ceremony was once held in a tent outside the Museum, the gala weekend event now attracts icons from the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling—and hundreds of fans—every year to bear witness to the induction of some of the

greatest contributors to motorcycling. Today, the ceremony is befitting of the achievements commensurate with induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Just as the Hall of Fame has changed for the better, there are several ways the AMA has seen positive change. Most notable among them is the Association’s re-dedication to its mission of advocacy and the dedication of greater resources to that effort. With the recent passage of legislation to fix the “lead law”—a ridiculous federal law that banned the sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs—we demonstrated that the AMA represents a powerful grassroots force that can protect motorcycling.

AMA Board Chairman Stan Simpson frequently talks about the potential for what he calls a “meteor strike”—governmental action that would devastate motorcycling. The lead law could have been that meteor strike. If kids weren’t able to enjoy riding motorcycles, and grow up to become both off-road and street riders, the loss of an entire generation of motorcyclists would have been a crushing blow. This misguided law had the potential to negatively impact both road and off-road motorcycling because so many street riders got their start in the dirt.

Make no mistake, getting out from under the lead law was a major legislative victory, and your efforts played a significant role in making that happen. If you doubt that, consider one simple fact: There were many industries that spent millions of dollars in an attempt to get out from under provisions of the lead law, and the only categorical exemption granted was for motorcycles and ATVs.

In the end, other industries were trying to piggyback onto the support you had generated in Congress for fixing this dumb law.

The improvements in our government relations capabilities are beginning to snowball. Over the last few years, we have been able to attract some very talented staff to our Government Relations Department, including the most recent addition, former two-term U.S. Senator Wayne Allard. Sen. Allard now heads up our effort as vice president for government relations.

Many of the recent improvements at the AMA have largely been behind-the-scenes. In the same manner as that chance realization that started with Debbie Evans and resulted in an enhanced Motorcycle Hall of Fame, these kinds of changes tend to go unnoticed until they bear fruit.

During my tenure at the AMA, it has been my strongest desire to continue to strengthen and improve this organization. There’s no question that there is a long road ahead of us, but mile markers such as these are clear indications that progress is being made.

MILE MARKERSChange Often Starts Small

By Rob Dingman

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MOST BIKERS ARE ALSO SOMETHING ELSE. GOOD THING WE COVER ALL KINDS.

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co & its affi liates, Mayfi eld Village, OH. No.1 in motorcycle from 2010 Millward Brown national survey data. 11D00464 (07/11)

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Date Created: 09/19/11

MOST BIKERS ARE ALSO SOMETHING ELSE. GOOD THING WE COVER ALL KINDS.

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co & its affi liates, Mayfi eld Village, OH. No.1 in motorcycle from 2010 Millward Brown national survey data. 11D00464 (07/11)

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Access to millions of acres of public land nationwide could be lost to motorcyclists, bicyclists and others under a massive land-use designation proposal that will soon be submitted to Congress.

The proposal, to be submitted by the U.S. Interior Department, has been dubbed the “Crown Jewels” plan, since U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar earlier said the submission would include “a list of crown jewels that [the Interior Department] believes are ready for Wilderness designation by Congress…”

The report was to be submitted to Congress by Oct. 15, but the Interior Department missed its self-imposed target date. It’s unknown when the report will be submitted.

In late September, Salazar made a whirlwind trip to Colorado, Utah and New Mexico to drum up local support for his proposal to designate public land as Wilderness and to see areas that may be included in his report to Congress, such as the Castle Peak and Flattops area covering 47,000 acres in northwest Colorado.

Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for

government relations, said AMA staff members will analyze the report once it is delivered to Congress, “but initial indications are that motorcyclists and others who enjoy responsible motorized recreation on public land could be facing a huge challenge.

“The AMA has battled Wilderness proposals in the past that didn’t meet the strict criteria for earning a Wilderness designation under federal law, and the Interior Department’s new plan may include a lot of acreage that simply isn’t appropriate for Wilderness designation,” Allard says.

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

The AMA supports appropriate Wilderness designations that meet the criteria established by Congress in 1964. But over the years, groups opposed to responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation have been abusing the Wilderness designation process to ban motorcyclists, all-terrain vehicle (ATV)

riders and bicyclists from public land, as well as to block access for the elderly, handicapped and children who rely on motorized transportation to enjoy public land.

Lands At RiskThe Interior Department’s proposal may

ask Congress to designate millions of acres of public land under the control of the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as Wilderness, which would shut out any responsible off-highway recreation. The BLM, an agency of the Interior Department, manages about 245 million acres of public land nationwide, primarily in 12 western states.

Among the closures, the Interior Department proposal is expected to include the goals of the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign, which would designate some 342,000 acres of public land in Colorado as Wilderness. This new designation would be in addition to 3.5 million acres already protected as Wilderness in Colorado.

The proposal also is expected to include other efforts that failed to clear Congress in the past, such as the Colorado Wilderness Act that would designate 34 areas totaling 850,000 acres as Wilderness, including 72,397 in Handies Peak, 20,025 in Browns Canyon

RESPONSIBLE OFF-HIGHWAY RIDING UNDER ATTACKFederal Proposal Could Block Riding On Millions Of Acres

12 AmericanMotorcyclist.com

and 38,594 at Redcloud Peak; and part of the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act, which would have inappropriately designated 44,000 acres as federally protected Wilderness.

“With 3.5 million acres of existing Wilderness, Colorado is already one of the most federally protected states in the nation, and it also is home to many of this country’s OHV enthusiasts,” says Allard, who is a former longtime congressman and U.S. senator representing Colorado. “We need to keep OHV routes and legal trails in Colorado and other states open to everyone who seeks to recreate responsibly, not just an elite few, so that current and future generations can continue to experience the vistas and rugged terrain that America has to offer.”

De Facto DesignationsThe Interior Department’s (DOI) plan

also has the potential to close off millions more acres of public land to responsible OHV recreation as de facto Wilderness through end-run administrative actions that don’t require Congress to grant the land a Wilderness designation.

That could be accomplished through administrative actions by BLM land managers as well as through presidential designations of national monuments.

Salazar indicated earlier that he would pursue that approach, noting Interior Deputy Secretary David Hays would develop recommendations for how BLM land managers should manage “millions of acres of public land that are not protected under the Wilderness Act, but have wilderness characteristics.”

Concerning national monuments, the Interior Department has been considering numerous potential national monument land-use designations that could close some 13 million acres of public land to responsible off-highway motorized recreation. The AMA first brought the effort to the attention of members in February 2010 when details of an internal Interior Department document were revealed.

The Antiquities Act of 1906 allows the president to exercise executive privilege to unilaterally designate national monuments without input from local officials and residents, or Congress.

Unfair TacticsIn announcing in June that the DOI

would submit the Crown Jewels proposal to Congress on Oct. 15, the department noted in a news release that Salazar would do so because of “the bipartisan success of Congress and the Obama administration to designate approximately 2 million acres of Wilderness in 2009.”

That legislation included an omnibus

public lands bill that was ramrodded through Congress with no public input.

“The bill the department referred to—the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009—was quickly positioned for a vote and approved through political sleight-of-hand when an unrelated bill was gutted and the Omnibus Public Lands language inserted,” Allard says.

“Congress fast-tracked that 1,300-page bill to inappropriately designate some 2 million acres of public land as Wilderness in several states nationwide,” he says. “The legislation was a combination of more than 160 bills, and some federal lawmakers complained that they had never even seen almost half of them, let alone debated them, nor had time to get public input on them before the vote.”

The proposal, in a different bill, passed the Senate earlier but failed in the House.

Salazar announced his plans for the Crown Jewels proposal after abandoning his controversial Wild Lands policy, which would have allowed the BLM to manage public land as if the land had received the restrictive Wilderness land-use designation from Congress, but without requiring congressional approval.

The Wild Lands policy was widely expected to restrict or eliminate responsible OHV use, and would have pulled an end-run around Congress.

Opposition SuccessfulFederal lawmakers considered the Wild

Lands policy a “land grab” and a blatant attempt to usurp congressional authority. Several governors also opposed it.

Because of opposition from federal lawmakers, governors, the AMA and its partner organization, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) and their members and other OHV enthusiasts, the Wild Lands policy hit a major snag on April 15.

That’s when President Obama signed into law the Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution—the funding measure that kept the federal government operating through Sept. 30—which included language inserted by Congress barring the department from using any money to implement the Wild Lands land-use policy.

Allard says the current actions in Congress could have a profound impact on the ability of responsible off-highway riders to use public land.

“It’s important that all responsible riders stay informed about the department’s proposal and other Wilderness bills in Congress, and take action, when necessary,” he says.

The easiest way to stay informed is to sign up for AMA email Action Alerts at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Get Involved > Action Alert Signup.

FORMER U.S. SENATOR LEADS AMA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS EFFORTSWayne Allard Working In Washington, D.C., Office

Former two-term U.S. Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado has joined the AMA as vice president for government relations.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Senator Allard to the AMA,” says Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO. “The addition of Senator Allard raises the profile of the AMA significantly in the corridors of Congress and federal agencies, and his presence bodes well for motorcyclists nationwide as he serves our mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.

“We look forward to taking our advocacy to the next level with Senator Allard leading our government relations efforts in Washington, D.C.,” Dingman says.

Allard, who represented Colorado during three terms in Congress and two terms in the U.S. Senate between 1991 and 2009, is looking forward to making a contribution in his new role.

“I am anxious to contribute to the good work of the AMA, and I look forward to working with the staff and members of the Association for years to come,” Allard says. “The role of government in our everyday lives is of great concern to motorcyclists, and I look forward to helping educate our elected officials, agencies and the public about the vital role that motorcycling plays in America’s economy and way of life.”

Born and raised in Colorado, Allard has a long history of serving the public, first as a member of the Colorado state Senate from 1983 to 1991, then as a congressman from 1991 to 1997 and finally as a U.S. senator from 1997 to 2009.

Sen. Wayne Allard

December 2011 13

RIGHTS

The AMA applauds U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) for introducing a bill that calls for new research into the effects of certain ethanol-blended gasoline.

“The research sought by Representative Sensenbrenner is badly needed to ensure that new ethanol-gasoline blends won’t damage motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) engines,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “We are urging all concerned motorcycle and ATV riders to contact their lawmakers to ask them to support Representative Sensenbrenner’s bill: H.R. 3199.”

On Oct. 14, Sensenbrenner, who is vice chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, introduced H.R. 3199. The legislation would require the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek an independent scientific analysis of the effects of E15—a new gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent alcohol by volume—on engines.

According to a press release issued

by Sensenbrenner, the EPA’s decision to allow E15 into the marketplace will impact a large number of Americans.

“Automakers insist that using E15 will void warranties, lower fuel efficiency and cause premature engine failure,” he said in a printed statement. “In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users.

“There are serious concerns that the EPA used only one

Department of Energy test and rushed E15’s introduction into the marketplace,” Sensenbrenner said. “This test was limited in scope and ignored a plethora of evidence—albeit inconvenient evidence for the EPA—that shows E15 gasoline has a negative effect on engines.”

The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and ATV engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15 when the new fuel becomes widely available.

In a July 11 letter to the U.S. House Energy and Environment Subcommittee, the AMA and the All-Terrain Vehicle

Association (ATVA) asked “that on- or off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles be part of any scientific study” into the effects of E15 sought by the subcommittee.

In October 2010, the EPA approved the use of E15 in model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). Then, in January 2011, the EPA added model year 2001-2006 light-duty vehicles to the approved list.

No motorcycles or ATVs are currently on the list.

The AMA and ATVA have expressed concerns about E15 being mistakenly used and damaging engines in motorcycles and ATVs, and about the continued availability of gasoline that has no ethanol, or gasoline with only a 10 percent blend, that is safe for use in motorcycles and ATVs.

The organizations have also expressed concerns about the possibility that “blender pumps” that dispense multiple grades of gasoline through a single hose might introduce enough ethanol into gasoline to be used in a motorcycle or ATV to damage the vehicle; and that ethanol absorbs water, which could be harmful to motorcycles and ATVs.

To contact your federal lawmakers to urge them to support H.R. 3199 go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com. P

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AMA SUPPORTS MORE STUDY OF ETHANOL-BLENDED FUEL Questions Remain Concerning Motorcycle Engines

U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.)

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RIGHTS

STATEWATCHMASSACHUSETTS

In October, 15 insurance companies that had settled with the state attorney general for allegedly overcharging policy holders began refunding nearly $40 million in excessive motorcycle insurance premiums. The attorney general alleged that the companies had based premiums on inflated motorcycle values. Any riders who bought comprehensive or collision insurance on a motorcycle after January 2002 may be entitled to a refund. For more information see www.motorcycle.ago.state.ma.us/motorcycle_insurance/process_request.action.

MICHIGAN

House Bill 4885, sponsored by Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt), would prohibit the state, any agency of the state, or any political subdivision of the state from imposing a vehicle-miles-traveled tax, mileage-based user fee, global-positioning-satellite-based toll, or similar program that would allow the locational tracking of a private motor vehicle or its users. Also, the state and its political subdivision would be prohibited from accepting any grants or funds to implement a pilot project for such a program. To support this measure, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation.

MINNESOTA

AMA members Karen and Tom Umphress were presented with Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) Chairman’s Awards at the 2011 National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) annual meeting in Minneapolis in September for their ongoing support of motorized recreation. Now in its sixth year, the Chairman’s Award honors groups and individuals who have made special contributions of time and effort to preserve, protect and promote the powersports community.

OHIO

Motorcycle handlebars could be any height as long as the height doesn’t adversely affect the ability of the operator to operate the motorcycle safely, under House Bill 316, introduced by Rep. Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville). The current handlebar height restriction is no more than 15 inches above the seat or saddle of the operator.

PENNSYLVANIA

Senate Bill 1232, sponsored by Sen. Timothy J. Solobay (D-Canonsburg), would modify the definition of a motorcycle by allowing the addition of two stabilizing wheels on the rear of the motor vehicle. Currently, a motorcycle is defined as a

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motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for use by the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.

UTAH

The federal Bureau of Land Management issued a Draft Environmental Assessment on Sept. 9 regarding the effects of a mining operation adjacent to the famed Bonneville Salt Flats time trial area. The AMA and other groups concerned about the quality of the salt flats racing surface are working together through the Save the Salt coalition.

Visit SavetheSalt.org for information on the efforts to preserve this important area.

WASHINGTON

The state appellate court has affirmed the state’s decision to re-allocate $9.5 million of off-road vehicle gas tax funds in 2009 to state parks instead of the Nonhighway and Offroad Vehicle Activities account. The ruling was made in a lawsuit filed against the state by the Washington Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance (WOHVA), which plans to join with the Northwest Motorcycle Association to appeal to the state’s Supreme Court.

RIGHTS

DISTRACTED DRIVING OUT OF CONTROL Allstate Research Finds More Than 100 Examples In An Hour

AMA’S RICK PODLISKA JOINS INTERNATIONAL PANEL Represents American Motorcycling Interests

AMA Deputy Director of Government Relations Rick Podliska is now a member of the Public Affairs Commission (CAP) of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), which is the international governing body for motorcycle sport and touring.

Podliska joins AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman and AMA International Affairs Director Rob Rasor as representatives to the FIM to represent the interests of the AMA and North American riders. In addition, AMA Director of Special Projects Bill Cumbow sits on the FIM Road Race Committee, and AMA Supercross Director Kevin Crowther sits on the FIM Motocross Committee.

As a member of the Public Affairs Commission, Podliska works to defend the rights of motorcyclists as citizens and consumers. The commission deals with rider safety, the quality and safety of products used in motorcycling and advises FIM management concerning international laws that affect motorcycling.

Dingman, meanwhile, is president of FIM North America, a collaboration of the Canadian Motorcycle Association and the AMA. FIM North America develops motorcycling at the continental level. As part of this role, Dingman sits on the FIM Board of Directors.

Rasor is an FIM vice president, which allows him to counsel the FIM in ways that not only benefit the AMA and riders in the United States, but riders around the world.

VIRGINIA OFFERS NEW MOTORCYCLE LICENSE PLATE Proceeds Support National Park

Virginia is now offering a new custom license plate for motorcycles that helps support the Shenandoah National Park.

As a revenue-sharing plate, $15 of the $25 fee goes to the Shenandoah National Park Trust for activities and programs in Virginia. And a portion of the fee may be tax deductible.

For more information, go to the state Department of Motor Vehicles website at DMV.Virginia.gov > Citizen Services >Vehicle Services.

Rick Podliska

We all know that distracted driving is a major problem on America’s roads, posing a major danger to motorcyclists and others.

But an exercise by Allstate insurance called Allstate Roadwatch—in which the company had students monitor 62 intersections near high schools across California for an hour on Oct. 11—shows how bad the problem really is.

As Allstate notes: “Distractions during this learning-focused Allstate Roadwatch ranged from the ordinary—cellphone use as either texting or not using a hands-free device—to the extraordinary—kissing, writing and feeding children who were riding in the car.”

The monitors observed more than 6,700 cases of distracted driving, which is an average of more than 100 instances of distracted driving during the one hour that driving was monitored.

The top distractions, according to Allstate, were eating or drinking, using a cellphone without a hands-free device, texting or reading a cellphone, and personal grooming.

The AMA is taking steps to combat distracted driving, with the AMA Board

of Directors adopting an official position on the issue and the AMA Government Relations Department involved in efforts to address the problem at all levels of government.

“Distracted or inattentive driving remains a major concern to the motorcycling community,” says Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager. “Far too many cases have been documented of motorcyclists being injured or killed as the result of other vehicle operators being distracted or inattentive.”

Szauter notes that the AMA’s official statement recognizes that all road users—car drivers, truck drivers, motorcyclists and even bicyclists—are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles on public roads and highways. In addition to posing a hazard to other road users and pedestrians, distracted vehicle operation can be every bit as dangerous to the operator.

The full position statement on distracted and inattentive vehicle operation, along with position statements on other issues important to motorcyclists, can be found on the AMA website at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Resources > AMA Position Statements. P

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RIGHTS

Welcome to Life Member Plus!We designed the new Life Member Plus program to stay connected with our Life Members

and reward them for their years of dedication to the AMA. Offering up a package that includes American Motorcyclist magazine and AMA Roadside Assistance at a special discounted rate, Life Member Plus is a money-saving value.

The new program is 100 percent optional, so if you choose not to enroll, you still receive all the current benefi ts of life membership—a voice on behalf of motorcycling in the halls of government, the ability to sign up for AMA-sanctioned events, money-saving benefi ts and more.

With Life Member Plus, you get all that, plus AMA Roadside Assistance and American Motorcyclist magazine. And stay tuned for additional Life Member benefi ts to come.

AMA Life Member Plus Includes:• FREE AMA Roadside Assistance• 12 issues of American Motorcyclist magazine• AMA Life Member Plus Membership card, pin, and decal every year• A voice protecting motorcyclists’ rights at the federal, state and local levels• Continued access to AMA Rights, Riding, Racing and Rewards—including

money-saving discounts

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

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For more than 25 years, Al Holtsberry has supported the AMA. Now we’re offering

something special for him and all other AMA Life Members.

For more than 25 years, Al Holtsberry

PER YEAR

Even as a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a professional motorcycle racer. My dad, Randy, was a professional flat tracker and roadracer. Running around the pits barefooted, and watching some of the greatest races on a weekly basis, was just a part of my life.

My older brother, Cory, got the itch first. After watching him be successful, it only drove me harder to realize my own dream. My family was supportive, and I started out racing in the amateur class. It was just a hobby, something to do on the weekends when I wasn’t playing soccer.

But week after week, I improved. I went from winning the Women’s class to winning in the 85cc, 125cc and 250cc amateur classes all in one year. I even jumped on my brother’s 450, and it would be pretty normal for us to go home with six first-place trophies—three each—from the same event. It became clear that dirt track was where I should focus my energy, and I traded in my soccer balls and cleats for an Arai helmet and Alpinestars boots.

One of my biggest highlights of my amateur career was when I was honored in 2006 as the AMA Female Rider of the Year.

RIDING

REALIZING HER DREAM Dirt-Track Racer Makes History By Shayna Texter

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gI turned pro, and in 2008 had a successful season. I finished second overall in the Pro-Sport Hot Shoe Championship with five wins. I also won the Vernon Downs Invitational race in New York and had a few more podium finishes that year.

I was earning respect on and off the track as not just a fast female, but as another rider out there winning races. Because there isn’t a women’s class in AMA Pro Racing Flat Track, to be successful, I would have to compete against the best, male or female.

In 2009, AMA Pro mandated DTX-style bikes that used stock motocross frames. I excelled on specialized dirt-track frames, and at 95 pounds, I struggled getting the motocross-framed bikes hooked up.

My father and I worked hard, but we had our ups and downs. We both had the same goal: for me to be the first female to win after graduating out of the Pro-Sport ranks.

Then, in August 2010, it all came crashing down. I lost my father to a sudden illness, losing my biggest fan and supporter. Four months later, my grandfather passed away. When it came to racing, there wasn’t a better father/son duo out there. To have them in my corner for so long was a blessing. To lose them so soon and so suddenly was heartbreaking.

Cory and I formed RLT Racing in 2011. It is named after our dad, Randy Lee Texter. Our motto is to never give up. Even on his worst days, Dad was hard working and positive. We followed his example. Emptying our piggy banks and building race bikes in our shed was our new way of life. There was no more big hauler, no more big bank account and no more experience to lean on. It was me and Cory. What didn’t change were our goals. We wanted that win.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, it came.The AMA Pro Racing Flat Track

Championship rolled into Knoxville, Iowa. I was competing in the Pro Singles class. I got a slow start in the main event, but reeled in early leaders James Rispoli and Briar Bauman. Soon, Briar and I were out front, pulling away from the field. I never backed off, never quit, and by the time the checkered flag flew, I had won the race.

Being the first woman to win an AMA Pro Racing Flat Track main event was a long time coming. No one can take that away. Of course, I also hope I have inspired other females to enter the sport and that I have demonstrated that anything is possible. I went to Knoxville in a little white van that wasn’t even mine, unloaded, worked on the motorcycle myself all week long and became a Grand National winner.

18 AmericanMotorcyclist.com

And I don’t want to stop there. I hope this will open more opportunity for my brother and me. In many ways, this was his win, as well. He dedicated more time to my program this year than his own. He even sat out the last couple rounds, so our small budget could be used to help me reach my goals.

I owe so much more thanks for support over the years, but most of all to my dad and grandfather. For me, knowing they would be proud of me is reward enough—not because I was the first woman to win a Grand National, but because I never gave up and kept chasing my dream.

Shayna Texter is an AMA member from Willow Street, Pa.

AMA VISA CARD BY CAPITAL ONE SPONSORS AMA LEGENDS & CHAMPIONS WEEKEND Honoring Hall Of Famers And Amateur Racing Champions

The AMA Visa Card from Capital One Legends & Champions Weekend is the gala event of the motorcycling year. It’s when fans, legends, racers and industry assemble to recognize the newest class of the Hall of Fame, elevate amateur motorcycle racing’s best and appreciate the two-wheeled art at one of the country’s best bike shows.

This year, with AMA Visa Card from Capital One as the event’s title sponsor, the 2011 AMA Visa Card Legends & Champions Weekend will be Nov. 18-20 at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev.

“Earlier this year, Capital One joined with the AMA to offer our members exclusive access to various credit options and a rich rewards program,” says AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “We’re pleased that this valued partner has extended that partnership by joining us as the title sponsor for the AMA Visa Card Legends & Champions Weekend. Together, we’ll shine the spotlight on the incredible people of motorcycling’s past, present and future during this memorable three-day event.”

The weekend kicks off on Nov. 18 with the AMA Visa Card By Capital One Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM. The ceremony welcomes five inductees. The class of 2011 includes longtime motocross promoter Stu Peters, renowned magazine editor Phil Schilling, industry leader Fred Fox, roadracing champion Doug Polen and motorcycling pioneer Norbert Schickel.

Following the induction, on Saturday, Nov. 19, the 2011 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance bike show will feature some of the country’s finest classic motorcycles.

Then, on Sunday, Nov. 20, the AMA honors the best riders in amateur racing at the 2011 AMA Visa Card By Capital One Racing Championship Banquet.

“The commitment from Capital One to sponsor the AMA Racing Championship Banquet is great, and we truly appreciate

their involvement,” said Dingman.In additional to AMA Racing National

No. 1 plates, standout riders and organizers will be recognized for special year-end awards.

For a complete schedule of the AMA Visa Card Legends & Champions Weekend, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Events/LegendsAndChampions.aspx.

KTM Is Presenting Sponsor Of Induction Ceremony

KTM North America is the presenting sponsor for the AMA Visa Card from Capital One Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM.

“We are pleased and very appreciative that KTM North America has joined the AMA in our backing of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame and our recognition of the esteemed class of 2011,” says AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman.

In addition to the class of 2011, the induction ceremony will honor the careers of two existing Hall of Fame Legends: Roger DeCoster and Kenny Roberts.

“With ‘The Man’ Roger DeCoster, team manager of KTM’s U.S. Motocross and Supercross programs, taking the stage as a Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend, we are thrilled to put our name on the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM,” says KTM North America President Jon-Erik Burleson.

For more information about KTM and the 2012 lineup, see KTMUSA.com.

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DISPATCH FROM THE LBL 200 DUAL SPORT RIDE

Riding The AMA KTM National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series By Kurt Bauer and Jesse Thomas

The LBL 200 is one of the longest-running dual-sport rides in the United States. One of the original events on the AMA KTM National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series calendar, it traces its roots to 1987 when the AMA got the idea that a trail ride, instead of a race, would appeal to recreational riders.

As we now know, the interest was there, particularly from former racers who no longer wanted to meet the time, financial and physical demands of racing but still wanted to ride, and the series has taken off across the country sense.

The West Kentucky Trail Riders out of Cadiz, Ky., put on the LBL 200, which is run in the Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky and Tennessee. The ride is possible because of a good relationship between the club and the outdoor recreation manager at the Turkey Bay ORV Area, Jerry Conley. In exchange for the club helping mark the trails, it gets to use them once a year for the national dual-sport ride.

In short, hiking trails make incredible single track, and the popularity of the ride grew. Over the years, riders would ride their bikes to the event, ride both days then ride home. One rider, Joe Montag, has participated in all of the LBL 200s, riding the same 1986 Honda

XRL250 that he bought new in ’86.This year’s ride started on the Piney

Campgrounds near Dover, Tenn., with an early riders’ meeting on Saturday, allowing riders to get an early start on day one’s 140-mile route. The day’s route went 70 miles north, where lunch was served. The trail and gravel roads were dusty, but as long the bikes remained spaced out, the riding was fantastic.

Sunny skies made for some great views of the lake while riding the North-South hiking trail. Riders who were still riding later in the afternoon were greeted with cooling rain showers. As the rain subsided, everyone gathered at the campground shelter for dinner and awards. Of course, because the event is a National, riders were also eligible to win a 2011 KTM 530 EXC.

Sunday’s ride was 90 miles. The trail conditions improved, but, really, who can complain when you’re riding on a hiking trail with no ruts?

It was just another awesome event on the AMA KTM National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series. For more information about the series, see the Riding section of AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Kurt Bauer and Jesse Thomas are AMA Life Members.

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KAWASAKI OWNERS GET SPECIALLY BRANDED AMA CARD Card Features Kawasaki Logo And Design Scheme

Kawasaki riders can now opt-in to a new AMA Kawasaki Affinity Program that includes an exclusive Kawasaki-themed AMA membership card identifying the member as a devoted fan of the Kawasaki brand.

“From the woods to the roadrace course to the motocross track, Kawasaki has a long history of supporting AMA-sanctioned competition,” said Chris Brull, Kawasaki’s director, marketing, at the annual Kawasaki Dealer Meeting on Oct. 11 in Kissimmee, Fla. “That support has always crossed over to the street and trail, with a long list of models—such as the Ninja line of sportbikes, Vulcan cruisers and the KX and KLX dirt models—enjoying

a special place in the hearts of American motorcyclists. We’re excited to give our customers the opportunity to tie their passion for Kawasaki to their membership in the AMA.”

Getting a Kawasaki-themed AMA membership card is as simple as calling AMA Membership Services at (800) 262-5646 and identifying yourself as a Kawasaki owner. The AMA Kawasaki Affinity Program, in effect now, is available to owners of any model year Kawasaki.

Kawasaki is the second motorcycle company to join the AMA’s affinity program. AMA members can also get an AMA card with KTM’s colors and logo.

Up to Australian Casey Stoner for winning the 2011 MotoGP FIM World Championship.

Down to the woman who crashed into Keanu Reave’s 750 Norton Commando when he was in a Beverly Hills medical office.

Down to whoever vandalized Justin Theroux’s BMW outside girlfriend Jennifer Aniston’s West Village apartment. Allegedly, the vandals covered the bike in 25 slices of lunchmeat.

Up to Hammacher Schlemmer, for offering the Lean Mean Green Machine, a full-sized, engine-powered, three-wheeled motorcycle styled after the iconic ’70s-era tricycle. It’s only $75,000, and if you order by mid-November you can have yours by Christmas.

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Up to Keanu Reaves for riding a 750 Norton Commando.

Up to motorcycle film maker Peter Starr for traveling to Taiwan to explore the story behind the elderly motorcyclists who embarked on a motorcycle journey around the nation to fulfill a dream.

RIDING

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When I received the Pit Viper Motorcycle Dolly, one question instantly came to mind: “Don’t motorcycles already have wheels?” It seems like a good idea but is it really that practical? Actually, it is.

The motorcycle dolly showed up to

my front door covered in UPS heavy package warning tape. The shipping weight listed on the box says 71 pounds.

The instructions are fairly simple and easy to follow but could use a tool list and Barney-style instructions for those of us who wrench first and ask questions later. Total assembly time from the time I cut open the box until the last bolt was tight was 50 minutes.

Once it was assembled, the real test began. In short, this dolly is simple to operate, easy to move across a smooth floor and feels solid. Because of the low height, it is no issue to ride onto the dolly.

Space in my makeshift garage is very limited, and where the motorcycle dolly shines is getting in and out. I ride off the stand and park my bike for a pre-ride check. Before I leave, I spin the dolly around so when I get back I can ride straight on to it. Once on the dolly, I turn it 180 degrees, and my bike is pointing out the door ready for the next ride.

There were a few issues with the use of the dolly. First, the 180 series tire on

my SV1000S fills up most of the base area. Anything larger than a 180 series tire could be pretty tricky to keep it from riding up on the edge.

The base where the tires sit is 8 inches wide.

Next, the small casters help to keep the overall height low but make it difficult

to move around if there are any sizeable cracks or groves in the shop floor.

Also, you do need to be aware of size limitations. My Suzuki SV1000S fills up most of the dolly, but my friend’s 1989 Harley-Davidson FXR is too long to fit. The overall useable length is 77 inches.

If your bike fits, though, this product is fairly easy to use and convenient. I recommend it for anyone with limited space or who needs the extra flexibility for maneuvering your bike around the garage. — Al Shermo, Platteville, Wis.

MSRP: $95.99Capacity: 1,250 lbs.Website: DiscountRamps.com

AMA MEMBER-TESTEDPit Viper Motorcycle Dolly

RIDING

Open or Close Your Garage Door with

and a Double Click of Your High Beam Switch.• No batteries• Easy do-it-yourself

installation• Weatherproof• Works with any garage

door opener

To order, visit us at www.F2Ptechnologies.com

or call 866-249-7427. Use AMA member promo code:

AMA2011 to save 10%.

Proud supporter of the AMA.

Ask the MSF

STAYING IN SHAPE OVER THE WINTER

Q: I don’t ride in the winter months. Is there anything I can do in my off-season to stay sharp? Jumping jacks? Video games? Any good books? Thanks for the advice and everything you do to keep riders safe.

A: Actually, all three of your suggestions are useful. Not that we would specifically recommend jumping jacks for everybody, but keeping fit is important because motorcycling is more physically demanding than driving a car. It helps to stay strong and agile and build your endurance. Maintain a reasonable workout schedule over the winter and remember to stretch as part of your warm-up.

And since riding is more a skill of the eyes and mind than the hands and feet, anything that improves perceptual abilities and hand/eye coordination can only help. Certain video games or the MSF’s Rider Perception Challenge (on our homepage, MSF-USA.org) can be beneficial. Like any other activity, moderation is the key—don’t strain your eyes.

There are many books on the art and science of motorcycling, including the MSF’s “Guide to Motorcycling Excellence.”

By reading a wide variety of books you can pick up some new tips or enhance your understanding of motorcycling theory. You can also rehearse certain riding scenarios in your mind.

We’ll add a fourth suggestion: Clean and inspect your motorcycle from end to end and top to bottom. It’s easier to spot wear and damage on a clean bike than a dirty one. Set aside a few hours to wash, degrease, or polish every surface and component, down to the nuts and bolts. When using strong cleaners, make sure you have enough ventilation in your garage. Then, following MSF’s T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection checklist and your motorcycle’s owner’s manual, check,

adjust, lubricate or replace items as listed. To prepare your bike for long-term storage, consult your owner’s manual.

When spring rolls around, your body, mind, and bike will be ready to take on the adventures of a whole new year. Consider taking your first ride of the year in a formal skills course, such as the MSF’s Ultimate Bike Bonding RiderCourse, BRC 2, Advanced RiderCourse, or Street RiderCourse.

GUIDE TO MEMBER BENEFITS How To Save Money With The AMA

As an AMA member, you have access to a number of money-saving benefits, rewards and activities. To make it easier for you to take advantage of them all, the AMA has produced a convenient booklet that overviews everything members enjoy.

The 28-page booklet includes company contact information, discount codes and instructions on accessing your benefits. In addition, it discusses other benefits of membership, such as representation of your motorcycling rights and the right to compete in AMA-sanctioned events.

Get yours from the AMA website at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Members.

AMA CONGRESS MEETS Annual Meeting Updates Rulebook, Approves Schedules

The elected members of AMA Congress, the rulemaking body for AMA-sanctioned competition and recreational events, met in Pickerington and Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 7-8 to propose and debate changes to AMA rulebooks.

“It was another productive year,” says AMA Director of Racing and Organizer Services Joe Bromley. “As always, AMA staff appreciates the hard work and contributions of each AMA congressperson.

“AMA-sanctioned events have thrived for nearly nine decades because of the participation of the experienced men and women who keep the sport on the cutting edge,” he says.

RIDING

Jake Lewis, a 15-year-old from Princeton, Ky., has a bright future. The dirt-tracker-turned-roadracer has proven he can not only win in both disciplines, but also has the maturity and determination to succeed at the highest levels.

Those qualities earned Lewis the prestigious AMA Roadrace Horizon Award at the AMA Racing Roadrace Grand Championships on Oct. 8-9 at Putnam Park in Mount Meridian, Ind. Lewis was one of 22 champions crowned at the national championship event.

Lewis says he’s thrilled to bring home the event’s premier honor. The AMA Roadrace Horizon Award is given each year to a young roadracer poised to enter the professional ranks, and who shows great promise for a successful pro career.

“This has been my goal all year—to get the AMA Roadrace Horizon Award,” says Lewis, who also won the AMA Racing No. 1 plate in the Open SS Expert

class. “I’m really excited. I couldn’t have done it without Earl Hayden’s help. He’s sponsored me all these years.”

Lewis is a longtime AMA Racing roadracer and dirt-track racer, and has numerous career amateur championships and honors in both disciplines, including the 2009 AMA Youth Roadracer of the Year award.

Now, as the AMA Roadrace Horizon Award winner, Lewis joins a class that includes Ben Spies—a three-time AMA Superbike champion, the 2009 FIM World Superbike champion and a current world MotoGP competitor—and current top AMA Pro Racing competitors such as Jason DiSalvo and Blake Young.

It won’t be long before Lewis joins some of his heroes on the country’s leading roadrace courses.

“Now I’m going to get ready for Daytona,” Lewis says, referring to the famed Daytona 200 roadrace in Daytona

Beach, Fla., which traditionally kicks off the AMA Pro Racing roadracing season.

Also at the AMA Roadrace Grand Championships, the AMA Youth Roadracer of the Year Award was won by two riders: Nick McFadden, 14, of Owensboro, Ky., and Andre Ochs, 15, of Fallbrook, Calif.

Other awards went to Alex Walker, 24, of Streator, Ill., who earned the AMA Top Novice Award, and Richardo Valdez, 31, of Chicago, who took home the AMA Racing Vet/Senior Roadracer of the Year Award.

RACING

JAKE LEWIS WINS AMA ROADRACE HORIZON AWARDRoadracer Sets Sights On Daytona 2012

Jake Lewis

24 AmericanMotorcyclist.com

RUSSELL BOBBITT BACK ON TOPKTM Rider Adds Fourth National Enduro Title

Russell Bobbitt clinched his fourth national enduro title with a dominating performance at the final round of the AMA Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series in Upland, Ind., on Oct. 1.

The Georgia rider came into the Indiana round with a slim, one-point lead in the series standings over FMF/KTM teammate Charlie Mullins in a showdown that would see the title go to whichever rider finished ahead of the other.

Bobbitt, however, quickly separated himself from Mullins and the rest of the competition by winning the opening test by 13 seconds. Bobbitt went on to win all five tests of the 65-mile race and claimed the overall win by 58 seconds over Mullins.

“It feels great to win the title, I definitely worked hard all year for this and it paid off,” Bobbitt says. “There was a good variety of terrain here in Indiana, and I felt good all day. I came in prepared for this, I did some testing in similar terrain and my mechanic, Tanner Harding, worked hard to give me a great bike and this just worked out for us.”

Factory Husaberg rider and eight-time series champ Michael Lafferty rounded out the podium, just 9 seconds behind Mullins, while KTM rider Shane Hufford Jr. grabbed his best-ever finish with a solid fourth.

The win marked Bobbitt’s fourth time to top the podium this year and it gave him the championship title by four points over Mullins, 239 to 235.

KURT CASELLI WINS HARE & HOUND TITLELocks Up No. 1 Plate With One Round To Go

At an exceptionally dusty penultimate round of the AMA Kenda Hare & Hound National Championship Series on Oct. 9, FMF/KTM rider Kurt Caselli finished ahead of his nearest rival, David Pearson, for the No. 1 plate, locking down the title with one round to go.

“I knew going into this race that I just had to finish ahead of David Pearson and I would be able to win the championship, so my goal was to ride my own race and focus on making no mistakes and staying ahead of David,” Caselli said.

Defending champion Kendal Norman won the Johnson Valley, Calif., event. It

was his second win of the year. Norman wasn’t in contention for the title due to missing several rounds earlier in the season. With one round to go, Caselli had five wins. The only other rider to win a round in 2011 is Pearson.

At Johnson Valley, Caselli started third but soon moved into second. He couldn’t get around Norman, though, and settled for the runner-up slot.

“Every time I closed in on Kendall the dust would get so thick it was impossible for me to pass without taking a big risk of crashing,” he said. “I didn’t want to take those chances knowing the championship was on the line.”

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RACING

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDUPVintage Dirt Track Titles

The AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series wrapped up in Cuddebackville, N.Y., on Sept. 18, and with it 12 amateur national titles were decided.

The following riders took home No. 1 plates in the series: Brent Johnson, Factory Wars; Don Miller, 250 Ironman; Jeremy Eischen, 750 Ironman; Gary Manos, 250 Hotshoe; Pete DeSantis, 360 Hotshoe; Craig Alcantara, 750 Hotshoe; John

Frazier, 250 Masters; Dennis Goyer, 500 Masters; Jeremy Eischen, 750 Masters Open; Shane Livingston, Hot Rod Singles Open; Jeremy Eischen, Hot Rod Multis; Pete DeSantis, 50+ and 60+ Vintage Open.

Nine of the 12 titles were won by repeat champions—Eischen, DeSantis and Miller.

Billy Janniro Rolls On In Speedway

All year, Billy Janniro has been the man to beat in AMA-sanctioned Speedway competition. On Sept. 30 in Auburn, Calif.,

Janniro rode well when it mattered, taking home the 2011 AMA Speedway National Championship. With the win,

Janniro successfully defended his 2010 title and brought his national Speedway championship total to three.

Maria Forsberg Dominates GNCC

While the men’s title remained

in contention, RPM/KTM rider Maria Forsberg wasted no time

putting her permanent stamp on the 2011 season, sealing the 2011 Women’s class Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) title with a victory at the 10th race of the 12-race series.

With another win at the following round, Forsberg ran her season-leading win count to nine with two rounds to go. The GNCC title is Forsberg’s second in the series.

“I did not expect to dominate the way I have this season, and I am so grateful that I had the RPM/KTM team behind me to help me win this championship,” she says.

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Pete DeSantis brought home No. 1 plates in 50+ and 60+ Vintage Open, and 360 Hotshoe.

Billy Janniro

RACING

It was a tough day of competition for both the men’s and women’s teams at the 2011 Trial des Nations in Tolmezzo, Italy, on Sept. 17-18. Each team took seventh in their categories, facing not only the best trials riders in the world but some increasingly difficult conditions as well.

The Trial started out on the streets of Tolmezzo in northern Italy and went north into the mountainsides near the Austrian border, where the sections were set on both the east and west sides of town.

The women went first, led by Louise Forsley who, with teammates Sarah Duke and Caroline Allen, completed two laps and 14 sections. Spain won the women’s class, followed by Britain.

Then, on Sunday, rain poured as one of the youngest U.S. men’s teams in history rolled across the start line. Led by veteran Keith Wineland, who was joined by Bryan Roper, Karl Davis, Jr. and Eric Storz, the team ultimately

tied Norway on points but lost out on tiebreakers for its seventh-place finish.

The men’s title also was won by the Spanish squad. Spain was represented

by Toni Bou, Adam Raga and Albert Cabestany. It was the eighth straight title for the Spanish team.

Support for the U.S. effort came from the North America Trials Council, Fox, Sid and Dawna Mauldin and numerous AMA-chartered clubs that sold team T-shirts to raise funds.

U.S. TEAM TAKES SEVENTH AT TRIAL DES NATIONSMen And Women Teams Show Strong Effort In Italy

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Facing tough conditions and the best riders in the world, two very young men and women’s teams each finished

seventh at the 2011 Trial des Nations.

RACING

NATE REDMANN TAKES THREE IN XTREMEJay Sallstrom Wins Unlimited And Ian Lau Claims Pro Sport

Nate Redmann battled back from a seventh-round second-place finish to championship rival Phil Libhart to win his third consecutive AMA Pro Hillclimb Xtreme class championship title with a victory at the season-ending meet on Oregonia, Ohio’s Devil’s Staircase on Oct. 9.

Also at Oregonia, Jay Sallstrom clinched the Unlimited class championship and Ian Lau won the Pro Sport title. The titles were a first for both riders.

Each champion capped their season with a class win at Oregonia. Redmann set the fastest time among Xtreme class riders with a 7.18. Sallstrom set the fastest time in the Unlimited class with a 7.071. Lau’s winning Pro Sport time was 8.654.

Redmann’s win came following a dominating performance by Libhart at the White Rose

Motorcycle Club’s event in Jefferson, Pa., on Sept. 25. At Jefferson, Libhart won both the Xtreme and Unlimited classes, while rookie James Green won the Pro Sport class in his second appearance in AMA Pro Hillclimb.

Note: The Oregonia event ended in tragedy when Shawn Farnsworth was fatally injured on his second run. For more on Farnsworth’s career, see page 9.

Nate Redmann

Greg Hancock

GREG HANCOCK WINS WORLD SPEEDWAY GP CHAMPIONSHIP41-Year-Old American Beats World’s Best On Their Turf

Although Speedway has a dedicated following in certain areas of the United States, its popularity here pales in comparison to what it enjoys in Europe.

That hasn’t slowed down American Speedway racer Greg Hancock, who won the 2011 Speedway World Championship with a fourth-place finish in Croatia. It was the 41-year-old Hancock’s second world title. He won his first in 1997.

Despite his age—Hancock is the oldest World Speedway champion in history—he insists that he will do a better job defending his crown in 2012 compared to his sixth-place effort in 1998.

“I’ve learned a lot over the years and I will approach next year differently to how I did 1998, that’s for sure,” he says. “I know what I did wrong last time I defended the title and I know what frame of mind I was in. With the first World Championship, I think I was so overwhelmed that I had done it after working so hard. It was like all the air went out of me and it was hard to inflate myself again. I wanted it, but I didn’t want it badly enough.”

2011 AMA GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPION: JAKE JOHNSONDefending Champ Wins Close Battle For No. 1 Plate

Leading up to the final Grand National Championship event of 2011 in Pomona, Calif., on Oct. 16, a lot of scenarios were in the air as three riders—Jared Mees, Sammy Halbert and Jake Johnson—were in contention for the title.

Showing true championship form, however, Zanotti Racing/Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson’s Johnson was nearly perfect on the night, and successfully defended his No. 1 plate on the big cushion half-mile at the L.A. County

Fairplex.Johnson survived two restarts and

overtime in the National main event as he led every lap, most by a healthy margin.

“I just had great starts all night and tried to ride smart,” Johnson says. “It was coming down to the end and I had a good lead but was making some mistakes. After I saw the five-to-go sign, I started to countdown, four, three, two and then another red flag. I thought, ‘Uh-oh, another five lap shoot out.’ I just tried to

stay calm and everything worked out.” At the end of what became a 26-lap

race, Johnson held almost a 2-second lead over Lloyd Brothers Motorsports’ Brad Baker.

Halbert fought to the end with Baker for second, but the rookie was able to hang on. With his third-place finish in the main, Halbert came up one point behind Mees in the final tally. Mees crossed the line in fifth, just behind Johnny Lewis.

Johnson finished with a 16-point lead over Mees, 386-370, with Halbert just one point back at 369.

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RACING

HALL OF FAME

Honda’s venerable XR600R is a famed desert-racing machine. It earned that reputation in the hands of racers such as Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bruce Ogilvie.

Ogilvie was one of the sport’s greatest racers, winning Baja events over four decades, including the Baja 500 in 1975 and the Baja 1000 in 1986 and 1987.

This 1985 Honda XR600R is one of Ogilvie’s racing machines.

In its first outing in the Baja 1000, with Ogilvie and Baja champion Chuck Miller at the controls, Honda’s XR600R took the overall win with a time of 18 hours, five minutes and 52 seconds.

In 1987, Ogilvie and Dan Ashcraft took the XR600R to victory in the Baja 1000 with a time of 12 hours, 2 minutes and 14 seconds. Put another way, they covered the grueling 689-mile course with an average speed of 57 mph.

First built in 1985, the XR600R became a favorite among desert and off-road riders because it featured plenty of low-end grunt as well as top-end speed. The air-cooled,

single-cylinder, 591cc engine pumped out 46 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The chassis featured an aluminum swingarm and 43mm air-assisted telescopic forks.

Ogivlie’s expertise as a Honda product developer and team manager ensured that the team’s XR600Rs thrived in the grueling Baja conditions.

The XR600R was replaced in the Honda lineup by the XR650R in 2000. But the XR600R is well remembered for its numerous off-road victories, especially in the desert, and the ironmen like Ogilvie who raced them.

This XR600R is just one of the fascinating machines highlighted at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. To learn more, see MotorcycleMuseum.org.

1985 HONDA XR600R Bruce Ogilvie’s Desert Weapon

Hall of Fame features the machines and people of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit

corporation that receives support from the AMA and from motorcycling enthusiasts. For info and directions, visit MotorcycleMuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.

HALL OF FAME

December 2011 31

Tony DiStefano was a top motocross champion of the 1970s, winning three AMA 250cc National Motocross Championships during his nine-year pro career.

“Tony D,” as he was known in the racing world, was also a member of four U.S. Motocross of Nations teams and was part of the 1974 team that finished second in the international competition, proving that American talent was finally on par with the established European motocross racers.

In all, DiStefano won 16 AMA Nationals, including victories in Supercross, 250cc and 500cc motocross and Inter-AMA and Trans-AMA competition. DiStefano was born in Bristol, Pa., on Feb. 6, 1957.

His first full year on the pro circuit was 1973, and he showed great promise from the start. Riding a privateer CZ, he earned 11 top-10 finishes in the 500cc outdoor Nationals and finished the season ranked ninth in the series. He was 16.

In 1974, he earned his first National podium finish—a second—in the 500cc Supercross class at the Houston Astrodome. He followed that up with another second in the 500cc motocross opener in Plymouth, Calif. He finished the season second in the standings.

Also that year, DiStefano teamed with future Hall of Famers Jim Pomeroy, Brad Lackey and Jimmy Weinert to finish second in the Motocross of Nations in Sweden. It was the best finish to date by an American team.

His performances in 1974 earned him a factory ride with Suzuki for 1975. At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, DiStefano was

built more like a football player than a motocrosser and most people assumed he could only be competitive on the powerful 500cc machine.

But riding a factory Suzuki TM250, DiStefano earned a slew of top finishes and unexpectedly won the AMA 250 Motocross title in a close battle with future Hall of Famer Kent Howerton.

The ’75 season proved to be the zenith of DiStefano’s

career. He not only won the 250 national title, he also won all three rounds of the Inter-AMA Motocross Series and took that title. He was the top American in the ultra-competitive Trans-AMA Series, having won three Trans-AMA nationals that year and also his first SX race in Houston.

DiStefano went on to win three AMA 250 motocross national titles in a row.

In 1978, he crashed hard at the Houston Supercross and suffered a debilitating knee injury. He went from winning three-straight titles to not even cracking the top 10 in any series that year, losing his factory ride.

At the end of 1979, DiStefano seriously injured his eye in a non-racing accident.

DiStefano picked up a factory ride with the fading Can-Am team and later Husqvarna, managing a few top-10 finishes through the 1981 season, after which he retired from professional racing.

After retiring, DiStefano founded a successful motocross school.

He was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

To see more biographies of members of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, go to MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Hall of Famer

TONY DISTEFANO A Fan-Favorite Champion

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1948 Indian Chief

RED ROCK HOTEL, LAS VEGASNOVEMBER 18-20, 2011(800) 262-5646 • AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Friday, November 18, 6 pm

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Debbie Evans turned a love of motorcycling and her championships in observed trials into a career performing some of Hollywood’s most memorable motorcycle stunts. And she shows no signs of slowing down.

WORDS: Grant ParsonsPHOTOS: Holly Carlyle

THE STUNTWOMAN

34 AmericanMotorcyclist.com

THE STUNTWOMAN W ith cameras rolling, stuntwoman and Motorcycle Hall of Famer Debbie Evans was blasting down the

freeway emergency lane aboard a Ducati beside a speeding semi-truck for the movie “Matrix Reloaded.”

Then things quickly went very wrong.“It was the scene where Agent Smith is

supposed to morph into the truck driver, then swerve as if he’s going to hit Carrie- Anne Moss, who I’m doubling,” Evans says. “We had rehearsed it several times, and I had asked the driver to use the brakes and swerve exactly like he would do it in the shoot.

“I had counted the timing several times, and it was always four beats, four seconds every single time,” she says. “But when we’re doing it for real, I’m on the bike and I’m almost up to the cab, when he starts to move over on me. I start to hit the brakes, and right when that happens, I can hear the screeching wheels behind me—it’s the trailer brakes coming on. He had cut the time in half!

“There’s nothing to do but get out of that situation,” she says. “I get on the brakes as hard as I can. The bike is fish-tailing. I’m veering to the side—hard—but there’s only so far I can go because there’s a barrier there. Just as I clear the back of the trailer, the trailer swings over and smacks the wall, right above my front wheel. It was so close.”

Debbie Evans, Lane Leavitt and son Daniel

December 2011 35

The shot was awesome, and it makes for an amazing scene in the movie. But it was far too close for comfort for the former national observed trials champion, Motorcycle Hall of Famer and stuntwoman with more than 200 film, TV and commercial credits. She prides herself on bringing to her stunt work the same methodical, careful approach that made her a top national and international trials competitor.

“That was the only time I’ve ever gotten off a motorcycle after a stunt and started shaking and thought I was going to throw up,” she says. “It was that close.”

In fact, by her own estimation, most of Evans’ stunts are more exacting, more calculated than the hairball save in “Matrix Reloaded.”

As her husband, Lane Leavitt, a three-time national trials champion and stunt business owner, notes, you don’t have

a stunt career that spans three decades without that kind of approach. He attributes Debbie’s longevity and success to her unique combination of hyper-focus, precise timing and electric reflexes.

And for her part, Debbie says none of that would have been possible without growing up on motorcycles.

“IT NEVER CROSSED MY MIND THAT I WASN’T A COMPETITOR”

It all started with a shift lever.“When I was 9, for Christmas, I got a

shift lever in a box,” Evans says. “Then we went out in the garage, and here was this giant box of parts. My dad had bought me a Honda 50 that someone had painted blue, including the wheels, but it was all apart. It was months and months of putting it together and buffing that paint off.”

Her father, Dave Evans, a trials and enduro rider who appeared doing a long wheelie in the movie “On Any Sunday,” started teaching her motorcycle skills by focusing on observed trials, which requires riders to traverse seemingly impossible obstacles without ever putting a foot down. She loved it, and was soon winning against other kids in California.

“I got my first trophy, and I was hooked,” she says now, sitting at her home just north of the greater Los Angeles area, which also serves as the office for her and her husband’s stunt business, Leavittation, Inc. “I actually found some of the old results sheets from those days recently, and I was shocked to see some of the names on them. I was riding against, and beating, guys like motocrosser Brian Myerscough, motocrosser and Hall of Famer Danny LaPorte and motocrosser and Hall of Famer Jeff Ward. Sure, it wasn’t motocross, it was trials, but it was pretty funny.”

From the start, Evans realized she had good balance. Even at 10 or 11 years old, she could balance a motorcycle upright, and move from sitting forward to sitting backward, without ever putting a foot down, and standing on the seat. When her dad showed her a picture of a rider doing a headstand on a stationary motorcycle when she was 14, she was able to do it on her first try.

Along the way, she earned a factory ride from Yamaha, which hired her as a rider, and sent her to motorcycle races around the country to give demonstrations of her skills.

“It was kind of cool,” Evans says. “I was this senior in high school, and I’d get on a plane on Friday to fly to some race, where I’d show up and get a motorcycle from a local dealer to do my shows. I’d balance my bike and do the headstand, and stand on the seat and wheelie around the track. Then I’d fly back home. It was amazing, really.”

Her skills even took her, at age 19, to France’s Bol d’or endurance motorcycle race, where she did a show for thousands of French fans. It was great fun, and through

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it all, Evans never saw herself as unusual because she was a woman in a sport dominated by men.

“It never crossed my mind that I wasn’t a competitor,” she says. “If there were certain riders who beat me, men or women, I’d get upset, because I knew I could beat them. I guess I got teased a bit, and I think a lot of it was jealousy, but it all disappeared when I’d get on my motorcycle and ride across the desert.”

She met her husband when she went to teach at his trials school at Donner Pass in California, and the two competed at nationals and trail-rode together.

Then, thanks to the movie “Death Sport” Evans’s life took an amazing turn.

“I CAME BACK FROM THAT, AND I JUST KNEW THAT’S WHAT I WANTED TO DO FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.”

“One of my dad’s enduro sponsors, Art Barda, was involved in this movie, and it called for a girl who was pretty small to ride a motorcycle, so they called my dad, and I went out to see what they wanted,” Evans says. “David Carradine was in the movie, and they had these Yamaha DT500s with about 50 pounds of stuff welded on them to make them look like choppers. They asked me if I’d ever jumped a bike 30 feet across a ravine. Well, I hadn’t, but they said, ‘We’ll work up to it.’ And I was instantly comfortable with that.”

In fact, that approach appealed strongly to her due to the methodical approach that drives observed trials. In that sport, you walk the tricky obstacle sections, evaluating the rocks, the logs, the turns, and work through the run mentally, all before ever riding it on a motorcycle. It was the same

Photo: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx

Photo: Holly Carlyle

thing—only more amazing—with the “Death Sport” jump.

Working with Gene Hartline, they built a ramp over solid ground and measured out how far they had to go, she says. “Of course, we weren’t making the distance at first, but we worked up to it. The only trick was there wasn’t a speedometer. I had to get in the right gear and listen to the rpms to make sure we were going the right speed.”

She nailed the jump. And she wound up working for 30 days on the movie—a long time for one job in the stunt business.

“I came back from that, and I just knew that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Evans says. “I realized that I could ride motorcycles and get paid. More than that, I thought, ‘This is what I was meant to do.’ I went on to do a stunt competition, and I finished well, even winning the car-driving competition against some of the top stunt guys in the business. That was from motorcycling, too. The knowledge of motorcycle riding transfers to cars—things like traction, unweighting, lines through a corner, all those things.”

Leavitt, too, did some stunt work—also breaking into the business because of “Death Sport,” but in a different way.

“My first job was to ride a motorcycle down a bridge railing in the TV series “Fall Guy,” he says. “And I got the job because every other motorcycle stuntman was doing this movie called ‘Death Sport.’

Leavitt’s response to the business was different.

“I knew it was a hairy job,” he says. “I made more money in one day than I probably had in the previous year, but I knew it wasn’t for me. Instead, I focused on engineering better ways to do stunts behind the scenes with technology.”

His first product was an “air ramp,” designed to propel a stuntman through the air in a convincing manner. The design came directly from motorcycling—essentially a motorcycle swingarm and shocks, designed to mimic a trampoline’s action but deliver a more predictable and progressive spring. Now, 34 years later, Leavittation produces about 50 different products of Leavitt’s design, giving both former champions a life in the movie business.

December 2011 37

“WHEN PEOPLE CALL ME A DAREDEVIL, IT’S KIND OF AN INSULT. TO ME IT’S A CALCULATED RISK.”

Of course, getting a start in the stunt business is different than making a long career of it. But Evans learned early on that the key to safety was in the same methodical approach she had learned from walking an observed trials section.

“I was working on a cliff about 300 feet up, and I had a rigging that would allow me to fall, and then catch me,” she says. “It was secured to the cliff, and we did the stunt a bunch of times. We were going to do it one final time, and then we decided not to.

“When I looked over the cable after that, I realized that if we had climbed

up and done it that last time, the cable would have come off its hook. I thought right there, ‘OK, I’m never going to let that happen again.’ I realized I had to watch everything.”

Her careful approach is very different from someone who succeeds on bravado.

“When people call me a daredevil, it’s kind of an insult,” she says. “To me it’s a calculated risk. I dissect everything on a stunt. Little things like how porous the asphalt is, is there any oil on the road, does the street have a crown? Is the motorcycle in good shape? How are the tires? Is the engine going to sputter? There’s so much to consider before you even start the stunt.”

Safety may mean something as simple as specifying a roll cage for a car jump from a pier to a ferry across open water—just in case the car doesn’t make the distance—or making sure the roadway is clear of the screws dropped on the street by another unit for driving shots in “The Muppets.”

“ADRENALINE IS YOUR FRIEND, IN THAT IT HELPS YOU FOCUS, AND IT GIVES YOU THE KIND OF FOCUS YOU DON’T GET ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS.”

Still, there is always some risk to manage. On the set of “Matrix Reloaded,” Evans was piloting the Ducati with a passenger on the back, as she weaved between moving lanes of oncoming traffic and made a move left to thread between two semis.

“I lined up, and as soon as I started to correct, my passenger leaned to the left, and the entire bike heaved in that direction,” she says. “I had to force the bike back into line hard. It was extremely scary—he almost got

us killed! I pulled over and told him “bury your head in my back and don’t look.” And that’s the way it appears in the movie.

Then there are the limitations of the equipment.

“Sometimes you have great bikes, but sometimes you have mega-crappy bikes. And it’s usually mega crappy,” Leavitt says. “They expect you to do magic with something like a 1950s Vespa. Debbie can do that, but not everyone can.”

Case in point: A high-speed mph reverse 180-degree turn in a badly maintained microvan for the movie “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” with Evans doubling Angelia Jolie.

“That one was fun,” she says. “I was backing up at over 40 mph with two BMW M3s coming at me, pitching sideways, with explosions to launch them in the air toward me. All the mirrors in the van were blown out, so I can’t see anything behind me, and there’s a camera in the car, so it’s impossible for me to turn around.”

She practiced the move a few times, finding a stationary camera on the side of the route to use as her cue for the 180. “It was a tight one,” she says. “I knew if I didn’t go fast enough, I wouldn’t get out of the way of the two projectile cars coming at me, and if I went too fast, I’d blow the shot. In the end, I hit it just right. It was the coolest thing to see those two cars

“Date Night” (2010) “Pineapple Express” (2008) double for Rosie Perez “Wanted” (2008) double for Angelina Jolie “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” (2006)

double for Nathalie Kelley “Superman Returns” (2006) double for

Parker Posey “Crank” (2006) “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005) “Herbie Fully Loaded” (2005)“Spider-Man 2” (2004) “Torque” (2004) “Demolition Man” (2003) double for

Sandra Bullock“The Matrix Reloaded” (2003) “Cradle 2 the Grave” (2003) “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003)“Laurel Canyon” (2002)

“The Fast and the Furious” (2001) “Gone in Sixty Seconds” (2000)“Mission: Impossible II” (2000) “Deep Impact” (1998) “Batman & Robin” (1997) double for

Alicia Silverstone“Barb Wire” (1996) “Strange Days” (1995) “Showgirls” (1995) “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991) “Cobra” (1986)“Tomboy” (1985) “Max Dugan Returns” (1983) “CHiPs”“Take It to the Limit” (1980) “The Jerk” (1979) “Death Sport” (1978)

Riding Fast, Taking Chances, Capturing Them On FilmA Brief Look At Some of Debbie Evans’ Stunt Work

Debbie Evans has appeared as a stuntwoman in more than 200 films, TV shows and commercials since 1977, and she’s still going strong. Here are just a few of the movies and TV shows in which Debbie has done motorcycle or car stunts.

up in the air coming at me!”It all makes for a great

adrenaline rush, but even that must be managed.

“Adrenaline is your friend, in that it helps you focus, and it gives you the kind of focus you don’t get on a day-to-day basis,” Evans says. “When they say, ‘Rolling!’ everything falls away and that adrenaline allows you to perform at a peak level.”

Fear, too, can be an issue. Some is good; too much is bad.

“If you don’t have a healthy sense of fear while you’re doing stunts, you’re going to get hurt,” she says. “You have to have respect for what you do.”

For her part, Evans says she’s comfortable with the work.

“I do everything I can to be as safe as possible,” she says. “But people also get killed crossing the street. I’d rather live my life to the fullest than not do anything.”

“I’VE NEVER BEEN GOOD ABOUT HEARING PEOPLE SAY WHAT I SHOULDN’T BE ABLE TO DO.”

In the end, Evans says she’s thankful most for the fact that she can make a living doing what she loves to do: ride motorcycles.

Riding has always been a huge part of my life, starting when I was really young,” she says. “I have a job where I’m riding pocket bikes, Harley-Davidsons, MV

Agustas, Ducatis—how many people get to do that?”

The secret, she says, has been simply following her dream.

“I’ve never been good about hearing people say what I shouldn’t be able to do,” she says. “People said I couldn’t be married and work in this business, and I am. People said you can’t have a kid and be in the business—I have three. In motorcycling, I wanted to ride in the Scottish Six Days—and I did. People said I couldn’t go back to competition, and I finished as the eighth best woman in the world.”

“You see so many people living their lives doing less than what they could accomplish if they didn’t listen to people say what they couldn’t do,” she says. “That’s wrong. You shouldn’t listen to that stuff.”

December 2011 39

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

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December 2011 45

STRIKING GOLD IN WASHINGTON’S NORTHERN CASCADES

Words and photos by Philip Buonpastore

A great ride doesn’t have to be half the country away. This AMA member finds a

short-but-spectacular loop in his own backyard.

Photo Rachel Rausch Johnson

40 AmericanMotorcyclist.com

Often, the best rides are close to home. Recently, with many of the mountain and national park roads closed for the season, I reminded myself of this motorcycling truth by exploring some spectacular sea-level loops

within an hour of my hometown, the city of Seattle.The western valleys of the Northern Cascade Mountains offer

one of the best: a four-road loop ride that includes state Route 9, the South Skagit Highway, Concrete Sauk Valley Road and Scenic 530. This ride into the Cascades is magnificent and encompasses some of the most scenic roads I have ever ridden.

On a clear day, the loop ride features a combination of stunning views of snow-peaked slate gray mountains that seem to go abruptly vertical from the valley floor to heights exceeding 10,000 feet. River views of the cool, blue, winding and serene Skagit and Sauk rivers on long and comfortably winding roads have low traffic levels and are lined by overhanging trees. All of these roads are located in near sea-level valleys, so it remains warmer than in the higher elevations, with autumn temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s. In short, it’s motorcycle heaven.

Heading NorthMy ride begins in Arlington, Wash. I arrive at noon, giving

me plenty of time to complete the loop, as well as several opportunities to do a little exploration on side roads in the area, stop for fuel, a lunch break, and to just take it all in. Since I know I’m in store for some amazing scenery, I consider my camera to be required equipment, and keep it close and at the ready.

Once at Arlington, Highway 530 goes east, while state Route 9 goes north. The loop ride is a fine one taken either way, but I begin by continuing north on Route 9 to the South Skagit Highway, and saving Highway 530 for the return trip. I consider it saving the best for last, as some of the more spectacular views of the Cascades can be seen heading south via 530.

State Route 9 runs about 24 miles through open country on the first leg of the ride, and over rolling mountain foothills with some nice twisties that add a little flavor. This two-lane country

road passes by Lake McMurray, Big Lake and Clear Lake and their surrounding communities on its way up to the South Skagit Highway, along with some long, open sections through forested areas.

Keeping vigilant and watchful, aware of the large logging trucks that also use this road, I arrive at the Skagit River. The entrance to the South Skagit Highway can be easy to miss. Only a small standard-sized street sign on the left side of Route 9 heading north marks the counter-intuitive left turn that loops around and back under a bridge to begin the ride east. The easiest way to spot the entrance is to look for two bridges that cross the river, then slow down and keep an eye out for a left-hand turn.

River RoadOnce on the South Skagit Highway, I settle in for an

exceptionally nice ride along the scenic Skagit River. Like Route 9, this road is also a two-lane highway that runs generally in sight of the cool blue waterway. It features small islands, sandbars and beaver dams that alter the path of the river and add churning white-water, increasing the visual appeal. Combine this with the surrounding national forest and the Cascade Mountains plainly visible as a backdrop, and you have a combination of natural colors and scenes that produce outstanding sweeping vistas.

When not paralleling the river, the road runs through open forested land where trees overhang and shade the route, with the occasional switchback thrown in to keep things

STRIKING GOLD IN WASHINGTON’S NORTHERN CASCADES

December 2011 41

interesting. On weekdays, the traffic is very sparse, which allows me to stop virtually wherever I want to take photographs.

At the 24-mile mark, I come to Concrete-Sauk Valley Road, and I am ready for a break and need to fill up the bike. Taking the left onto Concrete-Sauk Valley Road and turning east on Highway 20 takes me to the picturesque and historic town of Concrete, less than two miles away.

Arriving at Concrete, the southern corner of North Superior Avenue and Highway 20 features a conveniently located gas station, and just across the street is the largest concrete silo structure I have ever seen. The structure is impossible to miss (at least in the daylight). Built by the Superior Portland Cement Company in 1908, the silos mark the entrance to town.

Taking North Superior Avenue past the silos and turning right on Main Street leads me into the heart of this historic town. Here I find a nice little Mexican restaurant called Lupita’s, where I order a chicken burrito that rivals the silos for size. It is the largest burrito I have ever been served in a restaurant, and would have easily fed two people. I save half for later. The chips and

salsa are good, too.More great riding awaits me back on South Skagit Highway.

From here, the road winds its way to Scenic 530, partially along the Sauk River, and partially through open ranch and farmland. This stretch of road has some of the nicer series of “s” turns along the river. It can be a bit of a daunting task to concentrate on the road when there is so much incredible scenery to take in.

And incredible it is. After a while of riding in this area, I run out of adjectives to describe what I’m seeing—words just won’t do. You have to see it to understand the reverence you feel when you’re looking at this combination of natural beauty and vast expanse of valley scenes and surrounding mountains.

Back To ArlingtonI make a right turn at Scenic 530. It’s the last road in the loop

ride, but there are still a lot of sweeping curves and great views left. The Sauk River runs near and occasionally crisscrosses 530 on the way to Darrington. Several locations along this section of

“It can be a bit of a daunting task to concentrate on the road when there is so much incredible scenery to take in.”

42 AmericanMotorcyclist.com

If you want to make a longer day of this loop ride, there are a several notable side roads and small loops

off the main route worth exploring.First, taking Scenic 530 north from

Darrington leads you to the end of Highway 530 at Rockport, and making a right on the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) will take you on a made-for-motorcycling road with entertaining twists and turns all the way into, and through, the Cascade mountains.

The caveat here is that the road is usually closed in winter months and often remains closed until late spring in order to give the Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) time to clear snow and repair slide damage. Updates can be found on the WSDOT website: WSDOT.wa.gov/traffic/passes.

You also can consider another loop road that begins about 10 miles west in Marblemount. Look for the bridge that crosses the Skagit River where the highway takes a 90-degree turn to the north. Go over the bridge and go about three-quarters of a mile on Cascade River Road, then make the right turn on Rockport-Cascade Road. This local two-lane road runs in a westward direction about 10 miles, taking you back to Scenic 530, at a location about 1.5 miles south of Rockport.

If you are a dual-sport rider, going south at Darrington on the Mountain Loop Highway is a more-challenging southern loop that includes an

approximately 15-mile section of unpaved road that runs through Mt. Baker National Forest.

Again, check the Washington DOT website for closures of the Mountain Loop Highway. Also, be aware that some sections are reduced to loose gravel while being resurfaced, so when you see the signs that read “Motorcycles Use Extreme Caution,” it is best to take heed.

The Mountain Loop Highway leads back to the town of Granite Falls. Just west of town you can take Highway 92 to state Route 9 or Interstate 5 south back to Seattle. Taking Jordan Road will take you to Arlington Heights Road, which will return you to Highway 530 in Arlington, in case you want to make a longer loop ride out of the day.

EXTENDING THE RIDE

December 2011 43

the road offer some excellent spots for photos of older bridges and unobstructed river views, with the Northern Cascades reaching high into the sky in the background.

The road is sedately curved, with only a few spots that offer the opportunity for wearing the sides of my tires, but they are neither many nor extreme. Rather, this road is best suited for a comfortable ride and taking in the spectacular views in any and every direction.

At the small town of Darrington, 530 makes a turn to the west and back toward Arlington, and the loop ride’s starting point, but the town offers several gas stations and convenience stores where you can fill up and get some bottled water, as well as a handful of good, no-nonsense restaurants for sandwiches and burgers.

Going west from Darrington, it is 28 miles to Arlington, and as the names of the towns imply, this section is also known as the Arlington-Darrington Highway. It features the imposing near-vertical, snow-covered Whitehorse and Three Fingers mountains viewed on the southern side of the highway, and the Stillaguamish River on the northern side. Once again, there are no roads in this loop that lack outstanding mountain and river views. There are excellent locations for photographs, or just stops to relax.

One of the many great things about motorcycles is their versatility. We can enjoy touring to locations several states away, or just taking a ride up the street. While there’s a lot to be said for a change of scenery, don’t pass up local opportunities that may have been sitting under your radar. No question, my locale in northern Washington state may be more scenic than most, but I bet there are treasures to be discovered wherever you call home. The only way to find out is to get out and ride.

AMA member Phil Buonpastore is the author of Shifting Gears at Fifty: A Guide to Motorcycling for the New and Returning Rider, from BowTie Press.

“There are treasures to be discovered wherever you call home. The only way to find out is to get out and ride.”

44 AmericanMotorcyclist.com

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

1 One of the most prestigious

event weekends in motorcycling—the AMA Visa Card from Capital One Legends & Champions Weekend—is set

for Nov. 18-20 in Las Vegas, Nev. The weekend features the 2011 AMA Visa Card Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, the AMA Visa Card Championship Banquet and the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concourse d’Elegance bike show. Info: AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Events/LegendsAndChampions.aspx.

2 Have some fun and help out those less fortunate by taking part in a toy run. There are several to choose

from, including the toy run hosted by the San Jacinto High Rollers NW Chapter in Houston on Dec. 4 and the Motorcycle Riders Association toy run in Loma Linda, Calif., on Dec. 18. Find other toy runs by searching the events calendar at AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

3 Get out your map and get rolling, because the AMA Grand Tours with KOA Along the Way will be

wrapping up soon. These include the USA Four Corners Tour, the Ride For Your Rights Grand Tour, the Travel the USA with KOA Grand Tour, California Parks Adventure, California Mission Tour and the Three Flags Classic. See the schedule on page 47.

4 Catch the high-flying action of

AMA Arenacross Dec. 9-11 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes Barre, Pa. The 12-stop AMA Arenacross Series includes three new venues: the Cedar Park

Center in Cedar Park, Texas; the SRC Arena in Syracuse, N.Y.; and the Target Center in Minneapolis. Info: Arenacross.com.

5 Check out the latest motorcycles and gear at the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows in San Mateo,

Calif., Nov. 18-20; Dallas, Dec. 2-4; Long Beach, Calif., Dec. 9-11, Seattle, Dec. 16-18 and other cities next year. Info: MotorcycleShows.com.

6 There’s some exciting amateur motocross happening in Texas. See some of the state’s best MXers Dec.

3-4 and Dec. 10-11 in Conroe, and Dec. 31-Jan. 1 in Wortham. Info: ThreePalmsesp.com and FreestoneMX.com.

COMING UP

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the greatest Supercross racers on the planet compete in the 2012 AMA Supercross Series. The series kicks off Jan. 7 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. See the full schedule on page 47.

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ARIZONA

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

DEC 10: WIKIEUP: 2-DAY EVENT, ARIZONA TRAIL RIDERS, (602) 692-9382, ARIZONATRAILRIDERS.ORG

CALIFORNIA

RECREATIONAL

TOY RUN

DEC 11: GLENDALE: ABATE-CA LOCAL 1, (818) 244-9898

COMPETITION

EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES

DEC 11: PLASTER CITY: ROADRUNNER OFF-ROAD RACING CLUB INC, (760) 275-9852, AMAD38.COM

OBSERVED TRIALS

DEC 4: ROMOLAND: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (909) 224-3375, SOCALTRIALS.COM

NEW MEXICO

COMPETITION

OBSERVED TRIALS

DEC 4: SAN YSIDRO: NEW MEXICO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (505) 332-3172

NEW YORK

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

DEC 4: HARPURSVILLE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

DEC 18: HARPURSVILLE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 693-2634, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

NORTH CAROLINA

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

DEC 30-31: FLETCHER: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORYSPORTSRACING.COM

OHIO

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

DEC 2-3: COLUMBUS: AMERICAN MOTOSPORTS LLC, (937) 358-2427, AMERICANMX.COM

PENNSYLVANIA

COMPETITION

ARENACROSS

DEC 9: WILKES BARRE: FELD MOTOR

SPORTS, (800) 216-7482, ARENACROSS.COM

SOUTH CAROLINA

COMPETITION

HARE SCRAMBLES

DEC 4: LAURENS: GREENVILLE ENDURO RIDERS, (864) 908-6109, GREENVILLEENDURORIDERS.COM

TENNESSEE

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

DEC 9-10: WHITE PINE: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORYSPORTSRACING.COM

TEXAS

RECREATIONAL

TOY RUN

DEC 4: HOUSTON: SAN JACINTO HIGH ROLLERS NW CHAPTER, NWSJHR.COM

COMPETITION

MOTOCROSS

DEC 31: WORTHAM: 2-DAY EVENT, FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY LLC, (903) 599-1888, FREESTONEMX.COM

HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS

MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG

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

Main Hall: 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 Hall of Fame’s generous contributors.

AMA PRO RACING

2012 MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS SERIES AMASUPERCROSS.COM

Jan. 7: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

Jan. 14: Phoenix, Ariz.: Chase Field

Jan. 21: Los Angeles: Dodger Stadium

Jan. 28: Oakland, Calif.: Overstock.com Stadium

Feb. 4: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium

Feb. 11: San Diego: Qualcomm Stadium

Feb. 18: Arlington, Texas: Cowboys Stadium

Feb. 25: Atlanta: Georgia Dome

March 3: St. Louis: Edward Jones Dome

March 10: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona Int’l Speedway

March 17: Indianapolis: Lucas Oil Stadium

March 24: Toronto, Canada: Rogers Centre

March 31: Houston: Reliant Stadium

April 14: New Orleans: Louisiana Superdome

April 21: Seattle: Qwest Field

April 28: Salt Lake City: Rice-Eccles Stadium

May 5: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium

AMA ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES ARENACROSS.COM

Dec. 9-11: Wilkes Barre, Pa.: Mohegan Sun Arena

Jan. 6-8: Grand Rapids, Mich.: VanAndel Arena

Jan. 13-15: Topeka, Kan.: KS Expo Centre Arena

Jan. 21-22: Dayton, Ohio: Nutter Center

Jan. 27-29: Cedar Park, Texas: Cedar Park Center

Feb. 3-5: Syracuse, N.Y.: SRC Arena

Feb. 11-12: Fresno, Calif.: Save Mart Center

Feb. 17-19: Reno, Nev.: Livestock Events Center

Feb. 25-26: Minneapolis, Minn.: Target Center

GRAND TOURS

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

April 1 - Nov. 30: Ride For Your Rights Grand Tour, AMA, Dave Hembroff, (614) 856-1900 ext. 1202, AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Roadride/Touring.com

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

Jan. 1 - Dec. 31: California Parks Adventure, SCMA, (760) 985-7660, SC-MA.com

Jan. 1 - Dec. 31: California Mission Tour, SCMA, (760) 985-7660, SC-MA.com

Jan. 1 - Dec. 31: Three Flags Classic, SCMA, (626) 274-2237, SC-MA.com

December 2011 47

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

1. Title of publication: American Motorcyclist2. Publication No. 0208203. Dateoffiling:October1,20114. Frequencyofissue:monthly5. No.ofissuespublishedannually:126. Annualsubscriptionprice:$15.007. Locationofknownofficeofpublication:

13515YarmouthDr.,Pickerington FairfieldCounty,OH43147-8273

8. Locationofheadquartersorgeneralbusinessofficeofthepublishers:13515YarmouthDr.,Pickerington,FairfieldCounty,OH43147-8273

9. NameandcompleteaddressofPublishers:AmericanMotorcyclistAssociation, 13515YarmouthDr.,Pickerington FairfieldCounty,OH43147-8273 ManagingEditor:JamesHolter

10.Owner:AmericanMotorcyclistAssociation 13515YarmouthDr.,Pickerington FairfieldCounty,OH43147-8273

11.Knownbondholder,mortgagesandothersecurities:none

12.TaxStatus(Forcompletionbynon-profitorganizationsauthorizedtomailnonprofitrates).Hasnotchangedduringpreceding12months

13.Publicationname:American Motorcyclist14.Issuedateforcirculationdata:November2011

Extentandnatureofcirculation:Column A: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 monthsColumn B: Average number of copies of single issue publicatished nearest to filling date

A B

A.Totalno.copies(Netpressrun) 193,374 190,666B.Paidand/orrequestedcirculation1. Paid/RequestedOutside

CountyMail,subscriptions statedonForm3541246,177 192,860 189,985

2. Paidin-countysubscriptions 0 03. Salesthroughdealersand

carriers,streetvendors, countersales&others 0 0

4. Oherclassesmailedthrough USPS

C.Totalpaiddistribution 192,860 189,985D.Freeornominalratedistributionbymail 514 681E.Totalfreeornominalratedistribution 514 681F.Totaldistribution: 193,374 190,666G.Copiesnotdistributed

Total: 193,374 190,666

Percentpaidand/or requestedcirculation 99.9% 99.9%

Icertifythatthestatementmadebymeiscorrectandcomplete.GrantParsons,DirectorofCommunications

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December201149

When I was a kid, it didn’t matter what it was—a quad, dirtbike, three wheeler or lawn mower. If it had a motor, I would ride it, jump it or race it! As long as I was moving faster than my legs could carry me, I was happy.

I began riding on a homemade 50cc dirtbike when I was 6 years old. Soon I moved on to bigger and better things, most notably a Yamaha Blaster. I grew up riding around my yard with my younger brother and a few buddies. We had a mulch pile that we would build jumps and tracks with, and that is where I fine-tuned my riding skills. We literally spent every day after school riding until my mom would drag us in for dinner and bed.

My racing career started when I was 14. I started out with local cross country and motocross series and worked my way up to the big leagues. At 17, as a senior in high school, I turned pro in the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series. The 2011 season is my sixth year on the pro line, and I am happy to be a factory rider for Can-Am/Warnert Racing. I have been piloting the DS450 since 2008 and don’t plan on trading it in any time soon. I am currently sitting third in overall points in the GNCC series with several podium finishes thus far.

I love riding my quad, but I’ll be the

first to tell you that variety can make all the difference. This is where my dirtbike comes in. I enjoy cross training on motocross tracks or in the woods on my Suzuki RMZ250. I love riding tight single-track, tackling insane hillclimbs and just putting the miles down with my buddies.

Over the years, I have raced my dirtbike in local cross-country races, even lining up for the quad and bike races on the same day. I got a bit more serious this summer, signing up for my first AMA Racing Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series event in Zanesville, Ohio. A good friend, Justin “Drifter” Smith, had been bugging me to try one for awhile. The National fell in the GNCC summer break, so it was a no-brainer. We loaded up the rig and headed west.

I couldn’t have been happier that he convinced me to try it. Not only was it a great workout (four-plus hours of riding), but the promoting club, the Zanesville (Ohio) Trail Riders, put in some of the best single-track I had ever ridden. There were creek sections through partially formed caves, tons of fans along the route and just a great overall layout to the course. I tried my luck in the 250A class and faired OK, coming in 12th. Next time I hope to do better as I finally get the concept of the racing, transfer sections and breaks. The

rules were much different than anything I had ever raced before.

The enduro also showed me that even though most people consider me a “quad guy,” that I can have a great time at a bike-only event, meet great people and get a workout that will help my pro career.

Too often, off-road riders get caught up in being a quad guy or a bike guy and forget that we are all riders. With all of the issues of public land use, the unfair sound ordinances and crazy things such as the recently defeated lead law for kid’s off-road vehicles, it has never been more important for us to stand together and fight for our common interest: off-road riding. More than ever, we need to take a stand for what we enjoy doing and fight for what is, has been and should remain rightfully ours.

Regardless of whether you are a professional racer, an amateur gunning to beat your friends or a rider who simply enjoys the trails, you have a vested interest in this fight. It’s time to get on the same side and support organizations that represent the entire off-road community.

I consider myself an off-road racer, not a quad guy or a bike guy. I hope that everyone else out there, on both sides, can come to the same conclusion. When it comes to defending your right to ride, it’s that you ride, not what you ride that is important.

Chris Bithell is an AMA member from Irwin, Pa. Find out more about Chris at http://Blog.CanAmOffroad.Com/.

GUEST COLUMN

IT’S ALL GOODFour Wheels Or Two, Off-Roaders Must Stick Together By Chris Bithell

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50 AmericanMotorcyclist.com