Born To Ride News

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The fastest amateur dirt-track racers on the planet will converge on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill., May 29-June 1 for the premier annual amateur championship event: the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Dirt Track Grand Championships.

“The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships are one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur motorsports racing events in the country,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “We’re excited to bring the event back to Springfield, Ill., home to the world-famous Springfield Mile and the location of many storied dirt-track races. This will be an incredible week of racing that will showcase the fastest amateur racers in the country.”

Longtime dirt-track promoter Steve Nace of Steve Nace Racing will promote the event.

“I’m very excited to work with the AMA on the 2012 AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships,” Nace said. “The history and status of this event are second to none in the world of amateur dirt track, and we will work hard to surpass racers’ and fans’ expectations for another great year.”

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

The fastest riders in premier classes also compete for the AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award, which honors the amateur racer poised for success on the pro level.

Racers field both traditional dirt-trackers and the latest DTX motorcycles, which begin as stock motocross bikes that are then fitted with dirt-track tires, suspension and other modifications.

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

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

And why isn’t this guy at least in the hospital?  Apparently they don’t have motor officers like ‘back in the day’. - Terry

Thursday, February 2, 2012

PLANT CITY — A Zephyrhills man allegedly riding a stolen motorcycle is accused of ramming a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s motorcycle deputy and engaging in a fight with the deputy after being pulled off the bike.

According to HCSO officials, George Arthur Farmer, 46, rammed the deputy’s motorcycle after the deputy tried to pull him over.

Officials said Farmer was riding the stolen motorcycle on Interstate 4, near McIntosh Road, when the deputy followed him until he exited onto Alexander Street.

The deputy attempted to pull Farmer over when the tag on the motorcycle was determined to be stolen.

After being rammed, the deputy grabbed Farmer from the motorcycle and the two began to fight. When backup arrived, Farmer was taken into custody.

The deputy suffered minor abrasions in the altercation.

Déjà vu all over again

Farmer is no stranger to altercations with law enforcement. He was released from prison January 26 after serving one year for fleeing law enforcement and battery on a law enforcement officer, according to officials.

In this incident, Farmer was charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, as well as grand theft and possession of a controlled substance.

Terry Longpre

Global 110^th Anniversary Celebrations in 2013 in Rome, Milwaukee and More

MILWAUKEE (Feb. 1, 2012) –Harley-Davidson will celebrate 110 years of great motorcycles and epic riding experiences with an array of global events and activities in 2013. Among the events during the year-long celebration will be a rally in Rome, Italy, June 13-16, and a massive party over Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, in Milwaukee.

Harley-Davidson will also celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) globally, including during the Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee in 2013. H.O.G., the official riding club of the Motor Company, boasts about one million members worldwide.

“Harley-Davidson is synonymous with adventure, passion and the experience of the open road,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “For this 110^th celebration, our customers all around the world – with our support – are going to be taking everything to the next level and making their own history.”

Information on housing options in Milwaukee and Rome is available at www.harley-davidson.com/110. Further details about the global 110^th Anniversary will be announced in the coming months.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Renewed funding for motorized trails and a ban on funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints are included in a major federal transportation bill being considered by a key U.S. House committee, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is expected to vote Feb. 2 on a transportation funding authorization bill — H.R. 7, the “American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012.” If approved, the measure would go to the full House for a vote before moving to the Senate for consideration.

Since the Senate has its own version of the bill, the spending plan would eventually end up in a House-Senate conference committee where differences would be worked out before going back to both chambers for final approval.

The House measure includes $85 million a year through fiscal year 2016 for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which provides money to states to develop and maintain trails. Federal lawmakers had been looking at eliminating the dedicated funding for the program, which threatened to end the RTP.

“Motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders by the thousands spoke, and federal lawmakers listened,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “We want to thank the members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their hard work in putting together this massive transportation bill, and for including provisions that benefit our members.”

Funds for the RTP come from the federal Highway Trust Fund and represent a portion of the federal motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use. In other words, taxes generated by fuel used for off-highway vehicle recreation — by snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles and off-highway light trucks — fund the RTP.

The RTP provides funds to the states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP is an assistance program of the U.S. Transportation Department’s Federal Highway Administration. The RTP program benefits hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, ATV riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles.

Besides including RTP funding, the House measure bars the U.S. transportation secretary from providing grants to states and local governments for motorcycle-only checkpoints, which are opposed by the AMA. The AMA has been tracking the disturbing development of motorcycle-only checkpoints since they first appeared in New York several years ago.

“The AMA believes that strategies to promote motorcycle safety must be rooted in motorcycle crash prevention, and don’t include arbitrarily pulling over riders and randomly subjecting them to roadside inspections,” Allard said.

The House bill also provides funding for state motorcycle safety programs. The AMA has long promoted motorcycle rider education and motorist awareness programs as essential strategies to prevent motorcycle crashes.

To stay on top of motorcycling-related issues, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Corbin Introduces the World Famous Gunfighter Saddle for 2006-2012 HD FXD Dyna-Glide, Switchback and 2006-2008 Dyna Wide Glide Models

Hollister, CA- Corbin announced today the introduction of the World Famous Gunfighter saddle that was designed by Mike Corbin back in 1982 for 2006-2012 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna-Glide, Switchback and 2006-2008 Dyna Wide Glide models. This timeless design has been the most recognizable and revolutionary seat design to ever hit the motorcycle industry and also has become the most copied seat ever produced. To this day, this seat is still one of Corbin’s most popular seat models for Harleys and Metrics alike.

This particular Gunfighter saddle is done up in Corbin’s Close configuration. Simply stated, this design moves the seating platform closer to the bars to provide an easier reach. It also has a slightly lower seat height, but more importantly has a narrow nose to allow your legs to reach the pavement easier. This is a great setup for smaller riders on the Dyna-Glide. Simple to install or remove, the Corbin saddle mounts to stock locations with a single bolt. A wide variety of custom materials are available by special order at no extra charge when you order a Gunfighter or any other Corbin saddle.

Corbin, the world’s finest motorcycle saddle…Hand crafted in the USA and setting the standard for over four decades! From the original Corbin removable backrest to their unique saddle designs, stylish saddle bags and touring quality fairings; they are unequalled in quality, design and function.

Corbin designs and processes are so unique; many of them have been awarded US Patents…a total of 84 Patents to be exact! Visit “The Wizard’s Workshop” in Hollister, CA where you can ride in and get a custom saddle made while you wait or their new showroom in Ormond Beach, FL where they’re open seven days a week.

For those interested in obtaining more information on Corbin, you can reach them at 800-538-7035 or online at www.corbin.com. Visit Corbin Headquarters at 2360 Technology Parkway, Hollister, CA. 95023 or Corbin Florida at 1433 US Highway 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) member Randy Odom of St. Louis will take his dual-sport passion to an entirely new level this summer. That’s because the 29-year-old Odom just got an unexpected bonus for riding in last year’s AMA KTM National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series: a 2012 KTM 350 EXC-F from 2011 series sponsor KTM North America.

The annual AMA drawing, conducted by independent auditing and accounting firm Plante & Moran of Columbus, Ohio, included participants in all of the AMA events on the national dual-sport calendar.

“Man, this is awesome,” said Odom, whose current bike is a 10-year old 125cc two-stroke. “My boss got me into dual sports, and I’ve been having the best time ever. Everybody on these rides is great. They’re friendly. They’re helpful. Everyone is a die-hard rider. The riding is super challenging, but without the full-on pressure of a flat-out race. It’s great. I can’t think of a better time on a motorcycle.”

KTM North America Inc. President Jon-Erik Burleson said he’s excited to see the 350 EXC-F go to someone who appreciates the new bike as much as Odom.

“It’s great that someone like Randy, who has wanted to be a part of the KTM family for so long, can now count himself among the orange-bleeders,” Burleson said. “These guys are the heart and soul of our customer base. I hope Randy enjoys his new KTM for years to come.”

Odom, a long-time off-road rider, says the people who ride and organize the individual events on the AMA’s national dual-sport calendar represent some of motorcycling’s friendliest people. He said one of his favorite rides is the Show Me 200, put on by the Midwest Trail Riders Association in Bixby, Mo.

“I loved it,” Odom said. “I rode that, and I got hooked. It’s all types of terrain. It has the best of everything. Maybe best of all, I get to keep my wheels on the ground and stay pretty safe. My wife definitely approves! In fact, I just sent my check off to ride the 2012 Show Me 200. Plus, at all these events, we appreciate the AMA and the clubs that are part of the AMA and everything the AMA does for riders.”

With the 2012 season set to begin soon, stay tuned for exciting news on this year’s dual-sport series, including a full schedule and more. Keep an eye on AmericanMotorcyclist.com for the latest news and updates.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Tallahassee, FL January 27, 2012 – ABATE of Florida, Inc.’s Stiffer Penalties Bill, Senate Bill 1754, has passed it’s first committee today.  The Senate Transportation Committee passed the Bill with 7 yes votes and zero no votes. Doc, ABATE of Florida’s Lobbiest, spoke before the committee during the hearing and said there no negative comments.

The next committee for the Bill will be the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.  We can use everyone’s help to contact the members of this committee to urge them to pass this Bill. The committee’s Chair, Sen. Greg Evers (850-487-5000), is the Sponsor of our Bill.  Other members are:

Any questions regarding this Bill should be directed to ABATE of Florida, Inc.’s State Legislative Trustee, Darrin “Scribe” Brooks at statelegislative@abateflorida.com.

Past ABATE of Florida, Inc. Press Releases may be found here: www.abateflorida.com/pr .
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Hollister, CA- Corbin announced today the addition of a newly redesigned FXR Chin Spoiler to their product line up. Designed to integrate the lines of the FXR into the bottom end for a more visually streamlined look, Corbin’s spoiler flows over the frame downtubes and features a large duct, specifically designed for proper engine cooling. Designed to work with stock FXR foot controls, this new FXR chin spoiler also works with aftermarket forward controls requiring only minor modifications. Fits all FXR chassis’ without any frame modifications.

Constructed of vacuum formed ABS for durability and value, the vacuum molding process provides a very smooth surface…perfect for pre-paint preparation. Corbin’s new FXR chin spoiler comes ready to primer and paint or pre-painted in gloss black and ready to install right out of the box. Mounting is simple, kit includes all necessary hardware and detailed instructions. This is a simple project for the average weekend mechanic that wants the look of a classic Harley-Davidson hot rod!

Corbin, the world’s finest motorcycle saddle…Hand crafted in the USA and setting the standard for over four decades! From the original Corbin removable backrest to their unique saddle designs, stylish saddle bags and touring quality fairings; they are unequalled in quality, design and function. Corbin designs and processes are so unique; many of them have been awarded US Patents. Visit “The Wizard’s Workshop” in Hollister, CA where you can ride in and get a custom saddle made while you wait or their new showroom in Ormond Beach, FL where they’re open seven days a week.

For those interested in obtaining more information on Corbin, you can reach them at 800-538-7035 or online at www.corbin.com. Visit Corbin Headquarters at 2360 Technology Parkway, Hollister, CA. 95023 or Corbin Florida at 1433 US Highway 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.

1014 S. SAINT TROPEZ AVE. • ANAHEIM HILLS, CA • 92808 • 714.280.8537/OFFICE

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) welcomes the AMA Mid America XC Championship as an AMA Featured Series for 2012. The 10-round hare scrambles series includes events in Indiana and Illinois from March through October.

The AMA Mid America XC Championship includes both open cross-country style course sections as well as tighter hare scrambles trail. It is promoted by Mike Gibbs and Mid America XC in Monrovia, Ind. The full schedule is below.

“We’re very happy to have Mike on board with this AMA Featured Series,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “The AMA Mid America XC Championship has a reputation for premier Midwest woods racing, with competitive classes at every level of age, skill and displacement. It provides excellent opportunities for AMA members to compete, and we’re pleased to elevate the series for 2012.”

Gibbs said he has seen steady expansion of the series since it was launched in 2010. He said much of that is due to Mid America XC’s philosophy of putting riders first.

“My sons have raced hare scrambles, and I have a long sprint-car racing background, so we definitely bring a racer’s perspective to promotion,” Gibbs said. “Improving organization, registration, track quality and definitely payouts and recognition, have played a role in our growing rider counts. For example, our pro purse is a set amount each round — it isn’t dependent on rider counts — and every other class down to beginner receives product awards in addition to trophies.”

Gibbs said that AMA sanctioning, including stepping up as an AMA Featured Series for 2012, has been a critical component to his series’ success.

“AMA affiliation has always been important to us,” Gibbs said. “While we’re out here competing, the AMA is in Washington, D.C., protecting our rights to ride and to race. The recent success of fixing the lead law to exempt youth-model motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles from the ban was a perfect example of that. Without the youth classes, our sport can’t survive.”

For more on the AMA Mid America XC Championship, see TheMAXC.com. For more on AMA-sanctioned events, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

AMA Mid America XC Championship Schedule
Series contact: Mike Gibbs, (317) 418-6084, gibbs11x@yahoo.com, TheMAXC.com

March 3: Greenfield, Ind.
April 21: TBA
June 9-10: Casey, Ill.
June 17: Springville, Ind. (Riley Hospital Miracle Trail Race)
July 21: Martinsville, Ind.
Aug. 11: Merango, Ind.
Sept. 8: Canaan, Ind.
Sept. 22: Spencer, Ind.
Oct. 13: Veedersburg, Ind.
Oct. 27-28: Casey, Ill.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 25, 2012 – Raising awareness and revenue for the Right Rider Access Fund, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) will host a star-studded breakfast auction at next month’s 2012 Dealer Expo in Indianapolis. The free breakfast will include racing legends Mark Blackwell and Kevin Schwantz, with more champions to be named later. The event will be emceed by MIC Board Director Eric Anderson and MIC member Tom White.

The event is set for 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, in the Wabash Room of the Indiana Convention Center, and is open to any Dealer Expo attendee: dealers, manufacturers, aftermarket reps and all others are welcome. Breakfast and sign-in for the auction begins at 7:30 a.m., though space is limited to 250.  All proceeds will benefit the Right Rider Access Fund (RRAF).

Items slated for the RRAF auction block will appeal to off-road enthusiasts and street riders alike. So far, these items include a pristine, vintage Yamaha DT1, graciously donated by Tom White; a Schwantz School at your choice of Road Atlanta or Indianapolis Motor Speedway, courtesy of American Suzuki Motor Corp.; and a variety of Supercross jerseys autographed by your fan-favorite Supercross racers. Keep an eye out for future releases and a final list of auction items at www.riderfund.org.

“We’re all familiar with the live to ride slogan,” said MIC President and CEO Tim Buche. “Now, the MIC is encouraging riders to give to ride by donating their time to maintain trails or money to support the RRAF’s initiatives and fund the grants it gives to other partners that strive to preserve current riding areas and opportunities. That’s what this auction is all about: Giving to Ride. The BlueRibbon Coalition previously hosted The Breakfast of Champions fundraiser like this one, and our plan is for the MIC auction to be something of an homage to its event. We want to give our attendees valuable goods and experiences to bid on, but we also want to entertain them by having motorcycle industry luminaries on hand for interviews. Most importantly, we want to encourage everyone to Give to Ride by supporting the RRAF at what we hope will be an exciting and entertaining event.”

The Right Rider Access Fund is a charitable, community benefit organization created in 2011 to support off-highway vehicle enthusiasts directly, by supplementing the work of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and in other ways. The Fund’s charitable mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of off-highway vehicles and to preserve their access to appropriate lands. RRAF initiates its own initiatives and provides grants to others, like the NOHVCC. www.riderfund.org

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.