Born To Ride News

Swap meet vendor pre-registration closes Thursday, June 30

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Motorcyclists know that there are few things cooler than a sweet vintage ride — except for a sweet vintage ride that you pick up for a sweet deal. The hunt for those bargains brings enthusiasts back to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) vintage swap meet in droves every summer during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

The July 22-24 extravaganza is expected to be one of the biggest swap meets ever, as hundreds of vendors and thousands of buyers converge at the largest celebration of motorcycle heritage in the country.

“Covering nearly 20 acres of landscape around the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course complex, the swap meet is an impressive site to behold,” said AMA Director of Operations and Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jack Penton. “There are new-old-stock pistons, crank seals, fork boots, wheels, complete running bikes, not-so-complete and not-so-running bikes, shocks, fenders — the list goes on and on.

“This is the place to find that one elusive part you need to finish your prized project, or get started on your first one,” said Penton. “With 2011 shaping up to be one of the biggest swap meets in the history of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the opportunities for great deals and great finds will be considerable.”

Penton added that, as a premier attraction for many attendees at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the AMA seeks to make enhancements every year.

“Last year, we introduced a number of improvements that helped the flow of traffic and better utilized the space for individual vendor displays,” Penton said. “We will continue to evolve those improvements for 2011 to ensure this the best vintage motorcycle swap meet in the country.”

Vendors can pre-register for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days through Thursday, June 30, for the best available locations. (Vendors who miss the preregistration deadline can still purchase space at the event.) To register, call AMA Member Services at (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646). For additional registration information, see AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com.

Kawasaki will be honored as the 2011 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Marque of the Year. There will be a number of Kawasaki-themed activities, from displays to demo rides to seminars to autograph signings. Attendees will also have an opportunity to win a new Kawasaki Z1000 and a classic Z1, given away in a single raffle that benefits the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Held at the world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features vintage and post-vintage competition in motocross, trials, hare scrambles, roadracing and dirt track. In addition to the swap meet and demo rides of current production bikes, the event includes educational seminars, bike shows, motorcycling seminars, the new product Manufacturers’ Midway, and club corrals featuring marque and regional clubs.

Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which is located on the campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio. The mission of the Hall of Fame is to “celebrate, elucidate and preserve the rich tradition of motorcycling in America.” Its exhibits honor the distinguished men and women whose competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship have played a vital role in shaping the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Hall of Fame’s website at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Tickets to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days can be purchased online at MidOhio.com. For more information about the event, visit AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.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 its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — In 1978, a nervous rookie off-roader lined up in the rural Swedish countryside at the biggest off-road race in the world, the International Six Days Trial (ISDT). Six days later, Jeff Fredette was credited with a gold medal finish, and launched what would become one of the most enduring international motorcycle racing careers of all time.

In recognition of Fredette’s stellar off-road racing career, his record-setting number of ISDT and International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) finishes and his support of the Kawasaki brand, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA are pleased to announce that Fredette will be honored as Grand Marshal at the annual AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 22-24, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Fredette’s selection highlights Kawasaki’s status as the Marque of the Year for 2011 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

“Jeff Fredette represents determination, excellence, sportsmanship and professionalism,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Not only does he bring a career-long association with our 2011 Marque of the Year, Kawasaki, but he stands as an excellent role model for the AMA’s aspiring cadre of amateur racers of all ages. We’re honored that he will be on hand to greet fans and support AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, which raises funds for the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

Added Chris Brull, Kawasaki’s marketing communications director: “Jeff Fredette and Kawasaki have ridden together for nearly three decades. The relationship has been long and rewarding. When it comes to celebrating the history of Kawasaki and the people who have helped elevate the brand in America, we can think of no better representative than ‘Mr. ISDE’ himself.” Not only is Fredette a multi-time gold medal winner at the ISDT/ISDE, but he has won hundreds of AMA Racing off-road events, including several on the national level.

Fredette, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002, remains an active competitor. He further burnished his reputation last year when he not only competed in his 30th ISDE, where he won another gold medal, but he also won two AMA Racing National Championships: the Senior 40+ A class title in the AMA Racing Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series, and the 86cc-200cc Modern class No. 1 plate at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships. Fredette also has won the 2004 Senior 40+ and 1989 126-200 A class national enduro titles and 15 Ice Race National Championships, from 1984-2007. He was named AMA Racing Sportsman of the Year in 1993 and AMA Racing Vet/Senior Rider of the Year in 2010.

“I’m excited about this opportunity and to really experience all the things going on at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” Fredette said. “Last year was my first year at the event, and my schedule only allowed me to see the hare scrambles. I’m looking forward to the swap meet, the flat track, the bike shows and taking in the vintage scene. Plus, I’m not going to miss out on the racing. I want to compete in the trials, the hare scrambles, the motocross and the flat track. It should be a great time all around.”

Of course, Fredette will compete on Kawasakis, which he has raced since 1983.

“It was the year after Suzuki pulled out of off-road, and I didn’t have a ride,” Fredette remembered. “Kawasaki came along with some bikes and support, and things just started to click. Kawasakis have always been great bikes, and I’m pretty loyal, so from then on, as long as everything worked, I had no reason to change.”

Fredette’s role as Grand Marshal will be one of many Kawasaki-themed activities this year at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Known as a leader in the performance category for the past 45 years, Kawasaki will host a number of interactive opportunities for attendees. Fans will be able to immerse themselves in the brand’s history — and its future, as licensed riders will be able to demo the latest Kawasaki motorcycles.

Hosting a Kawasaki display at the Mid-Ohio venue for the event, the company will exhibit many of its groundbreaking models, including the famed 500cc Mach III triple and the 900cc Z1, recognized as one of the industry’s first true superbikes. In addition, attendees will have a chance to win both a modern Z1000 muscle bike and a classic Z1 in the Hall of Fame raffle.

Kawasaki riders attending the event will enjoy special perks, including a Kawasaki-only parking area and the chance to participate in a special lap of the Mid-Ohio track.

Held at the world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features vintage and post-vintage competition in motocross, trials, hare scrambles, roadracing and dirt track. In addition to demo rides of current production bikes, the event includes North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, educational seminars, bike shows, motorcycling seminars, the new product Manufacturers’ Midway, and club corrals featuring marque and regional clubs.

Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which is located on the campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio. The mission of the Hall of Fame is to “celebrate, elucidate and preserve the rich tradition of motorcycling in America.” Its exhibits honor the distinguished men and women whose competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship have played a vital role in shaping the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Hall of Fame’s website at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Tickets for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days can be purchased online at MidOhio.com. For more information about the event, visit AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.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 its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

The Smoke Out XII is only a few weeks away as it kicks off June 24-25, 2011 in Rockingham, NC. It is a rolling party honoring all of those bloody-knuckled guys and gals that build and designed their chopper.

From noon to 11pm Friday & 10am to 11pm Saturday, riders will be rolling in and showcasing their American, British, Japanese and Italian chops, bobbers and custom sleds.

“The Smoke Out is a celebration of choppers and motorcycles of all types, styles and design,” said Edge. “We are looking forward to seeing some of the best hand-built and custom bikes that American ingenuity offers.”

Chopper Jockeys will be treated to music from Jasmine Cain, mini bike races, ride-in Chopper Bike Show, painted lady contest and old-school chopper vendors. In addition, Easy Eddies Motorcycle & Lounge will be on hand changing oil with Spectro Oil and providing repairs on-site.

This is all about enjoying the ride, no attitudes wanted. It’s like the WWE, not the UFC! Get all the Smoke Out details at http://www.ironcross.net.

About The Smoke Out Rally

The Smoke Out is about choppers. It is about builders, from professional builders to those bloody-knuckled guys (and ladies) burning the midnight oil in an unheated shed to build a chopper they can call their own. Chops of all makes are featured, American, British, Japanese, everything. The event is about riders, cross-town to cross-country in a rainstorm.

The event is a full week to look at fine chops, listen to good music, relax, catch up with old friends or make new friends, eat good food, take a couple nice putts in a pretty countryside, drink some beer, shop the vendors wares, … and on and on. …

For event participation and information please contact:

Edge – 803-210-7272 /

edge.42@mac.com

For media information please contact:

Jeffrey Najar, 919-886-5075, pr@bikerpros.com

DIXIE BIKER MONK PASSED AWAY SATURDAY NIGHT.  HE HAD BEEN FIGHTING CANCER STAGE FOUR FOR A WHILE. WE JUST LOST ANOTHER PATRIOT AND FREEDOM FIGHTER AMERICAN. MONK SUPPORTED THE CONSTITUTION AND THIS GREAT COUNTRY AND CONSERVATIVE VALUES HE WAS A TRUE FRIEND. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO LOVED THE GUY. GOD BLESS.
                                    

RESPECT,
                                     

WILLIE

Show Stoppers

If you missed West Coast Bike Rally 2009 you missed some well-groomed and detailed bikes. Check out the photo gallery to get some inspiration for next year. … You have to be in it to win it so start planning!