PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Testifiers told a key U.S. House subcommittee on June 22 that off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation puts billions of dollars into the U.S. economy, and public land needs to be opened up for motorized recreation, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
Supporters of H.R. 1581, the Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011, testified that the bill would free up almost 43 million acres of public land that now may be off-limits to off-highway riding.
“As it stands, the BLM [federal Bureau of Land Management] currently restricts activity on nearly 7 million acres of WSAs [Wilderness Study Areas] despite the fact the BLM itself has already determined these areas are not suitable for Wilderness designation by Congress,” testified Thomas Crimmins, spokesman for the group Professionals for Managed Recreation.
“The situation with the Forest Service is even worse,” he said, “as access is restricted to over 36 million acres of IRAs [Inventoried Roadless Areas] that have been deemed unsuitable for ultimate designation as Wilderness.”
The testimony came during a House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands oversight hearing on “Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation on Public Lands, chaired by Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah).
Besides Crimmins, others who testified included Scott Jones, who spoke on behalf of the AMA and the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition; Dick Lepley of the Pennsylvania Off-Highway Vehicle Association; Russ Ehnes of the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council; Don Amador of the BlueRibbon Coalition; and Karen Umphress of the Minnesota Motorized Trails Coalition and the Coalition of Recreational Trail Users.
The Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011 would remove stringent use restrictions on 6.7 million acres managed by the BLM and on 36.1 million acres of U.S. Forest Service land that was evaluated for strict congressional Wilderness land-use designations.
The federal agencies have determined the 43 million acres aren’t suitable for Wilderness designation, yet because of various laws and rules they must continue to strictly manage the land until Congress “releases” it for other possible uses, which H.R. 1581 would do.
Crimmins, who worked for the Forest Service for 32 years, was involved in the process for evaluating Forest Service land to determine whether it deserved a Wilderness designation. A Wilderness designation bars off-highway riding and most other uses.
“The intent of the process was to identify any and all areas that could potentially be considered for Wilderness designation and then, once and for all, make recommendations for areas that should be considered for Wilderness designations and areas that should be managed for multiple use,” Crimmins testified. “This would allow the agency to move forward with its mission to manage the national forests.”
While land mangers expected that areas ultimately deemed as unsuitable for Wilderness designation would be released, “this has not been the case,” he said.
On the economic side, Jones testified that “OHV recreation provided over a billion dollars in positive economic impact and resulted in over 12,000 jobs in the state of Colorado alone.”
Umphress said that all-terrain vehicle (ATV) activity alone in Minnesota contributed $2 billion to the economy in 2006.
Lepley, who also owns a motorcycle dealership, testified that the estimated economic value of the OHV retail market was $14.6 billion in 2009, “bolstered by the sale of 131,000 new off-highway motorcycles and 321,000 new ATVs, which are now part of the estimated 12.2 million dirtbikes and ATVs in America.”
“Clearly, the powersports industry contributes mightily to the nation’s economy during both good times and bad, but regardless of the economy, nothing threatens dealerships and the industry at large like having no place to ride,” he said.
To urge your federal lawmaker to support H.R. 1581, the Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011, go to http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/issueslegislation.
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 — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is encouraging all motorcyclists to demonstrate the tangible benefits of commuting to work on a motorcycle or motorscooter on Monday, June 20, as part of the 20th annual Motorcycle and Scooter Ride To Work Day.
As always, the AMA urges all motorcyclists to be careful on the road, and reminds motorists everywhere to watch for motorcycles in traffic on this symbolic day, as well as year-round.
“Ride to Work Day is a great way to show that motorcycles are fun to ride as well as an economical way to transport yourself from one point to another,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “With so many more riders on the road at this time of year, it’s also a good opportunity to extend a note of caution to riders and motorists alike to be aware of fellow road users.
“In most car-motorcycle crashes, the driver claims he or she never saw the motorcyclist,” Dingman said. “By increasing awareness of motorcyclists on the road, crashes can be avoided, and lives can be saved.”
This year marks the 20th annual Ride to Work Day, and it’s expected to more than double the number of riders on the road in cities and counties throughout the country.
“Riding on this day showcases the positive value of motorcycles and scooters for transportation,” said Andy Goldfine, the event organizer and a former AMA board member. ”It is an economical, efficient and socially responsible form of mobility that saves energy, helps the environment and provides a broad range of other public benefits.”
Motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts and rider organizations worldwide encourage their members to ride to work on this day, and the event has also been recognized by proclamation by more than 100 American cities, including Albany, N.Y.
The day has also been recognized on the floor of the U.S. House.
“Ride to Work Day is one of our best advertisements for the motorcycling lifestyle,” said Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager. “With more riders on the road during rush hour, these benefits become even clearer. Motorcycles and scooters are a green and socially responsible form of transportation that reduce fuel consumption and wear and tear on roads, ease congestion, make parking easier and exponentially increase the fun of your commute.”
For more information about Ride to Work Day, visit RideToWork.org.
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 –A key federal agency can’t enforce a ban on the sale of kids’ dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) under language inserted into a federal government funding measure in Congress, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
On June 16, Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) got language inserted into the House Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, that prevents the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from using money to enforce lead-content limits on kids’ off-highway vehicles (OHVs).
The limits are contained in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, which is known as the lead law.
The CPSIA bans the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under that contains more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part. It also requires all children’s products to undergo periodic testing by independent laboratories approved by the CPSC, which is responsible for implementing the law.
Kid-sized dirtbikes and ATVs contain amounts of lead that exceed the parts-per-million levels allowed under the CPSIA.
The CPSC has delayed enforcing key portions of the law until after the end of the year. Unless the CPSIA is changed by then, the sale of child-sized dirtbikes and ATVs will effectively be banned.
The Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill provides annual funding for several key federal government agencies, including the CPSC. If the full House eventually adopts the language, then it still needs to clear the Senate before the bill goes to the president to be signed into law.
“While the original legislation was intended to keep kids safe from lead content in toys, the overreaching enforcement wound up putting them at risk by forcing them to use larger, more dangerous machines that are intended only for adults,” said Rehberg, who is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.
“While I’m working on a permanent fix to get rid of this dangerous regulation, my appropriations language will buy more time,” he said.
Rehberg was referring to H.R. 412, the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, which he introduced to exempt kids’ OHVs from the lead-content restrictions of the CPSIA.
Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO, thanked Rehberg for his efforts.
“This language is an important step in efforts to lift the ban on the sale of kid-sized dirtbikes and ATVs imposed by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008,” Dingman said. “America’s young riders need to be able to ride appropriately sized machines to help them stay safe. If those machines aren’t available, then they may ride bigger machines that may be difficult for them to control.
“Small businesses that sell small off-highway vehicles also suffer under the CPSIA,” he said. “For the safety of children, and for the health of small businesses, the AMA strongly urges the adoption of this language.”
To urge your federal lawmakers to support the Rehberg language in the House Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, and to support H.R. 412, the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, go to http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/issueslegislation.
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 — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to welcome a number of marque and regional clubs to this summer’s premier celebration of motorcycling heritage, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 22-24 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
“The Club Corral is a vital part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, and expands the event’s appeal to a number of enthusiasts and fans,” said AMA Director of Operations and Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jack Penton. “Enhancing the presence of Kawasaki, which will be honored as Marque of the Year at 2011 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, and our Classic Club, the Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson Club, will be a number of groups that each represent its own slice of the motorcycling culture.”
Displays in the Club Corral will include original and restored motorcycles, club information, historical information, memorabilia and, most importantly, will be staffed by some of the most die-hard brand enthusiasts you’ll find.
Currently scheduled to appear in the Club Corral at this year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days are:
Other clubs that desire to be part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days are encouraged to contact AMA Events Manager Connie Fleming at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1258, or at cfleming@ama-cycle.org.
There is no additional cost to participate in the Club Corral beyond the event ticket price. Clubs are simply asked to commit to contributing to the educational and fun atmosphere of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Display costs, such as tent rentals, catering and other enhancements to the provided display area are the responsibility of the club.
The Club Corral is just one part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, which this year will shine the spotlight on Kawasaki as Marque of the Year. Kawasaki activities will include displays, demo rides, seminars, autograph signings and more. Attendees will also have an opportunity to win a new Kawasaki Z1000 and a classic Z1, given away in a single raffle that will benefit 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 Club Corral, the event features North America’s largest vintage motorcycle swap meet, demo rides of current production bikes, educational seminars, bike shows, motorcycling seminars and the new product Manufacturers’ Midway.
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.
Saturday my son Travis and I attended a benefit for the Del Couch Music Education Foundation which was held at the ‘Renaissance’ on 9th Street West in Bradenton.
My excitement level was on high, Jeff Cook founder of the group “Alabama” was there.
For anyone who may know me, I sometimes break out in song, even though it is off key, with my own rendition of ‘Mountain Music.’
My world is driven by music, without it I would be basket case. My favorite group of all time has been Alabama and I completely freaked out when they decided to retire.
Currently there are rumors of Alabama getting back together for another tour and maybe a CD or two. My prayers may be answered if it were to actually occur.
Growing up as a child of the ’60s, music was a major part of my life. Over the years I have attempted to become educated in the finer aspects of music, such as learning to play a guitar and more recently a mandolin, neither of which worked. I guess I just don’t have the drive it takes to actually sit down and train myself. Secondly, Sue may not want to hear the off cord sounds that I can produce sometimes.
If there is anyone reading this column who would like to teach an “over-the-hill wannabe” how to properly play a mandolin, please send me an email.
As I cruise around Florida, Michigan and West Virginia on my motorcycle everyone around me can hear music coming from my ‘bike’ and it is either ’60s, bluegrass, bluegrass gospel or classic country. I like music which makes my soul respond as well as making my feet happy (toe tappin’).
I have found music as a general rule has a tendency to soothe the soul and brings people together.
The foundations mission statement pretty much spells out what the organization is all about. Bottom line, it’s about providing opportunities to young people to become involved in music as an artistic endeavor and maybe later as a career.
The advisory board is a virtual who’s who of music, Jeff Cook (Alabama), Rick Derringer (Rock and Roll Grammy Award Winner), Billy Rice (singer/songwriter), George Wallace, Jr., singer/songwriter/guitarist) and Dave Franz (Berklee College of Music as well as a recording studio owner).
Del Couch’s Howling Dog Studios is located in the Palmetto area and can be reached easily from anywhere.
This is a case where a local boy makes good and we should support him in his efforts to teach young people the artistry and love of music.
The world needs more music and less noise as far as I’m concerned.
Del can be reached at 941-545-4379 or by email at CouchMusic@verizon.net. For more information regarding the Del Couch Music Education Foundation please go to: www.CouchMusicEducationFoundation.com.
On a personal note, God presented Jessica and Travis with a healthy son by the name of Trenton Levi on May 17. As you might guess Sue and I are ecstatic grandparents.
As always, God Bless America and all those who serve in uniform.
Terry Longpre
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.
Sumter County, FL, June 9, 2011 – This past week at the Sumter County (FL) Courthouse we have been observing the trial of Paul Sermons. The Florida Highway Patrol stated Mr. Sermons is the man that killed four bikers in Sumter County while intoxicated and driving on a suspended license over a year ago in March 2010.
Each day a number of ABATE of Florida members from our Freedom and Lake County Chapters have been in attendance to show our support for the surviving family members and to remind the Court that we are concerned with how this case is handled.
Tomorrow, Friday June 10, 2011, is the day it is believed this case will go to the jury. Therefore, we are asking that as many motorcyclists that can attend this hearing be there and stand with us. There will be a group of us meeting at the Denny’s Restaurant at State Road 50 and I-75 with kick stands up at 8:00 am for the ride to the courthouse, and a second group departing the Village Convenience Stop/BP, 20339 US Hwy 27 in Clermont, also leaving at 8:00 am.
We would like to see as many as possible in the parking lot of the courthouse tomorrow. It is important not only to the families of the motorcyclists killed, but also to show support for the need of stiffer penalties for individuals that severely injure and/or take the lives of our brothers and sisters on motorcycles.
Please help us show not only Sumter County, but the entire State of Florida, that we mean business by joining us for this hearing. Our numbers will speak louder than our voices.
Contact Freedom Chapter President Dave Soles at dwsoles@gmail.com or Lake County Chapter Board Member Don Breckeknridge at webmaster@lake.abateflorida.com for additional information.
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