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Future in Safe Hands
Young drivers learn all aspects of road safety at latest Academy workshop.
The latest workshop of the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy
has focused on one of the most important aspects of the programme: road
safety.
For the last five days the drivers have been learning about all aspects of road safety, with each of them expected to become safety ambassadors for this cause during their careers.
To help with this, the Academy has been making use of the resources and coaching available at Test & Training International's Road Safety Training Centre in Teesdorf, Austria. Here the drivers have been educated in all areas of safety from learning the right mental approach to understanding the engineering advances such as anti-lock braking and stability control.
They then took to the track to further increase their knowledge with tests on variable road surfaces to demonstrate how to deal with driving hazards. The emphasis throughout has been on behaviour-orientated training for the drivers so they can convey passive and active road safety information in both a practical and theoretical form.
FIA Institute experts were also on hand to provide further education. FIA Institute Medical Advisor Dr Paul Trafford gave a presentation on all areas of motor sport medicine, including driver preparation, accident response and vehicle extraction. FIA Institute Sustainability Advisor Even Wiger gave a presentation on environmental developments in motor sport, a subject that will become increasingly relevant for the young drivers.
Equipping them with this knowledge will not just help them on a personal level but also give them the ability to deal with sensitive questions about safety and sustainability in motor sport.
The drivers themselves have embraced this education, with some of them already actively participating in road safety campaigns in their own countries. Rally driver Craig Breen, for instance, is an ambassador for Motor Sport Ireland's Road Safety Initiative. Race driver Gabby Chavez has been leading a campaign in his home state of Florida to encourage people to stop texting whilst driving.
Chavez said: "After I was selected for the Academy, the Florida Highway Patrol heard about it and invited me to help out with their drivers' ed programme in high schools. They then thought I would be an ideal person to front a campaign to encourage teenagers to stop texting whilst driving.
"The Academy opened that door and gives me credibility to do this. It has helped me to be a better teacher and this will benefit me in the future."
Australian rally driver Brendan Reeves added: "The road safety training will help in our careers not just in terms of being safe, but also in that we can pass on this education in our countries and participate in important campaigns. This may have the extra benefit of giving us exposure to potential new sponsors.
"After this workshop I will certainly be more encouraged to get involved with safety campaigns at home because I think there is a lot I can teach people and there is a potential benefit on both sides."
Ricky Carmichael to Run Suzuki Training Camp
American Suzuki Motor Corporation is offering Suzuki amateur motocross
racers the chance to attend the first-ever Suzuki Camp Carmichael - a
special riding school with legendary Motocross and Supercross racer Ricky Carmichael at his private training facility in Tallahassee, Florida.
The event is being run in conjunction with Suzuki's recently-announced
$4.2 million Motocross Contingency Program and scheduled for the week
prior to the 2012 Winter National Olympics (Mini O's). For racers that
will be going to Mini O's afterwards, there will be space reserved for
Suzuki Camp Carmichael riders at Gatorback.
Said Carmichael: "I'm really excited to team up with Suzuki and have the opportunity to put together such a great program as Suzuki Camp Carmichael. Suzuki's RM and RM-Z product is the best out there and the Camp is a great chance for riders of all ages to race, have fun, earn contingency and hone their skills at my track. I'm really looking forward to my upcoming Daytona Amateur Supercross event and the Suzuki Camp Carmichael later this year."
ASMC amateur race support manager Pat Alexander added: "We at Suzuki are very excited about Suzuki Camp Carmichael. Over the years, Suzuki has enjoyed a very special relationship with Ricky Carmichael; who definitely is the Greatest Of All Time. Our factory-supported Supercross and Motocross teams have benefitted greatly from Carmichael's talent and training; and now we are delighted to share that with our amateur racers. Our hope is that Suzuki Camp Carmichael will be a unique and valuable experience for a select group of young riders fortunate enough to train directly with the GOAT. No doubt about it, 2012 is the year to race a Suzuki!"
To be eligible, riders must purchase a new RM or RM-Z motocross bike, sign up for the 2012 Suzuki Motocross Contingency Program at www.suzukicycles.com/racing and then go racing. For every contingency dollar they earn, racers also earn one point toward the Camp. At the end of the racing season, the 24 riders - twelve 85cc riders and twelve 250/ 450cc riders - with the most points will win a spot to Suzuki Camp Carmichael and receive one-on-one instruction from Carmichael himself. Throughout the season, racers can monitor their contingency dollars and Camp points by visiting www.suzukicycles.com or Suzuki Scoop on Facebook.
Points for Suzuki Camp Carmichael will be awarded based on contingency earned from November 1st, 2011 to September 30th, 2012. Any event that Suzuki pays contingency for during these program dates will earn points towards Suzuki Camp Carmichael and ASMC will announce the winners on October 15th.
About Ricky Carmichael:
Ricky Carmichael won 102 American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Motocross Nationals and 48 AMA Supercross Main Events for a record 150 major wins between 1997 and 2007. The Tallahassee, Florida resident won 10 AMA Motocross Championships and five AMA Supercross crowns, giving him a record 15 major titles in his career. After retiring from professional motocross racing, he began pursuing a career in auto racing and was named the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Most Popular Driver.
Currently, Carmichael is a regular in the TV booth providing co-commentary on CBS and Speed Channel's Supercross coverage. As for motocross, he will forever be known as "The Goat" which stands for Greatest Of All Time. www.rickycarmichael.com
Said Carmichael: "I'm really excited to team up with Suzuki and have the opportunity to put together such a great program as Suzuki Camp Carmichael. Suzuki's RM and RM-Z product is the best out there and the Camp is a great chance for riders of all ages to race, have fun, earn contingency and hone their skills at my track. I'm really looking forward to my upcoming Daytona Amateur Supercross event and the Suzuki Camp Carmichael later this year."
ASMC amateur race support manager Pat Alexander added: "We at Suzuki are very excited about Suzuki Camp Carmichael. Over the years, Suzuki has enjoyed a very special relationship with Ricky Carmichael; who definitely is the Greatest Of All Time. Our factory-supported Supercross and Motocross teams have benefitted greatly from Carmichael's talent and training; and now we are delighted to share that with our amateur racers. Our hope is that Suzuki Camp Carmichael will be a unique and valuable experience for a select group of young riders fortunate enough to train directly with the GOAT. No doubt about it, 2012 is the year to race a Suzuki!"
To be eligible, riders must purchase a new RM or RM-Z motocross bike, sign up for the 2012 Suzuki Motocross Contingency Program at www.suzukicycles.com/racing and then go racing. For every contingency dollar they earn, racers also earn one point toward the Camp. At the end of the racing season, the 24 riders - twelve 85cc riders and twelve 250/ 450cc riders - with the most points will win a spot to Suzuki Camp Carmichael and receive one-on-one instruction from Carmichael himself. Throughout the season, racers can monitor their contingency dollars and Camp points by visiting www.suzukicycles.com or Suzuki Scoop on Facebook.
Points for Suzuki Camp Carmichael will be awarded based on contingency earned from November 1st, 2011 to September 30th, 2012. Any event that Suzuki pays contingency for during these program dates will earn points towards Suzuki Camp Carmichael and ASMC will announce the winners on October 15th.
About Ricky Carmichael:
Ricky Carmichael won 102 American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Motocross Nationals and 48 AMA Supercross Main Events for a record 150 major wins between 1997 and 2007. The Tallahassee, Florida resident won 10 AMA Motocross Championships and five AMA Supercross crowns, giving him a record 15 major titles in his career. After retiring from professional motocross racing, he began pursuing a career in auto racing and was named the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Most Popular Driver.
Currently, Carmichael is a regular in the TV booth providing co-commentary on CBS and Speed Channel's Supercross coverage. As for motocross, he will forever be known as "The Goat" which stands for Greatest Of All Time. www.rickycarmichael.com
Polaris reveals 2013 800 Pro-RMK 155
| Polaris reveals 2013 800 Pro-RMK 155 |
 Polaris has revealed changes to its 2013 800 Pro-RMK 155, the company’s flagship mountain snowmobile. |
Medina, MN - Industry News from Polaris PowerSports Business Polaris has revealed changes to its 2013 800 Pro-RMK 155, the company’s flagship mountain snowmobile. The sled is a deep-snow machine, with a new drivetrain, revised ergonomics and a dry weight of 417 pounds. It features a QuickDrive Low Inertia Drive System, which uses a maintenance-free belt and nickel-plated pulleys that take the place of two sprockets and a chain inside a chaincase. The belt is similar to the one used in Victory Motorcycles. The QuickDrive weighs 6.5 pounds less than the system it replaced and has a 20 percent reduction in inertia. Other new features include bonded lower A arms, expanded use of carbon fiber and a Pro-Lite Seat that’s five inches shorter, 2.5 inches wider at the front, lighter and stronger. The 800 Pro-RMK 155 also includes a new Powder Trac running board that has more open space and a high-traction finish and can be removed and replaced if damaged. The sled is powered by an 800 Cleanfire engine and is built on the ultra-stiff PRO-RIDE Chassis. The RMK Coil-Over Rear Suspension delivers outstanding floatation and deep-snow performance and an improved on-trail ride, according to Polaris. The Adjustalbe IFS has a ski stance adjustable to 39, 40 and 41 inches. The suspension is equipped with Walker Evans shocks. The 800 Pro-Ride RMK 155 is the first sled of Polaris’ 2013 line to be launched. The rest of the line will be unveiled March 5. |
AMA Women & Motorcycling Conference
| AMA Women & Motorcycling Conference |
 The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has added more special-rate hotels for the upcoming International Women & Motorcycling Conference. The conference, which takes place July 26-29 in Carson City, Nev., is the nation's premier event for women riders, featuring inspirational speakers, great roads, demo rides, product showcases and unmatched camaraderie. |
Carson City, Nev - Industry News from the American Motorcyclist Association The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has added more special-rate hotels for the upcoming International Women & Motorcycling Conference. The conference, which takes place July 26-29 in Carson City, Nev., is the nation's premier event for women riders, featuring inspirational speakers, great roads, demo rides, product showcases and unmatched camaraderie. "We are thrilled with the response that we are getting from women riders around the country and beyond," said Tigra Tsujikawa, AMA marketing manager. "Although the host hotel, the Gold Dust West, has now sold out, there are many other hotels just as conveniently located that are offering our conference attendees special rates." Through April 30, AMA members can rack up significant savings through member-only pre-registration, which offers a discounted price of $125 to attend the conference. After April 30, that fee increases to $175. Included in the registration fee to the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference is entry to seminars, the marketplace and moto action center, the Saturday Women's Health Fair, priority registration for manufacturer demo rides, the Friday night cook-out and Saturday night Closing Celebration banquet, as well as a conference t-shirt and gift bag. Full conference details, as well as info on how to become an AMA member, are available at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/events/womenandmotorcycling . |
Laconia Motorcycle Week to Celebrate 89th Year
Laconia Motorcycle Week to Celebrate 89th Year
Progressive's Laconia Motorcycle Week, "America's Original Riding Rally," rounds out its eighth decade with a lineup of favorite events and activities, along with new additions to the schedule.
Laconia, NH - Laconia Motorcycle Week to Celebrate 89th Year
Progressive's Laconia Motorcycle Week, "America's Original Riding Rally," rounds out its eighth decade with a lineup of favorite events and activities, along with new additions to the schedule. Motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to visit and experience the scenery throughout The Granite State, along with racing and hill-climbs, bike shows and build-offs.
Riders can pick up a copy of the Laconia Rally News at Rally Headquarters (RHQ) at the Weirs Beach Waterslide. RHQ is also the place to pick up official souvenirs and get the latest news, schedule changes, and other important information.
Highlights from the schedule of events for the week include:
Daily Gypsy Tours leaving from RHQ showcase the great rides and unmatched scenery of New Hampshire. Riders can kick-off the week with the annual Peter Makris Memorial Ride on Saturday, June 9, or join any of the various poker runs and charity rides throughout the week.
An AMA Sanctioned Hill Climb will be held at a brand-new location in Canaan, and enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic ride to the climb from the Gypsy Tour that morning. Visitors can also take in the bike shows, swap meets, blessings and street action on Lakeside Avenue. The 89th Loudon Classic at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway includes Super Bike and Short Track races to end the rally with a bang!
"We look forward to showing our visitors a great time, and showcasing the amazing beauty and great people of New Hampshire," said Jennifer Anderson, director of Laconia Motorcycle Week.
For more information about Laconia Motorcycle Week and a complete schedule of events, visit www.laconiamcweek.com
Progressive's Laconia Motorcycle Week, "America's Original Riding Rally," rounds out its eighth decade with a lineup of favorite events and activities, along with new additions to the schedule.
Laconia, NH - Laconia Motorcycle Week to Celebrate 89th Year
Progressive's Laconia Motorcycle Week, "America's Original Riding Rally," rounds out its eighth decade with a lineup of favorite events and activities, along with new additions to the schedule. Motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to visit and experience the scenery throughout The Granite State, along with racing and hill-climbs, bike shows and build-offs.
Riders can pick up a copy of the Laconia Rally News at Rally Headquarters (RHQ) at the Weirs Beach Waterslide. RHQ is also the place to pick up official souvenirs and get the latest news, schedule changes, and other important information.
Highlights from the schedule of events for the week include:
Daily Gypsy Tours leaving from RHQ showcase the great rides and unmatched scenery of New Hampshire. Riders can kick-off the week with the annual Peter Makris Memorial Ride on Saturday, June 9, or join any of the various poker runs and charity rides throughout the week.
An AMA Sanctioned Hill Climb will be held at a brand-new location in Canaan, and enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic ride to the climb from the Gypsy Tour that morning. Visitors can also take in the bike shows, swap meets, blessings and street action on Lakeside Avenue. The 89th Loudon Classic at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway includes Super Bike and Short Track races to end the rally with a bang!
"We look forward to showing our visitors a great time, and showcasing the amazing beauty and great people of New Hampshire," said Jennifer Anderson, director of Laconia Motorcycle Week.
For more information about Laconia Motorcycle Week and a complete schedule of events, visit www.laconiamcweek.com
World’s Oldest Unrestored Indian Motorcycle Sells For $155,000
| World’s Oldest Unrestored Indian Motorcycle Sells For $155,000 |
 Last Saturday a 1903 Indian motorcycle sold at auction for $155,000. |
|
April 25, 2012 New York, NY - Motorcycle Industry News Cyril Huze Post Last Saturday a 1903 Indian motorcycle sold at auction for $155,000. It was announced by the auction house as the known oldest motorcycle from Indian that began selling bikes in 1902. It is one of only three built in 1903.The auction was won via a telephone bid from a motorcycle collector from New York City known only as Georgio. The 1.75-horsepower single-seater hasn’t run in over 80 years and except for a few nuts and bolts used for early repairs, is almost all-original. The bike hung on a dentist’s wall for 30 years and was later stored in a garage, and then in a basement, according to the auctioneers. |
Latest News
International Snowmobile Safety Week 2012 – January 15-21st…..and all year!
The four snowmobile manufacturers are please to support and encourage participation in the upcoming International Snowmobile Safety Week January 15-21-2012. January 4, 2012
HASLETT, MI - Industry News from International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association
The four snowmobile manufacturers are please to support and encourage participation in the upcoming International Snowmobile Safety Week January 15-21-2012. Snowmobilers have placed safe, responsible snowmobiling at the top of their list for years and have made great strides in safety education and enforcement. Snowmobile safety is a year around project that is supported by safety trainers, clubs, associations, enforcement officials, dealers and the manufacturers throughout the world.
In 1995 the snowmobile community joined together and developed the Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe™ safety campaign, and since its inception, literally millions of pieces of information have been distributed throughout the marketplace, encouraging and insisting on safe snowmobiling behavior. The Safe Riders! DVD is used by safety trainers throughout the world. In addition to the safety DVD, the manufacturers have also developed radio and TV public service announcements reminding snowmobile enthusiasts of the need to snowmobile responsibly and safely. Also available are the Snowmobiling Fact Book, and Snowmobile Safety brochure.
The Safe Riders! campaign focuses on key areas of concern that are the major causes of snowmobile accidents. Those key issues are depicted in our snowmobiling safety posters (also available free of charge from the ISMA Office) and include:
It is important that all of us remember to be safe riders and that only we TOGETHER make snowmobiling safe. Encourage and insist on proper behavior by your family and friends while snowmobiling, and with Mother Nature certain to provide us with great snowmobiling conditions…..eventually……this winter, let’s always remember the safety guidelines that are so important to keep our winter recreation of choice alive.
The four snowmobile manufacturers are please to support and encourage participation in the upcoming International Snowmobile Safety Week January 15-21-2012. January 4, 2012
HASLETT, MI - Industry News from International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association
The four snowmobile manufacturers are please to support and encourage participation in the upcoming International Snowmobile Safety Week January 15-21-2012. Snowmobilers have placed safe, responsible snowmobiling at the top of their list for years and have made great strides in safety education and enforcement. Snowmobile safety is a year around project that is supported by safety trainers, clubs, associations, enforcement officials, dealers and the manufacturers throughout the world.
In 1995 the snowmobile community joined together and developed the Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe™ safety campaign, and since its inception, literally millions of pieces of information have been distributed throughout the marketplace, encouraging and insisting on safe snowmobiling behavior. The Safe Riders! DVD is used by safety trainers throughout the world. In addition to the safety DVD, the manufacturers have also developed radio and TV public service announcements reminding snowmobile enthusiasts of the need to snowmobile responsibly and safely. Also available are the Snowmobiling Fact Book, and Snowmobile Safety brochure.
The Safe Riders! campaign focuses on key areas of concern that are the major causes of snowmobile accidents. Those key issues are depicted in our snowmobiling safety posters (also available free of charge from the ISMA Office) and include:
- Snowmobiling and alcohol don’t mix, don’t drink and ride
- Know before you go, always check local ice conditions
- When night riding, slow down, always expect the unexpected
- Ride safe, stay on the trail, always respect private property
- Cross roads with care, don’t become road kill
- Ride smart, ride right, always stay in control
- One is the loneliest number, never ride alone
- Know the risks and be prepared, make every trip a round trip (be avalanche smart)
It is important that all of us remember to be safe riders and that only we TOGETHER make snowmobiling safe. Encourage and insist on proper behavior by your family and friends while snowmobiling, and with Mother Nature certain to provide us with great snowmobiling conditions…..eventually……this winter, let’s always remember the safety guidelines that are so important to keep our winter recreation of choice alive.
Latest News
2012 American Motorcycle Rally. A New 7000-Mile Endurance Ride.
While during the last months many pored over the most minute tidbits of information to speculate on the future of the extremely controversial Hoka Hey Challenge (2010-2011), others intend to prove that a motorcycle endurance run 1- can be legal on public roads without any unnecessary endangerment of its riders and of the public, 2- can generously benefit charities named in advance, 3- and can guarantee in advance that cash & prizes money will be distributed…. as advertised and the day of arrival, not 8 weeks later! January 13, 2012
Palm Beach, FL - Industry News from Cyril Huze Post
While during the last months many pored over the most minute tidbits of information to speculate on the future of the extremely controversial Hoka Hey Challenge (2010-2011), others intend to prove that a motorcycle endurance run 1- can be legal on public roads without any unnecessary endangerment of its riders and of the public, 2- can generously benefit charities named in advance, 3- and can guarantee in advance that cash & prizes money will be distributed…. as advertised and the day of arrival, not 8 weeks later!
Last August I was directly informed by Greg Sarff and partner Jeff Johnson that they were working on their own endurance ride named “The American Motorcycle Rally.” At the time they told me that to remove all kind of suspicions they wanted their organization to be a non-profit corporation and that their event would be open to all riders, to all brands and styles of motorcycles including trikes. That it would be a 8-9 days event covering 7,000 miles with mandatory short layovers at check points, 2-3 ”pit stops” in between check points and things that will challenge the mind as well as your riding ability. Today, dates, itinerary and all rules of this new endurance run are confirmed and they are fair/safe enough to have already attracted as participants 8 out of the 11 top finishers of Hoka Hey 2011.
Many will wonder who are the 2 men managing this event. Greg Sarff is in sales for the largest semi trailer manufacture in the world. He has participated to Hoka Hey, but admit he doesn’t have the resilience needed for such long rides. He was also a sponsor of one of the top finishers of the 2011 edition. His partner in this venture is Jeff Johnson, formally of Classic Events Inc. This 3 day event started out to compete against the Mopar Nationals (the largest all Chrysler show in the nation) Within a couple of years it was the 2nd largest all Chrysler show in the nation grossing over $1,000,000 for the 3-day show. It also grew into multiple shows annually including drag racing, car show, car coral and swap meet. The event was sold at the end of the 2004 season.
Below, the The American Motorcycle Rally answers to questions you may have if you intend to participate or sponsor a rider.
1. What are the dates for the rally? June 13th through June 23rd 2012.
2. Where is the departure and the finish locations? A.D. Farrow Harley Davidson NorthStar location in Sunbury, Ohio.
3. What’s the entry fee? The entry fee is $1000.
4. Who is welcome to attend the AMR, and any specific models of motorcycles? Anyone over the age of 18 yrs with a valid motorcycle license and proof of insurance. We welcome every make & model of motorcycles. In fact, we encourage the “friendly” competition between Harley, Victory, BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, etc…..
5. Are trikes allowed? Yes
6. Are GPS and outside assistance via Bluetooth allowed? Yes. With the newer bikes having GPS we determined that this is an area we could not police.
7. Will there be a map on-line from the tracking company that my family & friends can watch? Yes. It will be live on American Motorcycle Rally.
8. Will there be checkpoints? There are 6 checkpoints outside the start and finish. There will also be 2 pit stops between each checkpoint. These pit stops are for the participants to collect information or solve a puzzle. We are challenging your mind as well as your riding capabilities. If you get any wrong answers, then time will be added to your finish time as a penalty.
9. How will you keep participants from speeding? Riders are required to obey the traffic laws. We will be using a 24hr monitored tracking service. There is a speed variance that is acceptable for passing and speed adjustments from hill crests, etc. If a rider travels above the speed variance they will receive a text from the tracking company and will be penalized by having 30 minutes added to their finish time. A second penalty will have 60 minutes added and a third penalty will be a Disqualification.
10. How will you know that nobody is switching riders? The tracking company is providing a wrist cuff that attaches to your M/C. You need to unplug this to get off your M/C. At that point, the tracking company knows where the rider is, how many feet away from the bike and how long.
11. Can riders have passengers? Yes. Only if they are not competing for the cash prizes.
12. Can riders have support vehicles? A. No. Family and friends can meet riders at checkpoints.
13. Will there be drug tests and Polygraphs administered to the contenders? There will be no polygraphs. We do not want anyone taking drugs for an advantage so there will be a drug tests conducted for the top finishers who are eligible for the cash awards.
14. Will my motorcycle be inspected? Yes. All contenders will have their motorcycles inspected at the finish of the rally.
15. Will prizes be awarded the night of the party on June 23rd? YES! Everyone will celebrate the winners when they receive their awards! This event will conclude in it’s entirety on June 23rd. Even if you are the last rider in, you will have a chance to win a new motorcycle! You must be back by June 23rd, 2012.
16. Will the route be clear and understandable? Yes. The route will be ridden twice. The second time, it will be rode just before the start of the rally.
17. How long is the route? The route is at 7272 miles right now. This may change, however it will be less than 8000 miles and it will be obtainable in approximately 8 days. Just remember, you must get the questions and/or puzzles correct, and you must not get penalized for speed because this will add time to your finish time.
18. Will there be any mandatory rest periods? There is a 4 hour mandatory rest period at a location in Las Vegas.
19. Are there functions being planned for the week building up to the finish of the rally? Yes! We are planning a celebration on Saturday June 23rd, 2012 which will include a concert and the presentation of awards for the riders.
20. What is the cost of the tracking devise? We have negotiated at special price of $250 and you own the unit after the event. We will be using the same units for future events.
21. What happens if not all the price money is collected by riders? 100% of the money not won from competitors will be donated to our primary sponsors charity of choice. We keep nothing!
While during the last months many pored over the most minute tidbits of information to speculate on the future of the extremely controversial Hoka Hey Challenge (2010-2011), others intend to prove that a motorcycle endurance run 1- can be legal on public roads without any unnecessary endangerment of its riders and of the public, 2- can generously benefit charities named in advance, 3- and can guarantee in advance that cash & prizes money will be distributed…. as advertised and the day of arrival, not 8 weeks later! January 13, 2012
Palm Beach, FL - Industry News from Cyril Huze Post
While during the last months many pored over the most minute tidbits of information to speculate on the future of the extremely controversial Hoka Hey Challenge (2010-2011), others intend to prove that a motorcycle endurance run 1- can be legal on public roads without any unnecessary endangerment of its riders and of the public, 2- can generously benefit charities named in advance, 3- and can guarantee in advance that cash & prizes money will be distributed…. as advertised and the day of arrival, not 8 weeks later!
Last August I was directly informed by Greg Sarff and partner Jeff Johnson that they were working on their own endurance ride named “The American Motorcycle Rally.” At the time they told me that to remove all kind of suspicions they wanted their organization to be a non-profit corporation and that their event would be open to all riders, to all brands and styles of motorcycles including trikes. That it would be a 8-9 days event covering 7,000 miles with mandatory short layovers at check points, 2-3 ”pit stops” in between check points and things that will challenge the mind as well as your riding ability. Today, dates, itinerary and all rules of this new endurance run are confirmed and they are fair/safe enough to have already attracted as participants 8 out of the 11 top finishers of Hoka Hey 2011.
Many will wonder who are the 2 men managing this event. Greg Sarff is in sales for the largest semi trailer manufacture in the world. He has participated to Hoka Hey, but admit he doesn’t have the resilience needed for such long rides. He was also a sponsor of one of the top finishers of the 2011 edition. His partner in this venture is Jeff Johnson, formally of Classic Events Inc. This 3 day event started out to compete against the Mopar Nationals (the largest all Chrysler show in the nation) Within a couple of years it was the 2nd largest all Chrysler show in the nation grossing over $1,000,000 for the 3-day show. It also grew into multiple shows annually including drag racing, car show, car coral and swap meet. The event was sold at the end of the 2004 season.
Below, the The American Motorcycle Rally answers to questions you may have if you intend to participate or sponsor a rider.
1. What are the dates for the rally? June 13th through June 23rd 2012.
2. Where is the departure and the finish locations? A.D. Farrow Harley Davidson NorthStar location in Sunbury, Ohio.
3. What’s the entry fee? The entry fee is $1000.
4. Who is welcome to attend the AMR, and any specific models of motorcycles? Anyone over the age of 18 yrs with a valid motorcycle license and proof of insurance. We welcome every make & model of motorcycles. In fact, we encourage the “friendly” competition between Harley, Victory, BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, etc…..
5. Are trikes allowed? Yes
6. Are GPS and outside assistance via Bluetooth allowed? Yes. With the newer bikes having GPS we determined that this is an area we could not police.
7. Will there be a map on-line from the tracking company that my family & friends can watch? Yes. It will be live on American Motorcycle Rally.
8. Will there be checkpoints? There are 6 checkpoints outside the start and finish. There will also be 2 pit stops between each checkpoint. These pit stops are for the participants to collect information or solve a puzzle. We are challenging your mind as well as your riding capabilities. If you get any wrong answers, then time will be added to your finish time as a penalty.
9. How will you keep participants from speeding? Riders are required to obey the traffic laws. We will be using a 24hr monitored tracking service. There is a speed variance that is acceptable for passing and speed adjustments from hill crests, etc. If a rider travels above the speed variance they will receive a text from the tracking company and will be penalized by having 30 minutes added to their finish time. A second penalty will have 60 minutes added and a third penalty will be a Disqualification.
10. How will you know that nobody is switching riders? The tracking company is providing a wrist cuff that attaches to your M/C. You need to unplug this to get off your M/C. At that point, the tracking company knows where the rider is, how many feet away from the bike and how long.
11. Can riders have passengers? Yes. Only if they are not competing for the cash prizes.
12. Can riders have support vehicles? A. No. Family and friends can meet riders at checkpoints.
13. Will there be drug tests and Polygraphs administered to the contenders? There will be no polygraphs. We do not want anyone taking drugs for an advantage so there will be a drug tests conducted for the top finishers who are eligible for the cash awards.
14. Will my motorcycle be inspected? Yes. All contenders will have their motorcycles inspected at the finish of the rally.
15. Will prizes be awarded the night of the party on June 23rd? YES! Everyone will celebrate the winners when they receive their awards! This event will conclude in it’s entirety on June 23rd. Even if you are the last rider in, you will have a chance to win a new motorcycle! You must be back by June 23rd, 2012.
16. Will the route be clear and understandable? Yes. The route will be ridden twice. The second time, it will be rode just before the start of the rally.
17. How long is the route? The route is at 7272 miles right now. This may change, however it will be less than 8000 miles and it will be obtainable in approximately 8 days. Just remember, you must get the questions and/or puzzles correct, and you must not get penalized for speed because this will add time to your finish time.
18. Will there be any mandatory rest periods? There is a 4 hour mandatory rest period at a location in Las Vegas.
19. Are there functions being planned for the week building up to the finish of the rally? Yes! We are planning a celebration on Saturday June 23rd, 2012 which will include a concert and the presentation of awards for the riders.
20. What is the cost of the tracking devise? We have negotiated at special price of $250 and you own the unit after the event. We will be using the same units for future events.
21. What happens if not all the price money is collected by riders? 100% of the money not won from competitors will be donated to our primary sponsors charity of choice. We keep nothing!
Parts Department
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| Visit our parts department for all of your parts and acessory needs |
 We have Western Washingtons best selection of Yamaha Rhino and Polaris Ranger Accessories! |
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| We carry a huge selection of casual apparel from Fox and all of the hot items from Monster Energy and Rockstar |
Service Department
Our service department is open during normal business hours. We do anything from light services to engine rebuilds. Call ahead for appointment and scheduling. Standard shop rate is $88.00 an hour. 
Ask for Jeff McGahan our service manager to schedule an appointment
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