The National Defense Authorization Act, which includes language to create the Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area in California to protect it from a military takeover, has cleared the U.S. House, the American Motorcyclist Association reports. 

On June 14, the House approved the authorization bill, H.R. 1960. The measure now goes to the Senate for further consideration. 

The legislation includes language written by Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.) to protect Johnson Valley from a takeover by the U.S. Navy that would virtually end riding there. The Navy wants to expand the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms into the 189,000-acre Johnson Valley area, which is a long-standing and popular area that is across the San Bernardino Mountains from Los Angeles. 

"This legislation has cleared an important hurdle," Cook said when the proposal cleared a House committee earlier. "Support for it was overwhelmingly bipartisan. My concern has always been about public safety. The Johnson Valley is one of the few places left for off-highway vehicle recreation. This is a balanced approach which protects public safety while still allowing for recreational use." 

Cook is a member of the House Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs Committees. He served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. 

Several years ago, the U.S. Department of the Navy began the formal process to take over some 365,906 acres of public land near San Bernardino to use for live-fire training for the Marines. 

Cook's proposal would designate Johnson Valley OHV as the Johnson Valley National OHV Recreation Area. The area would be designated specifically for recreational uses, including, but not limited to, OHV use, camping and hiking. Marine Corps activities would be allowed twice a year and couldn't include any explosives that could be left behind.

The Sioux Falls area has seen two motorcycle accidents over the past three days—one of which involved a non licensed driver. 

Members of the South Dakota Safety Council say non-licensed drivers are over-represented in the number of motorcycle accidents that occur each year.   

The first step in motorcycle safety is getting licensed and learning how to properly drive a bike; that's why the Safety Council offers motorcycle training classes every spring and summer. 

"This is not an activity that everyone is suited for so we would encourage that before you go out and buy an expensive motor cycle, enroll in a basic course and let the professionals teach you," said Rick Kiley, Director of the SD Motorcycle Rider Education Program with the SD Safety Council. 

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Realities For Children Charities hosted their 12th Annual Realities Ride & Rally on May 25th and 26th, 2013.  This fundraiser for Larimer County children who have been abused or neglected raised over $120,000 and set a new Guinness World Record for World's Largest Motorcycle Poker Run.

On the morning of May 26th, nearly 3,000 motorcycle riders took off on The Realities Ride, a scenic poker run through Northern Colorado's landscape.  1,531 of them qualified for the Guinness World Record attempt and become World Record Riders.  Organizers of the event are now sending all required evidence to the Guinness World Record offices in London, England where it will all be reviewed before the official title is granted.  The previous record was 586 riders.

Realities Ride & Rally is one of Colorado's largest attended fundraising events of the year.  Over the course of the two day event, it is estimated that nearly 15,000 members of the Northern Colorado community joined the rally in Downtown Fort Collins to enjoy live music from over 30 local bands, as well as other activities, such as: Budweiser's Beer Gardens, Law Tiger's VIP Tent, Monster Energy's Motorcycle Stunt Show by SL Stunt Team, Cycle Central's Fireworks Show, Freakshow Tattoo's Burnout Pits, Battle In The Fort 5: Strongman Competition and the Mustache & Monocle Photo Booth.  Vendors provided food and merchandise options, but the most coveted items could only be won.  During the course of the weekend approximately $10,000 in giveaways were distributed, including:  3- 50" Flat Screen TV's courtesy of Walmart; the Tri-City Cycle $1500 Best Hand Cash Prize; the Newstalgia Customs $3500 Paint Job Giveaway and more.

Realities For Children is an alliance of local businesses working together to provide for the unmet needs of Larimer County children who have been abused or neglected.  100% of the donations they raised at this event will benefit the youth served by the organization, through a collaboration with 22 area non-profits all serving this population of children.  For more information on Realities For Children and the youth they serve, please visit www.RealitiesForChildren.com or call 970-484-9090.

The Western Motorcycle Drag Racing Association (WMDRA) is delighted to welcome IronWorks as the presenting Pro Dragster class sponsor for the 2013 AMSOIL Sturgis Nationals August 5-7 during the 73rd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The popular Pro Dragster carbureted nitro class will be highly contested as racers compete for the top prize of a full feature story in IronWorks magazine, complete with a professional photo shoot and full copy of all files for the winner's use. "We're impressed by WMDRA's efforts to promote and encourage motorcycle drag racing and we welcome the opportunity to tell racers' stories in IronWorks," said IronWorks Editor Marilyn Stemp.

According to WMDRA President Sandra Alberti, "This is such a wonderful opportunity for our Pro Dragster racers to win exclusive exposure for their race programs in one of motorcycling's elite publications." Alberti added, "We're very excited to showcase our sport of motorcycle drag racing to a much broader audience of motorcycle enthusiasts and welcome Iron Works to the WMDRA family of supporters."

Now in its 23rd year, IronWorks is known for its hands-on, no nonsense style and classy graphic presentation. "Readers deserve more than technical specifications; they want a good story, too," said Stemp. "IronWorks has always focused on the machinery and the people who build, own and ride it. What better way to celebrate the passion for motorcycling than through the grit and determination of drag racing?"

The drag racing tradition at the Rally continues with bracket, index and pro classes featuring the 175+ mph IronWorks Pro Dragster Nitro Harleys! Please join the WMDRA and IronWorks at Sturgis Dragway on August 5-7, 2013 for the high-speed action of motorcycle drag racing.

Sturgis Dragway is located at 20523 Hwy 79, just off Hwy 34 between the Full Throttle Saloon and Buffalo Chip Campground. A full schedule of activities will be published on theWMDRA and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally websites this summer.

Click below to find out more about IronWorks

ShineWerks – the recommended cleaner designed specifically for your Klock Werks Flare Windshield, can also be used on your whole bike! ShineWerks cleans, shines and protects plastic, leather, acrylic, plexiglass, lexan, chrome, fiberglass and paint. Dries quickly and buffs to a streak free finish. Invisible protective coating protects surfaces and repels dirt, dust, fingerprints, smudges and bugs. Resists scratching and marring of surfaces. Repels water, prevents fogging, and is non-abrasive. Available in 4oz bottles easy to carry in your saddlebag or car, and also in cases of 12 bottles that comes with a specially designed printed cardboard P.O.P. display.

Recommended cleaner designed specifically for your Klock Werks Flare Windshield

Can be used on your whole bike! AND plastic, leather, acrylic, plexiglass, lexan, chrome, fiberglass and paint.

Repels dust, dirt, smudges and bugs

Repels water, prevents fogging and is non-abrasive.

Available in 4 oz bottle, or cases of 12. Case comes with P.O.P. display.

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