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Vance & Hines Contingency Program Valued at Over $170,000

By General Posts

Vance & Hines Announces 2023 Contingency Program Valued at Over $170,000

Santa Fe Springs CA – March 10, 2023 – Vance & Hines today announced its 2023 season contingency support programs for motorcycle racers. The contingency sponsorships, offered in partnership with five, race-sanctioning bodies, has the potential to put over $170,000 in the hands of motorcycle racers in 2023.

The program offers contingency payout funds to riders in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle, MotoAmerica King of the Baggers and Twins Cup, American Flat Track, XDA drag racing as well as the Bagger Racing League. Contingency funds are offered to riders who are top finishers in races or series championships, and who qualify by using Vance & Hines products and services. The total value of the contingency sponsorship program for 2023 is $173,250.

“Racing is the ethos of the Vance & Hines brand,” said Vance & Hines President Mike Kennedy. “These contingency programs are just one of the ways we support racers who compete using our performance products.”

In NHRA Drag Racing, racers who finish first or runner-up using a Vance & Hines four-valve Suzuki motor in each Pro Stock Motorcycle (PSM) race earn payouts, and a shot at a $10,000 bonus for winning the championship. Riders using a Vance & Hines exhaust for their Suzuki motorcycle in PSM also earn a payout for a first or runner-up finish at each event. Total potential payout for NHRA is $34,000. Vance & Hines factory race team riders are not eligible for these contingency payments.

MotoAmerica, the country’s premier motorcycle road racing series, has expanded its slate of King of the Baggers (KOTB) races to seven, double-header events and also includes Twins Cup double-header rounds at seven of their events. Vance & Hines will offer payouts to the top five finishers in each KOTB and Twins Cup race and offers a $5,000 series Championship Bonus in each class as well. Total available payout in MotoAmerica racing is $60,400.

In American Flat Track, Vance & Hines offers funds to the top ten finishers in every SuperTwins and Singles class race. In addition, a $5,000 Championship Bonus is offered in each of these classes. With 18 races on the 2023 schedule, the total potential payout in AFT is $63,100.

The Xtreme Drag Racing Association (XDA) series offers ten classes of racing at five events which run from April through September 2023. Contingency payouts are offered to the top two finishers in each class of each race for using a Vance & Hines exhaust or for head work done by the Vance & Hines Racing Development Center. Potential payout at XDA races is $7,500.

The Bagger Racing League (BRL) has six classes for a variety of production v-twin motorcycles and will host five races at three venues in 2023. Contingency payouts are offered to the top three finishers in each of the six classes for using a Vance & Hines exhaust, air intake or FP4 tuner. Potential payout at BRL races is $8,250.

Specific requirements for earning contingency payouts are managed by each sanctioning body.

Learn more about the company’s history and products at www.vanceandhines.com.

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Harley-Davidson Museum roars in March

By General Posts

The campus is now rolling seven days a week. Plus learn how you can get your ticket for a night with Milwaukee’s leading ambassador, John McGivern, for a screening of “Main Streets with John McGivern.”

MILWAUKEE, USA (March 3, 2023) – With the calendar turning to March, there’s even more opportunities to immerse yourself in the legendary history found within the walls of the Harley-Davidson Museum as the campus is once again open seven days a week.

Check out the new specials cooking at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant or hop into the Harley-Davidson® Shop and get set for summer’s biggest party as Harley-Davidson® 120th Anniversary Collection items are arriving daily. Hats, T-shirts, hoodies and more – some found only at the H-D® Shop – are going to be hot sellers as we countdown to July!

Speaking of the Harley-Davidson Homecoming™ festivities, tickets are now on sale for two special opportunities to bring home more memories during the Homecoming weekend. First up, a morning with a man who bleeds black and orange. Coffee & Conversation with Bill Davidson will give guests the opportunity to hear directly from the man whose name appears on the gas tanks of your favorite motorcycles. Reserve your spot now for an early morning event featuring coffee, pastries and conversation with Bill Davidson, the H-D Museum Vice President and great-grandson of a company founder (and the nicest guy you’ll ever meet!). The event takes place in the newly renovated Experience Gallery and concludes with a staff-guided tour, including a visit to the Motorcycle Vault. Offered on Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15 from 8 – 10:15 a.m.

If you’re shy on time, the “Homecoming Tour” is right up your alley. This one-hour tour is led by a knowledgeable H-D Museum staff member who will share stories about the Motor Company’s founding in 1903 and the many accolades H-D has earned over its 120-year history. This tour includes a visit to the vaunted Motorcycle Vault, giving it a distinctively “behind the scenes” flavor. These are limited-capacity experiences and reservations are required. Book one (or both) today!

But before we get too deep into the summer fun, there’s loads to see and do at the crossroads of 6th & Canal. Mark your calendars for March 28 when the H-D Museum welcomes John McGivern to campus for a screening of “John McGivern’s Main Streets.” Be among the first to see this episode that focuses on the backbone of MKE, the Menomonee Valley. Seating is limited, so reserve your (free) ticket now.

As mentioned, the H-D Museum™ campus is now open seven days a week. Our hours of operation are as follows: H-D Museum: Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant: Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Harley-Davidson® Shop & Factory Shop: Daily 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS
John McGivern’s Main Streets – Menomonee Valley Premiere, March 28, 6 – 8:15 p.m.
Be among the first to view the Menomonee Valley episode of “John McGivern’s Main Streets”! Join John McGivern as he explores this thriving district in the heart of the city. Milwaukee’s Menomonee River Valley features some of the most popular entertainment destinations in Wisconsin with the Harley-Davidson Museum, Potawatomi Casino Hotel and American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. But there is also plenty of great food and drink, shopping, art, and outdoor fun for John to explore. In addition, John and his new co-host, Emmy Fink, will go behind the scenes to see what delicious goods are made only in the Valley!

Not only will you be among the first to see the Menomonee Valley episode, you’ll also get to see special scenes from extra footage created for this event! The evening will end with door prizes including an array of surprises from local businesses and Main Streets gear. You will also have the opportunity for a meet and greet with the star of the show as well as the show’s producers! This show is produced by Plum Media, an award-winning video production and editing company, located right here in the Valley.

Registration is required and limited to the first 250 people, but tickets can be had at no cost.

Doors open at 6 p.m. in Rumble (above MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant) with a cash bar available but come early and visit the H-D Museum, H-D® Shop and grab dinner at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant! The screening will begin at 7 p.m. This event is co-hosted by the Harley-Davidson Museum and Menomonee Valley Partners.

Annual Pass
Need spring break ideas? Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include: virtual access to the H-D Museum with various Harley history topics covered in our Virtual Gallery Talk series, admission discounts, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more. Visit H-D Museum.com for details and other terms and conditions.

Guided Tours
The H-D Museum’s guided-tour portfolio has been updated with new experiences and content. Choose from the Spotlight Tour, the Beyond the Gate Tour or the VIP Tour. Spotlight Tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Spanish Spotlight Tours are available most weekends. Guests are invited to check out the calendar when planning their visit to sign-up in advance for an unforgettable guided experience. To book a private group tour, please call 414-287-2799 or email for more information. Reservations and prepayment required at least 2-weeks prior to tour date. Please note: Tour fee does not include General Admission.

Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
All scouts are welcome to come earn their Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley-Davidson Museum! This experience will be launched by our merit badge counselor. Then, scouts will explore the history of Harley-Davidson as well as the engineering of motorcycles as they complete the nine merit badge requirements. Advance registration is required. Program registration closes one week prior to the scheduled program date. Ticket includes: downloadable activity booklet used for the program, welcome and orientation by program facilitator, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration) and an exclusive H-D Museum™ patch.

Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)
This new 90-minute online program is open to scouts from all over the country. Our program facilitator will guide the troops and explore the role an engineer plays while creating a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle. Nine requirements for the Engineering Merit Badge will be discussed during this virtual, interactive program. Advance registration is required. Program Fee: $20 per Scout, which includes an activity booklet used during the program and a special H-D® patch upon completion of the program.

ROLL INTO MILWAUKEE WITH YOUR BANDIT’s BEDROLL AND GET TO THE MUSEUM QUICK —
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MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS
“My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi Papi Tiene una Moto” (on display now)
From award-winning children and YA author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña comes the Harley-Davidson Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto.” Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” shares a story of family bonds strengthened by the simple act of taking a joy ride on a two-wheeled machine. With brilliant, colorful art from Peña paired with heart-warming stories from Southern Californian riding families, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” will draw smiles from kids of all ages. It’s an exhibit that focuses not only on where you can take a motorcycle, but where a two-up motorcycle ride with a loved one can take you.

Experience Gallery (on display now)
With inspiring stories from riders who have turned their dream of learning to ride into reality, a look at the epic journeys you can only experience behind the bars of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, plus the chance to throw a leg over a new Harley-Davidson #FreedomMachine, the reinstalled and all-new Experience Gallery shows the world how United We Ride!

Google Arts & Culture: Take a Trip through Time (on display now)

Lillian Hauerwas began riding in 1911 when she was 19 years old. In 1914, she and a friend took a sidecar rig on a week-long trip. Check out a photo album from their ride and find out more about this early advocate for women motorcyclists on the Museum’s Google Arts & Culture site.

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (on display now)
The four founders of Harley-Davidson were recently inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Learn more about this prestigious honor now on view in the H-D Museum.

Linda “Jo” Giovannoni (on display now)
This year the world of motorcycling lost a prominent voice, Linda “Jo” Giovannoni. As a co-founder of Harley Women magazine, she shared her love of the sport through articles in newspapers and magazines, and in national television interviews and documentaries. Learn about how Giovannoni inspired riders for over 40 years.

Revolution® Max Engine (on display now)
The brand-new Revolution® Max 1250cc engine powers a new generation of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. See the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin that delivers for the Pan America® adventure touring model and the performance cruiser Sportster® S motorcycle. On view in the Museum lobby.

Clubs & Competition (on display now)
In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games and other riding competitions.
The newly reinstalled display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, customized by the owners with their club’s name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives collection includes Motorclothes® apparel sold in H-D® product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.

“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (on display now)
In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson® motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared.

The Harley-Davidson® Shop + Factory Shop
Keep your eyes peeled for new Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Collection items. New gear is arriving daily. Get ready for this summer’s Homecoming Festival in style. Both shops are now open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT
MOTOR is ushering in March with extended hours, daily specials and our monthly menu specials, including a nod to St. Patrick’s Day with Chef Sione’s take on the classic Rueben sandwich. The days are getting longer, and we are looking forward to re-opening on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will be offering dinner every night of the week. New hours start on Wednesday, March 1 and MOTOR is open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

If you observe Lent or just love the Friday fish fry tradition, don’t miss out on our delicious All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry served every Friday all day long. MOTOR offers both an entrée option and a North Atlantic cod sandwich. Guests can enjoy receiving $2 off your check for Fish Fry Fridays through Lent (Friday, April 7) for diners enjoying the fry from 7 – 9 p.m. Just mention this to your server and enjoy the offer!

March Specials (while supplies last):
APPETIZER OF THE MONTH: CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS ($9.95)
Sprouts, bacon, Parmesan cheese, dried apricot with dynamite sauce.

ENTRÉE OF THE MONTH: DEEP FRIED SPARE RIBS ($15.95)
Marinated ribs, breaded and fried with a side of jicama slaw, French fries, and a side of BBQ sauce.

SANDWICH OF THE MONTH: RUEBEN SANDWICH ($14.95)

Smoked corned beef, Swiss cheese, topped with onion strings, jicama slaw, and 1000 island dressing on toasted rye.

DESSERT OF THE MONTH: APPLE PIE À LA MODE ($8.95)
Homemade apple pie served with vanilla ice cream.

Plus, save the date for our first Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch at MOTOR on Sunday, April 9! Reservations will be available in early March.

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Mobile Application For Road Safety Enforcement

By General Posts

Known as the Public Eye Enforcement Programme (PEEP), the mobile application will empower anyone with a smart phone to record road traffic violations and forward to the Authority for the prosecution of offenders.

by ghanamma from https://www.ghanamma.com/

NRSA To Introduce Mobile Application For Road Safety Enforcement

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is developing a mobile application to improve road safety across the country.

Known as the Public Eye Enforcement Programme (PEEP), the mobile application will empower anyone with a smart phone to record road traffic violations and forward to the Authority for the prosecution of offenders.

The Board Chairman of the NRSA, Jeremaine Nkrumah, made this known when he led a team of officials from the Authority to commend the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, for his leadership and determination in championing road safety in the region.

Their visit was also to recognise the minister for his productive collaboration with stakeholders in managing the operations of motorcycles and tricycles on major roads as well as bringing some sanity to the Madina Zongo Junction within the La Nkwatanang Madina Municipality. A citation was presented to the Regional Minister.

PEEP mobile application

Touching on the mobile application, Mr Nkrumah said it would be piloted in the Greater Accra, Eastern and the Ashanti regions immediately after the new legislative Instrument, drafted by the Authority is approved by Parliament.

“We are currently developing a website and mobile application and we are going to take advantage of the constitution aspect of citizens’ arrests and empower anybody who owns a mobile device to be able to record,” Mr Nkrumah noted.

He added that the sender of a video which led to prosecution would be rewarded.

“If a person sends in a video and the video leads to prosecution, the mobile number of the sender if registered with the mobile money, will get a percentage of the fine,” he said.

Mr Nkrumah explained that statistics have shown an increase in the number of vehicles registered as compared to expansion works on roads across the country.

“What is scary in statistics is that for a country of 9,200 square miles and road network of 78,000 square kilometres, roads do not expand as rapidly as the number of vehicles added onto the industry every day,” he said.

He added that 16,000 new vehicles were registered every month, accounting for over 500 vehicles every day into the system.

Tricycle directive

For his part, Mr Quartey thanked the Authority for the recognition and appealed to the officials to support the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GA-RCC) to revisit the implementation of restrictions on tricycles on the Tema highway.

“We had a meeting with the Police Regional Command and we want to revisit the directive. We believe three months’ moratorium is enough.

So I crave your indulgence to avail yourself as quickly as possible for us to move into action, possibly we can do this after the Easter festivities. The RCC has donated a pickup truck and two motorbikes to the Greater Accra Police Command to be used to patrol the stretch of the motorway,” he added

He, however, appealed to corporate bodies and stakeholders to support the activities of the RCC in ensuring safety in the region.

“Operation Clean Your Frontage is also in play. We have had four months of sensitisation, which is enough moratorium. After the Easter holidays, all assemblies in the Greater Accra Region will go into full force to ensure the implementation of the Operation Clean Your Frontage by-law,” he added.

Vance & Hines Reveals New Look for NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycles

By General Posts

Vance & Hines Reveals New Look for NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycles in
Conjunction with Launch of VO2 Military Power Series Program

Following yesterday’s launch of the Vance & Hines VO2 Military Power Series, the Vance & Hines NHRA race team revealed new livery on all three of their NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycles for Veteran’s Day weekend.

The VO2 Military Power Series is a line of air intake products recognizing five branches of the US Military and supporting the Children of Fallen Patriots, an organization that provides educational resources to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. The logos of the military branches are “officially licensed” to Vance & Hines for use in this program.

Today, in the first round of qualifying at the NHRA Auto Club Nationals in Pomona, California, Vance & Hines riders Angelle Sampey, Andrew Hines and Eddie Kraweic rolled out a new paint scheme honoring veterans and those serving in the US Military. The design features a dramatic take on the stars and stripes of the American flag along with the logos of the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

The Auto Club Nationals are the finale of the NHRA drag racing season. The results will determine the championship in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class for 2021.

Annual Motorcycle Ride for Toys for Tots to Begin October 24

By General Posts

by Allison Keys from https://www.krqe.com

On Sunday, Oct. 24, the 17th Annual Ride for Toys for Tots will kick off the season.

Toys for Tots begins collections for holiday season during motorcycle run.

As a child, there is nothing quite as exciting as waking up on Christmas morning with presents under the tree. However, not every child gets to experience that feeling.

The Toys for Tots campaign works to change that. Assistant Program Coordinator Paul Caputo and Maj. Mike Schroeder discuss the campaign and how it’s making a difference in the lives of local children.

A program by the US Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots strives to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December every year and to distribute them as Christmas gifts to children in need within the community.

On Sunday, Oct. 24, the 17th Annual Ride for Toys for Tots will kick off the season at the Super Walmart located on 528 and Enchanted Hills. Registration for the motorcycle ride starts at 9 a.m. with a ride to Thunderbird Harley-Davidson at 5000 Alameda Blvd. for an afterparty. The entry fee to the event is an unwrapped gift.

For more information on how to get involved with the program, visit https://toysfortots.org/.

If you’d like to put a donation box for toys at your business, call Paul Caputo at 505-975-2033.

WATCH: Full interview with Toys for Tots Asst. Program Coordinator Paul Caputo and Maj. Mike Schroeder

Kirk Taylor’s 2018 Strider Custom is back

By General Posts

by Marilyn Stemp

Kirk Taylor’s L’il Cha Cha was among the very first class of Tiny Strider Customs, a program of the Flying Piston Benefit that supports All Kids Bike – an organization that’s on a mission to teach every kid how to ride a bike as part of kindergarten PE class.

Custom creations are unveiled at the Flying Piston breakfast in August at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip then auctioned at the Mecum motorcycle event in Las Vegas the following January. Proceeds fund bike-riding programs for elementary schools.

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New York State Assemblyman sponsoring a state DMV-approved Insurance Reduction Program

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by Bronx Times from https://www.bxtimes.com

New York State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto will be sponsoring a state-approved Insurance Reduction Program on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

As a service to his constituents, New York State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto will be sponsoring a state DMV-approved Insurance Reduction Program on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The course is held at Fort Schuyler House, 3077 Cross Bronx Expressway.

Registration for this class begins on Monday, Aug. 16. To reserve a seat, please call Benedetto’s office at (718) 892-2235. The cost for this class is $30.

This 6-hour course will refresh your driving knowledge with a review of time-tested safe driving tips.

Those who complete the course will receive a reduction of approximately 10% from the base rate of automobile and motorcycle liability premiums each year for three years.

Become an AMA LongRider

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AMA LongRider Program – Recognizing AMA Members Who Love to Ride

The AMA LongRider program is your chance to show others that you’re serious about riding your motorcycle. AMA members are invited to earn patches for various mileage milestones.

Mileage awards are available at 10,000, 25,000 and 50,000 annual miles. In addition to the awards, AMA LongRiders will be recognized on the AMA website.

If you don’t get a chance to ride that often, let your miles accumulate for a Lifetime Mileage award at 25,000, 50,000, 100,000, 250,000, 500,000, 750,000 and 1 million miles. Riders who achieve 1 million miles will earn a special AMA LongRider plaque.

Long Rider Rules:

  • Must be current AMA member
  • Must agree to abide by AMA verification rules and procedures
  • Must register for program (miles begin to accumulate once registered)
  • May use multiple motorcycles

How it works: 

  • Riders register using the AMA LongRider Application. Click Here.
  • Mileage counts from this day forward, unless you can provide verification of previous mileage with documentation from an AMA-chartered club. The AMA will consider verified mileage awards from non-AMA groups/clubs/dealers on a case-by-case basis. Mileage will not be credited for years that you were not an AMA member.
  • If you were enrolled in the AMA LongRider program in 2008 or prior, previous verified AMA LongRider Emeritus mileage counts.
  • Send a current odometer photo with your AMA card in the photo or other verification as listed on the mileage award form. Odometer pics and other verification will be kept on record with the AMA.
  • If multiple motorcycles are used, mileage will count from time each motorcycle is registered with the LongRider Program.
  • AMA LongRiders receive a decal and patch with registration.
  • Forms can be sent to AMA LongRider, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. It’s recommended to make a copy or keep a record of the mileage you are submitting, so you know when to submit for awards.

Mileage Awards:

  • Once you reach a milestone, return the AMA LongRider Mileage Award Request Form (Click Here) to AMA LongRider, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. It’s recommended to make a copy or keep a record of the mileage you are submitting, so you know when to submit for your next award.
  • Send an updated odometer photo with your AMA card in the photo or other verification as listed on the mileage award form.
  • Only verifiable mileage counts toward AMA LongRider Awards (odometer vs. “trail miles”). This is a road/adventure riding program.

Share Your Achievements:

  • Share photos of your odometer, patches or photos from a trip using the #AMAlongrider on social media.
  • Email amalongrider@ama-cycle.org with your photos, name and contact info. for a chance to be featured on AMA social media or in American Motorcyclist magazine.

Questions?

Contact amalongrider@ama-cycle.org if you have questions.

View AMA LongRider Achievements at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/longrider/

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Motogo teaching confidence, building grit through motorcycles

By General Posts

by Taylor Bruck from https://www.mynews13.com

CLEVELAND — Not everyone learns in the same way. Some people are visual learners, some are auditory, some learn better through reading and writing and others are kinesthetic learners, which is another way of saying “hands-on.”

What You Need To Know

  • The nonprofit Motogo teaches young people life skills through motorcycles
  • They teach students how to take apart a motorcycle and put it back together
  • They do that by bringing back shop class through partnerships with schools and community organizations
  • Motogo helps students learn from their failures and build self-confidence, resilience and grit

“I’ve always been a hands-on learner, and I can relate to students who have a hard time sitting still in class. I think I played sports my whole life because that’s how I learned. I learned by doing and using my hands,” said Molly Vaughn, the executive director of Motogo, a nonprofit in Cleveland.

With a majority of funding tied to high test scores in schools, many districts in the U.S. eliminated their shop classes in the 70s or 80s. She and her husband Brian Schaffran are bringing it back.

“He’s the head coach at Motogo. I love being his boss,” said Vaughn.

Schaffran owns Skidmark Garage, and in 2017 alongside Vaughn, the two founded its nonprofit educational wing, Motogo. Motogo is a mobile shop class with a mission to teach kids to solve problems and build grit and confidence through building motorcycles.

Schaffran is a former high school math and history teacher. It wasn’t until he could use his hands that he really fell in love with learning.

“Once I just learned by doing, then that woke my motivation up to take as many college classes as I could and learn as much as I could about everything in the world,” said Schaffran. “Getting a kid to memorize is one thing, but getting a kid to love to learn is the ultimate goal, and shop class helps some students wake up that love of learning.”

He’s not alone. Many people prefer to learn by doing.

“I find it easier, like when you’re actually like in the field doing something, not just like reading off a book,” said Liam Michael, a junior at Saint Martin de Porres High School, a school currently hosting an after-school Motogo program.

“It’s different. I’s something I never thought about doing so it’s fun doing it and learning,” said Maladdia Williams, a freshman at Saint Martin de Porres High School.

Motogo has already been in more than 20 different schools and community organizations. They offer quarter-long and full semester in-school and out-of-school STEM curriculums, as well as week-long summer camps for middle and high school students.

“It helps me figure out what I want to do. I mean, the more knowledge, the better,” said Elijah Williams, a sophomore at Saint Martin de Porres High School.

“I learned a lot about the tools. Like I really didn’t know any tool names or like all the different sizes and stuff,” said Summer Onwundinjo, a freshman at Saint Martin de Porres High School.

Motogo aims to be that outlet to teach young people that there’s a place for everyone to succeed in life, regardless of what motivates them.

“This isn’t a boy’s world, and this isn’t a boy’s job. This is everybody’s job,” said Schaffran. “Girls are better at this and should be trying this and should be getting their hands dirty. And I hope that it’s going to take a generation or two, but I think this is the beginning of a permanent change in who gets to do what, and who’s better at what, and who gets to experience this kind of confidence and victories.”

Motogo also aims to give them the physical and metaphorical tools to succeed in life, helping young people realize that failing is just another word for learning. If at first effort doesn’t work, try and try again.

“We just want to be one opportunity, maybe find the kids that haven’t found that thing that sparks them yet,” said Vaughn. “We’re really a unique opportunity to make someone feel valued, who feels left out, whether a student wants to go into a manufacturing career or they want to go into something more like becoming a doctor or a lawyer, or they’re going to be a stay-at-home parent one day. It doesn’t really matter what the end product is. We know that by taking shop classes again, that it’s going to rewire their brain to kind of think about the way you approach the world differently.”

“A lot of people don’t know that they can fix the world around them and they don’t have the confidence to even try most of the time. Hopefully, after going through a Motogo course, they just gain a little bit more nerve, a little bit more confidence than they’re willing to try and grab a tool and figure it out and problem solve,” said Schaffran. “Whatever problem that someone comes across, I hope that they say to themselves, well, I rebuilt a motorcycle. If I did that, I can do this.”

For more information on Motogo visit their website.

Pirelli Unveils 2021 RYAO Program at Upcoming CCS/ASRA Events

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The program, which will kick off at New Jersey Motorsports Park on April 24-25, will consist of 11 events and encourages Pirelli-equipped riders to compete in multiple classes.

Pirelli Tire North America has unveiled its 2021 RYAO program that will take place at upcoming Championship Cup Series (CCS) and American Sportbike Racing (ASRA) events throughout the nation. The program, which will kick off at New Jersey Motorsports Park on April 24-25, will consist of 11 events and encourages Pirelli-equipped riders to compete in multiple classes. Riders on Pirelli race compound tires who register to compete in one class will be eligible to race in as many additional classes as they wish with no extra registration fees.

“The RYAO program was really positive for us last year and a challenge that was well received by riders across North America,” said Oscar Solis, road racing manager, Pirelli. “We’ve been able to expand the program in 2021, which is something we’re excited about. We look forward to seeing more riders and their DIABLO™ Superbike slicks join us in the challenge. Every racer wants to get in as many laps as possible on the weekend and this allows them do that by entering as many races they are eligible for while only paying a low fixed entry fee.”

For each of the events, Pirelli’s local trackside vendor will have certificates for Pirelli riders when they register. There will be 50 certificates available per event that can be used for either pre-entry or post-entry and they will be good for regular sprint and twin sprint classes. Certificates will not be eligible for the team challenge or practice day.

As an additional incentive, Pirelli will be keeping track of all Pirelli-equipped riders and the points that they accumulate each race weekend. The rider who earns the most points at the end of each weekend will receive a set of Pirelli racing slicks at no charge.

2021 Pirelli RYAO Events in Conjunction with CCS/ASRA

April 24-25: New Jersey Motorsports Park (vendor – Metric Devil Moto)
June 12-13: Summit Point Raceway (vendor – Metric Devil Moto)
Round TBD
July 31-August 1: Blackhawk Farms Raceway (vendor – Farrell Performance)
July 31-August 1: North Carolina Bike (vendor – Podium Motorsports)
August 21-22: Roebling Road Raceway (vendor – Podium Motorsports)
August 21-22: Autobahn Speedway (vendor – Farrell Performance)
September 4-5: New Jersey Motorsports Park (vendor – Metric Devil Moto)
September 17-19: Blackhawk Farms Raceway (vendor – Farrell Performance)
Round TBD
December 4-5: Homestead International Speedway (vendor – Mark Tenn Motorsports)

To learn more about how to get your RYAO registration certificate, contact your Pirelli local trackside vendor listed above.

For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com