OFF THE WIRE
AMA Get Out and Ride! Month kicks into high gear on April 1 by showcasing the riding activities of American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) members and other motorcyclists across the country. Plans are coming together quickly, on the East Coast, the West Coast and everywhere in between.
Rider Dean Mellor knows exactly what he'll be doing: "Vegas, baby. A perfect ride across the desert on the KLT."
Mellor is far from alone.
"Turned the VFR over 100K last year, now to set about doing it again!" wrote Neil Robert Pille on the AMA Facebook page.
Even new riders are feeling the itch to get back in the saddle. Kristine Frohning, who just began riding last season, can't wait to throw a leg over her Yamaha. "I already miss it so much!" she said.
AMA Get Out and Ride! Month officially launches on April 1, when a special web page on AmericanMotorcyclist.com, plus Facebook and Twitter feeds, will provide daily details, including themes for each week:
* April 4-10: AMA Get Out and Ride Your Way! Week highlights everything from AMA Grand Tours to solo riding on favorite trails and twisties.
* April 11-17: AMA Get Out and Ride Together! Week features large iconic rallies and smaller local events, from dual-sport rides to AMA National Conventions to Gypsy Tours.
* April 18-24: AMA Get Out and Ride for a Cause! Week showcases events and activities where motorcyclists use their love of riding to help others less fortunate, as well as advocate for the motorcycling lifestyle.
* April 25-30: AMA Get Out and Ride Smart! Week focuses on rider training and awareness skills needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on every ride.
"We encourage all motorcyclists to join the AMA in celebrating the motorcycling lifestyle," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "There is a common bond that unites all of us, regardless of what or where we ride. AMA Get Out and Ride! Month connects motorcyclists from all over the country as we share our riding adventures."
Throughout the month, AMA members will submit stories, photos and videos. A weekly winner will be selected for the best submission, and some great prizes will be awarded for the best stories -- including a $100 gift card from AMA member benefit partner and corporate member BikeBandit.com, a gift certificate for a set of tires from corporate member Dunlop Tires, a Blinc Bluetooth Helmet Communications System and riding gear from Tourmaster.
One lucky motorcyclist will be featured in an upcoming issue of American Motorcyclist magazine and on AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Stay tuned to AmericanMotorcyclist.com for more details, and if you haven't made your plans yet, get started now. AMA Get Out and Ride! Month begins on April 1!
