Etc.
ETC.
HARD-CORE DIRT ACTION ON TAPE
So, you think you’ve been on a tough dirt ride lately? Well, in Hawaii they power through dense jungles and lava fields. We’d call it torturous, but it’s certainly fun to watch. Just over two hours long and definitely home-video quality, Hawaiian Hardcore Trailriding, priced at $35, also has footage from several local off-road races. For a copy, contact Hardcore Hawaiian Trailriders, 1740 Nakula St. Wahiawa, HI 96786; 808/622-5467.
WOMENS’ BIKE GROUP FORMS
The Women’s Sport Bike Association is now being organized. Barbara Morshead, the group’s founder, says the WSBA's goal is to develop a network of female riders who plan group trips and share information about bikes, gear and riding schools. For more information, contact Morshead at 1935 Thicket Ln„ Tracy, CA 95376.
ROGER HULL DIES
Roger Hull, 70, co-founder of Road Rider, a touring magazine, died of heart failure on February 22.
Joe Parkhurst, Cycle World's founder, praised Hull’s dedication to Road Rider. “There was a time when I talked to Roger about buying his magazine, but he wanted to retain editorial control. He was very devoted to motorcycle journalism.”
TOW, TOW, TOW YOUR BIKE
The AMA has a new roadside assistance program called MoTow, available to AMA members for $25 per year. MoTow, a 24-hour service, is staffed by specially trained operators, says the AMA. If a member’s bike needs a tow, technicians will take the bike to the nearest repair facility, or deliver it the next business day. For more information, call the AMA, 800/262-5646.
GOVERNMENT AT WORK
Our federal government has taken steps this year that could make life better for streetand offroad riders.
President Clinton’s 1996 budget includes $30 million for the National Recreation Trails Fund Act. The act gives states money to create and maintain all types of trails, including those designated for motorcycles and ATVs. This marks the first time an administration set aside money for the program, which was created in 1991 to give back to states federal gasoline excise taxes paid by off-roaders.
Dirt riders should also benefit from a new deal between the AMA and the U.S. Forest Service. The Rider Watch Volunteer Project establishes a database to link enthusiasts with clubs improving trails and open more areas for riding. It also puts trail-riding volunteers in touch with local forestry officials, allowing both parties to work together to improve trail maintenance and develop new riding areas.
Street riders opposed to helmet laws will be heartened to know that pending legislation would remove penalties for states that let riders make their own choice about wearing a helmet. Currently, states lose federal highway funding if they don’t have a helmet law.
INDIAN WARS
A U.S. bankruptcy court in Springfield, Massachusetts, approved a deal to give the Indian trademark to Maurits Hayim-Langridge, an Australian who says he will build bikes bearing the storied name.
Hayim-Langridge (see Roundup, February) will pay $2.6 million dollars over four years to creditors of Philip Zanghi, who had owned the trademark.
Wayne Baughman, head of Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Inc.,says there’s more legal action to come. “The fat lady hasn’t sung,” he says.
