Ups & Down

Ups & Down

UP: To the American Motorcyclist Association, for making at least one non-controversial and wellreasoned decision. Amidst the curious goings-on in Pickerington regarding the firing of AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth, the resignation of dedicated Chairman PJ. Harvey and the return of professional race sanctioning to the parent organization (because they did such a bang-up job of running things previously?), the AMA announced that Giacomo Agostini will be the grand marshal of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2006 to be held July 28-30 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The 15-time world champion won most of his titles on MV Agustas, the featured marque at this year's event

DOWN: To Welsh sportbiker Lee Beddis, for being a slow learner, unfortunately for him at a very high rate of speed. In May of 2002, Beddis flashed past a police radar camera at 155 mph. His license was revoked for a year and he was forced to sell his Honda. After serving the ban, Beddis promptly purchased a Suzuki GSX Ri 000, but was killed last January when he ran into the back of a car at 100 mph. The driver survived with injuries, but Beddis, 37, was killed instantly. The coroner ruled "death by misadventure," which pretty much says it all.

UP: To Virginia, for continuing to promote motorcycling. Since its launch two years ago, "MotorcycleVirginia!" has produced more than 50,000 "Watch for Motorcyclists" bumper stickers and created a website featuring upcoming ndes and events, safety guidelines and links to "motorcycle-friendly" resources. "Motorcycle tourism is a great oppor tunity for us," said outgoing Governor Mark Warner. "Additionally, as the Commonwealth grapples with the transportation challenges of the next decade, motorcyclists need to have a voice in that debate." To learn more, visit www.motorcycleva.com.