The AMA yearend wrapup

[Momz]

It's been a busy year for motorcyclists in 2013. We trust you've been enjoying your riding freedoms, protected in large part by your support of the American Motorcyclist Association.

As we reflect this holiday season on all that the AMA has accomplished this year, I can't help but realize one thing: We couldn't have had the successes we did without your continued support.

You're a big part of how, together, we're fighting the good fight for motorcyclists' freedoms. Thanks to your efforts, and those of others like you, in 2013 we delivered more than one million issue-specific emails from coast to coast on numerous threats. That's a truly amazing number!

There have been a myriad of threats to your right to ride in 2012, but two stand out:
• The threat of untested E15 fuels that have the potential to damage engines and void motorcycle warranties, and
• The possible seizure of popular riding areas near Johnson Valley, California.

Thanks to you and other riders who care, we had a big hand in shaping the outcome with both of these threats.

Our AMA Fuel For Thought rally on the National Mall in June, in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol Building, had a tremendous impact on the debate about E15 ethanol-based fuels. The one-on-one office visits that many AMA members had with their elected representatives were very effective in making a pro-motorcycling case. As a result, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed changes to the 2014 mandate that will slow the spread of E15.

In Johnson Valley, meetings and communications by AMA members and staff helped craft a deal that keeps the majority of one of Southern California's best-used off-highway vehicle riding areas open. Even better, there is a solid proposal to create a federally recognized OHV-use designation that sets a powerful precedent for the future.

None of that would have happened without you. So as you go about enjoying your holidays with family and friends this season, please take a moment to reflect on a job well done – not just for motorcyclists today, but for future riders as well.

The threats to motorcycling never stop, and we'll have new and ongoing threats to deal with in 2014. But for now, take a moment to pat yourself—and your fellow motorcycle advocates—on the back for a lot of hard work that yielded great results.

Thanks again, have a happy holiday season and a joyous new year.

Sincerely,

Sen. Wayne Allard
Vice President for Government Relations
American Motorcyclist Association