AMA announces 85th anniversary celebration at 2009 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

PICKERINGTON, Ohio January 5, 2009: The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that the Association will celebrate its 85th anniversary year in 2009 with a number of activities and events, culminating with AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 24-26, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. One eye-catching activity at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will be a motorcycle parade with bikes representing the more than eight decades the AMA has been protecting riders' rights, from 1924 through 2009. This distinctive collection of motorcycles will provide a physical and visual representation of the long and varied history of the AMA.

"We're excited about pulling together this rich symbol of the AMA's history, and assembling such a diverse collection of motorcycles will be no small feat," said Tigra Tsujikawa, AMA marketing and special events manager. "If any of our members would like to have his or her motorcycle considered for this special opportunity, I encourage them to call the AMA's Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum at (614) 856-2221 or e-mail us at 85thparade@ama-cycle.org [mailto:85thparade@ama-cycle.org] for details." Founded in 1924, the AMA quickly became a national voice for the growing number of motorcycle clubs and riders in the U.S., a legacy that the Association has carried forward ever since.

Today the AMA is the country's leading advocate for the protection and promotion of the motorcycling lifestyle and -- with more than 300,000 members -- it has grown to become the largest motorcycling organization in the world. "During our 85 years, the AMA has undergone numerous changes to meet the evolving needs of our membership," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Currently, the AMA is positioning the organization to better serve all motorcyclists for the next 85 years and beyond. In 2009, we will recognize both this landmark anniversary and this exciting time of change with various events and activities, culminating at one of the year's can't-miss motorcycling events, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days." In addition to the 85th anniversary celebration motorcycle parade, the AMA is asking its members to help the Association tell its story.

"We want to know from AMA members, 'Why did you join the AMA? What does motorcycling mean to you? What events, bikes or people represent your most memorable motorcycling moments?'" said Tsujikawa. "Remember that a picture tells a thousand words, so please include photographs whenever possible."

AMA members can e-mail their memories to 85thmemories@ama-cycle.org [mailto:85thmemories@ama-cycle.org]. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the proceeds of which benefit the AMA's Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, has grown to become America's grandest celebration of motorcycling heritage, and features numerous activities inspired by all eras. In addition to activities tied to the AMA's 85th anniversary, the weekend will be loaded with highlights, including the world's largest motorcycle swap meet, demo rides of current production bikes, motorcycling seminars, bike shows, stunt shows, the new product Manufacturers' Midway, club corrals that feature both marque and regional clubs, and guided rides through the rolling Ohio countryside.

The weekend is also scheduled to feature a full slate of American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association competition, including road racing, motocross, observed trials, cross country and dirt track for both vintage and post-vintage motorcycles. Tickets for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2009 are available from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course at MID-OHIO or by phone at (800) MID-OHIO. More announcements regarding the AMA's 85th anniversary celebration, including events during and leading up to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, will be made soon.