Parade to highlight Vintage Days

From the American Motorcyclist Association

PICKERINGTON, OH -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced 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, OH.

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 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.

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.

In addition to activities tied to the AMA's 85th anniversary, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 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 www.midohio.com or by phone at (800) MID-OHIO.