AMA Plans 85th Anniversary Festivities

The annual celebration of vintage motorcycles is a fitting locale to mark the anniversary for the AMA which was formed in 1924. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will feature a parade of bikes representing the last eight decades.

During our 85 years, the AMA has undergone numerous changes to meet the evolving needs of our membership, says Rob Dingman, AMA president and chief executive officer. 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 years cant-miss motorcycling events, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

In addition to the parade, the AMA is asking its 300,000-strong membership to submit stories about what motorcycling means to them. AMA members can send their stories to [email protected]

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? says Tigra Tsujikawa, manager of AMA marketing and special events. Remember that a picture tells a thousand words, so please include photographs whenever possible.

In addition to the 85th anniversary celebrations, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will feature other activities including the traditional motorcycle swap meet, demo rides of current bikes, stunt shows, seminars and guided rides through the Ohio countryside. The weekend will also include American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association competition including road racing, motocross, observed trials, cross country and dirt track featuring both vintage and post-vintage motorcycles.

Other 85th anniversary events and AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days activities will be announced.