Motorcycle News

13. Eric Bostrom to make rare East Coast appearances
East coast Ducati fans get a rare chance to mingle with top AMA Superbike star at Ducati dealer open house events.
Cupertino California, May 4: Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin’s Eric Bostrom is making a rare appearance in the northeast as part of a special visit to New York City. In early May, Bostrom will be visiting with Ducati dealers and customers during open house events in Scranton and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday May 8. Plans also have him meeting with the Desmo Ducati Club at their weekly Tuesday night gathering in New York City in the Soho district.

A four-time AMA champion, Eric Bostrom is looking forward to meeting his east coast fans, many of whom have not had the chance to see him in years. "I'm excited about my trip to the north east because since we stopped racing at Loudon I don't get to spend much time with fans from that part of the country anymore. Plus, I know there is a large contingent of Ducati owners and fans there that I'm looking forward to meeting."

Bostrom is slated to appear at the following locations. All fans are encouraged to stop by and visit.

Koup’s Cycle Shop Saturday May 8 from 10:30-11:30* 189 North Harrisburg Street 717-939-7182 www.koups.com	North American Warhorse Saturday May 8 from 2:00-3:30* 119 Mulberry Street Scranton, PA 570-346-2453 www.nawarhorse.com	“The Ear Inn” Tuesday May 11, 5:45-6:45pm* Spring Street New York City, NY www.desmoducati.org
*Please note that all times are approximate and are subject to change without notice or warning.

12. BMW TO BE FEATURED MARQUE AT AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - May 4, 2004... BMW will be the featured marque at AMA
Vintage Motorcycle Days 2004, a three-day event hosted by the American
Motorcyclist Association (AMA), July 16-18 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in
Lexington, Ohio. In celebrating the 81-year-old marque, AMA Vintage
Motorcycle Days will benefit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum and will
feature an exhibit of classic motorcycles and memorabilia, including one of
the largest displays of vintage BMW motorcycles on loan from vintage club
members and independent collectors. With more than 40,000 spectators
expected, the weekend promises to be the largest and best vintage BMW event
of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

11. What an FJR1300?
Better pre-order one now! Yamaha continues their special order program - and it's almost over. MN

10. HARLEY-DAVIDSON Roars Into Its Second Century With Another Record Quarter!
Milwaukee, Wis., April 14, 2004 -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HDI) today announced record revenue and earnings for its first quarter ended March 28, 2004. Revenue for the quarter was $1.17 billion compared with $1.11 billion in the year-ago quarter, a 4.7 percent increase. First quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) was 68 cents, an 11.5 percent increase compared with last year’s 61 cents.

“Harley-Davidson’s first quarter performance clearly demonstrates that the Company is on track to deliver both the short and long-term performance objectives which we established earlier this year,” said Jeffrey L. Bleustein, chairman and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc.

“By almost any measure, we are off to a very strong start in 2004 continuing the momentum of our 100th Anniversary. We delivered solid financial performance this quarter, and our U.S. dealer network posted the highest first quarter retail sales for Harley-Davidson motorcycles in its history -13 percent ahead of last year. In addition, we achieved our first quarter motorcycle production target, setting the pace to reach our goal of 317,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles by year-end.”

“The Company’s continuing strong performance supports our longer-range objectives to satisfy demand for 400,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles in 2007 and to deliver an annual earnings growth rate in the mid-teens. Harley-Davidson’s Board of Directors demonstrated their confidence in our stated direction by approving the repurchase of 7.8 million shares of stock during the quarter,” said Bleustein.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment
First quarter revenue from Harley-DavidsonÒ motorcycles was $919 million, an increase of 4.8 percent over the first quarter last year. Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 74,090, up 3,482 units or 4.9 percent over last year.

First quarter revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $169 million, a 5.8 percent increase over the year-ago quarter. When revenue from 100th Anniversary P&A products sold during the first quarter of 2003 is excluded, P&A revenue would have been up 15.9 percent. For the longer term, the Company expects P&A revenue to grow at a rate slightly faster than the motorcycle unit growth rate.

General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothes® apparel and collectibles, had first quarter revenue of $54 million, down 3.7 percent over the same period last year. When revenue from 100th Anniversary General Merchandise products shipped in the first quarter of 2003 is excluded, General Merchandise revenue would have been up 12.7 percent. For the longer term, the Company expects General Merchandise to grow at a rate lower than the motorcycle unit growth rate.

First quarter gross margin for the Motorcycles and Related Products Segment was 37.8 percent of revenue compared to 36.2 percent in the first quarter of last year. First quarter gross margin was favorably impacted primarily by foreign currency exchange rates and to a lesser extent by operating efficiencies. Consistent with the higher gross margin, operating margin increased from 21.5 percent in 2003 to 22.9 percent in 2004

9. MILWAUKEE (April 21, 2004) - Motorcycle enthusiasts who want to experience the adventure of riding Buell motorcycles this spring can take advantage of three promotional offers at participating Buell dealerships.
Motorcyclists who demo ride a Buell motorcycle through May 31, 2004 during Buell Demo Days will receive a free Buell Sling Bag. A valid motorcycle endorsement and proper riding gear are required for the demo ride. The customized sling bag, a $50 retail value, is made from heavy-duty denier fabric with nylon lining and features four individual storage compartments.

Those who purchase a Buell before May 31 will receive free gasoline during the Buell “Fuel in the Frame for a Year” promotion. Fuel in the Frame for a Year will be provided through a $150 Visa Gift Card. The Visa Gift Card is a prepaid card that can be used at millions of worldwide locations. Instead of worrying about rising gas prices, new Buell owners can focus on enjoying the ride. Highway gas mileage averages for the Firebolt and Lightning models are 65 mpg, and the Blast boasts nearly 73 mpg on the highway.

In addition, eligible buyers can also qualify for No Down Payment financing. This option is available through Eaglemark Savings Bank and Harley-Davidson Credit until June 30 on all 2003 and 2004 new, previously untitled Buell motorcycles including Blast.

Riders should stop by their participating Buell dealer or buell.com for full details on all of the Spring promotions. Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel.

8. MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM TO CHRONICLE THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN MOTOCROSS IN MAJOR NEW EXHIBIT
PICKERINGTON, OHIO – The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum has announced its next major exhibit. “Motocross America,” the first-ever comprehensive perspective of this popular and action-packed sport, debuts March 2005.

Tracing the evolution of motocross from its 1920s roots in Europe to today’s “extreme” expressions of the sport, including wildly popular AMA Supercross and freestyle events, this unique exhibit will be designed for the Museum’s 8,000-square-foot main gallery. From the famous names and faces that shaped motocross in America to the machines, technology and gear that helped transform raw riding talent into world champions, “Motocross America” will present some of the most adrenaline-charged chapters in American motorcycling history.

“Enthusiasts of the sport—past and present—are invited to help tell this amazing story,” said Mark Mederski, executive director, Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “From trophies, photographs and autographs to early riding gear—such as goggles, gloves, helmets and protectors—we encourage private collectors to contact us about lending any items that could help us show the evolution of the sport.

“ ‘Motocross America’ will be the ultimate retrospective and celebration of a sport that today is part technology, part athletic ability and part spectacular entertainment,” said Mederski. “No other segment of motorcycling is growing as quickly, has gained such national visibility and is attracting as many young riders to its ranks.” To encourage and support youth racing, an important section of “Motocross America” will be a Motocross Resource Center where parents and children can learn how to get involved in motocross racing.

As with all Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum exhibits, the stories behind the hardware will create an unforgettable and unique visitor experience. “This museum brings the legends to life,” said Ed Youngblood, curator of “Motocross America.” “Interactive kiosks and displays will be important components of the installation. Visitors won’t just see the machines, gear and memorabilia, but they will be able to feel and sense the action while watching some of the sport’s greatest names race into the history books.” In addition, enthusiasts of all ages will have hands-on opportunities to test their virtual racing skills.

Like the current exhibit, “Heroes of Harley-Davidson, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance”—which was recently selected as one of the top exhibit designs in the world—“Motocross America” will feature innovative design and use of artifacts to reflect the sport’s high energy. “Motocross has achieved pop culture status in this country, inspiring fashion and lifestyle trends,” said Mederski. “We are designing ‘Motocross America’ to not only capture the sport’s rich history, but the vitality and spirit of the people and the industry.”

About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
The goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors those who have contributed notably to the sport, and three major exhibition halls showcase the machines and memorabilia that have shaped motorcycling. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; and is closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adult admission is $10 per person; students 12 – 17, $3. AMA members $5. Seniors receive a $2 discount and members of motorcycle clubs and organizations are eligible for a $1 discount per ticket. A $25.00 family rate and group rates are also available. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Museum’s website at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

LeoVince USA Announces Opening of New U.S. Headquarters
Richmond, CA- LeoVince USA has opened a new 4,000+ square foot facility located in the city of Richmond in the San Francisco Bay area. It is now the headquarters of U.S. operations for the LeoVince brands of motorcycle and scooter exhaust systems. U.S. Sales and Marketing Manager Tim Calhoun states, "We are excited to have developed a very usable space to house our marketing, sales and racing efforts. A unique aspect of the facility is that we will have a complete R&D center including a dynamometer to enable us to quickly develop new products both for consumers and our racing partners.

The facility houses offices for the sales and marketing department, the R&D center, a presentation and display area, a video conference center and of course, being a company with an Italian heart and soul, there is the mandatory espresso bar!

LeoVince is a division of Sito Gruppo Industriale based in Monticello d¹Alba, Italy. Sito is the largest exhaust manufacturer in Europe. LeoVince USA brands include SBK for sportbikes, Silvertail for cruisers, Scoot for scooters, and X3 for off-road and ATVs. For more information visit leovince.com. LeoVince products are distributed to U.S. motorcycle dealers by Western Power Sports.

7. COUNTING DOWN TO WORLD DUCATI WEEK 2004
Program for World Ducati Week 2004 nearly ready.
Bologna, 9th April 2004
At its base in Borgo Panigale near Bologna, Ducati is busy putting the finishing touches on the program for the fourth world meeting of Ducati riders and enthusiasts. One thing, however, is certain already. The packed and varied events list is going to make these 7 days an absolutely unforgettable week for everybody who shares Ducati’s passion for
motorcycling.

Numbers are rocketing, with registrations pouring in from all over the world. It looks as if Ducati fans are responding in mass, determined to book pole position for what looks like a week to remember. And don’t forget that this year the meeting is open to all motorcyclists, whether they ride Ducatis or other brands. So everybody who is passionate about riding, whether they own a Ducati or not, can enjoy this great festival of motorcycling.

WDW2004 takes place from the 17th to the 23rd of May at the Santa Monica circuit in Misano Adriatico. This year’s event is completely new and for the first time in its history will include an entire week of track events from Monday right up to Sunday. In many ways, this year’s edition centers on track events thanks to the unique and unrepeatable opportunity of having the world famous Santa Monica circuit at our disposal every day of the week. You will be thrilled by a whole series of special track events, including demonstration rides by Ducati’s official riders Troy Bayliss and Loris Capirossi, incredible motorcycle acrobatics from rider and stuntman Christian Pfeiffer, plus dragster exhibitions. What is more, this year for the first time 3.4 kilometres of the track is being set aside (from Tuesday to Sunday) for testing Ducati’s latest models, from the legendary 999 to the breathtaking Multistrada and 749. All makes of bike, not only Ducatis, will be allowed on the track. The paddock itself will house a technical area, where participants will have the chance to get their bikes tuned to perfection by real experts. Engine and frame maintenance courses will be organized for women interested in improving their technical knowledge.

On the opening day (Monday, 17th May) the circuit will host the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE). DRE is the Ducati organized riding course that places all the experience and professionalism of the world’s top instructors at your disposal to perfect your riding techniques in maximum safety. In addition, if you purchase a full week pass before the 18th of April (whether you are a Ducati owner or not), you will be entered in a drawing to win an exclusive dinner in the company of all of Ducati Corse’s official riders. The legendary Loris Capirossi, Troy Bayliss, Regis Laconi and James Toseland have promised to give the lucky winners a truly memorable evening. And whoever succeeds in the auction organized by humanitarian organization Riders for Health also wins the once in a lifetime chance to ride a few circuits on the two-seat version of the super-fast Ducati Desmosedici as passenger of Randy Mamola.

But even if you are not one of these lucky winners, don’t despair, because you’re certain to bump into great ex-champions like Marco Lucchinelli or Giancarlo Falappa or one of today’s legends, Troy Bayliss, Loris Capirossi, James Toseland or Regis Laconi, strolling around the circuit and they will all be happy to oblige with an autograph. But above all else WDW2004 will be a time for fun and entertainment! Fitness oriented riders will find a gym area fitted out with the latest Technogym equipment, and a beach area dedicated to beach games, beach soccer and beach volley. And there will be an authentic Mexican style chiringuito where you can relax to great music and savour a range of colorful
cocktails. The week will also have its own relaxation area where you can chill out and
listen to music, or de-stress under the expert hands of Incorporesano’s
professional masseurs. And this year again of course, there will be plenty of tours through some of the most beautiful riding country of Emilia Romagna, organized in conjunction with the “Curve e Tornanti” motorcycling guide.

You can choose from three types of tour, designed to match the needs of everybody who wants to discover the exceptional beauty of this region of Italy. The DAY TOURS are full days out, riding through some of the most classic of all Apennine motorcycling routes. The HAPPY AFTERNOON TOURS are lazier rides to one of the many small towns in the Romagna Apennines, stopping for an aperitif or some great local food. Finally, if your aim is to perfect your road riding, you can opt for one of the SAFE ROAD RIDING TOURS that start with a theory lesson at the Curve & Tornanti stand at the Misano circuit and conclude with a practice ride on twisting Apennine roads.

More technically oriented participants at WDW2004 will be able to listen to the experts of DUCATI UNIVERSITY expounding the latest theories of design and mechanics, with specific reference to the technical and tactical aspects involved in winning the world motorcycle championship. This is just the place to pick up hints on how to design the world’s most beautiful bikes and to listen to Ducati’s team riders confess their own little secrets on how to make the most of the Misano circuit.

And that’s not all! Another area (the biggest single area in WDW2004) will be geared up to welcome over 2000 official club members from all over the world to take part in a whole range of music, food and exhibition events. The wildest, craziest riders in the world will be “on show” here to guarantee entertainment for all! On Friday, the 21st of May, Ducati riders from all over Italy will meet up in Rome, Piacenza and Bologna to ride together, two by two, to Misano in the “Big Red Snake”, a massive red line winding its way to the Santa Monica circuit. The idea for the “Big Red Snake” dates back to 1998 and the Desmodromiclub of Rome. By 2002 the “Snake” had already grown to a length of 190 motorcyclists!

While all this is happening a Mangusta helicopter, the latest helicopter
deployed by the Italian armed forces will hover in the skies above the
circuit. A team of parachutists will then drop from an incredible height and
land with pinpoint precision right in the middle of the circuit.

To register your own participation and to obtain the latest, most complete events program, visit the WDW2004 website at www.wdw2004.com . Every evening, the STAGE will host shows and concerts to keep all WDW2004 participants happily entertained.

Event sponsor: Regione Emilia Romagna, Alice, FILA, AMD, Danese, Shell
Advance, Grembo, Adler, Alfa Romeo, Malaguti, Ventaglio.

6. Three time AMA Superbike Champion Doug Chandler to race Ducati 749R in AMA Formula Extreme.
HMC Ducati Milwaukee Racing pairs up with Ducati and three time AMA Superbike champion Doug Chandler for their 2004 Formula Extreme effort.

April 23, 2004 Doug Chandler will race a Ducati 749R in the AMA Formula Extreme championship for 2004. The 749R was released last month and is the most technologically advanced Ducati ever.

HMC Ducati Milwaukee Racing is excited to be involved with both Chandler and Ducati. Mitch Hansen, team owner of HMC, has a history of winning with Ducati. In 1999 and 2000, HMC raced a 748RS in the now extinct AMA Pro Thunder class, winning the championship in 1999 with Shawn Conrad. In 2002, Doug Chandler rode a Ducati 998RS for HMC finishing the season with 3 podiums. Excited about the future of the new team, Mitch Hansen said, “I feel that the team we assembled with Doug and the 749R is capable of getting on the podium and winning consistently through the year. We’ve entered the season late but we know that anything can happen in racing and we hope to
pull off the championship”

The 39-year-old California resident, Chandler, is a well-respected, accomplished racer. He has already won the AMA Superbike Championship three times and raced four years in Grand Prix. Chandler says he is excited to be on a Ducati again, “I’m really looking forward to Barber, its too bad we didn’t get to start the season in Daytona but I know we can go out there and win races. And I’m really excited to be back to roadracing especially on the Ducati.” Chandler’s first race with the 749R will be at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama on May 14-16.

HMC Ducati Milwaukee Racing is sponsored by Dunlop, Options Italia, Silkolene, D.I.D., Dowco, Bucci, and EBC. Rodney Smith wins third straight GNCC on Dunlops.

5. Hurricane Mills, TN― GNCC legend Rodney Smith maintained his winning ways as the FMF Suzuki rider captured his third-straight win at the sixth round of the series at the Yamaha GNCC at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch on Sunday, April 18. Smith has now won three consecutive races since turning age 40―all on Dunlop tires.

Teammate Fred Andrews finished third overall after leading late in the race. Smith and Andrews selected Dunlop D773 STD 80/100-21 front and D756 STD 120/90-19 rear tires to put them on the podium.

It was a remarkable weekend of racing as the largest crowd of the year at the oldest venue in the series got their money’s worth watching 1456 riders bang bars. Smith now leads the series with 145 points, while Andrews holds down fifth place with 88 points. Fellow teammate Mike Kiedrowski follows in sixth position.

The seventh round of the 2004 Grand National Cross Country Series takes place May 1-2 with the Spartan GNCC in Sparta, Kentucky.

GNCC Results, Top 5 – Round 6, Hurricane Mills, TN, Sunday April 18, 2004:
1. Rodney Smith - Suzuki 2. Jason Raines - Yamaha 3. Fred Andrews - Suzuki 4. Steve Hatch - Kawasaki 5. Doug Blackwell - Suzuki
AMA Grand National Cross Country Series Point Standings, Top 5
(After 6 of 14 rounds) 1. Rodney Smith (145) 2. Jason Raines (126) 3. Barry Hawk, Jr. (99) 4. Steve Hatch (96) 5. Fred Andrews (88)

4. Moto Guzzi and Sportbike Track Time Announce Special Offer For All MGS-01 Corsa Buyers
April 12, 2004 Atlanta, GA—Moto Guzzi North America will partner with a premier track-day provider in the country to offer buyers of the high-performance MGS-01 Corsa an unlimited 1 year pass to unwind their bikes under safe, controlled conditions. The lucky owners of the first Corsa models to be imported will enjoy the thrill of riding without cars, signals, driveways, radar guns, gravel, double yellow lines, or other distractions.

“Our track days are all about just the pure joy of riding,” says Monte Lutz, who, along with partner Bonnie Strawser, founded Sportbike Track Time (STT) in 1997. In 2004 the Delta, Ohio-based company is offering nearly 100 event dates at 23 tracks across the United States. MGS-01 Corsa owners will be able to participate at any of those tracks or dates (excluding Talladega GP and Grattan).

The first 32 MGS-01’s to be imported are “track only” models, so the Sportbike Track Time offer is a perfect match to this one-of-a-kind bike whose introduction took the Intermoto show in Europe by storm. (A street version of the bike is scheduled for U.S. release late in 2004.) According to STT’s Monte Lutz, the collaboration was inspired when the first MGS-01 Corsa he saw “stopped me dead in my tracks. There have been only two motorcycles in my 40 years that have captivated me like that. I have admired this unique design which is a perfect blend of form and function.”

There is much to admire in the MGS-01 Corsa, which came to life from the imagination of the esteemed motorcycle designers Ghezzi and Brian working at the Moto Guzzi Style Laboratory in Mandello del Lario, Italy. The team is developing a new range of modern, agile, sport motorcycles to embody all the rich racing history and spirit of the famous Eagle brand. The MGS-01 Corsa’s designers decided to work with the existing 4 valve V-twin power plant originally developed for the Centauro. The new Corsa racing engine has chrome cylinder walls, Cosworth triple ring racing pistons, and (31 mm exhaust, 36 mm intake) nymonic valves. The choice for the transmission was the current V11 Sport's road-tested six-speed gearbox and shaft drive.

Sportbike Track Time designs its events to be a cut above in every aspect. Not a racing school, or an "open practice" session for racers preparing for their race weekend, SST events cater to select individuals who want to have a quality experience while riding at their own pace. Events are open to riders of all skill levels. Personalized instruction is provided and encouraged. All novice group participants receive class-time and on-track instruction with qualified instructors at no additional cost. Personal instruction is available for the intermediate and advanced riders by the STT staff.

Sportbike Track Time is an approved AHRMA licensing school. STT operates events at Road America, Mid Ohio, Grattan, Pahrump, Gingerman, Beaver Run, Moroso, Talladega, North Florida Motorsports Park, Putnam Park, Virginia International Raceway, Barber Motorsports Complex, and other top facilities. For more information about the MGS-01 Corsa, contact your nearest Moto Guzzi dealer.

3. Erion Racing Releases Anthony Gobert
(April 13, 2004 - Anaheim, CA)
Erion Racing announced today that it is releasing rider Anthony Gobert from the Erion team effective immediately. Gobert was hired by the Honda-supported Erion Racing team to compete in the new AMA Superstock class in 2004.

“There is a level of commitment and dedication that is required to be a rider on our team,” said team owner Kevin Erion. “Unfortunately, Anthony was unwilling to demonstrate the level of commitment and dedication required to get the job done. We wish Anthony well. He has displayed great talent over the years.”
No further comment is available at this time.

2. Ultra Motorcycle Company chooses Progressive Suspension as suspension component supplier.
(April 12, 2004)
Ultra Motorcycle Company, Mira Loma, California has chosen Progressive Suspension as their exclusive supplier of suspension components for their custom motorcycle line. “Progressive’s commitment to quality and performance made it an easy choice for us” said Glen King, Vice President of Marketing and Dealer Development. “We tested their 413 Series shocks and were very pleased with their performance. We are also going to offer their new Airtail Series shocks as a upgrade. They make the best suspension in the business”.

The gas charged 413 Series shocks will be standard on the Ultra Line of affordable custom motorcycles in the following models: 250 ST Chopper, Diamond Pro Street, Fat Pounder.

1. Off-Roaders outraged with BLM spending decisions at
Imperial Sand Dunes Rec Area
(April 12, 2004 - From ORBA)
By: Roy Denner, President and CEO, Off-Road Business Association (ORBA)
With input from Board Members of ORBA and American Sand Association (ASA)
SANTEE, CA - Nearly $1 million of fees collected from campers by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation (ISDRA) has been diverted from park improvements to conduct a four-month monitoring program to evaluate the status of the Peirson's milk-vetch plant and other noteworthy species, according to Roy Denner, president and CEO of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA).

"Speaking for thousands of off-road enthusiasts who recreate at the Imperial Sand Dunes, we are outraged that the bureau would take our camping fee dollars and use the money for projects that should be funded by the federal government," said Denner. "Most enthusiasts do not have a problem with the monitoring program itself, but we clearly do not agree that they should use our money."

Denner explained that a new Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) for the ISDRA, that includes extensive input from many off-highway vehicle organizations, is being held up pending a biological decision on the milk-vetch plant by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).

What this means," said Denner, "is the Bureau is not proceeding with the construction of camping pads and toilet facilities called for in the RAMP; however, they are moving forward with the biological monitoring which is also included in the RAMP."

In an effort to gain high-quality, peer-reviewed science about the Peirson's milk-vetch, a coalition of off road organizations commissioned a renowned botanist to complete a thorough survey of the plant. The scientist concluded that the plant is "thriving and not adversely affected by off-road vehicle activity." The coalition filed a petition to remove the PMV from the Threatened and Endangered list and, when USFWS failed to respond in the time required by law, filed a lawsuit to force them to do so.

"We find it very perplexing that the BLM has chosen not to use our studies even though the USFWS has acknowledged that the information provided by our studies is significant enough for them to consider our petition to remove the plant from the threatened species list," Denner said.

Denner said the BLM is using enthusiast camping fees, which have tripled this year, for a very simple reason. In past years, the ISDRA received approximately $1 million annually from the state's off-highway motor vehicle recreation fund for operation and maintenance of the facility to supplement the $200,000 it receives from the federal government. Now, with the majority of the off-highway vehicle commissioners being environmental advocates, no state money has been allocated for operation and maintenance.

"To make things worse, the BLM is funding this million-dollar monitoring program without input from the OHV community and without a vote from their own Technical Review Team," he said. "This team has been appointed to advise the bureau on the use of fees that are collected, but none of the members has been asked for their opinion."

Denner said that the BLM has agreed to delay issuance of its Record of Decision on the RAMP temporarily, but he believes that implementation could still be a year away. "With the cost of the current monitoring study and other costs to manage the ISDRA, many of us believe that the fees will go up again significantly for the next duning season," Denner concluded.

He suggests that off-road enthusiasts call or write their elected officials in Washington and explain that, "BLM is writing checks out of your checkbook. Checks in whatever amount they see fit and checks without your approval. If the environmental extremist organizations or the federal government want to mandate environmental studies at the ISDRA, let them pay for it."