Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
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our influence and our power. By building our community, we strengthen our hand. With a stronger hand, we can do more for our community. Certainly, we have all been affected by Covid-19. Much of our AMA activity is built around events, and new federal, state and local regulations are unfortu- nately impacting those events in big ways. Many rides and races have been postponed, some have been canceled and others have been pared back to keep attendees and organizers safe. We encourage all AMA members and event organizers to comply with all federal, state and local guidelines. As motorcyclists, we under- stand that safety matters. But in these challenging and un- charted times, we especially know that keeping ourselves, our loved ones, and other people around us healthy and safe is paramount. This includes first responders, healthcare workers, community volunteers and others who are on the front lines manag- ing this crisis. And that brings me back to community. The AMA is its members. We are a community of riders, joined together to promote and protect our motorcycle lifestyle. The AMA is you, individually and col- lectively. This includes our chartered clubs and promoters. For those organizing events, this is a par- ticularly stressful time. Consider the following: • Prepare for event changes. Make a list of everything your organization will need to address if you have to postpone or cancel your event, as in venue, vendors, participants, AMA sanction, etc. • Contact the AMA. Reach out to the AMA department coordina- tor for your discipline if you need to make changes to your event sanction. Please communicate your changes prior to the event date so your sanction fee can be held for your next sanctioned event. • Communicate to your par- ticipants, workers and vendors. You cannot overcommunicate in these situations. Use email, social media, your website and your cell phone to get the word out. • Refunds or rainchecks. If your participants pre-registered, you could let them know that their entry will be held for the rescheduled date or they can request a refund. • Hosting a virtual event. Instead of holding in-person club meetings, use email, phone con- ference and collaboration soft- ware such as Zoom or Google Hangouts to meet. • Plan for the future. This situation will pass. When it does, motorcyclists will want to ride! Look ahead confidently and posi- tively. Brighter days are ahead. For individual motorcyclists, there is one more thing we can do, and it's the most important: Get out there and ride. I'm sure you've seen the meme on social media by now. Under the ominous warning "Be Advised" it repeats much of the safety guidance we're getting these days, appended with some smart, specific advice: • Avoid crowded spaces: Ride motorcycles. • Do not use public transpor- tation: Ride motorcycles. • Well-ventilated spaces are virus free: Ride motorcycles. • Wear gloves: Ride motor- cycles. • Keep at least six feet from other people: Ride motorcycles. • Keep a positive attitude: Ride motorcycles! While the meme is intended to be a humorous diversion from the anxiety caused by a global pandemic, I intend to take its ad- vice. I recommend you consider it, too. I'm going to ride when I can. If I can't ride, I'm going to plan riding trips, talk about riding with friends and think about riding. I'm going to get some work done on my sidecar project. In short, I'm going to continue to be an active member of the motorcycle com- munity because as a member- ship organization, community is, after all, how we do what we do. Stay safe, plan for the future. But also join me. Get out there and ride your motorcycle. Thank you for your support. Rob Dingman VOLUME 57 ISSUE 12 MARCH 24, 2020 P21