Page 76 - 2019 Laconia Rally News

Action at the Gunstock Hill Climbs
The American Motorcyclist Association is proud that Laconia Motorcycle Week, which dates to 1916, is an AMA National Gypsy Tour Heritage Event and part of the 2019 AMA National Gypsy Tour.
Gyspy Tours began as small gatherings of motorcy- clists who rode to a scenic spot for a picnic and motorcycle competitions. There often were races, including hillclimbs, "Tourist Trophy" (TT) and dirt- track events, along with field meets involving such motorcycle games as slow races, stake races and plank riding. The events eventually evolved into some of the largest road-riding events of the year.
Started by the Motorcycle and Allied Trades Association, the official Gypsy Tours came under the supervision of the AMA at its founding in 1924.
In addition to sanctioning road-riding events, the AMA:
• Protects the rights of motorcyclists by fighting against motorcycle-only checkpoints, health insur- ance discrimination and tariffs on imported bikes.
• Promotes the motorcycle lifestyle by advocating for access to public lands for responsible motor- ized recreation.
• Sanctions nearly 3,000 competition and recreation- al events each year.
• Charters nearly 1,200 motorcycle clubs and promoters.
For more about the AMA National Gypsy Tour, visit
americanmotorcyclist.com/riding/AMA-National-
gypsy-Tours.
Now more than ever, it is crucial that you and your riding friends become members of the AMA to help protect our riding freedoms. More members mean more clout against the opponents of motorcycling. That support will help fight for your rights – on the road, trail, racetrack, and in the halls of government. If you are a motorcycle rider, join the AMA at ameri- canmotorcyclist.com/membership/join. H
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Photo Courtesy: Michael Frederic Photo Courtesy: Michael Frederic Photo Courtesy: Michael Frederic