September 23rd, 2013
Theodora, Paige and Olivia at the Baltimore/Washington Ride for Kids
More than 350 people attended the ride, which started on a cool, cloudy morning at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, Md. The event’s Stars were local brain tumor survivors Paige, Olivia, Theodora and Nicholas.
“When I first got involved there was little interest in pursuing a cure of pediatric brain tumors,” Johns Hopkins researcher Dr. Chetan Bettegowda told the motorcyclists. “Now as a direct result of the funds you all raise, there have been great strides in the treatments for this disease.”
The individual, motorcycle club/chapter and motorcycle business with the most raised were Bob Henig ($30,868), R&T Motorcycle Club ($15,300) and Bob’s BMW ($18,439).
Thomas Pfarr won the drawing for a new Honda CBR250R and Henry Winokur won a Bell motorcycle helmet. Tom Chicca won a Dunlop tire.
Thank you to the dedicated volunteers who organized the event. The 2013 task force leaders were Tom Chicca and Marcy Rich.
We are still collecting online donations! Fundraisers will receive incentive credit through Oct. 22.
September 3rd, 2013
Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – Aug. 31, 2013 . . . BMW Team RLL finished third and fourth in today’s American Le Mans Series Grand Prix of Baltimore that will go into the record books as the shortest race in ALMS history due to a crash on the first lap that cost the event half of its duration.
The checkered flag flew only one-hour-and-fourteen-minutes after the green flag waved with Dirk Müller and Joey Hand finishing third in the No. 56 BMW Z4 GTE and the No. 55 machine of Bill Auberlen and Maxime Martin coming home fourth.
The crash occurred just after the green flag waved, blocking the circuit and involving eight cars. Polesitter Bill Auberlen, in the No. 55 Z4 GTE, just skirted by and Joey Hand, starting the No. 56 Z4 GTE from the 11th position, was able to stop the car untouched. The restart began with two laps behind the pace car and the always quick thinking Bobby Rahal called Hand into the pits immediately – sacrificing the Californian’s minimum drive time and points – to get Müller in the No. 56 right away. Hand may have set a record for the shortest drive in ALMS history, but the move put Müller in the lead and gave him the best chance to stay in the race for the driver’s title. Unfortunately, following the race’s last restart Müller was slowed by a prototype car that missed the line through the chicane and was passed by both Corvettes.
Bill Auberlen had a wild start in the No. 55 Z4 GTE and had a second near miss laps later, but kept the car clean before handing off to Martin after five laps. The Belgian raced as high as second before losing the rear bumper of the car and bringing out a yellow flag. He slipped to fourth in the closing stages of the race.
Unofficially, BMW still stands second in the GT class Manufacturer’s championship and Müller now is fifth is the driver’s title chase, behind both pairs of Corvette drivers, but all are only separated by a scant eight points.
“It seemed like amateur night,” said Bobby Rahal, Team Principal. “I’m very frustrated. We had a perfect plan and were leading the race. On the last restart a prototype car totally cocked up the chicane and Dirk nearly hit it. He was held up enough for the Corvettes to get by and that was that.”
“We knew this weekend would be rough and tough,” said Gordon McDonnell, BMWNA Motorsport Manager. “We thought the Z4 GTE would be extremely well-suited to this course and we saw that in qualifying. The race seemed to have a mind of its own and we were along for the ride. I’m really proud of the guys for keeping their heads down. They fought really hard and 3rd and 4th is a great result to leave this race with.”
Joey Hand, driver No. 56 Z4 GTE – (3rd) – “We’ll take a third-place but we’re not as excited as we would have been. Dirk did a good job but got unlucky during that restart with the traffic. But that’s what endurance racing is all about. I love racing and came here to race, but today I had to be a team player and get out of the car early. It was just a unique race, to say the least.”
Dirk Müller, driver No. 56 Z4 GTE – (3rd) – “What a race. What a strategy! We pitted early went from dead last, after yesterday’s penalty, all the way up to the front. I had the pace, and the car was strong. On the last restart I was fully prepared but everybody ahead checked up and I had to apply emergency braking into the chicane. Basically the two Corvettes just took advantage of it. Once behind them I was quicker, and was able to close the gap somewhat, but P3 is more than I was hoping for overnight. I’m really happy. There is still a ways to go in the championship; we are getting stronger and stronger. This result was a team effort.”
Bill Auberlen, driver No. 55 Z4 GTE – (4th) – “The team was poised for a 1-2 finish today, but it seemed most of the field came to crash instead of race. I’ve already had a double victory at the Circuit of the Americas this season in the GRAND-AM series driving BMWs so I’ll put today behind us and focus forward to Round Eight.”
Maxime Martin, driver No. 55 Z4 GTE – (4th) – “This certainly was a strange race; very short with no pit stops. We started quite okay but in a little crash I lost two places and the rear bumper, so in the end we weren’t quick enough to stay with the front pack. We are scoring points, but we could have had a much better day.”
Round Eight of the 2013 ALMS season will be held at the Circuit of the Americas, in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Sept. 21st. The 2.45-hour race will be broadcast Sunday, Sept. 22nd on ESPN2 television at 1:00 p.m. ET.
August 30th, 2013
All-New BMW R 1200 GS Named 2013 “Motorcycle of the Year” And Best Off-Road/ Adventure Motorcycle
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – August 30, 2013… BMW motorcycles swept six categories in Motorcycle.com’s annual “Best Of” awards – with the all-new liquid-cooled BMW R 1200 GS earning both “Motorcycle of the Year” and “Best-Off-Road/Adventure Motorcycle for 2013.” The website, which is visited each month by more than two million motorcycle enthusiasts around the world, also named BMW’s HP 4 “Best Sportbike,” the K 1600 GT/GTL “Best Touring Bike,” the BMW C 600/650 “Best Scooter,” and BMW Motorrad’s Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) “Best New Motorcycle Technology of 2013.”
“Continually raising the bar for performance, safety and technology has both risks and rewards,” observed Hans Blesse, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA. “Receiving “Best Of” awards in six categories is clearly rewarding for everyone involved in bringing these new models to market.”
“The R 1200 GS in its previous form was not only a class leader, it had also become an icon in the motorcycle world and was the de facto bike of choice for far-flung adventures, making it also a leading choice among those whose escapades occur much closer to home,” wrote editors of Motorcycle.com. “So when it was revealed that the next GS would contain no parts of the older Gelande Strasse, GS-ophiles held their collective breath, fearing BMW might lose the plot with its new-from-the-ground-up replacement, including its new liquid-cooled Boxer engine. Dread was unnecessary, as BMW has knocked it out of the park with its wasser-Boxer…For its vast scope of capabilities in a ruggedly handsome package, it’s difficult to imagine a better one-bike-in-the-garage choice. And for these reasons, BMW’s R1200GS earns our Motorcycle of the Year award.”
Of the R 1200 GS’s dual honor as “Best Off-Road/Adventure Motorcycle,” Motorcycle.com wrote, “Despite all its newness, the BMW managed to maintain the balance of off- and on-road qualities that’s kept the GS as the benchmark in this category for so long…The R1200GS is the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycling – there is almost nothing it can’t do…But in 2013, no other motorcycle can match the GS’s incredible versatility and its horizon-stretching capabilities.
For additional reviews and articles on the 2013 BMW R 1200 GS posted on Motorcycle.com, visit:
2013 BMW R1200GS Review – Video
2013 BMW R1200GS Review – Second Ride
Intermot 2012: 2013 BMW R1200GS Breaks Cover
Commenting on their selection of BMW’s HP4 as the “Best Sportbike” for 2013, Motorcycle.com editors wrote, “When you take the winner of this category last year, the BMW S1000RR, and make it even better by putting it on a diet, enhancing the software for better lap times, and add an electronic suspension that adjusts itself automatically, then it’s no wonder the HP4 is our 2013 Sportbike of the Year.”
The 2013 HP4 provides uncompromising power with an output of 193 bhp and a maximum torque of 83 lb/ft. It features the world’s first dynamic suspension system DDC (Dynamic Damping Control), which automatically adapts the suspension damping to the situation at hand (Rain and Sport for public roads, Race and Slick for the race track).
For additional reviews and articles on the 2013 BMW HP4 posted on Motorcycle.com, visit:
2013 BMW S1000RR HP4 Review – Video
2013 BMW HP4 Revealed – A Lighter, Track-Oriented S1000RR With Dynamic Damping And Launch Control
The BMW K 1600 GT/GTL, which last year swept Motorcycle.com’s “Motorcycle of the Year,” “Best Touring” and “Best Sport Tourer” categories continued to earn high praise as “Best Touring” motorcycles for 2013.
“The BMW K1600GTL has owned the Best Touring category since its introduction, and as of yet no OEM has been able to dethrone the amazingly capable Beemer,” says Motorcycle.com. “No matter which model, GT or GTL, a person purchases, you’ll be riding the best two-wheel touring motorcycle money can buy.”
Of their selection of BMW’s C600/650 GT as the “Best Scooters for 2013,” Motorcycle.com editors remarked, “It’s not often you’ll hear us say we were blown away by a scooter, but BMW’s C600/650 is not your average scoot. There’s nearly 600 pounds rolling on 15-inch wheels, but you’d never know it. The C-model scooters from BMW handle everything from twisty canyon roads to freeway commuting, but then ride either to the local supermarket and a week’s worth of frozen pizzas fit neatly in the under-seat storage.”
For Motorcycle.com’s review of the 2013 BMW C600 Sport and C 650 GT visit:
2013 BMW C600 Sport & C650 GT Review – Video
BMW Motorrad’s Dynamic Damping Control – introduced on the BMW HP4 – earned Motorcycle.com’s Best New Motorcycle Technology for 2013.
“It’s a rare event when the introduction of a new feature to motorcycling results in a paradigm shift of what’s possible, but the roll-out of semi-active suspension among several European manufacturers is an advancement that changes how we think about wheel control,” says Motorcycle.com. “Our first taste came during BMW’s HP4 launch last September at the Jerez circuit in Spain… More comfort when you want it, and more control when you need it, it performed automatically and without thought or action from a rider. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back.”
Following are links to BMW Motorrad press material on:
1. BMW R 1200 GS
https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html?title=the-new-bmw-r-1200-gs&outputChannelId=9&id=T0132810EN_US&left_menu_item=node__2273
2.BMW HP 4 and Dynamic Damping Control
https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html?title=the-2013-bmw-hp4&outputChannelId=9&id=T0128897EN_US&left_menu_item=node__2291
3. BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL
https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html?title=bmw-motorrad-at-the-intermot-2010-the-new-bmw-k-1600-gt-the-new-bmw-k-1600-gtl&outputChannelId=9&id=T0086033EN_US&left_menu_item=node__5857
4. BMW C600 Sport and C 650 GT
https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html?title=the-new-bmw-c-600-sport-and-bmw-c-650-gt&outputChannelId=9&id=T0123304EN_US&left_menu_item=node__6689
August 21st, 2013
Q: What do you currently ride?
Margaret: 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
Q: Ever owned a BMW? Any interest?
Margaret: No I have never owned a BMW but do like them and wouldn’t mind owning a GS. In fact, that might even be my next bike!
Q: How did you hear about Bob’s BMW?
Margaret: I visited the shop while working with Motorcycle Center of Maryland and traveling with the mobile DYNO, which I understand will be back for Bob’s Oktoberfest on September 21!
Q: What made you decide to apply for the Apparel position?
Margaret: I had nothing but positive experiences while visiting the shop; I liked the culture and the customers that I met; and I felt it would be an excellent place to take my career in the motorcycle business to the next level.
Q: Tell me about your favorite long distance trip and/or your favorite roads to ride locally?
Margaret: I live in Hagerstown and love riding through the mountains on the country roads in Washington and Frederick counties.
Q: What is your favorite type of riding? Group rides? Solo rides? Long distance? Cruising? And why?
Margaret: I ride solo most of the time because I use the motorcycle for commuting. However for fun I will normally be 2-up with my middle daughter (14 years old) who loves to go on adventures with her Mom.
Q: How long have you been riding?
Margaret: I have been riding since I was a young girl with my dad on ATV’s. I took some time off to raise kids and do the family thing and now that my kids are older, I have gotten back into riding these past few years.
Q: What drives your passion for riding? What do you most enjoy?
Margaret: I love riding and the freedom to just jump on the bike and go! I find that riding (like hiking and bicycling) is all about the journey to many interesting destinations. It fuels and fulfills my enjoyment for adventure.
Q: Do you ride year around?
Margaret: As long as it doesn’t say snow in the forecast, it is a good day to ride.
Q: Originally, what was it about motorcycles that made you want to get your license?
Margaret: I have had a passion of motorcycles since I was young. I used to sit on my Dad’s bike in the garage and think about riding so it was the natural thing for me to do. I love to ride and it is more fun to be the driver than the passenger in my world.
Q: To any woman out there currently riding as the passenger and/or interested in getting their license but not 100% sure, what would you say to them?
Margaret: Just do it! I have three daughters and I will pay for each of them to get their license because they all love to ride. My oldest daughter is 20 and got her license this year!
Q: Why do you choose to gear up every morning as opposed to hopping in a car and driving?
Margaret: It is more fun to ride to work on a motorcycle then in the car…what more can be said?
August 21st, 2013
Now accepting video submissions! Shoot a 2-3 minute motorcycle related video. Submit it to Bob’s BMW, we will post it to our YouTube channel and the video with the most views by 11:59 p.m. on September 20 will WIN $300 in GoPro accessories! The winner will be announced at Bob’s Oktoberfest on September 21.
Those of you submitting videos are encouraged to share the YouTube link with all of your friends to help promote your video! The link will be emailed to each entrant directly and posted on Bob’s Facebook Page. Complete details and contest rules are posted to Bob’s website and Facebook Page.
Help us spread the word about the contest; the more participation we get, the more fun and exciting it will be for everyone involved.
If you are interested in participating in the contest but don’t own a GoPro Camera, you will receive a $25 Bob’s gift card now thru Aug. 31 with any GoPro Camera purchase! Shopping online? Use Promo Code GOPRO.
Check Out Videos Already Submitted
August 21st, 2013
Greg Perticone was the winner of MotorcycleXcitement’s very generous donation to our Spring Open House—a FREE Track Day—that he redeemed earlier this month and has since told us all about the great experience it was!
This was the first time Greg has ever taken his Kawaskai Ninja ZX14R on the track. As excited as he was to learn he won the track day, he found himself just as nervous the day he arrived at the track. Not only had Greg never ridden on a track before, this was also his first time to the track!
Greg explained, “At first my wife and I were a tad stressed and uncomfortable due to having zero knowledge about the track and what to expect plus because we were out of town for Bob’s Track Day in June we did not see any familiar faces when we arrived. It was unfortunate we missed the group track day hosted by Bob’s…the orientation to meet fellow riders and become familiar with what to expect would have been very nice.”
Despite not seeing any familiar Bob’s BMW faces, everyone they spoke to was extremely kind and very willing to help out with any and all questions. The coaches were very knowledgeable and provided us with tons of hints, tips, and tricks. “Roger Lyle and his staff were outstanding. I had no idea I was going to have a coach work with me the entire day. It was fantastic and well surpassed my expectations,” reported Greg.
Among everything learned that day, the most useful thing he rode home with was his new insight on braking techniques. After 20 years of riding, when the coach told Greg, “Don’t use the back brake,” it was tough but he completely understood the importance of this technique.
Greg is now a member of MotorcycleXcitement and is planning to schedule many more trips to the track!
As mentioned above, Bob’s BMW coordinates at least one track day a year and we encourage all brands, all models to come check it out. These track days are not just about speed, they are also about learning more about yourself as a rider and the capabilities of your own bike.
Finally, Bob’s BMW is excited to share with you that MotorcycleXcitement has agreed to give away another FREE Track Day at our Oktoberfest and Celebration of BMW’s 90 years…be sure to stop by and register for this great giveaway!
View Images
August 21st, 2013
As supporters of the Ride for Kids® for the past two decades Bob’s continues to do everything possible to help get the word out and entice those who have never attended or may have missed the last few years to come out in full force for the 2013 event on September 22, 2013 at the Howard County Fairgrounds. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation started and hosts the Ride for Kids® that raises money for medical research and family support of children with brain cancer, one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer.
Each year Bob’s BMW donates sales of select motorcycles on its showroom floor, a portion of proceeds from events are donated, a jar is available all year long by coffee, and every year around this time the dealership begins soliciting donations at the counter with every purchase. You can donate a dollar or more and your name and donation amount is posted behind the counter to encourage others to follow suit and support the great cause.
This year, anyone who is planning to participate in the ride is encouraged to Join Team Bob’s BMW! Because the money we raise is a collaborative effort the entire team will be recognized. Even those of you who cannot ride on Sunday, September 22 can join the team, simply make a donation and it will be included in the team’s total.
As of today, Team Bob’s BMW is in 3rd place nationwide! We have raised $26,683.17! This means Team Bob’s BMW will already receive $4,540.00 in team gifts!! Please JOIN Team Bob’s BMW and help us reach our goal of $50,000. Again whether you can join the ride on the 22nd or not does not matter, you can still join the team by simply making an online tax-deductible donation TODAY!
Join Team Bob’s BMW
August 21st, 2013
While attending the BMW National MOA Rally in July, Bob encountered a very interesting, home engineered and hand built BMW, the “Cycle-Pod” as the creator calls it. It is one of several he’s apparently constructed and ridden over the years.
The “Cycle-Pod” will have been ridden some 3,000 plus miles from its current home, Chilliwack, BC, Canada before it arrives at Bob’s Oktoberfest on September 21 where it will be retiring into Bob’s personal museum collection; this is the “bucket list” wish of the owner. He’s not ridden through 5 states on the eastern part of the US but has covered all the others including Alaska plus all of Canada on this amusing yet amazing machine. It appears to be amazingly functional right down to the sleeping quarters he pulls. Whether he and the machine have been to Mexico is unknown, but we will be sure to find out when he arrives on September 21.
Guests at Oktoberfest will have an opportunity to meet and speak with the owner of the “Cycle-Pod”, Phil Funnell who is a very interesting personality; he’s well-schooled in the ways of BMW and is a former BMW dealer. This was perhaps the most interesting machine at the BMWMOA National Rally this past July despite not being all shiny and laden with modern bling. There was constantly a crowd of admirers and ongoing conversation taking place and we are excited for the arrival celebration on September 21 at Bob’s.
Along the “Cycle-Pod’s” Final Journey across the US, it will be visiting various rallies, hopefully picking up travelers along the way. Would you be bold enough to ride this to a local event let alone cross country? Phil is and he hopes you will join him on this Final Journey.
If you spot the “Cycle-Pod” these next few weeks on the road or at a rally, please send us some spy shots! Email images and its location to hanna.creekmore@bobsbmw.com. And by all means, if you can join Phil in his Final Journey to retire the Cycle-Pod in Bob’s Vintage Museum, please do so!
View Images
August 21st, 2013
Mark your calendar for this very special event on September 21. The day is filled with fun:
Journey Through 90 Years of BMW History
BMW riders are encouraged to ride to the event and help us create a timeline of the past 9-decades of BMW motorcycle design. One bike from each decade will be recognized as the best bike on the lot from that decade and awarded a blue ribbon and very special Limited Edition 90 year BMW keepsake!
Special R90S Concours d’Elegance
It is also the R90S model’s 40 year anniversary! So if you have an R90S ride to Bob’s and display it in the exclusive concours set up just for this iconic machine.
The DYNO
Back by popular demand. Bring your bike and test its power. 1 run for $15 or 2 for $25.
Swap Meet
No fee to set up! Simply arrive by 8:30 with all the parts/accessories/apparel and other cool motorcycle related goods you want to unload and set up in the area coned off specifically for swap meet sellers. Read more >>
Vendors
Inside and out vendors will be set up to answer your questions and hand out some swag! Rider’s Insurance, MotorcycleXcitement, Schuberth (offering helmet demos all day!), Scala, KLIM, Rev’It!, Gerbings Heated Clothing, BMWBMW, Ohlins, and more.
Arrival Celebration of the “Cycle-Pod”
Meet and greet the “Cycle-Pod” creator, Phil Funnell. Phil and this very unique machine will have traveled 3,000+ miles to Bob’s BMW to retire it into Bob’s vintage museum. Read More>>
Food and Beer
Enjoy authentic German foods served by the Blue Knights. And this year guests (21 years or older) can enjoy complimentary German beer (while supplies last; non-alcoholic…safety first!).
Door Prizes
Enter to win….it’s FREE! So far MotorcycleXcitement has donated a FREE Track Day, Rider’s Insurance is sponsoring $100 worth of Bob’s BMW Gift cards to be given away, and because it’s BMW’s 90 year anniversary ALL guests will receive very special BMW Motorrad Anniversary memorabilia, arrive early…when it’s gone, it’s gone.
August 12th, 2013
How to Enter
You can submit your video three different ways:
1) Email videos to hanna.creekmore@bobsbmw.com. Videos should be in .mp4 format.
2) Message your video to 410-812-5397.
3) Hand deliver or mail a DVD of your video to:
Bob’s BMW Motorcycles
ATTN: Hanna Creekmore
10720 Guilford Road
Jessup, MD 20794.
All eligible video submissions will be posted to:
/ Bob’s BMW
How It Works
1) Shoot a creative 2-3 minute motorcycle related video. ANY brand motorcycle can be featured. Be creative. Have fun. Show off your skills. Make it exciting.
2) Submit your video to Bob’s BMW.
3) Share your video posted on Bob’s BMW YouTube Channel with friends.
4) Get the most views and WIN!
Bob’s created a simple instructional video and got 41,245 views! How many views can you get? Send in your video to find out!
How to Win
Make an awesome video that is motorcycle related, get your friends to view it on Bob’s BMW YouTube Channel, and WIN!
Once uploaded to YouTube, a Facebook post will be made on Bob’s BMW Facebook page(s) announcing a new submission and providing a link to that video.
The video that receives the most views on Bob’s YouTube channel by 11:59p.m. (EST) on September 20, 2013 wins the contest.
You are encouraged to promote your video to friends via your facebook account, twitter, etc. but please note the ONLY views that will count in this contest are the views your video receives on Bob’s BMW YouTube Channel
The official winner will be announced at Bob’s Oktoberfest on September 21, 2013.
Prize Details
There will be ONE winner and the maker of the winning video will receive their choice of $300 worth of GoPro Accessories! Plus, your video will be featured in Bob’s October newsletter giving you sole bragging rights to the contest!
Submission Guidelines
All entries to Bob’s GoPro Video Contest must adhere to the following guidelines; by submitting a video you agree to these guidelines. Not following these guidelines can lead to disqualification.
1) Videos must be motorcycle related, prominently featuring a motorcycle(s), sidecar, trike, or off-road bike of ANY brand, make, and model. (Keep in mind 
Bob’s is primarily a BMW dealership so there’s a good chance videos featuring the BMW brand will get a few extra views by our customers!)
2) Videos may not exceed 3 minutes in length.
3) Contestant is responsible for securing all necessary rights, consents, and permissions from any third parties involved in the video.
4) You can work as a team but the video must be submitted under the name of ONE entrant. The prize package will be awarded to that person. How you choose to divvy up the prize package is up to you.
5) Worldwide entries are encouraged!
6) You must own the material you are submitting.
7) Entrants must be at least 18 years or older.
8) Videos may not include nudity, illegal activity, or dangerous stunts that result in harming yourself or others. We will not share videos that we depict as irresponsible behavior.
NOTE: The video contest is about capturing a fun, exciting, and/or memorable experience while riding. So be creative, show off your skills, but please always remember safety first and ATGATT–All the gear, all the time.
Contest Timeline
Contest Starts: August 15. Submissions will gladly be accepted in advance but will NOT be posted until 12:01 a.m. (EST) on August 15, 2013.
Submissions Due: September 15 by 11:59 p.m. (EST)
Contest/Voting Ends: September 20, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. (EST)
Winner Announced: September 21, 2013
IMPORTANT NOTE: The sooner to the contest start date you submit your video the better chance you have of winning because you will have more time to accumulate views. Views after 11:59 pm (EST) on September 20, 2013 will not count.
July 16th, 2013
July 12, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org
Carmichael, Hamel, McDonald, Renfrow and Traynors compose AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Class of 2013
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — With voting completed for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2013, the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce the inductees who will be formally elevated to the Hall of Fame: multi-time AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross champion Ricky Carmichael, multi-time desert racing champion Danny Hamel, K&N co-founder Norm McDonald, multi-time roadracing champion Randy Renfrow and Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation founders Mike and Dianne Traynor.
“The Greatest of All Time, an AMA and Baja racing standout, a well-known industry business veteran, a multi-talented AMA roadracer and a visionary couple of motorcyclists who started the Ride for Kids program and raised millions of dollars from fellow riders — I can’t think of a more wide-ranging and well-deserving class of inductees,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the AMHF, which oversees the Hall of Fame.
“Each member of the Class of 2013 has made a lasting impact on the world of motorcycling, rising to the highest levels in their endeavors, whether in competition, business or helping others less fortunate,” Heininger said. “It’s an honor to welcome them to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame family, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at this year’s induction ceremony, Oct. 18-19, in Las Vegas.”
Potential AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers are considered in eight categories, each focused on a specific area of achievement: Ambassadors & Industry, Design & Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership & Motorcycle Rights, Motocross & Supercross, Off-Road, Roadracing and Specialty Competition.
The Class of 2013 was selected by a voting procedure that included ballots cast by living Hall of Fame members, members of the AMA and AMHF boards of directors, and members of, and advisers to, the Hall of Fame category committees. The current total number of eligible voters is more than 250.
The selection of the 2013 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductees is the culmination of a comprehensive review of the procedures and makeup of the Hall of Fame nominating processes and committees. The revisions institutionalize the integrity of the nominating process, from application through induction, into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2013:
Ricky Carmichael has more combined AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross National wins than any other rider in history. From 1997 to 2006, Carmichael won a championship series title each year. In 2002, he recorded the first perfect season in AMA motocross history by earning 24 straight moto victories for 12 overall wins in the premier class — a feat he repeated in 2004.
Carmichael, who was traveling in Europe, said through a text relayed via his mother, Jeanie, “This is for all of the people who helped me get to where I am, and the sponsors that gave me the support to do the job I needed to do. And also, this is for all my fans who supported me through the journey.”
Jeanie added: “This is very honorable for Ricky. He has devoted his life to this sport and now he is recognized for all this achievement. To think that he is being recognized by his peers for this special respect, it is amazing and frankly, emotionally, very moving.”
Danny Hamel accomplished much as an off-road racer: five-time AMA Hare and Hound national champion, Baja 1000 and 500 overall winner and more. Between 1977 and 1995, Hamel was the only rider ever named both as the AMA Amateur Athlete of the Year and AMA Amateur Sportsman of the Year in the same year. He died in June 1995 while racing the Baja 500 when a car strayed onto the road that was part of the course and Hamel collided with it.
“Danny would be speechless with this news,” said Hamel’s friend, Mike Hodges. “He’d walk away, give a very loud ‘Hoo-Ray’ and he’d savor the moment.”
Norm McDonald has been an ambassador for motorcycling his entire life as a racer, promoter, teacher, sponsor and advocate for motorcyclists’ rights and safety. In 1957 he opened K&N Motorcycles — a motorcycle shop — with Ken Johnson. By 1965, they created K&N Engineering and in 1966 the K&N Air Filter was introduced. Over the years McDonald sponsored hundreds of racers, with more than 30 of them going on to the national level.
McDonald was at a loss for words when he heard the news: “When John Ulrich told me I was nominated, I was shocked,” McDonald said. “Now, with this news, I am honored and numb.”
Randy Renfrow began his pro roadracing career in 1981. He won the AMA 250 Grand Prix championship in 1983, the AMA Formula One title in 1986 and the AMA Pro Twins Series championship in 1989. He was known for his ability to be competitive on any type of machinery, from diminutive 250 Grand Prix bikes all the way up to AMA Superbikes, and he excelled in nearly every class of professional motorcycle roadracing. In all, he won 17 AMA Nationals in four different classes. Renfrow died in 2002 in a non-racing accident.
Said his brother, Shawn: “My brother was a lifelong supporter of the AMA and AMA Pro Racing. If he were here today he’d say this is his highest honor.”
Mike and Dianne Traynor co-founded the Ride for Kids motorcycle charity program and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. They began the Ride for Kids in 1984 to raise funds for childhood brain tumor research. With tens of millions of dollars raised since 1984, motorcyclists have helped the PBTF become the world’s largest non-governmental source of funding for childhood brain tumor research. Mike Traynor died in 2009 and Dianne Traynor died in 2012.
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation board member Larry Little, vice president and general manager of the Marketplace Events Motorcycle Group, said the organization was touched by the news.
“Like so many, I am overjoyed that Mike and Dianne Traynor have been recognized for their immeasurable impact on both the medical and motorcycling communities,” Little said. “They committed their lives to eliminating children’s brain tumors, and along the way they simultaneously raised positive awareness about motorcyclists and motorcycling. Their legacy will long live on as the foundation they created grows ever closer to finding a cure for one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer. On behalf of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Ride for Kids volunteers and the young brain tumor patients we serve, our thanks to the Hall of Fame members for recognizing Mike and Dianne’s contributions and for selecting them to join the Hall of Fame.”
The class of 2013 will be officially inducted on Friday, Oct. 18, during the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends Weekend in a star-studded gala at Las Vegas’ Green Valley Resort & Casino, with tickets available to the general public. Also featured at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are two Hall of Fame Legends — existing members of the Hall of Fame whose lifetime accomplishments are highlighted. The 2013 Legends are: Mark Blackwell, a pioneering racer in American motocross, a six-time AMA championship race team manager and a well-respected executive in the motorcycle industry; and Torsten Hallman, a four-time World Motocross champion who was instrumental in introducing the sport of motocross to America and founded the Thor brand.
Also part of the weekend’s activities is the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception on Saturday, Oct. 19, where the class of 2013, the 2013 Legends and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers from previous years will be honored and interviewed on-stage in a relaxed setting that allows fans and friends to get up close and personal with motorcycling’s heroes.
Tickets are on sale now at www.motorcyclemuseum.org. Price is $140 for Friday night’s induction ceremony, and $20 for Saturday’s reception, which includes a continental breakfast. Additionally, rooms at the Green Valley Ranch can be reserved now for a special rate at https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_gi_new&groupID=19471407 or by calling (866) 782-9487 and using the code GCIAMHF.
The AMA Legends Weekend is a fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and overseen by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation. The mission of the AMHF is to celebrate, elucidate and preserve the rich tradition of motorcycling in America. For more information, please visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the AMA 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 Museum’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
July 13th, 2013
Last year it was a motorcycle tour through Eastern Europe, the year before it was a cross country sidecar adventure, and this year Bob and Suzanne are headed to South Africa and want you to join them!
Owners of Ayres Adventures, Ron and Barbara were at this year’s Open House promoting the upcoming tour. They will be leading Bob’s group on this incredible 14-day motorcycle adventure scheduled for November 6-19, 2013. The trip takes riders along South Africa’s Cape Peninsula, Cape Town to Johannesburg. And there are just 4 spaces left.
The itinerary includes:
- Stay overnight in Cape Agulhas – where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet
- Spend a night at a wine and ostrich farm in a 4 star Cape Dutch Country House
- Stay 2 nights “on the waterfront” in Knysna – South Africa’s most popular vacation resort
- Enjoy an authentic Zulu cultural experience in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province
- Ride the beautiful Swazi mountains and stay at a mountaintop resort in Piggs Peak
- Spend 2 nights “on safari” in a 5-star game lodge inside Kruger National Park
More details are available at www.ayresadventures.com, click on Africa and you will see exclusive dates reserved for Bob’s BMW. That link will give you all the answers to your questions. There are only four spots remaining so if South Africa is on your bucket list, now is your chance to check it off, and what better way to experience it than exploring it by motorcycle with a group of great folks!
You can contact bob@bobsbmw.com or go right to www.ayresadventures.com, but please, if you are interested, don’t delay; both Bob and Ayres Adventures will be at the National Rally this week recruiting riders to fill the empty spots so they won’t last long!
July 13th, 2013
It looks like this month is all about happy (and lucky) customers at Bob’s. In this final story we are excited to wish long time customer and friend, Glenn Strohm, safe travels as he departs the end of this month for an Alaska motorcycle adventure with Moto-Quest.
Glenn joined us to celebrate Bob’s 30 year anniversary this past November and left a lucky winner of a 10 day-Alaska Adventure with Moto-Quest. There is a funny story behind Glenn’s name being drawn as the Grand Prize Winner. His wife bought the ticket for Glenn as a birthday gift so the ticket was listed under her name, which also meant her name had been entered into the evening’s raffle of giveaways. When he checked in, I told him not to worry about switching out his wife’s name; if it was called I would vouch for him and darn if her name was not called!
Phil Freeman, owner of MotoQuest was here that evening to personally award and congratulate Glenn with his certificate to Ride the Best of Alaska.
Highlights of the 10 day tour include:
- Explore the Kenai Peninsula and ride to Seward, Alaska
- Ride past Mt. McKinley, North America’s tallest mountain.
- Flight-see around Mt. McKinley
- Ride into Denali National Park
- Cross the Alaska range twice!
- Explore Fairbanks and surrounding gold rush historic areas
- Ride to the Arctic Circle (optional dirt)
- Soak in the Natural Hot Springs at Chena
- Ride past Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest N.P. in the USA
- Ride Thompson Pass, one of the most scenic rides in the world!
- Walk on a glacier
- Visit the scenic fishing town of Valdez
- Ride the Glenn Higheway, one of the top ten scenic rides in North America
Glenn has agreed to share highlights of the trip and pictures he takes along the way with us when he returns which we will share with our readers in an upcoming newsletter.
For complete details on The Best of Alaska Tour and all other MotoQuest tours, you can visit www.motoquest.com
July 13th, 2013
You’ve got to play to win folks and at Bob’s there’s no catch, people really do win our contests! Just ask Randy Arvay who won a 2-Day Off-Road Adventure with Xplor-Int., paid in full by Bob’s BMW. Like so many of our winners, Randy’s reply when we told him he won was, “I never win anything!” Well Randy, now you have.
The contest ran during the month of June. Customers were encouraged to come in and fill out an entry form sitting by coffee as many times as they wanted and Randy did just that, three times! He saw the contest announced and decided to take advantage of the opportunity and come in to order a part he had been wanting for his 2013 F700GS, purchased earlier this year at Bob’s, and enter the contest; and hey why not enter again when he returned to pick up the part once it arrived, and maybe just one more time for good luck?! That’s what Randy did and he won!
On September 21 Randy will be riding to Western Pennsylvania to enjoy an exciting 2 day of off-road adventure led by a team of professionals at Xplor-Int…compliments of Bob’s BMW!
Xplor-Int. is a MSF certified and AMA sanctioned off-road training facility. They offer a 2-day adventure that combines skill building taught in the Basic Off-Road Course with advanced techniques for single track and obstacles, plus outdoor survival skills and camping tips. The course is filled with a combination of dirt, gravel, and bedrock roads and teaches riders basics of off-road riding as well as more complex techniques needed for multi-day trips on dual-sport machines. Skills are taught that enable riders to transition from asphalt to double-track, single-track, and fire trails. Xplor teaches the fundamentals of straight lines, turning, body posture, and braking in order to handle obstacles, stream crossings, and tight single-tracks. The course is intended to build confidence and break down barriers without destroying you and your gear.
Xplor-Int. instructors have taken motorcycles into the world’s most challenging places, which allows participants to learn off-road riding skills from experienced pros, plus learn how to pack appropriately, manage resources, as well as deal with emergencies.
Randy will be providing a full ride report along with pictures when he returns, which we will share with readers in the October newsletter. We also hope to announce exclusive dates reserved with Xplor-Int. for the GS Riders Of Bob’s BMW to travel and train as a group at their facility.
July 13th, 2013
Exciting news if you don’t already know…Bob’s service loaner fleet has been recently updated and includes seven different BMW models, four of which are 2013 models! The loaner fleet offers riders the convenience of riding in for service, dropping off, and turning right back around to ride to work, back home overnight or maybe for a long distance ride (as long as you return within 24 hours and with a full tank of gas). The fleet of service loaners now includes:
- 2013 G650GS
- 2013 C650GT – the all new BMW scooter!
- 2013 F800GS
- 2013 F800GT
- 2012 F800R
- 2007 R1200R
- 2005 R1200ST
If you’ve purchased a bike at Bob’s with a factory warranty and/or Zurich’s Extended Warranty you can choose any of the seven models to enjoy and have some fun with while your motorcycle is being serviced. Customers who have purchased a Bob’s Advantage Certified Used Motorcycle also have access to the loaners when they bring in their bike for its first service.
It’s just another great benefit of being a Bob’s customer. In fact even if you did not purchase your bike at Bob’s, as long as it’s being serviced with us, the loaners are available to you to rent for a low price of just $75/day.
July 9th, 2013
For Immediate Release
Monday, July 1, 2013, Washington, DC
Suprine Machinery, Inc. is pleased to announce a special preview of the EXODUS, our breakthrough recumbent motorcycle, on July 13th, 2013, at Bob’s BMW, 10720 Guilford Road, Jessup, Maryland. Please see the Bob’s BMW web site, www.bobsbmw.com, for further information on this exciting event.
The Exodus will be on Bob’s showroom floor, surrounded by the wonderful current, historic and racing BMW motorcycles that Bob proudly displays there.
John Chelen, Chairman of Suprine, will make a presentation and take questions from the audience. Members of the audience will be permitted to sit in the Exodus if they make a small contribution to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) http://www.curethekids.org.
The Exodus breaks new ground on several fronts:
Engineered Design – The rider is seated in a bucket seat 7” above the ground within a mid-engine chassis.
Hybrid Exoskeleton – The rider and engine are surrounded by a hybrid space frame/roll cage.
Low and Streamlined – The Exodus is less than 43” high, the center of gravity is more than a foot lower than other motorcycles, and the frontal area is nearly 50% less than other motorcycles, all contributing to less wind resistance and better handling.
BMW Power and Parts – The Exodus is powered by a BMW 126hp DOHC 1200cc flat four with a driveshaft and monoshock; wear items are stock BMW components for easy maintenance.
Dramatic Performance – The Exodus accelerates from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 155+mph, over 80mpg at 55mph, and over 600 miles on a single tank of gasoline.
Please visit http://www.suprine.com. For further information on the Exodus design, Suprine Machinery, or future plans, please contact info@suprine.com.
July 5th, 2013
Randy Arvay is the lucky WINNER of an Off-Road ADVENTURE Ride!
Randy, a Maryland rider who purchased his F700GS here earlier this year, was thrilled to learn that he will be attending the exciting 2-Day Adventure Ride on Sept 21 and 22 to represent Bob’s BMW. Watch our website and a future eBlast for photos and the full story of Randy’s great ride.
June 21st, 2013
Special SALE on Schuberth Helmets for a LIMITED TIME!
From now until midnight on June 30th, Schuberth is slashing prices on all styles and colors of C3 and C3W helmets (except the matte black finish) to ONLY $529. You SAVE up to $229!
But there’s MORE! When you but an S2 model – any color or graphic style – at the regular price, you can get the Schuberth SRC-S2 Communication System (regularly $429) for ONLY $100! You SAVE $329 when you get the S2 helmet and SRC System together!
Click HERE to SAVE!
June 17th, 2013
Enter for your chance to win a five-day, four-night trip for two to the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship in Leguna Seca, California, September 26 through September 30, 2013 including:
- Round trip coach airfare for winner and guest
- Hotel accommodations
- Rental car
- $250 spending money
- Two tickets to the events.
For full details, rules and to enter, visit: CASTROLSUPERBIKESWEEPS.COM
June 12th, 2013
Last month we announced we are giving away a 2-Day Off-Road Adventure to one lucky customer. You can enter to win as many times as you like throughout June simply by visiting Bob’s and filling out an entry form by coffee. The box will be emptied daily, so no double entries or you will be disqualified.
Xplor-Int. is a MSF certified and AMA sanctioned off-road training facility located just a couple hours away in Western Pennsylvania. They offer a 2-day adventure that combines skill building taught in the Basic Off-Road Course with advanced techniques for single track and obstacles, plus outdoor survival skills and camping tips. You’ll ride for two days on a combination of dirt, gravel, and bedrock roads, and camp overnight. The last half-day is spent wrapping up the concepts and giving you time to pack. If you are comfortable riding at the speed limit on public roads, you are ok to enter the drawing. And if you have taken any kind of training before, there are still plenty of skills to be learned and/or perfected!
The course enables riders to transition from the basics of off-road riding to the more complex techniques needed for multi-day trips on dual-sport machines. It teaches you skills that will enable you to transition from asphalt to double-track, single-track, and fire trails. You will also learn the fundamentals of straight lines, turning, body posture, and braking are combined to handle obstacles, stream crossings, and tight single-track. The course is intended to build confidence and break down barriers without destroying you and your gear.
You will be presented with real-world challenges so you can assess terrain and risk, then make good choices using the skills taught to you by the instructors. Xplor-Int. instructors have taken motorcycles into the world’s most challenging places, so you will learn from pros how to pack appropriately and manage your resources, as well as deal with emergencies. You’ll learn how to pack right, and how to ride your bike fully-loaded.
There are regular breaks throughout the day, and two breaks for meals each day which are cooked onsite. You’ll start riding at 8am and finish by 6pm, break for dinner, then continue with strategy sessions and a night ride.
Sounds pretty cool right?! While we work with Xplor to firm a couple dates exclusive just for our customers we thought it would be fun to send a GS rider of Bob’s BMW to check it out and report back and all you have to do to be that lucky person is fill out an entry form (or two or three or more!) next time you are at Bob’s! Questions? Contact hanna.creekmore@bobsbmw.com