PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce the third member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2010: BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) founder Clark Collins. Collins, known for his tireless work on behalf of motorcyclists to keep trails open and build regional
and national coalitions among all trail users, will be among the legends of motorcycling honored at the 2010 induction ceremony at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Nov. 19.
“Clark Collins represents an area that is so vitally important to all riders — motorcyclists’ rights — and he is a fitting inductee into the Hall of Fame,” said Jack Penton, AMA director of operations and a Hall of Famer himself. “Collins’ advocacy work is the reason why so many trails remain open today, and why motorcyclists across the country are better organized to protect the future of motorcycling.”
In 1987, Collins created the BRC, which is a national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting responsible recreational access to public lands and waters. He served as executive director of the organization until his retirement in 2004.
Collins formed the BRC after he was told by then Idaho Governor John Evans that recreationists were not politically significant, and implied that federal Wilderness was more important than responsible recreational access to public lands. In the years since, Clark and the BRC have come to be nationally recognized by public land agencies as authorities on responsible motorized recreation.
Today, Collins continues to serve the off-road recreation community in Idaho as president of the Idaho State ATV Association. “Clark is a testament to one person’s belief in a cause truly making a difference,” says the Motorcycle Industry Council’s Kathy Van Kleeck, who is also chairwoman of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Leadership/Rights Committee. “Clark grew the BlueRibbon Coalition from a germ of an idea
into the nation’s largest coalition of off-road access advocates, recognized across the country as an outspoken grassroots voice on behalf of off-highway vehicle recreation.
His ability to organize motorized vehicle enthusiasts gave voice to a new movement of political activism, and made OHV riders politically significant.” Collins said he’s humbled to be inducted into the AMA
Motorcycle Hall of Fame. “I was really excited last year for Mona Ehnes being inducted as a rights representative, and I’m amazed to be inducted,” he said. “Looking at all the people in the Hall of Fame, I feel really honored to be on that list. A lot of the Hall of Famers got in for their skill in going fast on motorcycles, and I’m excited to see that folks like Mona and me, who have been involved in the advocacy role, get recognized as well. We’re not used to getting trophies, and we don’t get to stand up and be recognized for going fast, so this is really great.”
Collins joins previously announced members of the AMA Hall of Fame Class of 2010: championship team owner Mitch Payton and AMA 250cc Roadrace Champion David Emde. More inductees will be announced soon.
The Class of 2010 will officially be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Nov. 19 as part of the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend. In addition to the induction ceremony, the weekend includes the 2010 AMA Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, Nov. 20, featuring some of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. The AMA Racing Championship Banquet closes out the weekend on Sunday, Nov. 21, where AMA Racing amateur champions of all ages will be recognized for their 2010
accomplishments.
The event will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms will
provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend, which is certain to be memorable for the 2010 inductees, champions, families, friends and fans. More information is available online at RedRockLasVegas.com.
Lodging reservations can be made now at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Accommodations.
An announcement regarding ticket information will be made in mid-June.
Located on the park-like campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to protecting and promoting the motorcycle lifestyle. Its members include those who have excelled in racing, road- and off-road riding, pushed
the envelope in motorcycle design, engineering and safety, and championed the rights of riders in both the halls of government and the court of public opinion.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Committee includes nine members in addition to the chairman. There are eight committees, each representing a different aspect of motorcycling.
More information about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com
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