By Michael Marino

AMA Charter Life Member Robert Horsch of Nixa, Mo., has been appointed AMA State Chapter Coordinator for Missouri.

Horsch said he accepted the position because of his concerns about motorcycling’s future and his resolve to do something about it.

“I want to tie the motorcycle community together,” he said. “I want to improve channels of communication between motorcycle riders and groups.”

Horsch’s interest in motorcycling began in his youth. His father taught him how to use tools and make repairs. His older brother was responsible for giving him his first taste of motorcycling.

“At the impressionable age of 10, I rode as a passenger with him every chance I got,” Horsch said. He recalled the feelings of freedom he experienced during cruises with his brother down the Menomonee River Parkway.

“Fifty years later, I still get those feelings when I ride,” he said.

Though Horsch is primarily an on-road rider, he originally joined the AMA to compete in AMA-sanctioned off-road events.

“I was never very competitive, but still had a lot of fun,” he said.

Even with 37 years of AMA membership under his belt, Horsch felt there was more he could learn about how the AMA protects and benefits its members. When he found out about AMA EAGLES training, he signed up.

“I encourage every AMA member to become better informed and participate in EAGLES training,” he said.

Each letter of the EAGLES acronym stands for an important element of advocacy: Education, Activism, Growth, Leadership, Expertise, Skills. AMA members may go through the program to learn more about the AMA and to become part of the AMA volunteer network.

Horsch said his first actions as state chapter coordinator will be to review the several distracted driving bills that are making their way through the state legislature and to organize trail work days.

Horsch has been a volunteer at AMA events, including the 2018 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring Royal Enfield, in Lexington, Ohio.

He encourages motorcyclists to visit his home state and enjoy the great roads, trails and scenic views is has to offer.

“Missouri has many great roads,” Horsch said. “The Ozark Mountains provide curvy roads in the southwest, and the Mississippi River Valley offers scenic splender along the eastern border.”

For riders who have not taken been actively advocating for the motorcycling lifestyle, Horsch encourages them to join the effort.

“Don’t let the word ‘politics’ sway you,” he said. “I was happy to sit on the sidelines and let someone else to the work. But I was wrong. We all need to protect and preserve our freedom to ride.”

AMA State Chapter Coordinators are chosen from AMA members who have completed the AMA EAGLES program. The AMA has appointed coordinators for 10 states to help organize and promote AMA-related recreational and advocacy activities.

Coordinators support AMA recreational riding on a grassroots level and stay informed about legislative and regulatory issues that affect motorcyclists.

The coordinators work with AMA staff members, individual AMA members, AMA Commissions and AMA Districts to identify ways to promote riding in their states, as well as how to address threats to riding freedoms.

For information on helping establish an AMA State Chapter or how to get involved in your state, email [email protected].