Rob Dingman’s recent column on the relationship between our AMA and the FIM (“New World Order,” February issue) describes how international cooperation gives the world of motorcycling its strength. It may seem unlikely, but there can be direct benefits to AMA members in this coalition.

In 2013 I applied to renew my FIM professional road racing license (last valid in 1981) in order to compete in the FIM-sanctioned TTXGP. This series was the international electric motorcycle championship running in conjunction with select MotoGP races.

My application was denied due to a maximum age provision of 50 years of age in the FIM’s professional licensing rules. At the time, I was 15 years past that, but still racing successfully here in the United States.

The situation was frustrating and seemed futile. As an AMA Life Member—and a member since 1970—I turned to the AMA for assistance.

I am pleased to say that the AMA spent two months negotiating on my behalf with the FIM and all their committees. This resulted in the appropriate license and my participation in the 2013 GP races at Laguna Seca and Indy that season.

I.D. Yourself

In response to A.C. Reeves’ article “Tool Kits And Emergency Equipment” in the January 2019 issue of American Motorcyclist, I also had the same thoughts regarding my identification being lost as a result of an accident. 

For under $10, I had a set of military dog tags made with all of my needed info to be worn around the neck or kept in a pants pocket. Thank you, AMA, for the continued support of our motorcycle community. Ride safe, brothers and sisters.

Brad Empson | Coudersport, Pa.

Tool Tip

I would like to add my two cents to “Tool Kits And Emergency Equipment” (January issue). I had purchased the ICE device (www.horizonadv.com/swag/the-ice-device) back in 2014. I received five tubes and the info paper you put in it and have had one on my key chains, truck, bikes (each one) and on my jacket zipper. They are quite handy and have all my info (doctor’s name and number, the meds I take and wife’s number) on this little paper inside a tube.

A.C. is quite correct with the assumption that your phone, or purse or wallet may not be nearby or anywhere the first responders may find it. With one on the keychain, and one on the zipper of your jacket, they are more likely to find it and have the info needed to treat you. To boot, it is waterproof. For 18 bucks and shipping, it is quite the deal.

I have no affiliation with the company. I just recently found it again and am purchasing a bunch for the club I am in so everyone has some form of ID on them if anything happens. I just wanted to share [this] with the AMA.

“Preacher” Bill Alnor | Randolph, N.J.

More Susan

Susan Balthasar’s “Salvaging Success” (February) was my all-time favorite guest column. I would love to read more from her.

Tom Joyce | Sierra Vista, Ariz.

Keep Trying

I would like to congratulate Susan Balthasar on her tenacity for taking a California Motorcycle Safety Program class and learning to ride at 58 on a poorly maintained bike, a bike not of her choosing, and sticking with it. I have some experience with [safety] classes in New Mexico. The bikes can be in very poor condition. I also followed [a manufacturer-sponsored] rider course—again, with a bike with no friction transition zone in the clutch, so I know where she is coming from.

Way to go, Susan!  

Craig Wright | Las Cruces, N.M.

In Memorium

Mike Kasper Jr., age 86, took his final ride on Jan. 15, 2019, at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home in King, Wis. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. 

Mike’s passion in life were motorcycles and in 1961, he became a Honda motorcycle dealer in Menasha, Wis. He ranked no. 1 in the state of Wisconsin and was also one of the top 10 in the country for the longest-operating Honda motorcycle dealership. Mike always demonstrated his best efforts for motorcycling, whether it be for sales, service, motorcyclist rights or friendship. They all ranked high to Mike.

Throughout his 54 years in business, Mike sponsored many poker runs, accomplished the U.S. Four-Corners Run and Three-Flags Classic two times and rode in all 50 states. Over the years, Mike had accumulated hundreds of thousands of miles on his motorcycles and, according to Mike, “any day on a motorcycle, was a good day.”  

On Dec. 31, 2015, it was a sad day for Mike when the business doors closed for the final time.        

Mike Tilly | Green Bay, Wis.

Correction

A story on page 23 of the January issue of American Motorcyclist included incorrect information about the ownership of Hall of Famer Larry Winters’ 1956 Harley-Davidson 165. AMA Charter Life Member Mike Lewis, of Lawton, Okla., donated the motorcycle to the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation in 2007.

Thank you, AMA!

Arthur Kowitz | Ormond Beach, Fla.