I was glad to see a “Thumbs Up” in the March issue to Wayne Rainey and MotoAmerica for nailing down a really nice television package for pro road racing this year. The MotoAmerica team is really knocking it out of the park, and it just goes to show that the AMA made the right call to start working with Wayne & Co. to promote the AMA Superbike Championship. I’m really looking forward to the live coverage, and I’m hoping for an exciting season!

Mike Keefe | Chicago

Prime Benefit

My car broke down the other day, and I was able to limp it home, but it was not safe to drive to the shop 15-20 miles away. My first thought was to call AAA for towing, but my basic coverage with them includes only 5 miles! I then remembered that AMA Roadside Assistance Plus covers non-motorcycles, and upon checking learned it had coverage of 30 miles.

I called the AMA Roadside Assistance number, was immediately connected to an agent, and a dispatch was made. No fuss!

The company that serviced the call was Cruz Towing, and I found all positive Yelp reviews. My experience was the same—Larry communicated his schedule and status along the way, and efficiently towed my vehicle to the repair shop.

I’ve enjoyed several benefits of my AMA membership over the past many years, and this was an awesome experience.

David M. Katinsky | Los Gatos, Calif.

Thanks, David. AMA Roadside Assistance and AMA Roadside Assistance Plus offer different levels of service, including motorcycle, car and even RV towing, based on the program. Members should see the website for current terms of service and select the one that is best for them.

Why The Tax?

I am upset every year paying into the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Account as a Michigan motorcyclist to the tune of $350 a year when I am not able to make a claim from this account.

To me, this is robbery. I contribute every year (don’t want to think of the total after 40 years of riding), yet the money is not available when I need it.

I’m sure you’re aware of this, and I am asking for the AMA’s help to get a letter campaign started to get our voices heard in government regulators, and the insurance industry.

I have posted a letter to the Michigan Dual Sport and Adventure Riders Facebook page (www.facebook.com/groups/michigandualsport/), and I can see one of two options I would support: 1) remove the fee; 2) let us use the funds that we pay into the MCCA.

Any assistance would be appreciated. I just started this and have no idea how to do this sort of thing. I do know I am tired of paying half of my premium out each year for nothing absolutely nothing.

Bruce Kennedy | Barryton, Mich.

Thanks for the note, Bruce. We’re including your letter so affected members can visit the Facebook page and join your effort. Members can learn more about state issues at the AMA State Chapters page (www.americanmotorcyclist.com/AMA-State-Chapters) and at www.americanmotorcyclist.com > Rights > AMA Action Center.

More I.D. Tips

I wanted to provide an additional follow-up to the January 2019 issue article “Tool Kits and Emergency Equipment” by A.C. Reeves.

The thrust of the article was to encourage the reader to think about how his or her emergency contact(s) would be notified in the event of an injury or worse.

A cell phone is rather useless should it have a pass-code required to access it, as I and many I know employ. Thus, the emergency contact(s) would not be available if the injured rider is not able to provide the password.

The idea of a laminated card attached to a neck-chain is feasible, if it is spotted.

However, as an avid bicycle rider, I’ve used for years a product called Road iD. It is a wristband with an attached faceplate that has the individual’s information and particulars inscribed on it. I have one for my bicycling kit and one for the motorcycle kit. My wife and child each have one for our bicycle rides. I highly recommend them.

Thank you for your efforts at educating your readership and please ride safe!

Giorgio Muzzarelli | San Diego, Calif.

Giving Back

The article on motorcycle charities in the March issue (“Two-Wheeled Generosity”) by Michael Marino really hit home for me. Like many of us, I’ve been involved in charity work for years—and honestly without even realizing it.

What I mean is I just ride. I go to poker runs, bike nights and even the occasional dual sport ride, and while I just ride and enjoy myself, often the money I pay to the club running the event is going to a greater good—everything from fire departments to scholarships to sick kids.

So, while I feel a little guilty saying I’m personally “involved in charity,” I say that proudly because I am involved, but I’m involved because of the hard work and dedication of the AMA clubs formed by volunteers who have a vision of helping out those in need and they do it.

I just want to add my thanks to those who go above and beyond to give back and create fun events for those like me who enjoy combining our passion for riding with charity for a good cause. Keep up the good work, guys!

Dave McAllister | Johnstown, Pa.

Still Riding

I enjoyed reading about Peter Starr’s tour in Thailand (“Thailand: 10-Day Asian Tour,” February issue). I’ve only ridden in the United States, with one small trip into Canada just so I could say I did it. I’m really envious of those who have the drive and opportunities to see the world on motorcycles.

In the first paragraph of that article, Peter talks about “fly-and-ride motorcycle tours.” I would like to learn more about these services, and I would like the AMA to publish an article on them in the future.

Thanks for everything you do.

Joe Brooks | Joliet, Ill.