Motorcycling was something of a revelation for Denis Levitt in his youth, and he now hopes to use his position as the AMA Arizona State Chapter coordinator to attract the next generation to the motorcycling lifestyle.

The 57-year-old AMA Life Member from Vail, Ariz., said he grew up in New York City and discovered motorcycling when he was 8.

It was a visit to a cousin who lived in upstate New York that led to Levitt’s first motorcycle ride. Levitt was born with a defect in his leg that made it difficult for him to participate in most sports. His cousin’s friends let him try riding a minibike, and Levitt said that experience was like an awakening.

“I felt reborn into a world that I could participate in, without cumbersome crutches and braces,” he said.

Over the years, he has explored many facets of the motorcycling lifestyle. He owns four motorcycles and no cars and enjoys both on-road and off-road riding.

An AMA member since 1993, Levitt joined to meet like-minded enthusiasts, as well as support the AMA’s mission.

Upon retiring, he “felt the urge to return something back to the motorcyclist world,” and discovered the AMA EAGLES program.

AMA EAGLES provides the knowledge, tools and resources to bolster AMA members in their effort to promote the motorcycling lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.

After completing his training, Levitt took the step up to state coordinator to ensure his home state has adequate representation in the motorcycling world and to attract more young people to riding.

He also plans to improve the way motorcyclists represent themselves to state lawmakers in Arizona.

Arizona residents can contact Levitt at [email protected].

If you are interested in becoming an AMA State Chapter coordinator or participating in the AMA EAGLES program, contact Marie Wuelleh at [email protected].