Wednesday Evening Moto News - Travis Pastrana + AGV, AMA Vintage Days & Trials Schedule

Travis Pastrana is just the latest addition to the AGV helmet sponsorship program. They already have the two best racers in motorcycle racing history - Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini - and now they have another very successful rider in Pastrana. Now that Dainese owns AGV, it will probably only get better...

http://tinyurl.com/yck729e

The AMA is looking for some good vintage project bikes as a part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days this 9 - 11 July 2010. It doesn't matter if you are complete or not, and the destination can be any one you for which you are looking. Just get in contact with the AMA as soon as you can.

http://tinyurl.com/yeq5uba

The AMA released, a few days ago, the schedule for the AMA Racing/NATC Observed Trials National Championship Series, 2010 edition. For the information you seek, take the link. I can tell you that the season starts on 1 - 2 May 2010 in Oklahoma.

http://tinyurl.com/y9frh8k

More Afternoon Moto News - Dainese, Pro Italia & 2010 Versys

Dainese has had a release event for their 2010 line-up of clothing and AGV helmets. The US event was held at the Dainese D-Store in Costa Mesa, California. Though there is little after the link, at least you get an introduction to their new products.

http://tinyurl.com/yaw2rj6

Specific to the D-Air, which was also released: http://tinyurl.com/ybm8a2b

It is on the home page now, but I am not sure for how long. Pro Italia, down in Los Angeles, will be hosting a fund-raiser for Haiti relief. It is a bike wash, a Q&A with local motorcycle police officer John Morena, and a talk with Bill Oberman about customizing your motorcycle. The seminars happen this Sunday (31 January 2010) at 13:00 at their Los Angeles shop. The bike wash will actually be held for the next three weekends and will benefit the Maison Fortune Orphanage Foundation.

http://www.proitalia.com/

And, a nice report on the 2010 Kawasaki Versys comes to us courtesy of MCN (UK). It is simply an early report from the test taking place in Sardinia - yes, Sardinia. Have a read. It's short but very informative.

http://tinyurl.com/yl7xvzj

Sweet Yamaha YZF-R1 Rossi Motorcycle Auction for Riders for Health

The project was started by Don Emde, publisher and ex-racer and much more, and includes Yamaha USA, Roadracingworld.com, Aldo Drudi and Valentino Rossi. The YZF-R1 was donated by Yamaha, the bodywork was designed and painted by Drudi - he of Rossi helmet fame - based on the 'Five Continents' Rossi/AGV helmet and approved by Valentino Rossi. Many others are involved and adding services and parts, including Roland Sands Design, AGV, Ohlins and Akrapovic. No photo has been released as of yet and the auction time and location are also still up in the air. All proceeds will benefit Riders for Health.

http://tinyurl.com/yzhgntg

P.S. You may see the Riders for Health logo on my blog; from here you too can donate to the cause or just get to their site for details on the charity, its projects and much more...

This bike was shown at the Long Beach IMS: http://tinyurl.com/yj6oc6u

A better photo of the bike: http://tinyurl.com/ycpd7w8

Even more information on the bike itself and how it was prepared/modified: http://tinyurl.com/ygswt5j

AGV and Dainese Present 2009 Italian Legendary Tour Blog

Well, I didn't win the Dainese and AGV contest to join this tour, but then I did not have any money to buy anything as was required. That's life, I suppose...However, the 18 people who did when have had a blog set up for them to record their thoughts, feelings and experiences while touring with Ago, Marco Lucchinelli and Max Biaggi. What an opportunity!

http://tinyurl.com/nhopq4

Are You a Racer in the USA? Vemar, AGV and Sidi are Ready for You

The manufacturers - Vemar, AGV and Sidi - are accepting applications for racer support in the 2010 season. So, if you are interested, hurry up and get in touch with them ASAFP!

http://tinyurl.com/lqlzxy

Another Trip to Jay Leno's Garage

Mark Gardiner took his AGV Backmarker column to Jay Leno's Garage and had the opportunity to ride a historic '31 Henderson. A very good read and even more insight into the mind of one of the greatest collectors on the planet.

http://tinyurl.com/n7mgat