Even More Wednesday Moto News - Jeremy McGrath and AMA Arenacross

The Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Jeremy McGrath are continuing their relationship with the MMI/Jeremy McGrath Scholarship program. Applications are now being accepted for a chance to get at the scholarship - three will be given out of a US$20,000 fund. The winner will be announced at the Las Vegas finale of the AMA Supercross series on 8 May 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/y93zlfj

Speaking of off-road motorcycle racing, the AMA Arenacross series kicked off in Michigan last weekend and it will be heading to Maryland at Baltimore’s 1st Mariner Arena during 16 - 17 January. To get your head wrapped around how the series is shaping up this season so far, take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/yhjl9lu

Video - Jumping from a Balloon on a Yamaha Motorcycle

This is from out of this world somewhere. A Welshman named Bernie Williams worked with a friend to build a rig to hold a Yamaha YZ under a hot-air balloon. OK, so far it's weird but not too out of the ordinary considering modern publicity stunts. But, where it differs is that Williams mounted the motorcycle himself, sat until the balloon reached 5000 feet and then he disconnected the motorcycle (and himself) from the airship. He was equipped with a parachute and rode the entire setup to the ground and rode off on the motorcycle. Just watch the video...

http://tinyurl.com/y8jevzv

AMA Racing Ice Race Grand Championships - Need I Say More?

Of course not! You lucky people who live near this event up in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort will host the race during 23-24 January 2010. Riders from 4 to 50 years-old will compete on motorcycles with - mostly - spiked tires and no brakes - because brakes are dangerous in ice racing. Really, just that part of it should be enough to drive you there early next year!

http://tinyurl.com/yg6dlal

Eagle Rider Opens Two New Outlets in Michigan

I truly hope that the economy is improving; I would really like to see these succeed beyond their own dreams! I have wanted to open one of these here in the Portland area for many years now, but I am glad I have not yet due to this poor financial situation. It would still be a good idea, though. Maybe...

Anyway, this news is fantastic for the Michigan area or those heading that way with some extra scratch and a hankerin' for a motorcycle ride. It is beautiful country there. OK, so the one of these is in Cement City and is already renting. The second is located Tecumseh and will start when the good riding season starts in spring of 2010. Have a read and give them a wish of luck as well...

http://tinyurl.com/yklnhf7

Viper Motorcycle Company Enters Joint Venture with Ilmor

The two have been working on a 152 cubic-inch V-twin engine for the last six months or so. They will team up to help produce the engine in Plymouth, Michigan, and will work together on marketing the beast. It is expected to be released for sale in 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/ybad8cp

Café Racer - A Place for Motorcycle Service and Good Coffee in Michigan

In the Depot Town section of Ypsilanti, Michigan, you can go to the one place for your morning wake-me-up and to have your motorcycle tuned. A very neat group of owners put two concepts together and came up with an awesome place for motorcycle enthusiasts to spend their time and socialize with like-minded individuals. You can even buy parts to do your own service. It has been done before, but I think we all agree it is an idea which needs to be spread around...

http://tinyurl.com/kl3w56

Michigan Man Wins 2009 Honda Gold Wing in Raffle

Every year, the Michigan state chapters of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association holds a statewide raffle. Each chapter sells tickets and several sweet prizes are up for grabs. This year was no different and Dale LeVeck took the top prize of a 2009 Honda Gold Wing...after buying only one ticket!

http://tinyurl.com/knf3bj

In Michigan? Test Ride a NEW Indian Motorcycle

Smokin Joes Motorsports of Caledonia, Michigan, is an official Indian dealer now. So, to promote this new alliance, they are going to let customers test ride the new Indian models next weekend - August 22-23, 2009.

Of course, they will sell 'only American-made' motorcycles there...I guess they don't know that no motorcycle is all American-made, just 'assembled in the USA'.

http://tinyurl.com/n2scoa