AMSOIL Arenacross Series in Maryland

The AMSOIL Arenacross Series moved to Maryland for round two of the 2014 season and took over the Baltimore Arena for a weekend of racing action. The hardpack soil was a massive change from what racers encountered in the opening weekend at Worcester, and the crew constructed an innovative layout on the stadium floor. Five lanes were packed onto the floor and presented riders with a much-needed change from the standard AX layout.

Mike McDade had his starts on point all weekend in Baltimore. He was first through the first turn in three of the 4 main events.

The Baltimore round brought a number of young riders into the mix, with Star Racing Yamaha’s Aaron Plessinger and Team Green Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei competing in their first Arenacross races with the Ricky Carmichael Road to Supercross program, a necessity in acquiring their Monster Energy Supercross licenses. This was the first time that Plessinger had competed in the professional classes of AX, but he quickly found his place in the running order. He claimed both the AX Lites division and the first main event in the AX premier class, but could only climb to fifth in in the second main event. This allowed MotoSport.com/Spinechillers/Kawasaki’s Mike McDade to take the second main event, overall, and points lead heading into Saturday night. Monster Energy/Babbit’s/Kawasaki teammates Tyler Bowers and Zach Ames each put in top-five finishes in both main events, with Bowers finishing second overall and Ames fourth. Tuf Racing Honda’s Kyle Regal rounded out the top-five, with a pair of sixth place finishes and the overall win in the bracketed head to head motos.

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Aaron Plessinger was the next new kid on the block in AMSOIL Arenacross as he took home three main event win in two classes and the overall win on Saturday night.

Saturday night’s main event was a complete shake-up from the previous night’s action. Jacob Hayes rebounded from a subpar finish on Friday night to take the first main event in the AX class over Bowers, Ames, Plessinger, and Regal in this order. A massive first-turn pileup in the second main event collected the biggest contenders. Bowers, Ames, Hayes, and McDade were caught in the melee, which allowed Plessinger to take the main event win and his overall. Ames managed to regroup from the crash to finish fourth in the moto and second overall, which put the point standings in his control over McDade. MotoSport.com/Spinechillers/KTM’s Willy Browning was quietly consistent throughout the weekend, and despite rough practice sessions finished third overall on Saturday night and kept his place in the points standings.

Tyler Bowers hasn’t had the Saturday night’s the defending champion would hope for. A strong second overall finish Friday night in Balitmore was followed by a seventh overall (2-14) finish on Saturday. Bowers is currently fourth in the standings, and 20 points behind current leader Zach Ames.

After Plessinger took Friday night’s main event, Saturday night was anyone’s to win. Keith Tucker was determined to duplicate his success in Worcester and he held off Steven Mages and Maxx Malatia to take the victory. Hometown hero Tony Archer put in fourth and sixth place finishes during the weekend, which let the Traders Racing Kawasaki rider keep control of the Lites East Regional championship.

The AMSOIL Arenacross series moves south to Louisville, Kentucky, for the third weekend of the series. After the excitement of the first two weekends and the success of new talent in the Ricky Carmichael Road to Supercross program, what will happen is anyone’s guess.

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Maryland's Best ATV Trails

Pete's Cycle is hoping you come in this season for great deals on off-road bikes and ATV's.

The best (MD) Maryland trails are waiting for you. Maryland is an extraordinary diverse and beautiful state. In fact, the topography of this state is so unique and diverse National Geographic Magazine once called this state, “America in Miniature.” The good news is there is always a state park, national forest or private off road park within a short drive no matter where you are in the state.

There are thousands of acres of off road parks, ATV trails, and dirt bike trails scattered throughout this state. That being the case you will find a variety of off road trucks, mud trucks, Jeeps, ATV's, UTV's, side-by-side's and dirt bikes while out on the trail in this state. The fact is, no matter what you ride or drive off road you will find fun and adventure on Maryland trails.

So what are you waiting for? Go find a trail and start your next adventure! Here are some trails you may want to try out.

Assateague Island has both it's Maryland and Virginia ORV areas open year round for off road beach recreation. The Maryland portion of Assateague has an ORV zone 12 miles in length, with a 145 vehicle limit. Each end of the island limits the maximum number of vehicles which can be on the beach at any one time. The Virginia portion of the ORV area has several miles open year round, but does close it's extreme southern region known as "the hook" from March 15th-September 1st for the nesting Piping Plover. The vehicle limit on the remaining 1.5 mile beach drops to 18 at that time of year. If any Piping Plovers decide to nest on that portion of the off road beach, there are by-pass routes that are set up to avoid the birds, but the area still remains open for the season. The 145 vehicle limit is reached early on weekends and often goes to a one-off/one-on system.

The off road permit is good for both the Virginia and Maryland ends of Assateague Island and there is a $70-$150 annual permit fee (depending on the type of access desired). There is no weekly or other short term permits. Off road vehicles must be street legal. Motorcycles and ATV's are not allowed. You will need to present your registration card. You need a low pressure tire gauge and it's recommenced to let the air out to 15 lbs. or so for the soft sand. There are air pumps near the off road entrance. A shovel, jack, a board to support the jack in the sand (12" sq. minimum, 3/4" plywood or 1&1/2" hardwood), and a tow rope or chain (substantial capacity, 10' minimum length) are also required. Fines are charged for each piece of missing required equipment. The permit is available through the mail (request 3 weeks at least in advance). It also can be obtained in person at the Visitor Centers

The world-renowned Budds Creek Motocross Park is loacted in beautiful Southern Maryland. The natural terrain track has been home to some epic events including 125, 250 and 500 AMA Nationals and three World Championships. They also hosted the Motocross Des Nations in 2007. 

The Piney Mountain Trail beginning at the Sang Run-Cranesville Road in Oakland, MD and ending at the intersection of the Piney Mountain Road and the unnamed dirt road may only be used by: (1) snowmobiles from December 15 through March 15, except during deer firearms season; and (2) two wheel and four wheel vehicles the remainder of the year and during the deer firearms season. The western half of the loop may be used by snowmobiles only, and may not be used by any motorized wheeled vehicle.

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Autumn Open House at Pete's Cycle!

Come join us at Pete's Cycle for our Autumn Open House! On Saturday, October 18th 2014 from 10am to 5pm Pete's is having great savings on select models. With up to $5000 off on select new units, what could beat this deal! Come join the fun, food, and football and toss to win your way to great savings! 1 toss in the tire gets you 1% off, 2 tosses gets 3% off, 3 tosses gets 5% off, and making all three tosses will get you a bonus 20% off! Also Pete's is having 15% off any parts or accessories in stock all day! Come to any of our 3 locations for this great offer!

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Glenn McCall Legacy Ride

Looking for a great even to join for a great cause?

If you're a rider in Maryland, consider joining the 2014 Glenn McCall Legacy Ride!

On October 8, 2011, at 38, Glenn McCall had a massive heart attack leaving his loving wife Rochelle and sons, Jack (8) and Britt (6), trying to figure out how to do life without him. The McCall Education Fund is the result of family and friends pulling together to help Rochelle raise their boys knowing the strong character of their dad, and the important role of education in their journey to become men of integrity.

The ride starts at Happy Harbor Restaurant, 533 Deale Road in Deale. Registration begins at 10:00 am and motorcycles go out at 10:30 am.  The ride fee is $5.00 per hand. The ride ends in Brooms Island with awards for poker run winners and raffles. The ride benefits McCall Education fund in memory of Glen McCall. For more information call (443) 254-8792 or click here to send e-mail.

Getting your motorcycle ready for a ride? Come in to Pete's Cycle and make have our expert technicians make sure that your bike is ready for the road.

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Tips to Safe Motorcycle Driving

Here's what the Maryland DMV has to say about Motorcycle driving safety tips.

Whether it's a quick trip to the corner market for a few things, or a two-week touring trip with friends, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure your motorcycle driving is safe and enjoyable.
It would be nice if the road was always smooth, and without bumps, but those bumps, potholes, breakdowns, lost riding moments and more are out there. The best way to avoid trouble from these instances is to be prepared. You can also improve your own safety, as well as that of your passengers and vehicle, by not only following the laws and rules of the road, but also by knowing them well and always practicing courteous and calm driving.

Safe From the Start

The best way to start off right and ensure you have a smooth ride, and to anticipate problems that may occur, is to prepare and pack for your trip, bringing water, extra clothing, a map of the area you're driving, or other items that might be necessary, depending on your trip. You should also be sure you have some safety basics, particularly a first-aid kit, and a charged mobile phone if possible.
It is also important to make sure that your bike is well-maintained and checked, and that all fluids and major systems, including braking and lights, are in working order. You cannot predict and prevent all vehicle failures and breakdowns, but you can reduce the risk by maintaining your motorcycle.
Next, you will need to make sure that you, as the driver, and any passengers are properly seated on the bike. This means sitting squarely on the center of the seat with feet on foot-pegs and hands holding handlebars or the rider. Also, make sure you and passengers are always wearing protective helmets. It may not be the law in every state, but it is common sense for safety.

Defensive Driving

One of the most obvious things you can do to make sure your driving is safe is to practice defensive driving. This does not mean you have to drive extra slow, but you should use extra caution at all times, and remember that other vehicles are not just other cars and trucks, they are people. Defensive driving consists of a few basic driving tips that are intended to help keep you focused on the road, raise your awareness of your surroundings, and prepare you for a fast reaction to avoid a crash.

A List of Defensive and Safe Driving Skills and Practices

• Avoid distractions, including mobile phones and other devices, which can divert your attention, even with hands-free functionality.
• Aim high when looking out over the handlebars at the road.
• Keep your eyes moving, meaning don't just stare at the road ahead; check mirrors and other views frequently.
• Leave yourself an out; this means anticipating what would happen if you had to swerve or slam on the brakes.
• Position both hands firmly but comfortably on handlebars.
• Never drive while feeling drowsy or sleepy; pull over at a rest stop or other safe place to take a break and get some real rest.

Courtesy is Cool

It is easy to get caught up in rushing yourself, as well as other motorists, when riding. It is important to remember that although you may be late, or another driver may have cut you off or otherwise disregarded the rules of the road, riding is no race or competition.
One of the biggest causes of accidents is vehicles following each other too close. The general rule of thumb for driving is one car-length, but it never hurts to extend the buffer between yourself and the vehicle or vehicles in front of you, especially on a motorcycle. This can also help you maintain a smoother ride that saves fuel and wear and tear on your bike. If you are spinning out every start and constantly hitting the brakes, you are accelerating too fast and following too close.
Courteous driving also consists of allowing other motorists to merge into traffic by giving them the space to do so. Similarly, if you are merging, maintain a safe speed, but do your best to quickly accelerate to the flow of traffic.


For more information about safe driving, refer to the National Safety Council (NSC).

If you're headed out on the road with your motorcycle, come visit Pete's Cycle for repairs, gear, parts and much more to help you on your way to the open road.

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