January 23 , 2021 , Elora , Tennessee words and photos courtesy of AHRMA
A “ dream team ” of pro and amateur racers representing the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association ( AHRMA ) will take on an off-road marathon aboard vintage machines .
The “ 24 Hour AHRMA Dream Team ” will compete in the Perry Mounty 24 Hour Challenge June 5 and 6 in Maplesville , Alabama .
The event pits racers from across the county against each other and the clock . The format is based on 24-hour long relay race with teams of four riders each . Each racer competes on their own motorcycle . The course covers rough , hilly and sandy terrain common to southern Alabama .
While most teams will be racing on the latest modern off-road competition motorcycles , the AHRMA Dream Team will be aboard vintage motorcycles which are eligible for AHRMA events . This means the bikes will be at least 35 years old , have air-cooled engines , drum brakes and limited-travel suspension .
The Dream Team members represent an elite group of AHRMA members who regularly compete in AHRMA National Championship events . Not only will they be riding older motorcycles , but they will also be decades older than their fellow competitors : some of whom are professional racers with full factory support .
“ The AHRMA 24 Hour Dream Team is not going to this event to just ride around and get their pictures taken ,” said Anthony Paul , AHRMA ’ s Off-Road Director . “ They have been planning this event for months and will continue to plan and train for this event as the plan is to win .”
The Dream Team members include riders Fred Hoess , Trampas Parker , Tommy Veator and Terry Cunningham . Craig Hayes will serve as the team mechanic and Anthony Paul will serve as team manager .
“ We couldn ’ t even dream of doing this race , on these bikes and with these riders , without the help from all our AHRMA members that have stepped up to support us ,” Paul said .
AHRMA ( American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association ) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving , restoring and competing on historic motorcycles . With over 3000 members , AHRMA is the leading historic motorcycle racing group in North America and one of the largest in the world . The association ’ s enthusiastic membership reflects this country ’ s strong interest in classic bikes .
VOL . 6 ISSUE 2 - FEBRUARY 2021 // PAGE 81