PICKERINGTON, Ohio — American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) member Doug Carter of Eubank, Ky., knew participating in the AMA BMW National Adventure Riding Series would pay-off with incredible backroads, amazing views and challenging off-highway terrain. What he didn’t expect, though, was to cap his year with a brand new BMW F 800 GS motorcycle. Carter won the drawing for the 2010 BMW F 800 GS from series sponsor BMW Motorrad USA. The drawing included everyone who participated in events that were part of the national series. “I keep thinking this is a dream,” Carter said. “I love dual-sport and adventure riding. I have a smaller dual-sport bike and was just getting ready to purchase an adventure bike, but maybe I don’t have to do that now.” Laurence Kuykendall, Community and Communications Manager for BMW Motorrad USA, said the company is pleased to see Carter ride into a new season on the advanced BMW F 800 GS — a motorcycle purpose-built for the type of riding featured in the AMA BMW National Adventure Riding Series. “We congratulate Doug on his prize and hope that he has many more AMA BMW National Adventure Riding Series events ahead of him,” Kuykendall said. “For certain, this season will be one of his best ever. There is no better motorcycle for tackling rugged backroads and two-track trails than the incredibly capable F 800 GS.” Carter has been riding since he was 5 years old. He used to ride mini-bikes, then switched to all-terrain vehicles before starting a family. “Once we had our son, I knew I had to get him a bike,” Carter said. “Then I needed a bike, too. Now, I like the backroads, the country roads, the different pace of it all. I grew up off-road, and these backroads, that’s just my thing. Maybe I’m done with true hardcore off-road stuff, but I really enjoy easy off-road riding.” Events on the AMA BMW National Adventure Riding Series are designed for precisely the type of riding that Carter has in mind. For a reasonable entry fee, participants can ride hundreds of miles of trail and backroads in some of the most breathtaking areas of the United States, all supplemented by the local knowledge of long-time clubs and riders. From the competition-oriented G 450 X to the incredible R 1200 GS Adventure, BMW offers one of the toughest, most-capable lines of motorcycles ever built. The F 800 GS won by Carter is one of the company’s latest additions, and with its lightweight design and eye-opening power, it has achieved new heights of off-road capability for the GS line. More information about BMW motorcycles can be found at www.bmwmotorcycles.com and on the entire GS lifestyle including off-road training, events and travel around the world at www.xplorgs.com. The 2010 AMA BMW National Adventure Riding Series, which will award another BMW adventure motorcycle to a lucky rider, kicks off on April 17-18 in Bybee, Tenn. There are events scheduled in Alaska, California, Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Alabama and Arizona. For the full schedule, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Riding > Off-Road: AmericanMotorcyclist.com/roadride/adv/schedule.asp?s=82&eyear=2010. Not an AMA member? There’s never been a better time to join. Members who sign up for auto-renewal or a three-year membership also get free AMA Roadside Assistance for their motorcycles, plus all other vehicles, including motorhomes and trailers. It’s easy to do. Just select Join/Renew in the Membership menu of the AMA website (AmericanMotorcyclist.com/join/index.asp) and follow the simple steps. About the American Motorcyclist Association Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.