From a press release issued by the AMA:

AMA PRESENTS “BRIGHTER IMAGE AWARD” TO AMERICADE FOUNDER BILL DUTCHER

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that Bill Dutcher, founder and director of the Americade motorcycle-touring rally, has been presented the AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award. The presentation took place earlier this month in Lake George, New York.

The award, presented to Dutcher for the positive contributions that Americade has made to the motorcycling community, is the AMA’s highest honor for activities that generate favorable publicity for motorcycling.

A lifelong motorcyclist, Dutcher, began road racing in 1965 after graduating from Harvard University, winning in just his second professional start. He also won a gold medal at the Berkshire 2-Day, as well as a number of other short-track and TT races. Dutcher later worked in marketing for Bultaco and Can-Am before becoming director of public relations for AMF/Harley-Davidson, a position he held until 1981.

In 1983, Dutcher founded the Aspencade rally, changing its name to “Americade” in 1986. The annual event now draws an estimated 55,000 touring riders to the Lake George region, and is one of two AMA National Road Riding Conventions.

“For riders all across North America, the name ‘Americade’ has become synonymous with ‘motorcycle rally,'” said Robert Rasor, President of the AMA. “We’re pleased to recognize Bill Dutcher for the positive contributions that the event has made to American motorcycling.”

For more information about Americade, visit www.tourexpo.com. To learn more about AMA Road Riding, including the national and local events that make up the 2003 AMA Dunlop Elite Touring Series, visit www.AMADirectlink.com.