Ramona woman captures national motocross crowns
Ramona rider Bonnie Warch raced to two 2009 American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) motocross national championships.
Warch rode a 1974 Yamaha 250cc MX250 to the Women’s Expert Vintage title and a 1981 Yamaha YZ250cc bike to capture the Women’s Expert Post-Vintage crown.
AHRMA’s Vintage Class bikes were typically raced in the early 1970s and were basic transportation-based models with special adaptations for racing on dirt tracks of natural terrain, unlike the modern era’s specially prepared tracks with jumps and other special features.
AHRMA Post-Vintage bikes represent the sport’s introduction of long-suspension-travel technology that lasts to this day. Machines of this era were purpose-built motocross racers that introduced many technologies from the first long-travel suspensions through the advent of water-cooled engines and linkage-controlled rear suspensions. The next generation of racers equipped with disc brakes does not qualify for this class.
Warch, a Ramona resident for the past six years, participated in AHRMA competitions throughout the country, earning the points to make her national champion in two categories. She and Andrea Beach co-own and are instructors for Coach2Ride.com, a dirt bike riding business that may be contacted at 858-382-1515 or coach2ride@aol.com. More information is online at coach2ride.com.
AHRMA has approximately 5,000 members nationally, about 4,000 of whom compete in motocross. Others compete in vintage road racing, cross-country, observed trials and dirt track (flat track and TT scrambles).
Motocross classes may be based on rider age or on the type of motorcycle used. Motorcycles up to the early ‘80s may be used.
Rider skill levels are Novice, Intermediate and Expert. Many of the expert riders are former professionals and include national and world champions. More information is on the organization’s Web site, AHRMA.org.
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to restoring and competing on classic motorcycles. It is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world.
The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.