Nine.  9.  Neuf. Nueve. Neun. девять.

Nine is the magic number.  For those who know me, you know I have a special connection with the number nine….and nine seems to follow me everywhere.   And it seems to show up in the most unlikely of places.  I used to see it as a sign.  But now I see it as the norm….And the American Motorcyclist Association’s  Hall of Fame Inductee Ceremony wouldn’t be any different….This year there are 9 inductees.  9 Great inductees.  And when the American Motorcyclist Association called me and asked me to shoot this 2 day event this weekend at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino,  I gladly jumped on board.  The AMA Hall of Fame recognizes those who have made contributions to all aspects of motorcycling. 

This year’s nine inductees are industry innovator Robert Bates, off-road racer Randy Hawkins, motorsports giants Bob and Geoff Fox (Yes, it’s who you are thinking it is…), suspension pioneer Gilles Vaillancourt, off-highway rights activist Mona Ehnes, longtime motorcycle safety proponent David Hough, noted race team manager Gary Mathers and successful dirt-track racer and tuner Chuck Palmgren, whom I shot individually a few months ago at Dan Gurney’s All American Racers place in Santa Ana.

So off I go,  with a full tank of gas,  a small car full of gear, a 6 CD Changer full of the Beatles,  and my dog,  Bowie Yorkdust.  And some Love. (cause, really, Love is all you need…..and maybe some gambling money…)