AMA Board Assistant Treasurer Jon-Erik Burleson

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Born: Oberlin, Ohio, on February 21, 1974.

First motorcycle ride: I got a Honda Z-50 for my eighth birthday, and I first raced when I was 11, on a Honda CR60 at a hare scrambles in Logan, Ohio. I crashed on the parade lap and broke my collarbone!

Motorcycling experience: I raced my first "big bike" when I was 13. I have raced mainly motocross and off-road events around the country since. I took the class and got my motorcycle endorsement when I was 16. My first track day was at Willow Springs Raceway in California last year, and I learned how much I still have to learn!

Life experience: I grew up around motorcycling. I went to school to learn the business side of things, and since then, my professional life has been focused on doing a good job in business, so that I can stay involved in motorcycling as a career.

Proudest achievement: I am still working on it.

Why I ride: I just love it.

Favorite current bike: Any KTM.

Best bike ever: The 2004 KTM 200 SX. It is the "do-everything" motorcycle. It ripped, it was super light and easy to throw around. That bike made you feel like a hero rider!

AMA Member for: 20 years.

Why I'm an AMA Board member: Being around motorcycle racing for most of my life, the AMA has always been an important organization to me. I remember getting my membership pins and feeling a  sense of pride the higher the numbers got. When the opportunity came up to be on the Board, I took it as a chance to help and be a part of developing the Association to the next level.

The biggest challenge facing motorcycling: For me, it's rider safety. As we keep expanding the motorcycling community, it's important that we help out new people who often have less experience in safely riding motorcycles. We can't let it get to the point where motorcycle safety is legislated and controlled to the extent that we can no longer enjoy our hobby and sport.