PORT ANGELES, Wash. – Saturday, Dec. 5, was a night of heroes and legends at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, where Port Angeles journalist and author David Hough was among nine individuals inducted into the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

The AMA Hall of Fame is located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and recognizes men and women who have made significant contributions to American motorcycling. Among its past inductees are Steve McQueen, Malcolm Forbes, Evel Knievel and Jay Leno.

The event was hosted by Hollywood actor and avid motorcyclist Perry King, and was attended by hundreds of motorcycling enthusiasts from across the country.

Hough, a long-time motorcycle journalist who turned 25 years of experience commuting through city traffic into articles about riding skills and crash avoidance, is best known for his series, “Proficient Motorcycling,” which appeared in Motorcycle Consumer News. He has also authored several books, including Street Strategies: A Survival Guide for Motorcyclists, Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well, and More Proficient Motorcycling: Mastering the Ride. Hough is also a two-time winner of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s National Award for Excellence in Motorcycle Safety Journalism.

During the induction ceremony, AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman presented Hough with an engraved AMA Hall of Fame ring.

“In recognition of your outstanding and life-long contribution to safe and enjoyable motorcycling for millions of riders, we welcome you to the AMA Hall of Fame,” Dingman said.

Hough was visibly moved during his acceptance speech. “It’s quite an honor being inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame,” he said.  “And frankly, I’m amazed to be here, because historically the honors have gone to successful racers. Inducting a safety journalist and instructor is a significant and welcome event.”

Even in the face of such a distinguished honor, Hough’s commitment to motorcycle safety remained paramount.

“I’d be proud to share the spotlight with everyone who has been involved in educating riders, including those dealers, salespeople and enthusiasts who have simply passed on some advice to a new rider, or loaned them a book on riding skills, or cajoled them into taking a training course,” Hough said.

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.