Is the CMA still viable?

robertv19

robertv19

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I remember my father always being a member of the CMA when I was a kid. Back then he competed in several different moto-sports (enduro, trials and motocross).

I've always just been a street rider (30+ years), but am getting to a point where I'd like to contribute more to the causes that plague us as two wheeled enthusiasts (high insurance, safety, increasing public awareness of motorcycles etc.)
Is the CMA the way to start working towards this?

Are there forum members on here that can attest to the value that being a member of the CMA brings?

(yes I've been to their site and have read some of what is there - but real world opinions would be appreciated!)

Cheers

Rob
 
The CMA has needed a complete makeover for decades. Thirty years ago they couldn't get event fliers out on time, and they still can't today. Marilyn Bastedo has been at the helm for far too long. New blood is needed. I don't ride the CMA trials. The bs is one of the reasons. People in the OFTR and MX world have been very critical of the CMA for years.
 
It's always been this way. The Bastedo clan made it their personal fiefdom long ago. I got my CMA number in 1973, and have been dutifully renewing it every year since.
... if you want a FIM number, you have to have a CMA number.
It works for the Basteros, not so much for the Canadian motorcycling public.
MCC and MMIC have made CMA redundant, except for the FIM thing.
Marilyn can't be much longer for this world. How old us she now?
 
CMA is the official sanctioned body for FIM in Canada.
That is where their role and function seems to start and end for my purpose and probably yours too.
 
bitzz said:
Marilyn can't be much longer for this world. How old us she now?
Click to expand...
The info is probably in a plastic box, on a 3 1/2" floppy disc. She has a very small digital footprint but we will probably find out when she is inducted into the CDN Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
 
I just turned 65. The CMA has been a lame duck organization at least since the end of the 70's IMOA. The family mentioned in other posts, were said to have interests in 1 or 2 motocross tracks. Their influence in the CMA seemed to turn it into the Canadian MOTOCROSS Association.

All focus seemed to turn to the promotion of motocross. All other forms of motorcycling were virtually ignored. Including flat track & speedway (in which I made an unsuccessful attempt to compete). I don't think road racing got much more if any consideration either. But as stated the CMA were the body sanctioned by the FIM. You had to be a member of the CMA to compete in events in Canada that would have recognition elsewhere in the world. It's been alleged that the bulk of membership fees were directed to MX related causes..

There is no benefit for road riders to be CMA members that I can see. Didn't hear them speak up about our exclusion from HVO lanes. No support for our concerns about insurance company rape of motorcycle riders either.
All you'll get for yer $$ is a vinyl sticker & a small iron/sew on patch with a beaver on 'em. Fuggin' class aye !!.

Yes ... I'm sure there will be CDN MC hall of fame honours for the folks that likely contributed to the stunting of growth to all forms of motorcycling in Canada (MX excepted). There is an established group of mutual admirers & back scratchers that will assure that reward for each other for sometime to come yet.

Too bad that many of those that really made honest, quiet, non- profit, non-partisan efforts for the cause of all riders will be left out in the cold. Still... those of us that knew them will always remember . Thanks, & R.I.P. Louie Fitch & many others.
 
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