AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ed Waldheim passes
American Motorcyclist Association extends condolences to family, friends of motorcycle rights advocate
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and lifelong off-road riding advocate Ed Waldheim, who passed away on Monday, Dec. 9.
Mr. Waldheim was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2007 for his ongoing dedication to the riding community and his tireless efforts to secure, maintain and expand off-road riding opportunities in his home state of California.
“Ed Waldheim was an extremely passionate advocate for the rights of off-highway vehicle enthusiasts,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “He was a dedicated volunteer and relentless defender of off-highway vehicle use of our public lands.”
Mr. Waldheim began his involvement in motorcycling as an off-road racer. He later moved into helping organize races and ultimately into off-highway vehicle advocacy. Waldheim was president of the California Off-Road Vehicle Association and was appointed to the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission by two governors and served multiple terms.
He won numerous awards for his advocacy on behalf of all off-road enthusiasts, including the prestigious AMA Motorcycling Advocate Award, the Golden Helmet Award from the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division of California’s Department of Parks and Recreation and the Off-Roader of the Year from the California Off-Road Vehicle Association. The main building at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area is named in his honor.
Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management awarded him its Volunteer of the Year award.
Under Mr. Waldheim’s leadership, CORVA membership tripled and the association has maintained a leading position in advocacy and education of off-roading.
The Waldheim family is planning a celebration of his life for mid-January.
To learn more about Ed Waldheim, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.