Fox Racing Shox announced that it has sold a majority interest to Compass Diversified Holdings (CODI) for an undisclosed amount. Company founder and CEO Bob Fox stated, “The financial strength and resources Compass provides will enable Fox to continue our strong growth and leadership in all of our markets.” Fox will reportedly continue to serve as the company’s CEO and will retain ‘significant ownership’ of the company along with other senior managers. CODI CEO Joe Massoud added, “Bob Fox and [the company’s] senior management team have driven growth by providing innovative suspension products for over three decades and we look forward to working with them to continue and accelerate this growth.”

“Motorcyclists are dying in greater numbers across the nation and in Colorado, setting off alarms about rider safety and prompting an array of government and private countermeasures,” stated the Rocky Mountain News. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported 37 motorcycle fatalities in 1997 and 71 in 2006, the paper explained, adding, through the first nine months of 2007, Colorado had 64 motorcycle-related deaths. The CDOT will launch its own $100,000 motorcycle safety campaign with public service announcements, fliers and posters; however, there won’t be any TV spots because it would be too expensive, the News said.

JACKSON COUNTY BANS OFFROAD MOTORCYCLES FROM TRAILS

“Jackson County ATV trails are now off-limits to offroad motorcycles, with the exception of dual sport cycles that are driven by a licensed driver who passes a safety test,” stated The Tomah Journal (WI). “Because of safety concerns, the Jackson County Forestry and Parks Committee voted to allow only dual-sport motorcycles and licensed drivers onto the ATV trails,” the paper explained, adding, “Offroad bikes are now restricted from the county’s ATV trail system, however, a short segment that connects the ATV trails and 20 miles of single track trails can still be utilized.”

With the start of the new year, motorcyclists in North Carolina will no longer be allowed to wear the helmets known as ‘brain buckets’, stated the MyFox WGHP Web site. A new helmet law outlaws novelty helmets and requires legal helmets to be approved by the US Department of Transportation, the site explained. “The new law also states the helmet be ‘properly secured on the head using a strap,’” it added. Riders caught in violation of the new law will reportedly face fines and court costs of about $150.

According to CBS4.com, motorcycle fatalities in Florida rose by 94 riders from 2005 to 2006, to total 562 deaths, one of the highest increases in the country. The site explained that the US Department of Transportation released new national data that showed motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled over the last ten years. “Motorcycle related deaths have risen from 2,116 fatalities in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006,” CBS4.com said. It continued, “The absence of a motorcycle helmet law is one of the leading causes of fatalities, as motorcycle users are significantly more likely to suffer from serious head injuries without a helmet.” Of the motorcycle crash victims who suffered from fatal injuries in 2006, 45 percent were not wearing a helmet, the site concluded.

1972-2007
We regret to report the passing of Rob Leis, due to a tragic accident the week before Christmas 2007. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Kris, plus three children: Ryan, Rebecca and Renee. Rob worked in dealerships and, later, for K&L Supply. After working for the California distributor, he relocated to Gardnerville, NV, where he was employed for a time with this publication. Rob will be missed by all that knew him.