Michael Farabaugh
2002, Promotion
It seems one of the few aspects of motorcycling the multi-talented
Michael Farabaugh has not touched is the paving of the highways on
which he has logged over 1 million miles.
A master photojournalist who has focused his lenses on the motorcycle
and the world at large for 28 years - mostly from the seat of his
bike - Michael's award winning photos have been featured in galleries,
books, calendars, brochures and as an accompaniement to the many
motorcycle magazine articles he has published.
During his tenure as executive director, he used his promotional
talents to turn a middling Indiana A.B.A.T.E. program with 600
members into a thriving business with a membership of 12,000-plus.
As a Motorcycle Safety Foundation chief instructor for 22 years, and
recipient of the MSF "John E. Harley Award" for top achievement,
Michael organized the first Curriculum Instructor Prep Class in 1978.
He opened "Movin' On Motorcycle School" (which later donated to
Indiana A.B.A.T.E.) and taught 250 instructors in 6 states in the
first 5 years.
But Michael wasn't finished yet. He founded the national "Meeting
of the Minds', from which emerged a National Steering Committee and
the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Under his guidance, the MRF
managed to garner enough support from national bike organizations to
hire the first full-time lobyist in Washington, D.C. to push for
positive motorcycle legislation.
Michael is a lifetime AMA member and currently on the board of
trustees. For his 30 years of dedicated service to AMA, he received
the "Bud Perkins Award." He has long been AMA's biggest promoter,
including writing curriculum in training programs that promote
participation and membership in the AMA.
The Miracle Ride Foundation has had the benefit of Michael's
chairmanship talents since 1972, raising $2.5 million in donations
to Parapalegic Foundation, MDA & Riley Hospital for Children.
Michael Farabaugh and his wife, Deborah Lynn, are still active in
rider education today. It will be interesting to witness where
Michael's love of motorcycling and avid dedication to safety and
education will take him in the new millenium.
« Return to Hall of Fame List