From the Helena Independent Record Nov 15,2004

A Missionary on a Motorcycle

From the time he was a kid in the small town of Paris, Ill., Dal Smilie has been infatuated with motorcycles.

"In the little town that I grew up in, the bicycle shop was also the Harley shop," he said. "What a place to get fixated on something."

He bought his first motorcycle — without his parents knowledge — when he was still a teenager.

That purchase, a Honda Scrambler, fueled a lifelong passion. And it was that passion, in part, that earlier this year earned Smilie induction into the American Motorcyclist Assocation Hall of Fame in suburban Columbus, Ohio.

By day, Smilie, 56, is the chief legal counsel for the state Department of Administration and head of the consumer protection office, his office walls covered with motorcycle calendars, photos and other artwork. When he's not working, chances are he's either riding, racing or advocating for motorcycles.

Smilie's resume as a motorcyclist runs deep. He's been a member of the board of the American Motorcyclist Association for more than 20 years and was a driving force behind the formation of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. He's won mileage awards from manufacturer BMW (he's logged more than half a million miles on road bikes), and claimed several national motocross championships since turning 50.

At his Hall of Fame induction, he was recognized as "a passionate advocate for motorcyclist rights throughout his 35-year industry career."

In addition to being the association's longest-serving director, he was the first American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation chairman and recipient of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Award of Excellence for national safety leadership.

"One way or another, advocating for those issues is a large part of what they're recognizing in the Hall of Fame," Smilie said.

Despite living in Montana, where the riding season seems to be measured in weeks, Smilie has managed to ride 50,000 miles in a year more than once. Heated clothing and gloves help. So does dedication.

It's a passion that's taken Smilie across the country countless times, whether for rallies, races or board meetings. It's been a chance to make friends from across the globe, and the outgoing Smilie has taken full advantage of the opportunity.

"The people you meet are the most important part," he said. "Like anything you have a passion about, it's another way to have a sense of community that you can share your passion with."

And for Smilie, the people — and the riding — are what it's really all about. He's been a tireless supporter of motorcycle safety, access and other issues related to the sport, but at heart, he most loves the open road.

"I always think that I'd rather be riding," he said. "The other stuff, you just kind of do. The best part is being out there with your friends. Riding."

John Harrington can be reached at 447-4080 or john.harrington@helenair.com.

	Dal Is Running for Re-election
		Dal Smilie is Running for Re-election to the AMA board of Directors.