Safety Report

by Gary Klinker

Fire cracker

Our Safe Rider classes are going very well this summer. We recently purchased another bike for the classes. It is a used 2017 Kawasaki 125 Z Pro. It is an interesting machine and a lot of fun to ride. We are transitioning to fuel injected bikes to save on maintenance cost. Carburetors are a pain, especially over the winter when not being used. The little Kaw replaces a 1982 bike. We tend to get our use out of them, despite the hard life some of them have.

Another good thing this year is that we have two people interested in becoming Rider Coaches. There probably won’t be training until spring, but we are having them prepare by attending classes and shadowing instructors to get an idea of what is involved.

I want to take a minute to send a huge thank you to the members of Region 2E. We recently received a very generous donation from their Spring Fling event. It will be put to good use for updating the fleet and regular maintenance. Keep up the good work! Safe Rider really appreciates it.

Now for a crass commercial announcement: Region 7D has planned an event for Saturday July, 7, the Firecracker Run. Details can be found in this issue. I encourage everyone to take part in this fun ride. You may ask why this is in a safety column. There are several reasons. First poker runs are technically illegal and may jeopardize our ABATE raffle licenses. We are trying to revamp the type of ride events being planned. Second, large group rides can be hazardous to your health. A variety of skill levels, close proximity to other bikes, and alcohol use can all spell disaster. Using bar stops only make the situation worse.

The ride will start from the ABATE state office in BRF. Many people have probably never been there. Registration is from 9-10 AM. Each rider will get a list of stops to make and gather some information-like a treasure hunt. After the registration and entry fee-$10, nothing else is required. Those wanting to compete in the raffle drawing for 50% of the entrance fees will need to return by 4 PM. Each successful stop gathered will get the rider one ticket to the drawing.

The beauty of this type of ride is that you are on your own to determine where you want to go. It includes some very scenic and fun roads. You can ride as a group or solo. You can select the stops or direction you want to go. You can be competitive, or not so much. You don’t even have to return to the start if you don’t want to be in the raffle drawing. The best part is it provides great riding! A short regional monthly meeting will be held after the drawing. I hope to see many of you there. It will be a good way to wrap up an Independence Day week.

Ride Safe