Safety Report

by Gary Klinker

The training season has been done for a while, but like all statistics, it takes time to get everything reported and analyzed. For 2018 we trained a total of 195 students, compared to 165 in 2017. That is a 15.4% increase and includes BRC and BRC2. BRC students were up 20.7% over last year. BRC2 experienced were down 22.2% from last year. The good news is that we got 15 experienced riders licensed and legal through the BRC2 license waiver class. I’d like to thank all of our dedicated Rider Coaches for another successful year. Thanks to all of the members who took advantage of the classes. That is why we are here.

We now have two coaches certified to teach the 3 Wheel course. We are exploring the possibility of having at least one of these on the schedule for next year. Diana has been doing the class at SW Tech, and Larry just got certified last month. Last month I attended a 3 Wheel Can-am Spyder class. It is the same as any of the 3-wheel format classes but does not deal with clutching and shifting. I was very impressed by the handling and braking capability of those machines. The main reason I took the class was not because I’m planning to need another tire under me, but out of curiosity. I was curious about the machines, the difference in the 3-wheel class over the BRC, and to observe the training process at another site. I traded some tips and techniques with the rider coach and will put some into practice at our site. (That sounds better than I’m stealing ideas.) It was a very enjoyable weekend.

The Meeting of the Minds was another excellent opportunity to interact with MRF members from all around the country. Rider education was a big topic, including a breakout session, The Future of Motorcycle Safety. This was led by Brett Robinson, Executive Director of the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA). Jay Jackson, MRF VP is also on the SMSA board. Mark Buckner from Colorado has re-joined the MRF Board. He is an old friend who was the state coordinator of Colorado at the same time I was ED of ABATE of Wisconsin in the early 90’s. It was very good to see him again. The only downside this year was the departure of Megan Ekstrom as the MRF VP of Government Affairs. She has brought the MRF to a new level of influence and visibility in DC. By the time you read this there will probably be a replacement hired and being trained so all will be well.

The ride to Denver with Dave Dwyer and Seven was everything you could encounter on a ride. Cold temps and 500 miles of rain to Wyoming and hot weather and heavy traffic for the last 100 miles into Denver. It just showed the importance of good riding gear for comfort and safety when on a motorcycle ride. For the ride home Dave and I took an extra day and made a loop through the Colorado Rockies, including Rocky Mountain National Park and then another loop of the Black Hills. It was a great trip, topped off by 300 miles of rain from Sioux Falls to home.

One last thing, it is deer season, on the road and in the woods. If you are hardy or hungry get out there and hunt-in the woods, not on the road. Do your part to thin the deer herd. I’ll be out doing my part. Remember to give thanks for all of our blessings, not only Thanksgiving Day, but all year long.

Ride Safe,

Gary