2019 Meeting of the Minds 2

by Jen Dewitz

Wow! What an exciting time! ABATE of Minnesota did not disappoint! Minnesota may not be my favorite state (sorry, Todd) but they sure do know how to put on a conference. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s annual Meeting of the Minds was very educational and very motivational! There were so many break-out sessions, I won’t even list them all. And the general sessions were great reminders of the stuff we too often take for granted.

Slider’s “Live to Ride’ presentation was an excellent description of human health and how we need to take care of ourselves in order to live the best life we can. If we can live healthier, we can enjoy life more and live longer. And both of those equal more time riding!

Rocky and Tiffany have created some amazing spreadsheets to track our federal legislators and how they do or don’t work with us on certain issues. They even have a score sheet for each Congressman on our primary topics. This is a great tool that helps on focus on the biker-friendly legislators to help get a bill started and to know who we can count on for support.

Chopper Gilmore reminded us how to be a Better Brother or Sister. This included working as a team and building each other up. Remember “we”, not “I”.

Russell Radke spoke about profiling. Did you know that less than 2% of the 1%‘rs have ever been arrested (not necessarily convicted) of a felony? When you see me out and about at events, I will have my laptop so you can complete the Motorcycle Profiling Project questionnaire. Even if you have done it in the past, they do a new one each year and want you to do it again

And the challenge is on! For the last several years, we have made the Top 10 list for membership. Congrats to all of you for your help if you are an MRF member! This coming year, my goal is to get us in the Top 3. You will see us at events promoting the MRF and selling memberships. Obviously, you already have a passion for freedom and love being a biker. ABATE of WI gives you an outlet to share those things and keeps us free and educated at a state level. The MRF does the same thing at a national level. Both are imperative to our freedom on the road.

Next year’s Meeting of the Minds will be in the Midwest again, in Indianapolis, September 24-27th. Please consider joining us! This event is not just for board members. It is for all ABATE, SCVR, and club members who have a passion for freedom and being a biker. And if you can’t wait until September, the Heartland STEAM conference is guaranteed to educate and motivate you. Mark your calendars for April 3 & 4th in Galesburg, IL. We can’t wait!

Oh, and did I mention? ABATE of WI has appointed me your new MRP State Rep! Thank you so much for believing in and giving me this opportunity to promote the MRF!

I will leave you with two quotes from two of the most amazing men I have ever met, and yes, they just happen to be brothers.

“Will the rest of your life be the BEST of your life?” -Slider Gilmore

“If you wanna go the fastest, go alone. If you wanna go the farthest, go together.” -Chopper Gilmore