Open for Business

by Gary Klinker

I’m writing this closer to deadline than I normally do. I wanted to wait until after our first weekend of classes. Yes, I said our first weekend of classes. We had cancelled the first scheduled class in May to see what would happen with the governor’s orders. After it was extended to the end of May it was decided to go ahead and start the season. We were able to use precautions and gave students the option to cancel if they were nervous. The vast majority chose to attend. The May 8-10 weekend saw three classes completed. The BRC and BRC2 License Waiver classes have gotten a new group of first-time riders and six experienced riders all endorsed and legal. The BRC2 Skills Practice class gave a group of experienced riders and one passenger a good tune-up for Spring and some new skills. The weather Saturday was cool but sunny. Sunday gave us all a challenge. Temperatures started out at 37 and did not go above 44. We had rain, snow, and sleet pellets at various times during the day. Despite all of that, the scores for the evaluations were very impressive. I’m proud of our Rider Coaches who are all ready to work and the students who are ready to be trained. Since some Tech Schools have cancelled their entire season of training, we may have a busy year.

The two new bikes we purchased this year performed well and worked very well for the students-and Rider Coach Diana. She really likes the new Rebel for riding demos. The classroom and range are in good shape for the season. Since Fort McCoy is mostly shut down, we are having to haul bottled water instead of filling water jugs at the gym in the morning. The food court is also closed on weekends, so we are pushing students to bring a lunch. These are minor obstacles so the season should run smoothly.

With all the bars and restaurants closed, and most community events cancelled, it leaves a lot of free time for riding. Hopefully, everyone will get a lot more miles of riding in the coming months than they normally get. Be careful out there and enjoy the extra riding opportunity.

Ride Safe,

Gary