February 2022

by Gary Klinker

Things are moving fast already this year. This month February will be the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program Spring Kick-off followed by our Safe Rider training day and board meeting. As I sit to write this the day after ABATE Officer’s Training weekend, I just got notice from the Safe Rider office that our first class of the year has already filled up. Speaking of Officer’s Training, I want to thank the entire ABATE crew who set this up. It was a very good weekend of information and the new facility in Marshfield was great.

Before I go any farther, I want to recognize two of our retiring Rider Coaches. Sharon and Dean Hommel have been with us for many years. They have also taught in other Wisconsin programs. Before moving back to Wisconsin years ago, they taught in Nevada when they lived there. It has been a pleasure to work with them. They really added to Safe Rider. They have always taught the holiday weekends when most people wanted the three-day weekends off and have also been good friends going back many years as ABATE members. I wish them well and thank them for their many years of service to Safe Rider and motorcycle safety.

Our 2022 schedule is out there. With fewer Rider Coaches this year it is shortened from the past. This means that if you or someone you know needs a class, sign up early. We will also be running one three-wheel class. The information for that and registration is not set up yet but may be by the time you read this. Since we don’t have student bikes for this class, it will be a bring your own ride.

Going along with the problem of limited scheduling, we are trying to recruit new Rider Coach candidates. If you are of the younger persuasion, an avid motorcyclist, concerned with safety and saving lives, you are the person we are looking for. Getting certified requires some intense training and study to pass the course. It also requires an initial investment on your part that will be reimbursed after teaching your first two classes. Safe Rider’s coaches are independent contractors who are well paid and can realize tax benefits for gear and motorcycle maintenance. Many motorcycle related businesses also give discounts for Rider Coaches. If this appeals to you or someone you know, please have them contact me to discuss the benefits and details. My contact information is on the back of the Newsletter.

I am also the bus captain for the La Crosse to Madison Lobby Day bus. I urge everyone to plan on attending. This is a very important day for ABATE. Details are in this Newsletter.

I will leave you with a definition to think about and will re-visit it in the future. From the New World Dictionary of the American Language:

Suicide, 1. the act of killing oneself intentionally 2. ruin of one’s interests or prospects through one’s own actions, policies, etc.

Ride Safe,

Gary