Settling In For Winter and Planning for Spring

Executive Report by John Reblin

Well elections are finally over, hopefully, and the radio, talking heads, and the papers will let my ears heal from all the political talk. A lot of money was spent to get people elected to do us all right. Some of you got what you wanted, some did not. Remember in two or four years we get another chance for all this to happen again. But at ABATE of Wisconsin, we will work with anyone on either side of the aisle, that will work with us on maintaining our motorcycling freedoms. I hope you all keep this in mind when reaching out to your legislators.

The weather has been cooperating and I was able to get those outside jobs done along with some work in the garage and getting some miles on the bike. The year is coming to an end and plans are being made for next year for work, in my personal life, and with ABATE of Wisconsin.

Taking my bike out for probably the last time, I spent some time just looking it over and making that check list of things that need to get taken care of by the time that sun comes around to warm the air and pavement. This check was a little more in depth than the normal one you do when you go for that Sunday afternoon ride to enjoy the road and company letting the week wash away. It was starting the list of things that need to be done so I don’t have issues while riding in the future. So, I now have the list to give to my guy of the things I need to have looked at, tightened, repaired or replaced, so that when the spring comes the bike, besides checking the air and lights etc. from sitting over the winter is ready to go.

But that is only part of the equation for the next riding season. I want to make sure that I am ready to go also. I want to make sure that I am able to handle the “rigors” of the road, the wind, whatever the weather throws at me physically. Work on that leg strength along with the upper body and core so I can enjoy the ride without fear of not being able to get the bike up and rolling down the road. So, that will mean some strength work along with some cardio to make sure my body is up to the task.

I want to check out some new training to make me a better rider also. If possible, I would love to get in on that early training when Buell Bob sets up his Knock the Rust Off class in Waukesha with the Waukesha Sheriff’s Department. A couple of hours in the parking lot with some experienced eyes giving tips and pointing out corrections and getting those muscles and parts of the brain that you haven’t used for a couple months ready for spring. I am also intrigued enough to take the Ultimate Bike Bonding Class again to work on those tight corners and turns. But there is also a high- speed course that has been on my bucket list to take, so I need to check the training schedule and my schedule and see what fits.

So, what else is going on that I have to work around? Well, February 10-12^th is Officer Training and the planning that has been in the works is getting serious now. Guest speakers are being lined up including Elizabeth Van Holt from the American Petroleum Institute (API), along with the rumor that Rocky from the MRF will be braving the cold to attend again this year. So, it should be an educational and fun event. I hope to see all of the regional officers and those wanting to do more, there.

April 2-4^th we are looking at Lifesavers, a conference that looks at what the Federal Government is looking at to improve safety on the road. I have not gone in a few years and maybe this is the year to go back and see what the future of transportation is looking like now.

April 21-22 is Heartland STEAM in Bismarck North Dakota. A great conference that supports the MRF and gets the midwestern states a chance to gather and exchange ideas on strengthening our resolve on protecting the future of motorcycling. It is always a great conference and I look forward to going again to meet up with other leaders in the rights movement and share ideas.

Before I sign off, just a short story on a personal note. I started off in ABATE of Wisconsin by going to Washington County where I joined this organization. After attending some meetings, I brought a close friend into the fold along with his son who was probably 8 years old at the time and happened to be my Godson. Over the years life got in the way and we, my friend and I, stayed in contact but his moving to Iowa didn’t leave a lot of in person conversation. When we talked by phone, he always asked what was going on within this organization. He passed away several years ago, but I stayed in contact with my Godson Keith, exchanging phone calls and talking about different things.

Keith had his own struggles in life trying to find his way in a large city. He moved to Phoenix and dabbled in different things with work and with personal things. He tried to find his mate for life, but after a while, issues came up and separation then divorce happened. All this led to struggles with alcohol and depression. He moved back to Iowa to be closer to his family thinking that would help. One Saturday night he called me, but I was in bed sleeping. He had that habit of calling in the wee hours of the night. I tried calling back the next day but got his voice mail, which was not unusual. A bit later a phone call from his mother told me the news that Keith took his life. Fueled by alcohol and the depression he did not see any way out. I was crushed. I was not available to get that last call, but also knew that what happened was not my fault. Hopefully if anyone, and I know people are out there, is struggling with either alcohol issues and/or depression, seek out help. Make those calls and don’t think there is no way out. Keep trying until you make the right connection.

Ride Your Own Ride and Merry Christmas.

John