February 2023

by Gary Klinker

Is it Spring yet? I’m working on a plan to make sure the groundhog stays out this year. We could build a tent over the den, so he does not see any shadow. We could also set a trap and drag him into a black bag then throw it into a snowbank until he gets so cold, he brings on Spring. We’ll see if it works.

Thanks to a lot of extra work by Damon on the web, Kelley in the office, and Larry Geist we are almost ready for the new season of Safe Rider. After some tweaks the schedule is done. We will have to wait for snow melt to get the range ready but after months at the computer, getting outside to do that will seem like a vacation. Once we get people to register for a class we will know if all the changes and payments work as planned. Keep your fingers crossed.

I guess after all the talk of changes I should explain in more detail. The BRC, 3WHBRC, and the BRC2 all will include an online eCourse and no classroom portion. With no classroom the students will arrive at the range on Saturday and Sunday for the riding portion of their class. We will be setting up some type of office area to do paperwork. This will cut travel miles and time for the students and instructors. The time spent on the eCourse keeps the overall class time the same. My main concern for the system is not getting to know the students and learn their names during classroom time but we will overcome that.

Once the students finish the online course the range exercises are only changed slightly. With the BRC we supply the bikes and helmets if needed. The BRC2 students operate their own bikes. Last year was our first 3WHBRC. Since we have no fleet of three-wheel bikes, students will ride their own trike or Spyder to class. All classes are eligible for the waiver of road test after successfully passing. Keep in mind the three-wheel M endorsement is restricted to operation of a three-wheel bike. For complete information check our section of the ABATE website.

Another reason that I’m looking forward to Spring is another bike moving into the shop. I used to have a 2003 Suzuki SV 650. It was a great bike and I have always regretted selling it. A friend has a 2004 for sale so I committed to buying it. I’ll wait for better weather to ride it home from the southern part of the state, but I’m getting pretty impatient to get it.

Until then get out and enjoy some winter activity. There are lots of ABATE events and meetings in your area. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of you at Officer’s Training. Try to make it to the Region 7D Chili Cook-off February 25 in Black River Falls.

Ride Safe,

Gary