Knock the Rust Off

by Gary Klinker

The last weekend of April was the first Safe Rider BRC for the 2024 season. I left that class in the capable hands of Rider Coaches Les and Diana while I headed to Waukesha for the Region 1F Knock the Rust Off day. On Friday I met Buell Bob and Bob Tieberg at the huge church parking lot that is the site of the event. We planned to mark out some exercises for the Saturday event but since it started to rain about that time, we just made some plans for the next day.

Thanks to Bob T for providing me with a bed for the night. Saturday we were up early and off to the parking lot where we set up a circuit consisting of five challenging, but not intimidating exercises. The plan was to have a short explanation of the course and a walk through, so everyone understood the course. The whole thing worked as a continuous circuit that could be ridden over and over. After having everyone ride for a while, we stopped for another rider meeting where I pointed out techniques that would help improve riding. I also had some individual coaching with riders. This was followed by more revolutions of the course.

I want to thank Buell Bob and the members of 1F for giving people a chance to experience this informal training and a chance to brush up for the new season. The event was well attended, especially members of the Rock River HOG chapter and a State Trooper Motor officer who provided a lot of good information. I look forward to doing it again next year. Mark your calendar for the last Saturday in April.

By the time you read this we will have a month of classes done. August classes will probably be filled also. July 13 is the BRC2 for the ABATE Board of Directors. I’m looking forward to having them experience the training so they can help promote training to all members. I’m also looking forward to riding to Washington D.C. for the Bikers in the Beltway event as part of the Wisconsin delegation. If you remember, my last ride east in September for Meeting of the Minds resulted in a nail in the new back tire. I hope this new back tire comes home without any extra metal in it. Speaking of MOTM, it is in St. Louis in September. That is close enough for anyone in Wisconsin to ride down for. If you have never experienced the MOTM you will be so impressed and motivated that you won’t want to miss another one. Plan on making the trip and learning a lot.

In closing I want to stress the need for everyone reading this to get involved in the coming elections. We are in a battle for our very lifestyle. There are those who would ban our gasoline powered bikes, eliminate suitable gasoline, and keep us from working on the bikes. And that is just the start of the threat to our freedom. Learn who voted against us and vote them out. Find out who supports us and give them your support. Above all GET OUT AND VOTE! If you do not vote-you suck and don’t deserve to ride motorcycle.

Ride Safe,

Gary