Big Announcements and a Special Request

by Gary Klinker

I sure don’t have to work very hard this month for something to write about. First, I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make the 7D chili cook-off a success, and all those who attended. It was a great event and a lot of fun. I think 7D is back in gear. Good job Rich and Leesha.

I have a special request for all members everywhere in the state-and all of your friends and relatives. I know that many people order things from Amazon. There is a program called Amazon Smile that I’m asking everyone to use when you buy from them. You can go to the Smile section and designate a charitable organization to receive a portion of your purchases at Amazon. Please designate ABATE of Wisconsin Safe Rider Inc. There is no cost to you and we will get regular donations to Safe Rider. More about this later.

Another way to support Safe Rider is through a program called HuTerra Rewards This is a phone app from an organization based in DePere. They donate to charitable organizations through merchants around the state. The way it works is by downloading the HuTerra Rewards Raise Up app to your phone or device. After setting up a simple account and designating ABATE of Wisconsin Safe Rider Inc. the app will give you a long list of participating businesses in your area (yes it needs your location permission). From there, all you do is your regular shopping, groceries, gas, or fast food. It also includes a huge number of on-line shopping-even hotels. Once you have made your purchases you submit it to HuTerra by putting in the total of your purchase and sending them a photo of your receipt. Both of these could mean a lot of extra funding for our organization. And now the first big announcement as to why we need the funding.

Safe Rider is working on a multi-stage plan to purchase land and build our own rider education and multi-purpose facility. Starting with buying a plot of land in a good location in the west central area of the state that is our service area, we would then work to prepare the site and get blacktop for two ranges. After this stage we would add storage buildings for bikes and a classroom/office building. After presenting the plan to the Safe Rider board of directors, we were authorized to continue exploring the possibilities and work on funding ideas. That is where all of the ABATE members come in. The two methods outlined above will be a good start. Please take advantage of them and spread the word at your meetings and through your friends. All donations will help.

The second announcement is the addition of two Can-am Spyder basic three-wheel classes to our schedule. The classes are set for June 22-23 and July 27-28. These classes are in conjunction with Jason Herheim and Riding Solutions LLC. Registration is handled through the following link:

https://can-am.brp.com/on-road/learntoride/registration.html

Go to this site and put in Wisconsin and Ft. McCoy to get to registration. The cost of the class is $99. Bikes are provided for the class, you don’t have to own one. This is an official MSF Three Wheel basic rider course and as such qualifies for the waiver of road test for a motorcycle endorsement. It is however a three-wheel restricted endorsement. For people wanting to ride three wheelers that should not be an issue. You may remember that I took this same class last fall and was very impressed with the machines and the class. If you need more information about these two classes call Jason at 608-709-9601 and check out his website. We are happy to offer these classes to people in this area and are anxious to determine the amount of demand there may be around here.

By next month I can give you a report on the Lifesavers Conference that John Reblin and I will be attending in Louisville Kentucky. Hopefully the snow will be melting, and we can talk about riding again.

Ride Safe,

Gary