Executive Report

by John Reblin

Yes, summer has arrived in full strength! After the cold and wet spring who knew it would turn out to be hot and dry. Enjoy the weather out on two wheels because in a few months we will be wishing for the warmth while shoveling the sidewalk.

I am trying to find some time and deals on material to make a shop out in my garage for the colder weather. Nothing too large but I want something that I can have a heater in to get the temps up a bit so I can work on some of those projects that don’t get finished during the warmer weather. I don’t know about you, but I can always find something like going for a bike ride on a Saturday or Sunday and push off some of those home projects for another day.

Things like the projects I mention or getting things done like writing an article, sometimes need a little motivation to make them happen. Sometimes just one thing can spark an idea. That eureka moment that makes all the pieces fall into place. Sometimes you just need to look elsewhere or be doing something unrelated and that light bulb over your head turns on with the thoughts you have been searching for.

Being frustrated or angry isn’t that great motivator. Working on a project, whether at home or at work, and getting frustrated that it isn’t going as planned or something unexpected pops up, doesn’t make it any easier. I have found over the years that walking away, taking a break, or just putting it off for the rest of the day to come back at it later shows you the solution that you have been looking for and you can move forward from there.

Same with having someone yell, holler, or bi@#$ because it wasn’t done right or to the extent that they wanted. I have learned, over time, to let it roll off my back. Mistakes happen. Look for where the communication broke down, how to improve on the situation to correct it, and move forward from there. It can save friendships, build good relations with others, and sure, builds some character. Getting into an exchange of angry words from frustration just wastes time, move on, correct the issue, and go to the next thing.

All of us involved in the “Hummer” this year called for nice weather and we were not disappointed. It was perfect weather for a great party. Everyone I talked to had a great time, with lots of fun, great music, hijinks, and games. Hopefully, you were there and if you weren’t – why not? Why wouldn’t you stop by even for a day to support an organization you belong to, and show some love to a fundraising event being held on your land?

The committee that puts this event on spend hours planning and coordinating what is going to happen at what time and what day. Looking for and picking bands takes a lot of time, unless you are just picking a band that only you enjoy. But you need to consider everyone when making the choices of games, vendors, and of course music. Take some time to come up to a committee meeting for the Hummer and give your suggestions. Can’t make a meeting? Call, mail, or email Worm or Betty Roberge and offer some suggestions. Give your reasons why you think it may help and thank them for taking time to listen. The contact information is listed in the newsletter, and we are always looking for help and ideas to improve this event. The committee is starting to plan next year’s event, and if you want to see something or offer suggestions for changes, now is the time to get involved. Many of the things needed to get booked or found will be done before fall so that they are locked in for next year.

I do have another project that I am working on with a few others. Putting together a presentation at the Governor’s Conference on Highway Safety about working with stakeholders to find ways we can work together to lower crashes. Things like working with communities to make street signs more visible or working with the Tavern League to promote a safer alternative and better tasting drink choices. Many times, small things are simple and easy to think of, you just need to find a “partner” to help you out.

So how are we doing so far this year with motorcycle fatalities and crashes? We are down 40 percent from last year at this same time, so that is the positive from all the work we have been doing by raising awareness and promoting Ride Your Own Ride. But with the warm weather that number could change pretty quickly. To all of you that have been helping spread the word, thank you! We need to do more. Roughly half of our motorcycle fatalities are single vehicle crashes. What does that mean? The only vehicle involved was the motorcycle. No vehicle entering the lane of traffic or animal being struck. Just the motorcyclist not being able to operate their bike safely. Add in the crashes caused by the motorcyclist crossing the centerline or not having control of their bike and hitting another vehicle and the numbers grow more. We need to make sure we keep the message going about Ride your own Ride.

Next up is the State Meeting in Shawano October 7-9th. Pauline Forrest is stepping up to get this meeting up and running, thank you! I know she has a great ride planned and I am sure the region has some other things in the works to keep us occupied. It is also the time the results of the elections for the at large Board members and State Officers will be decided. Please vote, please make plans to attend, and please consider helping your organization to become stronger and better with your support. Look for information in the newsletter and hopefully I will see you there.

Remember, Ride Your Own Ride!

John