Here Comes the Sun

Executive Report by John Reblin

Well, well, well, it looks like spring like weather is roaring in. Because I don’t have enough to do, I like to tap a few maple trees in the yard to boil down into syrup. Nothing is more fun than the propane burner boiling a large kettle of sap down into syrup while doing other projects in the garage. And hopefully, you don’t get too involved in that other project to have the sap boil over and extinguish the propane burner. Yeah, that happened this year, but it was not too bad of a mess. The funky weather has curtailed the amount of syrup I was able to make this year, but I have enough for the year.

The warmer weather and the rain that we received washing the roads somewhat, has gotten the bikes out. As I am out in the garage with the doors open to let out the steam from boiling off the sap, I hear the classic cars and bikes coming off the roundabout and accelerating down the straight-away. Of course, when I hear the v-twins throaty exhaust bouncing off the road and buildings in the area coming up the road, I take a look to see if it is someone slowing down to stop in and swap stories of what they are doing and seeing.

Unfortunately, we are already looking at some motorcycle fatalities this early March Day. Let me start by saying that every life is valuable and that the loss by parents, spouse, children and friends is sometimes unbearable. Any loss, whether by whatever means is a waste of a good life. We are doing some follow up on these crashes and for sure we do not have all the details, but both appear to be younger riders making poor choices. We need to work on connecting with riders and urge them to make better decisions when they swing their leg over the seat of whatever type or style motorcycle they are riding. The riding season is young and WE at ABATE of Wisconsin will be promoting riding within your skill level, following the rules of the road, and making better choices.

So, why start bringing up a couple of early motorcycle crashes and fatalities? Because if you are getting ours and the MRF alerts you will know that Illinois is looking at changing from being a choice state to a mandatory helmet state. I took this from the MRF alert, a new bill, HB5620, would require all motorcyclists riding in the state to wear helmets. Illinois is one of thirty-three (33) states that allow some level of choice in the use of motorcycle helmets. In fact, Illinois, along with Iowa and New Hampshire, is one of only three (3) states that do not have a law regarding the use of motorcycle helmets. While states like Missouri and Nebraska have moved to allow more options for riders, this proposed plan in Illinois would be a step backward for those who believe in freedom of choice.

Connecticut is also looking at a possible helmet bill. From the MRF alert this legislation covers several topics, with language regarding wetlands, building permits, and bicycles. However, section 19(b) on page 22 of the 29-page bill introduces the topic of helmets. This section seems aimed toward new riders, following section 19(a), which requires helmets for riders under the age of eighteen (18). Section 19(b) would require wearing a helmet for the first three (3) years after receiving a motorcycle endorsement on their license. The wording is such that it would require an experienced rider moving to Connecticut to wear a helmet for the next three (3) years.

As we roll through ABATE of Wisconsin’s 50th Anniversary, we started this organization to help other groups like Wisconsin Better Bikers Association and the motorcycle clubs to turn Wisconsin into a choice state. ABATE of Wisconsin must remain vigilant and keep our eyes and ears open to this type of discussion. We also need to be able to be ready to push back on the discussion and one way is to keep alive the discussion of reducing motorcycle crashes and fatalities. Key to avoiding all this is lowering motorcycle crashes and fatalities, especially the single bike crashes.

So, what is ahead for me and ABATE of Wisconsin? Well, making sure I hit some events and regional meetings. STEAM is the middle of April in Sioux Falls South Dakota. Jiggs and his crew do a great job setting up this event and I was not able to make it last year due to my ma passing on. So, it will be great to make this event and on a positive note, I get to do a presentation with Steve Panten on effective lobbying.

Hopefully, you have the Hummer on your event calendar! Worm, Twit, Betty and many others have been working hard to make this another great weekend event! Get your tickets, figure out your sleeping arrangements, and support this fun event.

One last thing this month. Thank You to Mike Mueller for stepping up and taking over products! He has been a force in Milwaukee County Region 1A selling products for years and he decided to step up with some help, that I think he “volentold” and has hit the ground running.

Watch for information on the upcoming elections in the newsletter and consider stepping up and helping this organization out with your skills. If interested in anything on the Board from top to bottom or even at the regional level put your name in the hat. New blood and competition make for a stronger organization.

I think that is it for this month. Enjoy getting out and enjoy the spring.

Ride Your Own Ride,

John