Jr. Patriot Report

by John Stumpner

One might assume that bikers go into hibernation during the winter months. Motorcycling is usually considered a warm weather activity. Ice and snow can make the roads difficult to travel and some bikers do resemble bears in appearance. However, most bikers are just as active during the winter as any other time of the year. Most bikers also love the Christmas Season just as much as anyone.

Bikers are often quite generous with sharing their time and money with those in need. Bikers all like to get together to have fun. Often times these fun gatherings are for the purpose of raising money for some charity or another. Christmas time gives bikers a very good reason to be generous. One of the many charity events bikers do late in the fall are “Toy Runs.” At toy runs, bikers get together for a day of riding and the “cost” for the event is a toy. These toys are collected and given to some charitable organization, which will make sure that less fortunate children get a Christmas present on Christmas Morning.

One of the more popular Christmas images is that of the jolly man in the red suit, Santa Claus. Exchange the fur trimmed red suit for black leathers, and Santa Claus becomes a stereotypical biker. So, it’s only natural that we would put Santa on a motorcycle. If you like motorcycling, any number of biker themed gifts, cards and other stuff is available at Christmas. It almost seems as though our holiday celebrations were planned by bikers.

The coming of winter doesn’t necessarily have to mean the end of riding in Wisconsin. Although the challenges of riding in the winter are greater, on days with favorable weather, one can still go out riding. Sand and salt can ruin chrome and fancy paint, and icy conditions must be avoided when riding. With the right bike and careful riding, bikers can still get out in the winter months, even if just riding to the drug store for some cold medicine. A popular event at many winter carnivals and events in the Upper Midwest is ice racing on motorcycles. The racers ride dirt bikes fitted with special studded tires and race around a course laid out on a frozen lake. Perhaps some of you may have watched one of these crazy races.

Although they don’t ride as much as the rest of the year, bikers are still out and active during the winter months. ABATE of Wisconsin is no different. ABATE members are still out and about, whether it be riding, going to holiday or winter parties, or working to defend the freedom of the road. To all the Junior Patriots, friends and sponsors, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

John