Jr. Patriot Report

by John Stumpner

Many people today, including almost all Junior Patriots, have never known a time without personal computers everywhere. Computers have made many tasks easier and have opened up many new forms of communication.

Social media programs like Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram allow us to instantly communicate with our friends and follow the activities of our favorite celebrities.

Bikers are no exception with the use of social media. Many bikers like to post pictures and video of their various rides and trips to share with their friends. This allows those who may not be able to make a particular road trip to experience the thrill of the ride. Many motorcycle racers and stunt riders make extensive use of social media. This allows them to not only give us a feel for what they are doing, but also increases awareness of who they are and what they are doing so they can continue to get support from various sponsors.

One of the many motorcycle racers to post on Instagram is Grayson Townsend. Grayson, now 12 years old, has been competing in and winning motocross races on a national level since he was 6. He and his older brother, Gunnar, are sometimes even asked to test new motocross bikes for various biker publications and on-line magazines.

Another motocross racer posting to Instagram is Ashley Fiolek. At 24 years old, Ashley has actually retired from racing after winning 4 Women’s Motocross championships. She now spends her time doing motorcycle tricks and stunts, and posts pictures of the more spectacular, big air stunts. She also has a foundation which donates money to women and youth groups in need.

One motorcycle racer supported by ABATE of Wisconsin is Eric Schuelke, better known as Sideways Shakes. “Shakes” is a flat track racer, who races a Harley Davidson Sportster in the Hooligan class (hooligan = ruffian or hoodlum). The Hooligan class is for racing motorcycles that were not designed or originally built for racing. There are several people named Eric Schuelke living in the Midwest, so you would want to look up the Facebook page for Sideways Shakes. “Shakes” also has his own web page (https://www.sidewaysshakes.com/) and occasionally contributes to the ABATE newsletter.

We may not always have the time and money to travel or be motorcycle racers or stunt riders. But we can still enjoy these things through the use of social media. ABATE of Wisconsin continues to make sure we always have the freedom and ability to enjoy these activities.

John