Just Another Manic Monday…

Executive Report by John Reblin

Yesterday was the Board of Director’s meeting and it tends to go a little longer in November because we start to talk about the budget. Laurie does a great job gathering the budgets from the committee chairs, with a little stick poking and help from me, and then she tries to give a realistic view of what our expenses and income is going to look like next year. It is a guideline for us to follow and adjust as we see increases and decreases in income and expenses. We will vote on the final numbers next month. If this is something you are interested in, the numbers and financial health of the organization, talk to Laurie. We are looking for a finance chair or we can always use another set of eyes on the numbers.

Well, it almost looked like summer was in the rear-view mirror with snow on the ground and everyone saying the sky is falling with the roads being slick. Hey, this is Wisconsin remember? And here it is a few days later and it is in the 60’s and the sun is shining. I am sure the cold and snow are going to arrive in full force, but let’s not get too nervous yet.

Motorcycle fatalities are up between 25 and 30 percent over last year and with this warmer weather again I can see it going up a little bit more. But that could change if those that are out on the road are slowing down and riding within their skill level, or the opposite if riders throw caution to the wind. I along with others are watching what is going on, so we can determine what we can do to try to get the word out again next year to everyone that rides.

Rider education is something we should all look into and take an advanced rider course in the spring of 2024. Start planning now because courses will fill up fast. A little nervous about taking a course? I saw this article in another newsletter I get. Yeah, it is about running races, but it reminded me why some people just don’t want to sign up for that BRC2 course or Ultimate Bike Bonding course that is offered.

“This is crazy… I don’t belong here!” “All of these people are so much more experienced than I am… UGH!!” Sometimes when we show up to an event, race, or even a group run, our first thought is that we aren’t ready for this and everyone else around is a better runner than us. That group is faster, that person has done bigger events, or (worst of all) they’ve qualified for Boston. We will hide in the back or not bring attention to ourselves and cover our face so no-one can recognize us later. Imposter syndrome happens to all of us at some point, and then we get going and find out we are right in the thick of it. We may not be leading the pack that day, but we are holding our own. Then when the run is over, we feel great! What a great run, the weather was great, the people were wonderful. Let’s do it again!!! There is no physical difference between being nervous or being excited. The only difference is the unknown. Once the “unknown” becomes “known”, we can get excited about the very thing we were nervous about earlier.

So next time you are trying a new event or meeting a new group, be confident that you belong. Remember that afterward you will be just as excited as you were nervous! Enjoy what you are doing and who you are with, and welcome that new person who is feeling just as nervous about the unknown.”

From “The Unknown” The Run Ozaukee Newsletter.

I felt the same way when I took the UBBC course at WCTC. I was not sure if I belonged, if I had the right skills to attempt the exercises without putting the bike over on its crash bars. I did hit a few cones, but the bike stayed upright. So that is the positive. After a few hours I started to feel more confident and willing to try the next course came a bit easier. All of us that took the class were all on the same level when it came to this class, and by the end of the course, 2 evenings about 4 hours a night, I was exhausted from riding around the cones. But it was well worth the time, effort and possible embarrassment to take this course. It is on my list of things to do again next year.

Hopefully, you all get outside of your comfort zone and consider taking a course. The instructors work hard at making you a better rider and it will improve your riding skills. Start planning now so you can get in there early in the riding season and maybe ask that friend of yours that has not been to a course yet to join you.

Planning is well underway for Officer Training in February at the Marshfield Hotel and Conference center. We are changing it up a bit, so I hope you will be there and will get some solid information out of it. We will be spending more time on Legislative topics, so when we get to Lobby Day things will go smoothly, and all of our Grass Roots Lobbyists will be ready to share the information with their legislators.

We are also focusing on marketing and using this tool to get membership to grow larger and get more involvement from the regions. Our people in the field sometimes need that little bit of help on how to promote the organization and events, to bring people to them, how to properly explain what we are all about, and to make the ask. Ask them to be members and join us to protect our right to be on the road, to have a safe and legal fuel, and to show we are responsible.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Spend it with family and friends and enjoy the festivities.

Ride Your Own Ride,

John