March 2023

by Gary Klinker

Safe Rider is up and running for 2023. As I have reported previously, we had a lot of changes for this year. In the first three weeks of registrations being open, we have four classes filled already. The one glitch is getting people to pay. They have to read the confirmation email and click the pay link. If they don’t read the email, they will lose their registration if they don’t pay. If you or someone you know registers for a class warn them. This is a problem that the MSF has caused, and they say they are in the process of fixing it-maybe in six to eight weeks!

I just returned from ABATE Officer Training weekend. I got to talk to a lot of officers about Safe Rider and answered a lot of good questions. It was the start of distribution for the new brochures we just had printed. It was a very good weekend. Thanks to all who had any part in putting it on and helping make it a success.

I recently read a very good article in the BMW Owners magazine. Without plagiarizing like a certain politician, we all know, I’d like to relay some of the author’s points. It was written by a lady who is a pilot and takes part in world-class off-road competition, as well as a lot street riding. Her big question, are you experienced or proficient? There are many experienced riders out there. Some with five, ten or fifty years under their tires. How many of those are proficient? Do they (you) practice skills in a safe open area? Do you work on maximum braking stops? Have you ever taken advanced courses, especially beyond the BRC2? How about last second swerving to avoid obstacles? If you answered no to any of these questions you are maybe experienced, but certainly not proficient. She compared riding to flying and having to certify to maintain her pilot license. Practice, repetition, and serious practice on specific skills will make for a proficient rider. Many of her points are also things I have said about shooting training. Riding, flying, and shooting are all perishable skills. Keep practicing and training to prevent the loss of your skills. Your life depends on it. Get out there soon and knock the rust off and practice.

I hope to see all of you in Madison for Lobby Day March 21. Catch our bus in La Crosse, Tomah, or Lyndon Station. Check the listings for a bus in your area. We must make sure there will be fuel for our bikes and any other small engines in the future. We also have to make sure autonomous vehicles recognize motorcycles in traffic before they are allowed on our streets and roads. The only way to do this is to speak up now!

Ride Safe,

Gary