Safety Report

By Gary Klinker

What is going on with the Wisconsin weather? At the end of April we left for Talladega Alabama to attend the NASCAR race. It still looked like winter here, but was great to see green grass, leaves and warm temperatures down there. Now after only a week back we have green grass, trees turning green and suddenly above average summer temps-and a lot of rain. I must have missed spring in the week we were gone.

One thing I’m really glad of is that we managed to complete the first BRC class. With two snow storms in the week before class that totaled sixteen inches, it was doubtful. The good thing is that the State Patrol had training the day before the class so they plowed the range and warm sunny weather showed up to dry it off. As of now we have three successful BRCs done. Unfortunately we have already had to cancel a BRC2 for lack of students. (Hint: that is the class you ABATE members can take for free.)

As promised, but delayed by the snowy April, I have some miles on the new Russell seat and it is great. For anyone who rides a lot, and wants maximum comfort you can’t beat them. They are made for any bike, using your own seat pan. They are expensive, but if you don’t plan to trade bikes very often they are worth it. You can find them at: www.day-long.com.

Recent events have given me the idea to write about an item of safety gear that many don’t even think about. Even in our classes they only get passing mention. Although everyone can afford it and can always carry it with you, how many of you use hearing protection when you ride? Ear plugs can be in your pocket at all times. They help overcome noise fatigue. Ask any long distance endurance rider. They really help. Yes, you will still be able to hear what you need to be safe, but you will be less tired and more alert at the end of a ride. The other benefit is preserving your hearing. Loud pipes-yours or the other guys-and wind noise can cause permanent hearing damage. Actually, all hearing damage is permanent. Unlike bones and skin our hearing does not heal after being damaged. We have all heard about taking care of our hearing for years, but do we pay attention?

I have worn hearing protection for shooting from the time I was about 18. That’s when I got bigger guns than a .22 and maybe started to get smarter. I have worn ear plugs to ride since 1999. Even that has not prevented me from recently being the reluctant owner of brand new hearing aids. I suppose the years of tractors, big trucks, forklifts, and snow plows has not helped the situation. Although not deaf, a hearing test showed that I had lost a lot of hearing in the higher pitch levels. Things like high notes in music, bird songs, and especially female voices. Yes, husbands we know part of that is selective hearing, but stay with me. In February when I attended the DOT Spring Kick-off and the MOSAC meeting that evening I really noticed I had trouble hearing people in the room speaking, especially the women. I have also had trouble hearing student answers in BRC class, but I figured that was just them being shy or scared to answer questions.

The whole point of this is to get you to think about protecting your hearing for your safety on the road and to preserve your hearing for a better lifestyle. It is also in your financial interest to protect your ears. As I have found, hearing aids are really expensive. If you have some insurance coverage it helps, but don’t wait and think Medicare will help you later. It does not cover them.

Now is the time to start saving. Saving your hearing-or what is left-or saving your money to buy artificial hearing later. Many of you still have a choice. In the meantime practice your skills and enjoy our summer. Ride safe, Gary