Spring 2023

by Gary Klinker

As I sit here to write, we have three inches of new snow overnight. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there is a robin sitting in a tree out the front window. It can’t be too far until Spring.

 The Safe Rider schedule also shows that it can’t be far away. The classes are all filled until the end of June. The July classes will have our new Rider Coaches added to the schedule when they pass their certification classes. I think the demand we are seeing is a good sign for motorcycling in general and for ABATE, with many new riders joining the motorcycling life and hopefully wanting to fight for their rights along with us. 

 With the bulk of the setup for a new season done, all that is left is getting bikes and the range ready when the snow melts. In March several of us attended a DOT Motorcycle Safety Program training workshop in Eau Claire to prepare for the coming season and new curriculum. This time of year, it is always good to review and brush up for classes. Just like everyone should brush up for the new riding season. 

 Get those bikes ready and get out as soon as possible to get some practice before any longer rides arrive. Maintenance now saves a lot of time later. A BRC2 class is always a great way to learn new skills. 

 Closer to home, I’d like to thank everyone who worked and attended the 7D Chili Cook-off. It was a big success and a lot of fun. There are more scheduled around the state. Get out and support ABATE. I also hope that I saw a lot of you at Lobby Day. Keeping our internal combustion engines and having gas to feed them will be a huge fight. If you are not involved now, you must not be too committed to motorcycling.

Ride Safe, 

Gary