STEAM, MoSAC, and Having Fun

Executive Report by John Reblin

The days are seemingly getting shorter or one day is getting dropped out of the week because it seems like the time is flying by. I was thinking about what is going on in the near future and I was shocked to see the Hummer is right around the corner and soon we will all be there seeing old friends, making new friends, and having a great time. But first, let’s take care of old business.

I attended STEAM, a Seminar to Educate and Motivate, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on April 12th and 13th. The first STEAM was held in 1990 in Minnesota and since the beginning, besides it being a conference where ideas are shared and explained, it is a fundraiser for the MRF. The host this year was ABATE of South Dakota. Jiggs, who stepped down as State Coordinator and was replaced by Brad Bruns, tagged teamed the event and were the perfect, attentive hosts. The facility was laid out well and there was plenty of room.

On Friday evening the attending States were able to give a quick discussion of what is going on in their State along with successes and failures. Nebraska was very excited to share that after many years of trying, they were able to overturn their helmet law. Nebraska is now a choice State. The States all shared concerns they are faced with, fuel choice, autonomous vehicles, along with the issues coming with right to repair and availability of aftermarket parts. Also brought up was profiling. As we see with Nebraska, we need to remain diligent with our fight against these and other issues. When talking to people in Wisconsin after a delay or failure, they get discouraged and feel the issue cannot be changed. If we remain committed to the fight in the end we will prevail.

Other topics discussed at this event that I found interesting and informative was Brian Bidleman and his journey in a motorcycle environment, being involved at a high level in the rights movement and his journey to be sober. I could relate to the journey in a couple of different ways personally, and it was reassuring to hear others succeeding at the same fights that I have faced. It is a difficult journey and harder to do alone without support. It is one of those topics not usually talked about, but it needs to be discussed.

I do a lot of reading when I have time, and usually have a of couple books going on different subjects both fiction and nonfiction. If something catches my eye, I will take a chance and start reading it. One of the books that I have is “Going the Distance, Preparing for Your Next Big Adventure,” written by Wendy Crocket and Ian McPhee. This book is a diary of sorts of their attempt and success at a world record in the Guiness book for the longest continuous ride in a country by a team. I was excited to see Wendy was giving a presentation of the issues faced when planning for something like this and to hear in her own voice how she and Ian were able to overcome the obstacles and succeed to become record holders. And yes, I was able to get my book signed, thank you.

Steve and I did a presentation on how we plan and execute our Lobby Day and make lasting relationships in our lobby day efforts. I think it was surprising to other states the effort we put in and monies spent on things like buses and planning to be successful in our lobby efforts. Hopefully, we gave ideas to share within their organization and I think we learned some things we can use here.

I also took in a presentation where Rick Kiley and Brian Christiansen take a look and gave thoughts and ideas about what they are seeing with motorcycle crashes and making sure both the riders and the bike are ready and prepared to take on the road. It was an all-around exploration from digging the bike out in the spring to hitting the road similar to some of the discussions we have here in Wisconsin. It is good to hear other states doing the same dive into numbers and causes and look for ways to reduce the crashes.

I was able to take part in Waukesha Region’s 1F “Knock the Rust Off” event. The trip down on the cloudy Saturday morning was the first time I had my bike out and I was happy to be heading to this event to retrain my muscle memory and check my riding skills. Gary Klinker came down to help out, share tips, and to give us expert opinions of what we could do to improve those skills. It was an educational and helpful morning that already is being planned for next year.

Talking with a couple of Regional Reps, we brought up lagging membership or lack of participation in things and I started thinking about brotherhood. I brought this up to the regional reps about having some events not just to raise funds, but to have fun and build those friendships that will last a lifetime. The kind of friendship that forms so when you get that call for help at 2 in the morning or 1 in the afternoon, you are on your way, no questions asked.

Yes, we still need to fundraise, but why can’t people get together for a poker night for fun, or trap shooting, or to shoot pool. Just people getting together for fun, talking, and taking the mind off of the problems of the world. Building these relationships on the local level (my thoughts here) can make us stronger and able to get things done.

One place we can all have fun is the Summer Hummer at our land June 20-22nd. The committees have been planning and working hard for the last year and are anxious to show you all a great time. Get up to your land and see the pavilion that was built with donations from all of you. I am looking forward to seeing you there and having fun conversations, along with listening to you about suggestions and changes.

Don’t forget the Wisconsin Motorcycle Training Summit at WCTC in Waukesha June 8-9. If you have any interest in a training course or if you want to try an exercise, this may be the place to go and become better riders. The price is good and includes lunch. Come for one day or two. For more information go to www.mosac.us.

Ride Your Own Ride,

 John