Welcome to Spring in Wisconsin

Executive Report by John Reblin

Some days we are getting the sun and warmth and we think yes, spring has arrived. We see the grass turning green and the flowers are poking out ready to splash some color into our lives. You start thinking you are wondering if you made the right choice for participating in “no mow may.”  And then the sun goes behind the clouds, we get the cold wind from the north along with drizzle and snowflakes. Welcome to spring in Wisconsin.

We got through the Month of May and the time that we spend raising awareness that motorcycles are back on the road. I would like to thank Governor Evers for his Proclamation that May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. This is the second year that we were able to connect with him and were able to have him issue this.

Regions are getting together holding Awareness Rallies that remind drivers that motorcycles are back on the road and to look, look, and look again for us, as we are back out riding on the roads. We have put up our billboards around the state and we are talking with Sue Vertz and others about our Share The Road program and getting back into the classroom, so young people learning how to operate safely on the road learn how to watch for motorcycles.

Gary shared with me that at SafeRider the classes are rapidly filling up throughout the summer with people wanting to learn to ride the right way, both at the beginner level and the more experienced rider level. Call now if you are looking to get registered for a class!

So, it looks like we are all doing our part. The riding public needs to do their part to reduce motorcycle crashes. Our fatality numbers are right up there with the 2021 numbers and that is not good. Looking at the crashes we have had, a high number appears to be from riders making a poor decision on the ride.  This is where we need to start promoting Ride Your Own Ride.  When out on the road this summer remind others you are riding with or in discussion with to not ride under the influence, to ride within their skill level, and to make sure they can legally be able to operate their motorcycle on the road. We all need to work together to reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities.

On the fun side of summer, we have a kick butt summer party coming up, our own Summer Hummer at our land and under our new pavilion. It is the first year of the band pavilion that we all worked hard at raising funds for and donating money to make it a reality. This pavilion will be a nice addition to the land, and we won’t have to worry about getting a tent in the future for event or worry about it blowing over with higher winds. It shows we are making a commitment both to the land and to the “Hummer” for improving both.

The Land Committee has worked hard the last month or two getting everything looking great for the “Hummer.” The buildings will be spiffed up, the grass cut and everything will be functioning as it should.

Starting right after the event last year, the Summer Hummer Committee has been planning and thinking about how to make this year better than the last, if that is possible.  There has been much discussion on the bands, when to have them play, and the style of music we all want.  The vendor committee has been working hard to make sure we have solid food choices throughout the day and to be sure that the other things we look for at an event like this, coffee, clothing, and other trinkets are available.

These people have worked hard since the close of the last Hummer to make sure we all have a great time. One thing our membership can do is support this event. Stop up for the day or the weekend.  Give some input and tell us what you like and what you don’t like. Give us a hand as the event unfolds. Sell some raffle tickets or empty the trash once. Stop out at the gate and help for a couple hours to give the other volunteers a break so they can catch some lunch. Help Betsy out with some games. Or enter the bike games. I personally think if this is your first time, your virgin time here at your land, you will have a blast and you will come back next year. We are always looking for help in planning this event.

I was planning to go to STEAM being held in North Dakota this past month. It was an event that I was looking forward to, meeting with other SMROs from the Midwest, meeting and sharing ideas of what works or what they are working on in their state. But unfortunately, other things got in the way. My mother, a freedom lover in her own way, passed away.  My mother met and married my dad at a young age and when my dad passed away my mom craved that freedom and being responsible of her own life. She loved playing cards and the social life at her senior apartment and when Covid hit, hated being locked in unable to continue to do this. She was always asking when we can get together and play games and talk to each other. When the restrictions were lifted her body had a hard time doing what she wanted, but she tried up to the end to somehow stay independent. Unfortunately, her body and mind wouldn’t cooperate.  I was able to give a eulogy at the church for her along with my sister, mine was lighthearted, making people laugh as I remembered her baking skills along with her not as good cooking skills. But all her life she was there to help, whether as a friend, a neighbor, or a relative and  giving back to the church or other organizations. My parents made sure we were raised right and worked hard. Goodbye for now, Ma.

Ride Your Own Ride,

John