Winding Down

by Gary Klinker

This is a little different. Usually, I have my column written well ahead of time, but now I’m

facing deadline day. Classes are filled to the end of the season, so I guess it is time to start on

next season. Our two new coaches are doing a great job and we have another person ready to join

us next year. I want to thank all of our coaches and Kelley, who runs the office, as well as all the

students this year. With the new curriculum things went fine once we got used to it.

I have to admit, in the last few weeks I have spent more time in the woods than on the bike. Even

as dry as it has been there is a banner crop of blackberries, so I have been picking, freezing, and

making jam. Next weekend it is going to be a ride to Duluth for the Aerostitch 40th Anniversary

Very Boring Rally. After that, I need to mount a set of tires for the ride to Harrisburg for the

Meeting of the Minds.

Shawn and I are looking forward to the ride and seeing many long-time friends. (I don’t like to

say old friends.) The pre-meeting information sounds like it will be one of the best Meetings to

date. They are usually better each year, and well worth the trip.

This past week was Sturgis. Once again, this year our great friend, Gary Sellers, from Ohio

stopped for the night on his way out. After spending the week with Dave Dwyer, Hardtail, and

other friends, he stayed for two nights on his way home. We got to spend a lot of time together

and I also took him to the range yesterday and gave him the grand tour of the Safe Rider

facilities. With a BRC on the range we had time to watch the students and coaches at work.

Unfortunately, this morning he headed home in pouring rain. With his years of riding time and

miles he can handle it. We look forward to seeing him again in Harrisburg.

Another friend, John, made his very first Sturgis trip this year and we now have to get together to

hear his stories. We have not been to the rally for many years, despite going to the Black Hills

every year to ride. I have been thinking lately that maybe it is time to see it again. Next year will

be the 40th anniversary of my first trip to the rally so maybe we will experience it again.

Enjoy the fall riding season but watch out for the deer. It is that time again. Take a kid hunting

and do your part to keep the roads safe for bikers. I will be.

Ride Safe,

Gary