Hello All,

We want to start off by saying thank you to Dennis and Moe Anderson for all their faith, encouragement, and guidance during this transition.  A thank you goes out to Mike and Jane; you two have been so helpful and supportive.  Although there will probably be some bumps along the road, please bear with us and we’ll be sure to drive slowly and carefully.  We’re sure there will be fewer and fewer bumps as we learn all the duties of this new position.  With the great help and support of our members, we like to call our friends, I’m sure the road will be smooth.  We’re looking forward to working with everyone having fun, and furthering our knowledge of safe motorcycle riding.

Our members have been traveling north, south, east, and west this summer with lots of stories of their wonderful trips.  But, we all still have time to get together and ride here around home too.  The Thursday night rides from Action Power sports have become a huge success.  We’ve had as few as 3 bikes to 14 bikes!  Always a great time no matter how many join us.  We had a group ride to Volo, Illinois and Two Rivers in Wisconsin.  A group attended the Ride for Kids fundraiser, which was a great ride as always.  Merle, Jane, Patty, Terry, Ed, and Diane all did a wonderful job and represented our chapter well.

There are rides and dinners planned that are on the calendar.  Please be sure to check them out on our web page (www.gwrra-win.org).  Ed will be sending out e-mails as reminders.  If you’re a Facebook, friend please check out our brand new page we just started.  Search for GWRRA WI-N and you’ll get right to it.

Chili Fest is just around the corner on October 2.  We’ve started gearing up for the event.  As always, there will be door prizes, games, and 50/50 of course!  There may even be a few new things going on, so please come out to Fireman’s Park in Ixonia and join us.  It’s always a fun day to eat good food and to see good friends.
 

Safety Advice from our Educator Vicki Hansen:
Riding a motorcycle is a complex task – certainly more so than driving a car.  It takes all of your limbs and all of your attention.  That’s why it’s so important to be both physically and mentally prepared every time you ride.  All it takes are a few common sense tactics and strategies and it starts BEFORE you get on your bike.

HAVE A PLAN
This doesn’t mean you can’t wander, just avoid looking at a GPS or map while driving.

KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE
Familiarize yourself with a strange bike before riding and always do a pre-ride inspection.

STAY RESTED
Studies show that drowsiness is a serious risk factor contributing to motorcycle accidents.

STAY OFF THE PHONE
Just duh!

CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES
Excessive emotions, especially anger, can keep you from thinking clearly.  Road rage can be deadly.  Motorcycle against car, doesn’t matter who’s right, motorcycle will lose in a battle.  LET IT GO!!!

KEEP A CLEAR HEAD
It goes without saying that drinking and driving don’t mix, but remember that drugs, even the legal ones, can impair your thinking.

LISTEN TO YOUR FRIENDS
Finally, pay attention to people you trust when they bring your attention to a potential issue.  When a friend says you don’t seem quite yourself, take their word for it.

*Excerpts taken from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Guide to Motorcycling Excellence
 

We are in the process of updating all our Birthday and Anniversary lists, so for now, we want to wish a Big Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to all those that will be celebrating this month.

Have fun and be safe.

Frank and Sharon Jackson
Chapter N Directors