ABATE of Michigan President ~ Gary Kopta

Hello everyone, If you missed the field meet, you missed a great time. Merry and her crew did an outstanding job (thanks Merry). From the bike games (Thanks Shiny Bob) to the food, to the dunk tank. Everyone looked like they were having fun. As you may expect I was pretty waterlogged after my stint in the tank. 

There were also certain things hanging out that people shouldn't see. If you weren't there you wouldn't understand that comment ha-ha. 

The band was great, products seemed to be busy, and Woody won the $100.00 for recruiting the most members at 60. Great job Woody! Just because the contest is over doesn't mean we shouldn't continue getting members and retaining the members we have. I am thinking of another membership contest next year. More to come on that later. 

 It's the middle of July and it looks like there are a lot of runs going on. Please be safe. It seems like there have been a lot of car/motorcycle accidents this year. We have been pushing for Look Twice save a Life but it seems there are still a lot of distracted drivers that are doing everything except looking at the road. Maybe we need to push for stricter laws, which I don't like more laws, but it's getting a little ridiculous out there. I've seen officers on their phone while driving. How do they expect to enforce the law when they break it? I don't know, maybe I'm just getting old, but I would rather go on a fun region ride instead of a memorial ride. 

  There is nothing going on in Lansing at the moment as the elected officials are on break and are out campaigning. So, if you see them out at a parade or some other event make sure you go up and introduce yourself and tell them what your thoughts are. If we don't tell them, how are they gonna know?

  Plans are being made for MRF's Meeting Of The Minds in Milwaukee this year. I always enjoy going to these events. I learn a lot and see people that I only see a couple of times a year. 

  That's about all I have this month.  Ride safe and thanks for being a member. It is more appreciated than you know.