M.R.F. State Representative ~ Tom "Jinx" Rahn

 Fall has hit the Mitten state, and the weather seems to be right with us! Get out and ride while you still can. Another Meeting of the Minds is in the book and it was a great conference as always. It is really something when we get together as a State, but even more so when you can pull members, Clubs, ABATEs, Independents from ALL over the country to meet, share ideas, and work on our future of riding... which was huge! “We are In The Fight for Our LIVES”, was the slogan for the weekend. There never has been a time to fight for our rights in Motorcycle history that is as important as it is right now. Clubs working with State SMROs (State Motorcycle Rights Organizations), NCOM (The National Coalition of Motorcyclists), COCs (Coalition of Clubs),  was also the theme that floated around all weekend, “Bridging The Gap”, coming together for the future of riding, could not have been more prevalent in the halls of the Renaissance St. Louis.... Harley Davidson even had a representative there to speak on electric motorcycles, bikers being the backbone of the company, and listened to a lot of different rider inputs.  With the many personal chats wither it was in the hospitality room, hall ways, or lunch, the biggest conversation getters were in the breakout sessions. We sat and listened to how other states broke through the communication barrier to get legislation passed in their states. Brought both clubs and SMROs to the table to work out differences, and get on the same pages for what we have to do legislatively. We did have a few that couldn’t make it but Michigan still had a strong presence in St. Louis, and I am very proud of those who were there to Celebrate the 40th Anniversary. Michigan took home the Award for “Most Sustaining Clubs 23/24” and during our Saturday night banquet the MRF was handed Michigan’s Annual donation check for the year. Right to repair, as well as Profiling was on the lips is still an issue, but this year seemed more like a celebration of where we have come yet still all we need to do. Call to Actions are extremely important, they are not just for MRF members, but for all who love to ride! When one is sent out, or passed your way, please don’t over look it... It is like overlooking that call from a brother or sister for a ride you don’t take, and learn it was there last. Don’t over look any opportunity. Call to actions that have came out recently have also been dealing with issues facing Independent motorcycle shops (IMA - Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket). These also can’t be overlooked as they are out there fighting for everyone as well. The weekend was a lot to take in and trying to put it all to paper is something we can all talk about in person.. 2025 Meeting of the Minds will be in Shreveport, LA, September 25-28, more info to come!  My biggest thing is the members that are still waiting to renew, and I have to ask why?! We need all of you for this fight, if there is questions, or something I can do, PLEASE do not hesitate to reach out to me so we can work through any differences and get back to the over all goal... which is protecting motorcycling! In the coming weeks, I will be going over the State list and will be reaching out. We are going to be setting up a Monthly (for sure this time) Conference Call for MRF. We will be contacting yous, Assistant Reps, on day and time, but this will be a Monthly call from now on.

Voting is also a huge this year, we need you to get out, get your friends out, your family out, anyone who rides, get them to vote. It doesn’t matter who you support/vote for, if they support Riding, ride themselves and or us, please get out... support them... and vote! There is a large amount of people, with boots on the ground, that are fighting for our freedoms, so do your part and please vote.  Until next time, Ride safe and Thanks for Giving a Shit! 

Jinx