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MASTERLINK MARCH 2012
TOO BROKE for STURGIS 2012 MORMON LAKE, ARIZONA JULY 27-29
We are happy to report that A.B.A.T.E of Arizona’s “Too Broke for Sturgis” is going to be our best party yet. We appreciate all the love and kindness that we have received. I personally am humbled and overwhelmed by all of you. Not only has our own biker community come together, but the citizens of Mormon Lake, the staff of Forever Resorts (MLL), local L.E. and EMS have all embraced us with respect and caring and it will never be forgotten. Thank You.
Some of you reading this may not know what I am talking about. We had a terrible
domestic violence tragedy at TBFS 2011 that forced us to close our only yearly fund raiser on the first night. I have been writing this piece in my head since July and decided that I didn’t want to go into the details of that awful night, but only say that for many of us, it was one of the worst times of our lives. That being said, we also don’t want rumors to cause hard feeling towards any person or group. Therefore I ask that if anyone needs to discuss anything TBFS related to contact me or any of the 20 TBFS committee members directly. jrosen302@cox.net
February Safety Report
streets. There will be lots of riders coming to Arizona for Bike Week or just passing through to other places. We still have to ride defensively, keeping vigilant to protect our safety.
Jean Cooper State Safety Officer
The nearly perfect riding weather is upon us. Even though there are around 160,000 motorcycles registered in Arizona, there are many more on the
Last weekend several of us, 5 of us from ABATE, attended the first Advanced Accident Scene Management Course in Arizona. Vicki Sanfelipo, who developed the program, came to teach us the next level of skills to use at a crash scene to promote greater survival and prevent greater injury. It was a great class. I am thrilled to tell you all that I am now certified to teach the next level. I look forward to sharing the next level of skills
with as many people as I can.
I cannot say enough about distracted drivers!!! Every day I see nearly every driver going past me either talking on a phone or texting. They drive slow, fast, slow as they try to navigate the vehicle while paying attention to the little device. I even see bikers doing the same thing. What are they thinking?? Oh, wait, they aren’t. Protect yourself, stay away from them. The best defense is to keep your riding skills up to date. There are several places to renew your skills and in some cases your insurance company will offer a discount for proof of course completion. Challenge yourself to a skills course. You’d be surprised how much concentration it takes to follow the course and do it right, even after years of cruising down
the highway.
While you’re thinking about riding skills and safety, think about making yourself visible…. Picture the stereotypical biker in black leather jacket, black leather pants or chaps and black gloves riding a black motorcycle. On a sunny day in Arizona, that biker is hard to miss. Now picture the same biker on the same black motorcycle with the same black clothes on at night. The biker is hard to see. Make yourself visible. Wear reflective clothing. Ride with your lights on. Keep your bike is good repair. Remember motorcycle boots are not made for walking.
Like I said we have nearly perfect riding weather. Get out and enjoy! And be Safe!