Chairman
Rocco W Libertine chairman@massmotorcycle.org
413.768.8118
Director at Large
Kevin Griffin directoratlarge@massmotorcycle.org
State Director
Rocco W Libertine statedirector@massmotorcycle.org
Recording Secretary
Bruce Arsenault secretary@massmotorcycle.org
Treasurer Elaine Griffin treasurer@massmotorcycle.org
Merchandise Manager
Laurie Horn products@massmotorcycle.org
Vice Chairman OPEN
Business Manager
OPEN
Safety & Education Manager
OPEN
Director of Off-Road Riding
OPEN
Director of Public Relations
OPEN
Membership Manager
Bruce Arsenault membershipmanager@massmotorcycle.org
Website Administrator
OPEN
Newsletter Editor
Deb Stoodley Dbethgray@gmail.com
The main purpose of the association is to work toward continued freedom of the road by insuring that motorcyclist’s point of view is presented to our legislators and to promote motorcycle safety, rider education and public awareness. We are trying to alleviate the very real possibility of “Big Brother Government”. We encourage all our members to be informed registered voters. We write letters to our elected officials and stay aware of what is going on with motorcycle legislation, and other transportation issues. We welcome interested parties to any of our activities or to join our organization.
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Massachusetts Motorcycle Association
You may not use them without the express written consent of the newsletter editor, webmaster or the association board.
Massachusetts Motorcycle Association encourages all members to submit letters, articles or cartoons they feel may be of interest to fellow members. Massachusetts Motorcycle Association supports the rights of ALL motorcyclists. Massachusetts Motorcycle Association does not endorse any products or services other than its own.
The thoughts and opinions expressed in
the individual contributors alone and do not necessarily
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and
DEB STOODLEY Editor
Summer is finally here, and Massachusetts roads are calling. With the sun high and the days long, there’s no better time to embrace the thrill of riding. But as we transition into the heat of the season, safety remains just as crucial perhaps even more so.
Riding in summer brings different challenges than spring. The pavement is warmer, meaning tires grip differently, and heat can take a toll on both machines and riders alike. Hydration is key dehydration sneaks up quickly, leading to fatigue and slower reaction times. Make water your best friend, and take breaks when needed. Traffic is another factor. With vacationers, cyclists, and pedestrians filling the roads, extra vigilance is required. Expect unexpected lane shifts, distracted drivers, and congestion in scenic areas. Maintaining awareness and defensive riding practices is essential.
Then there’s the gear. Summer riding means balancing protection with breathability. Mesh jackets, moisture-wicking layers, and well-ventilated helmets keep us safe without sacrificing comfort. Riding without proper gear may feel tempting in the heat, but remember ATGATT (All the Gear, All the Time) isn’t just a motto; it’s a safeguard.
One sneaky hazard of summer riding is road snakes—those glossy tar strips filling cracks in the pavement. While they help prevent further road damage, they become dangerously slick under intense heat, especially when leaned over in a curve. Watch for them, adjust your line, and stay smooth on the throttle and handlebars to avoid slipping.
Before each ride, give your motorcycle a quick check. The summer sun can be unforgiving—fluids evaporate faster, batteries drain more quickly, and tire pressure fluctuates with temperature changes. A few minutes of inspection can prevent hours of trouble.
Let’s make this summer a season of exhilarating rides, shared camaraderie, and above all, safety. Enjoy the open road, but never underestimate the importance of preparedness.
Bikers Inside the Beltway – Your Motorcycle Rights
“Riding where you want, with whom you want, when you want, wearing what you want without government interference.” It is what we wanted 50 years ago when a handful of bikers started State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organizations (SMRO) throughout the country. Today, that commitment is just as strong with some of the same “old guys” who were younger than thirty back then. However, the attack against motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights has not gone away.
Witness: Profiling, motorcycle-only roadside “checkpoints,” ethanol 15 (it kills motorcycle engine O-rings), “end of life directives” – coming out of the European Union to get “undesirable” motorcycles off the road, banning the internal combustion engine, need you hear more? The MRF stands strong against legislation such as this. Now, we are working to protect the aftermarket industry. You can do so too, by answering the Calls to Action on HR 1566 and S 1379; two bills currently in the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, written to protect the Right to Repair and Modify. How much do you care about your motorcycle, your right to ride, and the people you ride with? Enough to join the nation’s only full-time (since 1987) motorcyclists’ rights advocacy group fighting for your rights on Capitol Hill?
If “Riding where you want, with whom you want, when you want, wearing what you want without government interference” means anything at all, it means the MRF remains strong in defense of the rights of all motorcyclists, regardless of what they ride. It means that the MRF is in Washington, D.C., standing between those individuals who want to do away with motorcycling and those of us who want to ride forever.
Join the MRF and motorcyclists’ rights activists from state organizations and motorcycle clubs at Bikers Inside the Beltway, May 19-20. Together we will be effective as we visit all 535 Congressional offices to make our message heard clearly.
