Executive Report - August 2025

John Reblin

Let’s Keep Moving Forward

My, my, my, what a month it has been. I hope you enjoyed your 4th of July festivities and celebrated the courage and work those original 56 Freedom Fighters did when they signed the Declaration of Independence way back in August of 1776 after being adopted on July 4th, 1776. They did not just sign a piece a paper, they signed something that would have had them tortured, killed, while their homes were ransacked and burned. At any moment death awaited those who signed, but they believed it was the best thing to do to move away from the King and make this country independent. We owe them everything for what they did and as I look around, I realize we are the greatest country in the world. We are ready to help and defend as needed and it has all started with those brave souls 249 years ago and those that followed, serving and protecting our rights.

We survived the Summer Hummer; the sun was hot and lots of fun was had. I think the turnout was great, it seemed those attending stayed busy with activities and music. I was able to talk to a lot of different people and got to hear some good ideas and funny stories. All in all, a great time with great friends. Now the planning is already starting for next year. So, if you have issues, ideas, thoughts, etc. make sure you share them with your District Director or contact Worm and share them. It takes input and ideas to change and grow this party every year to make it, so everyone wants to come back.

The riding season is in full swing and along with that comes the issues on the road with crashes. Fatalities are staying right around last year’s numbers, which are still higher than they should be. And as the riding season continues it is going to take all of us to work on bringing those numbers down. We are seeing the same single bike crashes along with other types of rider error as we look through the information we get on these crashes. But we are also seeing Right of Way crashes and issues with the drivers not doing their duty of paying attention on the road while texting, talking on the phone, or just scrolling through social media etc. If you have a crash in your area, follow along and see what is going on. If it is driver error take some time and go to the court case if held. Wear your ABATE gear and show that motorcyclists are following the case. Remember if there is an issue with the road conditions or surrounding area or you have an idea to improve the riding atmosphere in your community attend your Highway Safety meeting at the county level.

I also have an opportunity for some people in the Greater Green Bay area looking for some inexpensive rider education courses to let me know. There is a one-day training class the weekend of September 6 and 7th. Shoot me an email at exec@abatewis.org for the link.

Many of you are getting ready to head to Sturgis and to ride around the Black Hills area. It is a great country to ride in with the scenery and sweeping curves. If you are there, consider stopping at the ABATE Social Hour Aug 7th 12-3:30 pm at Whitewood City Park. Have a cold soda, some food, and listen to hear what is going on legislatively with Hardtail and others speaking. It should be a great informative time and a break from the road with like-minded people.

Next up is the State Meeting. Krissy is working hard at getting something set up in the Appleton area. It has been about 15 years since we were in that neck of the woods. If I remember correctly, it was a lot of fun with interesting things nearby to see and do. Save the date and make plans for October 10-12^th. More information will be in the newsletter as it is confirmed. It is not an election year, but it is a lot of fun. See you there.

I read a lot of different book styles. I am not locked into mysteries or other genres of books or authors. If it looks interesting, I grab it and try to slog through it. Most times I am glad I make it to the end of the book. I grabbed a book about a girl ultra runner who slid off the edge of a trail on a mountain during a race. It describes her work and what she went through as she went through the healing process both mentally and physically. From the initial injury to her hearing that she may not be able to run at all, to coming back and continuing her race career after a long rehab season. One thing that was brought up that she thought about a lot, was not always being able to move forward. She sometimes ran into a delay in her rehab when something else popped up in her injured area which kept her from not moving forward in her rehab training. Her physical therapist told her even though you are not moving forward, putting in the work now will pay off in the end.

As we work on our legislative goals let’s all put in the work now. Hit a bump in the road? Move around it and keep moving forward and we will keep moving forward until we meet our goal.

That’s it. Ride safe, ride lots.

John