As you read this we are well into riding season. Don't forget, you are a burden to society and you must be protected from your own mistakes not to mention those of other drivers out there - so be sure to strap on that helmet. Additionally, while we're at it, why not wear one of those fancy air vests we saw pictures of a few months back - just in case? Of course, if you are hurt by the inattention or negligence of another driver - as is the case on most bike "accidents" be sure to just lay there and listen for the magic words coming from the 'innocent' driver's mouth, "Really officer, I just didn't see him." Okay, that makes it all better. You can now go to the hospital with the knowledge that at least that person's life won't be inconvenienced by the 'unjust' application of criminal charges, jail time or anything more than the time it may take to perform 'acts of kindness' as was recently mandated in another courtroom. 

Also, be sure to take great comfort in knowing that the hospital and the varying parties that will be billing you won't have to go through all that hassle of insurance paperwork and dealing with all those adjusters. You see, since the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act went into effect on May 8th, 2001 your health insurance company doesn't have to cover you although you were performing a perfectly legal act. Why? Because they just don't want to. It makes the system so much simpler and really cuts down on the paperwork. All anyone has to do is go after you and you're easy to find - you're the one laying there in bed. Don't worry about all the bills, they'll be happy to hound you for the rest of your life - like sharks circling and waiting their turn to strike. 

But don't worry. The State is going to protect you by making sure you wear that helmet - until they get around to figuring out that the entire hassle goes away if they get the darn bikes off the road completely! 

And now that you're out of money and probably a job, don't worry about rebuilding that bike of yours or getting another one just like it. Sure it COULD be rebuilt just as was is but it doesn't meet regulations anymore. The motorcycle manufacturers and the EPA have been happily removing all of those difficult decisions for you. You get New Technology and the only thing you have to decide is the color. Gee, wasn't that swell of them? 

Now, while these safetycrats and do-gooders are off making your life safer while they smoke, drink, drive without seat belts, eat high fat foods and not get any exercise - what are you going to be doing? I'd suggest you get involved in your Motorcycle Rights Organization - and hurry. In the time it took me to write this article you could have called your Representative, recruited a friend, passed out a couple of flyers while on a nice Sunday afternoon ride, approached a store about a donation or contribution or helped your charter plan a fund raising event. Many of you do these easy things. Many of you renew your memberships every year, participate in events and occasionally spread the word of CMT/ABATE. That's fine too. If we had many more of the later we would find many more of the former in the ranks. Everyone has a role to play and everyone is valuable and needed. 

However, if your efforts and enthusiasm are strictly tied to the success or failures of legislation that comes around only once a year, then remember what Confucius said, "It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop." The protection and recovery of our freedoms is a long process. Many small battles will win the war. You are on the front lines. Your voice and your phone are your weapons. 

Peter McArthur once said, "Every successful enterprise requires three men - a dreamer, a businessman, and a son of a bitch." I know which one I am. I would add that in our case we need an active membership. Raise money, raise awareness, raise membership and raise your voice!

Until later, just ride.

Steve