Political Supporter

Nice to see the “Thumbs Up” to Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson in the August issue of American Motorcyclist. Secretary Johnson has been an advocate of motorcycle training, endorsements and awareness activities throughout her eight years as Michigan’s Secretary of State. She has participated as a trained and endorsed motorcyclist many times, appearing at three different events during May 2018 promoting motorcycle awareness in Waterford, Flint and Lansing. As a longtime Gold Wing rider and supporter of awareness efforts, I was a speaker at all three events representing a rider’s point of view.

Eric Larson | Eaton Rapids, Mich.

August: A Good Month

I just had to write and compliment you on the August edition of American Motorcyclist! From Sarah Guthrie’s letter talking about some of my favorite Southern Ohio roads, to reading about covered bridges in Oregon, then hearing about Dr. Witt who rode his bike through wildfire traffic to take care of babies under his care and then hearing about a local bike club, Portsmouth MC, celebrating 125 years! Articles and letters like this make me proud to be a member of AMA! Keep up the good work!

Sam Phillips | Oak Hill, Ohio

Riders Are Better Drivers

It is my unverified opinion that road-going motorcyclists are likely to be much better-than-average car drivers. The extreme level of defensive driving that is necessary to operate a motorcycle on the road and in traffic surely must translate into fewer accidents when the motorcyclist is on four wheels. While riding, we learn to watch for drivers who are distracted or dangerous for all sorts of reasons, and we instinctively use those skills while behind the wheel.

The AMA could do its members a great service by seeking out vehicle accident data on its members. If it can be shown that motorcyclists have only half (or whatever) as many car accidents as the general driving public, they could lobby the car insurance industry to offer significant discounts on car insurance to motorcyclists who ride over 5,000 miles per year accident-free.

David Smith | Nixa, Mo.

Thanks for the idea, David. We like your premise. Insurance companies, are you listening?

Clarification

I enjoyed the picture and article about Hall of Famer [Joe] Leonard’s KR750 [in the August issue]. The story was accurate but misleading. During Joe’s transition to cars, he rode a Triumph in three Nationals that I know about. He competed at the Sacramento Mile in 1962 and in 1963 he raced at Sacramento and Springfield. This information is trivial but for accuracy necessary.

Don J. Abbott | Eugene, Ore.

More Saddlebag Tips

The article “What’s In Your Saddlebag? (August issue) by Russ Riendeau was very informative and helpful. I carry all he mentioned plus these items:

In my cell phone, I have a contact labeled ‘HOME ICE’ the ICE is first responder talk for “In Case of Emergency.” That number is my home phone monitored by my wife and has voice mail recording.

In my first aid kit I now carry a pouch of “Bleed Stop,” a powder available at most big box stores and pharmacies. This product is used to help quickly clot a wound.

A spare key hidden somewhere on the bike and easily accessible without tools.

Just don’t be like me and forget where you hide the key or cut yourself while looking. (See bleed stop, above.)

Ted Pasche | AMA Life Member

Another Saddlebag Tip

In response to “What’s In Your Saddlebag?,” bicycling headlights have multiple features: being rechargeable is the best feature, lighter than most Maglites, come in various lumen strengths, and many have a strobe feature and multiple levels of brightness. Some have a Velcro strap that attaches to certain helmets, clothing or the bike.

The headlights are small, easy to pack and can recharge from your computer if you are short on electrical outlets. Like all equipment, you can spend as much or as little as you want on these items.

M.J. Seibert  | AMA Life Member

…And Two More

I enjoyed the article “What’s In Your Saddlebag?” and will be adding a few things to my kit. Two things I always have and would recommend are:

Extra pair of prescription glasses. Nobody should ride “blind” or be stranded away from home unable to ride.

Extra pairs of latex gloves. In case of emergency these can be passed out to others and on cold days they can be worn under gloves to keep your hands a bit warmer.

Ed Taft | Williamsville, Ill.

In Memoriam

It is with a sense of loss that I report the passing of Mr. Ronnie Burks, a pioneer in off-road racing in the Southeast United States. I cannot adequately describe the impact that his actions, beginning in the early 1970s, have had on the enduro community.

After beginning, as most of us have done, riding local enduros, he moved up to become quite successful on the AMA National Enduro circuit. He served as District 19 AMA Congressman for a time.

His vision for the future established the Southern Enduro Riders Association when it became clear that some regional

uniformity of the rules was needed. Eventually, he became the patriarch of a family of three sons who also heeded the call of off-road competition.

My direct association with him began 25 years ago when I organized the first Bear Whiz Enduro at Camp Shelby Military Training Site in Mississippi. For most of the time since, I have been honored to call Ronnie Burks a mentor and close friend.

Thousands of riders have benefitted through the years from the vision that he had so many years ago. The sport in District 19 would be a much different experience today had not “my old pal Burks” stepped up when duty called.

Fred Pittman | AMA Life Member