by Fred Jewell RCB Prez

 Is it just me, or has it been raining on every club meeting since I became club President (again)? I hope it’s not an omen. I believe Ken has been chomping at the bit to go to the Priest Station Cafe each time, and this Saturday is looking iffy again. We’ll see how the weather looks as we get closer, so let’s hope for the best.

 Remember, April 1 starts the Where’s My Name contest, and it’s not an April Fool’s joke, you really can increase your chances for a set of tires mounted on your motorcycle by visiting the sites listed to earn raffle tickets. There are 180 tickets possible. 

 In the latest issue of the Owners News magazine I found an article about group riding that I felt was very apropos to this time of year, and well worth reading. To summarize, in case you don’t get the ON magazine, the author emphasized several “contracts” all riders should have in group rides: Don’t hit the rider in front of you. Be in proper riding formation (differs by road situation). Keep the rider in front of you in sight. Keep the rider in back of you in sight. Pass back road warnings and hand signals. And to me the most important, ride within your own ability. (I’ve also heard that described as every bike has its own throttle and brake). Read the whole article to get the details explained better; the information in it could come in very handy on any group ride going to Morro Bay at the end of the month.  Speaking of Morro Bay, it’s looking like a pretty good turnout this year, more than we’ve had in a while. That is something I do hope IS an omen, I’m looking forward to seeing more participation in club events throughout the year. After all, isn’t that why you joined the club? Actually, the board is looking to do a survey of our members to determine just that, plus other things as well. Look for it in an email sometime in the not-too-distant future, and please answer it (honestly), it’s being designed to find out what the club can do for our members. 

 I know the weather will eventually turn into proper riding weather so let’s get ready. We have a lot of rides and events coming up in the next several months, so there’s got to be something that you’ll find to your liking. 

 After reading that ON article I was reminded of a classic discussion of knowledge v. wisdom, where knowledge is knowing Frankenstein was the doctor, not the monster, but wisdom is knowing the doctor was the real monster. In motorcycling, knowledge is knowing what your motorcycle is capable of, wisdom is knowing where your own capabilities end. Ride safely; let’s all make it home.