Randy Kibler, Region Zero Director
330.428.2083
Region Zero had their 31st annual Meltdown party. Was a wonderful time with members from the old days and new in attendance. Big thanks to Mike Westfall and the crew from the Sail Inn Tavern for their loyalty and taking care of us over the years!
The day after the Meltdown Region Zero attended the Mahoning Valley Calendar of Events meeting at the Army-Navy post 244 where we, and other motorcycle groups from the area worked together and solidified our event dates. More thanks to Foster and the folks at the Army-Navy for the years of support.
February 25th at the Newton Falls VFW and March 25th at the Thirsty Frog in Austintown are our next Regional Meetings. Plenty of information for digesting, so don't be a fool and think the internet has the answers you're looking for.
Enjoy the remainder of the cool weather because the summer heat will be upon us in no time. Take care!
Keith Roller, Deputy Director
Recent weather has seen some people getting their bikes out of the garage and scratching a certain itch. As we all know, the early riding season sees greater hazards for many reasons: salt on the roads, gravel in the turns, and most importantly 4 wheeled vehicle drivers who are not expecting us. I would caution all who are out there to remain vigilant.
I briefly mentioned in the last meeting about the Bikers Inside the Beltway event which is sponsored by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. This provides an opportunity to lobby face to face for motorcycle rights on a federal level. Our efforts are important at all levels of government. I am including a link to the flyer for any who may be interested.
https://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/event-5008758
Lion Man, Legislative Director 330.718.3066
Well, it is mid-February and if you didn't make it to the Annual State Seminar, well you really missed out. Region Zero made a great showing, but, as always, more members attending would have been even better. It started off with a surprise of a free T-Shirt for attendees and it just got better from there. Friday night game night was enjoyable as well as Saturday's after seminar party was. Slider Gilmore, as usual, made a great informative presentation. Rod Taylor gave an inspiring speech about the need for members. And again, as usual, Rod talked more about everything except his topic. But his interaction with our State Secretary, Chris, was very entertaining. Rod may not stick to the topic, but he is always entertaining and humorous. Our keynote speaker at the dinner was our very own Al Cutrona. He talked a little about our issues but opened it up to questions from the floor. Finally, one politician who is more interested in what his constituents want to know about, then what he wants them to know about. After Al spoke, I was humbled to be awarded this year's Lifetime Achievement Award, made more special by my good friend T.J. making the presentation to me. It has truly been an honor to have served Region Zero for over 32 years, most of them as Legislative Director.
It was a good weekend getaway and I thank everyone who made it. Next year I hope we will have even more members attend.
At our last meeting I provided you with my initial list of objectives as State Legislative Director. On February 1, the first step was taken toward those objectives when myself and 5 other members from Region Zero attended the last of three public meetings of the Ohio Turnpike Commission. We weren't sure what to expect when a State Trooper pulled in after we arrived, and really wondered after a second one pulled in. So how did the meeting turn out? Come to our next meeting and find out. What is our next step toward legislative objectives? Come to the next meeting and find out. What were my objectives? You guessed it, come to the next meeting, and find out.
What will we be discussing at our next meeting? You guessed wrong this time! LOL! Some of the things we will be looking at is updates on the autonomous vehicle menace to motorcycles, the non stopable elimination of combustible engines, news from other states as well as the federal government and more. Can't attend the meeting? Then you will have to wait until the After The Meeting Newsletter.
Our next meeting will have the newly elected Ohio State Representative to the 64th House District Nick Santucci. If you can come out, please do so, as it is important to show these politicians, especially the new ones, that we are informed and care about our rights both in motorcycling and in living, and that we stand united and strong in doing
so! The meeting information is attached elsewhere in this newsletter. See you at the meeting!
TA Brown, Road Captain 330.727.8286
Well, I am deep into my P.M.S. (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) here in February. Seems to get worse every year. Every time the temps look rideable, the roads are layered in salt and brine dust. For me that's a hard pass. Sigh. Not riding sucks!
But on a brighter note, there are several things starting to happen to get the bike spirit and lifestyle stirring: Our Winter Meltdown party at the Sail Inn, opening of registration for Ride Ohio motorcycle classes for 2023 (Education and Practice is always a good thing), motorcycle swap meet at Summit Co. fairgrounds on February 19th, or just spending time in the garage rubbin' and wrenching on our scoots.
Next month I'll offer a reminder of some of the items to check and maintain prior to mounting our trusted steed for that first adventure on the open road. Also I'll advise of any upcoming rides or events you might like to attend as HOG has released their rally dates and places. As we get over the hump this winter, more rides should be announced.
Until then, Ride Hard Ride Smart
Barb Tittle, Treasurer
Barb will give her report at the meeting, but in the meantime, we had picked up 7 new members and 3 renewals at the Meltdown.
Donna Sam, Membership 330.540.6210
NEXT meetings, mark your calendars:
Saturday February 25, 2023
Newton Falls VFW
433 Arlington Ave.
Newton Falls, Ohio 44444
Guest Speaker: Ohio House 64th District Representative Nick Santucci (R-Trumbull County)
Saturday March 25, 2023
The Thirsty Frog
5423 Mahoning Ave Suite F,(The Side Door !!)
Austintown, OH 44515
Guest Speaker: Ohio House 59th District Representative Lauren McNally (D-Mahoning/Columbiana County)
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