Each new year that goes by and each new riding season brings with it new challenges and new opportunity. 2011 has not surprised anyone in that regard. It’s been a lot of work by our membership but certainly not without its rewards and I wanted to share a short note with you all to thank you for your support of all riders across the Commonwealth and wish you a Happy New Year.
I’ve served in several different capacities for many (many!) years now between ABATE of Massachusetts through its merger with the Modified Motorcycle Association into today’s Massachusetts Motorcycle Association. I’ve watched and worked alongside countless members and officers who’ve worked with passion, zeal, and a commitment to our core mission.
Over the past decade I’ve also watched our mission evolve, and sadly, I’ve watched our mission threatened by forces we didn’t expect.
Over the past 3 years I have been honored to serve as your Chairman, and was deeply moved when I was nominated and reelected this past October despite openly stating my feelings that it was time for new leadership (and, frankly, to allow me more time to spend with my new grandchildren!). But as I’m surrounded by new board members with new ideas and renewed passion, I’m also surrounded by past officers and members who continue to support and strengthen us, and this blend of the strengths and experience of our past with the new ideas and energy of the future is too hard to simply walk away from!
In many respects, I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue the work we started when our new board was elected, and deeply humbled to work with such passionate and committed people who share our common goals.
As I mentioned above, 2011 was certainly no stranger to challenges for motorcyclists, and I’m proud to say that we, our membership, met those challenges head-on. Some short term losses were overturned by the perseverance of our membership, and many exciting victories, here in Massachusetts, in our neighboring states, and even at the National Level, all thanks to the strength, commitment, and effort of our membership.
Sadly, I don’t expect 2012 to be any less active, and while I know we’d all rather be out riding and/or moving on to new challenges, there are those who simply have made a mission out of opposing motorcycles and motorcyclists for reasons we’ll likely never understand. The vigilance of the organization and the efforts of you, our membership, are crucial to assuring that our rights and those of our future riders are protected and maintained.
We do also hope, that 2012 will be full of great riding weather and that as you remember to put your new registration sticker on your plate for January 1st, that you remember to ride proudly, and safely, in the coming year!
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your participation and commitment to motorcycle rights, education, and safety, and of course your membership and commitment to the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association. On behalf of the Board and Officers of the MMA, I wish you a very happy and healthy 2012!
Dave Condon
Chairman
Massachusetts Motorcycle Association