Greetings ALR Family!

I have wanted to ‘put pen to paper’ several times, but nothing really inspired me. I find inspiration comes at odd times. This time I was washing dishes. While washing dishes, I had a thought about our family. How proud I am to be a part of this family. How proud it makes me to be associated with the great things our family does. How there is not one chapter, not one member out there who is better than the other. We act as a equals. This is illustrated by when we get ‘2gether’. We all do great things out there, but when we are ‘2gether’, nothing else matters but our camaraderie and our like mindedness to our devotion to mutual helpfulness. This past weekend I was able to split my time between two events; the Area 3 Meeting at Chapter 221, Tehachapi and the Pig Roast hosted by Chapter 184, Redondo Beach.

I rode with my chapter and met with other chapters on the way to Chapter 221 Tehachapi. I was with family. I got to break bread with my family and talk with them. The jokes were endless as was our camaraderie. I was a little sad to leave the meeting early, as I would not get to spend the usual time I get to spend with them. That little bit of sadness quickly was gone as I left with some more of my family and headed to Chapter 184.

I headed out to 184 with my family. In short time we were riding ‘2gether’ as though we had been doing it forever. The subtle things you pick up while riding ‘2gether’; when to change lanes, when to slow down or speed up. We got to Chapter 184 and we were met by family, Joel Lopez, our past Area 4 Vice President. We went into the Post and we were met by family. It was a great time! Camaraderie and jokes were the order of the day. Talking about the upcoming West Coast Rally. Shaving my head for the Legacy Scholarship fund. It was a great time that did not last long enough for me. I have said  it once and I will continue to say it, I love getting out and visiting with my ALR Family!

With all of that said, I am looking forward to seeing those of you who are able to make it to the West Coast Rally. If you are unable to make it, that’s alright, I will see you when I am on the road. You are all the finest bunch of humans I get to hang out with. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve you.

Be safe out there! I will see you on the road!

Mike Smith

Director

American Legion Riders

Department of California

02/25/2023
9:00 am to 4:00 pm

The American Legion Riders (ALR) of California Area 2 will conduct a Veterans Suicide Awareness Run on February 25, 2023. ALR District 28 in Prunedale, CA will host the Area 2 Veterans Suicide Awareness Run and will be the Area 2 POC for this event.

I found this article under AllState Insurance, short and to the point.

With the skyrocketing temperatures of summer now upon much of the country, motorcycle riders need to take a little extra care to keep their mind and body tuned-up to deal with the heat.

One easily preventable and often overlooked motorcycle safety hazard on the road is dehydration.

What is dehydration?

In simple terms, dehydration is using more water than your body is taking in. This means you don’t need to be running a marathon for dehydration to set in. The act of riding your motorcycle in the heat can be a cause. Spending hours in the saddle under the hot sun without replenishing your fluids can be a recipe for disaster.

What are some of the symptoms of dehydration?

• Headache
• Weakness
• Dry Mouth
• Increased Thirst

Do you feel a little “off”? Listen to your body. The dizziness or sluggishness a motorcycle rider may experience as a result of not taking in enough fluids can have dire consequences.

Hot Weather Motorcycle Riding – Be Prepared

Often, your body may be experiencing mild dehydration before common symptoms begin to appear. With a small amount of extra planning before you get on your bike, you can keep your body strong and your mind sharp for the duration of your ride.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Ben Franklin

Hot Weather Motorcycle Riding Gear – Hydration Pack

TIP: Filling your hydration pack first with ice, and then filling it the rest of the way with water keeps it cooler longer.

Reusable Water Bottles

A thermos or reusable water bottle tucked in your tankbag or luggage could be just what the doctor ordered.

In addition to replenishing your fluids, having to stop to take it out and drink from it can give your body a few moments to rest. Pick a nice, shady spot and enjoy the scenery while you recharge your battery.

What to Drink

Water is the best option for keeping your body hydrated. A sports drink is also a good choice.

Alcoholic beverages like wine and beer as well as caffeinated beverages like soda, coffee and teas are diuretics and actually encourage fluid loss. They should be avoided to keep your motor running in tiptop shape.

Ride Smart, Ride Safe!

Don’t leave your personal safety to chance during the dog days of summer. Leave home prepared with something to drink along the way.

01/29/2023
9:30 am to 4:00 pm

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT JANUARY 29, 2023 AT 2979 DEXTER DR. RIVERSIDE 92501 AMERICAN LEGION POST 79 LOCATED IN FAIRMONT PARK BY THE TANK.  PROCEEDS TO PROMOTE SUICIDE AWARENESS AND OTHER VET PROGRAMS.  REGISTRATION IS $20 PER PERSON FROM 9:30-11:00 BLIND DRAW DOUBLE ELIMINATION 1ST PLACE $100 2ND PLACE $75 3RD PLACE $50. 50/50 RAFFLE.  HAMBURGER/CHEESEBURGER OR 2 HOT DOGS FOR $8 COME WITH POTATO SALAD AND CHIPS.  YOU WILL HAVE A LOT OF FUN AND LAUGHS ALL  FOR A GOOD CAUSE.  ON THE AVERAGE 22 VETS PER DAY COMMIT SUICIDE EVERY DAY! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE  RAIN OR SHINE WE HAVE A LARGE INDOOR AUDITORIUM LET THE GAMES BEGIN 

Click here to go to the chaplain's corner

12/10/2022
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Increasing your Visibility to Others is not so hard. We have heard or read articles, "Gee Officer, I didn't see him".

New bikes have there headlights hard wired, but if you have an earlier model, flip it on at all times, including during daylight hours.

Turn on the high beam highlights during the day....more noticeable. Signal your intentions, use your horn and wear clothes that can be seen.

Position your motorcycle where it can be seen. Don't put yourself behind a large truck or ride in the blind spot of a vehicle near you.

Remember to cancel your signals when you've completed your turn or lane change.

These are only a few things you can do, Ride Safe!

12/03/2022
9:00 am to 5:00 pm