Taking care of business...
Photo by: Amy Jacques
I Never Thought I Would See the Day That… …the good manners that were drilled into me by my parents, the day that the good manners I drilled into my children and grandchildren and the day that shaking hands with someone you meet for the first time or hugging friends and family could make you sick or even cause your death. I met someone for the first time the other day and I automatically reached out to shake his hand. Manners kicked in automatically as that is what I am used to doing. He didn’t hesitate he shook my hand. It hit me later what I had done. I apologized to him and assured him I had just washed my hands with antibacterial soap. Luckily he was not offended and he thought nothing of it. Tony did a wedding April 20th and we started out with the social distancing thing. By the end of the ceremony and makeshift reception on a picnic table, that all went out of our minds and hugs were given all around. Some would be scared and worried but; everyone there had been isolated since the beginning. No one had any symptoms and I am not worried that any of that part of my extended family would put me at risk. Try telling a two-year-old they can’t give you a hug. It doesn’t work well. I gave these examples to get an important point across. Your health and safety is number one. We think we can go to the track and practice social distancing. I can truthfully and with experience say that is much harder than you think. If we see someone in need of help, most of us will leap before we think. It is just what we do; help each other without thinking about social distancing. Most of us have been doing the stay at home thing and just the excitement of seeing all our friends for the first time in months will get the adrenaline pumping. If, by the middle of June, things have settled down to the point that we actually get to go to New Jersey, social distancing may still be in place. We will have guidelines we must follow for our own safety and health. It isn’t easy but definitely necessary. I miss each and every one of you. I miss the hugs, the smiles, the camaraderie and even the ones who don’t always behave. Until we can get back to a track, please accept the virtual hug I am sending to you as I write this. Last but definitely not least, for all those who are on the front lines keeping us safe, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you every day. I can’t wait to say thank you in person.
We are now well into the 6th week of April (just kidding), and some of the states that have not been hard hit are starting to gradually open up aspects of our lives which have been unavailable in the past weeks/ months. One of the outcomes that seems remarkable is the technology that appeared to isolate us before mandated quarantine appears to be bringing us back together. Friends are having virtual concerts, virtual cocktail hour, virtual dinner with friends and loved ones with whom they are not able to physically connect. AHRMA, for example, has moved from having weekly conference calls to connecting on video conferences. This may expand to an opportunity to have our next Trustee meeting be a virtual one. We are working at full tilt to keep our AHRMA family going. The Off-road and Roadrace committees are working hard to evaluate, and where possible, reschedule events that can't be held on the original date. The Executive Committee is finding creative ways to generate revenue, and the Media group is supporting all of the above efforts, any way that we can, including in the AHRMA MAG, and through digital promotion. It's been two weeks since announcing that the AHRMA merchandise store, "AHRMA Swag," is open for business and our first few days were very busy. We've started with a very basic inventory which includes Mens T-Shirts, Womens T-Shirts, Womens Racerback T-shirts, Zip-up Hoodies, Long Sleeve T-Shirts, and the highly requested Large Rig Decals, both in 12"x12" and 18"x18." The store also features certain back-issues of the AHRMA MAG. This is where you would go if, say you were on the cover of a particular issue, and wanted to send copies to all your fans, to buy extra copies. And don't forget, for gift giving occasions, we still have our gift certificates which are good for MSR credits or for the AHRMA Academy of Roadracing. Now that we've successfully launched the store, we have more inventory coming: more colors for t-shirts (mostly women’s), ball caps with the AHRMA logo, Keeping the Past Fast Rig Decals, collared shirts with embroidered logo(s) and more. Keep an eye out for more announcements because they will be coming! Honestly, it seems like we are working harder now than while racing is going on! Taking care of business and working overtime, work out... – Cindy McLean #022 Executive Administrator, AHRMA 26 Jardin de Mer Place Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 904.477.6987
Stay safe and as sane as possible. – Tony and Faynisha Pentecost AHRMA National Roadrace Directors Faynisha: 256.506.6603 Tony: 256. 506. 8254 ahrma@oneracing.org Waiting to race. Photo by: Amy Jacques
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WWW.AHRMA.ORG
AMERICAN HISTORIC RACING MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION
MAY 2020
