Lost in Transition?

The man who formed and led the battle against the mandatory State Helmet Law in Connecticut was Pappy. Pappy was a member of the Huns MC and before that a president of the New London Motorcycle Club.For years there was a memorial ride dedicated to him. The ride ran out of the Sprague Rod and Gun Club. The ride not only served as a memorial but let riders meet the organization that keeps up that fight against helmet laws, the CMA, which Pappy founded. The ride was simply a ride. there was music and food, (Roasted, not just burgers). The ride left the Gun Club cruised along back roads till it got to it's destination, Pappy's Grave site. There a wreath was placed, a few words spoken in his memory, and then back to the Club. In earlier years the ride was much longer, but the local towns squashed it because of traffic issues. All along the route people came out and waved, it was like a parade, long anticipated and much enjoyed as lawn chairs and people lined the route.

For one reason or another it was not held in Sprague anymore, it showed up on the opposite end of the State, but with no tie to the Grave site it lost meaning. The last couple years it has been taken over by a motorcycle dealership. The first year it was a poker run, the following a ride, but it just doesn't have the same feel, the feel of people getting together to honor the man and the group that allows them to decide on what they want to wear. 

Maybe it's just me, but it just feels Commercial now, an event to bring bikers to a dealership.

That said, even though it doesn't have the same feel as it used to, it does help to keep Donald "Pappy" Pittsley's name alive. 

The battle is never over though, there is always someone trying to get the Helmet law implemented. Now the NTSB is pushing for a National Helmet Law. Riders have to be aware and not just take the issue for granted, make their voices known. Contact the groups supporting your rights and lend your voice to the fight.