We recently held a combined Wisconsin/Utah concealed carry class at the Compound. That was an overwhelming success and told us there are a lot of people out there that are concerned about personal protection.  Because a lot of people called us to say they couldn't make a Saturday class, we scheduled a new class for December 4th, a Sunday. You will have a choice of opting for Wisconsin only, Utah only or the combination of the two. Remember, if you want a Utah permit, you will have to show proof of a Wisconsin permit first (a change in Utah's law that took place on November 1, 2011).  Our class will include lunch for both and fingerprinting if you're taking the Utah class. 

 

If you opt for either class, they are $85 each, Wisconsin or Utah.  If you want both certifications, it's $110.00.  Again, these prices include lunch and fingerprint service for the Utah class.  Visit the events section on this site to learn more or to  pre-register and sign up.  These classes will run from 9am until 2pm. You'll have time to get home and watch the Packer game if you want, or hang out with us and watch it on our big screen TV while lounging in our showroom. We will not cut the class time down just because the state says we don't have to offer a 4 hour class. Our instructor is a professional and he will not remove important information or demonstrations from the class just to reduce class time. That is not ethical in his mind. He wants to assure you that you will be properly instructed in the safe handling of your firearm and that you were instructed on the legal issues surrounding the carry and use of a weapon.  If you're looking for a budget class just to get a permit in your hands, you probably shouldn't be carrying in the first place.  We will teach you safe and proper handling of your weapon and the legal responsibilities that come with carrying a weapon.

 

In the future, we plan to offer some group excursions to local shooting ranges for some skill building and fun. In the spring, we can even offer some excursions to some outdoor ranges.  It's a lot more fun going with a group and some new permit holders may be intimidated or afraid of range time on their own. We'll make that experience an enjoyable one while getting you some valuable practice.  One of our Road Guardian members even suggested some additonal personal protection instruction or classes and we're looking into that as well. Could you disarm somebody with a gun or knife or protect yourself from an assailant if you didn't have a weapon of your own?  These are important things to consider. What do you think about these types of classes?

 

We want Road Guardians to be a place you can feel welcome at, receive valuable training and education (it doesn't all have to be motorcycle related), purchase some biker friendly accessories and maybe get some updates or repair services done on your motorcycle. We're building a motorcycle community within the motorcycle community where everyone is welcome. We don't care what you ride. If you're on two or three wheels, you're part of our expanding family. Come down, check out the Compound and watch for upcoming classes, instruction workshops, tech tips and more.

 

Pan

Some of you may have read my articles over the years in a variety of magazines, including Easyriders, Chopper, FTW, Riders Xchange, Saddle Tramp or Quick Throttle. I usually signed my articles with my pen name and biker name, Pan. I want to reinstitute my special outlook on all things biker by starting up this column here at Road Guardians. You may not agree with everything I say and that's ok. I like to debate or otherwise discuss issues of importance to bikers. In fact, there's a start for an initial article: Bikers vs Motorcyclists. What's the difference, if any and why do people make that distinction?

 

The history of motorcycling is popular among many of todays riders, and I sure do not pretend to know it all or pretend to be an expert on this subject. I am an expert on the history that I grew up with and I keep learning a lot more from others. I'm reading Keith Ball's excellent book about Terry the Tramp right now and he very successfully explained why I grew up hating the AMA. I didn't know why at the time, other than every street rider I knew hated the AMA. I thought it was because of the way they dressed and the "better than thou" attitude they put forward. The explanations in Keith's book really opened my eyes. I despised the AMA, although I couldn't really tell you why. Now I know that my contempt was justly deserved. You'll have to read the book to learn for yourself and I highly recommend this book. You can order it on line at www.bikernet.com  Keith will even personalize it if you request that when you order. Just do it.

 

I hope I can entertain, inform, enlighten and maybe even piss off a few of you to the point you'll want to comment back.  Since I do have administrative powers, keep your comments civil if you want to see them make print. I don't mind a little name calling or swearing, but there are all types of people who will be reading this and I want them to come back as often as the disgruntled and pissed off, so temper your words and I'll print your comment without destroying the concept or idea you want to portray.

 

There are a lot of things to talk about and some of you might like my personal beliefs or opinions.  Because I'm not disillusioned enough to believe I'm qualified to insist I'm right, I like to call my commentary Pansophic Dribble.  Breaking that down, pansophic means all knowing or broad knowledge and dribble means...well, you get the picture. I hope you like the column and I hope you return often and subscribe.

 

See you soon and I hope you're still riding. It hasn't snowed yet and it's still above zero. What's the matter with you?

 

Pan