MMA Verde Valley District has kicked off the 1st quarter of 2012 with a lot of enthusiasm and energy within the district. We are seeing more and more people and businesses join our District and show up for our monthly meetings and events. It is starting to feel like a real family with everyone getting business done but still having a good time.

We are extremely pleased to announce that the City of Cottonwood has agreed to put up 5 ‘Look Twice for Motorcycle’ Highway signs throughout Cottonwood. A huge thanks to our DM, Doug ‘8-Ball’ Keatts and Doug Bartosh, City Manager of Cottonwood for getting this done for us. Signs should be going up in April and we will be sure to give an update and pictures for the next paper. We are working hard to ensure this year’s Jester Run is a huge success.If you are interested in joining us to help remember our lost brothers and sisters this May 19th, come and signup at K.A. Cycles 595 S. 6th Street Cottonwood at 8:30 am.There will be a poker run and parade through Cottonwood. The run will take you through beautiful Sedona and Camp Verde.

Our spring riding season is here so let’s all be careful out there! We can all make a difference in rider safety, by just spending a little time to enlighten the public to “Look Twice for Motorcycles”. If you find yourself sharing a cup of coffee or a soft drink with a co-worker, spend a minute and bring up motorcycle awareness. If we all take just a few minutes out of our day once in a while, it could save a life of a brother or sister.

This is also a good time to bring up drivers in cages texting! Please put the word out that this is the new most dangerous activity while driving. I cannot believe how many idiots I see daily trying to operate a motor vehicle (cage) and text or talk on their cell phone. There have even been reports of people walking and texting and falling and having serious injuries. Is it so important to text that you are willing to risk serious injury or possibly death to yourself or a love one? Spread the word, we all can make a difference!

Terry ‘Stretch’ Payne
ADM Verde Valley District
MMA-AZ