Mark "Mack" Backlund Bio

Unless you are looking at me from the side, I'm not what you'd call a well-rounded individual. It seems everything in my life revolves around motorcycles. I've never fallen for the latest fads. I have never watched an episode of "Friends", never eaten a rice cake, wouldn't know what to do with an oyster, and couldn't care less about "Survivor", "Big Brother", or any of the other un-reality shows. The only constants in my life are family, friends, motorcycles, motorcycling, and for the last 20 years, motorcycle rights. I've logged many miles on bikes a lot of people have never heard of. And owned Harleys back when they were looked down upon by self-important people caught up in the high-tech gadgets of the day. And it cracks me up when I see some of those same people today paying $9.00 a quart for a "signature" brand of motorcycle oil. It amazes me that when I take a bike out for a ride these days, I still feel the same sense of individuality, freedom, and excitement that I did when I threw a leg over the seat of my first mini-bike back when I was a little tyke. I love all motorcycles and can stare with intense curiosity at a CBR900, V-Star, or Electra Glide Classic.

I have been a major force on legislative issues. I have been involved in ABATE of Minnesota's lobbying trips to Washington, DC, Bikerday at the State Capitol, and the interaction of motorcyclists with their elected officials. I have also been a big promoter of educating motorcyclists and motorists. I realize the positive benefits that come from making the general public aware. My number one priority is to secure and advance the rights and safety of motorcyclists.

- Mack

"There's no such thing as a passive patriot. You can't be a believer and just be a spectator. Freedom demands action." -Kayne Robinson