5 Questions with Tim Wynn: Finding treasure on the road
b> How did you get involved in Scott Ressmeyer's Miracle Ride?
After Scott got back from his first ride in 2009, I made the statement that if he ever made the ride again, I would tag along if he needed someone to go with him. Well, some months later he called me and asked if I wanted to go. He said he was going to have a posse with him this time. I accepted.
These kids that we have met during this journey have been incredible in their outlook on life. Without this opportunity that Scott has given me, I would not have met Martin Theile, who recently passed away. That young man was an incredible person, and his friendship was special. He taught this old man a lesson. I don't sweat the small stuff anymore. It is all about family and friends.
I would not have been able to meet Robyn Clark, who we just met on this ride. Robyn has a heart issue and is from Joplin, Mo.
I have had the opportunity to ride with some outstanding folks. The entire Children's Miracle Network family, to include all of the nurses and doctors, have been inspirational.
I have to thank Scott for affording me this opportunity to meet so many wonderful families.
What is your favorite stretch of the country to ride through?
The Pacific Northwest and North Carolina are special places to ride. But I have really enjoyed riding through Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. But if you force me to pick one place, it's Montana. Everywhere you look is a postcard.
As a former member of the Columbus Police Motor Squad, what is the most important safety advice you can give to someone who rides a motorcycle?
Training -- formal training. Please don't have the mentality that just because you own it you can ride it without proper training. If you do that, you are not far from an ambulance ride to the nearest hospital. Through my experience investigating crashes, I have seen a lot of accidents and fatalities that could have been avoided through proper training.
The Columbus Police Department, through its community policing program, offer an 8-hour training class. Call 706 225-4118 for more information.
You work security for the Springer Opera House. How have you seen downtown Columbus change over the years?
Uptown Columbus has changed tremendously through the years. It is more suited for a family environment these days with the whitewater course, Columbus State, market days, concert series and the restaurants. There is a lot of great food and entertainment downtown.
What is the best-kept secret in the Chattahoochee Valley?
The Springer Opera House would have to be the Chattahoochee Valley's best-kept secret in my opinion. Though it has been here for about 140 or more years, there is great talent on the stage. If you're skeptical, give it a try. I promise you will not be disappointed.
This story was originally published May 17, 2015 at 10:16 PM with the headline "5 Questions with Tim Wynn: Finding treasure on the road."