STATE COORDINATOR'S REPORT | |
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Long weekend of ABATE stuff, so I waited to write this until after BOD and Black Friday. First, I want to say
thank you to the Black Friday legislative committee. I am going to say they did a great job. We had a
good turnout could have been better but good. I believe we have a lot of support for the three bills our
membership has put forward. When a call to action is made please take the five minutes it takes to
make contact with your legislatures. Follow thie bills as outlined in this newsletter. Great job, Kim,
Louise, Kat, Allan, Jo, Monika, Larry and Bill.
Lots more Updates from Andy -- Click here to read more.
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Andy McAfee
State Coordinator
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Guess what time it is? Raffle time!!
We will be holding two separate raffles this year. One for motorcycles and one for guns… yep... we get to raffle guns again!
Motorcycle prizes are:
- 2024 Roadglide
- 2020 Triumph Bonneville 1200 Bobber
- Coleman 186cc gas-powered mini bike
Gun prizes are:
- Henry Golden Boy 357 rifle
- Girsan1911 45acp
- Colt Python 357 6”
Tickets can be bought from any ABATE Chapter that has checked-out tickets.
Please read the rules!
Chris McAfee
2025 Raffle Chair
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It's Back! The Motorcycle Swap Meet!
The Motorcycle Swap Meet, hosted by ABATE of Washington, is scheduled for Sunday, March 23th, 2025 at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. We are optimistic that shoppers will be eager to turn out. Many of our vendors have indicated they will participate, and we hope you can too. We’ve reserved the Event Center and Pavilion, providing over 46,000 s.f. of indoor shopping space. Click here for all the details.
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Welcome to the Marble Floor Marathon
Despite a strong start to the legislative session, efforts to reduce motorcycle weight fees faced an unexpected hurdle when the chosen sponsor backed out just days before the session. Concerned that budget cuts were influencing legislators' willingness to support the bill, the author quickly pivoted, engaging in rapid meetings and outreach. Within two days, the bill had secured two Senate sponsors—Sen. Cortes (D-18) and Sen. MacEwen (R-35)—with growing support from additional lawmakers. While the lane-sharing measure remains uncertain, the strategy is to move forward in the Senate first, avoiding delays caused by waiting on House action. I still am optimistic and committed to advancing the conversation, urging continued advocacy and legislative focus.
"Texas” Larry Walker
Legislative Affairs Officer, ABATE of WA
360-271-9285
“Texas” Larry Walker is a nationally certified Rider Coach for novice, intermediate, and advanced training. He is the Senior Instructor for Navy Region Northwest, a long time motorcyclist rights advocate, with over 45 years of riding experience.
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MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION | |
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119th Congress Is Here
The 119th Congress is here, bringing nearly 100 new lawmakers into key roles that will shape the future. With a new term comes a fresh start—unfinished bills from the last session are gone, and new legislation will soon be introduced. This is our opportunity to connect with our Representatives and Senators, ensuring biker rights remain a priority. Today’s freshmen lawmakers could be tomorrow’s leaders, so getting involved now is more important than ever. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s make our voices heard—because no one looks out for riders like the Motorcycle Riders Foundation!
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Oregon ICE
Oregon’s new emissions policies are creating uncertainty, with Daimler Truck North America pausing sales of internal combustion engines in the state. Unlike California’s strict regulations, Oregon is charting its own path, raising concerns about a patchwork of conflicting state laws. This could impact manufacturers, consumers, and the future of engine choice. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is fighting to protect your right to ride—stay informed and engaged!
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Unintended Consequence: Invisibility
A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals a dangerous flaw—high-visibility clothing that helps bikers stand out to human drivers may make them invisible to automated crash prevention systems. Test dummies wearing reflective strips went undetected, raising serious safety concerns for motorcyclists. This highlights the risks of relying on unproven technology and reinforces the need for thorough testing before deployment. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation urges all riders to stay alert—never assume others can see you!
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Executive Orders
Just hours into his presidency, Donald Trump issued executive orders that could reshape federal policies on electric vehicles and fuel regulations. One key order calls for reviewing subsidies and policies favoring EVs while challenging state waivers that limit gas-powered car sales. This signals potential federal pushback against California-style emissions mandates. While this is a positive step for engine choice, lasting change will require further legislative action. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation remains vigilant in D.C., fighting to protect the internal combustion engine and your right to ride free!
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American Income Life - FREE Accidental Life & Dismemberment | |
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We’ve renewed the group Accidental Death and Dismemberment policy providing all active members of ABATE of Washington with $4,000 AD&D coverage, 24 hours a day, on and off the job. | There is no cost to you for this coverage. | |
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Dear Members,
You will be receiving a letter from American Income Life Insurance Company (AIL). As a member of ABATE of WA you qualify to receive a $4,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance benefit at no cost to you or ABATE of WA. We have partnered with AIL for several years to offer these benefits.
Each letter will have a reply card enclosed and by completing the information you will receive your certificate of coverage. An AIL representative will contact you to confirm your beneficiary and issue you a certificate of coverage. If you do not name a beneficiary, the $4,000.00 would be paid to your estate and may be taxable.
ABATE of WA does not provide your name or any contact information to AIL. The only way they have access to your information is when you send the reply card back or CLICK HERE to request your benefits. There are several supplemental programs available through AIL for you to choose from, which will be discussed when an AIL
representative calls.
If you have any questions, please contact Fran Christie, AIL Public Relations, directly at 778-231-0226 or contact AIL at 1-800-495-1213.
Over numerous years AIL has helped ABATE of WA families by paying over 90 Accidental Death claims.
ABATE of WA has no financial interest in AIL in any way.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING PHOTOS | |
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Time for the Black Friday Wrap Up!
Happy February ABATE!
ABATE of Washington kicked off the year with a powerful Black Friday event, bringing 82 dedicated riders to the State Capitol despite the fog and ice! The event began with a pre-session Legislative Overview at Olympia VFW #318, where 30 attendees engaged in discussions on advocacy, role-playing, and legislative strategy. A huge thank you to the VFW and Alan Acosta for making this possible! The morning’s Grab & Go breakfast, coordinated by Monika Scotti, drew 25 legislators and representatives, resulting in 29 legislative connections and two new bill sponsors stepping forward.
Riders from across the state, including award-winner Travis Herseim of Columbia Gorge Chapter, showed their dedication. We were honored to have Senator Matt Boehnke, Senator Drew MacEwen, and Representative Michelle Caldier rally with us, along with key figures from the Dept. of Licensing and WSTC Motorcycle Safety Program. Legislative priorities included SB 5309 (creating a motorcycle weight class for reduced fees), HB 1367 (right shoulder riding for safety), and Lane Sharing (bill sponsor pending). The day was filled with bridge-building, advocacy, and even a special touch of flowers for Capitol staff, thanks to Alan Alder. Stay tuned for updates, Calls to Action, and social media posts—let’s keep the momentum going for motorcycle rights! See you on the steps next year!
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The Original 3rd Annual SAUCE OFF
February 15, 2025
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CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | |
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Tacoma's 46th Annual Anniversary & Valentine's Party
February 15, 2025
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A Night Out with EPCC
March 1, 2025
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Freeze Your Butt off Poker Run
March 2, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | |
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MOTORCYCLE SWAP 2025
March 23, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | |
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | |
STEEPLE CHASE T-SHIRT ORDER FORM | CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | |
Steeple Chase Banquet 2025
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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RIDER REIMBURSEMENT
Complete a State-Approved Rider Safety Course to receive $50 reimbursement & more!
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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EPCC
Hello, Friends and ABATE Family!
I hope everyone had a wonderful start to their New Year. January has been busy getting back into work routines and fighting the post-holiday blues and flus and “bugs” going around. Our biggest excitement has been attending three days of ABATE activities with three generations of EPCC members!! I’m so proud to have my granddaughter join Joe & I for her first Black Friday at the Capitol. It was fantastic to get back to having a Legislative Briefing the evening before. It energizes me and boosts my lobbying confidence. Then the thrill of the Ride-In thunder and speeches on the steps. Networking and just catching up with seldom-seen friends is always fun in the Columbia Room. We’re already planning for next year.
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FOOTHILLS
Hello everyone,
I hope all had a great holiday season. There’s not a lot going on. By the time you read this, Black Friday and BOD will have happened. I hope everybody had a great time. We were able to show support for the entirety of ABATE. We had our Terry Home run in December, and it was a great success. Members from several chapters including Tacoma and SKCC were able to participate, and we were extremely pleased to have them with us. Then, we had our annual Christmas party at the Wilkeson Eagles, and that too was a great success. Moving forward please watch for flyers from all the chapters as the winter starts to go away. The riding season will be here before you know it. Please keep safe and watch your surroundings when riding. Watch your tire pressures, as its chilly outside and the tires sitting in garage will be low and not come up to temperature or proper pressure in the cold.
Kirk Ball
Foothills Chapter
210-845-3086
425-921-0027 work
kirkball38@yahoo.com
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PACIFIC COUNTY
Black Friday is in the rear view mirror. We had productive meetings with our Legislators. Rep Joel McEntire shocked us when he asked if we would support a Helmet Choice Bill if he dropped one. We said we couldn’t speak for ABATE of WA, but that all our Pacific Co. Chapter members would.
Representative McEntire would like to hear from any motorcyclists who would support a mark on your license that would allow you to ride with or without a helmet if you were over 18.
Contact him at:
Joel.McEntire@leg.wa.gov
And remember to cc his Legislative Assistant:
Suzi.Ryan@leg.wa.gov
Pacific County Chapter is looking forward to our annual February Chili Contest. Dust of that “Secret Recipe” and cook up your finest Chili. The Contest follows our Feb. Meeting Feb. 2. Location details on our Facebook page.
February often brings some nice, sunny days. Get out and enjoy them.
John Tschannen
Coordinator
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RAT CITY
It’s time to FREEZE YOUR BUTT OFF!
Rat City is holding its annual Test of Mettle run
on Sunday, March 2 rd 2025. We’ll start out from the White Center Eagles (10452 15 th Ave SW) with Kick-Stands Up at 11:00 a.m. They open their doors to public on Sunday mornings for breakfast starting at 9:00 a.m. and the bar will be open. Registration for the event will start at 9:30 so there’ll be plenty of time to fill your bellies and your bladders!
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KEY PENINSULA
It was great seeing everyone that attended Black Friday 2025, reuniting with familiar ABATE members and meeting new ones from around the state to meet with our legislators, both incumbent and newly seated Senators and Representatives!
Great job and hearty thanks to the committee for a successful event. The vibe in all the meetings we attended was positive and well-received with proactive discussion and interest in what we had to say. Instead of the typical "handshake, nod & I have another meeting" received by some in the past, legislators actually listened to us, asked questions, and even entertained discussion, both on and off-topic.
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STAR LAKE
Greetings everyone and Happy New Year from Star Lake Chapter!
We conducted our Chapter meeting on January 5th, 2025, at 11am at Rail Hop’n in Auburn. The chapter officers presented the draft By-Laws for the members to review and discuss. One of the chapter members at the meeting made a motion to accept the By-Laws and was seconded by another chapter member. The By-Laws were accepted by a majority 2/3 votes of available members at the meeting with no abstention. The By-Laws were signed by all four officers and will be submitted to the State for review and final approval. The chapter discussed the route and plans for the annual charity benefit ride on June 7th. The next step is getting the flyer created for distribution and promoting the event. The chapter is planning to support and participate at the March Swap meet. The chapter needs to confirm participants going to the Spring Opener in June. The next meeting will be on February 2nd 11am at Rail Hop’n at address 131 E Main St. Auburn). All are welcome to attend.
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SPANAWAY
Greetings from Spanaway ABATE Chapter. As of this writing, we have just concluded what looks to
be an extremely successful chili cook off won by AnnMarie Stormo, Congratulations!
Starting with our next event will be moving to a new location. Feb 22 nd our Spaghetti Feed & Bingo
will be hosted at Tacoma Eagles Arie #3 on South Tacoma Way. This is a family friendly venue that is
more in line with the type of things we do and want to do. We are looking forward to hosting many
events from this venue.
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SPOKANE
Happy New Year everyone!
Diana Picone, Coordinator and Michael Paul, Deputy Coordinator will be at Black Friday Jan. 17th speaking to our legislators about the concerns in Spokane area. Motorcycle registration are a hot item for our area. We wish them luck in meeting with as many representatives as possible.
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TACOMA
Hello from "Tacoma Chapter" we want to wish each and every one of you a healthy,safe and a happy new year. Hope you get to put on many miles and good memories with family and friends.
The holidays were so busy that I forgot to submit a report last month. So let's get caught up.
November thru Mid December we held our annual "John P Scapes" memorial Toy Drive benefiting the VFW 969 auxiliary xmas party toy give away. On December 14th we did a bike parade with about 12 bikes to the VFW xmas party. The kids were very excited to see all the bikes and a few of them were even brave enough to twist that throttle and make some noise. Great turn out and more toys than we needed. All the extra toys went to a good cause chosen by the VFW.
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Need to reach a specific Chapter?
Get their contact information here:
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