STATE COORDINATOR'S REPORT | | |
Hello Everyone
As most of you are probably aware, I was seated as the new state coordinator at the July BOD. These have been turbulent times and I hope moving forward we can all focus on ABATE's purpose, motorcycle rights legislation and education. It will be a challenge to get the ship righted and heading in a positive direction, one we all can be part of but I know we can do it. As a matter of fact we could use some help doing so, we are looking to get a new Jr. deputy nominated and elected. Bill had to step down because his chapter needed help filling the coordinator position so he accepted it. I do not have the 20 and 30 years of ABATE membership experience like some in the past, however I do believe in what ABATE is and with your support will do my best to make it a proud membership based organization once again.
Kevin Billings
State Coordinator
| | JUNIOR DEPUTY COORDINATOR REPORT | | This position is currently open. Please contact your state officer for more details. | | |
It was wonderful to see so many of you all at Spring Opener this year. I enjoy rekindling friendships and meeting new members. A BIG thank you to everyone who purchased items at products. Inventory is low! Yeah! Thank you to all the product booth volunteers. The successful sales are all attributed to you.
Chapter Secretaries thank you for getting 3rd quarter minutes emailed to me on time so your chapter coordinators could vote at the July Board of Director meetings.
This time of year for ABATE also signifies officer elections. I will attach the officer list form in both word and PDF formats. Please fill out the list and email to me at secretary.abatewa@gmail.com. Whenever you have a change in officers or committee positions, please fill out a new form and email it in to me. I want to keep our chapter roosters up to date.
Thank you all for your support these last ten months as your pro-tem State Secretary. I look forward to representing you as your State Secretary for the next two years.
Diana Picone
State Secretary
Abate of Washington
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Diana Picone
State Secretary
Abate of Washington
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Rider Training 2027
After the 13 July training day, we were noodling on what we could do to improve on the
experience and include more folks. It finally dawned on us that we should take the show on the
road so that folks in other parts of the state could more readily access the training.
Think about the possibility of Wenatchee to cover the North Central Basin.
What about a play date in Spokane?
How about a play date in the Tri Cities?
Anyone ever considered a play date in Southwest WA?
All it would take would be enough local interest, the ability to locate some secure asphalt to toss cones out, and find a place to store me for a couple of nights. The we can work on some low speed maneuvers, improving our braking, and executing some more complex cornering skills. We can even set up for a morning session and an afternoon session, so we can get 20 riders through on a Saturday.
The Brain Trust is working on some other potential projects for next year, but at this point there are no details to discuss. What I can say is that if things come to fruition, although it may cost the players a bit, it will be a fun day.
Until next time, ride safely and have fun.
Texas Larry
| | “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 | | |
The 2027 Legislative Session will convene on Monday, January 11, 2026. This is the long session of the Legislature, in which lawmakers will be tasked with passing biennial Operating, Capital, and Transportation budgets. Regardless of which party controls the House and/or Senate in 2027, ABATE of Washington will advocate for issues important to our membership and the motorcycle community.
As part of our process to develop our 2027 legislative agenda and priorities, we ask that you give us the legislative priorities that are most important to your chapter. We will discuss these issues at the fall STEAM conference. We will develop three priorities for 2027 based on your input. If you are not a member of a chapter please forward your choices to me at lawalker1@wavecable.com and I will tabulate the results.
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Memorial Patches are availalable for Lenny Pletsch.
Email abateofwashingtonpr@gmail.com for more information
about getting the patches.
Rest in Paradise
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Kat Bolton, of the Tri Cities Chapter passes the coveted Freedom Flag to Lewis County Chapter LAO Pat Payne at the July BOD.
Congratulations to Lewis County for capturing the flag, by having the Highest Percentage of their members attend Black Friday!
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CHAPTER REPORTS
(Only public Social Media pages are listed)
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COLUMBIA GORGE -
Coordinator: Scott Robinson
Email: scotth_robinson@yahoo.com
PO Box 357 Goldendale, WA 98620
Monthly Meetings: American Legion Meeting Room Goldendale, WA - 1st Tuesdays @ 5:30 PM
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ELK COUNTRY -
Coordinator: Red Hultkrantz
Email: houndog197@gmail.com
Address: PO Box 484 Morton, WA 98356
Chapter Meetings: G&C Bar and Grill, Morton, WA 2nd Sundays @ 12 PM
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FOOTHILLS -
Coordinator: OPEN
Email: Foothills.abateofwa@gmail.com
PO Box 8369 Tacoma, WA 98419
Monthly Meetings: Buckley Eagles, Buckley, WA 1st Sundays @ 10 AM
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RAT CITY -
Coordinator: Joe Cosgrove
Email: ratcityabate@gmail.com PO Box 8369 Tacoma, WA 98419
Chapter Meetings : Jule's Mae's Saloon: 5919 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98106
Chapter Meetings: 2nd Tuesdays- Social 6pm, Meeting @ 7 PM
Web Page: www.ratcityabate.com/events
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RatCity
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SKY VALLEY -
Coordinator: Vic Erickson
Email: skyvalley.coordinator@gmail.com PO Box 784 Snohomish, WA 98291
Chapter Meetings: Snohomish Eagles FOE#195 Snohomish, WA
2nd Tuesdays @ 6 PM
Web Page: https://skyvalleyabate.com/
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TRI CITIES - OPEN
Address: 112 W 21st AVE, Kennewick, WA 99337 Chapter Meetings: Rattlesnake Mtn HD 3405 W 19th Ave, Kennewick, WA
1st Fridays @ 5:15 PM
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/tricitiesabate
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YAKIMA VALLEY - Matt Patrick Email:xxmattman@hotmail.com
Chapter Meetings: Apple State Harley Davidson 1710 N 1st St, Yakima, WA
4th Thursdays @ 6 PM
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CWCABATEofWA
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LEWIS COUNTY -
Coordinator: Paul Mordick
Email: lcabatecoordinator@gmail.com
PO Box 1105 Centralia, WA 98531
Chapter Meetings: Oakview Grange, Centralia , WA The 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month @ 7 PM Web Page: https://www.lewiscountyabate.org/ Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/227315697445091
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GRANT COUNTY -
Coordinator: Charlie Pray
Email: charliepray17@gmail.com
PO Box 1392 Moses Lake, WA 98837
Monthly Meetings: Bob's Cafe - 1807 East Kittelson Rd, Moses Lake, WA
3rd Thursdays Social @ 6 PM, Meeting @ 7 PM
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/598114703691327/
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GRAYS HARBOR -
Coordinator: Dennis Quimby
Email: dennisquimby@live.com
PO Box 93 Oakville, WA 98568
Monthly Meetings: Gepetto's - 126 Pioneer AVE E, Montesano, WA 2nd Sundays @ 1 PM
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GHABATE
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MASON COUNTY -
Coordinator: John Calabrese
Ph:360.426.6533
Email: shorty.jrc@gmail.com
PO Box 213 Shelton, WA 98584
Chapter Meetings: Taylor Station Restaurant, Shelton, WA 1st Wednesdays of the month @ 7 PM
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NORTH KITSAP -
Coordinator: Ken Behal
Email:nkchaptercoordinator@gmail.com PO Box 8369 Tacoma, WA 98419
Chapter Meetings: Family Pancake House- 3900 Kitsap Way Bremerton, 98312
1st Tuesdays of the Month -Social @ 6pm Meeting @ 7 PM
Web Page: https://northkitsapchapter.com/
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NorthKitsapABATE
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SPANAWAY -
Ryan Eaton Email: ryan@ryaneaton.com
PO Box 154 Spanaway, WA 98387
Chapter Meetings: Denny's Restaurant - 20420 Mt Hwy E, Spanaway, WA
1st Mondays @ 6:30 PM
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpanawayABATEChapter
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SKCC -
Coordinator: Dana Holzworth
Email: danaholzworth@gmail.com
Mailing: PO Box 1931 Auburn, WA 98071
Chapter Meetings: Spunky Monkey Bar and Grill (Downstairs) -
124 2nd St SE, Auburn, WA 98002
1st Tuesday @ 6:30 PM
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AwempQbAa/
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EPCC -
Coordinator: Joe Cain
Email: abate.epcc@gmail.com
PO Box 906 Auburn, WA 98071
Monthly Meetings: Bud's in Milton, WA
1st Sundays @ 11 AM
Hi, Everybody! EPCC checking in. I have to say Spring Opener was quite a different experience than usual. But despite disappointingly low attendance, under-staffing (lack of volunteers) and rainy weather, we made the best of it! Good friends – both old and new, some great music, good vendors, games and warm campfires all contributed to a fun weekend. I especially enjoyed the tribute band Led Zepman, as well as my hours volunteering in the State Products Booth, where I always get to see so many friends! I appreciate every single one of you who stepped up, pitched in, and did their best to see that the event was as entertaining and successful as possible. I hope to see you all again at one of the many happenings this summer. And don’t forget about EPCC’s Teddy Bear Rally Weekend at the end of August! (See our flyer in
this edition.)
Laura Cain, Secretary/LAO
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STAR LAKE -
Coordinator: Ken Nyland
Email: hawks0216@hotmail.com PO Box 8369 Tacoma, WA 98419 Chapter Meetings: Rail Hop'n Brewing Company, Auburn, WA
1st Sundays @ 11 AM Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1214400471927120/
Greetings everyone from Star Lake Chapter, July 15 th , 2026
We conducted our Chapter meeting at the Rail Hop’n Brewery located in Auburn July 10th, 2026, at 7pm. The chapter coordinator presented the ABATE hearing committee findings and recommendations, with guidance from the executive board. The chapter members had a lot of questions concerning the reason for the Hearing committee findings and recommendations. The valuable input from the chapter
members will be discussed at the next BOD meeting July 18 th at 11am at the VFW in Tacoma. The chapter members will review the new state budget proposal and provide input or questions back to the coordinator for review prior to discussion and voting at the BOD on July 18 th . The chapter will conduct the August meeting at Odd Fellows in Auburn on the 9 th 10am -12pm as Rail Hop’n is closing. It has been the Star Lake meeting place for many years. One of our members, Billy Jack, is the owner. Please wish him and his family well with future endeavors. Rail Hop’n will be soulfully missed but we are keeping Billy Jack in ABATE (now a lifetime member).
Star Lake Chapter 2026 events:
- Chapter Lakes Run event will be August 1 st , 2026 – flyer being sent out to invitees
- Black Diamond community center donation drive November 1 st , 2026
- Participate and attend other ABATE chapter events throughout the year
Now for this month’s safety note: Keep your head on a swivel during heavy traffic, especially during the summer days as more vehicles are on the road. It’s crowded enough as it is. As always, remember the three S’s - Stay Alert, Stay Safe, Stay Alive. See you down the road.
Star Lake Chapter, Coordinator
Ken Nyland
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Key Peninsula ABATE – August Newsletter
Greetings, Brothers and Sisters!
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and finding plenty of opportunities to get out and ride. It's hard to believe August is already here!
The end of last month brought one of our biggest events of the year—ABATE of Washington's Annual Spring Opener. It was a fantastic weekend filled with great people, great rides, camping, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with old friends while making some new ones.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone from the Key Peninsula Chapter who volunteered their time and energy. Our chapter had the honor of hosting both the Tattoo Contest and the Wet T-Shirt (or Not!) Contest, and both events were a great success. It took a lot of teamwork behind the scenes, and we couldn't have done it without each and every volunteer who stepped up. Your dedication truly reflects what our chapter is all about.
A special thank you goes out to Tamra Billings, our multi-year Tattoo Contest Champion, for lending her expertise as a judge for this year's Tattoo Contest. I'd also like to thank Bryce Carl for digging into his own pocket to provide the prize money for the Wet T-Shirt (or Not!) Contest. Thank you, Brother! Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated.
Now that summer is in full swing, we have more rides, chapter events, and opportunities to support each other and protect our motorcycle rights. If you've been thinking about getting more involved, now is the perfect time. Whether it's volunteering at an event, attending meetings, or simply inviting another rider to join us, every member makes a difference.
Upcoming Events
Don't forget to mark your calendars for our Brewery Run on October 3, 2026. It's always a great ride, great company, and a great time—bring your friends and help us make it another successful event.
Also, be sure to pick up a few extra Meat Raffle tickets. They help support our chapter and the work we do throughout the year. Every ticket sold makes a difference.
Looking ahead to next riding season, our Key Peninsula Spring Ride is already on the calendar for May 2, 2027. It's never too early to spread the word and help us make next year's ride our biggest yet!
As always, remember to ride smart, ride safe, and watch out for one another. We share the road, but we also share the responsibility of looking after our fellow riders.
WE ARE OUR BROTHERS' & SISTERS' KEEPERS.
I look forward to seeing you at our next chapter meeting and out on the road.
Keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up!
Nick Gourley
Coordinator, Key Peninsula Chapter
ABATE of Washington
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SPOKANE CHAPTER - Coordinator: Amanda Seip Email: amandasiep@gmail.com
PO Box 11094 Spokane Valley, WA 99211
Chapter Meetings: Combat Veteran Riders - 2405 N. Dick Rd. Spokane Valley, WA
2nd Tuesdays @ 6:30 PM
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067746335695
| | MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AND EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD | |
Goal-To foster and promote safe motorcycle riding through:
- Public information campaigns throughout the state to increase awareness of motorcycle safety
- Developing quality rider training programs including classroom and on-cycle training
- Improving operator testing
Funding
This program is funded by your Washington motorcycle endorsement and permit fees.
Advisory board
Created by law, the Motorcycle Safety Education Advisory Board works with the Director of the Department of Licensing to develop:
- Effective motorcycle operator training programs
- Motorcycle safety education outreach and campaigns
| | | Meeting date and Location | Agenda, minutes, and other materials | | September 24, 2026
6 p.m to 8 p.m.
Join the meeting via Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 262 019 237 654 0
Passcode: db7KZ9m
Call in (audio only): +1 564-999-2000,,630841823# (United States, Olympia) or 833-322-1218,,630841823# (United States, toll-free)
Phone conference ID: 630 841 823# | Meeting materials published when available | | | CURRENT CONGRESSIONAL REPS | | |
Current Congressional Representatives from Washington State
Washington State has a total of 10 congressional representatives. The delegation consists of 8 Democrats and 2 Republicans. Below is a list of the current representatives along with their respective districts.
Washington State Congressional Representatives by District
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The best part of being in a grassroots organization, is the diversity and different mindsets of those who come together for the good of the organization.
That being said, it also can be part of the challenge.
Much like a marriage, when it’s good, it’s fantastic, but when it’s bad, it’s like what in the world??
We, as those who represent, in our community, we need to dig really deep, and ask ourselves….WHY…..
WHY are we in ABATE of Washington?
WHAT is ABATE of Washington actually about? It’s more than the acronym: A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments.
It’s about ensuring our Right to Ride, our children and grandchildren’s right to RIDE. Freedom and fairness for motorcyclists and being the voice on a local, state and national level.
WHAT are WE doing, as a individuals, to contribute to ABATE becoming a stronger voice for the motorcycle community?
Are you contributing to the goals and mission, or are you stepping back and complaining about things, without stepping up to make it better?
Are you truly passionate about furthering the rights of motorcyclists, or just along for the ride?
There are no wrong answers here, unless you are trying to burn the house down. [Think “War of the Roses” (movie)]
As a fellow fighter for motorcycle freedom, consider …. if you are a card carrying member of ABATE of Washington, ponder your “WHY”.
Having a great toy run, or party isn’t enough of the pie. It’s wonderful! It’s great! It’s really awesome and fulfilling, too! It gets us out in the community and helps remedy the negative connotation that people have about bikers as well.
There’s more work to do than community support, to be part of the largest State Motorcycle Rights Organization (SMRO) in Washington.
Being involved doesn’t necessarily mean the expectation of a full-time commitment. It can be as simple as educating people about the reason we exist. It can mean possibly picking a run a month, outside your chapter, or area for our independents, or helping out at an information booth.
Maybe assisting out by putting up flyers, or sharing about our legislative efforts to other riders. Maybe all you have, is to support with membership, that’s okay, too.
ABATE across the nation, is about members and how they show up.
Sometimes just how you represent and how you show up, says more about you, than anything else.
Being involved, and being present, both in how you speak on things, and how you show up for the rest of it is the tell.
It can be a simple as just a moment of time, a hand, a solution, and helping solving problems. It’s as much or as little as you put into it.
ABATE of Washington is 50 years + strong. This motorcycle rights thing is bigger than any single one of us. It is through determination, and leadership like our legacy of original founding members, and many who were a part after, that we now stand here with the renewed focus on MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS, both State and Nationally.
How we build our future, is a mindset. We need to start preparing the next wave of Freedom Warriors today, so that in 50 more years, they can see that even in trying times, we, ABATE of Washington, persevered, even when SHTF.
We rolled up our sleeves, and got to the business of motorcycle rights.
So let’s get to it!
Something to think about.
See you on the road!
Kim Adair
Public Relations
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It's time, once again for the bi-annual explanation of supporting motorcycle rights on a local, state and national level.
ABATE of Washington has proudly supported national motorcycle rights for over 28 YEARS.
What does it cost us?
$100 a year.
Keep reading, you're not done learning yet....
It is time to re- illustrate some different Motorcycle Rights Organizations (MRO) traits. We'll keep doing this until we are all understanding how it works.
If you ride, support your Motorcycle Rights Organizations.
Why? These members and organizations are people that are out there actively standing up for your right to ride on State, National, and European levels. Your rights aren't going to fight for themselves
.
ABATE - A grass roots State Motorcycle Rights Organization (SMRO) with state charters throughout the United States. ABATE was spurred into action around 1971 by Lou Kimsey of Easyriders. State Charters were issued around 1974. Keith Ball former editor and now new owner of Easyriders Magazine was the original National leader. The state governments were beginning to heavily regulate motorcycles and their riders. ABATEs advocate for fair legislation and freedom to ride, in the states that they exist in. ABATE is for freedom of choice and also supports their community with charitable events and activities. https://www.abate.org/About/History-of-ABATE
American Motorcyclist Association-a 501 c 4- this is a Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO). The AMA is an American nonprofit organization of more than 200,000 motorcyclists that organizes numerous motorcycling activities and campaigns for motorcyclists' legal rights. Its mission statement is "to promote the motorcycling lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling." The organization was founded in 1924 and, as of October 2016, had more than 1,100 chartered clubs" https://americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Washington, D.C.- AKA The MRF - is National Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO) founded in 1985, when several freedom loving motorcyclists realized that they need to have more than just state advocacy.
The first motorcyclists’ rights organization with a FULL TIME legislative and political presence in our nation’s capital (Rocky Fox). The only Washington DC voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. https://www.mrf.org/history-mission-goals-core
*MRF Board members volunteer their time and resources to represent the MRF and do not get money from the MRF to do so.
FEMA- The Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations (MRO)- FEMA’s purpose is to promote, protect and preserve motorcycling. FEMA’s mission is to promote riders’ interests and defend riders’ rights throughout Europe and globally. https://www.femamotorcycling.eu
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A misconception heard in my home state that seems to continually and repeatedly resurface after being addressed again and again:
ABATE pays the MRF alot of $$$$. Unless donations are given, by your state.... this is completely FALSE. The would likely love that kind of support, as would we all.
FACT- My ABATE- in Washington State proudly has a Sustaining membership with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. The cost to be a Sustaining Organization member is only $100 annually.
[I also belong to two other state ABATE organizations. I do not know what they contribute or on what level.
I'm also a member of the AMA.]
My state MRO- ABATE of Washington, the Board of Directors (BOD) have in the last couple years have voted a $5K budget for the MRF Meeting of the Minds (MOTM). The cost is $100 per person for a 3 day event. Such a bargain for LEADERSHIP training!
The bulk of that budget covers the costs of travel expenses to/from & lodging.
Attendees are busy all day and into the evening all 3 days.
Total to MRF MOTM for 3 attendees = $300
Annual Total -Sustaining Membership only = $100
Yes, you read that right... Annual money to the MRF membership is only $100! Add the MOTM and 2025 was only $400! $400 to support and be supported with a voice for riders in Washington DC! However, we could absolutely do more to support this grassroots organization that does so much, with so little.
Next-What is MOTM? Why should I go or support it?
Each year, the leaders of the now-worldwide community gather for motorcycling’s premier political leadership summit — named to commemorate the gathering at which they were founded: The MRF Meeting of the Minds.
ABATE SMROs throughout the United States, as well as other MROs and Motorcycle Clubs recognize the value in sending leaders to this conference to learn, lead, grow and network with other states. From Roberts Rules to Team building, Event planning, Networking, National Legislative Agenda planning, and National Recognition awards happen at this essential event. In 2025 there were over 400 attendees, all riders, all from SMROs all learning how to be more effective at home.
Ever walk into a room full of Freedom minded riders and say " These are my people?"
THAT is MOTM. THAT is the MRF and THAT is ABATE. This is where we can meet with others, doing the same thing we are doing, having many of the same issues, and that have come up with different solutions. We learn and grow from this event.
Put it on your priority list!!
This year is in Milwaukee, WI, home of Harley Davidson.
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Thank you for learning about our motorcycle rights on both the State, Federal, and World level!
Reminder- Black Thursday - ABATE of Washington's Motorcycle Legislation Day is January 21, 2027!
See www.abate-wa.org for details.
“If you don’t belong to your SMRO and the MRF, you’re riding on my gas.”
~ John ‘Farmer’ Eggers 1990
Kim Adair
ABATE of Washington - Motorcycle Rights Foundation Rep
& Motorcycle Awareness Advocate
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Hi Everyone,
Curious how we stack up in membership amongst our fellow ABATE organizations through out the United States? Here's our latest membership report.
Got questions? Email: Membership.abateofwashington@gmail.com
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ABATE of Washington
State Events, Board of Directors Meetings(BOD) & Executive Committee Meetings (ECOM)
ABATE of Washington upcoming STATE EVENTS
October 17th STEAM- Eagles, Wenatchee, WA
BOD Meetings
Sunday October 18, 2026 @ 10am -Location- Eagles, Wenatchee, WA
ECOM Meetings
Sunday, Sept 13, 2026 @ 11am- Location TBD
Sunday Nov 15, 2026 @ 11am- Location TBD
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ABATE of Washington
Contact information
| | | | HERE IS A COLORING PAGE FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT! | | MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION | | |
IIHS Releases Statement On
Waymo Safety Record
| A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is likely to become a major talking point on the issue of autonomous vehicles. According to the report, Waymo's driverless vehicles operating in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Austin were involved in 68% fewer police-reportable crashes per mile traveled than human drivers. | |  | |
MOTORCYCLISTS’ RIGHTS ARE NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT Motocyclist's rights are not a spectator sport
Every year, riders tell us how important motorcyclists’ rights are. Their list is usually short:
- Profiling matters.
- Access matters.
- Fuel matters.
- Freedom matters.
- Advocacy matters.
And they're right.
But rights are not protected from the sidelines.
They are protected by people willing to engage.
People willing to learn.
People willing to show up.
For decades, a relatively small number of riders have carried the responsibility of defending the interests of millions.
That reality must change.
| | | Meeting Of The Minds 2026 If Not You, Then Who? | |
Every rider wants someone to protect the future of motorcycling.
- Someone to monitor legislation.
- Someone to meet with lawmakers.
- Someone to challenge bad regulations.
- Someone to defend access.
- Someone to fight profiling.
- Someone to stand up when motorcycling comes under attack.
The problem is that "someone" has a name.
- It is always the riders who decide to get involved.
- The riders who attend meetings.
- The riders who learn the issues.
- The riders who build relationships.
- The riders who show up.
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The Strongest Weapon In Motorcyclists’ Rights Advocacy
Is Riders Working Together
Your greatest resource is sitting in the next state or right next to you.
Some of the best ideas in motorcyclists’ rights advocacy never make headlines.
- They come from conversations.
- A strategy shared over coffee.
- A lesson learned from a legislative fight.
- A solution discovered by another state motorcyclist rights organization.
- A relationship formed between advocates who realize they are facing the same challenge.
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Win For Consumer Right To Repair
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) applauds the recent settlement between John Deere and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with the attorneys general of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Arizona regarding consumers' right to repair their own equipment.
While the agreement focuses on agricultural equipment, the states involved represent the heart of America's motorcycling community. These same states are home to countless riders, motorcyclist rights organizations, and independent repair shops that understand the importance of giving owners access to the tools, software, parts, and information needed to maintain their bikes.
| | | AMERICAN INCOME LIFE - FREE ACCIDENTAL LIFE & DISMEMBERMENT | | 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. | | |
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.
| | | | | Having a great time at Spring Opener 2026 | | |
Dice Throw
September 12th, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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Meeting of the minds
September 24-27, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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MILITARY HOSPITOL
TOY RUN
October 10th, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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TEDDY BEAR RALLY
AUG 28-30, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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BACKPACK BASH
AUGUST 8TH, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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A.B.A.T.E. SOCIAL HOUR
AUGUST 13TH, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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POKER RUN
AUGUST 8TH, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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MUTT PUTT DICE RUN
SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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ABATE of WASHINGTON
State Office- PO Box 8369 Tacoma, WA 98419
Web: https://www.abate-wa.org
Email: Abate.of.Wa@gmail.com
FREEDOM NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
See full copy of newsletter policy in the policies handbook.
The FREEDOM newsletter is published monthly, by ABATE of Washington.
All issues are on our website after the first of each month. All submissions, editorials, photos and advertising are to be emailed to newsletter.abateofwa@gmail.com or sent to the ABATE Corporate office above, attn: NEWSLETTER.
The correct photo format is (JPG, PNG, TIF, MSWord, or MS Publisher) or put text format in email body, TXT, DOC, RTF, PDF (Circulation distribution is 1600 monthly in an email blast, online).
Written ads or articles are the opinions of the authors and not necessarily the
opinion of ABATE of Washington. Editor reserves the right to edit any submission for space, clarity, content and propriety.
DEADLINES:
Submission deadline is the 15th of the month, prior to publication for ALL
Materials. All run flyers, photos and ad copy must be camera ready.
NON-MEMBER ADS/EVENT FLYERS
2”X3.5” SIZE (100 words) $24
3.5” X 4.75” SIZE (200 words) $40
7.25 X 4.5” or 3.5” X 10” SIZE ( 480 words) $70
7.25 x 10” SIZE (975 words) $120 note- full page ads have limited availability. Contact the editor for reservations and pricing. Sizing may vary depending on application.
All ads MUST be pre-paid for the entire duration of ad run. Prices do not include any changes that you may want to make to existing ads placed with us.
ABATE of Washington will publish other State ABATE flyers/event info at no cost. Registered 501 C (3) corporations can place 1 ad per month at no cost. See ABATE Standing Policies for guidance.
CHAPTER REPORTS
10-450 WORDS-ish, optionally accompanied by photos, submitted by Chapter Coordinator, Dep Coordinator or person authorized by the Coordinator, in writing.
CHAPTER FLYERS
Free, up to one full page per chapter, the month of the event; 2 months prior, flyer may be printed at ¼ pg size; chapters limited to one full page flyer/announcement per month; must have ABATE of Washington and the Chapter name at the top; submit in color.
CLASSIFIEDS for Members
Members may advertise a small classified-type ad in the Freedom, at no charge and their ad will be run up to 3 issues.
LETTER POLICY Signed letters to the editor are welcome and encouraged. We reserve the right to edit or not print letters of questionable content. We reserve the right to edit letters to 300 words.
MEMORIAL/OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS
ABATE of Washington member tributes and obituaries are welcome. This is a new feature and guidelines will be updated as needed.
PHOTOS
Photos of ABATE events should be emailed to newsletter.abateofwa@gmail.com. Please include name of event, date, captions, etc. They must be received by the deadline to be published in the next issue. Please share if you prefer the photo with your chapter, or “In the Wind”.
FREEDOM welcomes articles consistent to ABATE’s purpose as a motorcycle rights organization (MRO) motorcycle legislation and motorcycling in general. NO letters containing personal attacks, profanities, or issues not related to motorcycling will be considered for publication.
Submissions must give proper credit and acknowledgement of the source being submitted.
We can not guarantee publication of anything that is not received by the deadline of the 15th of the month. Make check payable to FREEDOM/ABATE OF WASHINGTON P.O. Box 8369, Tacoma, WA 98419. Allow ample time for mailing and payment processing ahead of deadline.
Ride safe out there!
Kim Adair
ABATE of Washington-Freedom Newsletter Editor
newsletter.abateofwashington@gmail.com
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