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VOL 47 Issue 6 | June 2026 | | | | STATE PRODUCTS COORDINATOR - NEEDED!! | |
Are you a retail wiz with a passion for biker fashion? Are patches, pins and merch your bling? Biker T-shirts with messages for the masses?
ABATE of Washington has an opening for a State Products Coordinator!
Tailor the position to fit! Bring a friend and share it, create a committee or make it all your own! this volunteer position needs a leader. Maybe your chapter would like to
take the ball and run with it? Let's get creative!
If interested, don't wait! Reach out to Susan Carson- seniordeputyabatewa@mail.com
| | | STATE COORDINATOR'S REPORT | |
Riding Season Is Here!
Greetings Brothers, Sisters,
Woo! It’s finally riding weather! The sun is peeking out, the bikes are roaring back to life, and the roads are active with motorcycles again. But remember — this is Washington! Check that forecast & radar before you head out because it can change in the blink of an eye.
Looking ahead, we’ve got one of ABATE of Washington's biggest events of the season coming up — Spring Opener, June 25–28 out in Randall at Cascade Peaks! This is a great chance for all of us to come together, reconnect with old friends, meet new riders, have some biker fun, and celebrate the people who make this organization strong by doing what we do!
Events like Spring Opener don’t happen without volunteers. We truly need your help! I have faith that our members will rise to the occasion! Chapters, please reach out to your members and encourage them to step up! Just working a small shift helps tremendously, and volunteers can earn free entry to next year’s Spring Opener in a few shifts. That’s a pretty good trade for helping support the organization and keeping the event running smoothly.
We’ll have some great bands, vendors, food, and plenty of fellowship throughout the weekend. Most importantly, we’ll have the energy and people that makes this organization and camp out so special. Please come up, say hello, and spend some time with your motorcycle family.
As everyone gets back on the road, let’s also remember that Spring riding comes with spring hazards. Folks are out doing their first grass cutting of the season, leaving clippings across roadways, and landscaping crews are spreading gravel onto streets and shoulders everywhere, WSDOT has yet to clean up many areas from the winter and tar snakes are in abundance. Stay alert, watch your corners, ride your own ride and give yourself extra room out there.
Speaking of skills? Want to see how you stack up? Check out Larry Walker's Safety and Education brush up with Cascade Motorcycle Training on June 13th and June 20th. These are FREE to ABATE members! Larry gives the details in his report this month! Sign up pronto!
Let’s make this a strong riding season by supporting our chapters, getting our safety and education rolling, supporting the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and continuing to stand together to protect our rights and our lifestyle.
Ride safe, ride smart, and we hope to see everyone soon!
Bill Dye
State Coordinator- Pro Tem
| | SR DEP COORDINATOR REPORT | | |
I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for their continued support and all the hard work being done to keep moving ABATE of Washington forward. It takes dedication from every chapter, officer, volunteer, and member to make this organization successful, and your efforts do not go unnoticed.
We have been working hard preparing for Spring Opener, and it is shaping up to be an amazing event. We have incredible vendors, great bands, exciting activities, and a lot of fun planned for everyone attending.
The online store for Spring Opener presale merchandise is now live. Merchandise can either be shipped directly to your home or picked up at Spring Opener. Event tickets can also be purchased online prior to the event for your convenience.
There are so many amazing events happening throughout our chapters, and we encourage everyone to support not only each other’s chapters, but also the clubs and organizations that continue to support us throughout the year.
Lastly, remember that May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. Please keep your head on a swivel, stay alert, and be safe while traveling our highways and roadways.
Thank you again for everything you do for ABATE of Washington.
Susan “Stars” Carson
Senior Deputy Coordinator Pro Tem
| | JUNIOR DEPUTY COORDINATOR REPORT | | |
Hello everyone
As you all know we have a lot on our plates, especially with Spring Opener just around the corner.
I hope raffle tickets sales are going well and you're selling them at every opportunity, this is where everyone's help is needed and appreciated. If you need more please reach out to one of the State board members and we can get them to you.
One thing we REALLY need are volunteers for Security at SO, reach out to your chapter coordinator or Phil Snow and let them know how you can help!
Your State Exc board is currently working through quite a few issues and it always seems to take longer then one expects, please bare with us.
If you have any questions, please let me know, send me an email or call me.
At the July BOD I'll be seated as YOUR new State Coordinator and I will always take the time to talk to you, your input is important.
I want to see Washington ABATE flourish and be a recognized name in Olympia, we need everyone's help to make sure our motorcycle rights are not a "back burner" item.
Thank You,
Kevin Billings
Jr. Deputy Coordinator
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Diana Picone
State Secretary
Abate of Washington
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Rider Training 2026 Final Details
The BOD voted to sponsor two classes for riders from ABATE this summer. Cascade Gymkhana: At $500/10 riders, this can possibly get 20 riders drilled over a weekend. The bang for the buck here is that there is no hard fast curriculum, but the drills can be tailored for the clientele. The bottom line, the rider improves their ability to put their front tire where that want it, and at the speed they want, with no drama.
If you are interested, message me and copy Bill, and your Chapter Coordinator. I am working with the training provider to tailor exercises that are more or less “bagger friendly” but still challenging.
The details:
- Rider Level: Novice through Expert
- Event Length: 3 hours over one day
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Location: Cascade Motorcycle Safety, South Seattle College, 6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106 https://maps.app.goo.gl/b94xb1vFVE41BRwa9
- Participants: 10 riders, no passengers
- Riding Gear: Full coverage (Jackets, good pants, DOT helmet, full fingered gloves, over the ankle footwear)
- Motorcycle: Any street legal motorcycle, passing T-CLOCS, Liability Insurance
| | “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 | | |
Campaign Season 2026
Election filings have closed out, and the primary field is set. Now is the time to begin to reach out to the candidates in your area and sort them out, and not just on motorcycling issues. Not only should you size them up for how open they are to our motorcycle issues, but it is advisable to assess how well they will be able to work within the system and play nicely with others. A candidate who is 100% behind our issues but massively irritates every member of the chamber is not really a good value. It might be the time to educate a new candidate.
Here is where you can find out who is running in your area.
One thing to remember is it isn’t just congressional and state level legislative races that may be important. There are county and municipal races that can affect motorcyclists. This is where we can possibly affect the fees that many are paying to register multiple bikes and other POVs. (Sound Transit) If you are an off road enthusiast many onerous regulations happen at the local level.
Locate them, reach out to them, and see if you can be of service in a campaign. That will get you amazing access during the beginning of a campaign, which can be parlayed into a good relationship after the elections. Building and installing/delivering yard signs is always appreciated, as well as helping canvass neighborhoods, either solo or walking with the candidate. Just remember to not do the public work in any organizational clothing, in case your chosen candidate does not prevail. If the victor has seen obvious bikers working for the opposition, especially if the victor is the incumbent, they might hold a grudge.
The idea of working in a campaign may seem a bit daunting, be the staff will give new volunteers good guidance and bring them into the fold. It really is not rocket science, and it can really be fun.
Give it a try. 😉
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May's Freedom Newsletter thanked the 35th District for our Senatorial Proclamation, and incorrectly stated that "Rob MacEwen" was responsible for the May is Motorcycle Safety and Education Month in the Senate Proclamation.
Actually it is Senator DREW MacEwen and his great Legislative Assistant Rob BARNES and their great team, that made that great Proclamation a reality!
My apologies for combining the 2 into one!
Sorry to Senator MacEwen and to Rob Barnes who work hard to field all the requests and questions AND Proclamations, from yours truly!
Kim Adair
Editor
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No More Off Button - National Motorists Association | By Eric Peters If they can get you to accept the first thing, the next thing is certain. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (commonly styled ADAS) illustrate that maxim. Systems such as Lane Keep Assist, Brake Assist, Back-up Assist and Speed Limit Assist began appearing as standard features on a small number of new vehicles about [...] | | | | Let That Sink In for a Second! | |
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Let That Sink in for a Second!
By Jesse Plawman
What happens when your bike breaks… and there’s nowhere left to take it?
Let that sink in for a second.
Not “in the future.” Not “maybe someday.”
---->Right here. Right now. In Wisconsin.
You’ve got a bike that’s 10 years old… maybe 15… maybe older…
It still runs. It still means something to you. It’s got miles, memories, stories…
And then one day… it needs work. So you start calling around…
And that’s when it hits you.
---->Shops are gone.
___>Doors are closed.
---->The guy who used to fix everything… retired.
---->The small shop down the road… disappeared.
We used to have over 12,000 shops in this state.
Now we’re down to just a few thousand. That’s not a statistic…
---->That’s a warning.
So, what do you do?
If you don’t wrench on your own stuff…If you don’t have the tools…If you don’t
have the time…
--->What are you supposed to do?
Park it? Let it sit? Watch something you love slowly become something you used to
have?
And don’t fool yourself into thinking this is just about motorcycles. This is your
UTV. Your boat. Your lawn mower. Your antique truck. Your snowmobile.
It’s everything.
Piece by piece…We are losing the ability to fix what we own.
That’s not an accident.
And if we don’t stand up…it doesn’t stop.
We’ll go spend money on a lottery ticket for a “chance” to win something…
But this?
---->This is your chance to NOT LOSE something.
Your freedom. Your machine. Your way of life.
ABATE of Wisconsin is fighting for your RIGHT TO REPAIR.
So, when your bike breaks…you still have a place to take it.
So, when a shop wants to stay open…they still have a fighting chance.
So, when you turn that key…you’re not wondering if this is the last year you’ll be
able to keep it on the road.
Because here’s the truth nobody wants to say out loud…
---->If we lose this… we don’t get it back.
So, I’ll ask you one more time…What are YOU gonna do about it?
Sit back…Or stand up?
---->Join. Get involved. Speak up. Because if we don’t fight for it…
We’re gonna watch it disappear.
-Jesse the kid
Shared As posted, in the ABATE of Wisconsin Newsletter
-May 2026
*Editor’s note- this is playing out in all 50 states right now
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Lenny Pletsch
10/10/1951 — 05/01/2026
The motorcycle rights community lost one of its true pillars with the passing of longtime ABATE member Lenny Pletsch this May. A Lifetime Member of ABATE of Washington, Lenny was a founding member of the Pacific County Chapter, served as Chapter Coordinator for more than 24 years, and was the founder of the ABATE of Washington Safety & Education Program.
Lenny often joked, “Oregon had a good Safety & Ed Program, so I stole it.” But behind that trademark humor was a man deeply committed to rider education, safety, and protecting the future of motorcycling. He served as Chairman of the Safety & Education Committee from its inception through 2019, helping shape programs that benefited countless riders across Washington State.
A steadfast advocate for motorcycle rights, Lenny also ensured ongoing Chapter-level sustaining support for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation for decades. He was a familiar face at Spring Opener events, where he could always be counted on to volunteer for security work and help wherever needed.
Lenny especially loved organizing Toy Runs for children and seniors, though he always insisted, “I won’t play Santa.” Beneath his gruff exterior was a man with a tremendous heart for people — especially kids. A former Cub Scout leader, Lenny would often smile and refer to local adults as “my former Cub Scouts.”Lenny’s dedication, leadership, humor, and unwavering commitment to the motorcycle community leave behind enormous shoes to fill. He will be deeply missed by his ABATE family, his friends, and the many lives he touched over the years.
Rest in Peace, Lenny.
| | | Staff Sergeant Garry W. Crouse 1955-2026 Founding member of Spanaway ABATE and defender of our freedom. RIP brother. We will look after things down here. | | | In Memory of Combat Veteran and life dues member of Spanaway ABATE of Washington. Dean “Fishhook” Smith. Taken from us on 5-25-2025. We miss you brother! | | | 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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Happy Spring to all!
I hope everyone is out getting miles of smiles already! Getting out and supporting your fellow ABATE Chapters is a full-time job for some!
I notice quite a few Chapters and friends, setting the standard for making that a reality, A LOT..... like all the time!
A huge “Thank You” to ALL of our ABATE members who are out supporting the rides, the right to ride, and being good Public Relations for ABATE as a whole.
Recognizing that YOU are the example, and leadership of our organization can easily be overlooked. I’m here to share that it’s not missed! To the members who are out there supporting other members, other meetings, other chapters, and other organizations, YOU are the shining example of the ABATE community.
Hard to imagine, many in the riding community STILL do not know what ABATE is, or what we are about. How often do you hear, “The anti-helmet people”? Well yes, and no. Yes, we advocate for freedom of choice, on helmets, on bikes, on riding what we want, where we want, when we want, with who we want, ON what we want.
So NO, not anti-helmet, but YES free to choose.
ABATE of Washington’s choice of our mission was clear from the beginning and still holds true:To promote motorcycle safety education programs, motorcycle awareness programs and motorcycle rider training programs; and to promote fair motorcycle legislation, to prevent or repeal existing unfair motorcycle legislation. (Source: Articles of Incorporation March 21, 1979)
Choice is important. It’s the foundation of why we exist. Choosing to get out and represent and educate about our organization so that others also want to be a part of rider's voices in Olympia, our communities, and nationally. Choices like getting out to support our fellow members working and networking so that we can KEEP that right to choose!
Thank you to all who embody the spirit of ABATE of Washington in your deeds, your actions and your examples. YOU are the ones who truly lead this organization to success.
We can all choose to take something positive from their leadership.
See you in the wind!
Kim Adair
State Public Relations
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Happy June from your WA MRF Team!
At this writing, Motorcycle Rights Organizations are preparing to converge at Bikers at The Beltway!
This is where fellow Freedom Fighting bikers from all over the U.S. go to our Nation’s Captiol and share the important issues and garner bill support, for the items of importance to riders.
Washington State isn’t going to be on the steps this year, but rest assured, the individuals who are in DC will be advocating on our behalf in ALL of the offices in the other Washington.
Please reach out to your Congressional Representatives (contact info is in this publication) to ask them to support our Right to Repair and Definition of a Motorcycle Bills.
As spring ramps up, we are eager to get out and support our members and help grow ABATE and the MRF in Washington however we can.
One of the ways MRF Rep Donovan McCartney and I recently showed up for you all is by hosting The I-5 Ride for Motorcycle Awareness Ride on May 9th.The weather couldn’t have been better, and I’d dare say the same about the people who came to support our efforts. We are so grateful for each and every person who showed up to support our ABATE of Washington Fundraiser for the WA MRF Team! We had 28 riders and a total of 34 who showed to support!
The following ABATE Chapters were in the house: Tacoma, North Kitsap, Star Lake, Spanaway, Foothills, Olympia Provisional, Key Peninsula, and some non-ABATE Independents as well!
To those who donated your money to the WA MRF effort, our sincere gratitude. We do what we do for the awareness of motorcycle rights for those who ride.
Special heartfelt THANK YOU to Kelly Mickael, our 50/50 winner for donating her win to the MRF Team!!
Speaking of Team, your ABATE of Washington MRF Team has an unexpected opening and a continuing need for representation in the North, South, and Eastern areas. Information is below.
Just a reminder to Chapters and non-ABATE organizations, if you are having an upcoming event, and would like your ABATE of Washington MRF Reps to provide an information booth and it is no cost to us, please reach out in advance, to Donovan, or myself, so we can try to get that on our calendar.
For those of you who are members of the MRF, thank you for your ongoing support for motorcycle rights!
If you who are not yet members of the MRF, or have let your membership lapse, let’s get that support lit up for National Motorcycle Right Organizations, too!
If you don’t fight for your right to ride, WHO WILL?
Reminder: If you join or renew your MRF membership, make sure that you put your WA Rep’s name in that referral section.
Stay safe out there!
Kim Adair- State MRF Rep for
ABATE of Washington
Wa.mrf.rep@gmail.com
360-373-3372
www.mrf.org/join-the-mrf
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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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Hey ABATE Members!
Are you committed to defending our Right to Ride?
Does unfair motorcycle legislation put a bee in your helmet?
Are you interested in attending the Biker Legislation Conference known as the MRF Meeting of the Minds?
If so, contact Kim Adair at wa.mrf.rep@gmail.com for details!
ABATE wants to send our brightest and best freedom warriors to bring back the wealth of information to us!
Attendee selections will be made at July BOD.
Attendees MUST be active MRF members to attend this incredible event!
So join the MRF, support the ABATE mission and reach out today!
Don't delay!
Kim Adair
ABATE of Washington-
State Public Relations Officer/Newsletter/State MRF Rep/Black Friday Committee
KP Chapter -Legislative Affairs
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ABATE of Washington
State Events, Board of Directors Meetings(BOD) & Executive Committee Meetings (ECOM)
ABATE of Washington upcoming STATE EVENTS
June 25-28th SPRING OPENER- Randall, WA
October 17th STEAM- Wenatchee
BOD Meetings
Saturday July 18th, 2026 @ 11am - Location Tacoma VFW #969
3510 McKinley Ave, Tacoma, WA 98404 - note change
Sunday October 18, 2026 @ 10am -Location- Wenatchee
ECOM Meetings
Sunday, June 7, 2026 @ 11 am- Location Grit City Harley Davidson
2302 Pacific Hwy, Tacoma, WA 98424 - note change
Sunday, Sept 6, 2026 @ 11am- Location TBD
Sunday Nov 15, 2026 @ 11am- Location TBD
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ABATE of Washington
Contact information
| | | | MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION | | |
The fight over higher ethanol fuel blends took a major step this week as the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, by a vote of 218 to 203. The legislation would allow the year-round sale of E15 gasoline nationwide by removing current seasonal restrictions tied to federal smog regulations.
In last week’s Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Legislative Update, we warned that the debate surrounding E15 was beginning to intensify on Capitol Hill. This week’s House action confirms that fuel policy will remain a major issue for motorcyclists moving forward.
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Representative Derrick Van Orden Selected
MRF Legislative Champion
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is proud to recognize Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin as this year’s Legislative Champion for his unwavering support of America’s motorcycling community and his leadership on issues impacting riders nationwide.
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Major Victories For Motorcyclists On Capitol Hill
This past Tuesday, hundreds of motorcyclists from around the country converged on Washington, D.C. for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) annual Bikers Inside the Beltway grassroots lobby event. During this event, motorcyclists visit every legislative office with a packet of information on priority issues.
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Stand With The Motorcycle Riders Foundation
This May, hundreds of riders came to Washington, D.C., to stand up for motorcyclists’ rights. They met with lawmakers, shared their stories, and made it clear that riders are organized and paying attention.
That momentum doesn’t stop when the trip ends.
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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
PO Box 484 Morton, WA 98356
Monthly Meetings: G&C Bar and Grill, Morton, WA 2nd Sundays @ 12 PM
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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
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FOOTHILLS - Coordinator: Billi Bowen
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/
Grant County is currently working on planning the Run to the Desert Motorcycle & Rat Rod Rally. Mark your calendars for a fun time at a new location! We also continue to actively recruit new members. Our meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month at Bob’s Cafe in Moses Lake. Please feel free to join us for a no host dinner / desserts at 6pm followed by our meeting at 7pm. Keep the rubber down and enjoy the wind.
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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: Cloverleaf Bar & Grill, Bremerton, WA 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: Kevin Billings
Email: wnadnc@gmail.com
PO Box 1931 Auburn, WA 98071
Chapter Meetings: Spunky Monkey Bar and Grill-124 2nd St SE
(Downstairs) Auburn, WA 98002
1st Tuesdays @ 6:30 PM
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AwempQbAa/
Hello Everyone
Well the riding season is well underway and I hope you're getting lots of miles under your belt. We've been on a few rides and so far the weathers been great and the scenery 2nd to none, Washington has so many great roads to explore. We're looking forward to the end of June and Spring Opener, until then be safe.
Kevin Billings
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KEY PENINSULA (KEY PEN) -
Coordinator: Nick Gourley
Email: keypenabate@outlook.com
PO Box 8369 Tacoma, WA 98419
Chapter Meetings: VFW Post 2669, Port Orchard, WA 2nd Thursdays Social @ 6pm, Meeting @ 7 PM Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DVnnSLfHU/
Greetings from Key Pen!!!
Just like that, we’re already halfway through 2026.
As promised last month, our Chapter Ride on May 3rd was a great success. What a day it turned out to be! Mother Nature showed us some love and blessed us with clear skies and dry roads — and around here, we all know good riding weather is good medicine for the soul.
We had over 50 bikes roll in, gained two new members, and possibly three more waiting in the wings.
A sincere thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Key Peninsula Chapter. Your continued support, brotherhood, and dedication to the motorcycle community is what keeps these events alive and thriving.
And just like that, another successful annual chapter ride is officially in the history books, with ABATE proudly represented by the North Kitsap, Tacoma, and Star Lake Chapters.
We’d also like to recognize and thank the motorcycle organizations that continue to stand with ABATE and Key Peninsula: Veterans Allegiance VMC, VFW Riders, CVI, CVMA, Band of Brothers MC, CMA, and the Silverdale HOG Chapter.
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Thank you to everyone who came out and rode with us — and a special thank you to the local businesses that continue to support our efforts: JR’s Hideaway, Bob’s Tavern, Olympic Bakery & Deli (and yes… if you like plums, help yourself off the tree), and Empire Pizza.
Every one of them donated to our event, supports the riding community, and has proven to be truly biker-friendly establishments. If you find yourself out that way, stop in and show them some love.
Now it’s time to shift gears and prepare for the ABATE Spring Opener!
Get ready… and get that last-minute ink touched up, because Key Pen will be hosting and judging the Tattoo Contest — with prize money up for grabs.
Until then, God Bless, keep the shiny side up, and stay safe out there.
Nick “O’Tym” Gourley
Coordinator — Key Peninsula Chapter
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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
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This past month, Spokane's Awareness Ride had its biggest turnout, showing our strong community support. We raised over 300 dollars, thanks to everyone's efforts. We don't have much on the calendar for June, but we're excited to sponsor Father's Fest. Stop by and say hi and check out our booth! Father Fest is JUNE 2OTH 2026 at 750 N HAYFORD RD, AIRWAY HEIGHTS, WA 99224
Thanks
Amanda G Siep
Spokane Coordinator
AmandaSiep@gmail.com
425-239-1219
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Hello from T Town!
I've said it before and iI guess I will say it again, I need to get better at submitting a chapter report every month. Maybe I could find someone to be the chapter newsletter person. Anyone interested even comes with a patch.
The Tacoma Chapter Has been doing what most other chapters have been , Rides- Runs And fundraisers. We also do as many support Rides / Events as we can. Sorry if we have missed any of yours, we go to as many as we can.
In January we had our annual new year ride. If you missed it, maybe we will see you next year.
In February we had a 47 year anniversary party. In April we do a community service day. When you read this report on the 1st of June back in May we will have held our "Roll Em Out Ride" and the "Tattered Flag Ride".
The Tacoma Chapter is now selling Meat Raffle tickets $5.00 supports our "Veterans in need fund" don't need to be present to win. This is our 4th year the drawing will be held at the "Spring Opener" after the bike games. The Tacoma chapter will be hosting the bike games again this year.
| John Graham- Tattered Flag Winner | |
In June On the 13th Tacoma chapter invites you to join us at Wilson Creek Camp out. Same weekend as the "Annual Car / Motorcycle show "In Wilson Creek Wa.. I will be heading over on the 12th. We have a Tacoma chapter Member Who has allowed us free dry camping, limited RV dry camping.
Then the main event in June is the "Spring Opener" . I'm told things are lined up and final details are getting done. You can purchase gate tickets online and pre-sales of products.
The Tacoma Chapter will continue doing support rides. We will attend as many of your events as we can. We have an overnighter to support Grant County Chapters "Run for the Desert" in Wilson Creek Wa. August 28th & 29th.
In September we hope to do a campout for our "Lost Brothers and sister Ride"
I would like to take a moment to recognize all the volunteers that put in personal time and effort to help put on runs and fundraisers. Also want to thank the chapter officers, and the State officers you all rock thank you for your time. As we all know time is a valuable commodity. This is my own personal quote. Maybe I read it somewhere but I do live by it. ("You can make more money but you can't make more time".) Anyway, when you volunteer, the time you give is worth more than money. and if you can't help show support by attending runs and events. when a chapter is holding an event it is usually for a good cause.
Please be safe out there
ABATE of Washington Tacoma Chapter
Coordinator Dan Barker 425-785-1597
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STAR LAKE - Greetings everyone from Star Lake Chapter, May 14 th , 2026
We conducted our Chapter meeting at the Rail Hop’n Brewery in Auburn May 15th, 2026, at 7pm. The chapter discussed the final preparations for the scheduled June 6 th , 2026, charity ride event. The road captain and few other members did the pre-ride for the event on June 6 th (photos 1;2). The route and stops all look good to go. Asked the chapter if anyone needed ABATE state raffle tickets to sell. The chapter is planning to do a charity ride/event for pet safety and awareness tentatively scheduled for August 15th. Chapter committee will be preparing for the annual Black Diamond Community Center donation drive that is scheduled for November 1 st . The donation check for the CCS family support group
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"Tony"
Photo from Johnny "RedDog" Pierce
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| METIER MOTORCYCLE LAWYERS | |
Riding With You, Fighting For You
At Metier Motorcycle Lawyers, riding isn’t just something we support—it’s something we live. Lead Attorney Patrick DiBenedetto and his team are proud to stand with ABATE members and the rider community across Washington, offering over 40 years of dedicated legal experience to protect motorcyclists' rights on and off the road. Whether you’ve been in a crash or just want to connect, we’re here—riders helping riders, every mile of the way.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle crash, reach out to us anytime at 833-4MOTO-LAW (833-466-8652) or visit www.metierlaw.com to schedule a free consultation.
Stay safe. Stay strong. And keep riding.
| | | | 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.
| | | Key Peninsula Chapter's Deputy Coordinator attends the Band of Brother's MS Run & donates on behalf of the Chapter. | | | |
"Many years ago when the Helmet law went into effect it stated that helmet was not required if vehicle was equipped with a seatbelt so I road around with no helmet and with a seatbelt on my bike. Got stopped many times and showed them the law as it was on the books was let go. Was a fun time with police and only one was wounding if it was bolted to the frame or body to be legal but let me go without a ticket."
Johnny "Reddog" Pierce
| | Photos from Sky Valley Chapter member Jon "Fozzy Fosdick" | | Kim Adair reads the Governor's May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month Proclamation to riders at the State Capitol | | | |
Run for the Hills
June 6th, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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Council of Informed
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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Demolition Derby
July 4th, 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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RUN TO THE DESERT
Augusts 28 & 29, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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Come on out & Party with ABATE of Washington!
Where else can you have so much fun, for so little $$?
Camping, Vendors, Raffles, Poker Run, Games, Music and so much more!
Tickets & pre-order merch available online!
www.abate-wa.org.
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Thank you to all of you who submit your articles, chapter reports, member information, calendar events, flyers and pictures for the Freedom Newsletter. A written email confirmation should arrive after you send your submission.
If you have not received an email, reach out to me, so we can ensure your information was received, and can be included in the next month’s newsletter!
IMPORTANT! The Newsletter deadline for submission of newsletter content is the 15th of the month.
NOTE- a late sub-mission can not be guaranteed to make it into the newsletter.
Ride safe out there!
Kim Adair
ABATE of Washington-Freedom Newsletter Editor
newsletter.abateofwashington@gmail.com
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