September 2026 Newsletter | | | Correction Notice: Apologies to Mason County Chapter | |
Hey everyone, as much as we try to make sure we get it right, ALL the time...SOMETIMES we make mistakes.
We had Mary Prentice shown for your ABATE of Washington Mason County Chapter Coordinator in July,
But somehow in August, it reverted back to John.
All we can do is apologize and hope that Mary didn't put John to work!
Thank you for your understanding and thank you to Mary for her leadership!
Kim Adair
Editor
| STATE COORDINATOR'S REPORT | | |
Hello from the road!
For the last 4 weeks my wife and I have been traveling the Southwest, it's been a very fun adventure! We've covered over 4,000 miles so far and one thing that makes me smile is seeing motorcycles of every make and style, men, women, clubs and solo riders all doing what they have a passion for and that's riding.
You know what else I notice, they're exercising their rights, rights that ABATE and the MRF have fought and are fighting for.
From the riders in California lane splitting to numerous states where they can ride with or without a helmet. This doesn't just happen, it takes dedication and lots of hours of volunteer work from people just like you. We are ABATE and we can and DO make a difference!
Kevin Billings
State Coordinator
| | JUNIOR DEPUTY COORDINATOR REPORT | | This position is currently open. Please contact your state officer for more details. | | |
I hope you are all enjoying your summer. I just got back from my first time in Sturgis. WOW! What great rally. The weather when I was there was great during my stay. We had 90-100 every day. I went with 8 HOG members. We had a wonderful time. I'm glad I went.
Now your chapters are getting ready for elections. Please fill out a new secretary's officer forms and email to me secretary.abatewa@gmail.com. Attached are the forms.
Thank you,
Diana Picone
State Secretary
Abate of Washington
| |
Diana Picone
State Secretary
Abate of Washington
| | “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 | | |
Primaries are in the book, and the General Election field is set. If you have not begun to reach out to the
candidates in your area and sort them out, and not just on motorcycling issues, get busy. 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 in the running in your area at the legislative district level. For
county level results click the “go to county page” link.
| | |
ABATE members and friends,
There will be a Celebration of Life for Michael Campbell is at the Buckley Eagles September 26th at 1:00 p.m.
Lyle Coyle & Rob Campbell have organized a short Memorial Ride before the Celebration of Life Sept 26.
10:30am Meet: Purdy's in Sumner
11:30am Kickstands up
1pm Celebration: Buckley Eagles
Please reach out to Colleen Hogan-Littleton, of the Tacoma ABATE Chapter if you would like to assist with the event.
Thank you,
Big Red
Tacoma chapter
| | Black Thursday January 21,2027 | |
CHAPTER REPORTS
(Only public Social Media pages are listed)
| | |
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
| |
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
| |
FOOTHILLS -
Coordinator: OPEN
Email: Foothills.abateofwa@gmail.com
PO Box 8369 Tacoma, WA 98419
Monthly Meetings: Buckley Eagles, Buckley, WA 1st Sundays @ 10 AM
| |
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
| |
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/
| |
TRI CITIES -
Coordinator-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
| |
YAKIMA VALLEY -
Coordinator: 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
| |
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
| | |
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/
| |
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
| |
MASON COUNTY -
Coordinator: Mary Prentice
Email: mary.pren4911@gmail.com
PO Box 213 Shelton, WA 98584
Chapter Meetings: Taylor Station Restaurant, Shelton, WA 1st Wednesdays of the month @ 7 PM
| |
NORTH KITSAP -
Coordinator: Ken Behal
Email:nkchaptercoordinator@gmail.com PO Box 8369 Tacoma, WA 98419
Chapter Meetings:Cloverleaf Bar & Grill, Bremerton
1st Tuesdays of the Month -Social @ 6pm Meeting @ 7 PM
Web Page: https://northkitsapchapter.com/
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NorthKitsapABATE
| |
SPANAWAY -
Coordinator: 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
| |
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/
| | |
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
| | |
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/
Key Peninsula has been making the local rounds, with a booth at South Bound, and one at Destination Harley.
South Bound Motorsports had Bike Night and several members enjoyed watching the bike games and fun activities. Joey Dean is a great entertainer, and we were able to share some of our Meat Raffle tickets!
Next on deck was the Destination Harley in Silverdale “Too Broke for Sturgis” event. We were able to help share the good work of ABATE and provided the community with even more Meat Raffle tickets!
Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy and help with the events!
We had nominations at our last meeting, and all currently seated officers that were in attendance, were renominated unopposed.
Time to get on out and enjoy the last warm days ahead and get geared up for our Brewery Run on October 3rd! You’re all invited, and we look forward to seeing you.
Until next time, God Bless, keep the shiny side up, and stay safe out there.
Nick “O’Tym” Gourley
Coordinator — Key Peninsula Chapter
| |
|
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
Our Spokane Chapter has had a quiet month with no significant changes. Fortunately, we didn't lose any members or face major setbacks due to the recent fires.
Thanks
Amanda Siep
Spokane ABATE Coordinator
| | 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
| | |
Hey everyone, it's Back to School time, and what a great time to remind everyone about being SEEN around those big yellow buses!
Here's some tips to help us stay safe, stay visible and arrive home safely!
| | |
As we gear up for Back to School other things like back to the polls is coming up, fast on it’s heels! How do we as motorcyclists choose who do vote for? Is it name recognition, or voting history?
Do we pay attention to how they represent ALL of the community, or just their special interests?
Soon, you will be tasked with your Chapters deciding what the 2027 ABATE Legislative Agenda will be, much like your chosen representatives will do, on your behalf, at the Meeting of the Minds, later in September at the Motorcycle Rights Conference with other national leaders.
Ask yourself what issue are the most important to continue our mission of Freedom to Ride, and to Let Those Who Ride Decide.
Do we want to keep our right to have and repair or modify our Internal Combustion Engines? (If so, Bob Kay at IMA NEEDS your voice!)
Is your right to attain fuel protected? Will gasoline deserts be a thing of the future with the focus on electric and zero emissions?
Do we want safety around Autonomous and Self-Driving Vehicles?
Do we want accountability when someone hits or kills one of us? What does that look like? Do we want to lane split or lane share, or shoulder ride for congestion relief?
Are we okay with E-bikes being lumped in with our motorcycle statistics, funds and reporting?
So many barrels are pointed at Motorcycling that one at a time seems small, but when you look at the big picture, you wonder if your grandchild will ever know the right to ride existed, other than in movies and videos.
How does your candidate support those issue that will keep you and your families on the road for years to come? THAT is the real issue. Finding out before you check the box, is crucial to keeping our right to ride. Deciding what is important to you, before your Chapter answers the ABATE survey, is also crucial. It’s all about letting those who ride decide, right?
I am pretty sure we can all agree that all riders want to safely arrive at our chosen destination and we want to keep our right to ride.
For more information about the 2026 MRF Legislative Agenda, as well as the talking points for your Chapter decisions for the 2027 ABATE Legislative Agenda, have a look at the things done by your representatives at the MRF Conference from last year. Expect more of the same, this September, and hopefully when you vote in November, you’ll keep these important issues at the forefront.
If you find these issues as important to your right to ride as I do, then join or renew your membership the MRF today. www.mrf.org/join-the-mrf Tell them I sent you!
Our right to ride won’t fight for itself, and we can’t stop the train without EVERYONE getting involved on some level.
Stay safe out there!
Kim Adair- State MRF Rep for ABATE of Washington wa.mrf.rep@gmail.com 360-373-3372
| | |
Meeting Of The Minds 2026
Five Weeks From Today
Five weeks from today, Meeting of the Minds 2026 will be underway.
The workshops will be in session. The discussions will be taking place.
New ideas will be exchanged. New relationships will be formed.
And motorcyclists’ rights advocates from across the nation will be working together to strengthen the future of our movement.
The question is: Will you be there?
Every year, attendees arrive expecting to learn something new.
They leave with much more.
- New contacts.
- New ideas.
- New strategies.
- New motivation.
- New opportunities to make a difference.
Some of the most important conversations at Meeting of the Minds never happen from a podium.
| | | |
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
| |
|
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
January 21, 2027 BLACK THURSDAY- Washington State Capitol
BOD Meetings
Sunday October 18, 2026 @ 10am -Location- Eagles, Wenatchee, WA
ECOM Meetings
Saturday, Sept 12, 2026 @ 12pm (NOTE time and location change!)
at The Issaquah Library 10 W Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027
Sunday Nov 15, 2026 @ 11am- Location TBD
| | | |
| | |
ABATE of Washington
Contact information
| | | | MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION | | |
|
Meeting Of The Minds 2026
More Than A Conference
| |
Meeting of the Minds 2026 is a lot of things, however…
- It is not a trade show.
- It is not a rally.
- It is not a vacation.
- It is not just another event on the calendar.
It is four days dedicated to protecting the future of motorcycling.
Every attendee arrives with a different story.
Different experiences.
Different priorities.
Different challenges.
But we all share one thing in common:
A belief that motorcyclists’ rights are worth defending.
| |  |
|
Dave Dwyer Inducted
Sturgis Motorcycle Museuem Hall Of Fame
The newest members of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame were inducted this past week at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame Breakfast. Arguably, the most prestigious category in the Hall of Fame is that of Freedom Fighter. This year, the Freedom Fighter inductee is Dave Dwyer.
Many of you will instantly recognize the name from his 30 years of tireless work for motorcyclists’ rights. He was the long-time legislative chair for ABATE of Wisconsin, where their former Executive Director, Dave Charlebois, referred to him as a “lobbying maniac”.
| | | 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.
| | | |
Dice Throw
September 12th, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
| | | |
Meeting of the minds
September 24-27, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
| | | |
MILITARY HOSPITOL
TOY RUN
October 10th, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
| | | |
GOLD RUSH
SEPTMEBER 12, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
| | | |
MUTT PUTT DICE RUN
SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2026
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
| | | 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 https://dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/5750/2026-09-24-motorcycle-board-agendapdf/download?inline | | | Sign up for email updates to get the latest Advisory Board and Motorcycle Safety Program information. It's free to join and you can unsubscribe at any time.) | | CROSSWORD FOR KIDS/ADULT KIDS | | |
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
| | | | |
