STATE COORDINATOR'S REPORT | |
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August 2025
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Andy & Chris McAfee for their many years of service to ABATE of Washington. Your leadership will be unmatched; thank you for everything you have done.
Another successful Spring Opener has come to an end. Thank you, Spring Opener Committee, for a job well done.
Thank you, Diana & the Spokane Chapter, for hosting our July Board of Directors meeting.
We are currently seeking a Swap Meet Coordinator. If you are interested, please contact me.
Please consider working with your neighboring chapters when naming & scheduling events for 2026.
Thank you!
Jeff “Bubba” Bowen
Acting State Coordinator
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Spring Opener 2025
Another amazing Spring Opener, thank you to everyone that volunteered by working shifts in security, state products booth, patrolling trash through the weekend. We had 55 people step up to volunteer, I appreciate all your help; many hands make light work & a successful event!!
I have gotten started on the Spring Opener 2026 planning! If you are interested in being on the committee, please reach out to me. I would love to mentor someone and pass the torch at the end of 2026.
Thank you!
Billi Bowen
Spring Opener Committee Chair
253.221.7806
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Thanks to each of you who submit articles, chapter reports, flyers and photographs for our Freedom Newsletter.
I will send an email confirmation of each submission I receive.
If you do not receive written confirmation from me, your submission did not arrive as planned. Please reach out to me via email so that I can ensure your submission is included in the next month's newsletter.
As always, thank you for sending your submissions by the 15th of each month. NOTE: Late submissions do not guarantee placement in the upcoming newsletter.
With respect and gratitude,
Shari Rose Carlsberg
ABATE Freedom Newsletter Editor
newsletter.abateofwashington@gmail.com
| | | | 🏛️ Marble Floor Marathon: Where We Stand and What’s Next | | “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. | | |
Preparing for the 2026 Legislative Session
While the final transportation package left our motorcycle weight fees unchanged through 2029—a big win in a tough session—our dedicated weight fee bill (SB 5309) didn’t make it past committee. But the fight isn’t over.
Texas Larry gives us the inside scoop on the session's highs and lows, what’s next for advocacy, and how you can help keep the momentum going this fair and festival season.
From parades to policy planning, this update is packed with smart strategy and community action. Funnel cake optional, but recommended.
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"Texas” Larry Walker
Legislative Affairs Officer, ABATE of WA
360-271-9285
| | MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION | |
| RIDE LOUD, SPEAK LOUDER: Your Freedom Is On the Line 🔥 | |
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is throwing down the gauntlet — and if you're 18 to 35, it's your turn to pick it up. The 41st Annual Meeting of the Minds is coming to Shreveport this September, and it’s not your granddad’s conference. This is the front line of the fight for rider freedom — against surveillance, AI threats, biased regulations, and more.
If you live free and ride hard, it’s time to show up, speak louder, and help shape the national strategy for 2026. Discounted registration for first-time young riders.
Get the details, join the resistance, and defend your ride.
| |  | 💰New Tax Breaks for Buying American-Made Motorcycles! | |
Thinking about a new bike?
Thanks to a new provision in H.R. 1, interest on loans for American-made motorcycles is now tax-deductible — up to $10,000! This above-the-line deduction could mean real savings, even if you don’t itemize. But it’s temporary and set to expire in 2028.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is celebrating this win for riders and American manufacturing — now it’s your turn to take advantage.
Get the details and see if your next ride qualifies.
| | | 🛑 Profiling Survey 2025: Defend Your Rights in Under a Minute | |
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” That’s more than a quote — it’s a biker’s reality.
From helmet laws to patch bans and profiling, our rights are challenged every single year.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is urging every rider to take the 2025 Motorcycle Profiling Project Survey — a key tool that helped pass two Anti-Profiling Resolutions in Congress.
It takes less than a minute but sends a loud message that we are watching, we are organized, and we will not be silenced.
Click the link to scan the QR code — and take your stand today.
| | | 🚨 RIDER ALERT: Your Rights. Your Fight. Your Time is NOW. | |
Freedom doesn’t defend itself — and neither should your seat at the table. The 41st Annual Meeting of the Minds in Shreveport is where the next chapter of motorcyclist rights gets written, and it starts with YOU.
From defending against surveillance and profiling to pushing Right to Repair and taming autonomous tech — the MRF has led the charge in D.C. since 1987. Now it’s your turn to stand loud, stand legal, and show up for the ride of your rights.
September 25–28. Sam’s Town. Shreveport. Be there — or be left out.
👉 Open the doc to register, rally, and rise.
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📊 MRF Wins Key Victory in Federal Crash-Avoidance Survey
Thanks to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, rider experience and training will finally be counted in NHTSA’s crash-avoidance research. After pushing for smarter, rider-focused data, MRF’s recommendations are now officially included in the federal survey — covering engine size, years of riding, mileage, and safety training. Why does this matter? Because preventing crashes is better than surviving them. This is a major win for the rider community and a step toward smarter safety policy.
Read how MRF is making your ride safer — before the crash.
| | | | 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. | There is no cost to you for this coverage. | | |
Dear Members,
You will be receiving a letter from American Income Life Insurance Company (AIL). As a member of ABATE of WA you qualify to receive a $4,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance benefit at no cost to you or ABATE of WA. We have partnered with AIL for several years to offer these benefits.
Each letter will have a reply card enclosed and by completing the information you will receive your certificate of coverage. An AIL representative will contact you to confirm your beneficiary and issue you a certificate of coverage. If you do not name a beneficiary, the $4,000.00 would be paid to your estate and may be taxable.
ABATE of WA does not provide your name or any contact information to AIL. The only way they have access to your information is when you send the reply card back or CLICK HERE to request your benefits. There are several supplemental programs available through AIL for you to choose from, which will be discussed when an AIL
representative calls.
If you have any questions, please contact Fran Christie, AIL Public Relations, directly at 778-231-0226 or contact AIL at 1-800-495-1213.
Over numerous years AIL has helped ABATE of WA families by paying over 90 Accidental Death claims.
ABATE of WA has no financial interest in AIL in any way.
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FOOTHILLS FALLEN
AUGUST 9, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
TEDDY BEAR RALLY
AUGUST 15 - 17, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
FREEDOM RUN
AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
MASON COUNTY 17TH ANNUAL CHARTER RUN
SEPTEMBER 6, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
Oyster Run
SEPTEMBER 28, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
STEAM 2025 BOD MEETING
OCTOBER 18 - 19, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
STEEPLE CHASE 2025
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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STEEPLE CHASE T-SHIRT
ORDER FORM
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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STEEPLE CHASE
BANQUET 2025
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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RIDER REIMBURSEMENT
Complete a State-Approved Rider Safety Course to receive $50 reimbursement & more!
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER
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EPCC
Happy August from EPCC!
I hope everyone had as great a time at Spring Opener as we did. Weren’t the Cossacks amazing? Many thanks to those who put it all together and to my wonderful Products Booth coworkers for making the time such a joy! Congratulations to all those lucky Raffle winners.
Now our work begins in earnest on the upcoming Teddy Bear Rally. We’re back in Sumner this year from August 15th-17th, with a salmon bake on Saturday night. (Look for our flyers here, on Facebook, and the ABATE Website.)
I’m excited to see you there! Be cool & be safe.
Laura Cain, EPCC Secretary/LAO
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FOOTHILS
Greetings from Foothills, we all had a great time at the Spring Opener. We began accepting Deputy Coordinator & Secretary positions at our July business meeting. Thank you to those who are willing to step up into leadership, it’s a great opportunity.
Next up for Foothills is our chapter fundraiser. Please join us on Saturday, August 9th, for our 4th Annual Pig Roast, a remembrance and honoring of our fallen brothers & sisters. KSU for the Fallen Run at 11:00 AM. Dry camping is available, NO DIRT BIKES on the property.
Watch for them, they aren't watching for us.
Billi Bowen
Coordinator
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PACIFIC COUNTY
It is the Sweet Spot of the riding season. Between Sturgis and when things start winding down with the Oyster Run, there are many choices.
Pacific Co. Chapter is sending a crew to the PNW Freedom Run in Oregon. There is also a motorcycle show at the Shoalwater Bay Casino in Tokeland, Saturday, Aug. 30. Prep for our Fall Run on Sept 20 is ongoing. Lots to do every weekend now.
Stay Sharp and Ride Safe,
John Tschannen
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SKCC
Hello Everyone!
I hope everyone is having a great summer so far; there has been some beautiful riding weather. I want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who turned out for our F#!% Cancer fundraiser. It was in support of Jesse, whose wife, Ashley, had cancer and recently passed away. As it often happens, we had a great turnout from a wonderful group of people who were very generous, and we extend a heartfelt thank you for your support. Thank you to everyone who donated items for the raffle, and a special thank you to Jet City HD for their ongoing support.
Make sure you check your calendars and FB because there are lots of rides coming up this summer. Hope to see you on the road, and remember to be safe out there.
Kevin Billings
Coordinator
ABATE SKCC
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SPANAWAY
Greetings from Spanaway Chapter.
Well, Spring Opener 2025 is now a memory. Our chapter had a great time with everyone in attendance stepping up to make the chapter kitchen and bar a success. Thanks to every one of you!
We had an awesome turnout for the Spring Opener Poker Run despite my being ill and unable to lead
the ride. Thanks to everyone who made that happen.
We have a new Quartermaster, and I am hopeful that soon we will have a new Road Captain. I feel it is important that as a chapter we have someone setting up monthly chapter rides and rides to support other chapters' events. For the past several years, one person has held the position of Quartermaster, Road Captain & Deputy Coordinator.
Looking ahead, we have Lewis County Kickback Camp coming up. Spanaway Chapter will be in attendance once again for this great event.
Hope to see you all on the road or at an event soon!
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SPOKANE
A big thank to everyone that came to the July Board of Directors meeting in Spokane WA.
We were very happy to host. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves and took part in the festivities while you were here from the Pacific Northwest HOG Rally.
Spokane Abate's next venture is a booth on August 14th at Cruisers for "Too Broke For Sturgis". Stop by if you are in the vicinity.
Have a fun summer!
Diana Picone
Spokane Chapter Coordinator
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Need to reach a specific Chapter?
Get their contact information here:
| | Metier Mororcycle Lawyers | |
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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.
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