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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.

Happy February, Brothers and Sisters!

We are already one month closer to the long, sun-filled riding days we all look forward to. By the time you’re reading this, Black Friday, the BOD meeting, and chapter nominations will be behind us — and I trust it was a meaningful and productive weekend for everyone who participated. These gatherings are more than meetings; they are where the future of our organization is shaped.

Speaking of Black Friday, as the LAO of Lewis County so perfectly puts it, “If there’s one day to take off, this is it — bring the leather.” Motorcycle Legislative Day is one of the most powerful things we do as a brotherhood. It is also the foundation of ABATE of Washington.

Start planning now for next year. Take the day off. Show up. Let Olympia see the strength and unity of riders standing together.

At our core, we are a brotherhood. Change is always part of growth, and some changes are on the way — but every one of us has a voice in that process. If you want to see something improved, come out and be involved. If you have an idea, a concern, or a suggestion, we’re here for you — your ECOM Board, your Chapter Coordinators, and me. ABATE works best when we all participate.

Let’s make 2026 a year to remember. Yeah… I’m feeling my age a little, but it also reminds me how important it is to live for today — because tomorrow is never promised. I’m here for ABATE, and I’m here for every one of my brothers and sisters as well.

One of my goals this year is to visit every chapter, whether it’s for a meeting or a special event. I’m always open to invitations, and I look forward to seeing what each chapter is doing. Let’s continue to support one another, show up for each other, and keep this organization strong from every corner of the state.

So let’s do what we do best — ride, ride, ride — and stand together as one.

I hope to talk to and see everyone soon.

Bill Dye

State Coordinator- Pro Tem

Hello All

Black Friday has come and gone, I hope you were able to participate so our collective voice could be heard by our legislators. Let's keep working on positive changes and supporting our motorcycle rights.

Looks like our State Swap Meet is right around the corner, it's always fun to see all the stuff we just can't live without :) or bring what you have and sell it to someone else. This is always a busy event so come early and help support your fellow riders and vendors.

Stay alert and safe travels.

Kevin Billings 

Jr. Deputy Coordinator- Pro Tem  

Happy New Year! Welcome to a brand year with ABATE of Washington.  

Please make sure you are using the correct email for me: secretary.abatewa@gmail.com. I want to make sure I don't miss any chapter minutes & attendance sheets for 2026. I want your Coordinators to have a vote at the Board of Director meetings.

The 2026 calendar is out and updated every time I get your information. Please send me your meeting dates and events. We want to support each other as much as we can.

Diana Picone

State Secretary 

Abate of Washington

Black Friday Wrap Up

Well, at this writing 1/20/26 , it’s tough to say what the committee has to say about Black Friday Motorcycle Legislation Day 2026’s event that happened 2 days ago.

If I had a guess it’d be, WOW we did it! Awesome job! So many great people were there! Everyone LOVED Alan’s flowers and Monika totally slayed the refreshments and coffee this year!

I’d also muster a mindset that with you all bringing it to the forefront of the House and Senate, and Larry Walker’s continued representation in Olympia, that we should get a positive response.

Some of you may also be going…. “Well gee Kim, where were YOU?” As many know, starting in April of 2025 I shared with the board, and our committee that we had a Blues Cruise scheduled in Oct 2024 (With Chad & Cheryl) on Black Friday….so you missed 4 of ABATEs deadicated (RIP Bobby) members. We were sailing the seas, drinks in hand, Rockin and Rollin to some of the best blues musicians on the planet! We landed yesterday evening. So today (2/1/26) is our first day BACK.

See, we WERE supposed BE here, but when our first Columbia Room date got pushed back, well… you know.

I know our committee Rocked the event JUST FINE without us. We have some of the most dedicated, knowledgeable, pro-active Freedom Fighting ABATE members and I tell ya, you can’t go wrong when people who are passionate about what they do, are at the helm. Everyone who attended meetings with our state legislators, made in impact, no doubt about it! 

Thank you ALL for standing UP for Motorcyclists and Motorcycle issues! Whether it’s in support of a bill, in support of the ride, Motorcycle Awareness, or of people who come to just find out what it’s all about. 

 I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge everyone who made Motorcycle Legislation Day- Black Friday happen the way it did, in no particular order:

Heartfelt thanks go out to : Larry Walker, Louise Bentley, Alan Alder, Kevin Billings, Bill Dye, Adalinda Lundt, Diane Waid, Laura Cain, Donovan McCArtney, Jo Breneman, Liz Pray, Mickey Centeno, Kat Bolton, Monika Scotti, Michael Paul, Susan Carson, Scott Robinson, Diana Picone, Miss McKinney- Fletchall, Dolly Cervantes, Connie Scapes, Allen Acosta, Driven by Janelle and crew, and to any and all others who help make our day, and our Black Friday Events come together.

I hope I didn’t forget anyone!  So many people come together, many, year after year, to help us make an impact in Olympia. A big Congrats to them on a job well done!

ABATE of Washington has some truly amazing membership! Thank you ALL for bringing this all together for Riders throughout Washington State.

Now get out there and help Legislate and RIDE SAFE!

~Caribbean Kim" Adair

 Black Friday Committee

P.S.

If everything goes right, tonight, (1/20/26) Louise Bentley (Tacoma), Liz Pray (Grant Co) and myself (Key Pen) will SECURE our BLACK THURSDAY Motorcycle Legislation Day event for 2027 for you all! Stay tuned!

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 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

Here's how to contact them:

call Phone: 360-902-3900

(TTY: Call 711)

mail Email: motorcycle@dol.wa.gov

Understanding ABATE of Washington

Be Part of the Voice That Protects the Ride

State • National • Global

Greetings Members and Fellow Riders,

Every freedom we enjoy on two wheels exists because riders before us chose to stand up and be involved. Motorcycle rights do not protect themselves—they are defended by people, by membership, and by unity.

ABATE of Washington exists so motorcyclists have a clear, informed, and respected voice. Understanding who we are and how we fit into the broader motorcycle rights community strengthens that voice and ensures our mission is accurately represented wherever riders gather.

Who We Are

ABATE of Washington is a grassroots State Motorcycle Rights Organization (SMRO)—built by riders, for riders. Our mission is to protect the right to ride while promoting safety, education, and awareness, and supporting our communities through charitable events and outreach.

ABATE was spurred into action around 1971 by Lou Kimsey of Easyriders Magazine. Motorcycle regulation was rapidly increasing. 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. ABATE advocates for freedom to ride, in the states that they exist in. ABATE is for freedom of choice ensuring riders are not legislated without representation and also supports their community with charitable events and activities. https://www.abate.org/About/History-of-ABATE\

Why We Advocate

A common question is why ABATE engages with legislators in Olympia and beyond. The answer is simple:

Laws directly affect motorcyclists.

If riders are not present in these conversations, decisions are made without us. ABATE ensures motorcyclists have representation at the local, state, and national levels—because being at the table matters.

One Community. One Purpose.

No single organization can protect motorcycle rights alone. Together, Motorcycle Rights Organizations (MROs) form a complete advocacy network:

ABATE – State Motorcycle Rights Organization (SMRO)

Advocates for fair legislation, freedom of choice, and rider education while supporting local communities.

American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)

A National Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO)Founded in 1924, the AMA is a non-profit with more than 200,000 motorcyclists that promote the motorcycling lifestyle and protects its future through national advocacy, education, and organized activities.  https://americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/

Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF)

A 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 MRF is the only organization with a full-time, dedicated presence in Washington, D.C. representing street riders. Its volunteer board ensures riders have a voice at the federal level. 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 – Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations

Advocates for riders’ rights throughout Europe and globally, ensuring motorcyclists are represented worldwide. https://www.femamotorcycling.eu/

Clearing Up a Common Misconception

Myth: ABATE pays the MRF large sums of money.

Fact: ABATE of Washington holds a Sustaining Organization Membership with the MRF for just $100 annually.

ABATE also invests in leadership by sending members to the MRF’s Meeting of the Minds (MOTM). The MRF event fee is $100 per person for three full days of intensive leadership and advocacy training.  Travel and lodging account for the additional cost.

In 2025, ABATE of Washington’s total financial support connected to the MRF—including membership and MOTM attendance—was approximately $400.

That modest investment helps maintain a full-time rider voice in Washington, D.C.

Why MOTM Matters

The MRF Meeting of the Minds (MOTM) is motorcycling’s premier leadership and political summit. Riders from SMROs across the country gather to learn how to be more effective advocates at home.

Training includes:

Leadership development, Team building, Parliamentary procedure, Event planning, National legislative strategy, and more! In 2025, more than 400 riders attended—each returning home better prepared to protect motorcyclists’ rights locally. ABATE of Washington sends leaders to attend so that we can be even more effective here on the home front.

Ever walk into a room and think, “These are my people”?

That’s MOTM. That’s the MRF. That’s ABATE.

ABATE, the MRF, the AMA, and FEMA each serve a distinct purpose—but they only work when riders participate. 

Why Membership Matters

Membership is more than a card. Membership in Motorcycle Rights Organizations support:

Protection of the right to ride

Fair and informed motorcycle legislation

A stronger, united riding community

Together, we educate. Together, we advocate. Together, we ride.

“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 Public Relations

&

Proud Motorcycle Rights Advocate since 2003

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Kim Adair

Public Relations Officer

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

Need to reach a specific Chapter?

Get their contact information here: