STATE COORDINATOR'S REPORT | |
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November 2025
Dear Members,
First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone for your continued support and the incredible opportunity to serve as your Pro Tem State Coordinator. I would also like to recognize and sincerely thank the rest of our Pro Tem Board for stepping up and taking on their roles with such dedication and purpose. Your commitment truly keeps our organization moving forward.
That said, our continued success depends on one key element—communication. We must work together, stay connected, and keep our lines of communication open. Please know that you can always reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I’m just a call away, and I’m always ready to listen.
A huge thank-you also goes out to Monika, our State Treasurer, and to the Buckley Eagles for hosting another great State Team and Board of Directors meeting. Your efforts and hospitality are greatly appreciated by all.
As we transition from summer into the rainy season, I’d like to remind everyone to stay safe and alert out there on the roads.
Lastly, let’s remember to get out and support our local chapters and their events—our strength lies in unity and participation. And on a national level, please continue to support our Motorcycle Rights Organization, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF). They’re doing tremendous work on behalf of all riders, and our collective backing makes a difference.
Once again, thank you all for your commitment, your time, and your belief in our mission. Together, we’ll keep the momentum going strong.
With respect and gratitude,
Bill Dye
State Coordinator (Pro Tem)
ABATE of Washington
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I am so excited to be your State Secretary! It is going to be so much fun. Email me if you have any questions or need help. Please send me your monthly minutes to secretary.abateofwashington@outlook.com. If your Chapter's minutes are not turned in your Coordinator will not have voting privileges at the January BOD meeting.
A fun calendar I want to put together and have it published in the newsletter is an All Abate Chapter calendar. Please email any activities that are open for others to attend. I will compile the calendar so all our members can come if they are able.
Thank you,
Diana Picone
| | Senior Deputy Coordinators Report | |
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A Message from Your New Senior Deputy Coordinator (Pro Tem)
I am honored to announce that I have stepped into the role of Senior Deputy Coordinator for ABATE of Washington (Pro Tem). I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported and voted for me — your confidence means a great deal.
I’ve been proud to be part of ABATE for many years, serving not only as a dedicated member but also as a Chapter Coordinator and in State Public Relations. Through those experiences, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the values that make ABATE such an important voice for bikers’ rights, safety, and education. As I take on this new role, my focus will be on transparency, communication, and reaffirming the core values that ABATE was built upon. I will also be working to promote our chapter and state events to other organizations, helping strengthen our connections and expand our reach
across the state.
If you have any questions, ideas, or simply want to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out to
me at srdeputy.abateofwashington@outlook.com.
Thank you again for your trust and support — I look forward to serving and representing our
great community.
Susan “Stars” Carson
Senior Deputy Coordinator (Pro Tem)
ABATE of Washington
| | JR Deputy Coordinators Report | |
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Hello ABATE!
First let me introduce myself, Kevin Billings, as your new pro tem Jr. deputy coordinator. You might know me from SKCC where I'm Coordinator. If you haven't heard the news yet we had pro tems elected during our special meeting and BOD this last past week-end. They are:
New Pro-tem State Coordinator is Bill Dye.
New Pro-tem Deputy Coordinators are Susan Carson & Kevin Billings.
New Pro-tem Secretary is Diana Picone.
Remember these are pro tem so stay alert for our January BOD when we will be looking for nominations to fill these regular elected positions that will be voted on in June and seated in July.
I'm glad to be part of the new team and look forward to working with everyone.
Kevin Billings
Jr. Deputy Coordinator Pro-Tem
ABATE of Washington
| | AMBASSADOR AT LARGE REPORT | |
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Greetings fellow Abate of Washington members. As a member of your Board of Officers I want to thank all involved in getting the ship back on a path towards success. We certainly were on a rough road for a time but your board came together and got some level headed folks seated in key Executive officer positions. Bear in mind, the three coordinators are going to experience some growing pains getting their legs under them so as a fellow board member my pledge is that I will offer support and advice as best as I can and from you ask the same but more importantly if there is a matter that comes up that you have contention with, be a part of the solution and please don't make the problem worse. If we are open and honest with our intentions with our ideas, things don't have to devolve to a pissing contest. If you are introspective and critical of the input you wish to share, shoot me an email and I'll be impartial first and more importantly, honest with you.
I say all this not to keep a fresh wound open but rather as I mentioned at the last BOD, the drama we recently went through didn't make my job of chapter growing any easier and it won't if as a prominent voice from the COC advised to quote "get your shit together Abate." I know some of you reading this walked away from the BOD not getting what you wanted but the board of directors spoke and my hope now is mine and all of ours who are trying to move our organization forward will be a bit easier. Like I've mentioned at the last few STEAM sessions when it was my turn to speak, we as members are ALL ambassadors for our organization and it is incumbent on all of us to help grow our group with quality folks from all stripes. It's not what you ride, it's THAT you ride and have a willingness to get involved is what is most important to meet our goals.
If you have points of contact for me that might be interested in starting up a chapter or if you have questions for me, my email address is:
Ambassador2.AbateofWashington@gmail.com
I monitor it frequently and appreciate you reaching out. I will follow through with either taking the contact for action or helping you find answers to questions you may have.
Keep your gratitude higher than your expectations and you'll have really good days and as always, Stay cool!
Chad Holtquist,
Westside Ambassador at Large
| | A NOTICE FROM STATE COMMUNICATIONS | |
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ABATE of Washington
Contact information
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41st Meeting of the Mind Report
Thank you for the opportunity to report back from this year’s Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s “Meeting of the Minds "in Shreveport Louisiana.
Often we hear about how people go to this event, but don’t get a full and detailed reporting of what happened. This is an incredible Freedom Fighter conference that people come away from, empowered, inspired, and as better leaders.
While space is limited, I’ll try to do it some justice here.
Meeting of the Minds is an incredible opportunity to learn, network, and share best practices with motorcycle rights advocates from across the nation. This year’s conference drew over 400 attendees, representing 40 states. The energy, collaboration, and dedication to preserving riders’ rights was truly inspiring and contagious.
Engagement and the Next Generation
One of the strongest themes throughout the weekend was engagement—particularly with younger riders
Across the country, organizations like ours are recognizing the need to bridge the gap between long-time members and the next generation of riders and advocates.
| | “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. | |
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The final transportation package kept our weight fees unchanged ($25 + $10 existing, combined to $35) through 2029 and beyond. 1 January 2029 all other weight classes have an automatic increase. The way that session went, I will chalk this up as a win.
Our weight fee bill (SB 5309), being carried by Sen. Cortes (D-18) with Sen. MacEwen (R-35) as second seat, did not clear committee cutoff. If things go well, maybe we can bring it back to life next session in some form or another. Since our weight fees remained unchanged, we will (hopefully) not have preloaded push back. I am already doing outreach to work on getting the weight fee bill resurrected and the language adjusted to reflect the engrossed language in the funding package.
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Dear Members,
A huge thanks to all of you who submit articles, chapter reports, member information, calendar events, flyers and pictures for our Freedom Newsletter. We are looking forward to continuing to evolve the newsletter so that it is your "Go-To" for ABATE of Washington information.
A written email confirmation should arrive after you send your submission. If you have not received an email, each out to me, so we can ensure your information was received, and can be included in the next month’s newsletter.
The deadline for submission of newsletter content is the 15th of each month. NOTE- a late submission can not be guaranteed to make it into the newsletter.
Ride Free!
Kim Adair
ABATE of Washington-Freedom Newsletter Editor
newsletter.abateofwashington@gmail.com
This publication is the Official Newsletter of ABATE of Washington. Opinions expressed here in, by the Editor and others, may not be those of ABATE of Washington. Articles may be reprinted with proper attribution.
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Hi Everyone!
Just a quick shout out for everybody to SAVE the DATE of FRIDAY, January 30th for our annual Motorcycle Legislation Day- BLACK FRIDAY.
The riding community and those who support our lifestyle are invited to join ABATE of Washington and the Washington COC Ride-In, to meet and network with other like-minded freedom loving riders. We will assemble on the Capitol Steps, hear some great speakers, have refreshments, hot coffee, and meet with legislators in your own districts.
This is Motorcyclists’ opportunity to have be heard by those who create laws in our State Capitol!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to abateofwashingtonpr@gmail.com
or legislative.abateofwashington@gmail.com
All are welcome to join us at the Capitol! Bring a friend, or your young riding family!
Stay tuned to our December and January Newsletters for more information about the fun stuff and recognition we are
doing for those who attend Black Friday 2026!
Black Friday Committee
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Fall is upon us, with winter hot (okay cold) on its’ heels. Leaves are changing colors, and the daylight is decreasing. With that the weather is going to get colder, and eventually damper.
Yep, campers, the foul weather riding is coming, and with it more challenges in your riding. Getting ready for that is a lot more than just digging out that heavy jacket and all the other layers that you were glad to toss into the back of the closet in exchange for the summer weight stuff. It’s getting the gear ready for the elements, whether you rock the leather or textiles. That stuff could most likely use a good cleaning and retreatment so that the “liquid sunshine” stays on the outside. The same thing goes with your boots. If you are rolling around with cold wet feet then the only thing on your mind is the fact that your feet are cold and wet.
| | MEET THE MEMBERS-North Kitsap Chapter- Submitted by Mickey C Centeno | |
| MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION | |
| NHTSA Launches New Tesla Investigation | This month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a new investigation into Tesla following reports that vehicles equipped with the company’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) system violated traffic laws while operating under partial automation. According to NHTSA, the agency is aware of 58 separate incidents, including cases where Teslas drove through red lights, traveled the wrong way on roads, and were involved in crashes and injuries. | |  | We Are The Motorcycle Riders Foundation | The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond. | | | |
MRF Nominates Jay Jackson
Motorcyclist Advisory Council
| The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is proud to announce the formal nomination of MRF Vice President Jay Jackson of Indiana to serve on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC). Jay has been nominated for the seat reserved for a representative of a national motorcyclist foundation. | | | |
In September, at the 2025 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) 41st Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference held in Shreveport, LA, a legislative strategy session was hosted by the MRF’s Legislative Committee. The purpose of the session was to establish and prioritize the MRF’s 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda.
Legislative issues fall into one of three priority categories: high, medium and monitor. This list remains fluid and may be adapted depending on the issue or political environment.
| | | 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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A crash Course for Motorcyclist
January 10, 2026 Basic Class
January 11,2026 Advanced Class
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
Fall Bash
November 1, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
Irish's Chicken Dinner
November 15, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
Chili Cook-off & Feed
Saturday November 8,2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
Food drive
November 1st & 8th, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
Black Friday
January 30, 2026
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
Wreaths Across America/Spaghetti feed Fundraiser
November 15th, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
Christmas Party and Bake Sale
December 13th, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
EPCC
Greetings from EPCC!
By the time you read this, STEAM and BOD have passed, and I hope STEAM was informative, and that BOD went well.
A lot of changes going on, but as long as we can remain a focused brotherhood, with a common goal, we'll be alright.
Keep the rubber side down!
-Joe Cain
EPCC Coordinator
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PACIFIC COUNTY
Our Fall Run is in the books now. We had good weather and a good turnout. Our first stop was a new location, The Spar in Cathlamet, a nice place with friendly folks. After about 100 miles, we ended at the Chester Club in South Bend to hand out the Trophies, and eat oysters.
Get those miles in before the rains come down!
Stay sharp and Ride Safe,
John Tschannen
Dep. Coordinator
Pacific Co. Chapter
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GRANT COUNTY CHAPTER
Hello everyone, this has been a crazy year and we're coming down to the end of the riding season with snow coming soon in the forecast.. We were not able to Run to the Desert this year due to some issues with finances in the city but we plan bringing it back next year bigger and better. We are looking forward to our yearly Christmas Day in December at Bob's cafe in Moses lake.
We've gained some new members and we're making Some changes in how we are running our chapter to try to help increase membership. Hopefully this year the roads will be good for Black Friday so our members and other Eastern Washington Chapters will be able to attend. We encourage everyone to try to attend this year to get back to the attendance we once had.
Our Treasurer just had a baby so our Grant County Chapter is getting bigger. The little one has lots of Aunts and Uncles.
We wish everyone safe travels to BOD and anytime you're on the road.
Susan " Stars" Carson
GC Coordinator
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SPOKANE
Accident Scene Management Class Basic class Jan. 10,2026 $50. Advanced Class Jan.11, 2026 $50. Lunch included. Signup online. Flyer attached. All are welcome!
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SKCC
Hello Brothers and Sisters
Not much to say this month other than please consider stopping by our spaghetti feed on Saturday Nov. 15th, it's to support a great cause and you'll get to have a tasty meal while you're at it. Flyer is attached.
Kevin Billings
SKCC
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SPANAWAY
Greetings from Spanaway Chapter.
I want to thank everyone who attended our emergency meeting and our BOD on October 19th.
We have been going down a very rough road, and I hope we are on the path to recovery at this point.
Please remember that this is all for what ABATE stands for and what the membership wants.
After the Fall Bash on November 1st, Spanaway will be very busy taking care of residents of a couple of assisted living homes for the holiday, putting on our bake sale, and doing Wreaths Across America in Orting.
Until next time, be safe!
Ratchet,
Spanaway Chapter Coordinator.
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KEY PENINSULA
It’s been a while since our last update but we’re back, and there’s plenty to share! The Key Peninsula Chapter has had an eventful and productive season, packed with learning, recognition, and important conversations about the future of motorcycling and our freedoms.
Road Guardian's Accident Scene Management Course: Eye-Opening & Empowering
Key Peninsula Chapter had the opportunity to send two members to the Road Guardians Accident Scene Management course, sponsored by Emerald City Harley. They earned certification in Emergency Scene Management. What an incredible and educational experience it was! Not only did we walk away with vital knowledge, but it also made us realize just how unprepared many of our past rides have been! We strongly encourage EVERY rider to consider attending this course or at the very least, familiarize yourself with the material.
Knowledge is power, and it can make all the difference in critical moments on the road.
Nick Gourley
Key Peninsula Chapter Coordinator
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Need to reach a specific Chapter?
Get their contact information here:
| | Metier Motorcycle 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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