JANUARY 2025 UPDATES - HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎉
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STATE COORDINATOR'S REPORT | |
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State Coordinators Report January 2025
A number of events coming up in 2025. Black Friday in Olympia January 17. I encourage all of you to attend. The more numbers, the more impactful our voice is in Olympia. If you cannot attend, please contact your three State legislative people by email and let them know your opinion on things that we are pushing and any legislative piece that involves motorcycles. Check the legislative information in this newsletter for more information on dates and times.
The Board of Directors (BOD) meeting is scheduled for January 18, following Black Friday in Olympia. It will be held at Tacoma VFW on McKinley. At that BOD, we will be taking nominations for some State officer positions. You need to be present to be nominated. So, if you are interested in a position, please plan on attending BOD in January.
The State is trying to attend as many motorcycle events throughout the State as we can. That being said, if you know of an event that ABATE of Washington should be a part of, let me or one of the Deputy Coordinators know. We really need to be at the non-Harley motorcycle events. We need to represent all of the motorcyclists in Washington State.
I was recently asked about an event at Spring Opener that was said to have been canceled. The event is really not important, but here is the story. No event has been “canceled” at Spring Opener. We just have not had a chapter or someone who has volunteered to run the event. So said the event didn’t happen. If you are interested in running an event at Spring Opener, get a hold of Billi Bowen. She is the event coordinator, she can answer or help with anything at Spring Opener.
Lastly, you will see letters and beneficiary cards from American Income Life (AIL) coming out. ABATE does not give your numbers or contact information to American Income life. They will contact you if you turn in the beneficiary card we ABATE of Washington mail to you. That’s the only way they get your contact info. When they contact you, you have a choice to meet with them for additional coverage. There is no requirement for you to meet with them. You are still covered for the $ 4,000 accidental death and dismemberment coverage, regardless of what the salesperson says to you. If you choose not to meet with the say. No, thank you. We do not need to meet; I do not want any additional coverage; please do not contact me again. Hang up the phone. If they contact you again, get their name and number and send them to me. AIL has paid a substantial amount of money out to our members at no cost to you or ABATE of Washington. It is a great program that has some high-pressure salespeople that are the problem, not the program. Please be nice and follow the suggested way to handle them. Thank you.
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Here is to a better 2025, Thank you each for being part of ABATE of WA
Andy McAfee
State Coordinator
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Black Friday - Motorcycle Legislation Day is fast approaching!
If you haven’t already reached out to your legislative representatives for Black Friday, NOW is the TIME to do so, before we arrive at Capitol for Black Friday. Chapter LAOs and/or Coordinators are asked to please email your appointments with representatives to : ABATEofWashingtonPR@gmail.com
Room reservation rates for us at the Red Lion start at $92 and should be done no later than January 8th. Call 360-352-7700, and provide them with the check in date of January 16 for the Red Lion Inn & Suites Governor Hotel and group code of “ABATEOFWA”. After January 8th, the rooms will be released and the group rate will be invalid.
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January 16- Thursday
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Meet & Greet -Legislative Overview & Taco Social from 5-8 pm at Olympia VFW # 318. The address is: 2902 Martin Way E., Olympia, WA 98506. The Taco Bar is only $10!
January 17- Friday -
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8:00 am- Legislative Grab & Go- We will start with a legislative grab-and-go style breakfast. Please invite your legislator.
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9:30 am -WACOC RIDE IN- COC will do the honor of leading riders in, from Fortune Casino (formerly Hawks Prarie) 8318 Quinault Dr, Lacey, WA 98516. KSU @ 10 am
- 10:45 Group photo on the steps
- 11:00 Speakers
Pins are available for Black Friday for the 1st, 100 people. The Chapter with the highest % of members in attendance, will be given an award at Spring Opener. The Group with the highest number of attendees will be awarded and the rider that rode the longest distance on their bike, will also get recognition.
Loud Bikers Save Rights!
See ya on the steps!
~Kim Adair~
Black Friday Committee Chair
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Guess what time it is? Raffle time!!
We will be holding two separate raffles this year. One for motorcycles and one for guns… yep... we get to raffle guns again!
Motorcycle prizes are:
- 2024 Roadglide
- 2020 Triumph Bonneville 1200 Bobber
- Coleman 186cc gas-powered mini bike
Gun prizes are:
- Henry Golden Boy 357 rifle
- Girsan1911 45acp
- Colt Python 357 6”
Tickets can be bought from any ABATE Chapter that has checked-out tickets.
Please read the rules!
Chris McAfee
2025 Raffle Chair
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It's Back! The Motorcycle Swap Meet!
The Motorcycle Swap Meet, hosted by ABATE of Washington, is scheduled for Sunday, March 23th, 2025 at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. We are optimistic that shoppers will be eager to turn out. Many of our vendors have indicated they will participate, and we hope you can too. We’ve reserved the Event Center and Pavilion, providing over 46,000 s.f. of indoor shopping space. Click here for all the details.
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STATE PRODUCTS COORDINATOR - NEEDED!! | |
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We are in need of a new State Products Coordinator. If interested, don't hesitate to get in touch with Bubba Bowen at srdeputy.abateofwashington@gmail.com. A special thank you to Cheryl Holtquist for all her hard work. | |
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“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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There are some stirrings over at the Washington Motorcycle Safety Education Advisory Board. At our Board of Directors meeting in Yakima, Andy indicated that he had been contacted by the program in reference to a SMRO (ABATE?) getting a “non-voting” seat on the Advisory Board. The conversation went in the direction that the seat would be offered to the head of the organization, with the possibility of delegation to a designated person.
Sounds good, right? Here is a bit more information from last month.

I took it upon myself to do a bit of digging, and I was not really enthusiastic about what I discovered. The Program Manager and his boss are proposing a change to the board charter which addresses adding two “non-voting” members from a list of potential personnel.
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Our Legislative Update reveals exciting progress in motorcycle advocacy. Key discussions with Senator Liias, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, have opened doors to reducing motorcycle weight fees and reviving lane-sharing legislation with innovative approaches inspired by European traffic models. With a strong push to finalize bill language and secure key sponsors, this update promises pivotal changes for motorcyclists. Dive in to see how these developments could shape the future of riding!
Texas” Larry Walker
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MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION | |
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New Faces In New Places
Capitol Hill is welcoming a wave of change in 2025 with 10 new Senators and 63 new Representatives taking office. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is ready to introduce our mission and priorities to these lawmakers. Join us for Bikers Inside the Beltway in May 2025 to ensure our voices are heard!
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Graves Retains Key Chair
Congressman Sam Graves of Missouri has been granted a rare waiver to serve a fourth term as Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, highlighting the priority placed on transportation policy. This leadership extension is vital for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), as the committee shapes key policies affecting bikers, including the upcoming highway bill set to expire in 2026.
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California Receives 2023 Waiver
California's EPA-approved waiver allows the state to phase out gas-powered cars and trucks by 2035. While the incoming Trump administration could challenge it, the process is lengthy. Motorcyclists gained a reprieve as California withdrew a similar proposal for motorcycles, ensuring continued advocacy amid political shifts.
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Coming In 2025
In September 2024, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) hosted its 40th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. A key highlight of the event was a legislative strategy session where the MRF’s Legislative Committee set the stage for the 2025 Federal Legislative Agenda. This agenda prioritizes issues critical to the safety and rights of motorcyclists, organized into high, medium, and monitor categories. The January 2025 issue of the American Bikers Journal will provide an in-depth look at these priorities, with a particular focus on the top 11 high-priority issues, including advocacy on autonomous vehicles, crash avoidance, emissions regulations, and the right to repair. For those passionate about protecting motorcyclist freedoms and safety, MRF membership includes access to these updates and more.
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American Income Life - FREE Accidental Life & Dismemberment | |
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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. | |
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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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4th ANNUAL POLAR BEAR RUN
January 1, 2025
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START THE YEAR RIGHT RIDE
January 1, 2025
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
January 18, 2025
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BLACK FRIDAY TACO SOCIAL
January 16, 2025
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BLACK FRIDAY
January 17th, 2025

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MOTORCYCLE SWAP 2025
March 23, 2025
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STEEPLE CHASE T-SHIRT ORDER FORM | CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | |
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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KEY PENINSULA
Greetings from Key Pen!
As we bid farewell to 2024, we reflect on a year filled with camaraderie, impactful community events, and a shared passion for making a difference. This message celebrates the successes of the KP chapter, including the remarkable turnout and contributions to the 2024 NK Toy Run. Let’s carry this momentum into the new year, showing our gratitude to local businesses and our commitment to each other as we embark on another exciting journey in 2025.
Nick (O'Tym) Gourley
Key Peninsula Coordinator
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PACIFIC COUNTY
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Now we head into Political Season. When meeting with your Legislators about bills we support, I would urge you to also mention motorcyclist’s concerns about Autonomous Vehicles not recognizing us on the roads.
Black Friday Pro LAO Tip: When introducing members to Legislators, use real names. I know road names are cool, but to Politicians, they appear to be an alias. Never a good look!
John Tschannen
Coordinator
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SKCC
Hello Everyone!
I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and didn't overeat...at least not too much. Well now that it's December that means Christmas is just around the corner, I hope Santa received my letter in time so he can deliver that CVO I've been wanting.
SKCC had our annual Christmas party at the Billings' and as usual there was plenty of food, fun and great company. We were blessed to have members of EPCC, Star Lake, Rat City and some independents join us, always feels like one big family when other chapters join in.
Looks like our next event will be our Polar Bear Run on January 1st 2025, we have great raffle prizes and Polar Bear apparel so mark your calendar. Flyer is attached to this letter.
January 17th is Black Friday, the one day we can have a real impact on the people that make our laws and set policies. Please show up and lend your voice and presence if at al possible.
Remember now that it's cold and wet out to be extra cautious while riding, it takes longer for our bikes and tires to warm up so ride accordingly. Check fluids, tire pressure and make sure all your lights work, we want everyone to make it home safe after your ride no matter where you go.
Merry Christmas from SKCC
Kevin/Coordinator
Kevin Billings
Coordinator
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STAR LAKE

We’ve wrapped up the draft by-laws, which members will review and vote on in January. Our chapter also enjoyed the holiday season by attending the SKCC Christmas party—thank you for hosting such a wonderful event!
In November, we were proud to present a charity donation to the Black Diamond Community Center, and their heartfelt thanks on their roadside billboard meant so much. Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for our June 2025 charity ride to support the Catholic Community Services Family Support Group.
As the holidays wind down, it’s the perfect time to give your bike some TLC before the spring riding season. Remember the three S’s—Stay Alert, Stay Safe, Stay Alive.
We look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting on January 5th at Rail Hop’n in Auburn. Ride safe!
Ken Nyland
Star Lake Chapter, Coordinator
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Need to reach a specific Chapter?
Get their contact information here:
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Who We Are
We’ve been helping people for almost 30 years. We’re smart, efficient, and sophisticated. We measure success by the results achieved for our clients. Most of our cases involve a motorcycle, bicycle, and auto collisions. We work on a contingent fee basis. We only get paid if there’s a recovery. Not only do we do all the work, we also advance all the costs necessary to prepare the case for trial. Clients don’t have to pay any money upfront.
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The Value of Human Life: May 1st, 2024 | |
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How much is a human life worth?
It’s a question that’s asked in every wrongful death case.
It’s also a question that’s asked when proposed regulations are evaluated. The government weighs the cost of implementing the proposed regulation and the value of the lives it will save.
For a long time, the government focused on how much people earned and equated their income to the value of their lives.
View the original newsletter here! We want to work on issues that are important to you. What kind of help can we provide to your club?
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Pinewood Derby
When you get past the surface, no one is an average or run-of-the-mill person.
That begs the question: Does it make sense to go beyond the surface? In a case with $8,000 of chiropractic treatment it probably doesn’t move the needle. And it’s probably not necessary when someone has lost limbs or been rendered quadriplegic... Click here to read more.
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The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword
Not many First Amendment cases get filed. The vast majority—maybe 99 percent—get dismissed.
But ours didn’t. Last week we tried an important First Amendment case in the federal courthouse in Richland.
Click here to read more.
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Thirty Years in the Saddle
And just like that it’s been 30 years since I started practicing law.
My first job was at a law firm. But I didn’t like being told what to do. So three years (and three firms) later I started Myers & Company. My first business card read: Comprehensive Legal Services.
I didn’t want to miss an opportunity. Ever since then I’ve been narrowing my practice. At this point I just represent people who have been hurt—physically or financially—by someone else.
Click here to read more.
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Small Things Make a Big Difference
Most stories have a theme:
Fate v. Free Will
Good v. Evil
Man v. Nature

So do personal injury cases. Themes help tie together evidence and remind juries why what they’re hearing is important.
One of the big struggles is figuring out what theme really fits the facts of the case. A theme that isn’t quite right... Click here to read more.
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Filling in the Blanks
Most people have a pretty clear memory of how they got hurt. Frequently their memories are punctuated with very specific details. “That son of a bitch looked me right in the eye before turning left.” “The front door mat was a bright pastel color.” “The impact made a sound just like an M-80 going off.” But when you go through something traumatic, like a motorcycle wreck, the brain isn’t focused on making memories—it’s focused on survival. The same mechanisms that keep the brain sharp enough to escape immediate danger may also make it harder to accurately recall the event.
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He Passed Me Going 90 MPH
In just about every motorcycle case we have there are allegations that our client was speeding. There are a couple of important things to know about the issue of motorcycle speed. The first relates to the reliability of witness observations. The second deals with the way courts deal with favored drivers exceeding the speed limit.
Witnesses are almost always wrong about motorcycle speed. It may be based on the relatively small size of motorcycles compared to other vehicles. Or it may be based on witness bias.
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What the Jury Doesn't Hear
The evidence rules have a big impact on what the jury gets to hear (and what it doesn’t get to hear). Evidence can seem a lot like an iceberg: 10 percent visible, 90 percent below the surface.
A lot of the evidence rules are counter-intuitive. Here’s what the jury doesn’t get to hear in a personal injury case.
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