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Well, this month, we have a few things going on. ABATE of Washington will be at the Spokane Motorcycle Show March 14-16. We plan on having all three raffle bikes there for people to see. So, stop by the ABATE booth and say hi. Also, it’s a great show, so head to Spokane and check it out. We also plan on having the bikes at the Monroe Swap Meet on March 23. If you have not reserved a vendor spot for the Monroe Swap meet, please do so. The vendor forms are available on the ABATE of Washington web page.
The Legislative session is in full swing. Please ensure you follow through on all the calls to action sent out on behalf of ABATE of Washington. Check the legislative section for the latest news and progress. Please remember ABATE focuses on Motorcycle issues. We all have other issues we are passionate about, but ABATE is about Motorcycle issues.
Please ensure your address and contact information are current with the State membership secretary. We have several outdated addresses and contact information.
State Membership
Greg Hansen - Membership.AbateofWashington@gmail.com
Chapters, please make sure your monthly treasure and meeting minutes are submitted to the State.
Chapter Meeting Minutes
State Secretary
Steve Carlsberg - Secretary.AbateofWashington@gmail.com
Chapter Bank Statements and Treasures Reports
State Treasurer
Monika Scotti - Treasurer.AbateofWashington@gmail.com
Well, that about does it for me. I hope everyone has a great spring, see you all on the road.
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Andy McAfee
State Coordinator
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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
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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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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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Marble Floor Marathon, Part Deaux
Our weight fee bill (SB 5309) is still alive, thanks to Sen. Cortes (D-18) and Sen. MacEwen (R-35). With deadlines approaching, things are heating up. We had a strong hearing in Senate Transportation, and next, I’m meeting with Sen. Liias to push it forward.
The budget situation is messy due to federal funding uncertainties. Even if the bill misses the deadline, we can tie it to the transportation budget, keeping it alive until April 22—but that means I’ll be fully engaged until session ends on April 27.
Other Key Issues
- Lane Sharing: No bill yet, but I’m working to start the conversation.
- Shoulder Riding (HB 1367): Stalled, but a Call to Action went out to keep it alive.
- Reckless Driving (SSB 5328): Going 30+ MPH over could now mean a $5,000 fine, 30-day suspension, or jail time—this bill passed the Senate.
- Covered Loads (SB 5215): Tighter hauling rules are moving forward.
- Pay-by-the-Mile Tax (HB 1921): Could unfairly impact motorcycles and NOVA funds—discussions continue.
Other traffic safety bills are floating around, but most aren’t gaining traction. Reach out if you have concerns.
Until next time—ride safe and stay informed!
– “Texas” Larry
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"Texas” Larry Walker
Legislative Affairs Officer, ABATE of WA
360-271-9285
“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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MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION | |
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2025 MRF Roadshow: Off to a Strong Start!
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Road Show is hitting events nationwide, connecting with bikers, industry leaders, and lawmakers. From the AIM Expo in Las Vegas to state lobbying days and motorcycle rights meetings, MRF is ensuring your concerns are heard in Washington, D.C.
With stops in a third of the U.S. already, there’s more to come! If you see an MRF Board Member on the road, say hi and show your support!
Ride Safe. Ride Free.
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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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A Night Out with EPCC
March 1, 2025
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Freeze Your Butt off Poker Run
March 2, 2025
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5th Annual Leprechaun Memorial Run
March 15, 2025
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Shaking the Winter Blues
March 22, 2025
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Garden at the American Lake VA
April 19, 2025
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Sky Valley 28th Annual Motorcycle Show
May 18, 2025
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SPRING OPENER
JUNE 26 - 29, 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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EPCC
Merry March!
I hope everyone has kept safe and warm through all our freezing winter days. Take heart – Spring is on the way! We’re still searching for a perfect Business Meeting location to accommodate our under-21 members. If you read this in time – please join us for our Night Out With EPCC Fundraiser (March 1st) at the SandBar & Grill in North Tacoma. If you missed that, then be sure to make it to the 5th Annual Leprechaun Memorial Run on March 15th. That Run will benefit Helping Hand House of Puyallup, a non-profit serving children & families. (See flyer in this Newsletter.)
Be safe and well, ABATE Brothers and Sisters.
Laura Cain, Secretary/LAO
East Pierce County Chapter
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PACIFIC COUNTY
February meant it was time for our Annual Chili Contest. Meeting / Contest day dawned to snow, but we plowed through and had a good turnout. After the February Business Meeting, we adjourned downstairs to the serious business of tasting various Chili Recipes. After all the ballots were counted the Winner was Tiffani, our Chapter Secretary. I was happy to present her with the trophy, which She will have to defend next year!
Thank You to Holly & Tony for hosting the Contest this year.
We signed up two new members, Andrea and Mike, who came to our Membership Drive / Campout over Labor Day Weekend. Welcome aboard!
John Tschannen
Coordinator
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SKCC
Hello from SKCC!
Already halfway through February, as I pen this letter, time sure does fly. January 1st was our 36th annual Polar Bear Run, which has been held every year since 1989, and we had a nice turnout. The weather was cooperative and our run was dry...we've been blessed the last couple of years with good weather. This year, the ride was to raise funds for the Auburn Humane Society, and we will be presenting them with a check on 2/18 for $857.28. Thanks to everyone who participated. Coming up quickly is the state swap meet on March 23rd, I hope to see you there. SKCC's next ride will be our Fools Gold Run in April. I will keep you updated with the details. You don't want to miss our big fundraiser of the year, Outta Control, on May 3rd at the Red Dog Saloon in Maple Valley. Live music, loads of stuff for sale, and live auctions during the band intermissions. This one is always a fun time and quite often you can find hidden treasures among the donated items. Oh, with that being said, if you want to donate anything, just give me a jingle. Until next month keep the rubber side down and ride safe.
Kevin, Coordinator
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KEY PENINSULA
We hosted our Annual Holiday Party in January, filling the VFW with great folks and an awesome feast! Great times were had by all breaking bread, good fellowship, reconnecting with those we hadn't seen in a while, games, and even had some Gingerbread houses to keep the children occupied while the adults got their fun on! Those GB houses were amazing. Unfortunately, I did not get a hold of any photos of them.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature caught up to us, and we had to shift our February meeting a week due to that White Powdery stuff falling from the sky!!! While some said they were on Heaven, others not so much!
Spring is just around the corner, and cannot get here soon enough. We look forward to getting out for some throttle therapy and seeing many of you soon.
Stay safe, and for all who ride year-round, stay warm and keep the rubber down!
Nick (O'Tym) Gourley
Key Peninsula Coordinator
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STAR LAKE
Greetings, everyone from Star Lake Chapter,
We conducted our Chapter meeting and night out on February 8th, 2025, beginning 2 pm at the home of one of our chapter members. Huge thanks to Tony and Grace Hardy for hosting the meeting and the post-evening gathering (See SL peeps pic - 1). The chapter discussed the route and plans for the annual charity benefit ride on June 7th. The flyer has been distributed to promote the event. The chapter is planning to support and participate at the March Swap Meet... Read the rest and see the photos.
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SPOKANE
Our 3rd Annual Original Sauce Off was a huge success! Over 50 people attended and 12 sauces competed. The competition was very fierce. Our new 2025 Sauce Off winners are #1 Chad, #2 Julie, #3 Jeremiah. Thank you to all the groups that supported our event. 9 groups were represented!
Next up is the Spokane International Motorcycle Show March 14-16, 2025. Spokane Chapter will have a booth. All the bikes for the 2025 Spring Opener will be present to entice attendees to buy a ticket. The show is at the Spokane County Fair Grounds.
See you all there!
Diana Picone
Coordinator
Spokane Chapter
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Need to reach a specific Chapter?
Get their contact information here:
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