STATE COORDINATOR'S REPORT | |
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May 2025
The swap meet went well. Vendor turnout was not the best, and we had a few last-minute cancellations from vendors. Overall, everything went well. Already planning next year's event.
I had the opportunity to attend the Spokane Motorcycle Show. This is a great event, and the Spokane Chapter of ABATE of WA is awesome and always a great group of people to be around. Thank you for your hospitality.
I personally had a chance to ride down to Las Vegas with a friend of mine. Great trip, not to hot and not to cold and didn’t get rained on once. Thank you, Double Z, for allowing me to ride along.
American Income Life mailings will be coming out. No action needed on your part unless you
are interested in additional covered.
I want to personally thank all the people who volunteer their time to ABATE. This organization only functions because of you. Here is a few names I would like to call out. Sheri, thank you for putting the newsletter out there every month. Greg, thank you for the endless work with membership. Larry, for all you do for ABATE at the capital. Kim, for your legislative work on half of all of us. Monica, for your financial and bookkeeping work. Steve, for the records and
minutes, I don’t know how we would do as well without you. Billi, for organizing and running the Spring Opener, you have made it better every year. Chris, for organizing and running the Swap Meet you are amazing. Bill and Bubba you guys are awesome I am blessed to have number of great people working around me.
Thank you all and the rest of the people I have not mentioned you don’t go unnoticed, Thank you.
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Ride Safe and have a great spring get out and ride.
State Coordinator
Andy McAfee
| | MAY IS PUBLIC AWARENESS MONTH | |
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May has been declared Motorcycle Awareness month by the Senate! | |
The Washington State Senate has officially declared May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! With thousands of motorcyclists sharing our roads each day, this month is a reminder for all drivers to stay alert and drive safely. Motorcyclists may only make up about 3% of registered vehicles, but they account for 15% of all traffic fatalities—making awareness and education more important than ever. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on the road!
This month also celebrates the positive contributions of the motorcycling community—riders who not only promote roadway safety but also engage in charitable efforts across the state. Let’s honor the impact by spreading awareness and giving motorcyclists like us, the space and respect they deserve on the road.
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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
| | | | SPRING OPENER - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED | |
| We have great things planned for this year. We have great local entertainment booked, starting with Iron Stallion on Thursday night, Friday night Seattle Cossack's performance followed by the 80's Ladies rockin' the stage, & closing out the Saturday festivities, we have On The Side!! It's going to be another great event! Tickets are available for purchase online, scan the QR code on the event flyer or checkout the abate-wa.org website, under events. We have minimal printed tickets for members & non-members, please contact your chapter coordinator or myself to arrange to get your paper ticket. | |
I want to thank everyone on this year's Spring Opener Committee, your hours of volunteer service don't go unnoticed & I appreciate all that you do to make this a great event. If you or someone you know is interested in taking over as Chairperson for Spring Opener 2026, please contact myself or Bill Dye, State Jr. Deputy Coordinator. It's well organized & can easily be transitioned to a new team leader.
**VOLUNTEERS NEEDED** Please consider stepping up & working a shift of security or a shift in the State Products booth selling swag. Please contact Phil Snow for security detail & Carrie Saagim for products
Billi Bowen
Spring Opener Committee Chairperson
253-221-7806
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Spring has sprung!
Andy and I were extremely busy during March. We took two of the three ‘raffle’ motorcycles over to the Spokane Motorcycle show, and they were a hit!
State set up a product booth along with the motorcycles and partnered with the Spokane ABATE Chapter to not only promote ABATE but to get those tickets sold. Carrie Saagim & Phil Schultz were also there to help out.
Between Spokane and the state, we sold 460 raffle tickets! It was chaotic yet fun and we also made some great connections.
Taking a 4-day break, we headed over to Monroe for our annual Swap Meet. We enjoyed Sky Valley’s ‘Shaken’ the Winter Blues’ fundraiser, listening to excellent music, great silent auction items, and lots of friendship.
Sunday was the swap meet, and the weather gods were in our favor. The air was brisk, however, the rain stopped around 7:30 am, and it stayed that way for the rest of the day. We again had two of the three ‘raffle bikes’ there, which certainly helped promote the sale of raffle tickets.
I can not stress enough that it takes volunteers like y’all to make these events a success and I truly appreciate every one of you.
Chris McAfee
Swap Meet/Raffle 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!
| | | | Marble Floor Marathon, Continued Yet Again | | “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. | | |
As the legislative session wraps up, efforts to advance our weight fee bill (SB 5309) faced setbacks, with the bill not clearing committee. Differences between the House and Senate transportation funding proposals could impact the bill’s future, and if a special session is called, riders may need to rally again. Read the full update from "Texas" Larry for more on what happened and what to watch for next.
Until next time, ride safely and legislate well.
“Texas” Larry
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"Texas” Larry Walker
Legislative Affairs Officer, ABATE of WA
360-271-9285
| | MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION | |
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H.R. 1566 - The REPAIR Act
Right To Equitable And Professional
Auto Industry Repair
| The REPAIR Act (H.R. 1566) aims to protect your right to choose where and how your motorcycle—or any vehicle—is repaired. This legislation would ensure access to the parts, tools, and data needed for maintenance and modifications, supporting both consumer choice and independent repair shops. Backed by advocates of a fair marketplace, the bill is gaining momentum in Congress, and your voice can help push it forward. Now’s the time to contact your Representative and support the REPAIR Act! | |  | ABATE of Iowa recently hosted the 35th Annual Heartland STEAM event in Bettendorf, bringing together motorcyclist rights advocates from seven Midwest states. Over two days, attendees engaged in powerful presentations, legislative updates, and breakout sessions focused on protecting riders' rights. With strong representation in Congress, the Heartland STEAM states play a vital role in advancing the national motorcyclist agenda. The event wrapped with renewed energy and unity among riders, as excitement builds for next year’s gathering in Minnesota. | | |
| | The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) continues its fight to protect motorcyclists’ rights in Washington, D.C. With Bikers Inside the Beltway 2025 just around the corner and important legislation like the REPAIR Act and internal combustion engine protections on the table, now is the time to act. If you haven't completed the Calls to Action or registered for the event, don’t wait — the future of motorcycling depends on it. Read more about how you can get involved! | | | | 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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Outta Control Night
May 3, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
Pigout Charity Run
May 10, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
Sky Valley 28th Annual Motorcycle Show
May 18, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
Let Them Stare - Make them Aware!
MAY 18, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
The Mystery Run
MAY 24, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
Run for the Hills
JUNE 7, 2025
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FLYER | | | |
SPRING OPENER
JUNE 26 - 29, 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
Greetings from EPCC!
The weather is starting to cooperate, and speaking of cooperation, get out riding of course, but consider supporting other chapter's rides and events as well. Fellowship is what makes ABATE a family. (Even if you ARE the crazy cousin, lol).
The Mystery Run is coming up at the end of May (look for the flyer in the newsletter, on the State Website, and Facebook).
Hope to see you all at some of the upcoming events!
Keep the rubber side down,
Joe Cain, EPCC Coordinator
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FOOTHILLS
Greetings from Foothills, this lovely 1st day of May. By now, we have visited our friends at Terry Home. We are working on the plans for our 5th annual Foothills Fallen Chapter Fundraiser, being held the 2nd Saturday of August in Buckley. Stay tuned for more details. With the blue skies & warmer weather, watch for cages. We see so many bikes up here on the plateau, racing past vehicles on our 2 lane hwy's; please ride skillfully, being mindful & safe. Too many fatalities that are absolutely avoidable.
Just a note for those that enjoy the ride up above Carbonado to the Carbon River & Mowich Lake, the Fairfax Bridge is now closed to all foot & motorized traffic, until further notice. So, you cannot get beyond Carbonado.
Safe riding!
Billi Bowen
Coordinator
Foothills Chapter
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PACIFIC COUNTY
Spring seems to have arrived, and we are getting ready for our Pigout Charity Run.
This year’s run will be a bit different, with no Ferry Ride in the middle. The Oscar B ferry is scheduled to be in dry dock during early May, so we will be riding to Longview to cross the Columbia River. As always, we will end up back in Naselle for a BBQ. We hope everybody can attend.
Remember, Spring clean-up on your bike includes an inspection for potential problems down the road.
Ride safe and stay sharp,
John Tschannen
Coordinator
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SKCC
Hello brothers and sisters, I think summer’s going to make it!
SKCC’s Fools Gold Run is now history and it was a good ride, we had great weather and a really nice turnout. Next up on May 3rd is our annual fund raiser “ Outta Control” being held at the Red Dog Saloon in Maple Valley. This is our big fund raiser for the year so come on down and enjoy some great music and while you’re here pick up an item or three at our silent auction. Good music, good food and great company!
If you’d like to drop by and say “hi” before then, you can join us for our social on Thursday, April 17th, at JP’s Tavern in Federal Way, 32925 1st Ave S. We meet up at 6 PM.
Kevin Billings
Coordinator
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SKY VALLEY
Sky Valley ABATE would like to thank everyone who attended and helped make our Shakin' the Winter Blues event a success. The Swap Meet was a great event and we'd like to thank Chris McAfee and her crew. The Chapter is preparing for our 28th Annual Motorcycle Show in Granite Falls on May 18th, 2025. We're still accepting Vendor applications and looking for Volunteers. If you're interested, please email skyvalleyabate@gmail.com. Hope to see you at the Show!
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STAR LAKE
Greetings everyone from Star Lake Chapter,
We conducted our Chapter meeting on April 6th, 2025, 11 am at Rail Hop’n Brewery in Auburn. The chapter discussed the details of hosting the April 19th BOD at the Am Vets in Tacoma. The chapter was briefed on the Star Lake booth and volunteer support at the ABATE Swap Meet in March (pic 1 &2). The Nyland’s donated 150.00 of their booth sales to the chapter's general funds. The BBQ Pit display (pic 3) took in $65.00 toward the ongoing raffle sales. The chapter will continue to work on the route and plans for the annual charity benefit ride on June 7th... Click below to read the rest.
Star Lake Chapter, Coordinator
Ken Nyland
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SPANAWAY
Greetings from the Spanaway Chapter!
Spanaway is in the planning stages of putting together our ‘Fallen Riders Run’, which will be on May 31st. This ride will be dedicated to all of our members who have passed.
We are also getting ready for Spring Opener and our annual Spring Opener Poker run. Poker run shirts are available for purchase and are in limited supply... Click below to read the rest.
Chris M
Spanaway
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TACOMA
The Tacoma Chapter has been busy doing as many support rides as possible. We were at the "Swap Meet" in Monroe where we had a booth selling raffle tickets for the gun & Motorcycle give away at "Spring Opener". We also had our 3rd annual "Meat Raffle" tickets for sale, which Supports our "Veterans Family in need" fund, and will also be given away at "Spring Opener".
At the "Swap Meet" we sponsored an indoor "Poker Run" where 50% went to the winner and 50% to the non-profit of winners choice.The winner of $175.00 was Kirk with Foothills chapter. He chose as his non-profit "Terry Home". Our Chapter rounded up so Kirk will give them $200.00... Click below to read more.
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