this question hits really close to home for me.
i beleve in the idea, A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments.
the idea first came in the early 70's from Lou Kemsey editor of EasyRider Magazine, that if ALL motorcyclist joined together, one voice, that we would be the most powerful political force ever created. and with that power we would never again loose ANY of our freedom. and i still believe in that. in the mid 80's bikers kept fighting where the national headquarters would be, Queens NY or Sacramento Ca. lou said "funk it all! im tired of the infighting yall can have it!" and at a meeting in kansas city kansas, it was given to the people to do with it what they will. some states have one chapter with different regions covering the entire state, other states have different chapters that run antonymous of each other. they all work on a local and state level to promote motorcycle rights in legislature, and motorcycle safety and awareness on the road. or at least that’s what the idea is. here in Wyoming, it is a member run nonprofit org. that uses a group or PAC=Political Action Committee, aka volunteers to lobby for motorcycle and personal rights.
i know why A.B.A.T.E.’s want sport bike riders to become involved.
Its an action that’s being pushed by almost all abate’s throughout the usa, as well as the Motorcycle Riders Foundation = MRF, and the National Coalition Of Motorcyclist = NCOM. They are actively seeking involvement from sport bikers. Why do you ask??? The motorcycle rights movement needs sport bikers. As laws are becoming more and more…..well More! they are targeting motorcycles. And some of these laws are aimed at sport bikes. These groups, A.B.A.T.E., MRF, NCOM, are trying to fight these laws, but they need your help, your passion for your machine, your knowledge, and your input. They have seen that there is a divide in the biker brotherhood that should not exist, and seek to unite all of us as one force that represents ALL motorcyclist. To fight together on issues that affect us all.
Nope, its not all about helmets. And IMO, a government mandated dress code (helmet law) is the least of our worries!
in the past legislators have looked at bills that would do everything from limit top speed and Hp, to all out ban on all motorcycles from public roadways. If we as American citizens don’t stand up and do something, we may not be able to ride at all. No more building your own mechine, no more working on your own bike, no more mods not offered by the factory, no more old bikes, and then…..no more bikes. My entire way of life gone, my ability to choose what I do for a living gone, my one passion in life gone.
That’s why I have dedicated my life to A.B.A.T.E. here in Wyoming. when I first joined it was more about the booze that the politics, and I didn’t like that. And I talked about it openly, and found others in and out of the group, that believe as I do. We have stepped up and changed what we do and where we do it. We now influence legislators in Cheyenne, and work with WYDOT,MSF, and local city councils to promote rider safety and awareness. I believe A.B.A.T.E. of Wyoming doing well, but we can always do better. With new people being new ideas and ways of going at a problem.
sorry to type a novel but its something i am very passionate about.
red1100cc aka
Russ Reddick
Wyoming State A.B.A.T.E - Vice President
Wyoming Central A.B.A.T.E. - Legislative Rep.
A.B.A.T.E of Wyoming PAC - Chairman of the BOD
NCOM - BOD Region 3
MRF - Member
p.s.
i bought a Busa for more than one reason, and one reason was to get in touch with the sport bikers here in Wyoming. little did i know how fun it would be!
