A hearty hello to all my Riding Family out there!  I'm sure all of you are just champing at the bit to get under way for the Spring Riding Season. Still, we've been pretty lucky so far this winter in that we've been able to enjoy a lot of mild weather, so I don't think we have too much to complain about.  We may have to cope with a freeze or two before April arrives, so get out there and rack up some mileage.  My sleds are in fine operating condition, fortunately, although I really need to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and get them washed.  I'm not an expert in detailing, but I like to get most of the nasty dirt off when I can, especially when you're talking about a white motorcycle.  Of course, it's really easy to keep a bike perfectly clean--just don't ride it!  You just have to ask yourself: What kind of fun would that be?  If some of you have been feeling the urge to get your steel steeds out of the corral more often, don't hesitate.  My bulletin board is fast filling up with fun events that lots of organizations have planned in the near future to help make life interesting. So take advantage of what's available, don some warm clothing if there's a chill in the air, and be part of the action!  I figure you can talk yourself into something as easily as you can talk yourself out of it.

       I delayed writing my article this month, so that I could include some comments on our annual ABATE Legislative Breakfast, hosted by ABATE's Central Oklahoma District Chapter, which took place Thursday, February 19 at the State Capitol Fourth Floor Rotunda.  February 19 was a significant date for this year's Legislative Session, being the deadline for bills to be voted out of committee, and I'm proud to report that all of the biker-related legislation ABATE is supporting this year has come out of committee with "DO-PASS" recommendations.  This includes HB 2697, co-authored by Sen. Lawler and Rep. Ferguson, which will require "at least one headlight" on motorcycles but will eliminate language addressing a maximum number of lights, allowing riders the Freedom to run spotlights.

Also included are: SJR 50, designating every May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Oklahoma, and SB 1539, co-authored by Sen. Helton and Rep. Covey, which deals with Failure To Yield issues.  This bill, which we're calling "Jaggers' Law" in honor of David Jaggers, Sgt-at-Arms of the Downed Bikers Association who was killed by a reckless motorist, calls for a mandatory one-year driver's license suspension and $1,000 extra fine for right-of-way violations that cause a fatality.  Incidentally, Rep. James Covey, who's an enthusiastic motorcyclist himself, signed on at the Legislative Breakfast as our newest member of ABATE of Oklahoma, so Welcome Aboard, Jim, and thanks so much for your support of Biker Freedom in the Sooner State.

Now, these issues will be considered by their respective full Houses of the Legislature over the next three weeks, and we need to continue to lobby our elected officials for their passage if we haven't gotten a commitment from them.  Additionally, SB 1307, which would legalize and regulate Artistic Tattooing in Oklahoma, passed out of committee.  This bill, co-authored by Sen. Frank Shurden and Rep. Al Lindley, faces a tough uphill battle, and I sure hope Oklahoma isn't going to continue for a great length of time shouldering the embarrassment of being the only state in the Union with a tattoo ban.

       Folks from the Central Oklahoma District, headed up by Kevin "Lowlife" Keeton and his better half Catherine, showed up at the State House before sunrise bearing Krispy-Kreme donuts, fresh fruit, and tanks of breakfast juice and cups donated by McDonald's.  The metal detectors set up at each entrance to the Capitol are much like those you'd find at the airport, but the Capitol Staff and Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers manning the control points were very nice and very efficient, and it turned out to be a relatively uncomplicated process getting  where we needed to, even with the morning Rush Hour.  In fact, a few members of the Capitol Police are avid motorcyclists, and are even members of the Downed Bikers Association, which I'm proud to be associated with as a Life Member.  Setting up for the Breakfast at the Rotunda was made easier by having tables and chairs available from an event held the day before, so attractive food tables were quickly established with motorcycling-related centerpieces, and Dick Weber got his television presentation of motorcycle safety-related videos going. Everything was made ready in time for the 7:30AM start, and hungry Legislators and members of their staffs started showing up right on schedule.  In fact, there was a steady stream of Capitol workers from every department that came through for the entire three hours we were serving, and they cleaned us out of every food item we brought, except for a few apples!

I ended up delivering apples to offices that weren't able to make it down to visit before I went to work, and brought Talking Points written on paper regarding the bills we supported to legislators that needed them.  Holly Swinford, our Political Director, performed her usual masterful job, crafting those Talking Points and providing reference material so motorcyclists could find out who their elected officials were and where they were located.  She also was involved in laying the groundwork for the event in many areas, from reserving the Rotunda to lining up legislative sponsors so we could use the tables and chairs.  Of course, an event like this wouldn't be successful without it being a team effort, and heartfelt thanks from ABATE go to all those in C.O.D. that volunteered their time to help out with setting up and taking down the Breakfast materials, to Carmaletta and Manuel Lara for printing the beautiful invitations and getting them out to the offices, and to all you dedicated motorcyclists and trikers from every background that attended and spent time lobbying your Legislators on behalf of Biker Freedom.  ABATE of Oklahoma couldn't do it without you!  The next day, there was even a picture, albeit with no accompanying article, in the Daily Oklahoman of our own John Beal and Bob Pierce discussing issues with a Representative.  That was the first time this important event has been even acknowledged in the paper, but at least it's a start--even if it did take almost TEN YEARS!  One interesting visit to a State Senator's office came about as a result of a Daily Oklahoman article a few days before, where he stated he wouldn't go swimming and expose a tattoo on his arm, to avoid offending "decent" people.  That sparked eighteen of us to show up at his front door to point out to him, in a very friendly fashion, that even though we were wearing black leather and flying patches, and that a lot of us were sporting tattoos, that he needed

to remember something important.  Despite our outward appearance, we were hard-working homeowners and taxpayers, raising families, Veterans serving our Country, and registered voters proud to be Oklahomans and deeply concerned with improving the quality of life for our state by safeguarding the health of its citizenry--in short, that we were "decent" people!  We also invited him to go swimming with us tattooed Bikers anytime!  As the old saying goes: The only difference between tattooed people and non-tattooed people is that tattooed people don't care if you're not tattooed!" 'Nuff said!      

       On the national scene, a number of state Motorcyclist Rights Organizations have a legitimate shot to succeed with Freedom of Choice legislation this year.  Virginia's proposal went down to defeat when it died in committee, but bills are still alive in Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina and, closer to home, Nebraska and Missouri.  All of these legislative efforts are wending their way through committees, and I'll provide more information on these and other issues as I get it.  Here's an interesting twist:  Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts signed a bill into law in mid-February allowing Freedom of Choice regarding helmet wear for riders over 18--in publicly approved parades!  The law goes into effect May 20, just in time for the Modified Motorcycle Association's Lobby Day at the State Capitol in Boston.

Even now the MMA, which is the MRO for Massachusetts, is applying for a parade permit so Bikers can ride to the State House helmet-free if they so choose.  I think this is a great first-step for Bay State riders, and I pass kudos to the MMA for their efforts, but my question is: does that make the tally now 31 and-a-half Free States?  Also, Pennsylvania continues to roll onward with Biker Freedom issues, having just gotten a bill signed authorizing Veterans License Plates for motorcycles.  Congratulations ABATE of Pennsylvania, for accomplishing this highlight for riders that have committed part of their lives in service to their Country.

       By the time you read this, we'll have enjoyed a bunch of fun events in February, like the B.A.C.A. Chili cook-off at Catchers and both Charley's Last Stand's Leap Year Poker Run and the rescheduled Oklahoma City H.O.G. C/A Run, which are to take place on February 29.  We also have some terrific ABATE Chapter events coming up this month--the annual Central Oklahoma District Mystery Poker Run on March 14, Muskogee ABATE's Swap Meet and Tattoo Contest on March 28, and Tulsa ABATE's 24th Annual Bike Show, March 20 and 21.  I've attended all of these in the past, and I assure you you'll have a great time if you show up.  I'll update you next issue on the details as to how some of these happenings went.  Tiger's Tip O' The Month:  Part of being an effective Freedom Fighter involves not expecting the Government to give us anything on a silver platter.  Neither should we expect many of the motorists we share the road with to perform the way we expect them to.  I think it's worthwhile to continue our focus on crash prevention involving those that are inattentive and irresponsible.  So, prepare for that possible Left Turn bonehead by carefully proceeding through intersections and always look for escape routes.  Keep a weather eye open for those side streets and driveways for vehicles darting out, and always check your mirrors--even when stopped and waiting for the light to change.  Our car-driving counterparts are capable of everything, so expect anything. Effectively employ the most important piece of safety equipment you have in your arsenal--your brain!

Motorcyclists, contrary to the way we're sometimes stereotyped, have a great deal of intelligence, and we need that intelligence to keep these complicated machines we ride on the road.  Let's use that to our advantage, and build upon it by periodically reinforcing our skills and knowledge through taking the Experienced Rider Course.  The Course contains a tremendous amount of valuable information, and even the most grizzled, road-worthy scooter tramp can learn something.  As another old saying goes: who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?  So, take a course and help stack the deck in your favor.  I'd like to close by paying tribute to two very special ABATE members that have headed on down that Highway In The Sky.

Judy Beatrice Haendel and Thomas Danny "Spider" Mundell both passed away in mid-February within a week of each other.  Both were longtime ABATE of Oklahoma members, joining way back when we were trying to establish direction as to how better to represent the interests of Oklahoma's motorcyclists.  They deeply loved riding their machines and cherished Freedom, and they will be sorely missed.  ABATE of Oklahoma conveys it's deepest sympathies, respects and condolences to the Haendel and Mundel Families, as I do personally, and we wish that God will comfort them with the Peace that passes all understanding.  Ride Free Forever, Judy and Spider-Man!  Well, it's time to wrap this up, so let's hope the month of March eases out gently, so we can enjoy the early Spring cruising before the April Showers get here.  Those of you pointing your sleds toward the Sunshine State for Daytona Bike Week, have a safe and fun trip and don't get ripped off by the price-gougers.  I'll look forward to seeing you out there as our beautiful state starts to get green again.  Catch you in April!

 Keep It On The Black Strip Between The Trees,

Tiger Mike