ABATE of Oklahoma

Hello to all my riding friends, and Happy Independence Day to all! I hope this finds everyone enjoying a bunch of Summer fun, and that you’re staying hydrated in the steady 90-degree temperatures that are approaching triple digits. This hot weather has also translated into some violent thunderstorms, and that affected our eighteenth annual War Memorial Run to the State Capitol on May 31. The sky reverberated with thunder and lots of lightning, along with drenching rain and some small hail for three hours before the scheduled parade time, and I had to get ready in the dark as my power went out. After consulting with the Central OK District Chapter officers and the American Legion Riders Post #1340, the decision was made to cancel the parade in order to safeguard riders from possible flooding and irresponsible motorists on wet roadways. However, all were encouraged to head down to the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Park to take part in the eleven o’clock services and honor those Americans who have given their all for Freedom. Participants were also strongly encouraged to join in the reading of the names of the over 15,000 Oklahomans who have been killed in our Nation’s conflicts since the Spanish-American War. With Oklahoma weather being what it is, things were nice and sunny by 10:00, and folks decided to parade to the Capitol on their own as a group. The Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club graciously volunteered to serve as outriders, and it was a good thing they were there, since on part of the route, the participating bikes had to proceed through the oncoming lane due to deep water. Almost 180 motorcycles and trikes took part in the impromptu event, because attendees were committed to doing the right thing in paying tribute to our Armed Forces and honored war dead.

The heartfelt Memorial Day service featured Representative Kevin Calvey as Keynote Speaker, who is running for Congress. In conversation with him later, I was gratified to have him tell me that his encountering Biker Veterans on these Memorial Day Parades inspired him to become a Soldier and serve in Iraq, which he has done with distinction. After the services concluded, attendees rode out to Charley’s Last Stand where, once again, the American Legion Post and Ladies Auxiliary hosted a Hot Dog Cookout for everyone. Many thanks to all who took time out of their busy weekend schedules and weren’t deterred by the storms, and to all who volunteered to make the occasion successful and meaningful. Be sure to put November 11 on your calendars, when ABATE will again host the Veterans’ Day Bike Parade! That’ll also be when Del City officially dedicates its Veterans Memorial Complex next to the Public Library on S.E. 15^th Street, which they’re spending over $150,000 on to serve as a fitting tribute to our Armed Forces and their sacrifice.

I had a very rewarding and productive experience at the 25^th Anniversary National Coalition Of Motorcyclists Convention May 6 through 9 in Orlando Florida. Close to Two Thousand Motorcyclists and Trikers from all over America and overseas gathered to share information and discuss issues common to and threats facing all motorcyclists of every background. The Convention featured seminars and presentations on a wide variety of diverse topics dealing with Motorcycling Liberty and improved Quality of Life for our Two-and Three-Wheeled Community. Legislative and Judicial-related issues were thoroughly dealt with, along with subjects such as Women in Motorcycling and the World of Sport Bikes. “Slider” Glmore was there also, with his renowned Accident Scene Management presentation. The event also afforded me the opportunity to brag on ABATE of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs and the Sooner State’s Riding Community’s tremendous legislative successes for 2010, which I was able to do both at the NCOM Board of Directors meeting and at the Worldwide Confederation Patch Holders Meeting, where I was honored to represent our state as Liaison at the request of the Oklahoma Confederation. The ringing of the Memorial Bell was a featured event, honoring those who have passed on during the past year, and my eyes welled with tears as names of departed loved ones such as “Gunner” Catcher and “Roach” Hoffmann were read. The Silver Spoke Awards Banquet was well-attended, with trophies given out to those who have made a positive impact on the motorcycling world over the last year in areas such as commerce, government, entertainment, and legislation. Next year’s Convention is going to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which isn’t too far from us, so PLEASE make plans to attend if you‘ve never been to one of these. They get bigger and better every year, so become a part of Biker History! Check out www.aimncom.com for more information.

I mentioned “Slider” Gilmore’s singularly impressive “Two-Wheeled Trauma” presentation, which would benefit all riders from our state, and am proud to announce that he’s going to be one of the featured speakers at this year’s Mid-South Motorcyclists Improving Legislative Effectiveness (M.I.L.E.) Seminars being held in Sherman, Texas October 15-17. We just held a Planning Session at the hotel venue last month, which is quite comfortable and easy to get to, and a number of valuable seminars presented by the American Motorcyclist Association, NCOM, and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation are on the agenda, as well as presentations by educated folks such as our own Legislative Coordinator John Pierce. It’s going to be an informative and fun event, so go to www.midsouthmile.org to print a Pre-Registration form and make plans to attend. This is especially important to do if Oklahoma is going to beat out the Lone Star Stat for the largest number of attendees in their own backyard! Speaking of Texas, NCOM has tasked Sputnik and myself to spearhead an NCOM Region 2 Conference, including Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa. It’ll be held in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area November 19-21, at a venue to be announced. It’s going to be a worthwhile event to attend, as well as a terrific party, so make plans to show up! I’ll be providing a lot more information on this valuable Conference very soon, which will also be available on the ABATE State Website.

Tiger’s Tip O’ The Month: We’ve had some sad incidents occur among our Motorcycling Community recently involving unexpected Right Of Way violators. When traveling on two-lane roads, be ready for possible stopped vehicles on the other side of a rise, or farm vehicles that take up the entire roadway, swinging across lanes in a turn, or are pulling out from side roads. One of the best ways to avoid problems is to keep your speed under control. Also, Summertime brings along an increase in Construction Zones. Look for the bright-orange “Motorcyclists Use Extreme Caution” signs, maintain safe speed, and remember that a lot of the motorists you share the road with don’t use caution in these zones. If they aren’t watching out for construction crews, they sure aren’t looking out for you!

Well, that’ll do it for this month. I’ll provide you with more information on some of the terrific events coming up, like the ABATE State Party, the Mid-South M.I.L.E. Motorcycling Rights Seminars, and the NCOM Region 2 Conference as we approach Fall. Enjoy the rest of your Summer Vacation, and remember as we celebrate the Fourth of July that our Liberty was bought with a price, starting when our Founding Fathers pledged their “Lives, Fortunes and Sacred Honor” to establish this great Nation. That Price continues to be paid by our Armed Forces members, who continue to defend Freedom and the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Before I close, I want to pass on Respects and Condolences to the family of Matt “Stumbles” Morgan, President of the American Iron Riders, who was tragically killed in a bike wreck near Ardmore the beginning of June. He’ll be sorely missed by his many friends and fellow club members—Ride Free Forever, Stumbles!! Take care of each other, Ride Safely, Sober and Aware, and I’ll look forward to seeing you down the Road in August!

Keep It On The Black Strip Between The Trees,

Tiger Mike