45 Years – The Past, Present and Future

by Chubby

This year marks the forty-fifth anniversary of ABATE of WI Inc. We have been providing a united voice for all motorcyclists in Wisconsin with regards to their future, their way of life, and their legal rights as motorcyclists and citizens for four and a half decades, which I believe is a significant accomplishment, especially when you consider that almost all the work gets done by unpaid but very passionate volunteers. Not only do we have a strong voice together, but our legislative accomplishments, safety goals, and leadership has never been stronger. Are you a part of our past? Are you still active and engaged now? Will you be staying around as long as motorcycles are part of the traffic stream on our roadways and enjoyed throughout the country? I know I will, and this anniversary year has reminded me how many others before me are still around and still active.

The history of our organization is both important and interesting to me. I like to learn from mistakes and use our accomplishments to stay on track looking into the future. This year we have been blessed with weekly Facebook posts and a monthly column in our newsletter by Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo. These give you a view of legislation we’ve worked on in each decade, and also how the motorcycle culture and ABATE of WI have evolved. Everything hasn’t been wine and roses, but it has ultimately been successful. If you’re interested in seeing these columns and you’re not on Facebook, you can check out our website www.abatewis.org and click on the ABOUT tab on the top of the home page. From there scroll down and click on HISTORY to view the last eighteen columns from the beginning or individually. Or, if you have no internet access, they are also being printed in our newsletter on page 11. Although Pan has solicited some help filling in the blanks from former directors and long-time members, I don’t believe I have given him the credit he deserves for the amount of work such a priceless history collection will serve us into the future. Bob “Hogman” Thompson, and Doris Weber have also been working on collecting and documenting history stories from former leaders, officers, and longtime members. Hopefully, we’ll see more of that historical content in the future. If you have a story or pictures to share you can contact Doris through our Facebook page or our website.

No anniversary would be complete without a celebration and the leadership of District 1 and the members of Region 1E-Jefferson County are planning a great one. More information on this event is available elsewhere in the newsletter in detail, but as of right now I know there are fun and games planned for Friday night, a run or shopping at the outlet stores option on Saturday, and of course, an awards banquet Saturday night with a band to follow. Sunday will be our official Annual Meeting, if you’ve never attended an ABATE of WI Inc. Board of Directors meeting, we’d love to have you stay for it. Rooms are filling up fast, so contact our State Treasurer Laurie Thompson and reserve yours today.

Currently ABATE of WI is doing great. We are in a strong financial position even though budget cutbacks have had us reduce the value of what we give back to our members, our partners, and some of our core mission. Our land, ABATE Acres, is paid in full and offers free camping to members from March through September except during our state rally. Our land manager, Robert “Worm” Grasse and his crew, have done an excellent job maintaining and keeping your property beautiful. In the last few years we have been strong legislatively. This is not only because of the great work of Legislative Committee Chair Steve Panten, but also because of the passionate, educated members that show up, make phone calls, or write letters when needed. We have had no anti-freedom laws introduced recently. We have strengthened right of way violation laws, and members have actively squashed any uninformed attempts to get anti-biker laws from even being introduced. We still have a strong relationship with the WI DOT even with a change in administration and bikers and their issues are being heard and discussed regularly. ABATE of WI currently has strong leadership at all levels with passionate Regional Reps, knowledgeable District Directors, faithful and vigilant State Officers, and the hardest working Deputy Director we’ve ever had. Although burn-out at some levels is expected, I think right now ABATE of WI is putting out 110% effort across the state. If you’re not seeing that in your part of the state, step up and be the change that’s needed. You’ll have a strong family behind you.

Even while keeping the organization running efficiently all of our officers are looking toward, talking about, and planning for the future. Besides doing what we do best, we are not planning on doing more of the same, but rather the same and more. Annual membership dues were voted on to increase after the end of 2019. There are several membership packages offered including multiple year memberships. I’d like to see something offered as a separate membership for businesses and clubs in the near future, but right now lifetime, couples’ lifetime, individual, and couples’ memberships will be offered along with discounted three-year options for the latter. This much needed increase will help us fund current programs, legislative needs and trainings, awareness campaigns, and current partnerships. Partnerships include the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Accident Scene Management, the BUILD program and other promotional partnerships. We will be able to keep and increase our presence at both legislative and WI DOT events along with maintaining our work with the WI Motorcycle Safety Program and the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MOSAC). Our online newsletter option will become available to members in the very near future, and we should have a more user-friendly products store online before the end of the year. Even though the cost of an ABATE of WI membership will be increasing, the value of that membership will also be increasing exponentially. Hopefully, some creative fundraising will allow us to continue to update and develop our property. We are already looking into options for a building to house our history and hold BOD meetings, a viable permanent replacement for our main rally tent, and more shelters for our members to use.

 The past, present, and future of ABATE of WI is very important to me, and many other hardworking, passionate members. The hard work that has gone into making this organization the “Motorcycle Issue Experts” in Wisconsin will not be forgotten or ignored as we work to create an even better future for ABATE members and all motorcyclists of Wisconsin to enjoy. As our organization develops, adjusts for some bumps in the road, and looks forward to future successes, will you be a part of it? Will you encourage others to do so? Will you be the next member to step up to leadership? I think that being part of the success of ABATE of WI is priceless, I hope you think so too. I believe ABATE of WI will be around for at least another forty-five years, because without us motorcycles may just become a thing of the past. Let’s all work together to make sure they’re part of the future. Until next month…Ride Free   Chubby