Jr. Patriot Report

by John Stumpner

On a bleak November day over 400 years ago, a group of brave settlers came ashore at Cape Cod in what is now the State of Massachusetts. Even though they had come ashore, they had to stay living on the ship, the Mayflower, that brought them over until the spring when they could start building houses. Today, we refer to this group of settlers as the Pilgrims.

Of the 102 Pilgrims on the Mayflower, about half of them had been hired by the company (The London Company) that paid for the Pilgrims voyage to settle in the new world. The rest were looking for religious freedom from the Church of England. These people, who referred to themselves as Separatists, thought that people should be able to worship in their own way, not according to the way the King and bishops in the Church of England said they should. Bikers are kind of like the Separatists, in that we believe we should all be able to legally and safely use the roads as we want to, and not be limited by too many rules and regulations.

The Pilgrims had originally intended to settle near the existing colony of Jamestown. Rough seas and bad weather blew them off course. When they did finally sight land, it was nowhere near Jamestown. Rather than feel sorry for themselves and return to England, they adapted to the bad situation and worked to start their colony where they landed. Bikers are also good at adapting to bad situations. Breakdowns, changing weather and bad traffic are just a few of the situations bikers encounter and adapt to. Bikers usually are not bothered by the bad stuff, because taking the bad with the good is part of being free.

During the winter spent living on the Mayflower, arguments broke out between the hired settlers and the Separatists. To end these arguments, the Pilgrims wrote and signed the Mayflower Compact and elected a leader for the group. This was the first time in western history a group of people decided how they would govern themselves without a King to tell them what to do. Most motorcycle organizations have rules to guide themselves. These rules are written by and agreed to by the members of the group. At the beginning of group rides, the group will select a leader to provide guidance and make sure the ride is safe and successful.

After spending the first winter in the New World on the Mayflower, the Pilgrims came ashore and built their houses and farms. After a successful harvest, they had a celebration which we often refer to as “The First Thanksgiving.” Bikers too like to celebrate. After a long trip or a day of riding, bikers will get together with family and friends for a gathering. Almost every weekend, year around, you can find some bikers somewhere having a celebration of some sort.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, remember that ABATE of Wisconsin, of which you are a part, is working to keep the freedoms that the Pilgrims came to the New World to find.

John