Brotherhood

by Chubby

Brotherhood: n. the state of being a brother; a group or society of men united by a common interest; a fraternity. Every once and a while I like to see if Webster defines things the same as I do. Sometimes I think that one of us should just write a dictionary for bikers. In the biker dictionary this word alone could have a few pages dedicated to it. Now, I’m not saying that I disagree with the way Webster defined this word. I just think it means so much more. Take a little time out and think what it means to you. Brotherhood is what keeps us going. It is the essence of a bikers’ soul. In a volunteer organization like ABATE of Wisconsin, it’s the glue that binds us and the fuel that keeps us going. No matter what you ride, what gender you are, or what your political views outside our motorcycle community may be, brotherhood is always there for you. Bikers truly define brotherhood.

I spend a good amount of my free time attending meetings and events all over the state. When I’m not riding or spending time with my family, you’ll most often find me reading something motorcycle related keeping me up to speed with current legislation and public views about motorcyclists. Sometimes this can get pretty overwhelming because it seems all too often there’s something to be pissed about. There is always somebody with a half-baked theory on how they can keep us all safe, happy and alive. Unfortunately, all of these theories seem to take away my freedoms. Thanks, but no thanks. So, just when I’m ready to go postal on everyone, I remember that I’m not alone. There are almost seven thousand like-minded individuals that have the same fears as me. And that’s just the ones that pony up the twenty-five bucks a year to stay informed as bikers in Wisconsin. Who knows how many bikers are out there unaware that there is an organization, a brotherhood, that is already fighting for their freedoms every day? I’m proud to be an ABATE of WI member. That is enough to keep my sanity. Just knowing that I’m not alone and that someone’s got my back.

Ben Franklin was once quoted as saying “they who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety”. This quote is used by a myriad of organizations that believe quick fixes to problems that take away our essential freedoms as Americans will one day destroy the country as we have come to know it. In many articles I have touched on many of those problems and how if we don’t realize what we’re losing we may not be quick at standing up and fighting for it. A true freedom fighter realizes the problems we face and confronts them head on. Those are the people I call brothers. We are always preparing for a fight against an overbearing government which will inevitably take away our freedoms we now enjoy as motorcyclists, if we are not vigilant, maybe for good. Doubling our membership gives better odds in this fight, but I believe that reaching out to all bikers, whether ABATE of WI members or not, and calling them brothers is the best hope we have of winning this battle. The government spends a lot of time and money analyzing statistics and figures and currently has the upper hand when looking at some of the greatest restrictions motorcyclists have ever seen. But I believe the one thing they are not counting on is brotherhood. No matter what you believe regarding the type of bike you ride, clothing and equipment you wear, the sound your bike makes, or your belief in what you consider safe, we are all in this together. It isn’t just a helmet law that’s at stake here; it’s the end of motorcycling as we know it. So, the next time you want to discount another rider because of what he/ she rides or what their political views are, think about the big picture. Brotherhood is the strongest tool we have.

Never am I reminded of brotherhood more than at an ABATE event. Whether it’s a chili cook-off, poker run, brat fry or just a good party, there is always a feeling of belonging. I’ve never felt unwelcome and I always have a good time. The amount of effort members put into an event expecting nothing in return except a good time is amazing. Our state rally, the Summer Hummer, was no exception this year. Sure, we all got a little wet (again) but it seemed that everyone had a great time. The amount of effort and time it takes to run an event like that is substantial and it seemed to go off without a hitch. I’d like to commend everyone that worked so hard to make it a success. I met a lot of new people and caught up with a lot of old friends. It was nice to be able to relax and enjoy such great music and conversation. We can only hope that next year will be even better.

I have been really stoked up to see the support we have gotten this year from other clubs and organizations in Wisconsin. Our marketing people have been swamped with offers of booth space at events and shared marketing offers that go a long way to strengthen our organization. Many thanks to all those that have supported ABATE of WI this year. If you’ve been enjoying the life, I hope you’ve made it to some of these events and stopped at an ABATE booth and offered some help or at least enjoyed some conversation. We can always use help; contact Doris in marketing if you’d like to step up.

If you like AC/DC, you’ll enjoy Thunderstruck. The Dells Palace is having them in concert July 26 with a percentage of the ticket sales going to ABATE of WI. There is a flier in this newsletter with more info if you’re interested. Hope to see you there enjoying some brotherhood and supporting your rights.

I was blown away when the Iron Breed M/C decided to donate the proceeds of their second annual Scooter Trash Revival at the Kettle Moraine Ranch in Eagle to ABATE of WI. This is a back to basics biker party for all held August 9-11, and although I’m going to have to split my time between the ABATE Family Campout and this, I’ll be there. They have offered booth space to us at previous events, but it was really cool when they offered to share their proceeds with us. You may know some of them from our Biker Day at the Capitol and other events so you know how fun they can be. What an exceptional act of brotherhood.

As the summer comes into full swing and there is more to do than you can ever possibly make time for, try to take some time to visit a neighboring region or even travel to a distant one. Take a few friends along and enjoy the ride. Tell every biker you see that we need their support. Whether it’s at a party or a meeting, take the time to introduce yourself to someone new. Find out what brotherhood is all about. Hope you enjoy your Fourth of July weekend.

Until next month…Ride Free

Chubby