I was sent to cover the 30th Annual ABATE of Kansas National Labor Day Run, held at Paradise Point, Lake Perry, Kansas. “It was one of the largest so far, with a count of 4,000 and still counting,” President, Lucky Bass told me at a later phone interview. “We think it was almost perfect, the past couple years, there has been so much rain.”
Nine bands played, including Black Oak Arkansas and Shawn Ward, my personal favorite. They raffled off a new Harley Davidson, had lots of vendors and breakfast was arranged. The layout was very organized; they kept the toilets maintained, trash cans everywhere, and had one of the cleanest rally Paraglide rides. Medical assistance was readily available. You could wash your ‘nads, but it would cost $5.00
I was instructed to cover a summary of what each States’ legal issues were and how the people in attendance felt about those issues I was having a hard time getting anyone to remember their issues. We will just chalk it up to partying too hard. It made me kind of scared that maybe people just didn’t really care. I did spend a few hours looking though!
The Lobbyist, Chris Maurich, agreed with me, that people do not know and a lot don’t care about bikers rights. And for those who do care, they don’t know what to do about it. He says, “The main thing anyone can do, is to find an issue, even if it’s just one, and write your Congressman a letter stating your concerns.”
In Kansas, we have some pretty relaxed laws, compared to some States. However, they are trying to get us on noise levels. For example, pulling you over under a bypass and sticking a microphone practically in your tailpipes and saying they are too noisy.
We don’t have to wear a helmet and can get away without using baffles in our exhaust, nor did we have strict emission laws. That could all change. A lot of the changes are being thrown in with other bills and slid in under our noses. Good thing we have organizations, such as ABATE and MRF to stand up for our rights.
Some of the new issues that are being talked about now:
•Construction zone warnings for motorcycles.
•Have the penalties be the same for killing a motorcyclist as a passenger in the automobile, health insurance coverage.
•Ape hangers should not be illegal at any height; Chris Maurich feels this is harassing motorcyclist. No one is going to ride with handlebars that are not comfortable.
•Just passed some Veteran License Plates for motorcycles.
Click on the banner above to get more info on your local ABATE.
There are two major events in Midwest the Labor Day Run and the Mid-South M.I.L.E. 14th Annual Seminar, Oct 14 – 16 in Denton, Texas. This is a Rally to deal with Global issues. Watch out for more information on this event.
Written by,
Julie Weems
Pittsburg, Kansas
Lots of people want to complain about bikers dying freedoms and impending laws that restrict how many bikes we can build, our emission standards and so on, but some are not doing anything about it. Join ABATE and be heard. Everyone I know seems to be busy as hell, and doesn’t have the time to follow all the issues affecting motorcyclists. Joining a biker’s rights organization and paying the small fee will allow those who have the time, to fight for all of us. Click the link above and get started on helping any way you can.
Bandit & Layla
