ABATE OF NEVADA 2000 by Jackie Suthers ABATE OF NEVADA 2000 The Valmy Chapter was the founding chapter of ABATE of Nevada. We wanted to support their work and did what we could. We attended the poker runs, birthday bashes, toy runs and all of that. We paid for our membership without hesitation and expected great things. We were sorely disappointed. As far as charitable giving and fun events go, it was great. We weren't members for too long before we decided that the money making end of things seemed to outweigh all else. The attempts to get the motorcycle legislation changed seemed lost somewhere. There was very little collective group effort. We had a state chairman who liked to be in charge, rubbed the right shoulders and said all the right things. We got a little nervous simply because we knew him away from ABATE and had a different perspective on the staying power and effectiveness. He wanted to run with the big dogs, and would trample the ones that got in the way. When we began the planning process for the Freedom of Choice Ride, we tried to exemplify all that ABATE said they wanted. This was not laid out to be a protest ride, but a ride to show who supported Assembly Bill 88 and who the "bikers" of Nevada really were - common people, the folks next door, etc. We sincerely believed that ABATE would support this. Why? Because they wanted this bill passed, they wanted a voice in the laws that affect us, and they wanted 'something to be done'. Hang on to your shorts folks. Our membership expired in December 2000. We attended the 12/02 meeting with the membership check in hand and no fliers or other mention of the Freedom of Choice Ride. This was an ABATE meeting, we had already told them what we were doing and were waiting for a decision. The state chairman was going to be at this meeting and we hoped to have a decision but were not expecting one. We got one --ABATE of Nevada would NOT support this run and would not stop members from attending, but would not promote, support or attend. Okay, we have a decision. I storm away - a little upset and under the influence of Cold Tylenol. Ted has to WORK to get our check back. Our membership with ABATE and support of ABATE is over. Two members of ABATE attended the Freedom of Choice Ride. The Valmy Chapter no longer exists, nor does the Winnemucca Chapter or the Northwestern Chapter. That particular state chairman is gone. For all intents and purposes, there are three chapters of ABATE in the state of Nevada - Las Vegas, Fallon and Elko. We would tell you more, but we haven't heard any more. Ted and I did donated thirty-plus bicycles to ABATE for Christmas in 2002. We wish them the best, since there are some great people involved and their charitable endeavors are the best to be found. That we will support, but as far as their involvement in politics - we've never seen it and hope to never see it. If they operate their political agendas the way we've seen in the past, we'll be light years ahead if they stay out of it. (Close window to return to story.)