Sonja Canaday Editor
Well, here I am again! And here YOU are again, reading about “what’s up”. Speaking of that… we’d like to know what’s up with you? What would you like to see here, what pics would you like to send me from your events? What stories would you like to read and what would YOU like to submit? How about YOUR motorcycle on the cover? (That would be pretty cool, huh?) You’re welcome to send things whenever, don’t worry about a “deadline”. Whatever events you have coming up, if you have a flyer, get it to me. As I’ve been told, this is OUR magazine.
NW 69 Chili Cookoff - 3/1/2025
Legislative Day - 3/4/2025
John Pierce Memorial S.M.I.L.E Convention - 3/14/2025
Lakes Area Chili Cook Off - 3/22/2025
Heartland Ride to Remember - 4/19/2025
Park your motorcycle in the middle of one of the widest historic downtown streets in the USA at the 2025 Steel Horse Rally in the heart of downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas! The 2025 Steel Horse Rally roars into Fort Smith, Ark. on May 2nd & 3rd, 2025. Enjoy great live music, the Bikes and Badges Vintage Motorcycle Show, the Thunder through the Valley Motorcycle Parade, the Cops & Cones Motorcycle Exhibition, & more. More info at https://www.thesteelhorserally.com/
This week, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation participated in a reception for the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus. The event played host to several lawmakers, including the Co-Chairs of the House Motorcycle Caucus: Rep. Tim Walberg (Michigan), Rep. Troy Balderson (Ohio) and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin). The Chair of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus, Senator Gary Peters (Michigan) also attended. Additional legislators present included newly elected Representatives Dave Taylor (Ohio) and John McGuire (Virginia). These two caucuses are made of legislators from both parties who have an interest in supporting motorcyclists and the motorcycling lifestyle. The event also included several Capitol Hill staffers and other motorcycling groups, including the American Motorcyclist Association, HarleyDavidson Motor Company and the Motorcycle Industry Council. Growing these motorcyclefocused organizations is a priority for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Events like this one and the annual “Ride to Work Day” on Capitol Hill are great ways to connect with elected officials and their staff in a less formal setting and build relationships that can help impact our legislative agenda. With your help, we can continue to grow these groups and spread the word about motorcycling priorities to the folks in our nation’s capital
January 15, 2025 - Washington DC
Oregon ICE
The changing landscape in Washington, D.C., will have a trickle-down impact on policies and regulations state governments implement. One area where we will likely see friction between the federal government and state governments will center on electric vehicles and the survival of the internal combustion engine.
A flash point in this area will be how and if states decide to link their policies to those enacted by the state of California. A recent story out of Oregon caught our attention and should serve as a warning about what may be coming down the road. Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) announced it is pausing sales of internal combustion engines in Oregon. In their press release, DTNA cited uncertainty around Oregon’s Advanced Clean Truck rule. What’s troubling about the move is that DTNA is doing so because they believe Oregon is implementing parts of the new rule differently than how California has proceeded. This is important because federal law allows states like Oregon to copy California’s emissions rules. Yet, in this case, Oregon appears to be making its own emissions policies.
All those committed to preserving the internal combustion engine should understand how state and federal laws are evolving. If states like Oregon can create mandates, we could see an expanding battleground. A patchwork of laws and rules would create problems and confusion for manufacturers and consumers.
The fight to allow consumers options regarding their engine choice is heating up. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is engaged in this fight in D.C. and you must remain active back home.
Slowing The EV Train Duffy Memo To Help Protect Internal Combustion Engine
Just hours after being confirmed as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Secretary Sean Duffy issued a memo phrased to protect the internal combustion engine. The memo directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to immediately review and reconsider all existing fuel economy standards for vehicles produced from the 2022 model year forward.
The memo states, “These fuel economy standards are set at such aggressive levels that automakers cannot, as a practical matter, satisfy the standards without rapidly shifting production away from internal combustion engine vehicles to alternative electric technologies.”
The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards under review were enacted during the previous administration. CAFE standards are one of the three objectives being used in the effort to eliminate Internal Combustion Engines (ICE). The second objective is tailpipe emission standards issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many presume that the Trump Administration will order the EPA to conduct a similar review of those standards, which compel carmakers to sell more electric models. The final objective in the effort to eliminate ICE is the EPA’s waiver process, which allows California to enact its own rules under the Clean Air Act and is also under scrutiny. Rewriting rules and regulations like the one mentioned will take time. Outside of actions by the executive branch, legislation and court cases may also shape the future of this debate. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation will remain engaged on this issue and fight to allow you to choose the type of engine you want in your vehicle.
House Transportation And Infrastructure Source For The Next Highway Bill
This week, the House of Representatives finalized some of its organizational structure by announcing committee assignments for the 119th Congress. Of note for motorcyclists, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee roster was finalized. House T & I, as it is known, is the largest committee in either chamber of Congress. With over 60 members, it has veteran lawmakers and newly elected representatives. In the Senate, jurisdiction over transportation policy is split between two committees: the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee and the Environment & Public Works Committee. However, in the House, most transportation policy falls within the purview of House T & I, with some issues handled by the House Committee on Energy & Commerce. During the next two years, the top item on the agenda for House T & I will be the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, known as the “Highway Bill.” This massive piece of legislation must be passed every five (5) years and provides the best opportunity to advance the legislative priorities of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF). Therefore, it is critical to build relationships with T & I committee members who hold power over the issues that are priorities to bikers. It’s time to get to work introducing ourselves to new members and reminding longtime lawmakers what the MRF is and what we stand for. Is your lawmaker in a position to help?
1)… To initiate , endorse and sponsor educational programs public awareness, legislative and affirmative action and, individual freedoms and rights.
2)… To create and promote a positive public image of motorcyclists and motorcycle groups and to dispel and disprove media hype, unfounded propaganda and the “Hollywood” image.
3)… To encourage goodwill and mutual understanding among motorcyclists, law enforcement personnel and the general public.
4)… To serve as an information source on matters pertaining to current laws, pending legislation, personal rights, political inclinations of elected officials and their constituents, and voter awareness.
5)… To act as a central responsive agency to devise and coordinate recreational, legislative, educational, and charitable activities
Northwest 69 PO Box 2783
Woodward, OK 73802
Board Members
Meets 2nd Sunday 2pm (winter months -Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov & Dec) or 2nd Thursday @ 7pm (summer monthsJune, July, Aug & Sept) (call either the Chapter President or Vice President for time and location)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abatenw69
President: Red Goodner 580-334-2057, okred696@yahoo.com
Vice President: Allen "Captain ABATE” Singhiser 580-334-3358, allens@cebridge.net
Treasurer: Tammy Johnson
580-216-0686 tammyjohnson942@hotmail.com
Recording Secretary: Shannon Canaday 580-628-1674 sonjacanady@yahoo.com
Membership Coordinator: Theresa Baker 580-334-1636 bakerterry1962@gmail.com
Photographer: Jen Collier
580-254-1015 jen_cllr@yahoo.com
Sergeant-at-Arms (HEAD): Jeff Johnson 580.334.9144 jdjohnson_app@yahoo.com
Asst. Sergeant-at-Arms: Gary Baker 580-334.2458 garybaker693@yahoo.com
State Board Member (aka Chapter Rep): Gary Canaday 580-763-3846 gary2rcanaday@yahoo.com
Chaplain: Gene Karn
580-334-6332 karnco@sbcglobal.net
Road Captain: Allen "Captain ABATE" Singhiser 580-334-3358, allens@cebridge.net
Assistant Road Captain: Greg Webster 580-737-0108
Merchandise Coordinator: Stacey Crissup 580-334-5092, staceycrissup@yahoo.com
Media Coordinator: Jen Collier 580-254-1015 jen_cllr@yahoo.com
Events Coordinator: BJ Lawson 580-334-2158 bjcarnagey@yahoo.com
Donations Coordinator: Jackie Adams 580-571-7280 Jackie_a@att.net Osage Hills
Osage County, OK
Board Members
Meets 3rd Wednesday of each month 7PM (no December meeting) Tom's Place, Ponca City, OK
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ osagehillsabate
President: Devin Newlin 580-304-2014 cowboyd1977@gmail.com
Vice President: Kenny Rust 580-491-5590 rustkenny@yahoo.com
Secretary: Lyndse Weber 580-716-4664 abate.lyndse@gmail.com
Treasurer: Carol Jensen 580-716-4343 cowboyd1977@gmail.com
Sergeant-at-Arms: PJ Mays Springerpete99@gmail.com
Membership Coordinator: OPEN State Board Member (aka Chapter Rep): Lyndse Weber 580-716-4664
abate.lyndse@gmail.com
