Abate of Colorado April, 2024

kesman Sp

State Coordinator

Larry Montgomery l_montgomery@live.com

303.263.9412

Treasurer

Kathy Montgomery topfuelangels@gmail.com

720.281.3602

Secretary

Belva Smith

Phillips.belva@yahoo.com

303.517.8342

Legislative Affairs Specialist

Stump Haberstumpf stumpandval@msn.com

303.862.1177

Northeast Regional Coordinator

Bill Smith

Snake.1951@yahoo.com

970.768.2989

Metro Regional Coordinator

Mike Gray mikeanddeb303@msn.com

303.932.2705

Bookeeper

Robin Sanford robin@abateofcolo.org

303.789.3264

Rider Education Manager

Don Gunn

303.789.3264

Office Manager

Justin Stone

abategeneral@abateofcolo.org

303.789.3264

DISTRICT MEETING INFORMATION

DISTRICT 1

Don “Rebel” Brainard

For meeting dates in the Sterling/Fort Morgan area Call 970.301.7918 rebelracing6rr@hotmail.com

DISTRICT 5

Gary Davis

720.635.2897

revgcitwdvr@aol.com

1ST Wednesday 7PM

Great Scott’s Eatery 1295 Cortez Street Denver, CO

DISTRICT 13

Bear Meade

303.642.7118

dcbear1985@aol.com

2ND Wednesday 7PM

American Legion Post 1985 870 1st Street Firestone, CO

DISTRICT 17

Phill Strasser

303.903.5968

strasserphillip7@gmail.com

3RD Tuesday 7PM

Englewood Eagle’s FOE 3241

3790 South Jason Street Englewood, CO

The main purpose of the association is to work toward continued freedom of the road by insuring that motorcyclist’s point of view is presented to our legislators and to promote motorcycle safety, rider education and public awareness. We are trying to alleviate the very real possibility of “Big Brother Government”. We encourage all our members to be informed registered voters. We write letters to our elected officials and stay aware of what is going on with motorcycle legislation, and other transportation issues. We welcome interested parties to any of our activities or to join our organization.

All articles and photo’s within the contents of this newsletter and our website are the property of …

ABATE of COLORADO

You may not use them without the express written consent of the newsletter editor, webmaster or the association board.

ABATE of COLORADO encourages all members to submit letters, articles or cartoons they feel may be of interest to fellow members.

ABATE of COLORADO supports the rights of ALL motorcyclists, ABATE of COLORADO does not endorse any products or services other than its own.

The thoughts and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ABATE of COLORADO board and it’s members.

Hello from State Coordinator, Official news from the State Capitol about SB24-079 that was held on Tuesday March 12. There were many individuals present, including District 1 and District 17 and online individuals that voiced their thoughts on the bill. This is what I testified about this bill. At many of our ABATE meetings the official position on lane filtering is NEUTRAL! As a safety organization we see both sides of the safety issues: less of a chance for a rear-end collision in stop and go traffic but a greater chance of increased road rage and negative reactions by drivers being passed. This bill does not refer to who would be liable for this action. Would this allow multiple motorcycles 15 to 20 to advance at the same time requiring a lot more area and the public to understand that this is allowed? ABATE of Colorado is a rights organization and supports motorcyclists making their own choice as to their safety and knowledge of their own riding ability and skills. The bottom line is that lane filtering is not mandatory but a choice. I want all to understand that ABATE represents all riders and as part of those rights the choice is up to you and no one else. Just as we want to participate in this action the motoring public has their rights too and needs to be heard and considered. This bill needs to be read in full and interpreted as it is typed. There are many words in this bill that I believe will be misinterpreted as to what is allowed and not allowed. Please print this bill and read it carefully and make sure you and others understand what is proposed.

Benefits of lane filtering: It might reduce traffic congestion for the motorcyclist and to enhance our traffic flow, but it will not cure the congestion that you find yourself involved in. There could be less chance of heat exhaustion or heat stroke for the motorcyclist; and one that isn’t often mentioned – less inhaling of car & truck exhaust fumes while waiting in STOPPED traffic! Yes, I do understand the challenge we have is to protect ourselves while riding but statistic reports state that we are our worst opponent to our own safety due to our actions.

ABATE also has a concern with the need to notify the public that lane filtering would now be legal – road signs, TV, and radio ads, whatever it would take. Also to reinforce to the motorcycling community and the public as to the parameters of lane filtering: speed of traffic, passing speed and especially not on the shoulder of the road.

As the summer is just around the corner the first weekend of May is the Blessing of the Bike and Sandhills Run. Hope to see many members attend and enjoy these rides. I hope it will be a sunny day to get together for some riding.

Larry W Montgomery

Spring is on its way. I hope you all had a fun-filled Saint Patrick's Day and a blessed Easter. There are so many great Easter Movies, Easter productions and programs at neighboring churches. I hope this day was spent with your families and friends, celebrating the Easter story. He Is Risen. No matter how old we get, we still decorate Easter eggs, share in the hunting and searching, to find the most eggs and fill our Easter baskets.

I don’t know about you but, I wish we would leave the time alone. I have never been a big fan of changing the clocks, forward or backward. We have had more than our share of snow in Rye, and I am ready for warmer weather. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind the snow and we needed the water, but I am ready for summer. The last snowstorm dropped about 10” in our yard and it left us on two different days with no power. Not much riding for us yet. I have seen many motorcycles out and about on the roads all ready and I can hardly wait to join them.

As riding season begins and with the start of our riding events, it is just a reminder for all districts. Your event paperwork needs to be sent in within 10 days. ABATE had two events at the beginning of May. The Blessing of the Bikes and D-1 Sandhills Motorcycle Run. Look for pictures in the June Spokesman. What a great way to kick off motorcycle awareness month. As members of ABATE, we need to support our districts by attending all district and office events in support of our organization. Please bring your friends and maybe they will join ABATE.

This month's Tour Book will take you to just a few of the beautiful Churches and Holy places in celebration of Easter.

1. Saint Malo Church Take CO Hwy 7 from Lyons to Allenspark stay on Hwy 7 to 10751 to Co-7. The church is on the left. (2018 tour book)

2. Will Rogers Shrine Historic monument is only 1.4 miles up the Russell Tuft Scenic Hwy from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo entrance. (you will need to pay the Zoo entrance fee). (2012 tour book)

3. Garden of the Gods 1805 N 30th St. Colo Springs (2011 tour book)

4. Mother Cabrini Shrine 20189 Cabrini Blvd I-70 exit 259 Golden.

5. Stations of the Cross San Luis, CO 81152

6. Beaver Creek Chapel 33 Elk Track Rd, Avon 81620

7. Temple Israel Leadville historic restored 1880s frontier synagogue 201 W 4th St, Leadville 80461

8. 55-foot Jesus Statue 51321 Hwy 285/ Santa Maria Rd, on north side, in Grant (private property).

9. Christ of the Mines Shrine in Silverson,

10. The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey is a former monastery in Canyon City. Kathy Montgomery

Treasurer

From the ABATE office

ABATE currently is looking for funding for new training bikes for next year’s season. We have many old training bikes that need work that we are willing to sell to raise funds for this endeavor. Many are 250 cc Nighthawks, Rebels. We also have 125cc Kawasaki Eliminators. If you think that you would be interested, please inquire at the office ASAP.

ABATE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

NEW RENEW

Mail to: ABATE OF COLORADO 1701 Chambers Road, Unit K, Aurora CO 80011 or go online to: https://abateofcolorado.wildapricot.org/join-us

NAME

2ND NAME IF JOINT MEMBERSHIP

ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________

CITY ________________ ST _____ ZIP ___________

PHONE: _________________________ EMAIL: ________________________________

Registered voter? Y N

Motorcycle License Endorsement? Y N

Have you taken a Motorcycle Safety Course? Y N

Membership Level requested: $35 Single _______ $60 Joint _____ $100 Personal Sponsor

Spokesman Newsletter

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Annual Renewal Pins

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ABATE NEEDS YOU

To Help GROW Our Organization.

Recruit your family members and friends!

Think about it.

If we each sign up one new member, we’ll double our numbers. Tell your friends to go to...

www.abateofcolrado.wildapricot.org/join-us or give them this application

In recognition of your generous financial support in promoting and protecting Motorcyclists Rights and Safety Awareness

Larry & Kathy Montgomery

Torch & Sue Barr

Duane & Bonnie Roller

Channing Curry

Fred (Karl) & Heidi Long

Mike Cole & Becky Archuleta

Paulette Korte

Gary & Ana Davis

Karen Carr

Will Ensign

Toby Schmidt

Dale “Bear” Meade

Will Rutledge

Jon Banks

Jerry Olson

Dennis “Stump” Haberstumpf & Val Amey

Hello from NE Colo.

NE Regional Coordinator

Bill “SNAKE” Smith, NE Regional Coordinator

Weather has been hit or miss recently in our area. Hope to start doing some serious riding soon! I have taken some short trips around town and out and about but then the weather changes so quickly.

Our next meeting is on Sunday April 7th starting at 1p.m. at The Place in Hillrose to finalize our Poker Run. Bring a friend and hope to see a large turnout!

We have our Annual Sandhills Poker Run coming up on May 5th, 2024, Registration is at Riverside Park (just off the Interstate) from 9:00 to 10:30. Cost is $25.00 per person. Ending at Buchanan's Welding, a meal is provided. Hope to see you All there as We Celebrate our 20th Year doing this Run.

Will close for now! See you on the Road.

Later,

Bill ‘Snake’ Smith

Hello Concerned Motorcyclists,

Colorado’s Second Session of the 74th General Assembly is more than half over. As I write this today, March 13th, it is day 64 of the 120-day session. The numbers are: Senate – 180 bills introduced with 11 concerning transportation issues; House – 374 bills introduced with 17 concerning transportation.

The Legislature is quite busy with lots of committee meetings and 2nd and 3rd readings on the Senate and House floors. An update on the bills of particular interest to motorcyclists is as follows: SB24-079 (Lane Filtering) it passed 3rd reading in the Senate with a vote of 28 to 2 with 5 excused. And yesterday it passed in the House Transportation, Housing, and Local Government Committee with a vote of 8 to 3. A couple committee members expressed concerns about the bill, so I wouldn’t be surprised if amendments are added at 2nd reading on the house floor. Hopefully one will be about the $0 fiscal note. I personally feel a large fiscal note is needed to notify the public about legalizing lane filtering. Thanks to Larry for testifying on ABATE’s behalf due to my absence at the committee meeting.

SB24-065 (Use of Mobile Electronic Device while Driving) is scheduled for 2nd reading on the Senate floor today.

trict Legislative Affairs Officer if your district has your email address. I try to send out a

!! Illinois Fighting Helmet Bill !!

Stay Vigilant!

Regarding motorcycle safety equipment, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation has long advocated that the government should “Let Those Who Ride Decide.” That is why recent news out of Illinois should make all bikers take notice.

Anew bill, HB5620, would require all motorcyclists riding in the state to wear helmets. Illinois is one of thirty-three (33) states that allow some level of choice in the use of motorcycle helmets. In fact, Illinois, along with Iowa and New Hampshire, is one of only three (3) states that do not have a law regarding the use of motorcycle helmets. While states like Missouri and Nebraska have moved to allow more options for riders, this proposed plan in Illinois would be a step backward for those who believe in freedom of choice.

ABATE of Illinois is a powerful and effective organization for riders in the Land of Lincoln. They have engaged state lawmakers and are pushing back against this proposed legislation. But it should be a warning to all state motorcyclist rights organizations that if they can try it in Illinois, they can try it anywhere. Illinois has a long and proud tradition of allowing those who ride to decide what they wear. The MRF applauds their vigilance, and we will help them however we can. There will be a committee hearing on Wednesday, March 6th, regarding HB5620. To learn more about the battle in Illinois and help ABATE of Illinois with their coming efforts, go to ABATE of Illinois, IncStop Helmet Bills (abate-il.org). Now more than ever, ride safe and ride free!

Riding! Crash!!! Now what???

As we all know, riding a motorcycle has inherent dangers, more than driving the metal cage we call a car. While most riding is safe and without issue, it’s generally recognized by those who ride that “going down” is something that isn’t a question of “if” but “when”. If we spend too much time and energy thinking about “going down”, crashing, or losing it, we might not decide to get on and ride so having the much more positive freedom of the road and “knees in the breeze” mentality is more appealing.

The truth of the matter is that there will be motorcyclists crashing, getting injured and even dying as they enjoy the ability to ride. What we do on a crash scene can make a huge difference in the outcome after the crash so being prepared is going to give you the ability and confidence to handle the emergency situation in the best possible way.

On February 3 and March 2, 2024, a total of 27 students came together to do just that, learn the skills necessary to safely manage a motorcycle crash scene, assess and treat the injured and interact with EMS when they arrive on scene. The two courses were provided by Rider Justice and Biker Down along with ABATE of Colorado providing the classroom space. The course retails for $99 per person but, with the discount from Rider Justice, students paid a bargain price of $45 which included lunch from Rider Justice and morning snacks from Biker Down.

This one-day class is based on the national First Responder curriculum and prepares you to handle the unexpected when riding. It’s amazing how a person can react when you have the training and education to provide aid so you don’t want to let yourself be in the situation when something happens and you don’t know what to do.

What do you need to bring the Accident Scene Management course to your group? It requires a space large enough for the number of students to sit at tables, open space for skills practice, a place to show the course material on a TV via HDMI connection and related equipment. If the class would be out of the Denver or Northeast Colorado area, you would also need to provide lodging, etc. Please let me know if you would like to schedule a class. Another idea to have a class would be to get a sponsor such as Rider Justice for the class to help pay part of the cost. For instance, if you could get a business or individual to sponsor $25 or $50 of each student attending, that would cut down the cost for each person.

You can email me at denninga1954@gmail.com or call me at 970-768-5599. I look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully Submitted,

Don Enninga Accident Scene Management Instructor

ABATE hosted two accident scene management classes over the past 2 months. Don Enninga was the instructor, and he is a member of ABATE District 1. This class was a very informative & hands-on training held at the office in Aurora. District 17 had 3 members that attended in March. Everyone should take this training. It never hurts to take refresher training even if it's been a few years since you had your last training. Thank you to Rider Justice for offering the training at a discounted price of $ 45.00. The regular price is $ 90.00. Rider Justice provided lunch from Fire House Subs & information. Biker Down is a nonprofit organization. They provided morning donuts and sweet treats. as well as information. Thank you to Don, ABATE and all involved.

Kathy M.

What Is The Chevron Deference Why Does It Matter

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could upend the current regulatory framework in Washington, D.C. The current case is questioning a 40-year-old precedent that impacts all three branches of the federal government.

A 1984 court case involving Chevron and the National Resources Defense Council created a legal principle known as Chevron deference. Chevron deference compels federal courts to defer to a federal agency's interpretation of an ambiguous or unclear statute that Congress delegated to the agency to administer. In other words, they give executive agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wide latitude to shape policy on issues that Congress has not explicitly mandated, and the court system is limited in stopping them.

Chevron deference has been used in more than 19,000 cases

- Center for American Progress

Why does this matter to bikers? In recent years we have observed officials at the EPA and NHTSA use the regulatory process to achieve policy goals that impact us. One obvious case is the use of rulemaking to make the internal combustion engine (ICE) extinct. The EPA, through emission standards, and NHTSA, through fuel efficiency benchmarks, have tried to shape transportation policy that favors electric vehicles over those powered by fossil fuels. In this case, the House of Representatives has attempted to push back on this overreach by passing legislation to block the proposed rules. However, the immense and growing power of unelected bureaucrats remains a threat.

The system of checks and balances that the Founding Fathers established must be preserved. Limiting which court cases can be heard and deferring to the decisions of the Executive Branch allows the agency to be the ultimate decision maker. This policy could dramatically alter the action away from the original intent and circumvent congressional control. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation will monitor this case and await the Supreme Court ruling. This decision could have a lasting impact on how we fight for our priorities as motorcyclists.

METRO Regional Coordinator

Mike Gray, METRO Regional Coordinator

Hello ABATE of Colorado,

Well February and March were plenty busy. The EXPO went well with lots of traffic at the booth. Throw in a couple of visits to various ride groups to present ABATE, plus District meetings and an SBOD and that makes for a full two months.

As we move into the riding season keep an eye out for greater efforts to push E15 and its variations into the market. The USDA is creating incentive programs for the expansion of these blends.

I was reading in the MRF Reports about a study comparing people who operate both a motorcycle and a car with those who drive a car only. They found that the motorcycle riders were better at driving a car than those who only drove cars. Maybe we already knew that.

On a similar note. The Hurt study, which is over 42 years old, found that motorcycles with fairings or windshields were underrepresented in accidents. Probably due to greater visibility from the front.

More evidence is coming out that shows motorcycle riders’ habits and behaviors are the cause of an increasing number of crashes. Taking a course and having a trained coach observe your riding makes you more proficient and less likely to crash. Plus, as an ABATE member you get a discount.

I recently read an article in American Motorcyclist that the Bosch company is developing motorcycle-based blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning systems for motorcycles. It may well be a while before these features hit the market, but I can see they are coming.

With riding season just getting started we all need to be extra alert; most drivers have lost the thought of looking for us. Also, I hope you have given your bike or bikes a thorough safety inspection and cleaning. Might as well start the season out with a dependable machine.

Alright, I look forward to seeing you all at your upcoming District meetings and have a Great Riding Season.

Until next time, Ride Well

Mike

Hey all,

The House Motorcycle Caucus in Washington, D.C. has had a change in leadership. As a bipartisan group that keeps the rest of Congress aware of motorcycle issues and priorities, Congressman Tim Walberg (R MI) and Congressman Troy Balderson (R OH) have been joined by Congressman Donald Norcross (D NJ) and Congressman Derrick Van Orden (D WI). It's great to see at least some members on both sides of the aisle working together, especially when it pertains to motorcycle issues. Congressman Doug Lamborn from CO is also a member of the House Motorcycle Caucus.

The push to slow down the switch to electric vehicles was bolstered by reports that the Biden Administration might loosen rules for the switch. Vehicle manufacturers, labor unions, and associations such as your Motorcycle Riders Foundation have raised their voices to slow down the rate that manufacturers must shift to zero-emission vehicles.

The Right-To-Repair Act, H.R.906, is currently awaiting a vote from the full House Energy and Commerce Committee. The only Representative from Colorado on this committee is Diana Degette. I have contacted her encouraging her to support H.R.906.

In late February the EPA announced a policy change regarding E-15. The current policy would not allow sales of E-15 between June 1 and September 15. Under the new policy, eight states would be allowed to sell E-15 all year. Those states are Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. If you have travel plans that go through those states, be aware of what you put in your gas tanks.

A new bill proposed in Illinois, HB5620, would require all motorcyclists to wear helmets. Illinois currently has NO rules regarding helmet usage. Just when states like Missouri and Nebraska have moved to allow more options for helmet use, Illinois is going the other way. There was to be a committee hearing on March 6 regarding HB5620. As of this writing, I have not received an update on this bill.

The Connecticut Motorcycle Riders Association is working on a bill in their state. HB5330-"AN ACT IMPLEMENTING the RECOMMENDATIONS of the DEPARTMENT of TRANSPORTATION" includes topics such as wetlands, building permits, and bicycles. However, in section 19b of the 29-page bill, there is very concerning language regarding motorcyclists, supposedly addressing new riders. 19b would require helmet use for the first 3 years after getting your motorcycle endorsement. 19b would also require an experienced rider moving to the state to wear a helmet for the first 3 years. I have not received an update yet on this bill. Your MRF's Bikers Inside the Beltway will be held in Washington, D.C., on May 20 & 21. This is the National Motorcyclists Lobby Day, and a chance to meet our Senators and Representatives and discuss motorcycle related issues.

If you have not yet done the motorcycle survey, go out to Motorcycle Profiling Project Survey and get it done. The number of people doing the survey in Colorado is way down. Let's let our legislative leaders know that we are serious about getting a profiling bill passed. Be aware of any bills related to the demise of the internal combustion engine that we have in our bikes. As spring and summer progress, be careful out there.

See ya on down the road, Bear

May 4th, 2024

Blessing of the Bikes

May 5th, 2024

D-1 Sandhills Poker Run

June 9th, 2024

District 5 S.G.L.R.

August 11th, 2024

D-17 Dart Run

September 28

District 5 Coffee Run

October 5th, 2024

D-13 Rodeo

October 12th 2024

D-1 Toys for Kids Toy Run

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TRAINING COURSES

SEE FULL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS, PRICING, SCHEDULES AND/OR REGISTER ONLINE abateofcolo.org/motorcycle-training/#register

CURRENT ABATE MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING RECEIVE A CLASS DISCOUNT! CALL303-789-3264 FOR DETAILS.

CHECK OUT THE NEW ADVANCED RIDER COURSE (UBBRC) GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE AVAILABLE

ABATE of COLORADO District Meeting Information

District 1

Meetings: Call Don “Rebel” Brainard 970.301.7918 for time/location.

Sterling/Ft Morgan area (we also try to list these on the District 1 page at abateofcolo.org)

District 5

Meetings: 1st Wednesday, 7:00 PM

Great Scott’s Eatery, 1295 Cortez St, Denver, CO

District 13

Meetings: 2nd Wednesday, 7:00 PM

American Legion Post 1985, 870 1st Street, Firestone, CO

District 17

Meetings: 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 PM

Englewood Eagle’s FOE 3241 3790 South Jason Street Englewood, CO

DISTRICT 1

From the depths of District One, Well here we are into March already, just seems I wrote one of these last month??....lol. So far, the weather has been pretty decent for a little wind therapy!!.... Unfortunately for myself my ride is in the shop getting checked over and serviced, as all ur rides should get, can never be to safe. Still receiving sponsor packets, should have them all in this month. As this comes out, we will have had our March state board meeting, our monthly April Dist. meeting @ The Place in Hillrose, Co. We're getting fired up for numerous events this year, of course Blessing of the Bikes, May 4th, and the Sandhills Poker Run, which will be our 20th anniversary!!, hard to believe, I've been a part of for 10yrs. I'm sure I’ll think of something else later. For now, that is all.

Thanx

Don 'Rebel' Brainard D1 Rep

Greetings D-5 members,

April Report

So here we are again, with the report for the month of April- At our March meeting, like always there was a lot of information passed out about the various legislative items that were going to be on the agenda at the state house. Again, Dave gave lots of input on what we could expect with the probable ‘24 CO state legislative event of lots of new bills, and of course, the same old rhetoric. So- we again had a lot of discussion, and we have been warned to watch our “backside” as always...

Now- I find it very interesting, that our Gub’ment, in all of its stupidity- surprise, surprise- is trying to ‘save the world’ with trying to enact more of the use of the Green New Deal garbage that is a very costly political package at best. And for the people who took the time to read the article by Mark Buckner in the February SpokesmanThat he (Mark) brought up that there are some points of interest of the ones who are “waking up’ to the inability and improbability to attain the emission’s free standards that have been set by the bureaucrats as goals, and some states have been putting the “brakes” on some of the air-pollution legislation being presented. And a recent study of the battery powered vehicles have found- that by current emission and pollution standards, the electric vehicles actually produce

MORE emissions due to the heaviness of the batteries (Oh yeah- And I have been told the batteries also produce ozone issues when they charge as well) needed to power the vehicles, with tire debris (!) and brake debris (!). So, the end result is that we will probably never be able to save the planet in our lifetime, if ever, (And besides, China is one of the worst polluters on the planet and without recourse, too!)

So, with this in mind, over the course of time, it appears that we of ABATE, have become more than just the anti-helmet law people, if’n we want to continue with our right to ride whatever monotrack vehicle we choose to ride. And one other item is that currently, there are three (count ‘em 3!) other states- for a total of 4 states- CA, CO, NY & Maine (?!?) that have enacted C.A.R.B (California Air Resource Board) standards into their state in an effort to lower some small area of air pollution within that state, which hasn’t actually produced the required results. I know, as I have been fighting the mechanics of the CARB enactment to get one of my recently acquired 4-wheel ex-fleet vehicles with only 149,600 miles to pass CARB emissions standards here on the front range-

So, Hello- My blue bagger only (?) or already has 146,000 miles on it. It is my main ride, and it still runs great. And this kind of legislation ALWAYS makes it harder for people who cannot or will not pay for and/or buy new vehicles to comply with what appears to be the arbitrary standards for emissions.

Even so, this appears to bring us closer to the- “It’s not our heads in a helmet, it’s our butts on a bus” that the “royal regime” we call our elected leaders is leading (or leaning?) towards. And besides, just exactly where has the air pollution condition actually become improved? Not only this, but the Super Majority in our state legislature appears to have sent thru a bill that keeps things quiet and among the legislators so the “transparency factor’ (fat chance, huh?) of new legislating is mostly nonexistent?

And lastly (or close) we have worked out the details on our SGLR Run in June and will have flyers available to pass out at the April meeting. And we could use some give-a-way items for door prizes, etc. Also, as we have been doing and will continue to do, our next District 5 meeting will be Wednesday April 3, ‘24 in the back room (behind the garage door) at Great Scott’s until further notice, (And still- a pretty good menu) at 1295 Cortez St. Denver- just off of the Boulder Turnpike and just east Pecos St. about 7pm, (earlier for food) and everyone is ALWAYS welcome to attend and voice their opinion, thoughts and ideas....

So... Once more, I want to encourage you to do what you can to bring in a member or renewal or 2, to continue to support ABATE of Colorado and the MRF AND enjoy your freedom to ride. Please remember that we are the anti-helmet LAW (and a lot of anti-other freedom encroachments) people.

After all, ‘Let those who ride decide. And Hey- ALWAYS Be careful when yer out playing in traffic- And even tho we apparently are in the “Weather” time of the year, which will pass- pay great attention to the other drivers on the road. And- No matter what the ‘powers’ that be are trying to tell us- we need to keep watch on the legislators as well. So anymore, it appears it is time to be bulldogs or badgers and ...While last time I put this in closer to the beginning of my rant, the phrase is worth repeating- “No man’s life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislators are in session”. And that appears to be pretty true...

Pastor Gary ABATE D-5 Rep Cell (720) 635-2897

DISTRICT 13

Hey all,

Spring is on its way, but this is the time of year that cagers are most dangerous. They're not looking for motorcycles, so beware. Plans are coming along for our D13 Rodeo on Oct. 5, so if you haven't marked your calendars, DO SO!! In the meantime, check out events at our other districts, like the 20th anniversary of the D1 Sandhills Poker Run and D5 Snows Gone, Lets Ride run. Keep aware at what bills affecting motorcyclists are happening at the Capitol. Ride safe, ride sober, ride free. See ya on down the road,

Bear

D13 Rep dcbear1985@aol.com

DISTRICT 17

Hello D-17, I hope everyone had a Happy Easter and great day. Now It’s April showers to bring May flowers along with allergy season but also some good temperatures for riding. I hope you have marked your calendar for Saturday the 4th of May to have your bike blessed and go on the 1st poker run of the season also followed by the Sand Hills Poker Run on the 5th of May. Be sure to read all things legislative in Stump’s article in this Spokesman.

Until next time, Keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down.

Phill Strasser

D 17 Representative strasserphillip7@gmail.com

Your State Legislative Affairs Officer at work. The Honorable Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie and me at a town hall meeting. Town hall meetings are a great place to get one-on-one time with your Legislators.