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ABATE of Florida, Inc. ● Polk County Chapter
The Iron Press DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD - LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE
March 2020 Vol 37 Issue 2
Our Mission Statement: WHO WE ARE
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ABATE is a non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiast from all walks of life. We lobby and educate the government and general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image. We endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals that share a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of Freedom. We promote motorcycle safety, training & political awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR A GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, poker runs, campouts, and other motorcycle activities. We are your neighbors and friends who work, pay taxes, and get involved with our community. We serve and support our country and believe in freedom. We use all legal means to protect our rights without infringing on the rights of others.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of Florida as a motorcycle rights organization or a “MRO”.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. currently is the only political MRO in Florida representing the interests of its members and the motorcycling public at large.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. is dedicated to securing and protecting the rights of all motorcyclists in the state
ABATE’S Objectives are to: Keep all bikers informed on legislative actions and events that affect their safety and rights. Be a powerful political force in legislation that affects Motorcycle safety and rights. Provide a lobbyist that will represent ABATE interests at State and National levels. Promote voter registration and to motivate members to speak up for their rights. Promote safety without infringing on individual rights and freedoms. Educate the public and Motorcycle Awareness and safety Issues.
ABATE’s Accomplishments:
ABATE was the driving force behind the changes in Florida’s Helmet Law. Florida Motorcyclist, over the age of 21 and who carry at least $10,000 medical insurance coverage now enjoy the Freedom to Choose whether to wear a helmet or not.
ABATE has developed & copyrighted “The Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Program” (MSAP). The program is presented to non-motorcyclists to educate them on how to safely share the road with motorcycles. It is taught in local schools & to civic organizations at no charge in the hope of reducing motorcycle accidents and deaths through education, not legislation.
ABATE had gained a positive and respected position in Tallahassee. Because of our Lobbyist and Legislative efforts, State Representatives are aware of ABATE members and our vigilant quest.
ABATE reminds travelers every day to “Look Twice Save a Life, Motorcycles are everywhere” through our billboard campaign.
Disclaimer The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Polk County Chapter or ABATE of Florida Inc. This newsletter encourages all members to submit ABATE related material, photos, events, and commentaries, etc. ABATE of Florida, Inc. and the Polk County Chapter of ABATE accepts no responsibility for the comments, views or opinions contained in the newsletter. Polk County Chapter reserves the right to edit or omit any article submitted for publication. All materials submitted to Polk County Chapter for use in this letter becomes property of the chapter.
Guidelines for Submissions Members are asked to submit articles, photos and other materials that would be of interest to their fellow members by 11:00pm on Friday following the Meeting. All board members are encouraged to submit their articles as soon as possible following the monthly meeting. Please do not submit slanderous or accusing letters, profanity or nudity. Identification Statement ABATE of Florida, Inc. Polk County Chapter PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL 33806
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Position Name Email President James “Doc” Reichenbach [email protected]
Vice President Darrin “Scribe” Brooks [email protected]
Secretary Shelly Johnston [email protected]
Treasurer Debby Handy [email protected]
Sgt. at Arms Marcus Hotelling [email protected]
PR/Communications Sally Carroll [email protected]
Webmaster Dan “Slo Mo” Henderson [email protected]
Masterlink Editor C/O State Office [email protected]
Membership Laurie Hanley [email protected]
Safety Program Victor Piorkowski [email protected]
Legislative Darrin “Scribe” Brooks [email protected]
Products Shane [email protected]
Legal Larry Crow [email protected]
Position Name Phone Email
President Mark “Zman” Zinser 863-559-9550 [email protected]
Vice President Tim “Roadmap” McDermott 863-712-7548 [email protected]
Secretary Laneata “Lo” Alexander 863-688-3161 [email protected]
Treasurer Rawson (Rusty) Goff 813-426-5171 [email protected]
Sgt. at Arms Leroy Miller 863-808-6413 [email protected]
Membership Darlin Deb Daggett 863-324-7499 [email protected]
Safety George Swatzbaugh 410-852-6663 [email protected]
Products Cecil Mitchell 863-397-2045 [email protected]
PR Holly Kallister 309-264-4733 [email protected]
Legislative Mark “Zman” Zinser 863-559-9550 [email protected]
Delegates Tim “Roadmap” McDermott 863-688-3161 [email protected]
Dewey Cain 863-688-0608
Newsletter Holly Kallister 309-264-4733 [email protected]
Webmaster Steve Ammerman 813-363-9540 [email protected]
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– “Zman”
Hey my fellow ABATEers,
PRESIDENTS REPORT MARCH 2020 NEWSLETTER
Hey y'all.......hope all is well and motorcycle wind therapy is being enjoyed a lot!! First, our Chapter Gun Give Away.
Same as last year, only we have extended the selling (donating) time (drawing at the August Chapter Meeting). Also,
the State Gun Give Away has already started. Both of these fund raisers are very important to running ABATE of FLORIDA and Polk
Chapter. Tickets available now and at Chapter Meetings. See Secretary Lo regarding. More info on the guns from Roadmap in this issue.
Next, our almost world famous “Skills On Wheels” motorcycle rodeo. Once again, the day before Mother’s Day, Saturday, May 9th, at
The Boondocks. (Moms will love it lol). A big thank you to Ginny for letting us have room for this fun event. Last meeting we discussed
who would be in charge of various duties, and we will review and discuss next meeting. Most of the issues are being handled by the
same members who did them last year: George with food, Greg with music and MC, Roadmap Organizing setup, and lots more
including Safety/Membership tables, Awards, Shirts, Raffles, etc. and other stuff.
Next, Burgers and Dogs. I spoke with Dan at Lakeland Harley Davidson, and he has given us a day for ABATE to work it: the FIRST
Saturday of each month is ours. So now we don't have to wonder when the next time to do it will be. Thanks Dan, and our local Harley
Shop for letting us participate in a free event for bikers!! So Saturday, March 7 is the next one. Volunteers as usual are needed. (10:30 to
2:30) And even if you don't work it, stop by to say “hey”, and let people see lots of ABATE shirts.
RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY....Zman.
Vice President - Tim McDermott “ROADMAP”
WELL HERE IT IS FEB. WE HAVE REALLY BEEN FORTUNATE WITH OUR WINTER, MOST PEOPLE
IN OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY ARE EITHER FLOODED OR FROZE, WHILE US FLORIDA FOLK JUST GET
ON OUR SCOOTS DAILY AND GET TO RIDE. MAN I SURE AM BLESSED AND MOST DEFINITELY
HAPPY TO BE A FLORIDA NATIVE! WE HAVE A FEW OF OUR MONEY RAISERS IN THE WORKS, MAY 9
LOOK FOR OUR ANNUAL SKILLS ON WHEELS MOTORCYCLE RODEO, AND OUR GUN RAFFLE STARTS
NOW (ASK ANY OFFICER FOR TICKETS), THIS YEAR FIRST DRAW, RILEY RAK-47,7.62X 39, FOLLOWED
BY A TAURUS HOME DEFENDER REVOLVER IN 45 LONG COLT AND OR 4.10 GAUGE, 2 CHANCES FOR 5
BUCKS OR 10 BUCKS COULD WIN BOTH! THIS IS 1 MORE THING TO HELP SUPPORT OUR MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS
ORGANIZATION,WE ABATE OF FLORIDA,INC. ARE ALL WE GOT IN FLORIDA SO EVERYBODY THAT RIDES A BIKE
NEEDS TO GET WITH THE PICTURE!JOIN US,ONLY 20 BUCKS A YEAR,YEA YOU HEARD IT RIGHT,20 BUCKS A YEAR
GETS YOU $4000. ACCIDENTAL DEATH OR DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE.YOU CAN’T BY INSURANCE THAT
CHEAP.WE HAVE OVER 5 THOUSAND STRONG IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA,FREE AD FOR YOUR COMPANY WITH
BUSINESS SIZED CARD IN OUR NEWSLETTER.PLUS YOU GET TO KNOW PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PASSIONS AS
YOURSELF. .SO COME AND JOIN US FOR SOME OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY AND JOIN US WITH THINGS WE DO
FOR THE COMMUNITY, COME RIDE SOME BACKROADS WITH US AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS…BE SAFE RIDE
DAILY “Roadmap”
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Secretary – Lo Alexander
February 16, 2020 ABATE of Florida, Inc., Polk County Meeting MINUTES held at The Boondocks, 8515
US 98 North; Lakeland, FL 33809
THANK YOU to today’s meeting attendees: Lo Alexander, John McDermott, Roadmap; Steve Ammerman,
Aaron McCormick, Gerald Elliot, Cecil Mitchell, Jim Gustafson, Gary Saunders, Darlin’ Deb, Don Stewart, Brad Stryker, Holly
Kallister, Muff McLeod, Marvena McLeod, Juan Gonzalez, Dan Webb, Laura Webb, Fawn Mitchell, Dewey Cain, Spenser Lawton, Z
man, Barbara Watkins, Leroy Miller, Deborah Miller, R. M. Goff.
We met in the Garden.
1:00p The Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence were led by Sgt. @ Arms, Leroy Miller.
President, Zman welcomed everyone. Rodeo jobs were sorted out. Barb and Lo will man the front gate. GK will do food. We will have
the Safety and Membership table. Security will be the chapter’s job. Prize plaques will be Tim’s task. The two wheeled bike games are
established, but not so for three wheelers. Muff has some ideas in that area.
VP, Tim McDermott spoke of the areas of concern RE: Rodeo. See Roadmap’s article in this newsletter.
Secretary, Lo Alexander thanked everyone for signing in. Lo will be the Director of GUN RAFFLE TICKETS this season. Nothing else
has changed. For $5.00 donation you have a chance to win a Riley Defense RAK or a Taurus Judge PD. The drawing will be in August
at the Chapter Meeting. More activities are being planned to make this an EVENT. Tim moved to accept January’s Minutes as read.
Muff seconded. MOTION CARRIED.
Treasurer, Rawson Goff was back. We are glad.
Membership, welcome back, Darling Debbie Daggett.
PR, Holly Kallister has already prepared flyer for the RODEO.
Newsletter, Holly Kallister is the new editor of The Iron Press. [It’s a hard job, but an important one.]
Products, Cecil Mitchell brought long sleeved chapter shirts-just right for this weather.
Safety Officer, GK is planning some bike activities for the summer. See his article in this newsletter.
Legislation, Zman reported that the minimum wage may be raised. Regulations foe electric bikes are coming. Tokyo reports mc sales are
1/10th below what they were last year. See Zman’s article in this newsletter.
Webmaster, Steve Ammerman related that he is ready to promote the RODEO as well as the EASTER EGG HUNT that the CMA is
planning. Send your info to Steve however computer able you are.
Delegates’ Report, Leroy Miller and Tim McDermott. Tim told us that the State Board is looking for nominations for Directors and
Lobbyists. If you are a lobbyist you must register with the State. Seminole Chapter has closed. Naples will be April’s destination for the
State Meet. [Remember, all ABATE members are always welcome at delegates meetings and Board meetings.]
OLD BUSINESS: We’ll need T’s for the RODEO-possibly revamp last years.
NEW BUSINESS: GK has some ideas for the summer event which seems to be shaping up.
Good of the Order: We wish Jenni the best as she steps down from the newsletter to help her son who is at Moffett. THANK YOU to
Crazy Rick, Ida, and Holly for cooking at H-D earlier this month. And, as always, THANK YOU to Ginny and the BOONDOCKS staff
for their hospitality.
Adjourn: 2:06 GK moved and Dan seconded. EVERYONE AGREED! Respectfully submitted, Lo Alexander, January 22, 2020
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Sgt at Arms - Leroy Miller. NO SUBMISSION
Membership - Darlin Deb.
Hey guys I’m back doing Membership. I know some of you haven’t received your Membership cards and I will
be working on that. I have a list of names from November on so please be patient. If for some reason you haven’t
received a card from a membership renewal before November you need to contact me and let me know so I can get one out to you.
I appreciate your patience and understanding with this.
Membership Report
Total Members: As of Decembers Report we have 169
Welcome New Members: In December – Angela Naberhaus, Lisa Fleming, Cheryle Naberhaus, Thomas Cornelius, Joyce “Annie”
Brown, Thomas Fondren, Glenn Christner, William and Debra Carl and Travis Morris
Thank you for renewal In Dec: Juan Gonzalez, Doug Little, Rick Lock and George Morehouse
Thank you for renewal in Feb: Dewey Cain and Zman
Past Due in December: Gerald Elliott, Mark Bratcher, Kerry Harris, Joe Imbrogno, David Joiner
Past Due For January: Paul Gauthier, Ed Graves, Michael Harman, Aaron McCormick
Due in February: James Gustafson
Due in March: William Ford Jr, David Sharb, Jeffrey Schilling, John Tardy, Deb Daggett
Due in April: Bernice Baldwin, Rachel Aguilera, Christi Brown, Kevin Cullison, Robert French, Christpher Graver, Donald Green,
Shayne Hanley, Andrew Hillier, Tommy Morris, Glenda O’Steen, Brittany Roman, Gary Saunders, Ben Sheffield, Mark Sheffield,
Robert Stichberry
Products - Cecil Mitchell.
Hello fellow abaters. I have long sleeve Polk County Chapter t-shirt and some patches. See me at the next meeting
I’ll hook you up, so stay safe out there. Cecil
Cecil Mitchell
Safety – George Swatzbaugh
Being a motorcycle rider, you are at the mercy of Mother Nature and any conditions you are presented with while riding.
You are exposed to the elements and have to be particularly careful when the weather takes a downward spin. Riding in
winter conditions is very dangerous, especially if there is precipitation. Riding with any kind of moisture will create
traction issues. Any time there is precipitation, riding motorcycles should be avoided. However unlike rain or snow, you
don’t really know when it will be windy.
Cross winds can pick up on a low speed local road or when you’re going 65mph on a highway. Wind can blow a motorcycle on an
overpass and make the rider feel very uncomfortable. Here are a few tips on how to be safe while riding in windy conditions:
Dress properly (wear protective motorcycle gear)
Always make sure both hands are on the handlebars
Always wear a tight fitting helmet and eye protection (Certain helmet shapes or open visors may catch wind)
Secure any loose items on the motorcycle and make sure saddle bags are tight
Be observant (Look at vehicles or trees in front of you to see if they are swaying, if so, get ready for wind)
Maintain your speed
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Counter steer into the direction of the wind whenever possible
Lean into the wind to keep pressure on the motorcycle
Shift your weight opposite of the wind
George Swatzbaugh (BUI)
Safety Officer Polk Abate
[email protected] 410-852-6663
Legislative - “Zman”
LEGISLATIVE REPORT MARCH 2020 NEWSLETTER
Hey y'all...here's the latest from Tallahassee and beyond.......
BALLOT INITIATIVES: ALIVE, DEAD AND IN BETWEEN Jim Saunders
TALLAHASSEE --- Raising the minimum wage will be on the November ballot. Allowing recreational marijuana won’t. With a critical
petition-signature deadline Saturday, those and other high-profile ballot initiatives have met different fates. Two initiatives are on the
ballot, two others could be headed that way, one has been short-circuited and others are looking toward 2022. To reach this November’s
ballot, backers of proposed constitutional amendments were required to submit 766,200 valid petition signatures by a Saturday deadline
and need Florida Supreme Court approval of the proposed ballot wording. Here is a scorecard of the high-profile proposals: ON THE
BALLOT: --- Voters will decide whether to gradually raise Florida’s minimum wage to $15 an hour, with it proposed to go to $10 an
hour on Sept. 30, 2021 and increase by $1 each year until it hits $15 an hour on Sept. 30, 2026. Prominent Orlando attorney John
Morgan has spearheaded the initiative, which has met the signature requirement and received Supreme Court approval. It will appear on
the ballot as Amendment 2. Also cleared for the ballot is a measure, sponsored by the political committee Florida Citizen Voters that
would change wording in the state Constitution about the citizenship of voters. The Constitution now says, “Every citizen of the United
States who is at least eighteen years of age and who is a permanent resident of the state, if registered as provided by law, shall be an
elector of the county where registered.” The proposal would change that wording to: “Only a citizen of the United States who is at least
eighteen years of age and who is a permanent resident of the state, if registered as provided by law, shall be an elector of the county
where registered.” The proposal will appear on the ballot as Amendment 1. WAITING GAME: --- The Supreme Court is weighing a
proposed constitutional amendment that would overhaul Florida’s primary-election system. The initiative, sponsored by the political
committee All Voters Vote, would allow registered voters to cast ballots in primary elections regardless of party affiliation. The two
candidates getting the most votes in each primary would advance to the general election. The committee submitted enough petition
signatures, and the Supreme Court heard arguments about the ballot wording in December. --- An initiative that would make it harder to
pass constitutional amendments in the future met the petition-signature requirement this week. That initiative, led by the Keep Our
Constitution Clean political committee, would require future constitutional amendments to be approved by voters twice --- instead of
once --- to take effect. The Supreme Court is expected to consider the proposed ballot wording without holding oral arguments. MAYBE
NEXT TIME: --- Two committees have pursued initiatives that would allow Floridians to use recreational marijuana, but they fell short
of submitting enough petition signatures. One of the committees, Make It Legal Florida, has continued submitting signatures in hopes of
reaching the 2022 ballot. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, will hear arguments Tuesday on the wording of the other proposal, sponsored
by the Sensible Florida political committee.
--- The Supreme Court also will hear arguments Tuesday on a proposed amendment aimed at blocking possession of assault-style
weapons in Florida. As of Friday morning, the state Division of Elections had tallied 146,162 valid petition signatures for the measure,
led by the political committee Ban Assault Weapons NOW. Getting Supreme Court approval of the ballot wording could help if the
initiative drive continues for 2022. --- Backers of a proposed amendment that would expand Medicaid eligibility have said they are
looking to get on the 2022 ballot after submitting about 90,000 signatures in an initial attempt to go before voters this year. The
proposal, sponsored by the political committee Florida Decides Healthcare, would offer Medicaid coverage to low-income adults who
currently are not eligible. Florida lawmakers have repeatedly rejected such an expansion, which is optional for states as part of the
federal Affordable Care Act.
SMOKING, VAPING TARGETED: The Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee will consider a proposal (SB 810),
filed by Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, that would tighten tobacco and vaping regulations, as smoking, chewing tobacco
and using electronic cigarettes would be off limits for anyone under age 21. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the
Capitol.) CONCEALED WEAPONS ON TABLE: The House Local, Federal & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee will consider a proposal
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(HB 183), filed by Rep. Mel Ponder, R-Destin, that would allow local elected officials to carry concealed weapons to their public
meetings. (Monday, 3 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.) ELECTRIC BIKE REGULATIONS CONSIDERED: The House
Transportation & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (HB 971), filed by Rep. Michael Grant, R-Port Charlotte,
that would create a regulatory framework for electric bicycles. (Monday, 3 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.) ‘PIP’
REPEAL PROPOSED: The House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee will take up a bill (HB 771), filed by Rep. Erin Grall, R-Vero
Beach, that seeks to repeal the state’s longstanding no-fault auto insurance system. The system requires motorists to buy personal-injury
protection, or PIP, coverage. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.) HEMP REGULATIONS EYED: The Senate
Agriculture Committee and the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee will take up bills (SB 1876 and HB 1063), filed
by Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, Rep. Brad Drake, R-Eucheeanna, and Rep. Ralph Massullo, R-Lecanto, that would make a series
of changes in the state hemp program. (Tuesday, Senate meeting at 9 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building. House meeting at noon, 12
House Office Building, the Capitol.) RED LIGHT CAMERAS IN THE CROSSHAIRS: The House Transportation & Infrastructure
Subcommittee will consider a proposal (HB 6083), sponsored by Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Doral, and Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, R-
Spring Hill, that would repeal the state law that authorizes red-light cameras. (Tuesday, noon, Reed Hall, House Office Building, the
Capitol.) PARENTAL CONSENT POISED FOR VOTE: The Senate will hold a floor session that could include a vote on a
controversial proposal (SB 404), sponsored by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, that would require parents to give consent before minors
can have abortions. The measure also could come up for a vote during a floor session Thursday. (Tuesday, 3 p.m. Senate chamber, the
Capitol.) ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE ADDRESSED: The House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee will consider a bill (HB
835), filed by Rep. Matt Willhite, D-Wellington, and Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, that would seek to bolster the state’s efforts to
address Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related disorders. In part, the bill would create the position of dementia director in the
Department of Elder Affairs. (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
FROM THE AMA WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public input to help with the creation of the
Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, a new program that will expand the availability of domestic ethanol and biodiesel by
providing incentives for the expansion of sales of renewable fuels. The USDA is also considering infrastructure projects to facilitate
increased sales of higher biofuel blends (E15 or higher). The effort builds on the Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership, administered by the
USDA from 2016-2019 through state and private partners, to expand the availability of E15 and E85 fuels and infrastructure. The AMA
opposes additional E15 in the marketplace, because it increases the risk of inadvertent misfueling by motorcyclists whose machines are
not EPA-certified for fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol. SAN FRANCISCO - As the popularity of electric scooters has
grown, so has the number of injuries associated with their use, according to a report from JAMA Surgery. Researchers at the University
of California, San Francisco, analyzed U.S. government data on nonfatal injuries treated in emergency rooms. An Associate Press report
on the study said nearly 40,000 broken bones, head injuries, cuts and bruises resulting from scooter accidents were treated in U.S.
emergency rooms from 2014 through 2018. The scooter injury rate among the general U.S. population climbed from 6 per 100,000 to 19
per 100,000. Most occurred in riders aged 18 to 34, and most injured riders were not hospitalized. CHICAGO - Police vowed to crack
down on motorcyclists who race and perform stunts on city streets, according to a report in the Sun-Times. Officers plan to use
helicopters, license-plate-recognition cameras and sound monitors on Lake
Shore Drive, Columbus Drive and Lower Wacker and in the South Loop. Officials said hundreds of riders take to the streets, interfering
with traffic and endangering other drivers. They said the motorcyclists often try to goad police into giving chase. COLUMBUS, Ohio -
Ohio motorcyclists would be allowed to use earplugs while riding under a bill passed by the state legislature and forwarded to Gov.
Mike DeWine. It currently is illegal to use headphones or earplugs while riding in Ohio. The use of earplugs can help protect riders'
hearing from the noise caused by wind, loud exhaust notes or other traffic. The new law (H.B. 129) would still prohibit the use of
earphones for listening to music or other entertainment while riding. The definition of earphones does not include speakers or other
listening devices that are built into protective headgear. TOKYO - After hitting another record low in 2019, annual sales of motorcycles
in Japan are just a tenth of what they were 30 years ago, according to a VisorDown report. The sales slide is attributed by Motorcycles
Data to a government decision to increase sales tax from 8 percent to 10 percent, the impact of Typhoon Hagibis on production and
consumers moving away from motorized vehicles and toward pedal power. KANCHANABURI, Thailand - Two female tourists were
knocked off their motorcycle by a cable left hanging across the road at neck level. Christina Serma Gandia, from Spain, who was driving
the motorbike, sustained a deep cut in the neck while pillion rider Ana Clara Moncada, from Argentina, suffered minor injuries. Police
were investigating the incident to determine which company owns the cable and who is legally responsible for the women's injuries.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio - The AMA congratulated Ricky Brabec on his historic victory at the 2020 Dakar Rally. The Monster Energy
Honda Team rider from Hesperia, Calif., is the first American to win the Bike Class at the Dakar Rally. "The AMA is delighted to
congratulate Ricky Brabec on his phenomenal performance at this year's Dakar Rally," AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said.
"Ricky has earned his place in American motorcycling history and we are pleased at his success as America's first Dakar champion."
Brabec claimed his victory with both speed and consistency. He won two of the event's 12 stages and did not relinquish the lead after
claiming it on Day Three. His margin of victory was 16 minutes, 26 seconds over Husqvarna rider Pablo Quintanilla of Chile. It was
Brabec's eighth time competing at the Dakar Rally. Brabec's victory also marked Honda's first triumph in the rally's Bike Class in more
than 30 years. Saudi Arabia played host to the 2020 edition of the rally, which featured a 5,000 kilometer course over mostly sandy
terrain. The grueling annual off-road competition first took place in 1978-1979 and has been held annually since then, except for That's
it for this month.........RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY……….Zman
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Webmaster - Steve Ammerman
Hi Polk County! It's March, Bike Week is almost here. Remember that there are a lot of bikers here that don't know the roads. RV's rolling down roads that they don't know. Keep your eyes open and watch the intersections ahead
of you for turning cars. Have a fun and SAFE Bike Week!!! We meet at: Boondocks, 8515 N Hwy-98 Lakeland, FL 33809 Look for us on Facebook at: ABATE of Florida - Polk County Chapter and POLK COUNTY MOTORCYCLE RIDERS
Newsletter/Public Relations - Holly Kallister
FOR SALE—2004 HERITAGE SOFTAIL $7000.00 OBO. THIS PRICE IS NEGOTIABLE…HAS BEEN RIDDEN ALMOST
DAILY SINCE NEW. VERY DEPENDABLE. WOULD TAKE THIS BIKE ANYWHERE RIGHT NOW! NEW SEAT, PASSENGER
FLOORBOARDS, NINE SPOKE MAGS, NOT A FULL SET OF TIRES HAVE BEEN RUN ON THESE WHEELS, HARD SADDLE
BAGS, WHELEN FLASHING LIGHTS ON BAGS, TALL SISSY BAR, 14 “ ROLAND SANDS HANDLE BARS…ANY
QUESTIONS? FEEL FREE TO ASK ME OR MOST ANY POLK MEMBER ANY THING AT ALL OR CALL ME AND LEAVE
MESSAGE AT 863-712-7548…RIDE SAFE THIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST COMFORTABLE BIKE MY WIFE AND I HAVE
RIDDEN BAR NONE…”ROADMAP”
Hey everyone, thank you for the awesome pictures! Please
send pictures, interesting articles or items for sale to
[email protected] for submission. Thanks, ride
safe and God bless you all!
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History of ABATE of Florida, Inc.
ABATE came to Florida in the mid 1970’s. At that time it was a group of individual and unaffiliated chapters. In 1979, ABATE of Florida, Inc. was formed by the individual chapters. This union was the basis for today’s organization. Throughout the years, ABATE of Florida, Inc. has strived to be an effective political force for the rights of motorcyclists in Florida. We have also attempted to keep up to date on all legislation on a federal level and have tried to input our concerns to our federal officials. ABATE of Florida, Inc. has hired a professional lobbyist to aid us in our fight for freedom of choice. Our lobbyist has also been instructed to keep a close watch on all State or National legislation that would affect all motorcyclists.
Editor
Please note any political information in the chapter newsletter is for your educational purposes only and is not meant as promotional materials. All members are encouraged to submit articles, photos, and other materials that would be of interest to their fellow members by 11:00pm on Friday following the chapter meeting except when announced otherwise. All board members are encouraged to submit their articles as soon as possible following the monthly meeting. Please do not submit slanderous or accusing letters or profanity.
Calling all members we are looking for letters from YOU!!! It does not have to be about the chapter it can be about legislative issues, community activities that have happened or other vital information. Please send your submissions to either PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL 33806 or email [email protected]
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Join Us!
At our next meeting Sunday, March 15th at 1:00pm
Boondocks 8515 US Hwy 98 North
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A.B.A.T.E upcoming EVENTS
Polk County Chapter Feb 16th Gun Raffle begins (Riley Rak-47,7.62.39 and Taurus Home Defender Revolver) See any officer for tickets Feb 23 Newsletter submission deadline 1st Sat Every month we are cooking Burgers/Dogs at Harley Davidson, Lakeland, FL 10:30-2:30/3:00pm Mar 6-15 Daytona Bike Week
Mar 15th Chapter Meeting 1:00pm @ BOONDOCKS 8515 Hwy 98 North May 9th Skills on Wheels Motorcycle Rodeo 11-4:00 @ BOONDOCKS
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ABATE OF FLORIDA INC, POLK COUNTY CHAPTER
PRESENTS OUR 8TH
MOTORCYCLE RODEO
SATURDAY MAY 9th, 2020 11:00-4:00pm SIGN UP BETWEEN 11:00-1:00pm
AT
THE BOONDOCKS
8515 US Hwy 98 N.
Lakeland, FL 33809
COME SHOW YOUR
SKILLS ON WHEELS
Clothes Line Joust
Plank 5 second Tennis Ball
Balloon Toss Bean Bag Toss
Wienie Bite Cone Ball
Slow Race Trike event
$5.00 covers entrance & participation fee: Do overs $5.00
Awards for 1st and 2nd place; Separate Award for Wienie Bite & Slow Race
50/50 drawings; $5.00 food plate will be available to purchase
For more information call Mark “Zman” (PRES) @ 863-559-9550 or Tim “Roadmap” (VP) 863-712-7548
Or email [email protected] ALL ARE WELCOME!!
ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. DOES NOT CONDONE DRINKING AND RIDING. DONATIONS TO ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. A
COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE
STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. WWW.800HELPFLA.COM 1-800-435-7352.
MEMBERSHIP AND SAFETY INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE.
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State Apr 11th State Meeting, Naples, FL
June 13th State Meeting, St. Augustine, FL
Other Chapters Apr 23-Apr 26 ABATE of Florida, Inc.-Lake County Chapter: Campground for Leesburg Bikefest
May 22-May24 ABATE of Florida, Inc.-Lake County Chapter: Ride for Freedom Florida
Rolling Thunder-Veterans Memorial Park, Leesburg, FL
Webster’s Always the first Sunday
Every WED 6:00 PM - ?? MOJO’s – Lakeland
Every THURS 7:00 PM - ?? JOHNNY G’s – Lakeland
Every Thurs 7:00 PM - ?? LA’s MIDWAY – Across from Winter Haven Airport
Every FRI 7:00 PM - ?? POUR HOUSE – Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven
First THURS, 6:00 PM - ?? VFW on North 98
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