South Carolina Motorcycle Rights Association

40th Anniversary Recap

The last weekend in September, Freedom of Road Riders hosted the 40th Annual Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Meeting of the Minds, in St. Louis, Missouri. This annual event allows motorcyclists’ rights advocates the chance to share the legislative accomplishments of their states, shape the MRF’s federal legislative agenda and learn from leaders in the movement about how to be effective voices for motorcyclists. 

As Fred Harrell, MRF Director of Conferences and Events stated at the event opening, “We are getting better with age, as we embrace the future.” Part of that history and forward vision is a growing belief that building and maintaining partnerships across the motorcycling community is vital.  An impressive number of groups were represented at the conference, including 40 state motorcyclist rights organizations, the American Motorcyclist Association, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, the National Council of Clubs, the National Council of Informed Riders, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, and hundreds of freedom fighters who all have a shared passion for defending our lifestyle.  

These partners participated in developing and strengthening our federal legislative agenda for 2025. This agenda ensures that we are fighting for the priorities that matter to you in Washington, D.C.

The MRF has come a long way in 40 years! What started in a crowded hotel room has become a powerful force in our nation’s capital. Nothing demonstrates that more than a message sent to the MRF from Congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan.  “As a lifelong motorcyclist and the Co-Chair of the House Motorcycle Caucus, I am glad to see so many bikers engaged in the political process. Millions of Americans share my passion for motorcycling and events like Meeting of the Minds educates bikers on how best to protect our motorcycling lifestyle and heritage.” (link to Congressional Record below)

Thank you to the Missouri Freedom of Road Riders for hosting this year's event and to the Missouri Council of Clubs and Soldiers for Jesus Motorcycle Club for providing extra resources. Finally, thank you to the hundreds of bikers who journeyed to St. Louis.