Hello, Friends--I hope all of you are enjoying a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend as we get ready to close out the 101 Critical Days of Summer. Here is my Tiger Tales article for September-maybe you can find a couple of minutes to check it out while you're enjoying the cooler Oklahoma Weather as we stay in the low 80s this week. Hallelujah! Enjoy your time off, and be sure to watch out for those inattentive motorists who aren't watching out for you. I look forward to seeing a good turnout of Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs member groups this coming Sunday at the VFW Post 1098 in Krebs, near McAlester, OK as we conduct elections for Confederation First Chair. You can find more information on the OK COC Website at www.okcoc.net Remember that this Sunday will be Sept. 11, marking Ten Years since the worst Terrorist Attack was perpetrated on American Soil. Please take some time to remember in your own way, the victims, survivors, families, and our Great Nation in your thoughts and prayers. Ride Free and Safely, Everyone!!
In Liberty, Tiger Mike Revere--Proud Lifetime Member, ABATE of Oklahoma, Inc.
TIGER TALES – SEPTEMBER, 2011
WHEW!! By the time my friends are reading this, we hopefully are experiencing An Autumn cool-down after the record-breaking heat of July and August. Until then, I think I’d like to submit a nomination for the new Oklahoma State Song: “Walking On The Sun” by Smashmouth. Does anybody have any other suggestions? My first item involves congratulating Sockxs and Kat on getting a new Harley Bagger after their cruiser got stolen. I wish you lots of fun and safe miles on it! At the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs Meeting in Chickasha July 10, the decision was made to open nominations for FIRST CHAIR, instead of Second Chair. At present, five OK COC member groups submitted nominations elections to be held in McAlester September 11. One of them, Bandido Steve-O 1%er, spoke at our COD ABATE Meeting, and said a few words about his candidacy. Bandido Steve-O has been a longtime supporter of ABATE and our goals. Here is the latest information on the NCOM Region 2 Conference scheduled for November 18-19. It’ll be at the Wyndham Hotel, 10918 East 41st Street,Tulsa OK 74146.Phone: (918) 627-5000;Toll Free: (888) 317-0194 or(877) 999-322. Reservations: Mention NCOM Conference for Special Rates (Group Code 11176798NA) Rooms are $72.00 + Tax (Single/Double)The hotel’s location is 1 mile East of State HWY 51 and US 169 in Tulsa on E. 41st St. Be sure to get more information at: www.okcoc.net and www.aimncom.com Let’s plan on a large ABATE turnout for what I’m sure will be one of the Best NCOM Regional Conferences ever!
At the June 9 COD Chapter Meeting, our Keynote Speaker was Terri "T" Collier, Editor of Thunder Roads Oklahoma Magazine. She also serves as one of the newest members of the Oklahoma State Motorcycle Advisory Council, in keeping with legislation ABATE helped with during the 2010 Session. She gave us a bunch of valuable information on how the Council works, as well as latest developments regarding her magazine, which reaches a large number of our Riding Community. COD staffed the ABATE Booth, along with our neighboring Heartland Chapter, at the OK COC's Old-Fashioned Biker Rally June 10-12 at Hawg Lakes. There was a full slate of events scheduled, including live music and a Bike Show. The ABATE Booth also put on a 50/50 Drawing, which was won by a member of the Christian Motorcyclist Association. Thanks to TrykeMike of the Heartland Chapter for working so hard selling tickets. In an atmosphere of Brotherhood and cooperation, proceeds were equally split between our two Chapters. Additionally, the 50/50 Winner donated twenty dollars to each of our Chapters--I thought that was pretty righteous!
We held our COD Chapter Fundraiser Poker Run June 25, leaving out of the Skyline Parking Lot just as it was getting really hot. As we usually find nowadays, there were at least three competing events going on, so we were glad to have around 15 people show up. It was an Observation Run with everybody riding as a group, and our Road Captain was Chapter Vice-President Debbie Bohannan. Fortunately, we were able to find nice shade or air conditioning at every stop. We ended the Run at Scott and Deb's Sports Bar in Kingfisher. For those who have never been there, Scott and Deb (who are ABATE NW69 Chapter Members) are wonderful folks who have a nice, remodeled place with a huge backyard area with trees and a band area and barbeque. They also are terrific cooks, and they made falling-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs and Corn on the Cob. Yummy!! The Poker Run Winner received a cash prize, and we also gave away a Pulsar digital watch. This was our Sweepstakes event, which unfortunately wasn't won by an ABATE Member. That person missed out on the drawing for a ONE THOUSAND DOLLAR Prize at the Oklahoma S.M.I.L.E. ABATE Meeting in January. You must be an ABATE Member to be included, so PLEASE join! Many thanks to Ripper Bailey, "D-Rail" Eagleberger, and Stick, our Events Coordinator, for organizing a successful event. We certainly appreciate everybody that turned out, especially the Naysayers Motorcycle Club, longtime ABATE Supporters who showed up in force!
TIGER’S TIP O’ THE MONTH: The Fall Season is always accompanied by lots of leaves on the roadways and an increase in rainy weather. That can produce an environment where you can end up dumping your bike on slippery leaves while riding around corners, cruising in parking lots, or just throwing a leg over your sled prior to heading out. Also, the heat has caused lots of wide cracks and potholes that can cause you to lose your fillings, bike parts or control of your scooter. In any event, be aware of what's under your feet!
Well, that’ll do it for the time being. I’m excited about next month’s Mid-South M.I.L.E. Seminars-let’s crowd Joplin! Oh yeah-keep praying for ABATE of Michigan, who are ever-closer to repealing their Helmet Law. It would be terrific if we could celebrate their Freedom of Choice at this month’s MRF Meeting of the Minds near Detroit! Before I close, I want to acknowledge the service of Tulsa’s Paul Brinker, who resigned as State Safety Officer. Paul has been one of my oldest and dearest friends, and we worked hard together as Charter members to get ABATE of Oklahoma organized on the State level. His unselfish sacrifice and invaluable contributions for over 25 years will be sorely missed. Paul, you have my undying appreciation and respect, and you’re my personal nominee for ABATE’s next Lifetime Member! I wish you and Irene many more years of happiness and fulfillment. Ride Free and Safely, everybody, and I’ll see you as we get ready for Columbus Day and Halloween!
Keep It On The Black Strip Between The Trees,
Tiger Mike