Hello, Friends--
I hope everybody is having a good week. Here's my October Tiger Tales article for you to check out, and I hope you enjoy it. While I'm sending this, I need to mention a couple of items. First, if you're not registered to vote yet, PLEASE register by the deadline, which is this Friday, October 8, in order to vote in the November Elections. Remember: If you vote, the Choice is Yours; if you don't, the Choice is Theirs! You don't have standing to complain if you don't vote, so be sure you're registered. Also, I'd appreciate it greatly if everyone would please remember Wendy (Of Wendy's Witch Knots, one of our Old-School Biker Vendors) and her family in your thoughts and prayers, as I just heard from Ripper Bailey that her son Scooter just died suddenly of a heart attack. They've always been supportive of Biker Freedom, and he'll be truly missed--Ride Free forever, Scooter! Wendy and the family are hosting a wake and a celebration of Scooter's life starting 7PM on Thursday, October 7, at their house in Chickasha, and will include a bonfire and Native American drummers. The address is: 909 South 3rd. Street--take Hwy. 81 over the viaduct, and go to the first red light. Make a left (go south) at the light, and head through three stop sign intersections. Look for Todd's Muffler Shop, and Wendy's is the second house on the left, with a gray van in front.
In Liberty,
Tiger Mike
Proud Lifetime Member #001,
ABATE of Oklahoma, Inc.
TIGER TALES – OCTOBER, 2010
Greetings, Motorcycling Brothers and Sisters! Hopefully, this finds all of you enjoying the Fall Riding Season and getting ready for one of the Biker Community’s favorite holidays-Halloween! I’m sure all you Ghosts and Goblins are breaking out the costumes for festive events like the Sparks America annual All-Hallows Eve Bash. Sadly, there will be one less classic Biker Watering Hole to enjoy in Oklahoma City, as this year marked the closure of the legendary Charley’s Last Stand (previously Bricktown Charley’s). Lots of us can remember a host of fun times both at its original location on East California (now underwater) in Bricktown and for the past several years on the Northwest Side. Most importantly, Charley’s was always a supporter of ABATE and Riding Freedom in our state. So, to Big Jim Craig and everyone associated with this time-honored oasis over a lot of years, many thanks for the memories! Speaking of good times, you’ve probably already seen the state blanketed with advertisements for ABATE of Oklahoma’s annual “Party On The Plains”, taking place October 1-3 at the Westlake Sportsmen’s Complex off Highway 412 west of Enid, OK. If you’ve never attended this event before, please make a special effort to do so, since you’ll be in for a treat! The ABATE State Party features both DJ and Live Band entertainment, Bike Games, People Games, a Tattoo Contest, a Bike Show, Vendors of many types, and especially good, old-fashioned Biker Brotherhood as riders from all over a multi-state area camp out and enjoy a terrific time. Remember, ABATE of Oklahoma doesn’t discriminate as to what you ride or what kind of patch you fly. Everyone is welcome, so PLEASE make plans to join us! The money raised at this event provides a portion of the funding for our Legislative efforts, so you’ll be making a direct contribution to supporting Riding Liberty in the Sooner State, as well as having fun doing it. I’ll be looking for you!
As I mention our legislative tasking, I’m reminded that YOUR State Motorcyclist Rights Organization is starting to formulate its strategy for the 2011 Legislative Session, and ABATE looks forward to once again working closely with our Lobbyist, Suzette Northcutt-Rhodes, on specific goals which will continue to improve the Quality of Life for motorcyclists and trikers in our state. ABATE Members, be sure to network with your Chapter Representatives on legislative topics that concern you and worthwhile issues that need to be addressed, as our Legislative Committee is shortly going to start contacting State Legislators to author and co-sponsor bills relative to what we’re interested in. We need to start discussing these important items at the ABATE State Board Meetings, and your Officers and Board Representatives once again have your best interests at heart. While we’re at it, let’s not forget that John Pierce, our Legislative coordinator, is still recovering from injuries sustained from being wrecked on his bike by a Hit-and-Run driver in Claremore in August. Thankfully, he’s recovering steadily and his injuries, though serious, weren’t worse. It’s ironic that John was victimized by the type of irresponsible motoring ABATE has been campaigning against for many years. Everyone wishes John a full and speedy recovery. We also need to continue to remember Elly Criner of the Three Sands Chapter in our thoughts and prayers, as well as Chaz, Mike and Kat. There was a multi-bike crash on the way back from the ABATE N.W. #69 Foss Lake Run, and Elly suffered a broken pelvis. Fortunately, she’s doing well, and on her way back to being her feisty self. Hang in there, lady!!
I was proud as ABATE Liaison to join fellow members of the Oklahoma Confederation Of Clubs in Mid-August to discuss the founding of an OK COC Veterans Outreach Contingency. For those not aware, our state’s Confederation pioneered last year the establishment of a Strategic Alliance of Spiritual and Service-oriented motorcycling groups to serve as a quick-response force for members of our Riding Community in need of emotional or spiritual support. This groundbreaking concept was presented at the Christian Unity Conference during the 2010 NCOM Convention in Orlando FL, and several other states are planning to follow suit. Oklahoma’s Confederation intends to take this concept one step further and provide representatives from all the Veteran-oriented motorcycling clubs and organizations, as well as Biker Veterans from other groups in a yet-to-be-named Veterans Outreach Council. This board of Confederation members would network both within the OK COC and externally with a multitude of state-level and National Veterans Organizations to furnish information, assistance and support to Veteran and Military members of our Riding Family that critically require it. The numerous crises exhibited in our Military Community, especially with our Country presently involved in two simultaneous Wars while experiencing economic hardship at home, underscores the essential need for a program such as this, with its fundamental Goal being, “Vets Helping Vets”! Our Riding Community, specifically in our OK Confederation, possesses a wealth of resources to draw upon, such as Chaplain Frosty, and Punkin from the Priesthood M/M, who are both Certified as Veteran Assistance Counselors. Many thanks to Lee MacArdle, OK Confederation Co-Chair and Tulsa ABATE Chapter President, for providing both the vision and the spark to get this program underway. There were fifteen attendees at this last meeting, and I anticipate many more folks, including from ABATE, getting involved. I’ll be sure to keep you informed as to our progress, and be sure to continue checking out the Confederation’s website at: www.okcoc.net
Well, it’s finally time for the NINETEENTH Annual Mid-South Motorcyclists Improving Legislative Effectiveness (M.I.L.E.) Seminars! For those who’ve been living in a cave, it’s taking place at the Days Inn and Suites in Sherman, TX October 15-17. While the Pre-Registration Deadline is October 1, it’s never too late to decide to join us at this educational and informative occasion. PLEASE download and print a Registration Form at: www.midsouthmile.org and plan on joining us. I expect there’ll be a huge turnout from within the Lone Star State, but it would be terrific if a sizeable contingent from Native America would show up to proudly represent Oklahoma! We have a significant number of our ABATE Chapters already sponsoring their members to attend, so c’mon down!! If you’re not an ABATE Member yet, join a Chapter that has paid the fee, and the admission you save offsets your ABATE Dues-how about that? We’re in for a very special addition to this year’s Seminars. Saturday’s Agenda will begin with “Slider” Gilmore’s Accident Scene Management presentation. I’ve attended this multi-media event several times, and I’ve learned something new every time-even having served over 10 years as an Air Force Medic. Slider has decades of experience under his belt, and what you learn from him could very well help save your life of the life of someone you love. In addition, a sizeable number of Rights activists from throughout the United States and overseas will be present to share with us the latest news and benefit of their perspective. For example, Jim “Putter” Putnam, State Senator from South Dakota, will be representing the National Coalition Of Motorcyclists (NCOM) as a member of the Legislative Task Force, and MRF and AMA folks will be there again as well. Besides a weekend packed with interesting meetings and discussions, the M.I.L.E. is a fun social occasion as well. I always have an enjoyable time whenever I’m privileged to join my Texas Brothers and Sisters, and this year will be no exception! There’ll be an Early-Bird Party Thursday night, a Hospitality Room Friday and Saturday nights, and Silent and Traditional Auctions during the Saturday Night Banquet. Additionally, Texas Rights Activists are treating all attendees to an authentic Lone-Star State Barbeque Saturday Afternoon! Oh, and let’s not forget the M.I.L.E. “Baskets” from each of the five member states (Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas). Speaking of which, here’s a “Last Call”: ABATE Members are urged to PLEASE donate Made-in-Oklahoma Products for our Basket as soon as possible! Oh yeah, this year our Freedom Fighting Friends from Belgium are going to contribute a Basket for the first time, and I’ll bet there’ll be some Chocolate involved! I very much look forward to meeting old friends and making new ones at this year’s M.I.L.E. Remember also-if you love celebrating Freedom in Texas, our NCOM Region 2 Conference is just around the corner at the MCM Grande Hotel FunDome in DeSoto (near Dallas) November 19-21. I just saw the Agenda, which includes a full slate of informative sessions, a six-state Confederation of Clubs meeting, and a festive Freedom Fighters Social on Saturday Night. Be sure to obtain an event flyer at www.aimncom.comor www.dfwrally.com Bikers from all over the Nation will be there to share ideas and promote Motorcycling Liberty, so include this important event on your calendar!
Tiger’s Tip O’ The Month: Anybody who has lived in Oklahoma for any length of time knows that we have a LOT of pickup trucks in our state! I’ve noticed that a lot of pickup drivers don’t seem to realize that there are a lot of different size trucks in our state as well, and that they all don’t handle the same way. They make excessively wide right and left-turns with their trucks, as they might do if they were driving an eighteen-wheeler, and spill over into your lane. Trucks sometimes also cross over into your lane on straight-line roads as well, even when coming from the opposite direction. This can also apply to Recreational Vehicles, since there are a bunch of drivers of excessively large vehicles out there who aren’t qualified or experienced to do so! A lot of trucks aren’t looking for motorcyclists, especially as the weather gets colder, so be especially observant around them, keep your passing time to a minimum, and don’t hang in blind spots. Watch out for unsecured loads too, especially on Saturdays (“Moving Day” in the Metro Areas). Speaking of which, I saw a funny Bumper Sticker awhile back, which read: “Yes, this is my Pickup Truck; No, I won’t help you move!”
Well, it’s time to close this out for another month. After we enjoy the Columbus Day Weekend and Halloween, November will be upon us. That means we’ll again have the opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces members and Veterans on Thursday, November 11, with the annual ABATE of Oklahoma Veterans’ Day Run to the Oklahoma Veterans’ Memorial Park by the State Capitol. As we have for so many years, the Bike Parade will depart from the Skyline Restaurant Parking Lot on S.E. 15th Street ¼ mile east of I-35 promptly at 10:20, and will once again be led by the dedicated Biker Veterans of the American Legion Riders Post #1340, who will guide the Parade past the Oklahoma City Veterans Administration Medical Center en route to the State House. After taking part in the 11:00AM Veterans’ Day services, attendees are once again invited to join afterward in a Hot Dog Cookout, this time at the American Legion Post #73 on S.E. 24th Street in Del City. Before that, however, we’ll be stopping by to participate in the dedication of the Del City Veterans Center by the Municipal Complex on S.E. 15th Street. All in all, the day will provide a tremendous occasion for the Riding Community to put its best foot forward in paying tribute to our Military, especially in the light of the most recent developments in Iraq and the continuing War in Afghanistan. So, please make plans to attend, and tell your friends! I’ll make sure to coordinate with Bubbles to post an event flyer on the State Website at www.abateofoklahoma.orgTake care of each other, Ride Safely, Sober and Aware, and may the Halloween treats you receive far outweigh the tricks pulled upon you!
Keep It On The Black Strip Between The Trees,
Tiger Mike