ABATE of Michigan President ~ Gary Kopta

Hello everyone.

    I think I can finally say riding season is here. It sure took long enough.

    The bike nights and swap meets are starting along with ABATE's events like Pizza and Pop which is happening on May 13. I hope to see many of you there. Then we have the Field Meet the first full weekend in June. Come check out the Field Meet at it's new location. We have buildings so no more standing in the rain, no gravel roads to drive on so now you have no reason to miss this great event. I know Merry and her committee have worked hard on this event and it should be fun.

    Shortly after the Field Meet we will be in Lansing for the Freedom Rally on June 11. This years rally will be held at the White House which is across the street from the Capitol. This event is turning into a huge event. The owner of the White House (Scott) has gone all out. He has brought more organizations in and brought back the fish fry. This is the best fish I have ever eaten so make sure to attend.

    It sounds like the House and Senate in Lansing can't seem to play well together so there isn't much going on there. We are looking for sponsors and cosponsors for our lane filtering bill and as usual we are still on the insurance issue. We will not give up on this issue. 

    I have asked Silla to include an article from Jay Jackson. Jay is the Executive Director from ABATE of Indiana and the Vice President of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Please read it. The article is about apathy. It seems like alot of us are frustrated and giving up on this insurance disaster. Apathy is starting to creep into ABATE of Michigan. Thanks Jay for letting me put this article in this issue. 

    On a sad note we have had three motorcycle accidents in my region on Mothers Day weekend. I haven't heard on anyones condition. We can only hope and pray for the best. 

 So please be careful and ride like you're invisible because to some drivers we are.