Are you ready for spring riding? The longer evenings since Daylight Saving Time started makes it more fun to go for a scoot after work. Now, when the rain stops, the riding will be really great.
March hopped through faster than the Easter Bunny! Southwest Chapter is tying up the loose ends for the Mountain Jam Motorcycle Show. We hope to see LOTS of you here to enjoy the bikes, vendors, music, and whatever else we come up with. There will be entertainment for all the Kids, both young and not-so-young!
We are greatly disappointed in the death of the Malfunctioning Signal bill. We tried really hard to get it through. Jay went to Olympia to a hearing to help get it through committee where Ginger, ABATE Legislative Officer, and Texas Larry Walker testified. It all looked good and there was strong support for the bill so it was a surprise that it died on the floor. Jay learned a lot about the political workings on capitol hill by talking with John Bolin, Mick, Larry, and several representatives before the hearing started. We will just have to try harder with MORE individual constituents (that means You and me) talking with the Legislators on more days than Black Thursday alone. Please remember that the legislators who are up for election this year are anxious to get your vote so invite them to your functions and let them know how you want to protect your Riding Rights and what they can do to help. Since few of them ride they need to be educated about the things that affect us and our riding safety. They do listen and all who we have talked with appreciate hearing our opinions. After all, they do work for us and personal input works much better than a sheet of statistics.
Southwest Chapter is also working with other Chapters to make the Freedom Run a bigger and better event for everyone in the state. We also have riders from Oregon who will be joining us for the ride to Olympia in May.
The Jacksons and Bevards visited Cowlitz County ABATE meeting. They are busy planning the Cow Chip Boogie and doing all the other events on their calendar. We also checked out the American Legion Riders Swap Meet in Longview. There was some good stuff there including 2 tattoo artists and a hair cutter with a good price for a hair cut. I maintained control and don't have a Mohawk and/or a dragon across my chest….(this time)
The Riding season is here so dust off the motorcycle, go through the pre-ride checklist, put on your warm personal protective gear, and feel the wind as you cruise through the fresh spring air.

Ride safe and be at peace.
Glenyce Jackson, Secretary Southwest Chapter, ABATE of Washington