Although this is not the "birthday party" some had expected, it was a pretty good weekend. 40 years ago, ABATE of WI. was founded. We are and always have been, a "Biker's Rights" organization. At the time, there were many ABATE state chapters being formed, and they all had the same goal. The acronym "ABATE" stands for A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments....ie arbitrary laws infringing on our rights as free people. I am proud to say, WE are the only State ABATE to truly maintain that position and attitude. The other state organizations have changed the acronym to mean a brotherhood aimed toward education...certainly NOT what the original idea was...ANYWAY....every year, in the fall, we have a State meeting and some kind of a season wrap up party, state elections every 2 years, etc. ANY member is welcome to attend ANY board or committee meeting anytime, but they are all invited to this one. I am now starting on my 36th year as a member. I was a member of an earlier group, the Wisconsin Better Bikers Association, before joining ABATE in 1979. Here are a few pictures from the History tour we took around Madison, the State Capitol. They are mainly centered around the anti mandatory helmet law protests of 1975-1977 when we put as many as 50,000 riders in the Capitol to protest. I was there...No one could adequately describe the scene...literally miles of chrome, bikes riding 4 abreast down E. Washington AVE, and every street around the Capitol with bikes parked handlebar to handle bar, 4 deep on any curb there was...The 5th picture is that of one of the patriarchs of the movement, ex State Senator Dave Zien...you may have heard of him...
That sweet looking Drifter sure stands out as a class act in that crowd.....
I was thinking the same thing!
You'll get no argument from me. The most standout bike there.