A.B.A.T.E dedicates this page to informational essays. If you wish to submit an essay to this page, send your completed essay (with footnotes, etc.) to webmaster@abateofalaska.com. You must include a name and valid email address for whoever will be credited for the essay. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted. The essay will be reviewed and then, if it meets with A.B.A.T.E. standards, it will be posted. I invite comments on these essays. All that is asked of those who leave them is that you refrain from uncivilized, disrespectful remarks. If you disagree with the conclusions of an essay, submit your own to refute it. If no one cares about these issues, all of the time and effort put into them is meaningless.

Now that you have your motorcycle and endorsement to ride it, PLEASE don’t succumb to machismo, or the need to show-off. It’s a glairing statement to the world that you don’t care about the safety of yourself or others. It will get you or someone else killed or destroys your bike or both.

To operate the video player:

Drag your mouse-cursor over the video window and click it to activate the player. (You need to have “Adobe Flash Player installed.) Click the big “Play” button in the middle and enjoy! Smaller images will appear at the bottom of the window. These are additional videos that you can choose from.

Protecting The Freedom Of The Road

We insure your freedom by fighting anti-bike legislation and promoting fair motorcycle legislation. We do not advocate that you ride without a helmet, only that you have the right to decide.

We encourage people to stay informed about motorcycle issues. A major goal of ours is to protect motorcycling so that our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy motorcycling as we do now.

• Did you know seatbelts for motorcycles has been discussed right in this country?
• Do you want to have to wear an orange vest to ride your motorcycle down the road?

It has been suggested. Again, we are not just about repealing helmet laws. We have many issues that we deal with. It is a lot harder to try to remove a law than to lobby to keep improper laws from being made. It is our duty to the future of motorcycling that we do everything we can to prevent uneducated motorcycle laws from being passed by people that do not understand the lifestyle or our motorcycles.

There are discussions of legislation which can favorably or adversely affect motorcyclists. Getting a bill passed, or defeating one, requires a monumental effort by those who are concerned with the particular issue it addresses. There are literally thousands of bills introduced during each legislative session. When the issue pertains to only a relatively small segment of the population, the task becomes even more difficult.

Get involved! These changes can’t be made by a handful of people; it takes a vast number to unite as one. You are always stronger and louder when you are united for the same cause.

ABATE is what it says: Alaska Bikers Advocating Training and Education. It says we are the vast number united to make the necessary changes we would like to see in our government. That’s why we need to let our legislators hear from us. Not just once; as many times as possible.

Dan Coffey
Legislative Affairs Officer

This page details the current policies of  A.B.A.T.E. of Alaska, Inc. which include benefits, requirements, and procedures for doing business with and for A.B.A.T.E. of Alaska, Inc. ABATE of Alaska, Inc. will strive to provide quality information, that merits posting for the enjoyment and empowerment of it’s members.

A.B.A.T.E. of Alaska, Inc. By-Laws / (Download PDF)

These are the internal rules that A.B.A.T.E. of Alaska Board Members have voted on and approved as our standard operating procedure.

Business Membership Policy (Download PDF)

Business members of A.B.A.T.E of Alaska receive several advertisement benefits that are included with their annual membership fee.

Website Privacy Policy

Whether you believe that ABATE stands for A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments as it was originally or Alaskan Bikers Advocation Training and Education as it stands now…you have to agree - it’s still a great organization.

Motorcycle Rights Organizations

Local Motorcycle Organizations

Business Supporters

Your privacy is very important to us.

ABATE of Alaska, Inc. will respect your privacy as if it were our own. We will not use “cookies”, counters, or any other information gathering devices except in the task of making this website more enjoyable for it’s members and visitors.

• Your personal information, including name, address, email address, or any other information communicated to us through the use of this web site will not be sold, given away, or used for any other purpose than for the reason you supplied it to us.
• Your enrollment in the ABATE of Alaska, Inc. email list provided by Tara-Lu Communications is completely voluntary, and this list is maintained only by ABATE of Alaska, Inc., and will not be used for any other purpose. Enrollment to the list is opt-in only. You may unsubscribe at any time by visiting this link.
• Articles, stories, photos, and descriptions of any material submitted to us will be used solely at our discretion. The secondary contact information that may accompany such submissions will be included upon request. Any accepted submission will be considered as permission to use such contact information in the description of such request. We will not post information, articles, or photos from anonymous sources. We can not honor any submission we receive which are not ABATE or MSF events to include: aiding another motorcyclist, selling third party products, or promoting non-ABATE events.
• Photos and/or written articles, letters, and email correspondence submitted to us for posting on this site will become the property of ABATE of Alaska, inc. We reserve the right to refuse to publish media of any type depicting illegal activities (such as drug or alcohol abuse), offensive or objectionable content, or any act contrary to the mission statement of ABATE of Alaska, Inc.

ABATE of Alaska, Inc. will strive to provide quality information, that merits posting for the enjoyment and empowerment of it’s members. We welcome comments on any portion of our website, and will review/remove any portion deemed unsuitable at any time without notice.

Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF)
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)
Helmet Law Defense League
Thomas - US Congress on the Internet
Biker Rights Online(BRO)
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)

Other ABATE Organizations

(in alphabetical order)

Bikers of America, Fugawi Tribe
Blacksheep HD for Christ
Blue Knights
Christian Motorcyclists Organization
Creamsters
Dawgs of the North
Harley Owner’s Group (Alaska Chapter)
Harley Owner’s Group (Fairbanks Chapter)
Harley Owner’s Group (Kenai Chapter)
Harley Owner’s Group (Matsu Valley Chapter)
Iron Wolves
Last Frontier M/C
Lawdogs M/C
Northern Riders BMW Club
Patriot Guard Riders
Pound 4 Pound
Red & Black
Red & White
Soaring Eagles (WOW)
Southern Cruisers
STAR Touring & Riding Association Alaska
Trike Riders International

Is YOUR Club/Chapter missing from this roster? Let us know!

Purpose of the Downed Biker’s Fund

The Downed Biker’s Fund is not an insurance policy for it’s members.

The fund’s sole purpose is to act as a stop gap source of donated funds, that ABATE of Alaska can use for motorcyclist who need some extra help while in a time of crisis after a MOTORCYCLE accident.

While ABATE of Alaska gives these fund freely to those in need, we hope that some day after the crisis and recovery of the individuals is over and they are once again back at work and financially stable, they will see fit in their hearts to pay back some or all of the funds we were able to give, so we will have funds to give to the next rider in need.

Downed Biker’s Fund Policy

The purpose of this policy is to offer guidelines to the Downed Biker’s Fund administrator when they are asked to consider a request for assistance.

Who is Eligible (In descending order)

1. Is a member of ABATE of Alaska

• Licensed to ride a motorcycle in accordance with state law
• The immediate family of a deceased rider

2. Is a member of any of the other Alaska ABATE organizations

• Licensed to ride a motorcycle in accordance with state law
• The immediate family of a deceased rider

3. Is a member of any out of state ABATE or State Motorcyclist Rights Organization (The accident must have occurred in the state of Alaska and the rider is still in Alaska under medical care)

• Licensed or permitted to ride a motorcycle in accordance with their state laws
• The immediate family of a deceased rider

Cause for immediate disqualification (NO EXCEPTIONS)

1. If the rider involved in an accident is charged and convicted of a DUI
2. If the accident happened while in the commission of, or leaving the scene of a crime, or in pursuit by the police

How to Request Assistance

Submit request in writing no later than 90 days from the day of the motorcycle accident to:

ABATE of Alaska
ATTN: Downed Biker’s Fund
P.O. Box 92213
Anchorage, AK 99509-2213

Include the following information:

• Name of the rider
• A description of what happened
• A police, insurance, or employers workman comp. report of the accident
• A doctors report if the problem is medical.
• A list of the creditors and the amount due to each. (The fund does not give cash to the individual or family members, nor will it reimburse the individual or family members for bills already paid.)

Allowable amount of funds available per request

Since ABATE can not guarantee the amount of funds available in the Down Biker’s Fund at any one time, fund may be dispersed at the following percentage rate of the funds balance. (In descending order)

1. ABATE of Alaska member - 50%,
2. Member of any other state ABATE organization - 50%,
3. Member of out of state SMRO - 33%,

The Downed Biker’s Fund administrator may recommend, and or the officers and board member may vote funds in lesser or greater amounts depending on circumstances that surround the request.

ABATE also reserves the right to choose which creditors the fund may be dispersed to.

The Fund can assist on items like:

• Utility bills
• Housing
• Food
• Household Essentials
• Limited Transportation of Family members

The Fund does not assist on items like:

• Medical or Doctor Bills associated with the accident
• Ambulance or Medi-Vac Transportation Cost associated with the accident.
• Funeral Expenses.

After the DBF administrator has received all of the documentation from the downed biker or their designee, they shall then present the request and their recommendations to the board for final approval and authorization of the funds as recommended by the DBF administrator, or amended by the board with in five (5) working days.

Approved February 6, 2003

Chairman of the Board
Secretary of the Corporation

Download the Downed Biker’s Fund in Adobe .PDF format.

Why should I join ABATE?
Why should I care?

“I’m not a joiner”
Do you know which assemblymen and senators are biker-friendly? Which ones that we want to keep in office to preserve your rights as a biker? Do you want information that will help you to make intelligent and informed decisions at the polls come election day? You can join the organization and never, ever participate, which is fine if you are “not a joiner.” Just JOIN! Become one of the educated riders. Learn about the laws, the bills, the issues that effect and affect your riding freedom!

“I don’t have the time”
A.B.A.T.E. will demand none of your time other than the time it takes to browse the newsletter each month, and the time it takes to vote. Of course, we would enjoy seeing your face at the meetings where we can talk about the latest set of after-market pipes, or where the next poker run is, or which legislator just tried to introduce another law that will affect your riding freedom. We would enjoy seeing you participate, helping the organization grow and flourish. Join with others in this grass-roots organization to promote motorcycle safety and awareness in your community. We would enjoy becoming your fellow-rider, activist, and friend.

“I’m not political”
All we ask is that you vote. Which you probably do anyway — otherwise why are you still reading this?

“I just want to ride”
A.B.A.T.E. members just want to ride too. We want to ride safely, without limiting devices forced upon us under the false label of safety. While A.B.A.T.E. has only four runs, we support other charity, toy, poker runs, and so on. We also maintin a combined run schedule because with our riding season being so short and over fifty local groups in Alaska (imagine if all the groups had one Saturday run)…well, you get the picture!

ABATE is not ONLY about the Motorcycle Helmet Law.
Although it would sometimes appear that our main focus is repealing legislation that deals with helmet laws,
ABATE is primarily concerned with Motorcyclists’ Rights.

ABATE is about freedom:

• Freedom from excessive government control.
• Freedom from illogical and ignorant laws.
• Freedom from those who act against the wishes of the constituents.

ABATE is about education:

• Education before legislation for the politicians.
• Education for all riders in the form of motorcycle safety courses.
• Education for the locals, coordinating efforts in a grass-roots organization, spreading information throughout the organization.
• Educating the general public, encouraging them to become more aware of bikers with whom they share the road.

ABATE is about people:

• It is an all volunteer organization.
• It counts lawyers, waitresses, doctors, mothers, accountants, welders, programmers and many others in its nationwide membership.
• It works hard to ensure that the rights of all bikers are protected.
• It is about you and me.

JOIN ABATE because you are a concerned biker, a concerned citizen, a concerned parent or partner.
JOIN ABATE because you want your voice to be heard in government.
JOIN ABATE because your mad as hell and you don’t want to take it anymore.
JOIN ABATE because you want to make a difference.
JOIN ABATE because you care.
JOIN ABATE TODAY

Download and print our membership form

Online signup is now CLOSED!

Signups will recommence at the Bike Show March 29th and 30th!

Basic and Experienced classes begin the end of April or the first weekend in May 2008 and continue through the entire summer ending mid September 2008 depending on weather.

We also offer weekly road testing (Thursdays) for DMV endorsement. Cost is $49.00. Starts as soon as weather permits-usually the last week of April.

Questions? Please read our Top Questions Section below.

Still more questions? Contact the Rider Education Coordinator at ridered@abateofalaska.com or call the Rider Education Hotline at (907) 566-3334 or 562-2324 (Alaska Leather)

ABATE of Alaska, Inc. offers Kickstart, MSF Basic RiderCourse, Experienced RiderCourse and Experienced Rider/Passenger Course. Which one suits you?

“Kickstart ” is our pre-basic course. We recommend it for people with no experience, or unsure if riding a motorcycle is really for them. It is on Thursday evenings beginning May 4th. It consists of 3 hours of basic “on bike” riding instruction. No tests, no pressure, no worries. Student to instructor ratio is very low. Bike included for training. $99.00

Basic RiderCourse
This class gives you the fundamentals of operating a motorcycle. It is basic, however it moves at a much faster pace than kickstart. The course is spread over three days, which includes five hours of classroom instruction and ten hours of riding and it costs $250.00. Bike included for training. They begin on Friday evening for the weekend classes and Sunday evening for the weekday classes at 6:00 PM.

Experienced RiderCourse
The Experienced RiderCourse is for the rider who knows what he or she is doing, or thinks they know. Most riders who have never taken a class will be surprised how much they’ll learn. You take this course on your own motorcycle, improving your skills on your own machine. There is on-range classroom for the Experienced RiderCourse. It is five hours of riding and instruction on the range it costs $150.00. It is on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening beginning at 5:00 PM. There is a written test.

Experienced RiderCourse With Passenger
This is the same as the Experienced Rider Course above but with a passenger. On your own motorcycle. The course is designed for the rider who rides two up occasionally or all the time. This is excellent way for the driver to practice safety techniques with a passenger aboard. Your passenger will feel more comfortable on the road after this class because she/he will know what you’re doing and why. The the very first exercise is done solo and the passenger will ride on all remaining exercises. It’s a 5 hour course and it costs $150.00. No test for the passenger. It is in conjunction with the Experienced classes.

Road Test
The Road Test is a skills test for DMV endorsement it costs $49.00. It is every Thursday between 1:00-6:00 PM with a test every 15 minutes. By appointment only. You still need to go to DMV for the permit test and to have the endorsement added to your license. You have to provide a motorcycle with current registration, proof of insurance and in street legal, good operating condition.

Private Lessons- We offer private lessons for $60.00 an hour. There is a four (4) hour minimum and is also pre-pay only with appointment. Call for more details. Bike included for training.

Do I Get My License?
Successful completion of either the Basic or Experienced RiderCourses will get you a Course Completion Card which the State of Alaska, Department of Motor Vehicles recognizes as sufficient proficiency to place a Motorcycle Endorsement on your license. The bottom line is if you complete either course successfully, Yes! You get your license.

Top Questions About the Classes #12 - What if I’m late for class?
What if you’re late for a cruise? The ship sails without you. Your slot will be given away to standby person at 6:15PM no ifs, ands or buts. If you are late for ANY scheduled session, you will not be allowed to continue the course.

#11 - Is there a “standby list” if a class is full?
No, however you may show up at the classroom the first night of class at 5:45PM. You must be pre-registered with homework in hand. We will choose standby names (randomly) at 6:15PM if there are slots available.

#10 - How much does it cost?

• The Basic RiderCourse costs $250.00
• The Experienced RiderCourse costs $150.00
• The Experienced RiderCourse W/Passenger costs $150.00

#9 - When do I pay?
When you sign up. Paying for the course when you sign up is your commitment to show up and we’ll be glad to see you!

#8 - Do I need a motorcycle permit?
No. You do not need a motorcycle permit for either the Basic RiderCourse or the Experienced RiderCourse.

#7 Do I need a bike?
If you are taking Kickstart or Basic RiderCourse then a you do not need a bike. ABATE of Alaska provides a variety of motorcycles under 500cc’s for you to learn to ride on.

If you are taking the Experienced RiderCourse or the Experienced Rider Course with passenger then you need to bring your own bike. For this course we recommend that you are familiar with your bike.

#6 - How long is it?
The Basic RiderCourse starts with a classroom session attended by all of the students. That’s approximately 6pm till 10pm on the first night. The class is split into a morning and afternoon session with the morning session students starting on the range at 8am till around noon and the afternoon session students are on the range from about 1pm till around 5pm. Then, both sessions will combine in the classroom from 6pm till 10pm. The written evaluation is administered on the second night so be prepared.

We will then repeat the range times on the second day: 8am for the morning session and 1pm for the afternoon session. The riding evaluation is conducted at the end of your range time on the second day. There is no classroom on the second day so once you are done, around noon for the morning class and around 5pm for the afternoon class, you are done.

All class ending times are approximate and based on the actual start time of the class as well as the advance preparation of the students. When you pay for the class you will be given the course book and your homework assignment. Do your homework and your time spent in class will go quicker. Range times vary due to rider participation, weather and other random factors. It is helpful to the class as a whole if you show up early for everything. Showing up early for the range gets you riding sooner and showing up early for class allows you to ask questions. Show up early.

Don’t plan on staying up all night either night. You will be spending a minimum of four (4) hours riding each day so take it easy and get as much rest as you can.

Basic RiderCourse runs from the first weekend in May (hopefully beginning April 28th this year) through the first weekend in September, Friday through Sunday. A second session is Sunday through Tuesday for the months of May and June-maybe longer if the demand is there.

The Experienced RiderCourse takes approximately 5- 6 hours and it runs from 5:00 to 10:30 PM or later. Only one evening! There is no classroom indoor for the Experienced RiderCourse, it’s all done outside. There are both skills (riding) knowledge (multiple choice) tests. The Experienced RiderCourse is being offered Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday depending on demand. The Experienced Rider Course with Passenger is in conjunction with the Experienced RiderCourse.

We have a lot of fun but we are serious about your learning. Participation is the key to your success. And if you miss any classroom or show up late for the range then you are done. No excuses.

#5 - What if I don’t pass
We have an extremely high passing rate. Take it easy and have some fun. In the event that you do not successfully complete the riding evaluation you are allowed one re-test within 30 days. We recommend spending a week or two at home, studying your course handbook and resting, returning refreshed to re-test on one of the following weekends.

#4 - What if it rains?
What if it rains. Do you stay at home from work/school when it rains? Do you leave your bike in the garage if it rains? Will you ever get caught in the rain? Rain is something you will face as a rider and we still teach in the rain. Riding in the rain is more fun that you might think, so don’t worry about it.

#3 - What do I need to bring?

From head to toe:

• -Helmet. We have loaner helmets for the Kickstart and BasicRider courses.
• Eye protection. Glasses (prescription, not fashion), sunglasses or safety glasses.
• Long sleeves in the form of a jacket, sweatshirt or a long sleeve t-shirt. Think layers. If it is hot you will want to take your jacket or sweatshirt off and you need to have long sleeves for a variety of reasons.
• -Gloves. Full-finger leather or riding gloves. Absolutely NO fingerless gloves allowed.
• Pants that aren’t loose around the ankles. Leave your bell bottoms at home.
• -Over the ankle footwear. You need ankle support when you are riding. Sturdy boots, over the ankles and lace-ups are acceptable. Open toed sandals are expressly PROHIBITED.
• -Raingear, just in case. We call it rain insurance.
• Water, granola bars, etc. There are portable toilets but no other facilities. You can leave for lunch (one hour), there are several restaurants in area.

#2 - Where is it?
Classes are held at 4700 South Bragaw Road in the Municipal Permit office building. Come early to the first night of class because there is always a waiting list and if you show up late you might be booted out of the class. Follow this link to Mapquest for driving instructions (www.mapquest.com).

#1 - Will I get my license?
With successful completion of the written and riding evaluation for the Basic RiderCourse and the riding evaluation for the Experienced RiderCourse, you will be issued a course completion card. The State of Alaska, Department of Motor Vehicles, also known as the DMV accepts this card as proof that you have taken the class. Take your Course Completion card to the DMV and they will give you a new license, assuming that you don’t have any outstanding warrants, traffic violations or parking tickets. Keep in mind, the Anchorage Police Department and Alaska State Troopers do not accept this card so you need to go to the DMV, wait in line, fill out the forms, play with the pencils and sit on the bench and get a new license. You get a new picture too.

By Mail:
A.B.A.T.E. of Alaska, Inc.
P.O. Box 92213
Anchorage, AK 99509-2213

Or use our handy contact form:

cforms contact form by delicious:days

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Alaska Leather

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House of Harley Davidson & Buell

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Click the button to Register!!

To sign up for MSF classes in the MatSu Valley, visit http://www.valleyabate.com

Basic and Experienced classes begin the end of April or the first weekend in May 2008 and continue through the entire summer ending mid September 2008 depending on weather.
Read the Top Questions section of this page.

If you have any questions regarding classes (old or new), contact the Rider Education Coordinator at ridered@abateofalaska.com or call the Rider Education Hotline at (907) 566-3334 or 562-2324 (Alaska Leather)

ABATE of Alaska, Inc. offers the following:

Kickstart

We recommend it for people with no experience, or unsure if riding a motorcycle is really for them. It is on Thursday evenings beginning May 4th. It consists of 3 hours of basic “on bike” riding instruction. No tests, no pressure, no worries. Student to instructor ratio is very low. Bike included for training. $99.00

MSF Basic RiderCourse

This class gives you the fundamentals of operating a motorcycle. It is basic, however it moves at a much faster pace than kickstart. The course is spread over three days, which includes five hours of classroom instruction and ten hours of riding and it costs $250.00 (Motorcycle included). They begin on Friday evening for the weekend classes and Sunday evening for the weekday classes at 6:00 PM.

Experienced RiderCourse

For the rider who knows what he or she is doing, or thinks they know. Most riders who have never taken a class will be surprised how much they’ll learn. You take this course on your own motorcycle, improving your skills on your own machine. There is on-range classroom for the Experienced RiderCourse. It is five hours of riding and instruction on the range it costs $150.00. It is on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening beginning at 5:00 PM. There is a written test.

Experienced Rider w/Passenger Course

Same as the Experienced Rider Course, but with a passenger, on your own motorcycle. The course is designed for the rider who rides “two up” occasionally or all the time. This is excellent way for the driver to practice safety techniques with a passenger aboard. Your passenger will feel more comfortable on the road after this class because she/he will know what you’re doing and why. The the very first exercise is done solo and the passenger will ride on all remaining exercises. It’s a 5 hour course and it costs $150.00. No test for the passenger. It is in conjunction with the Experienced classes.

Road Tests

Road Testing is a skills assessment of your motorcycling skills that is required by the State of Alaska. ABATE of Alaska can conduct this skills assessment for you so you don’t have to mess with the DMV schedules. Road Tests are scheduled by appointment only every Thursday between 1:00PM and 6:00PM. You must provide a motorcycle with current registration, proof of insurance and at least a Motorcycle Permit. The motorcycle must me street legal and in good operating condition. You will need to bring proof of satisfactory completion of the Road Test to the DMV office for your motorcycle endorsement. The DMV does charge a fee for the endorsement. The cost for testing is $49.00.

Private Lessons

We offer private lessons for $60.00 an hour. There is a four (4) hour minimum and is also pre-pay only with appointment. Call for more details. Bike included for training.

Top Questions About the Classes

#13-Do I Get My License?
Yes! Successful completion of either the Basic or Experienced RiderCourses will get you a Course Completion Card which the State of Alaska, Department of Motor Vehicles recognizes as sufficient proficiency to place a Motorcycle Endorsement on your license.

#12 - What if I’m late for class?
What if you’re late for a cruise? The ship sails without you. Your slot will be given away to standby person at 6:15PM no ifs, ands or buts. If you are late for ANY scheduled session, you will not be allowed to continue the course.

#11 - Is there a “standby list” if a class is full?
No, however you may show up at the classroom the first night of class at 5:45PM. You must be pre-registered with homework in hand. We will choose standby names (randomly) at 6:15PM if there are slots available.

#10 - How much does it cost?

• The Basic RiderCourse costs $250.00
• The Experienced RiderCourse costs $150.00
• The Experienced RiderCourse W/Passenger costs $150.00

#9 - When do I pay?
When you sign up. Paying for the course when you sign up is your commitment to show up and we’ll be glad to see you!

#8 - Do I need a motorcycle permit?
No. You do not need a motorcycle permit for either the Basic RiderCourse or the Experienced RiderCourse.

#7 Do I need a bike?
If you are taking Kickstart or Basic RiderCourse then a you do not need a bike. ABATE of Alaska provides a variety of motorcycles under 500cc’s for you to learn to ride on.

If you are taking the Experienced RiderCourse or the Experienced Rider Course with passenger then you need to bring your own bike. For this course we recommend that you are familiar with your bike.

#6 - How long is it?
The Basic RiderCourse starts with a classroom session attended by all of the students. That’s approximately 6pm till 10pm on the first night. The class is split into a morning and afternoon session with the morning session students starting on the range at 8am till around noon and the afternoon session students are on the range from about 1pm till around 5pm. Then, both sessions will combine in the classroom from 6pm till 10pm. The written evaluation is administered on the second night so be prepared.

We will then repeat the range times on the second day: 8am for the morning session and 1pm for the afternoon session. The riding evaluation is conducted at the end of your range time on the second day. There is no classroom on the second day so once you are done, around noon for the morning class and around 5pm for the afternoon class, you are done.

All class ending times are approximate and based on the actual start time of the class as well as the advance preparation of the students. When you pay for the class you will be given the course book and your homework assignment. Do your homework and your time spent in class will go quicker. Range times vary due to rider participation, weather and other random factors. It is helpful to the class as a whole if you show up early for everything. Showing up early for the range gets you riding sooner and showing up early for class allows you to ask questions. Show up early.

Don’t plan on staying up all night either night. You will be spending a minimum of four (4) hours riding each day so take it easy and get as much rest as you can.

Basic RiderCourse runs from the first weekend in May (hopefully beginning April 28th this year) through the first weekend in September, Friday through Sunday. A second session is Sunday through Tuesday for the months of May and June-maybe longer if the demand is there.

The Experienced RiderCourse takes approximately 5- 6 hours and it runs from 5:00 to 10:30 PM or later. Only one evening! There is no classroom indoor for the Experienced RiderCourse, it’s all done outside. There are both skills (riding) knowledge (multiple choice) tests. The Experienced RiderCourse is being offered Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday depending on demand. The Experienced Rider Course with Passenger is in conjunction with the Experienced RiderCourse.

We have a lot of fun but we are serious about your learning. Participation is the key to your success. And if you miss any classroom or show up late for the range then you are done. No excuses.

#5 - What if I don’t pass
We have an extremely high passing rate. Take it easy and have some fun. In the event that you do not successfully complete the riding evaluation you are allowed one re-test within 30 days. We recommend spending a week or two at home, studying your course handbook and resting, returning refreshed to re-test on one of the following weekends.

#4 - What if it rains?
What if it rains. Do you stay at home from work/school when it rains? Do you leave your bike in the garage if it rains? Will you ever get caught in the rain? Rain is something you will face as a rider and we still teach in the rain. Riding in the rain is more fun that you might think, so don’t worry about it.

#3 - What do I need to bring?

From head to toe:

• -Helmet. We have loaner helmets for the Kickstart and BasicRider courses.
• Eye protection. Glasses (prescription, not fashion), sunglasses or safety glasses.
• Long sleeves in the form of a jacket, sweatshirt or a long sleeve t-shirt. Think layers. If it is hot you will want to take your jacket or sweatshirt off and you need to have long sleeves for a variety of reasons.
• -Gloves. Full-finger leather or riding gloves. Absolutely NO fingerless gloves allowed.
• Pants that aren’t loose around the ankles. Leave your bell bottoms at home.
• -Over the ankle footwear. You need ankle support when you are riding. Sturdy boots, over the ankles and lace-ups are acceptable. Open toed sandals are expressly PROHIBITED.
• -Raingear, just in case. We call it rain insurance.
• Water, granola bars, etc. There are portable toilets but no other facilities. You can leave for lunch (one hour), there are several restaurants in area.

#2 - Where is it?
Classes are held at 4700 Elmore Road (Formerly South Bragaw) in the Municipal Permit office building. Come early to the first night of class because there is always a waiting list and if you show up late you might be booted out of the class. Follow this link to Mapquest for driving instructions (www.mapquest.com).

#1 - Will I get my license?
With successful completion of the written and riding evaluation for the Basic RiderCourse and the riding evaluation for the Experienced RiderCourse, you will be issued a course completion card. The State of Alaska, Department of Motor Vehicles, also known as the DMV accepts this card as proof that you have taken the class. Take your Course Completion card to the DMV and they will give you a new license, assuming that you don’t have any outstanding warrants, traffic violations or parking tickets. Keep in mind, the Anchorage Police Department and Alaska State Troopers do not accept this card so you need to go to the DMV, wait in line, fill out the forms, play with the pencils and sit on the bench and get a new license. You get a new picture too.

Though most motorcycle organizations are formed as structured riding groups where friends and family gather to have fun and socialize, A.B.A.T.E. of Alaska Inc. was founded with one primary mission Training Alaska’s motorcycle community and educating Alaska about our motorcycle community. We accomplish this by:

• Providing the ABATE Rider Education Program. This program trains riders of different skill levels to ride defensively and safely on Alaskan roads. Upon successful completion of one of our courses a completion card is issued that is accepted by DMV to waive further testing and receive your motorcycle endorsement. ABATE is also authorized by DMV to administer the state’s endorsement test for those riders who do not wish to take a safety course.
• Encouraging motorcycle awareness by working with both state and local agencies as well as concerned individuals to establish motorcycle awareness campaigns each summer. Most importantly May is our Motorcycle Awareness Month campaign:  asking all motorists to watch out for motorcycles and share our roads.

ABATE also believes in individual freedom and protecting our rights to ride by working within the legislative and regulatory process. Our goal is to keep motorcycling free from unjust and unwarranted laws and to promote those that benefit motorcyclists. ABATE believes that a safer rider is more beneficial than a “safer crash”…In other words “Education, not legislation”

Finally, like all motorcycle organizations, we do enjoy the camaraderie of friends and family. As such we support the runs of others and even have a few of our own to say thanks to our members and supporters.  I extend my personal invitation to you to attend one of our events and just have a good time with some good people.

Craig (Blue) Breshears
President, ABATE of Alaska

Back in June of 1971, a new and exciting motorcycle publication was introduced–EASYRIDERS–a motorcycle magazine for the entertainment of adult bikers. This came into existence by the hard work of Lou Kimzey, the Editor, along with the owner of Paisano Publications. Along with Lou were Mil (Hog Expert) Blair, Editor-at-Large, and Joe Teresi, Senior Editor. Joe was the one who came up with the needed funding to get things running smoothly. He was owner of D&D Distributor, later known as Jammer.

About the same time that EASYRIDERS got underway an organization by the name of N.C.C.S.I. (National Custom Cycle Safety Institute) got going. Joe Teresi was Vice President of this group. This organization was for manufacturers and distributors. Their main function-was to come out with their own safety standards for custom parts. They concentrated mainly on custom front ends and frames with raked necks. They are credited for keeping a lot of junk off the market and were able to keep Big Brother at arm’s length.

In Issue No. 3, October 1971, EASYRIDERS started a non-profit organization just for bikers. It was called NCCA (National Custom Cycle Association). At the time, dues were $3 for a one-year membership. One must keep in mind that back in 1971 no other motorcycle magazine except Roger Hall’s “Road Rider” was even giving an inch of space to anti-bike legislation. Yet Lou Kimzey saw fit to take on the extra burden of starting a motorcycle rights organization.

It wasn’t long until Lou changed the NCCA to ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments). Lou came about the Eagle logo in an old civil war publication. The eagle is one of the largest birds, and a strong flier. It has long been used as a sign of power, courage, and freedom. The American Bald Eagle is not only our logo but it is the official emblem of the United States. Its picture is on the Great Seal of the U.S., the President’s flag, some coins and paper money. Our logo with the 13 star shield is truly worthy of our cause, and our founder foresight.

In early 1972, Keith Ball arrived on the scene at EASYRIDERS. He became Associate Editor of EASYRIDERS and Director of ABATE. Through the work of Keith and the guidance of Lou, ABATE started area coordinators in different states to help organize bikers so that they could better represent ABATE on the local level. This also helped form a better line of communication. From this mushroomed a sophisticated network of state and county chapters.

It should be noted that the little funds that ABATE had in the early days went to hiring an engineering firm to determine whether a raked front end or an extended front end was safe. This resulted in two lengthy documented reports, complete with engineering drawings that established proof that they were safe. This allowed bikers to fight in court “unsafe vehicle” tickets with scientific facts–not just opinions. EASYRIDERS, on behalf of ABATE, also picked up the tab on a test case concerning an extended front end being unsafe. From 1971-1974 most of ABATE’s efforts went into fighting such laws. Had it not been for the efforts of ABATE-EASYRIDERS in the early 1970s, choppers would have been outlawed.

In March of 1977, ABATE, through the help of the staff at EASYRIDERS, held a State Coordinators meeting in Daytona, Florida. It was decided as a matter of policy that ABATE, nationwide, as a lobbying organization would discourage back patches on cut-offs. This was decided as necessary in order not to be misjudged as a “club,” either by outlaw groups, police, or Joe Citizen. At this meeting it was also decided that it was about time ABATE got organized, with a charter, bylaws, etc. Nominations were held, and five State Coordinators were elected as a steering committee to take ideas from all the members and chapters, and boil the results down to a charter and bylaws. Fuzzy Davy from ABATE of Virginia was elected spokesman of the steering committee along with Donna Oaks from ABATE of Kansas, Russell Davis (Padre) from ABATE of Pennsylvania, Wanda Hummell from ABATE of Indiana, John (Rogue) Herlihy from ABATE of Connecticut. A meeting was set up for Labor Day at the second national ABATE get-together in Lake Perry, Kansas. This gave the new steering committee seven months to get everything together.

At the Kansas meeting, Lou Kimzey could not make it because of a sudden illness. In his place he sent Keith Ball, Joe Teresi, Pat Coughlin, a union organizer, and Ron Roliff, business agent of the M.M.A. A hall was rented by EASYRIDERS so that a professional meeting could be conducted. At this meeting a proposal for a new national was presented by the people from EASYRIDERS. In this proposal was a five- member board of directors. A problem arose when it was learned that none of the board would be made up of any of the state coordinators or any ABATE people, but would be composed of people from California, led by Ron Roliff of the M.M.A. This intimidated a lot of hard working ABATE people. Also, none of the recommendations of the ABATE steering committee were considered.

After a lot of in-fighting, the state coordinators were asked to send what they thought should be changed and to submit their ideas to Lou Kimzey. Lou had sent around a letter explaining that he was sorry that he had missed the meeting in Kansas and that he was scheduling a meeting in Sacramento in October 1977. Lou paid the air fares of the steering committee members (5), put them up in a hotel, and then attempted to explain how and why things had gotten out of hand. Unfortunately, ABATE people who had not been invited to this meeting provoked uncalled-for attacks against Lou and EASYRIDERS. Lou had tolerated a lot of mud slinging concerning forming a national organization; thus he stated to the people attending the meeting that he and EASYRIDERS were relinquishing the organization to the people attending the meeting in Sacramento.

Out of this mess two national organizations were formed: one in Sacramento; the other in Washington, D.C.; the latter being formed by all the state ABATE organizations. In March of 1978, ABATE chapters held another meeting in Daytona. The Sacramento people sent Pat Coughlin with another proposal. It was rejected by the ABATE organizations attending. ‘At this meeting the ABATE chapters were told that the Sacramento group was not going to change its name (National ABATE) and was going to go on doing business as usual. It was decided that the D.C. base national that was formed by the state organizations should be dissolved, thus doing away with a lot of the hassles taking up everybody’s time, and that the states should get back to doing the business they were formed to do–fight state anti-motorcycle legislation.

ABATE formed five regions in the country, each region having about l0 states. Each region has a Regional Coordinator who coordinates information between the state ABATE organizations. Each ABATE state organization is now independent and on its own. Because of all the hassles of trying to form a national organization. The trust and funds needed, the probability of another attempt at forming a nation is most unlikely.

In the meantime, ABATE people all over the country are taking care of business as always, and no matter what happens, they will be there taking care of business.