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FF: Wilson Creek

Fast Fred Rafts & Travels

Fast Fred is a wandering guide enjoying endless summers and sharing adventure along the way.
I began writing these motorcycle pages of articles, photos, and trips during 2000.

Wilson Creek


March 7, 2010 at -5" to -6"

Sunday, March 7, 2010 Steve Campbell, Craig Baker, and I went to Wilson Creek. Craig and I had run Wilson previously but this was Steve's first decsent and his trip report follows.

Steve's Wilson Creek Trip Report

I ran Wilson Creek for the first time today with Fast Fred and a friend of ours, Craig. Upon upon arrival the first thing that I noticed was that the water is super clear with this unreal emerald tint to the deep pools - absolutely amazing! The next thing was the large slab granite as I have read about in articles being described as " the California river Look". The rest was all excitement! It was continuous rapid after rapid fun with boogie water between each run that is similar to the boulder gardens of the Green River above Fish Top Access point and Hammer Factor rapid up stream - No slack time! The rapids were like back to back Bayless Boof and Pinball rapids (in case you all have not noticed, the Green is my home run for which comparisons are made to)What a blast! This has got to be my -by far- most favorite river that I have done to date! Trumping the Ocoee for me personally! There is no need b.s.ing that yeah; as I rode along the road from take out to put in, looking down into the river bed and seeing some of the rapids in real life -which by the way is NO WAY near what youtube does it for justice- was a little intimidating. I was a little nervous -just slightly cotton mouthed. Other than that, I was adrenaline pumped! I would personally say that Wilson might have been ever so slightly outside of my skill level but was a much needed bar in order to raise my personal skill level. The whole way down I never capsized or swam. My boat control was off at times which may or may not have been due to my new boat that I have only had on the water 5 or 6 times. Needless to say, my form was not all that but all in all, it was a bad arse run with plenty of excitement but you have to work! It isn't a day on the Upper Green!

Fast Fred Ruddock with a Helmet Ticket in Polk County North Carolina

About Fast Fred

My life has been a dedicated blend of open road adventure and relentless advocacy for motorcyclists’ rights. I'm "Fast Fred" Ruddock, and my journey on two wheels began as a teenager. Over the years, I’ve owned 13 Harleys and several other motorcycles, machines that were far more than just transportation. They represented a freedom that I have fought to protect. Recognizing the power of information, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, skills I immediately put to use for the movement.

My commitment to advocacy led me to a complete immersion in ABATE of South Carolina (ABATE of SC). I quickly moved through the ranks, starting by developing the ABATE of SC website in 2001 and serving as the Berkeley/Dorchester Chapter Coordinator. This progressed to serving as Lowcountry Area Coordinator, where I successfully shifted our local focus decisively toward rights and rapidly increased membership. From 2003 to 2007, I served as the State Coordinator, where I helped coordinate several key legislative victories, including the passage of the Purple Heart license tag bill and the successful repeal of unnecessary handlebar height restrictions. My primary strategic goal was always to achieve widespread political influence by organizing a chapter in every single county.

On the national front, I extended my influence by serving as the State Representative on the board of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) for several years during the 2000s. This role ensured that the concerns of South Carolina riders were directly represented in critical federal legislative discussions. Crucially, I also worked to shape public opinion: I wrote articles related to motorcycle rights for various magazines and had a small column in Easyriders magazine for several years, using media to educate riders nationwide on the issues impacting their freedom.

My activism was not only about lobbying but also direct action and constitutional challenges. I participated in the Myrtle Beach civil disobedience against local helmet laws, contributing to the legal groundwork for the eventual overturning of that restrictive law through a landmark SC Supreme Court case. I also challenged helmet laws personally, fighting three tickets in court as an act of civil disobedience in several states. I lobbied in multiple state capitols with me friends across the country. My dedication continued after my ABATE leadership, as I served as the Director of Bikers Of Less Tolerance (BOLT) of South Carolina.

Today, while I also enjoy working as a river guide and sharing my travel adventures, my legacy remains rooted in the fight for motorcycle freedom. I have spent decades on the front lines, utilizing both political strategy, legal challenges, and national media to protect the rights of every person on two wheels.

My Other Adventures

I'm a professional whitewater guide and kayak instructor. I grew up rafting, sailing, and surfing, and I spend my North American summers guiding on world-class whitewater. I have spent much of my adult life riding motorcycles and paddling kayaks.

Raft with me: Check out Fast Fred Rafts for details.

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