ABATE Legislative Meeting and Columbia Sights, September 2, 2006

Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock

This weekend's ABATE of South Carolina Legislative meeting was well attended despite a change of venue at a late date. I arrived early to stop and take photos of a few sights in Columbia our members might care to visit in the future. Finlay Park located behind the Assembly Street post office at 930 Laurel Street has some interesting water falls and grounds to wander. I also the giant and quirky metallic fire hydrant at Busted Plug Plaza located in downtown Columbia on the 1400 block of Taylor Street.

The legislative meeting was interesting and informative. The meeting seemed to run rather short although some subjects were debated in great detail. Dennis Welborn, Jim Bronder, and Doc Manning came prepared with a wealth of information on the various subjects they have been researching ranging from implementation of our tax relief bill, right of way violations, and improving rider training in South Carolina. I enjoyed meeting several first time attendees and ezine subscribers.

After the legislative meeting Bad Bob along with his friend Dave arranged for an after meeting party or rather pig picking. The food was great and the company was better on the rural farm that hosted this get together. If you missed the sights of Columbia, our legislative meeting, or the pig picking be sure to make time for our next legislative get together on September 23, 2006. Contact Dennis Welborn for more information about the training session on the 23rd; he needs a head count as lunch will be provided.

Finlay Park Fountain	Finlay Park Fountain and Waterfall	Finlay Park Waterfalls
Finlay Park stonework and falls	FastFred at Finlay Park	FastFred at the Busted Plug
Doc Manning at Legislative Meeting	Jim Bronder at our meeting	Several happy members present
Bikes outside legislative meeting	Motorcycles at our meeting	Dennis and Frankie at meeting
More members...	Roach	Bad Bob on break at the pig pickin'