Winter
Solstice 2006: Riding the Mountains of WNC Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock My new employer kindly allowed me to leave work early at 2:30 on Thursday December 21. After some final packing I hit the road on my bike shortly after 3 PM EST. The ride started off just brisk and dry but rain began to fall as I approached Orangeburg. I quickly donned my rain suit in the rain on the side of I-26. The rest of the ride would prove to be both wet and cold. As I entered North Carolina and began the ascending the Saluda grade the temperature strangely seemed warmer and fog and mist blanketed the highway. I really enjoy this part ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Asheville
Brews Cruise: Highland, French Broad, ... Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock Mark Lyons the owner of Asheville Brews Cruise took a group of 11 to Highland Brewing Company, French Broad Brewing Company, and finally Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company. We enjoyed fresh beer samples at each brewery we visited.The first stop on our ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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ABATE
Legislative Meeting December 2006 in Columbia Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock Despite many toy runs and parades the faithful attended Dennis Welborn's Legislative Revival. Dennis began this meeting with his fire and brimstone sermon regarding the evils of miscommunication, misconceptions, and deception. Dennis also mentioned a desire ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Tour of Columbia's Historic Houses in South Carolina Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock These photos were taken December 2, 2006 following the ABATE of SC Legislative Meeting. I rode from the meeting location of 1918 Airport Blvd in Cayce to the Mann-Simmons Cottage located at 1403 Richland Street. The Mann-Simons Cottage was the home Celia ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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29th
Annual Lowcountry ABATE Toy Run Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock 29th Annual Lowcountry ABATE Toy Run helped the Salvation Army on November 26, 2006. The lowcountry toy run the oldest in the area was attended by thousands of bikers bringing good cheer and presents for kids. The lowcountry toy run has ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Hiking
to the Green River Narrows on November 18, 2006 Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock The hike to the Narrows of the Green River is nearly as challenging as the whitewater. However I think the hike to Big Bradley Falls from the Green River Cove is even more difficult. You can hear the Narrows roar long before you can see the white water. It is hard ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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The
Ride to Court in Bryson City: November 16-17, 2006 Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock I rode across the Blue Ridge to attend court in Bryson City to oppose the helmet ticket I acquired at the Fall Cherokee Rally. The weather was rather nasty and at times the visibility was less than forty feet when the clouds grazed the ridge. The strong cross winds ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Lidless
ride to Buncombe County CBA Meeting Photos and article by FastFred, November 14, 2006 My birthday gift to myself was attending the Buncombe CBA meeting the eve of my birthday Tuesday November 14th. I rode from Charleston to Columbia with a helmet but decided to take the helmet off for the rest of my trip to the cove then Asheville and ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Jasper
ABATE meeting in Ridgeland South Carolina |
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ABATE
of SC Legislative Meeting held November 4, 2006 |
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Guignard
Brick Works Ruins in Cayce near Columbia |
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Spooks
& Spokes: the Lexington Halloween Run
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, October 28, 2006 The Lexington chapter of ABATE of SC presented another Spooks and Spokes Run October 28th. The motorcycle run began at the Triple Crown after dark. The first stops were in Columbia's historic Elmwood Cemetery. Bobbys was the next stop and the final stop ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Lidless
Ride from WNC to Poinsett Bridge Preserve |
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Lidless
Tour of Fall Foliage in Western North Carolina |
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The
Long Way to Big Bradley Waterfall Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, Oct. 14-15, 2006 The long way to Big Bradley begins in the Green River Cove at the upstream concrete bridge over the Green River. This is a rather long hike and some sections are challenging. Sights along the trip make exceed those on the shorter route from the east. I last took ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Helmet
Law Rally, Panhead Party and Elmwood Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, October 7-8, 2006 ABATE of South Carolina held a statewide business meeting Saturday and ABATE's annual Helmet Law Support Rally. ABATE supports South Carolina's current helmet law as currently written. I also took a side trip to the Elmwood Cemetery where ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Peachtree
Rock in Lexington County, South Carolina |
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Hooker
Falls in DuPont Forest |
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Triple
Falls in Dupont Forest |
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High
Falls in DuPont Forest |
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Civil
Disobedience in Western North Carolina Continues Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, Sept 25, 2006 I rode lidless to and through Western North Carolina in spite of predictions by a few that my lidless rides would end after I received my first ticket for refusing to wear a helmet while operating my motorcycle. A few co-conspirators were unable to join me this week due to work ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Wheels
Through Time in Maggie Valley Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, Sept, 16, 2006 I stopped to visit the Wheels Through TIme Museum in Maggie Valley along my way to Cherokee for the Fall Rally in 2006. I rode the entire trip without wearing a helmet. However the point of this page is the wonderful museum. I saw many old ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Bald
River Falls near Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, Sept, 16, 2006 The Bald River Falls are located on the Tennessee end of the Cherohala Skyway. After scoring my first ticket for refusing to wear a helmet in downtown Cherokee during the Fall Rally I rode lidless to the Cherohala Skyway. The Bald River Falls are located ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Mingo
Falls located in Big Cove near Cherokee Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, Sept, 16, 2006 The Mingo Falls are located in Big Cove in Cherokee. I visited and photographed these falls just before returning home from the 2006 Cherokee Fall Rally. The walk to the falls is short but very steep. I rode here lidless as I did all weekend despite one ticket for failure to wear a helemt. However I think refusal to wear ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Busted
Riding Lidless at Fall Cherokee Rally |
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ABATE
Legislative Meeting and Columbia Sights |
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No
Helmet Motorcycle Tour of WNC Waterfalls |
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Thomas
Jefferson's Monticello |
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Sons
of Liberty TEA Party, August 17-20, 2006 |
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SoLR
TEA Party Motorcycle Rides, August 17 & 18, 2006 |
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Riding
the Blue Ridge Parkway without a lid |
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Helmet
Free Riding in Western North Carolina |
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Looking
Glass Falls, Brevard, NC, August 13, 2006 |
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ABATE
of SC Chester Chapter Meeting August 13, 2006 |
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Stan's
Lidless Blue Ridge Motorcycle Adventure |
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Sights
of Columbia Viewed Biker Style |
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August
2006 ABATE Legislative Meeting |
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ABATE
of SC Swampfox Chapter Meeting in Andrews Photos
and Article by FastFred Ruddock |
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ABATE
of SC Greenville Chapter Meeting July 30, 2006 |
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Buncombe
County CBA Gathered at Riders Roost |
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High
Shoals Falls in South Mountains State Park Photos and article by FastFred On Saturday July 29, 2006 I visited the South Mountains State Park along my way to Riders Roost. I arrived at the trail head just before light rain began to fall. I hiked at a brisk pace in hopes of reaching the waterfall in time to shoot some photos. ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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CRMC
Babes n Bikes 3rd Annual Bikini Bike Wash |
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Santee
organizing an ABATE chapter on July 22, 2006
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Hose
& Heels 2nd Annual Night Tour |
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Tigerland
Tattooing on Live5news, July 21, 2006 Photos and Article by FastFred Live Five News came to visit Bubba Long of Tigerland Tattoo. Bubba a well respected and experienced tattoo artist took his time while explaining the process of tattooing; he well explained the questions anyone should ask prior to being tattooed... Full Story and Photos >> |
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When
I Ride I Decide in North Carolina Too Written July 16, 2006 by FastFred Bad Bob and Gwen joined me for this free spirited ride in North Carolina. We toured the Asheville area and found some time to see some sights and enjoy a some adventure. On this trip none of us chose to wear a helmet ...Full Story and Photos >> |
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Big
Bradley Waterfall on July 15, 2006 This day began with a motorcycle ride to reach the trail head to Big Bradley Falls; we decided to not wear helmets. The hike to the Big Bradley Waterfall is a little over a mile through a beautiful forest and across Cove Creek near Saluda, North Carolina. Our first stop was the overlook near the falls in the ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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ABATE
of SC Rock Hill Chapter Meeting I enjoyed my visit to the Rock Hill chapter meeting. The attendance was small but a lot of quality material was provided to those in attendance. The Crow Bar provided chicken and fixin's to everyone present. This meeting was part of a 300 mile ride on Sunday. If you would like the State Coordinator to visit your ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Pearsons
Falls near Saluda, North Carolina |
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Shunkawauken
Falls near Columbus, NC |
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Western
North Carolina Freedom Ride |
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Fishtop
in the Green River Cove |
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ABATE
of SC Laurens Chapter Meeting |
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Pony
Express Delivers a Cat and Wall on July 4, 2006 |
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ABATE
State Meeting and BBQ July 1, 2006 |
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FastFred
tours Hawaii Islands June 14-25, 2006 The Hawaiian Islands hold something for everyone. Camping can be done cheaply while others may choose Waikiki for a fancy hotel. I visited four isladns and prefer Maui over the others but Kuaia was a close second followed by Hilo on the big island. ... Full Stories and Photos >> |
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ABATE
of SC State Party: Manning SC June 9-11, 2006 The chapter and members of our Coastal Region/Area have really raised the bar with this party! Don Ard, Roach, and far too many dedicated members worked hard to make this the best state party yet and it showed. Hundreds of South Carolina bikers came out to party and give thanks for ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Little
Bradley Falls in Polk County NC on May 21, 2006 Little Bradley Falls are located on Cove Creek upstream from the Big Bradley Falls in Holbert Cove. The best or rather safest access is located across Holbert Cove Road and Cove Creek from the Big Bradley Falls parking and trail head. The parking area for the Bradley Water Falls is located ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Anderson
ABATE of SC Chapter Meeting May 20, 2006 Saturday May 20, 2006 I visited the Anderson Chapter meeting. First there was a long informal meeting outside and later inside and everyone had some time to chat and make new friends. Inside on one of the pool table was plenty of informative flyers, newsletters, and awareness stickers. ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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FastFred
visits Upstate Chapters: Pickens and Laurens I began this trip from Charleston after work and rode straight through to Asheville, North Carolina. Some say you have to wear a helmet in North Carolina but I suggest the law just states you are suppose to wear a state mandated hat. I chose to ride without a lid and met no resistance although I did pass several police cars. ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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South
Carolina May Motorcycle Awareness Rally 2006 Dedicated ABATE members from across the state converged at the statehouse. We discussed our two bills going to subcommittee meetings in the House and Senate Tuesday May 9th. Nearly everyone present had received the phone alert and email alerts and took action. We have a list of ten legislators we are encouraging members to call all ten prior to subcommittee meeting Tuesday afternoon.to call. Please make calls now in support of H4307 to reduce motorcycle property tax and S772 to repeal the handle bar limits. ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Unity
Pow Wow held at Statehouse |
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Festival
of Beers Saturday April 29, 2006 Held at the Joe in Charleston several brewers attended the Ballpark Festival of Beers. The Mellow Mushroom gave tickets to many beer club members. Upon entry you were given a 4 ounce mug to sample different brews. I sampled a couple of beers ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Heritage
Motorcycle Rally |
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Charleston
Motorcycle Parking |
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Columbia
Riders ABATE Chili Cook Off |
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NORML
Students Seeking Educations at CofC College of Charleston students marched, drummed, and chanted in opposition to the current campus policy toward marijuana. Kent a NORML organizer says "the new drug policy requires a minimum of one semester suspension for the possession of any amount of marijuana; grouping it together ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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2006
East Cooper ABATE Oyster Roast |
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Swamp
Fox ABATE and Winyah Road Hogs Host Benefit Swamp Fox ABATE and Winyah Road Hogs Hosted a Benefit for Lee Skipper & Angel Ward. Most attendees went to the South Strand Republican meeting and rubbed shoulders with Governor Sanford and members of the General Assembly. ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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East
Cooper Chapter X-mas Party in January |
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CBA-ABATE
of NC State Meeting: The Doctrine of Fun I want to thank CBA-ABATE of NC for their invitation to speak and the hospitality they show Cathy and I. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend spent with my North Carolina friends. Fun is an important part of motorcycle rights. ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Legislative
Warrior Day at the Statehouse Bikers enjoyed a warm ride to the state capitol for opening day. Lexington members arrived before 8:30 AM. By 9 o’clock bikers from all areas and most chapters converged in the lobby of the statehouse. A legislative team member passed out the new patch, a communication tip sheet, and a scavenger hunt list. ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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New
Year's Eve at Big Bradley Waterfall |
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Winter
Solstice in the Florida Keys |
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Hot
Springs Motorcycle Weekend 2005 This motorcycle event features rally style camping, no reserved sites, bike games, and live music Friday and Saturday nights. There are also plenty of vendors, hot tubs, rafting, Sunday services, great scenic mountain rides, and some of the best people on earth to party with ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Riding
the Florida Keys during Winter
Solstice This trip began with the idea of riding as far south as possible for Christmas. The weather leaving South Carolina was comfortably in the 60's as I began my ride south. My first stop was Ridgeland to visit Jasper ABATE ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Riding
the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway Uncle Rock and the Slugs were saved by the Dragon during May 14-18, 2003. There is no lack of great roads to ride near Deals Gap. Local hotels and businesses are extremely biker friendly and southern hospitality ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Backwoods
Chopper So what do you do when you are miles away from a Harley shop and a part wears out? Well, Uncle Rock and the Slugs made the missing part. Using what was available in the backwoods the Slugs made a new primary chain adjuster shoe from a couple of Teflon cutting boards and ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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NCOM
Convention 2004 Bikers from across the United States and beyond gathered in Oklahoma City for the National Coalition of Motorcyclists' Convention of 2004. I attended a lobby day in North Carolina on the trip home. The Ride from Charleston to Oklahoma City to Raleigh and finally back to Charleston racked up 2,740 miles. ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Motorcycle
Riders Foundation Meeting of the Minds 2003 ABATE of SD briefed those present on the Janklow case and released the same as a press release on the subject. An informative handout and presentation of 100 years of motorcyclists rights was given at the start of the MOTM. ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Sons
of Liberty Riders TEA Party 2003 Sputnik and Mike had arrived just prior to our arrival at Nancy and Harlen's place. The others arrived in short order over the next day or so. The good times and sharing of information began at once. The T-bones cooked by the hosts of the TEA Party were ... Full Story and Photos >> |
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Hot
Springs Motorcycle Weekend 2004 Regional motorcycle rights events are really worth the ride. This fine event is held in Hot Springs North Carolina next to the French Broad River. The Hot Springs Rally is held the last weekend of June every year and is more fun that any commercial bike week such as Daytona, Myrtle Beach, or Laconia to name a few. Full Story and Photos >> |
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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.
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.
Got questions about solo travel, Latin America, or budgeting? I'd be happy to give you honest answers!
My Travel & Video Gear: Curious how I travel so light? Dig into my Amazon Shop for an inside look at the gear I carry. (Purchases via this shop provide a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
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