Photos and Article by FastFred
This trip began with a wet ride to Columbia where I met with Bad Bob to attend to some dry administrative work for ABATE. While I was in Columbia I dropped by Bobbys to check on the Helmet Rally plans; all information available points to a great rally this year. Make plans now to be in Columbia on Sunday October 8th.
Map of the 732 miles of helmet free riding in the Carolinas
When I resumed my trip to Western North Carolina I encountered sever weather in the Newberry area. Many trees blocked the east bound lanes of I-26 and damaged guard rails. Firemen were on the scene clearing the road while police rerouted traffic. The ride to WNC was nasty at times but the wet trip was worth it for the scenic beauty and cooler weather in the mountains.
High Shoals Falls and South Mountains State Park Photos
Saturday morning I rose early in a "secret" location near Saluda, North Carolina. The weather report on TV gave me reason to get moving quickly. While gassing up in Saluda a local biker asked me if I had a helmet; I just smiled and explained I was aware of helmet law in North Carolina. I rode towards South Mountains State Park to visit the High Shoals Falls. I took a fast hike to the falls in light rain; I was concerned about beating the hard rain in order to get good photos of this waterfall. The photos look good although light rain was falling.
Buncombe County CBA Gathering at Riders Roost Photos
Due to bad weather I bypassed two other waterfalls I had planned to visit and photograph. I rode on towards Wilkesboro and RIders Roost. I passed through several towns including Morganton and Lenoir; I saw an unusually high number of state troopers in the area around Morganton. NC268 has some interesting historical sites between Lenoir and Elk Creek; I plan to visit this area again.
Riders Roost is a very nice place. The first person I met upon arrival was Uncle Roy; Roy made me feel more like a long lost friend than a customer. The prices at Riders Roost are very kind and only motorcyclists are welcomed. Sorry RV 'ers but you need to ride to this campground; there is limited parking for those who "need" chase trucks. I had a large time hanging out with my friends in Buncombe County CBA. I meet some new friends from other CBA chapters that were also in attendance. I took some nice pictures of Riders Roost and my CBA friends.
ABATE of SC Greenville Chapter Meeting Photos
Sunday morning seem to come to soon but Larry and Tammy round us all up to go eat breakfast at a nice Horse Resort and Restaurant. The company was the finest and the food was great and cheaper than expected. Once back to camp I had to quickly stow away my tent and begin my three hour trip to the ABATE of SC Greenville chapter meeting. Due to a wreck and traffic jam on I-85 I was a little late but no one seemed to mind.
During this motorcycle trip I had an enjoyable ride and passed more than a few State Troopers, County and City Police officers in North Carolina. Most never gave me a second look as I rode by without a ticket; none made any effort to stop and ticket me for not wearing a helmet. If you would like to join in the fun and tour WNC without a lid while taking in some of the sights along the way make contact me; lodging will proved free of charge to those who dare to ride free.
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.
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