By FastFred Ruddock

At the time of this writing, November 10, 2006, it appears we have successfully weathered the 2006 election cycle. Once again the voter block of ABATE of South Carolina seems to have also made the deciding difference in the race for Lieutenant Governor. My lone disappointment was the lack of ABATE members present at the victory parties held after the polls closed. Only two of us attended the Republican Party Victory Party in Charleston. I know at least one more ABATE member attended the Republican Victory Party in Columbia and suspect two other ABATE members may have attended though I have no confirmation. Elected officials are a plenty at these victory parties and very approachable much more so than at other events or meetings. I had an enjoyable time at the victory party in Charleston where I had some interesting conversations with several of my elected officials. It now seems several members of the General Assembly are subscribed to the Biker Ezine. If you have not yet joined the ezine I urge you to do so at BikerEzine.com/join.htm.

Thank you for voting but keep in mind that voting is the least of your civic duties as a citizen of our republic. Whether your candidate won or lost it is your obligation to keep your elected officials educated on your issues of interest and aware of your positions on those issues. Silence is considered consent at our statehouse. Remember Plato’s admonition: "The penalty good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men."

When you ask your elected officials to do something be very carefully to articulate exactly what you wish to be done or written. You may get what you ask for so make sure it is really what you want. Often times laws or amendments have unintended or unexpected consequences. One example of an unexpected consequence is the first referendum that not only defines marriage as between one man and one woman but also ends common law marriage in South Carolina. Another example of an unexpected consequence on the part of voters is the fourth referendum that will result in higher taxes for most citizens of South Carolina while at the same time reducing property tax for a few of South Carolina’s richest citizens. Please do your homework and carefully research all angles of issues prior to requesting action from the general assembly. Thomas Jefferson wisely left us these words of wisdom: “Never trouble another for what you can do for yourself.”

Be careful not to inadvertently invite an all rider helmet law. I suspect this statement is likely to raise the irk of some of our non-riding members with no dog in this fight and nothing to lose. Some have already insanely accused me of lacking courage due to my prudent use of discretion and foresight. Those who know me are well aware I am not easily intimidated or controlled by individuals or even unjust laws such as the helmet laws of our neighboring states. However most motorcyclists seem unwilling or lack the internal fortitude to oppose unjust helmet law with acts of civil disobedience. I suggest we shrewdly defend our hard earned liberty to ride lidless in South Carolina without artificial consequences. I advise my fellow riders to use their best judgment and be weary of those that do not share our lifestyle but are yet outspoken in their attempts to hijack ABATE from its purpose of opposing totalitarian enactments that seek to restrict the liberties of motorcyclists. It would be an awful shame if the original definition of ABATE were lost and we became just another bunch of safety and awareness nuts with no balls in South Carolina.

ABATE was formed to let those who ride decide. I suggest only those who ride should decide the direction and polices of ABATE.

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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