First let there be no doubt that this Helmet Law Support Rally is held annually to support South Carolina’s current helmet law that allows adults to decide whether or not to wear a helmet. ABATE won a six year battle in 1980 defeating the all rider helmet law. Let us not become complacent and lose the ground we worked so hard to gain.
I want to thank all the members who attended our rally. Attendance was good despite overcast skies. A couple of members asked me before the rally why we keep moving the starting location; the answer is we keep out growing parking lots as attendance continues to grow each year. I suspect we may need an even larger location next year.
The rally at the steps was opened by the state coordinator who welcomed everyone and introduced the first speaker from Aiken. Jim Bronder of our Aiken chapter did a great job explaining the unfair personal property tax on motorcycles. The elected officials in attendance all took note of Jim's talking points. Representative Mac Toole suggested ways for us to address the unfair taxation of motorcycles. Reb Sutherland addressed the crowd on the steps of the statehouse concerning her upcoming campaign for state superintendent of education. Andre Bauer our Lt. Governor rode his motorcycle right up to the steps of the capitol and he was not wearing a helmet. I'm glad he is part of our team and has the power to send bills to committees of his choosing.
The after party at the Flying Saucer was the best attended yet. The Flying Saucer Restaurant had great food and all Carolina Micro-brews on sale for $2.50 a pint. More importantly it was an easy place for out of town biker to find and a great place to network with fellow members. DB Bryant kicked out the jams and entertained the crown from 2pm to 6pm. You can learn more about both online at www.beerknurd.com and www.dbbryant.com.
This year’s rally got more media attention than those of years past due largely to efforts to improve media relations by our media coordinator Ed Haas. Pickles of our Lexington Chapter did an enormous job planning the parade and rally at the steps; my hat is off to Pickles and his team of hard workers. Cathy Dillon did a great job planning the after rally party close to the capitol and arranging entertainment. Keeping the after rally gathering close to the capitol helped increase our visual impact. I see great things in the future for ABATE of SC and our state rallies. The party after the rally did not cost ABATE one red cent; next year ABATE will likely make money for our cause with the after party. We will be taking bids from businesses in the Vista interested in hosting our after rally party.
The next major event on the ABATE of SC calendar is our Legislative Warrior Day on the opening day of the legislative session Tuesday January 10 th. Please make plans now to attend; we can send a powerful message together if we have over 500 motorcycles parked around the capitol on opening day. Arrive early at the statehouse for the best parking. Early arrival increases your chances to speak with your legislators; appointments are also encouraged.
Our Lexington Chapter will hold its normal monthly meeting 7:30pm Monday January 9 th. Last year many legislators attended this primer for our Legislative Warrior Day; bikers from as far away as Tennessee and North Carolina came to observe ABATE of SC’s strategy and tactics. Food will be served and everyone is welcomed. The Lexington Chapter meeting is held at the VFW located at 424 Cedarcrest Drive, Lexington, SC 29073. Come early and spend the night in Lexington or Columbia. The more involved you get in ABATE the greater the reward; I look forward to seeing you there.
FastFred
Ruddock
ABATE of SC
State Coordinator
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.)
Tip Jar: Your support helps fund the next adventure of cup of coffee!