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A Proposed MRF Solution

Fast Fred Rafts & Travels

Fast Fred is a wandering guide enjoying endless summers and sharing adventure along the way.
I began writing these motorcycle pages of articles, photos, and trips during 2000.

A Proposed MRF Solution

by FastFred

Interestingly I have gotten quite a bit of feedback from my recent MRF article but no one has sent any negative feedback. I do support the MRF and its purpose. However I am concerned about the current governing structure and a lack of member representation as I stated in my previous article “Do You Blindly Trust the MRF?” I feel I have clearly stated the problem; I hope to outline a solution now.

Currently admistrative officers have the same voting rights as representatives of the membership. It seems the membership of the MRF would be better served if officers filling administrative roles did not have voting rights on the board of directors. It seems that existing positions such as two Member Representative Board Members, two State Representatives to the Board, and two Supporting SMRO Board Members would retain voting rights. It seems taking this one step further and adding at least two more Member Representative Board Members and elected each from specific regions of the country would further improve the membership's representation.

Administrative positions may well be best filled by appointment rather than elected to select officers with the desired technical skills. However these appointed positions are not representatives of the membership and as such should not have voting rights on the board. Administrative positions include the President, Vice President, Vice President of Government Relations, Government, Relations, Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Communications and Information, Conference Director, Director of Member Relations, Director of Product and Procurement, Director of Motorcycle Safety, Director of State Representative Program, and MRFPAC Director. It is reasonable that the president be allowed to vote in the case of a tie.

What you can do to help. I am not suggesting that anyone should not join the MRF or continue to maintain a current membership. I am suggesting that concerned motorcyclists contact all of the voting members of the MRF board and request change.

I would like to hear from you about your views on this issue.

About the author: FastFred Ruddock is an avid motorcycle rider who has a background in grassroots activism. Fred is a current member of the MRF, a former member of the MRF Board of Directors, a member of the Sons of Liberty Riders, and the current state coordinator of ABATE of SC. He writes regularly for the Biker Ezine and various regional motorcycle magazines in the southeast.

Read the current MRF bylaws for yourself.

Fast Fred Ruddock with a Helmet Ticket in Polk County North Carolina

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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