Letter Writing 101

First let us give thanks to all the legislative warriors that have been generating letters and lobbying at the state house; you are the folks that make ABATE of SC successful not the state coordinator or other leaders in the spotlight. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.

Cathy, Julie, and Norma have all been doing a fine job of generating letters at their local biker hang outs; others such as the Southern Vikings MC have also done an excellent job increasing the effectiveness of our grassroots organization by posting notices of upcoming subcommittee meetings and the like in public places. Our Horry, Berkeley/ Dorchester, and Lexington chapters have all been busy writing many letters at their meetings. As I write this, I am aware that Festus and Screwy of our York chapter will be working the CBA swap meeting in Charlotte to recruit new members and generate still more letters. All of you working behind the scenes and even those not mentioned above, please rest assured you have my love and respect.

Let’s rev up our motors and get ready to succeed again. Please take the time to complete the letter inserted in this newsletter opposing S 40 and mail or deliver it to your state senator; consider making copies and encouraging your friends to do the same.

Why write letters? Letters are an effective way to lobby your elected officials. Even personal visits to the state house are more effective if you leave letters with your legislators explaining the purpose of your visit. When to write letters? Write letters when you wish to have new legislation introduced or when you support or oppose pending legislation. Remember bills are easier to kill when they are still in committee.

Who to write? Write to your elected officials and to committee members where bills of interest reside.

How to write letters? The first and most important part of your letter is the subject line at the top. Keep the subject short and sweet such as: “Oppose S40 Traffic Cameras.” The subject should be followed by a salutation such as “Dear Senator.” The body of your letter is important and should focus on just one issue; keep your letter friendly and on topic. Limit your letter to one page for maximum impact. Don’t forget the complimentary close of your letter such as “Sincerely.” The most important part of your letter is your signature, printed name, voter registration number, and complete mailing address. Your voter registration number adds a great deal of weight to your letter so please write it on the back of your ABATE membership card so you will always have it handy!

How to organize a letter writing effort? Make copies of this month’s insert or visit our web site for more sample letter material. Attend a biker related function and ask folks to sign and complete the letters. I suggest you get their 9 digit zip code to save time routing the letters to the proper legislators. Driver licenses list the 9 digit zip code of the holder.

How to route letters from the general public? You may lookup legislators by the 9 digit zip code of voters in their districts at http:// www.scstatehouse.net/cgi-bin/ zipcodesearch.exe

Consider hand delivering the letters collected; others and I who have taken time off from work to ride to the capitol to deliver these letters can attest that is both a fun and rewarding experience. If you have questions or comments about this subject, please feel free to contact me at ff@abatesc.com or 843-345-5926.

Have I done that which I can do to the best of my ability? HELL NO but I'm still trying!

FastFred Ruddock
ABATE of SC State Coordinator

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.

Questions & Connect

Got questions about solo travel, Latin America, or budgeting? I'd be happy to give you honest answers!

• Email me directly: fastfredruddock@gmail.com
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Gear & Support

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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