28th Annual NCOM Convention – Reno, Nevada
National Coalition of Motorcyclists, May 9-11, 2012
Riding thru thunder storms, hail and flooded roads with other ABATE members to attend the 28th Annual NCOM convention was worth the trip. ABATE of Washington was well represented and recognized as being part of the US Defenders program working with the Confederation of Clubs and other MRO’s to pass ground breaking legislation. Our Legislative Affairs Officer and our NCOM Ambassador were asked to speak at several breakout sessions on the importance of the Independent biker community (ABATE) working with the Defender program to get attention in Olympia. Our state was recognized by NCOM members from all over the United States for having passed/supported 6 bills in the last two Legislative sessions comprising of 2011-12 and 2013-with 2014 to bring forth more successes.
The beginning of Saturdays General Session was a somber, but proud event for the “Ringing of the Bell” and two Washington Freedom Fighters names were read: Cindy Hardin of Cowlitz County ABATE and Don Cuda, East Pierce County Chapter member of ABATE of Washington.
The NCOM convention is more than the clubs, COC, ABATE and other MRO’s. It is about learning about the obstacles we all face as motorcyclists in the future. Highway planning, profiling, freedom to choose on helmets, and fighting all that is adverse to the freedom of the road. Freedom of the road is endangered by many wanting to legislate and litigate our freedom of the road. This convention was the place to learn, teach and share with one another to better facilitate the affairs of your organization back home.
There were breakout sessions on “Women in Motorcycling”, “The World of Sport Bike”, “Your rights During a Traffic Stop”, “Clean and Sober”, “Christian Unity Conference”, “Anti-Profiling and Fusion Center Information Gathering Centers”, “Patch Holders General Meeting”, “General Meeting of Partners in Liberty which was COC’s, MRO’s and NCOM”.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Campbell
State West Deputy Coordinator
ABATE of Washington