The 2008 run to the State Capitol is now history and we had a great showing and got a lot of feed back along with making some new contacts in the legislature.  This ride is more important than any other ride you will ever do anywhere.  This is about your rights as motorcyclists, something you have been fighting for since you joined this organization.  The organization realizes that you have to take off work to be there but in these times it’s understandable that many of you have your families to look after.  For those who made it Thank You.  You made a difference by showing that you know what you want and will fight to keep what you have.

   I want to thank all of you who worked the Bike Week Campground.  Bike Week was down all over the area but everyone still had a great time.  It’s amazing that Lake had over 900 hours total and Seminole was only 100 behind and both chapters had a great showing on the Tallahassee ride.  I want to thank our two chapters who came from the longest distance to Bike Week.  Southernmost and Gulf Coast, every year you come and help out and we want to thank you and everyone else who helped.

   I also want to thank Tammy Brickley and Cyndi von Bulow for their dedicated work as members of the state board of directors.  You both were great assets and will be missed.

   The months and years ahead are going to be a trial to motorcyclists.  We have the Federal Government trying to take our safety money and now we have the state of Florida trying to take our $2.50 that we pay every time we register our bikes.  We are starting to become a pawn in the money game and it needs to stop.  Our lives are at stake and the lives of everyone in motorcycling.  The general election is in November and we must get rid of some of the dead weight and replace them with new legislators.  It makes no difference what party as long as they support our rights.

   The next State Meeting will be hosted by Independence Chapter and I hope everyone will be able to attend.  Until then “Ride Safe and Free!!!!!”