Guest Report - July 2026

2026 MRF Bikers in the Beltway

My story about the MRF 2026 Bikers in the Beltway started by leaving early on Thursday, May 14, on my Suzuki Boulevard so I could have a day or two to stay with my friends, Craig and Fran, who live In Alexandria (2 miles away from BITB Hotel). Craig actually stays in his cabin in Shawano County about 2 miles from me. I asked Craig if he would take me to my old church and home in Southern Maryland and he did. Do you know who Samuel Mudd is? He is buried at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Bryantown, MD.

Bikers in The Beltway brought in many SMRO’s into the hotel. Late Monday we met in the conference room where we figured who was going where, any last-minute goals were determined, and what folders still need to be delivered. On Tuesday, Cathy Dial and I hit the representatives in the Rayburn, Longworth, and Cannon House Office buildings on Independence Ave. There were many. The one I remember was the Hawaii representative who had sample macadamia nuts. Yum!

Our first meeting was at Bryan Steil’s office (Janesville/Medford area). Our meeting started without him, but he soon joined Cathy, Gary, and me to listen to our talking points and ASK’s. Next was Tony Wied’s office, my representative, and he joined Jennifer, Bob, Becky and me. It was Tom Tiffany’s office where the meeting occurred with Joe Wilson, Tiffany’s transportation contact, and Frank, Bryan, Hardtail, Steve, Becky, Bob and me. All meetings were prompt and thought-provoking.

I thought this was very cool as meeting other state representatives and seeing these buildings was so inspirational. The stairs were worn from those before. Also got some 250 souvenirs in the House Gift Shop.

Later Tuesday, we met at the hotel to talk about our wins and there is one that I’ll never forget. Another state MRF lobbyist stopped to drop off a folder, and the representative was in the office. He was super excited about the cause, motorcycle rights, as he was a motorcycle paratrooper who fell out of an airplane with a 750cc motorcycle strapped to his chest. Talk about exciting things people have done.

On my way home I was thinking about all that we had done. At the final overview meeting, Rocky asked us to contact our senators and representatives to remind them about the ASK:  "Or attire.”

This was one thing that we took to the hill, to add ”or attire” to the profiling bills, after the word “motorcycle.” Let’s see if it worked.

I’d like to summarize what we did on our federal lobbying day:

1st: We showed up to 100 senators and 535 representatives with our topics and asks. We did this in one day. 35 states represented. Everyone give yourself a hand!

2nd: A lot of great stories shared about the day...many positive relationships built and forged.

3rd: Profiling language needed a small change so an amendment was "an ask" for the change at each meeting, The change was to have two small words "or attire" added after *motorcycle" and it was important to send our transportation contact at each office an email or phone call reminder to make and approve the amendment and it needed to be done by today (5-20-26)! Let's see how that turns out on Thursday!

4th. I walked the halls with Cathy Dial passing out folders. Attended Steil, Weid, and Tiffany office discussions.

5th. Macadamia nuts from the Representative from Hawaii. Yum!

Pauline Forrest

ABATE of Wisconsin Region 3C Regional Rep