Jr. Patriot Report - November 2026
Different Motorcycles – Same Brothers and Sisters
The people of the United States have usually prided themselves as being a sort of a “melting pot” of different countries and cultures. The different cultures that came to this country each brought their own customs. Many of these customs became a part of our special American culture. St. Patrick's Day celebrations, jazz music, and pizza were all brought to this country by various minority groups and ended up as a part of America that we can't imagine being without. This diversity has been with us since the earliest settlers and continues to this day amongst certain groups like the motorcycling community.
We often think of the Pilgrims as a group of early settlers that came here to seek religious freedom. Many of this group of early settlers were English members of the Separatist Congregation of Leiden, Holland (the Saints). But almost half of the settlers that came over on the Mayflower were, in fact, passengers (the Strangers) hired by the London Merchant Adventurers, the company that sponsored the Mayflower voyage. The Saints and the Strangers, though coming to the new world for different reasons, worked together and made the Plymouth Colony successful This led to more settlers and colonies. Within a hundred years, thirteen successful British colonies were thriving in North America.
The motorcycling community is made up of many different types of people also. Some bikers use their motorcycles as a cheap and convenient form of transportation. Still others see it as a pleasant form of recreation and for many, it is both recreation and transportation. Likewise, the types of motorcycles are as diverse as the types of riders. Some are only interested in basic transportation and will opt for a simple, no-frills motorcycle. Other bikers, to express their unique personality, will want a customized cruiser. Still others may want the comfort of a touring bike, while still others want the speed and fast handling of a sport bike. Many bikers own more than one type of motorcycle, so they have a bike to suit their mood for the day.
It is important to remember that ABATE of Wisconsin represents all riders and all types of motorcycles on a variety of freedom of the road issues. Some people have the wrong idea that we only care about Harley riders and that we don't like helmets. ABATE of Wisconsin's slogan is not the Harley Issue Experts, but we are the Motorcycle Issue Experts. Whether it’s a legal issue like preserving the ability to customize our bikes as we see fit, or a safety issue like having unsafe self-driving cars on the road, ABATE is the “go to” source of factual information. Just like the Saints and the Strangers worked together for the success of their colony, ABATE looks out for the freedom of the road for all bikers and types of motorcycles. Also, many ABATE members wear helmets when riding and many choose not to.
Happy Thanksgiving.
John
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