The chapter meetings are the last Sunday of the month, 1:57pm at Bogart’s Restaurant, 2710 Emanuel Church Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170. Next meeting is Sunday, April 27, 2025.

They open the kitchen early for us, so come early and enjoy some good food and fellowship.

Weather Update

Due to the chance of rain and the current Senate Budget debate we will meet inside the statehouse up on the Second floor Rotunda.

Some of us plan to eat at the IHOP across the street from the statehouse and leave around 11:00 a.m. to get through security and you are invited to come along with us if you want.

Thanks to those that are able to attend.

Special Statehouse Event

Please join us at the statehouse steps on Wednesday April 23rd for a presentation to the early pioneers Mr. Jesse McDugald and Mr. David “Easy” Briggs at 12:00 p.m. from the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee the Honorable Senator Larry Grooms.

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Introduced April 1, 2025 Senate Bill 517

By Senator Larry Grooms District 37 Berkeley

A senate RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE ABATE of South Carolina UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS fiftieth ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND abate of south carolina FOR ITS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize ABATE of South Carolina as it celebrates this important milestone; and

Whereas, in 1965, the federal government threatened every state with loss of federal funds if they did not pass a law mandating all motorcyclists wear helmets. In 1967, South Carolina passed a mandatory helmet law for those operating or riding on a two-wheeled motorized vehicle; and

Whereas, in 1975, Jesse McDugald, a member of ABATE National, a motorcycle rights organization founded by Easyriders Magazine, called the editors of Easyriders and told them that he wanted to start a chapter in South Carolina. Thanks to his efforts, ABATE of South Carolina was formed that same year; and

Whereas, in 1977, McDugald met with David “Easy” Briggs, the president of the Motorcycle Rights Association in Charleston. Because of their shared interests, the two decided to merge their organizations; and

Whereas, on June 16, 1980, through the combined efforts of bikers and non-bikers and members and non-members of motorcycle rights organizations, ABATE of South Carolina successfully lobbied to amend state helmet laws so that adults aged twenty-one years or older have the right to choose whether to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in South Carolina; and

Whereas, ABATE of South Carolina has been successful thanks to dedicated, hard-working South Carolinians who sacrifice for the promise of our founding fathers to “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” These members live by our state moto, “Dum Spiro, Spero,” translated as “While I Breathe, I Hope”; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment of ABATE of South Carolina to serving the people and the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate ABATE of South Carolina upon the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary and commend ABATE of South Carolina for its many years of dedicated service to the people and the State of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the members of ABATE of South Carolina.

ABATE of SC May Awareness Party. Saturday May 3, 2025 – Sunday May 4th. Bunky’s Tavern923 Old State Rd, Gaston, SC 29053

Congratulations to Julz Hynson of ABATECWC!! She made THE BEST CHILI EVER! ABATE of Lexington had a good turnout with several chapters and RC’s represented as well as a bunch of other folks. Everyone had a great time!

CWC ABATE encourages everyone to participate in the activities of our fellow ABATE Chapters.

ABATE CWC Coordinator Fred Ermel presenting Julie “Julz” Hynson with a ABATE CWC Above and Beyond Patch. This patch is a recognition of members that have gone ‘above and beyond’ in their support of the chapter. Julz has served as Assistant Treasurer for years and has recently moved to Treasurer. Wherever work is being done you will see Julz, wherever fun is being had you will see Julz, wherever you see people smiling having fun while working you will see Julz. Thank you to Julz for all that she does for us.

ABATE CWC Coordinator Fred Ermel presenting Ed Hammond with a ABATE CWC Above and Beyond Patch. This patch is a recognition of members that have gone ‘above and beyond’ in their support of the chapter. Fred and Ed are founding members of ABATE CWC Chapter. Ed wrote the by laws for the chapter and also designed the ABATE CWC logo

ABATE CWC Coordinator Fred Ermel presenting Eric Conner with a ABATE CWC Above and Beyond Patch. This patch is a recognition of members that have gone ‘above and beyond’ in their support of the chapter. Eric has served as our Sergeant at Arms for many years. Additional he works on the Christmas Parade float every year, helps run the Sweaty Seat Run, including biker games and cleanup. When he sees a need, he fills it.