THUNDER PRESS reader, rider, animal rights champion and Kootenai Chapter ABATE of North Idaho member Duane Justus wrote recently and reminded me of one of his chapter’s May rides. Here’s what Duane had to say: “ABATE of North Idaho has our Freedom Run coming up on May 17 and it starts at Lawrence’s at 1704 N. Government Way in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.” He told me the sign-up will start at 10, with kickstands up at 11:00 and the flyer says a $20 donation would be appreciated. Questions should find answers by calling Dan at 208.659.8499. Justus said, “There’s a wonderful route planned, riding through the Palouse down to Fairfield to take in the museum in town, then food at Fredneck’s Bar & Grill in Rockford. Should be fun for all.” Recently Justus flew to Palm Springs for his mom’s 90th birthday with 175 of her closest family and friends. He said of the event, “You can never turn down a free meal and drinks, right?”… ABATE of Oregon is about to celebrate the 37th annual Fossil Campout (www.fossilcampout.com) at the Bear Hollow Campground south of Fossil, Oregon, on Friday, May 23–26. The gates will open at noon Friday, and you can listen to the likes of the Diamondback and Ted Vaughn Blues Band over the weekend with music both Saturday and Sunday nights. The event flyer says it all: Poker Runs, Games, Bike Shows, Drawings, Espresso, “plus whatever else we can think of.” Only things unwelcome would be fireworks, firearms or loose critters. Dogs have to be on their leashes at all times. There are some specifics about camping, RV’s, day passes, and hours the gate will permit comings and goings, so check that out. Advance tickets are available on the website for a $5 savings per head. Pricing at the gate it’s $40 for nonmembers or $35 for members. Questions about the RV spaces, tent site or darned near anything else should be directed to 503.463.6340, or e-mail dspainlj@gmail.com… A lot of people don’t pick up a THUNDER PRESS until the second week of the month, and that means for those events mentioned early on in any given month, the ship has likely sailed (and you’ll have missed the boat, Skipper). But nautical platitudes and latitudes aside, ABATE of Washington State’s own Jimmy is anxious for you to have a heads up about the Thursday–Sunday, June 12–15, ABATE Spring Opener to be held in Easton, Washington, near exit 70 off I-90. Silver Ridge Ranch (www.silverridgeranch.com) is the 44-acre site and ABATE will provide all the normal bells, whistles, bikini bike wash flesh and charbroiled animal flesh folks have come to anticipate. There’s even a bike raffle on Saturday night. Expect a great lineup including a scavenger hunt Thursday and Friday, Poker Run Friday morning, live music Thursday and Friday featuring five bands with the headliner an all-girl local AC/DC tribute band called Hells Belles that, as Jimmy says, “really rocks.” Look for a great bike show, tattoo contest, bike games, camping, showers, chow and vendors galore. If you have a RV and need a hookup, call for reservations at: 253.845.7013. RV sites require some fundage, but tent camping is free and ice and firewood are available for sale. If you want to buy tickets early you’ll save $5 off the gate price. You can do that online at www.abate-wa.org by clicking the events tab, drop down menu says “Spring Opener” and there’s a “buy tickets” link to PayPal (for a $1.75 fee per ticket). At-the-gate prices are $45 for nonmembers and $40 for those who support ABATE by way of their membership. Only “no” items to adhere to include: no pets, no one under 21, no alcohol sales on premises, and no fireworks or nasty dispositions (I threw that one in myself). Do you have questions? Call Jimmy at 253.678.1713 and he’ll set you straight…
