Why does ABATE sponsor poker runs?

[alph]

A riding buddy and I did a poker run sponsored by the local ABATE club last year.  After about stopping at 25 bars I started feeling bad ‘cause most of the bar tenders there are happy to have the company, but we’re just there for the “punch” card stamp.  Well, there are only so many cokes a person can drink in a day, and I personally enjoy riding on the road, rather then sitting on a bar stool, plus, for those that do drink, and can drink 25 beers in a day, I would rather NOT ride with ‘em!!
 
So, if ABATE is all about motor cycle safety, why do they sponsor a motorcycle ride geared solely on visiting bars?

[tonyfan70]

Because that's what HD's and their riders seem to be geared for. Bar to bar.

Any farther than that and they need to be put on trailers.

[rainman]

A riding buddy and I did a poker run sponsored by the local ABATE club last year.  After about stopping at 25 bars I started feeling bad ‘cause most of the bar tenders there are happy to have the company, but we’re just there for the “punch” card stamp.  Well, there are only so many cokes a person can drink in a day, and I personally enjoy riding on the road, rather then sitting on a bar stool, plus, for those that do drink, and can drink 25 beers in a day, I would rather NOT ride with ‘em!!
 
So, if ABATE is all about motor cycle safety, why do they sponsor a motorcycle ride geared solely on visiting bars?

+1

[olddog1946]

Wow, I hope that isn't that way with all of them. I just joined last fall, not knowing there was a local chapter here in town. I don't drink, nor would I be interested in cruising around from bar to bar. Poker runs are fun, but not with that many stops. Five stops and a 100 miles or so is cool.

[Hoser]

A perfect poker run would be 200-300 miles, 5 stops, with the last one at a bar, and me having the best hand!    I went to one once, sponsered by a Yamaha Dealer,  but I did'nt have the best hand.    Hoser

[fudgie]

ABATE dont order your food or drinks for you.   

[Momz]

As an officer in ABATE of MI, I take offense to a blanket statement like that. In our region (14) we never stop a a bar, we however have a cider mill poker run that stops at,...you guessed it.....cider mills!

Every region in MI has a certain amount of autonomy and it is suggested that they not have card stops at bars, but sometimes the tavern owners are promoting sponsors, give discounts on food and beverages, or will not let you leave if your suspected to be "over the line". Here in MI, every ABATE function is insured, and that means that if someone gets drunk and has and accident, we must assume liability and possible legal action against us. To that we stress safe, sober riding.

[alph]

As an officer in ABATE of MI, I take offense to a blanket statement like that. In our region (14) we never stop a a bar, we however have a cider mill poker run that stops at,...you guessed it.....cider mills!

Every region in MI has a certain amount of autonomy and it is suggested that they not have card stops at bars, but sometimes the tavern owners are promoting sponsors, give discounts on food and beverages, or will not let you leave if your suspected to be "over the line". Here in MI, every ABATE function is insured, and that means that if someone gets drunk and has and accident, we must assume liability and possible legal action against us. To that we stress safe, sober riding.

it must be a wisconsin thing.   although, that cider thing would be neat!!  a friend mentioned that there should be a "cheese factory" poker run, since this is wisconsin, it would be more appropriate.  i have never heard of a "poker run" that wasn't a bar to bar thing.  maybe i should move to michigan, i like cider!!

[Steve K (IA)]

Here in Iowa, the ABATE chapters that I am aware of hold all their meetings in bars.   

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I went to an abate ride a few years ago but dropped out at the 2'nd bar. I didn't mind stopping at a bar, I decide what I drink. I just didn't want to stop that soon after the last stop. But, I'm still a member and have been for years.

They are the equivalent of the NRA for bikers, they work hard to protect my rights at the state level and I'm glad to give em my money because of it. I'm just not much for their rides.

[solo1]

My impression of ABATE was set some years ago when I attended a motorcycle beginners class.  Although I rode up on a 900F, I felt that I could learn something and I did, even though I didn't care for the instructors.

The class was taught by ABATE instructors who were not professionals. That were hitting on a young lady who did not want their attention. Everything taught in the class was invented by Harley Davidson riders. some exercises even had Harley names.  A laughable part was when they talked about helmets. It was funny to note that,although they were required to speak about helmets, they had a hard time keeping to the script. Altogether, a a bad choice for instructors biased 100% toward Harleys.

I rode 70 miles to my next class, an ERC.  There were classes available in Ft. Wayne, 2 miles, but they were ABATE sponsored and I did not want to attend another ABATE sponsored class.

I understand that ABATE recently has done much for the motorcyclists, I'll give credit for that. However, IMO, the American Motorcycle Association is where my money is.  I am a Charter Life member.  I don't much care for their mag but I do know that they are our watchdog on the state and Federal level.

As far as ABATE sponsored poker runs with bar stops, I can't personally speak on that but I do note that HD's are always parked outside of bars in our town.  However, I can't connect that with ABATE but I have a suspicion.

Before ABATE changed its name , didn't the name stand for "American Bikers Against Totalitarian  Edicts"?  

[Jess Tolbirt]

down here we once had a poker run called a "the Dam Ride" it was about a 200 mile loop and all the stops were at,,,yep you guessed it,,,"Dams" they had refreshments and snacks at each stop.. we had a great day that day.. it was put on by the Southern Cruisers Riding Club..

[Momz]

SOLO1

My wife is also an ABATE officer, but more important, she is a MSF certified rider coach.
ABATE of MI sponsored and paid for her MSF training. And yes, most MSF trainers are ABATE members.
If rider coaches cannot display their MSF certification, then they are not certified.
ABATE of MI endorses proper training (that includes HD Riders Edge courses).

More than not, most ABATE members are HD owners but that is changing rather quickly. Our region (14) probably has more valkyrie owners (all are VRCC members) than some VRCC chapters.

Don't judge all by the actions of a few!   

[fudgie]

Don't judge all by the actions of a few!   

Yes. My Valk is parked outside of bars. I dont always drink when I'm in there. Doesnt mean all Valkers are drinkers! 

[R J]

I went to an abate ride a few years ago but dropped out at the 2'nd bar. I didn't mind stopping at a bar, I decide what I drink. I just didn't want to stop that soon after the last stop. But, I'm still a member and have been for years.

They are the equivalent of the NRA for bikers, they work hard to protect my rights at the state level and I'm glad to give em my money because of it. I'm just not much for their rides.

Hey Stevie, ya need to get away from Altoona and Des Moines, and try a ABATE Poker Run.    They are not all Bar to Bar runs, and they are from around 200 to 350 miles long.    If it is a 100 mile or less, I don't bother.

Up in the Ida Grove area they stop at Convince stores, and usually end up at a park shelter house.

To answer the question in the 1st post as to why they have Poker Runs.

Poker Runs help gather $$$$$ for their District needs.

Our American Legion Riders Groups have Poker Runs to pull in funds for the year.   Some of these Groups, all have to travel together, stop at a Poker stop, everyone get checked in and proceed to the next stop.

The Ticket takers and Greeters think that is required on a Poker Run.  I, personally, think the Bar stops were the only place in the beginning that would allow them to fill the parking lot, so no one else could get in and then they would leave for stop #2.

When I was active in AMA District 22, I am a Life Member, got my 20 years in, in the early 70's. On a Poker Run we sold you a ticket, you traveled at your own leisure, stop where ever the stop was, city park, gas station, or whatever, no bars.   Also had to be back by a certain time, or you were left out.  It only happened to a few for them to learn, the Chief of the Run meant businness.

They always ended up at the start and most of the places had a food sponsor.   Garvis Honda here in Des Moines, and Adams Cycle in Ames sponsored Poker Runs for several years.    We held a National Poker Run here one year.  I've forgotten how many showed up and signed in.   I know we run out of food and HyVee the food provider had to hustle their grill/Cooker out from another store with food.    Was a nightmare at the start, but it settled down.    After that we no longer bid on the National Site again.   We got too many GREY hairs over it.   About 6 years later, the AMA group her in District 22, kind of folded up.   I was one of the last to leave, voluntarily I might add.   The gentleman and his wife who were the head of District 22, retired and moved to Colorado, They moved expecting to get in a lot of mtn riding.    6 months after the move, the wife passed away and Chuck moved back but never got involved in motors again.

Currently he is a shuttle driver for one of our big Dodge dealers, and from what I have heard kind of does the guzzling at night.   I don't know this for a fact, but I've seen him a couple of days at his job.    When his wife was alive, if you found 1, the other 1 was not very far off.

[Gryphon]

Before ABATE changed its name , didn't the name stand for "American Bikers Against Totalitarian  Edicts"?  

I'll have to dig out my card from 20+ years ago, but I believe is was originally: " A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments"