2026 State Rally
I have attended all but one Virginia state rally since 1988 and I never get tired of going. I look forward to the ride up, the brother and sisterhood, games, music, and good times each year. Though locations are often the same, the event is always different. For some members, it is a rare chance to see folks from chapters far from home.
Though this is one of the few years I did not make it up on Friday night, those who did had a chance to enjoy the DJ music and Tronco’s chili. I did make it up early enough Saturday to grab a little leftover breakfast. After the morning ride, we got down to business with the state BOD meeting. It was overwhelmingly decided to continue using the Augusta Expo Center for the Rally. A bit later, Kim kindly introduced me to the manager and the dates for next year’s rally are set for September 17-19, 2027.
Members continued the day with trips to the food trucks and other vendors there. The bike games provided entertainment while folks mingled, talked, and participated in the silent auction. Evening time brought more DJ music and a rousing round of musical bingo. Then Sunday came and it was time to head home, thinking about Lobby Day in January and next year’s rally.
I want to give a big shout out to Chuck, Kim and the rest of the Rally Committee for all of the hard work they did to put the rally on the past few years. It takes a lot of work to make everything come together. Chuck has called a committee meeting at MJs in Bedford at 2:00 pm on October 18 to finalize any loose ends as we re-form and begin planning for future rallies. I hope some committee members will continue to help and that others will step in with fresh ideas and energy.
I could not include all of the great pictures from the weekend, but please enjoy those included below
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Daisy’s Ride
Sunday, August 30 brought out the best in Biker compassion as Daisy’s Run was held in memory of a little girl who passed on last year while SML and Roanoke area chapters were trying to help her. Below are remarks from her mom, Kristen Gilmer. Note- The final donation was $1000.
“If you were in Vinton today and heard/saw about 65+ motorcycles, that was all for my sweet Daisy girl 
Star City Abate of VA, Backroads, Halesford, Mt Thunder, Empty Tomb, Star City Soldiers, Noke Riders RC and individual riders all came together to ride for Daisy. Together, they raised $964 for us to Donate to ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation in Daisy’s honor so that one day there will hopefully be a cure for this terrible cancer.
State Rally
Two more weeks! Provided nothing goes wrong, this will be the 38th Rally I have attended. (I missed 2006 on purpose) How these events turn out largely depends on who is there. It is also a good chance to attend a Board of Directors meeting for those who cannot normally make it. We hope to see you there.
Sen. Suetterlein Visit
mes.Crystal Leigh Spence Ride
Sunday August 16 was a bittersweet day at the Salem Moose Lodge. The Blue Ridge/ Back Roads chapter held an emergency fundraiser for a departed sister’s family. Crystal passed away in her sleep while on vacation at Virgina Beach and the chapter raised funds to help bring her home. Lots of folks came out in support on short notice in iffy weather. Sad occasion, but good to see brothers and sisters from other chapters and organizations coming out to support family. A scenic ride was followed by fellowship and music by Blue Connection.
Rick Lucas Memorial Run
Catawba Valley Chapter hosted a ride-and-social event in memory of Rick Lucas on August 8 at the Salem Moose Lodge to benefit the Roanoke Angels of Assisi. The well-organized event collected a truckload of pet food and donations totaling over $6000! I was pleased that members of six different ABATE chapters came out in support. I tagged along behind one of several groups to make the ride. August and September are shaping up to be busy. Keep the rubber side down.
The Professor
Toys for Kids Run
I want to thank Star City chapter for joining me in representing at the 1st Annual Toys for Kids poker run. I was at the beginning, and they were closer to the end. I think this event can get bigger in coming years and can be great public relations while supporting a great cause. With Bedford being close to Roanoke and Lynchburg area chapters, the potential for positive public exposure is tremendous.
Congratulations go out to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, Bedrock Thunder, the Bedford County Volunteer Fire Departments, Benjamin’s Restaurant, HD of Lynchburg, and others. It was well organized and supported. Benjamin’s had plenty of friendly wait staff on hand. I almost did not buy a shirt, until I saw the badge emblem on the front, lol.
STATE RALLY!
Rick Lucas Memorial Ride
The Catawba Valley Chapter is sponsoring an old school poker run in memory of Rick Lucas on August 8 to benefit Roanoke’s Angels of Assisi organization. Registration begins at 8:00 am at the Salem Moose Lodge with kickstands up at 10:30. Food and live music will be there also. See the flyer below for more details and come on out!
WEBSITE SCAM
WARNING!-
Someone used my email address from this website to try and scam me. They claimed to be Stan and wanted me to buy gift cards for a charity. I checked the return address. IT WAS NOT Stan!
Always confirm where an email is coming from and NEVER click a link in an email. I was recently victim of an identity theft attempt and it is no fun. Be safe online.
The Professor
2026 MRF Bikers Inside the Beltway
2026 MRF Meeting of the Minds
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NATIONAL COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS
NCOM – Motorcycling activists from across America come together at the 2026 NCOM Convention
VIRGINIA CITIZEN’S DEFENSE LEAGUE
The Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) was founded in October 1994 as the Northern Virginia Citizens Defense League (NVCDL). The group experienced enormous growth in membership statewide and was incorporated as VCDL in May of 1998.
VCDL is a non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots organization dedicated to advancing the fundamental human right of all Virginians to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I Section 13 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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