A.B.A.T.E. of Indiana

10/05/2026

Ride in Freedom Act

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is glad to see lawmakers bringing freedom of choice to Washington, D.C. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) and Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) have introduced the Ride in Freedom Act, H.R. 10067 in the House and S. 5274 in the Senate, which would stop the District from forcing every rider to wear a helmet. We thank them for standing up for riders and for the principle that adults can make their own decisions on the road.

Let's be clear about what this bill does and doesn't do. The Ride in Freedom Act does not tell anyone to take off their helmet, and it does not ban helmets. It simply puts the choice back where it belongs, with the rider. If you want to wear a helmet, wear one. If you don't, that decision should be yours, not the government's. Riders in many states already enjoy that freedom, and those who live in or ride through our nation's capital deserve the same respect.

The MRF is your voice in Washington, but lawmakers need to hear directly from riders. Stand with us and ask your members of Congress to cosponsor the Ride in Freedom Act.

Click here to contact your lawmakers.

CLICK THE LINK FOR THE CALL TO ACTION PAGE
TAKE ACTION! https://tinyurl.com/mww3bxf3

10/05/2026

Congratulations, Versailles class of October 4!

10/05/2026

Congratulations, Kokomo class of October 4!

10/05/2026

Congratulations, Granger class of October 4!

10/02/2026

From the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Washington, D.C.

New Federal Fuel Economy Rules Announced

On September 28, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation finalized a rule resetting Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for model years 2022-2031. The rule projects an industrywide average of about 34.9 miles per gallon by model year 2031, well below the 50.4 mpg average projected under the rules finalized in 2024. The standards apply to passenger cars and light trucks. Motorcycles are not affected because this federal fuel economy law covers only 4-wheeled vehicles.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) sees the rule as another action in defense of the internal combustion engine. Preserving the internal combustion engine is one of the 12 high-priority items on the MRF's 2026 federal legislative agenda. People working to end the internal combustion engine have used ever-higher fuel economy standards to force manufacturers into building electric vehicles. They set targets so steep that shifting production to EVs became the only realistic way to comply. The Department itself said the prior standards effectively required a switchover to electric vehicles that was out of step with market realities and customer demand.

"Motorcycles may be outside this rule, but riders shouldn't assume that will always be the case," said MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. He added, "Every push against the internal combustion engine has started with cars and trucks, and bikes are the logical next step. The MRF will keep watching closely and will oppose any effort to bring fuel economy mandates or EV requirements to motorcycles.”

10/01/2026

LAST-MINUTE AVAILABILITY NOTICE! We are pleased to announce that limited spots have become available at our Fort Wayne and Indianapolis locations for the weekend of October 9th. Don't miss this opportunity to enroll before the registration deadline. No permit is required, and upon course completion, you can add your endorsement to your license. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/y3kjchmz

10/01/2026

What's happening at ABATE this weekend?
There's ALWAYS something happening?

Region 11 ChiliFest 2026
Friday, October 2, 2026 - Sunday, October 4, 2026
Lawrence County Recreational Park, 99 Moore Lane, Springville, IN. Registration opens at noon on Friday, October 2nd. Free camping; limited electric sites available. Co****le Tournament, Mini Bike Games, Hayrides, Live Music. $25 per person, $35 per couple, $5 for kids up to 16 years old. For more information, email [email protected] or call (317) 690-0002.

Region 4 Think Pink Ride
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Benefiting Breast Cancer Awareness
Starts at Crossroads Motorsports, 3540 SR 38 E #301, Lafayette. Sign-in starts at 10:30 am, and kickstands up at noon. Ride ends at Colfax Park, E Park St, Colfax. $21 per rider; riders 12 and under ride free (proceeds go to Breast Cancer Awareness). For more information, email [email protected] or call (219) 279-2579.

10/01/2026

09/30/2026

Congratulations, Merrillville class of September 27!

09/29/2026

In Memory of Bob "Preacher" Eckert

ABATE of Indiana is saddened to announce the passing of Bob "Preacher" Eckert, a 24-year member and spouse of Suzanne Eckert, our Region 10 Director, whom we lost a couple of years ago. Preacher was an incredible man who was always there to help… we will truly miss him. Godspeed, Preacher. Say hello to Suzanne for us. See you on the other side.

Arrangements: Services will be held at Nass & Sons Funeral Home, 208 N Main St, Huntingburg, IN. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A ride will leave from the funeral at 11 am for a graveside service at 11:30 am.