Motorcycle Rider News, Reviews & Events

ABATE of Ohio

110 acres of primitive camping at the Abate Of Ohio June Jam held this year June 20-22, 2008 at the Hopedale American Legion Grounds, Hopedale O-High-O. This year Abate celebrated 30 yrs that the June Jam has Jammed with Live bands on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring Rick Magee & The Roadhouse Rockers!!! June Jam has been drawing crowds for yrs as attendance was up this year. *Poker Run *Tattoo Contest *Arm Wrestling *Wet "T" Shirt Contest *Legion Canteen Carry out Available *Vendors*Abate Products Event T / Shits etc, etc. *Ride In Bike Show *Live Music *Go Carts for rent $ 110.00 for the weekend First Come First Serve *A short Prayer Service held on Sunday morning by CMA Breakfast Friday & Saturday Morning at the American Legion $25.00 for Members $40.00 for Non-Members Save $15.00, Join ABATE at the gate!!!

I got a late start on Saturday morning of riding out to O-High-O, I need another 12 hours in a 24 hour day. I'm not sure if it's me getting younger or I have too many rods in the fire either way I don't have enough of time to get all my shit done. I have been nonstop on the ride since May 15 th when I left for Texas and here it is June 21st and I'm still pounding the pavement every weekend going to all these gigs to bring you all the Rumblenews after working a full time job... It was about 1 pm when I pulled out of the garage, fueled up, checked my oil, top it off and hit the road. Beautiful blue skies the temp was perfect 77* not too hot. Before I left I checked the weather, no rain in site, even more perfect! Rolled into the gate booth at 3:15 pm and got checked in. Once up top I found a place to park.

The Rodeo Games were under way as I walked down to the field. After a few hours of fun & lots of laughter it was time for the ride In Bike Contest, followed by the Tattoo contest on stage. Everyone was having a rockin good time at the kick start party. There were tents and campers all over the hillside and through out the 110 acres of bikers partying and hollering. I had just missed the Memorial Service of The Motorcycle Memorial Foundation, which I was really trying not to miss this service. I had raised money in coffee cans at the HD dealer for Donny Mack's name added to the wall in May 2008 and I wanted to get a picture of it for the HD dealership here in town. I plan on putting on a Memorial Run out of Gatto's in Tarentum, Pa soon for a Labor Day run to the Motorcycle Memorial Wall.

As I was getting ready to walk up the hillside to the Memorial, I noticed that the skies were starting to look like some serious rain approaching. My thoughts of getting some pictures were not this time! It was time to pack up my camera and equipment and pack the bike and get the hell out on the road, I had 100 miles to get back home! I had met some old friends from other events that were there, Nice too see ya again, keep in touch! Ya hear...Met some new friends always a pleasure, send me an email Tracy, said my laters....until next time...

And as I looked over my shoulder to see the sky, it was RIGHT there over me! As I rode down the hill someone said it's too late, it's raining, maybe you better stay right here, I said no I can't, I have another gig to be at in the morning! The rain drops were getting bigger and were hurting more as I went however I pressed on....I had to get ahead of it even if it was 2 miles, I upped my speed to 90 to get a head start, thought about the Police and then I thought catch me if you can...I'm not going to be sitting along side the road in these storms, had enough of that coming back from Texas!!! As I rode I had got ahead of the storm by just a few miles and slowed down to the speed limit however I had always seen those threatening black n blue skies in my rear view mirrors.

I went east, then north, the roads were soaked from another storm, the fog was heavy and the humid made it less visible as well see, keep going....I thought, get through it...Up the road about 15 miles near the Pittsburgh Airport the skies looked like nighttime. I was thinking of where I could hold up at however I really didn't want to stop in fear that the rains wouldn't stop, then I'd be screwed big time! My better judgment says stop but my inner self is a pretty tough one to press on...glad I did as I went south, blue skies once again.

That was close.... Like playing a hand of poker. As I got about 15 miles from home, it turned for the worse. Up went the speed again to try to get home before the skies cried on me. The winds were really really kicking up, the dirt from the roads and the dust was twirling like a tornado burst, I seen paper and debris flying through the air, garbage cans and lids all over the roads as I dodge obstacles on the roads..dam...As I opened the garage door, I felt my first drop of rain on my face.

I went in the house and turned on the computer too see the radar...I was too close for disaster! Wish I could have stayed longer, The O-High-O ABATE June Jam is a event that has nonstop entertainment and fun. Or just sit back and enjoy the bands and meet new friends. What ever you do , just pack up your bike and I'll see ya next year! REMEMBER; The $$$ raised this weekend helps fund our battles to protect "YOUR" right to ride!Have a great time and a wonderful summer. ABATE OF OHIO Where the road never ends....Luuezz