Rodz-n-Ryds of Severna Park Hosts ABATE Motorcycle Club

The parking lot of the (formerly Snyders pub) on Earleigh Heights Road was packed with motorcycles early Sunday morning as the ABATE nonprofit motorcyclist organization gathered for a complimentary breakfast before heading to Annapolis.

ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) is a grassroots motorcycle rights organization with members throughout Maryland.

Despite the rainy, cool and dreary weather, about 75 members of the club came from counties all over the state to join in the ride to raise awareness and to continue its protest on the helmet law that went into effect this time of year back in 1992. The group rode from the restaurant to downtown Annapolis to circle the State House.

"We are not anti-helmet, we are anti-helmet law," said Steve Strohmier, state legislative representative for the local Maryland chapter of ABATE. "We simply want the freedom of choice—not a mandatory law."

The group will also be riding to help raise money for the located in Severna Park on Oct. 22, beginning at the Lake Shore Plaza in Pasadena and concluding at the Cisco Center for a tour. All motorcyclists and drivers of vehicles are welcome to participate with a $10 donation.

Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., with kickstands up at 10 a.m., and the ride will conclude with a tour of the school located at 350 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.

The Cisco Center serves special needs children and was devastated by a fire in February 2010. The school is being rebuilt with the help of the community.

There will be door prizes. Call Gary Kiser 443-742-5577 for additional details or email rgk01@live.com.