Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF)
BEAST of the EAST
Motorcyclists' Right Conference - Charlotte, NC 4-22-06
www.mrf.org

For the first time in the MRF's twenty year history, the BEAST of the EAST motorcyclists' rights conference was held in North Carolina. This regional conference is usually held in the northeast. This year, the MRF honored CBA/ABATE of NC by allowing us to host the BEAST.

This year, 123 riders from 15 states attended. The following states were represented:

Massachusetts
North Carolina
South Carolina
Georgia
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Tennessee
Colorado
New York
Ohio
Maryland
Michigan
Rhode Island
Indiana

The BEAST was a great time. We all learned more about growing our state organizations and lobbying our elected officials. We received updated information on federal and state legislation from around the country, and we had a great time enjoying friendship with our activist peers from many states.

Special thanks goes out to Carol Downs, Peggy Burns, Sarah Muckenhoupt, and many others for doing a great job organizing the BEAST.

Thanks also goes to the Charlotte CBA for sponsoring the hospitality suite and also to the NC Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs for providing security for the bikes ALL WEEKEND LONG !!! You all are greatly appreciated.

The next MRF regional conference will be the BEST of the WEST on June 17, 2006 in Prescott, Arizona.

Below is the agenda from the BEAST along with a few photos.

Agenda:

Friday, April 21, 2006
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM - Meet The Board hosted by MRF President, Karen Bolin and SMRO introductions

Saturday, April 22, 2006
8:00 AM – 11:45 AM - General Session - Legislative Update – Karen Bolin, MRF President

1:00 PM- 2:30 PM - Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1-A: Holding Successful Meetings, Bruce Downs - ABATE of CO
Breakout 1-B: Planning a Trip To DC, Deb Knox CBA of NC Information Director
Breakout 1-C: FARS Data - How Accurate Is It? Teri Stobbs - Massachusetts Motorcycle Association
Breakout 1-D: Motorcycle Specific Legislation - What is Happening Where? Imre Szauter, AMA

2:45 - 4:15 PM - Breakout Sessions
Breakout 2-A: Motorist Awareness Programs, Bruce Downs - ABATE of CO
Breakout 2-B: Motorcycle Accidents - Who's Responsible and How Do We Change It?, Lou Petrucci - Rhode Island Motorcycle Association
Breakout 2-C: Recruiting and Maintaining Members, Gary Slawter - MRF BOD Member/ABATE of Michigan
Breakout 2-D: A Brainbus Tour of the MRF, Carol Simpson, MRF BOD Member/CMT/ABATE of Tennessee

5:30 - 6:00 PM - Cocktails - Review of Silent Auction Items
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Dinner banquet and Auction

Sunday, April 23, 2006
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Worship Services by His Laboring Few Biker Ministry
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Blessing of the Bikes