In June of 1971, a new and exciting motorcycle publication was introduced EASYRIDERS

a motorcycle magazine for the entertainment of adult bikers.

About the same time that EASYRIDERS got underway an organization by the name of 

N.C.C.S.I (National Custom Cycle Safety Institute) got going. This organization was for

manufacturers and distributors. Their main function was to come out with their own safety

standards for custom parts. They concentrated mainly on custom front ends and frames

with raked necks. They are credited for keeping a lot of junk off the markets and were

able to keep Big Brother at arm’s length.

In Issue No. 3 October 1971, EASYRIDERS started a non-profit organization just for

bikers. It was called NCCA     (national Custom Cycle Association).  At that time, dues

were for a one-year membership. One must keep in mind that back in 1971 no other

motorcycle magazines except Roger Hall’s “Road Rider” was even giving an inch of space

to anti-bike legislation. Yet Lou Kimzey saw fit to take on the extra burden of starting a

rights organization.

It wasn’t long until Lou changed the NCCA to ABATE

(A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments). Lou came about the Eagle logo in an

old civil war publication. The eagle is one of the largest birds, and a strong flier. It has

long been used as a sign of power, courage and freedom.

In early 1972, Keith Ball arrived on the scene at EASYRIDERS.

He became Associate Editor of EASYRIDERS and Director of ABATE.

Through the work of Keith and the guidance of Lou, ABATE, started area coordinators

in different states to help organize bikers so that they could better represent ABATE

on the local level. This also helped form a better line of communication. From this

mushroomed a sophisticated network of state and county chapters.

In March of 1977, ABATE, through the help of the staff at EASYRIDERS, held a

State Coordinators meeting in Daytona, Florida. It was decided as a matter of policy

that ABATE, nationwide, as a lobbying organization would discourage back patches

on cut-offs. This was decided as necessary in order not to be misjudged as a “club”. 

Each ABATE state organization is now independent and on its own. This is some of the

story but if you would like to read all of it go to:

http://www.abateny.org/roots/history1.html I found this very interesting but I still

would like to know WHO got it started in Utah. I would like to

hear your information on this. Can anyone tell us the history of how ABATE started

in Utah and how Weber Chapter started.  Send your commits to

Cindy Strote jeffncindy3@msn.com