July 28th, 2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16ZcY7wa6b/?mibextid=wwXIfr
As a passionate supporter of motorcycling and our nation’s veterans, I’m excited to share why the Ride for Our Troops event on August 9, 2025, in Seattle, WA, means so much to me. This event, organized in partnership with ABATE of Washington and the Xtreme Couture GI Foundation (XCGIF), is more than just a motorcycle ride—it’s a powerful way to honor combat veterans and their families while celebrating the freedom of the open road. Although I’m not yet a formal member of ABATE, I aspire to join their ranks and am sharing this to raise awareness for this incredible cause.
What ABATE Stands For
ABATE stands for “A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting motorcyclists’ rights and promoting motorcycle awareness, education, safety, and liberty through community involvement and legislative action. In Washington, ABATE’s mission is clear: to ensure freedom of the road by fighting anti-motorcycle legislation and advocating for fair laws that respect riders’ choices. Their mission statement, as found on their website, reads, “Membership is open to anyone interested in promoting freedom of the road, whether you ride a motorcycle or not. Ensure your freedom by fighting anti-bike legislation and promoting fair motorcycle legislation.” This resonates deeply with me, as it champions individual freedom and community responsibility—values I hold close.
ABATE of Washington goes beyond legislative advocacy, fostering a sense of brotherhood among riders and supporting initiatives that benefit communities. Their work includes promoting safety programs, raising public awareness about motorcyclists, and backing charitable causes like the Ride for Our Troops. By partnering with organizations like XCGIF, ABATE amplifies its impact, blending a passion for motorcycling with a commitment to giving back.
Why the Ride for Our Troops Matters
The Ride for Our Troops, now in its fifth year, is a 100-mile motorcycle poker run starting and ending at Sound Harley-Davidson in Marysville, WA. Scheduled for August 9, 2025, it welcomes riders of all skill levels to enjoy a scenic journey, collecting cards at various stops to build a poker hand, with a special skills test at the final stop. Registration costs $30 per bike and $10 per passenger, including a poker hand, swag bag, event ride pin, and breakfast. Additional poker hands, lunch tickets, raffle entries, and event merchandise are available, with prizes like $500 for the best hand and $250 for the worst, ensuring fun for all. The ride wraps up with live music, food, and a prize ceremony, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
This event is special because it raises funds and awareness to support combat veterans and their families through XCGIF, founded by U.S. Army veteran and UFC legend Randy Couture. XCGIF helps ease the financial burdens faced by veterans dealing with physical and mental challenges like PTSD, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and combat stress. As someone who deeply respects the sacrifices of our service members, I view this ride as a meaningful way to give back to those who’ve given so much for our freedom. Riding alongside Randy Couture, a decorated veteran and advocate, makes it even more inspiring.
This event is personal to me because it combines my love for motorcycling with my commitment to supporting veterans. The thrill of riding with fellow enthusiasts, collecting poker hands, and enjoying the camaraderie of the road is exhilarating, but knowing that every mile ridden helps veterans and their families overcome financial and emotional hardships fills me with pride. Whether through sponsorships (ranging from $250 booths to $10,000 Diamond packages), volunteering as a ride stop greeter or registration helper, or simply participating in the ride, every contribution counts. I’m especially moved by XCGIF’s mission to provide holistic support, helping veterans thrive despite their challenges.
The partnership with ABATE of Washington elevates this event, as their dedication to freedom and community aligns perfectly with XCGIF’s goals. Together, they create a powerful platform to honor veterans while celebrating the motorcycle culture that unites riders. For me, this ride is a chance to live out ABATE’s mission of brotherhood and education while supporting a cause that touches my heart.
I hope to one day join ABATE formally, but for now, I’m proud to spread the word about this meaningful event.
Join on August 9, 2025, at Sound Harley-Davidson for a day of riding, connection, and giving back. Ride for our troops and show them they’re not alone.
— Samantha Syrnich TLC
The Phoenix Quill: Words Born of Fire, Inked in Truth 