ABATE

Genesee County ABATE members held a fundraising drive today to benefit the fallen officers memorial at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Park Road in Batavia.

The group's goal is to raise money for a more substantial memorial rather than the metal signs currently commemorating officers who died in the line of duty.

About fifty riders participated in the run.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Top photo: Frank Gallo VP/ABATE, Tim Johnson.Pres./ABATE, John Peck, and Sheriff William Sheron.

At Stan's Harley-Davidson on Wednesday, members of Genesee County ABATE, along with representatives of veterans organizations in Genesee County, presented a $3,000 donation to Doug Titus, treasurer of the Disabled American Veterans van program.

The money was raised by ABATE in early June on a ride, which required a donation to join, that took members from the posts of VFWs and American Legions in the region, where they picked up donations. There was also a 50/50 raffle and the ABATE kicked in the last few dollars to round the donation up to $3,000.

Debbie Coon and Duane Coon talk with Fred Henry about his motorcycle outside the VA Hospital in Batavia.

Henry, from Indian Falls, who served 21 years in the Army, was one of a few dozen members of Genesee County ABATE who rode their bikes to the VA Center today to great the veterans there to help celebrate during Flag Day weekend.

Debbie reminded Duane, who served in the Navy from 1971 to 1975, that his motorcycle used to be the same color.

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and Genesee County ABATE held a safety awareness ride through Genesee County today starting at Stan's Harley Davidson.

County Legislator Gary Maha presented ABATE President Tim Johnson and VP Frank Gallo (left) with a resolution passed by the Legislature officially declaring May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Genesee County. The resolution calls on residents to be alert for motorcycle riders on roadways and to drive safely.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley also spoke briefly about the legislation in Albany that affects motorcycle safety and his support for motorcycle safety.

Genesee County ABATE sponsored a "Save the Headlights" fun run today, originating at Stan's Harley-Davidson in Batavia in support of breast cancer treatment and research. Funds raised from the event are being donated to Genesee Cancer Assistance.

This Saturday, Oct. 3, there will be a fun motorcycle ride for a good local cause -- raising money for Genesee Cancer Assistance and supporting breast cancer victims.

Cheekily called "Save the Headlights," it will be hosted at Stan's Harley Davidson in Batavia and the run is hosted by Genesee County NY ABATE.*

Registration is from 10 to 11:45 a.m. and kickstands go up at noon. Cost is $20 per rider and $10 per passenger.

There will be 50/50 raffles, basket raffles, door prizes and special item raffles, plus food trucks and more.

Don't forget to wear pink to show your support!

Stan's is located at 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia.

For more information visit their Facebook page, or email:   abategenesee@gmail.com

*ABATE stands for "American Bikers Aimed Toward Education." The nonprofit organization with chapters nationwide is dedicated to the freedom of the road -- preserving motorcyclists' rights, promoting safe operating practices, and raising motorists' awareness of motorcycles they share the roadway with.

Kelly Boyle delivers a few remarks this afternoon at Town of Batavia Fire's Station 1 to thank the volunteers for their service to the community as part of an ABATE motorcycle ride around the county to recognize firefighters.

Boyle said, "We thank you because you're there for us. You save us no matter who we are, white, black, or brown, you are there to help us when we need it most."

ABATE a national nonprofit organization of motorcycle enthusiasts which has a chapter in Genesee County -- also visited Mercy EMS, City fire, Stafford, and Le Roy today in their "Ride for the Red."

(ABATE is dedicated to preserving motorcyclist rights, promoting safe operating practices and raising motorists' awareness of motorcycles.)

More than 200 motorcycle club members from throughout the region came together Sunday afternoon to ride to the headquarters of various police agencies as a show of support for local law enforcement.

Organizer Jesse Underwood said it was a chance for members of Genesee ABATE to remind people that most cops are good cops and that they jeopardize their lives to protect and serve.

"They've got a tough job to do right now," Underwood said. "They get up in the morning and put on their badge and head out to work and they may not make it home again."

These photos are from the group's stop at the NYSP headquarters on West Saile Drive. The riders also stopped at the Sheriff's Office and Batavia PD before heading to Orleans County.

Photo and information from Jason Franklin.

Two checks totaling $4,000 were given to a couple of local nonprofits recently after money was raised Oct. 19 during an event called "Save Our Headlights."

Genesee Cancer Assistance received $3,500 and Care-A-Van ministries got $500.

The event was sponsored by ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) of Genesee County and Stan's Harley Davidson, and supported by CVMA 19-6, Genesee County Ladies of Harley and the CMA Barnabas Riders #724.

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and the ABATE-Genesee County Chapter is hosting a Motorcycle Awareness Ride and 2017 "Bike Blessing" on Saturday, May 13.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 10:45 at Stan's Harley-Davidson dealership at 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia. A free pancake breakfast will be served from 9 to 10 a.m., courtesy of CMA Barnabas Chapter.

Kick-stands up for ride at 11 a.m. The ride will be about 100 miles long.

At the end of the run, food will be available at Ken's Charcoal Pits on Main Street in Downtown Batavia.

Plus, there will be 50/50 raffles and door prizes.

"Bikers make lousy speed bumps. Drive Aware." Come out and ride and get everyone "used to seeing us back on the road for 2017."

Cost is $15 per rider, $5 per passenger.

For more information, email   roadcaptian110@gmail.com

More than 100 children turned out last night for "Baggerween," a free trick-or-treat event in the parking lot behind City Slickers, sponsored by ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education).

Participating bikers loaded up their saddle bags with candy for children in costume.

Photos provided by Jason Franklin.

This information is provided by the Genesee County Chapter of  ABATE -- American Bikers Aimed Toward Education

It's almost "Baggerween"! Instead of going house to house, get candy by going from motorcycle saddlebag to motorcycle saddlebag.

Bring your kids down to a safe well-lit place place to "trick-or-treat" from 6 to 8 p.m. on Satruday, Oct. 29, in the public parking lot behind Ken's Charcoal Pits, located at 59 Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

All motorcycles are welcome as long as the riders bring candy for the kids. Load up your ride and come on down!

Anyone who would like to serve as a Bagger to help create a fun night for local children is welcome help bag candy.

For info, please e-mail Jason:    roadcaptain110@gmail.com

Happy Halloween!