23rd Annual A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa Freedom Rally - Algona, Iowa

When I arrived at ABATE of Iowa's Freedom Park east of Algona, I received a very useful media packet from Phil McCormick, Assistant State Director and Rally Coordinator. I also picked up a copy of the rally newsletter that is available to all attendees. After pitching my tent, I started reading through the newsletter and looking at the schedule of events and the band list for the weekend. I am always amazed at the number of activities and the quality of entertainment scheduled for the Freedom Rally every year. A new activity added this year by Events Coordinator Jess Tepner was a 118-mile fun run/scavenger hunt on Friday morning.

I began Friday by attending a presentation on Iowa’s “Share the Road” program. The first round of dirt drags was also held on Friday morning followed by the first set of bike games including a beer race, barrel race, tire toss, and tug of war. At 4:00 p.m. it was time for the “unofficial grand opening” that is traditionally hosted by Moody and includes the weekend’s first “cooldown.” It’s ABATE’s version of a wet T-shirt contest. Gals compete in “Sportster” and “Big Twin” classes for money contributed by the audience. The purse was large, and there were plenty of competitors willing to bare all for a chance at a share of the loot. Friday’s entertainment included Hell or High Water, the Captain Ron Show, Loose Neutral, Corey Stevens, and the Randall Zwarte Band.

During the day Friday, a large group from Kansas City had arrived and set up camp in the area called “ABATE Circle.” After nightfall, I was visiting their campsite when we noticed the arrival of a lady on a baggage-laden Heritage Softail. She intended to get together with friends at the rally, but had given up on finding them in the darkness and was just looking for a good place to set up her tent. She became a member of our group for the duration of the rally. Nora had left children and a trusting husband at home in Arizona and trailered her bike to Indiana where she dropped off more children at their grandparents. Then she made the long solo ride to Algona, arriving a bit behind schedule. It turned out that one of the friends she hoped to see at the Freedom Rally was Nate “Natanic” Ullrich, a photographer and writer for Paisano Publications and, coincidentally, a friend of mine as well.

Saturday morning’s first event was another set of dirt drags followed by a sled pull. During the first round of pulling, a few of the bikes accomplished a full pull and continued on well past the end of the field events area, to the delight and amazement of the spectators. Bike games followed, including a slow ride, a keg roll, a ball snatch, a wienie bite, and a game called “Honey, I’m home!” That last game is a hoot to watch! It starts with a biker lying on a mattress with a female volunteer from the audience. When the announcer calls out, “Honey, I’m home,” the contestant jumps up, pulls on an extra-large pair of pants, climbs through a window frame, jumps on his bike, and rides to the finish line. This year, the lady volunteer decided to add to the realism of the game by going topless. Following the bike rodeo, members of the Sons of Silence M.C. staged a shovel pull exhibition event. Imagine sitting on a grain shovel tied to the back of a motorcycle and being dragged through the dirt at high speed. Those who participated survived and actually seemed to enjoy the experience, although they were covered with dust from head to toe by the time they were finished. Also on Saturday afternoon, the tattoo and beard contests were held, and my Kansas City friends received several of the plaques that were awarded.

The official opening ceremonies began at 4:00 Saturday afternoon with welcome speeches from Iowa ABATE State Coordinator Steve Rector, Rally Coordinator Phil McCormick, and local dignitaries. Janet Berte sang the National Anthem and an ABATE member sang a patriotic song that he had composed. The names of Iowa ABATE members who had passed away during the year were read. Members of the rally committee were on stage to receive a well-deserved round of applause, and special recognition was given to Jim and Janet Berte who have worked hard in support of the rally for many years and must now retire from the committee due to very unfortunate health issues involving their daughter.

After the opening ceremony, empty beer boxes were circulated through the crowd and were soon filled with cash for the winners of the daily cooldown. Once again, more than 20 biker babes entered the competition, and the crowd definitely got its money’s worth. Nudity isn’t confined to the stage at this rally. There are plenty of gals regularly circulating through the park on foot or on motorcycles to collect strings of beads from the guys. Traffic trough the grounds is restricted to bikes, golf carts, service vehicles and shuttles. This year there was a special area set up for RV camping inside the park. Also new this year was an on-site ATM for those who needed a bit more cash than they brought with them. The EMT crew benefited from running water and a new concrete pad outside serving the first aid building. Bands that performed in the large machine shed referred to as the “beer tent” also benefited from a new concrete pad. Since ABATE purchased the property in 2000, improvements have been made every year. Numerous volunteers work hard to perform all of the necessary tasks so that those who attend can enjoy the rally. Every year there are more than 30 vendors on hand selling food and merchandise.

Scheduled Saturday entertainment included Lotus, Sachem, the Captain Ron Show, Brother Trucker, El Loco, Trick Pony, and Dallas Moore. One band was forced to cancel due to the illness of one of the musicians, but the others did a great job. For rally attendees whose schedules did not require them to return home on Sunday, there was another fun run and even more entertainment including Eye-80, Forgiving August, Planet Rock, Think Floyd USA, and Jimmie Van Zant.

Once again, the Freedom Rally was an event well worth attending! Rain had persisted throughout the weekend in Kansas City, but the weather cleared, fortunately, just in time for my ride home.

Story and photos by Stripe

Special Thanks to Phil McCormick and Rally Committee
Best wishes to Jim, Janet, and Family