Original photograph album documenting rallies of motorcycle enthusiasts and anti-helmet law advocates in Georgia, 1977-1978

N.p.: N.p., 1978. Vintage photograph album documenting A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments (ABATE) and other motorcycle rallies in Georgia throughout 1977 and 1978. Album contains 17 photographs and over 120 collaged photograph clippings, as well as two International Drag Bike Association (IDBA) passes and an ABATE photograph identification card.

Compiled (as noted on the photograph album's introductory leaf) by enthusiasts Sheila Fowler and Doug Crocker, the album captures several motorcycle gatherings throughout 1977 and 1978. Leaves bear the following annotations noting locations and dates: "Lake Sinclair 1st-2nd / Lake Sinclair ABATE Statewide Meeting + Run / ABATE Motorcycle Festival 22nd / + Run Oct 23rd / + Run Oct 23rd," "Lake Sinclair / Oct. 1st + 2nd 1977 / ABATE Statewide Meeting," "Daytona / March '79," "ABATE of Georgia 1977," "ABATE of Georgia 1978," and "Smoke Riders Foot Race '78 / Moses + Grandma Crocker '78." The two passes (a pit pass and a vehicle pass) indicate another gathering at the International Drag Bike Association Spring Nationals of 1978.

ABATE was founded by "Easyrider" magazine editor Lou Kimsey in 1971, in response to increasingly restrictive helmet laws and custom chopper regulations being passed by state legislatures nationwide at the time. The widespread frustration amongst many motorcyclists at the time regarding helmet laws was revealed in a February 1972 article from "Easyrider" noting ABATE chapters in 44 states, only a few months after the group's conception.

An insightful and scarce glimpse into the large, fraternal subculture of motorcyclists in the American south during the 1970s.

Album: Seven leaves with plastic overlay. 9 x 11 inches. Very Good plus, with plastic overlay missing on last leaf.

Intact photographs: 4.5 x 3.5 inches. Near Fine overall, with light, even toning.