September 20, 2000
For Immediate Release

Contact Jay Jackson
Phone: 800-232-2283
Fax: 317-422-8373

ABATE of Indiana Opens Outdoor Recreation Park

ABATE of Indiana, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable, not for profit organization dedicated to the rights, safety and advocacy of motorcyclists, will open Lawrence County Recreational Park, an off-road recreation area, in Southern Indiana on October 6th. The group purchased nearly 400 acres in Lawrence County, just off of State Road 37, approximately 12 miles south of Bloomington. With the cooperation of Discover Indiana Riding Trails (D.I.R.T.) several miles of trails have been prepared on the property that includes woods, ponds, hills, creeks and scenic ravines. Continuing development is to include a motocross track, hillclimb and trials section as well as a pavilion and other structures. An area for camping is also planned. Off-road rider education, in the form of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's "Dirt Bike School" and ATV safety course, as well as activities for children such as a junior motocross track are expected to be offered.

David Dills, Executive Director for ABATE of Indiana declared "This facility provides us the opportunity to reach a new group of motorcyclists. We are also optimistic that we can have a positive impact on younger riders." In the more than 25 years ABATE has been in existence, their efforts have been directed primarily toward issues related to street legal motorcycles.

"We are very excited to be able to be a part of this marriage," said Gary DeLong of D.I.R.T. DeLong adds, "This area was designed by riders for riders." In recent years, Indiana's public land has been closed to off-highway vehicles (OHV). "The alliance between ABATE and D.I.R.T. gives Hoosier motorcyclists two teams working for them. This echo's the ABATE message of ALL riders rights!"

"We look forward to working closely with the riders of off-road motorcycles and ATVs," Dills says. More information may be obtained by contacting ABATE of Indiana at 317-422-8040, toll free 1-800-23-ABATE or visiting their website at www.abateofindiana.org.