Michael Farabaugh

Michael Farabaugh: Four Decades of Leadership in Motorcycling Advocacy

For over 40 years, Michael Farabaugh has been at the forefront of motorcyclists’ rights and safety education, shaping the landscape of motorcycling advocacy in the United States. His journey began in the late 1960s as an enthusiastic participant in dirt riding events in the Midwest, where his passion for the sport first took root. That early involvement grew into a career defined by leadership, dedication, and a tireless commitment to protecting the rights of motorcyclists and promoting safe riding practices.

By the early 1970s, Michael had already begun leaving his mark on the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) as the president of District 15. Under his guidance, District 15 quickly evolved into one of the premier road riding programs in the country. In 1972, Michael and his wife, Debby, founded their own AMA-affiliated motorcycling club, serving as president and secretary/treasurer respectively for a decade. Their club quickly gained national recognition, and in 1979, it was named the number one AMA Road Riding Club in the United States—a testament to their leadership and the strength of their local motorcycling community.

During this period, Michael’s influence extended beyond his local district. He became an active participant in the AMA Congress, where he worked closely with ABATE (A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education) and other motorcyclists’ rights organizations (MROs) across the nation. At a time when alliances between the AMA and other motorcycling advocacy groups were often strained, Michael was a tireless advocate for unity, believing that cooperation among organizations would strengthen their collective ability to defend motorcyclists’ rights.

His role as a bridge-builder and strategist continued throughout the 1980s, when he took on multiple leadership roles that helped shape the future of motorcycle rights and safety. As Executive Director of ABATE of Indiana, Chairman of the Board of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), and Director of ABATE of Indiana’s Rider Education Program, Michael made significant contributions to rider education and safety training. His tenure as a Chief Instructor for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) further highlighted his commitment to teaching riders the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe on the road.

One of Michael’s most significant achievements came in 1985, when he and his experienced ABATE team organized the first-ever “Meeting of the Minds.” This groundbreaking event brought together motorcycling leaders and advocates from across the country to discuss the most pressing issues facing riders. The success of the Meeting of the Minds led to the formation of the National Steering Committee, which Michael chaired. The Committee ultimately developed into the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), a national organization dedicated to assisting state MROs, educating motorcyclists, and advocating for riders’ rights at the national level. Under Michael’s leadership, the MRF grew in influence and credibility, eventually establishing a lobbying office in Washington, D.C., to ensure that the voices of motorcyclists were heard in the halls of power.

The 1990s and early 2000s marked yet another chapter in Michael’s extraordinary career. During this period, he played a key role in developing the AMA’s “Eagles” program, a groundbreaking voluntary leadership curriculum that emphasized the importance of rights advocacy and empowered AMA members to become effective leaders in their own communities. Working closely with AMA Executive President Ed Youngblood and Vice Presidents, Michael spent 18 months traveling the country, helping to set in motion a leadership program that would shape the future of the AMA and inspire a new generation of motorcycling advocates.

Throughout his four decades of service, Michael Farabaugh has been recognized for his dedication and achievements with numerous awards and honors. Among them is the AMA’s prestigious “Dud Perkins Award,” the organization’s highest recognition for outstanding contributions to motorcycling and dedicated service. This honor reflects not only his incredible legacy of leadership but also the deep respect and admiration he has earned from the motorcycling community.

What makes Michael’s story truly inspiring is his unwavering commitment to his core values: unity, education, and the protection of motorcyclists’ rights. His leadership style has always been rooted in bringing people together, fostering collaboration, and building strong, effective organizations capable of achieving real change. He has a rare ability to see the bigger picture, anticipate challenges, and develop strategies that benefit riders for years to come.

Today, Michael Farabaugh’s legacy continues to resonate throughout the motorcycling world. The organizations he has helped build and the programs he has shaped remain as pillars of advocacy and education. His work has set a standard for what it means to be a true advocate for motorcyclists—someone who not only fights for the rights of today’s riders but also prepares the next generation to carry the torch forward.

In an era where the landscape of motorcycling is constantly evolving, Michael Farabaugh’s career serves as a reminder of the power of leadership, vision, and a relentless commitment to the cause. His contributions have enriched the world of motorcycling, making it safer, stronger, and more united for all who share his passion for the open road.