Ray "Still Ray" Fitzgerald

“Still Ray” Fitzgerald: The Relentless Freedom Fighter for Motorcyclists’ Rights

In the world of motorcyclist advocacy, few names resonate as powerfully as “Still Ray” Fitzgerald. For over four decades, Ray has been at the forefront of the fight for motorcyclists’ rights—whether it’s pushing for change at the state level, lobbying in Washington, D.C., or speaking at national conferences. He’s earned a reputation as one of the most dedicated and tireless advocates in the motorcycle community, known for his passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that bikers’ voices are heard.

A Lifelong Commitment to Motorcycle Rights

Ray’s journey as a freedom fighter began in Nevada during the mid-1970s, when he joined the Nevada Association of Concerned Motorcyclists (NCOM). Seeing firsthand the challenges that riders faced—ranging from restrictive helmet laws to discriminatory insurance practices—he decided to take action. He quickly rose through the ranks, building a name for himself as a fearless and articulate advocate for bikers’ rights.

In 1980, Ray relocated to Arizona, bringing his passion and drive with him. There, he set to work organizing motorcyclists and establishing new chapters of ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) to provide a stronger, unified voice for riders in the state. His efforts laid the groundwork for what would become a robust network of motorcyclist rights organizations throughout Arizona.

But Ray’s focus has never been limited by state borders. He’s been a key figure on the national stage as well, helping to found and chair multiple State Motorcyclists Rights Organizations (SMROs) and tirelessly serving on the Board of Directors for ABATE of Arizona. His leadership and presence are felt wherever the fight for motorcyclists’ rights takes him—whether it’s a statehouse, a national conference, or Capitol Hill.

A Voice for Clubs: Building Bridges and Strengthening Alliances

Ray has always understood that the fight for motorcyclists’ rights is about more than just legislation—it’s about unity and building bridges within the community. As a lifelong member of a motorcycle club and the current President of the Arizona Confederation of Clubs, Ray has dedicated himself to fostering cooperation and communication between independent riders, motorcycle clubs, and advocacy organizations. His work with the Confederation of Clubs has been instrumental in bringing together disparate groups to work toward common goals and advocate for the rights of all motorcyclists, regardless of affiliation.

Recognizing his unique position as both an advocate and a club member, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) took the unprecedented step of amending its bylaws to create a new position on its Board of Directors specifically for Ray: the Motorcycle Club Liaison. This role allows Ray to serve as a crucial link between motorcycle clubs and the MRF, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of club riders are always part of the broader discussion on motorcyclists’ rights.

A Constant Presence on the National Stage

Ray’s dedication and influence extend far beyond Arizona. Each year, he attends and speaks at major motorcyclists’ rights conferences across the country. He’s a familiar face at events like the MRF’s Bikers Inside the Beltway National Motorcyclists Rights Lobby Day in Washington, D.C., where he meets with lawmakers, educates them on the issues facing motorcyclists, and helps shape national policy. His ability to connect with politicians and fellow riders alike has made him an invaluable asset to the MRF’s national lobbying team.

Ray’s efforts have earned him the respect and admiration of the motorcycle rights community. In 2003, the MRF recognized his lifetime of dedication with its most prestigious honor: the John “Farmer” Eggers Award. This award is given to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of motorcyclists’ rights, and Ray’s name stands proudly among the very few recipients. He’s also been awarded the MRF President’s Silver Cup for his service to the organization and to motorcyclists nationwide.

“True Believer” in Freedom: Leading by Example

What sets Ray apart is more than just his leadership or his accolades—it’s his unwavering belief in the cause and his willingness to lead by example. As one fellow freedom fighter put it, “Ray Fitzgerald is a motorcycle rider, a ‘true believer’ in the rights of motorcyclists and can ride the ride, walk the walk, talk the talk, and will stand and deliver for the fight for freedom.”

This quote perfectly encapsulates Ray’s ethos. He’s not a behind-the-scenes advocate—he’s in the trenches, attending meetings, giving speeches, organizing rallies, and riding side-by-side with those he fights for. He’s as comfortable lobbying a senator in Washington, D.C., as he is leading a ride across the Arizona desert. And when a new challenge arises, Ray is always there to face it head-on, with the same tenacity and determination that have defined his entire career.

The Legacy of a Freedom Fighter

Ray Fitzgerald’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and an unbreakable bond with the motorcyclist community. He’s faced down legislative threats, navigated political minefields, and built bridges between groups that might otherwise have never found common ground. Through it all, his goal has remained the same: to protect the rights of motorcyclists and ensure that every rider has the freedom to live and ride on their own terms.

Today, Ray continues to be a guiding light for the motorcycle rights movement, a steady hand in times of turmoil, and a relentless fighter for freedom. His legacy is written not just in awards and accolades, but in the lives of the countless riders he’s inspired and empowered to stand up for themselves and for each other.

Whether it’s advocating in front of a legislative committee, speaking at a national rally, or simply taking the time to listen to a fellow rider’s concerns, Ray Fitzgerald is always there—still fighting, still riding, and still believing in the power of the motorcycle community to shape its own destiny.