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Our Charter

SWFR Constitution coming soon

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History of Southwest Freedom Riders Inc.

The Southwest Freedom Riders has members from all walks of life and all age groups who ride all makes of bikes. Our members are business owners and blue collar workers, upper management and mechanics, graphic artists and musicians. We are a family oriented organization. We have members who bring their children to events. We ride Hondas, Harleys, Kawasakis, Yamahas, Suzukis, Triumphs, Boss Hoss and everything else. Some of our members don't have a bike, some don't even ride.

While the bulk of our membership is centered in Rutland County, VT, Geographically our membership covers the entire state as well as New York and several other states. Our patriarch is a gentleman in his 80s, who now hails from Dewey, AZ.

Some people join for the riding, some for the charity work. Everyone enjoys the fun and camaraderie, and the feeling of being part of a greater whole, the "family". All members receive an informative monthly newsletter which keeps them up to date on the organization's events, upcoming rides, events being held by other motorcycling groups, and important issues pertaining to the motorcycling community. Community service also plays a big part in our organization. We collect food for a food shelf as well as donations for local Humane Societies at all of our events. A yearly Christmas party, FREE FOR MEMBERS, is a big hit each year. Members bring new toys which are collected and donated to a local charity. The recipient in years past has been the Rutland County Women's Shelter. Santa arrives on his Harley, sometimes accompanied by the Mrs., or some helpful elves to visit the members. A great time and many laughs are had by all.


Some people join for the riding, some for the charity work. Everyone enjoys the fun and camaraderie, and the feeling of being part of a greater whole, the "family". All members receive an informative monthly newsletter which keeps them up to date on the organization's events, upcoming rides, events being held by other motorcycling groups, and important issues pertaining to the motorcycling community. Community service also plays a big part in our organization. We collect food for a food shelf as well as donations for local Humane Societies at all of our events. A yearly Christmas party, FREE FOR MEMBERS, is a big hit each year. Members bring new toys which are collected and donated to a local charity. The recipient in years past has been the Rutland County Women's Shelter. Santa arrives on his Harley, sometimes accompanied by the Mrs., or some helpful elves to visit the members. A great time and many laughs are had by all.


Some people join for the riding, some for the charity work. Everyone enjoys the fun and camaraderie, and the feeling of being part of a greater whole, the "family". All members receive an informative monthly newsletter which keeps them up to date on the organization's events, upcoming rides, events being held by other motorcycling groups, and important issues pertaining to the motorcycling community. Community service also plays a big part in our organization. We collect food for a food shelf as well as donations for local Humane Societies at all of our events. A yearly Christmas party, FREE FOR MEMBERS, is a big hit each year. Members bring new toys which are collected and donated to a local charity. The recipient in years past has been the Rutland County Women's Shelter. Santa arrives on his Harley, sometimes accompanied by the Mrs., or some helpful elves to visit the members. A great time and many laughs are had by all.


While the bulk of our membership is centered in Rutland County, VT, Geographically our membership covers the entire state as well as New York and several other states. Our patriarch is a gentleman in his 80s, who now hails from Dewey, AZ.

Some people join for the riding, some for the charity work. Everyone enjoys the fun and camaraderie, and the feeling of being part of a greater whole, the "family". All members receive an informative monthly newsletter which keeps them up to date on the organization's events, upcoming rides, events being held by other motorcycling groups, and important issues pertaining to the motorcycling community. Community service also plays a big part in our organization. We collect food for a food shelf as well as donations for local Humane Societies at all of our events. A yearly Christmas party, FREE FOR MEMBERS, is a big hit each year. Members bring new toys which are collected and donated to a local charity. The recipient in years past has been the Rutland County Women's Shelter. Santa arrives on his Harley, sometimes accompanied by the Mrs., or some helpful elves to visit the members. A great time and many laughs are had by all.


Some people join for the riding, some for the charity work. Everyone enjoys the fun and camaraderie, and the feeling of being part of a greater whole, the "family". All members receive an informative monthly newsletter which keeps them up to date on the organization's events, upcoming rides, events being held by other motorcycling groups, and important issues pertaining to the motorcycling community. Community service also plays a big part in our organization. We collect food for a food shelf as well as donations for local Humane Societies at all of our events. A yearly Christmas party, FREE FOR MEMBERS, is a big hit each year. Members bring new toys which are collected and donated to a local charity. The recipient in years past has been the Rutland County Women's Shelter. Santa arrives on his Harley, sometimes accompanied by the Mrs., or some helpful elves to visit the members. A great time and many laughs are had by all.


Some people join for the riding, some for the charity work. Everyone enjoys the fun and camaraderie, and the feeling of being part of a greater whole, the "family". All members receive an informative monthly newsletter which keeps them up to date on the organization's events, upcoming rides, events being held by other motorcycling groups, and important issues pertaining to the motorcycling community. Community service also plays a big part in our organization. We collect food for a food shelf as well as donations for local Humane Societies at all of our events. A yearly Christmas party, FREE FOR MEMBERS, is a big hit each year. Members bring new toys which are collected and donated to a local charity. The recipient in years past has been the Rutland County Women's Shelter. Santa arrives on his Harley, sometimes accompanied by the Mrs., or some helpful elves to visit the members. A great time and many laughs are had by all.


While the bulk of our membership is centered in Rutland County, VT, Geographically our membership covers the entire state as well as New York and several other states. Our patriarch is a gentleman in his 80s, who now hails from Dewey, AZ.

Some people join for the riding, some for the charity work. Everyone enjoys the fun and camaraderie, and the feeling of being part of a greater whole, the "family". All members receive an informative monthly newsletter which keeps them up to date on the organization's events, upcoming rides, events being held by other motorcycling groups, and important issues pertaining to the motorcycling community. Community service also plays a big part in our organization. We collect food for a food shelf as well as donations for local Humane Societies at all of our events. A yearly Christmas party, FREE FOR MEMBERS, is a big hit each year. Members bring new toys which are collected and donated to a local charity. The recipient in years past has been the Rutland County Women's Shelter. Santa arrives on his Harley, sometimes accompanied by the Mrs., or some helpful elves to visit the members. A great time and many laughs are had by all.


Some people join for the riding, some for the charity work. Everyone enjoys the fun and camaraderie, and the feeling of being part of a greater whole, the "family". All members receive an informative monthly newsletter which keeps them up to date on the organization's events, upcoming rides, events being held by other motorcycling groups, and important issues pertaining to the motorcycling community. Community service also plays a big part in our organization. We collect food for a food shelf as well as donations for local Humane Societies at all of our events. A yearly Christmas party, FREE FOR MEMBERS, is a big hit each year. Members bring new toys which are collected and donated to a local charity. The recipient in years past has been the Rutland County Women's Shelter. Santa arrives on his Harley, sometimes accompanied by the Mrs., or some helpful elves to visit the members. A great time and many laughs are had by all.


Some people join for the riding, some for the charity work. Everyone enjoys the fun and camaraderie, and the feeling of being part of a greater whole, the "family". All members receive an informative monthly newsletter which keeps them up to date on the organization's events, upcoming rides, events being held by other motorcycling groups, and important issues pertaining to the motorcycling community. Community service also plays a big part in our organization. We collect food for a food shelf as well as donations for local Humane Societies at all of our events. A yearly Christmas party, FREE FOR MEMBERS, is a big hit each year. Members bring new toys which are collected and donated to a local charity. The recipient in years past has been the Rutland County Women's Shelter. Santa arrives on his Harley, sometimes accompanied by the Mrs., or some helpful elves to visit the members. A great time and many laughs are had by all.



SWFR Officers

Southwest Freedom Riders holds Elections Annually in November.
Current Officers are as follows:

Charles Van Lew
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Charlie Van Lew is our President

Born in Rutland, Charlie is now a resident of Fair Haven who enjoys riding his "Big Red" and "Little Black" bikes. Also known as his red HD full dresser, and his "Fair Haven Choppers" custom Sportster bob in flat black.

Charlie has been a member of SWFR since it began back in 2000 and has served three previous years on the Board of directors as Sergeant at Arms.

Ronny Broadwell
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Ronny Broadwell is our Vice President

Ronny was born in Rutland and currently resides in Rutland Town. He has been a member of SWFR for several years and has previously served on the Board as both Sergeant at arms and Vice president.

Ronny rides a HD Street Glide and is also a member of the Combat Vets.

Jean Carrara
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Jean Carrara is our Treasurer

A native Rutlander, Jean joined SWFR a number of years ago and is in her second year as Treasurer.

She enjoys riding with her husband on their HD Street Glide and is also an active leader in Boy Scout Troop 120 here in Rutland.

Lisa LaFountain
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Lisa LaFountain is our Secretary

Lisa was born in Middlebury and is currently a resident of West Rutland.

She has been a member since the organization began in 2000 and has served 3 previous years as Secretary of SWFR. Lisa loves taking her Ducati Monster out as a road guard on the SWFR rides.

Monty Springer
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Monty Springer is our Sergeant at Arms

Monty was born in Rutland and now lives in Benson.

He has been a member of SWFR since 2000 and has previously been an officer.

Monty rides a Honda and is a member of several motorcycle organizations including British Iron Association, Lakes Region Independent Riders, United Motorcyclists of Vermont, MRF and AMA.

Monty is a VT state rep for the MRF and is active in promoting rights to ride free, and also enjoys hunting and fishing.