In The Wind. BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado. Monthly Meeting Wednesday February 12th

Transcription

1 February 2014 MOA #66 AMA #2772 RA #327 Saturday Morning Breakfast Rides Red Rocks Grill Morrison, CO Every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. (rain, shine, or snow), members meet for breakfast at Red Rocks Grill in Morrison. If weather permits, we ride afterwards. Most rides are spontaneous, with destinations determined that morning. Come with ride suggestions! In The Wind BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado Monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday at Red & Jerry s located at 1840 W Oxford Avenue, Sheridan, CO Come join us for dinner, socializing and to hear our monthly speakers. 5:00 Dinner & Socializing 6:30 Meetinag 7:00 Speaker Monthly Meeting Wednesday February 12th Monthly Meeting Presenters Randy Bishop, Dennis O Neal, Shu Shushan and Karst Postma Topic: Perpetual PassBagger Quest Membership in the BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado expires annually on December 31st. For those of you who have already renewed, thank you! If not, please do so by visiting the club s Website at Select Membership then follow the convenient process to renew. For questions about your membership please membership@ bmwmcc.org. Read more about Member Bendfits on Page 9 BMWMCC.org In the Wind 1

2 President s Letter But what do we do in the winter? Good question. Every year is different but the truth is we have it good here. It s nothing new really. The history of Niinéniiniicíihéhe will tell you that. Never heard that name? It s the Arapahoe name for what we now know as Denver and Denver owes its existence its mild winters. You can easily miss it in the Wikipedia description but it says, (Denver started)... across the South Platte River from the site of seasonal encampments of the Cheyenne and Arapaho. The site of these first towns is now the site of Confluence Park in downtown Denver The Indian tribes of the time, not possessing polar fleece or Gore-Tex, banked their winter survival on making camp where the mildest weather could be found. That was Denver. The white man only came here later and originally, only to trade with them. The town grew from there. Here we are, 200 years later and we still enjoy mild winters. Sure, we have cold snaps, but it s all relative. We can t ride every day year round, but it s a rare month where we can t ride at least several times. Have I mentioned rider s paradise lately? Yes, I know we still think of this as our off-season. It isn t really. It s just a different part of a cycle and there really are benefits to be had from it. I view it as a beneficial break, a time to reflect, a renewal. It s a time to re-energize and because of where we live, it works especially well. I like being able to take my bike apart over several winter days and not feel like I lost that time when I should have been riding. I like having the time to read up on places I haven t been to yet. I especially like something our Club does throughout this time, that being our tradition of meeting for breakfast every Saturday morning. It s no surprise to me that the core group of the most active members can frequently be found there. It is strictly informal but it lets us maintain and strengthen our connections with other members. You can make of it what you will but what I see on Saturday mornings is a lot of laughter and real camaraderie in a light-hearted exchange of lies about our riding skills, our knowledge of the machines we ride, and all the fun we ve had on rides past. It is our version of bench racing. If you are one of our less active members, you should make a point to go. If you don t you are missing out on a real benefit of membership. On the practical side, winter is our time to do our tune ups, oil changes and repairs and to shop for new riding gear too. Winter gives us time to study maps and seek advice from people who have been to Alaska before and who can warn you about the pitfalls to avoid on the trip you are finally getting around to taking. This is not down time. This is prep time. The Denver weather offers one more valuable benefit to road riders which you may not have thought about. I m not sure I would have noticed had I not started out riding dirt trails. Trail riders don t ride in the winter. Single-track trails are covered with snow and until it all melts off, we aren t riding. What I came to understand about dirt riding was that in spite of being bounced around seemingly at random through the rocks and ruts, dirt riding has a rhythm to it. And what did you lose during six months of not riding? You lost the rhythm. That first ride of the season was the hardest ride of the year. I submit to you that road riding also has a rhythm. Don t believe it? Be honest. We can all remember days when we rode especially well, but also days when we just didn t have it. Riding at least monthly minimizes that loss of rhythm. Just one more advantage to where we live, as if we didn t have enough advantages already! So, winter is like rainy days. Without them we wouldn t appreciate the sunny days as much. Ride safe, Jeff BMWMCC.org In the Wind 2

3 Mardi Gras & Bike Week Let s Go Riding! This particular year the Mardi Gras and Daytona Bike Week fall in the same week - very rare! Basically, I m planning on leaving Saturday March 1st staying in Amarillo the first night and Shreveport the next, arriving in N Awlins afternoonish on Monday. Stay there till mid-day Wednesday then camp out in the Fla panhandle that night. Thur, Fri, Sat in Daytona Beach heading back north on Saturday afternoon. Head back home for real starting on Sunday morning; Little Rock, Amarillo (again), Denver. Back not later than Tuesday evening (Mar 11th). The motorcycling miles are: 3/1 425 to Amarillo 3/2 550 to Shreveport 3/3 327 to New Orleans 3/4 3/7 Local/no travel days 3/5 305 to Falling Waters State Park (hiking at Ponce de Leon Springs State Park or Fountain of Youth) 3/6 351 to Daytona Beach 3/8 220 to Valdosta, GA 3/9 684 to Little Rock 3/ to Amarillo 3/ to Centennial For a total of 3,871 miles not including local travel in NO and Daytona Beach. Most motel nights already reserved (Amarillo, Shreveport and Valdosta) ran about $40/night. New Orleans during Mardi Gras was $265/night (ouch!), but it is right on the river and close to the parade routes. Camping averaged $20/night. My bike will hit the 100,000 mile mark by Shreveport! Contact Kerry M. Miller kerrymmiller@comcast.net BMWMCC.org In the Wind 3

4 2014 BMWMCC Officers Jeff Burns, President I was raised on Long Island but moved to Colorado in 1969 at the age of 28. It was the best move I ever made with the possible exception of buying my first motorcycle a year later. Not to overstate this but I often wonder what my life would have been like, had I not started to ride. Seriously, my adult social life outside of work and family has been all about riding. When it began, I had no idea how many friends would come from it or how rewarding this new adventure would turn out to be. For the first 15 years, I rode dirt bikes all over Colorado, Utah, and even raced Barstow-to-Vegas once. We rode every weekend there wasn t snow on the ground. When I acquired my first street bike, those same guys would just arrive at my house, unannounced. Let s take a ride, and off we went. How fortunate we are to live here. It is rider s paradise. As a million-mile Volvo guy once said on Good Morning America when asked what his favorite road was, he replied, Any road west of Denver. Correct! Jeff Kelley, Secretary Secretary@BMWMCC.org Jeff, a Colorado native and attorney, became an active member in the BMWMCC when he was appointed Trustee in 2012, elected Secretary in 2013 and re-elected Secretary in He has been an avid motorcyclist over the years enjoying both dirt and street riding Colorado. Jeff participates in the many Club rides and enjoys the camaraderie the Club has to offer, including the Saturday morning breakfasts in Morrison. He believes the Club s passion for riding and creating well known and nationally attended events is an important reason to participate and serve on the Board. Jeff has given legal presentations at Club meetings and rides a K1300GT. Greg DeWit, Membership Chair Membership@BMWMCC.org Keren Kilgore, Webmaster Webmaster@BMWMCC.org Keren is an editor, graphic and web designer. She is the owner of Lightning Tree Creative Media and has designed a number of our rally and club logos. She rides a copper R1100RT. Cathy Catrell, Newsletter & Ride Book Editor InTheWind@BMWMCC.org Cathy is owner of POP! Promotions, a local promotional marketing agency. She rides an F650GS and is working on her PassBagger 100! She is welcomes any articles about rides you ve been on, favorite places and pictures for the monthly In The Wind newsletter and annual ride book. BMWMCC.org In the Wind 4

5 ... A n d B o a r d M e m b e r s Mike Szabo, Vice President Vicepresident@BMWMCC.org Mike s first motorcycle was a Benelli Buzzer mini bike that he and his brother purchased from JC Pennys and has been hooked ever since. Mike enjoys all types of riding and has completed several Iron Butt Rides, the longest was the Bun Burner Gold; which is 1,500 miles in less than 24 hours. Frank Ricci, Treasurer Treasurer@BMWMCC.org Having moved from the Boston area to Colorado to pursue my dreams, I m blessed with the opportunity to combine my love of the outdoors and climbing 14ers with my passion for two wheels and great twisty roads, all in one beautiful state. I also have a passion for sports cars and race tracks, having raced and instructed at many historic road courses in the Northeast. My first bike was an 85 Honda Interceptor (which I still have) and most recently, an 06 version of the Interceptor, though I d love to add a GS to the mix so I can experience Colorado s many unpaved and scenic treasures not readily accessible on a street bike. I m thankful to have found such a wonderful group of riders who share a common passion for two-wheel motoring and am grateful for the opportunity to serve you as reasurer for the past three years. I look forward to making your Club experience even more enjoyable. David Adair, TOR Chair Topotherockies@BMWMCC.org My first motorcycle was a 1957 Allstate 175cc from Sears and Roebuck. I used it to deliver newspapers after school. Lots of motorcycles between then and my present ride, a 2003 BMW K1200LT. I moved to Boulder, Colorado 20 years ago, after spending part of my professional career as a project manager in New York City. I have the privilege of being the rally master for the 2014 Top O the Rockies rally; hopefully, I ll get better at it the more I do it. My current passion is several multi-week motorcycle camping trips and visiting other rallies, both MOA and RA. Karst Postma, Advertising Ads@BMWMCC.org Karst grew up in Holland where he learned to ride motorcycles. He has been in the US since He has an 1150GS in Colorado which is used for passbagging and trips to Mexico. He also has a F650 Dakar which he leaves in Holland for his overseas trips in Europe and Central Asia. Brandi Newman, Social Director Social@BMWMCC.org Brandi is a Colorado native. She grew up enjoying the outdoors, snowmobiling, boating and playing hockey. Her first motorcycle experience was in 2004 on a TTR225 that is still in one piece today. The bike she rides the most is her 2009 F650GS that she has logged 30,000+ miles on (way more than she ever imagined!). BMWMCC.org In the Wind 5

6 Mileage Contest 2013 Mileage Contest Winners 2012 Winners Carl Thomte Karst Postma Karst Postma Deb Lower Dennis O Neil Carl Thomte Dennis O Neil Suzanne Weston Stephen Weston Stephen Weston James Smith Brandi Newman Cathy Catrell Chris Wilder Suzanne Weston Sylke Mears 9845 Siggi Pflumm Siggi Pflumm 9559 Harvey Schmidt Cathy Catrell 8468 Troy Corrigan 9024 Randy Bishop 8440 Sylke Mears 7924 Gray Buckley 3456 Randy Bishop 6217 BMWMCC.org In the Wind 6

7 Twin Tunnel Project IDAHO SPRINGS - For the first time in nearly 50 years, the interstate into the mountains has been expanded. The eastbound Twin Tunnel just east of Idaho Springs now has three lanes and may be the key to further expansion into the future on Interstate 70. The $106 million dollar project not only expanded the tunnel from two lanes to three lanes. The eastbound two miles after the tunnel have also been expanded to get more cars moving through. With the completion of the eastbound Twin Tunnel, the state is looking at expanding the westbound Twin Tunnel to three lanes, as well. State leaders say there are still some hurdles left to clear before that project can be officially started. The major project involves widening the eastbound shoulder from the U.S. 40 exit, which goes to Winter Park, to the Twin Tunnels. That would allow CDOT to open a third lane onto the shoulder during peak travel times. BMWMCC.org In the Wind 7

8 ??? BMW Motorcycle Recalls - A new or used motorcycle may be recalled by BMW and officially announced by the NHTSA or other government agencies due to defective products or materials, safety alerts, or other dangers to consumers. Visit Motor Cyclist online recall page at Choose a model to view a complete list of BMW motorcycle recalls, the danger and consequence and the solution offered by the manufacturer. Get personalized savings up to $1500 on select new BMW motorcycles through February 28, *Cannot be combined with any Special Sales Programs (Military, Emergency Services, Ride Smart Reward, MSF RiderCoach, etc.). Offer is restricted to new, unregistered 2013 BMW motorcycles (demo and auction units do not qualify). Savings may be used for, but are not limited to original BMW gear and accessories, down payment, trade assist, cash discount, etc. Ask your salesperson for details (dealer participation required). Resolve to Ride New Promotion can be combined with standard Retail, 3asy Ride and Sign & Ride products from BMW Financial Services. Savings cannot be used towards tax, title, licensing and/or destination charges. HP4 is not eligible for any special sales programs. BMW Motorrad USA reserves the right to cancel the program as it deems necessary. Visit to find eligble models and savings. BMWMCC.org In the Wind 8

9 Member Benefits The upcoming riding season will be here sooner than we think and promises to have almost unlimited opportunities for riding throughout our beautiful state and beyond. We encourage you to participate in the club and enjoy some of the benefits of your membership. Some of the most popular events, activities and benefits of BMWMCC membership include: Monthly In the Wind e-newsletter. This monthly publication will keep you updated on current and planned club activities and contains contact information if you need to contact us for any reason. Communications. Nearly all of our communication with members occur via . The BMWMCC s Ride Book is distributed to members early each spring. The book describes nearly all of the organized activities of the club and is a great resource. Weekly Saturday morning breakfast followed by impromptu rides. Meet year round at the Red Rocks Grille in Morrison (8:00 am in summer; 8:30 am in winter) for breakfast. Meet other club members and choose to ride with them or head out on your own. Come with a full tank of gas! Monthly membership meetings. Second Wednesdays, 5:30 dinner & socializing; 6:30 meeting and program. Red & Jerry s, 1840 West Oxford Ave. Sheridan, CO. Top of the Rockies Rally. This annual gathering of several hundred riders from all across the US and beyond has achieved almost legendary status for the great riding, fine musical entertainment and the warm hospitality of the small town of Panoia, Colorado. 100,000 Foot Ride. This annual event is limited to the first 300 people who sign up, and participants often attend from many distant states. Lots of Dirt! If you lean towards riding on dirt, there are organized rides on many of the unpaved back roads with other members throughout the year. 10% Discount at BMW Dealers. The local BMW dealers have kindly supported our club through by offering a 10% discount on parts and some other merchandise to BMWMCC members. Keep your membership card in your wallet, it might come in handy! These are only a few of the activities and benefits of your membership in BMWMCC. Visit our website at www. BMWMCC.org for many more details. Be sure you keep your address up to date and that we aren t on your spam list. For questions about your membership, send your to: membership@bmwmcc.org and we will respond as soon as possible. BMWMCC.org In the Wind 9

10 Board Position Ride Coordinator Board position Not required to lead rides. Acts as point-of-contact for ride leaders. Assures that ride leaders know about and follow Club guidelines. Stays current on up-coming rides and schedule changes, if needed. BMWMCC.org In the Wind 10

11 2014 Officers & Board Members Board Meeting Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2013 Time: 6:30 P.M. Location: Red Rocks Grill, Morrison, CO President: Jeff Burns - President@BMWMCC.org Vice President: Mike Szabo - Vicepresident@BMWMCC.org Treasurer: Frank Ricci - Treasurer@BMWMCC.org Secretary: Jeff Kelley - Secretary@BMWMCC.org Membership: Greg DeWit - Membership@BMWMCC.org Webmaster: Keren Kilgore - Webmaster@BMWMCC.org ITW Editor: Cathy Catrell - InTheWind@BMWMCC.org Ride Book Editor: Cathy Catrell - InTheWind@BMWMCC.org Club Store - Store@BMWMCC.org Advertising: Karst Postma - Ads@BMWMCC.org TOR Rally Chair: David Adair - Topotherockies@BMWMCC.org 100K Foot Ride Chair: Carl Thomte - 100Kftride@BMWMCC.org CO Classic 1000 Chair: Eric Levy - Coloradoclassic1000@bmwmcc.org Social Director: Brandi Newman - Social@BMWMCC.org Board Trustee: Siggi Pflumm Board Trustee: Carl Thomte Board Trustee: Michael Kilgore BMWMCC.org In the Wind 11