Volume 3, Issue 10 October The WASH UMCI Newsletter of Washington State

Transcription

1 The WASH

2 Table of Contents Announcements & Tid Bits State Reps Corner Inland Northwest News Manitou Beach Campout 7 Serious Ways to Enjoy Your Motorcycle... Oregon Events Area Reps and Breakfast Schedules Page 3 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 11 Page 13 Page 14 2

3 Announcements & Tid Bits Eastern Washington M/C Ride Schedule Cover Photo George Penner of Molson, WA I have to say, I was doomed to be a "biker" from birth - my folks met at a motorcycle club dance. My earliest memories are of dad's Knucklehead in the garage. I've been riding 2 wheels for 54 years now starting on a Whizzer my dad brought home from somewhere. Dad had sold his Harley when we were quite young and seeing us riding and enjoying the Whizzer started him wishing he was still riding. With 4 kids to feed, he didn't think he could afford a Harley, so looked at a Yamaha. The dealer told him to take it home for the weekend and see how he liked it. He bought it that next week and we were SO glad to have a "real" motorcycle. I still remember - it was a YDS2 (2-stroke) and you had to mix the gas and oil. Have many memories connected with the Yamaha. Then in '64, I won a Honda 90 step-through dual road/trail and had many fun times on that little thing. Gave it to my baby brother when I got drafted. Now wish I still had it... Dad also gave me the best advice about riding. "Always believe people in cars/trucks ARE going to try and kill you, so ride accordingly." Still go by that. After I got out of the Navy, didn't "need" a bike, as dad always had at least three, with two always running. I rode one of his for many years, but just before I turned 40, he sold off all his bikes but his favorite... That forced me to find my own. Was looking at bikes and almost bought a BMW that had been traded in at a H-D dealer when a buddy told me about a Harley that he'd been authorized to repossess. It was reported to be a Harley FLH, but turned out to be a FX Superglide, that the "gentleman" had bought with the money he was loaned for an FLH. As he cheated the Credit Union by buying the lesser bike, he also did little to take care of it too. 3

4 Announcements & Tid Bits Cover Photo, continued When I first saw it, it was not a pretty bike - lots of rust and it was almost new. I offered less than what was owed and they accepted the offer. That was Feb. of '86. In March I turned 40 and as dad had been going to Retread breakfasts and events for many years, I joined him for the April breakfast. I still remember Helen Davidson wanting to see my drivers license. Sure miss her and Dudley - everyone we've "lost" actually. Not long after I joined the Retreads, Robert House got "elected" and the rest is history. I guess that means I have been a UMCI member from the beginning. I think my earliest rally was to Missoula, Montana. Remember staying in the college dorm and one great ride to the top of Glacier. "Highway to the Sun" I think it's called. Great ride and lots of beautiful country. Loved the rally in the Redwoods too. Looking forward to doing it again this next year. In fact, I believe I've enjoyed every rally I've attended. Even the rainy ones. Although the first Harley I rode was a Panhead with the side shifter, as I said above, MY first Harley was an '84 Superglide (FXE). That was the first year for the Evo engine. Mine had an Shovelhead frame, which made buying any accessories difficult. In '92 I injured my back and found riding the FX very painful, so upgraded to an '88 Ultra Classic (FLHTC). Rode that until 2005 when I bought a Firefighter Special Edition (FLHTCUI). I now ride a 2014 H-D Limited (FLH and lots of other letters) in Daytona Blue (the ONLY reason I bought it) and am quite happy with the bike itself. The ONLY thing I'm not thrilled with the "Yuppie" Boom Box - still think Blue Tooth is a dental disease and still haven't figured out how to make it go to the radio stations "I" want to listen to... Thankfully, it does have a USB port and I can plug a thumb drive into it and listen to my music. That's all for now. See you all down the road. 4

5 State Reps Corner A Picture of Peace There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The King look at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked and he had to choose between them. One picture was a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror, for peaceful towering mountains were all around it. Over head was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All that saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace. The other picture had mountains too, but these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fall and lightning played. Down the side on the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in the crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had build her nest..perfect peace. Which picture do you think won the prize? The King chose the second picture. Why? Because, explained the King, peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace. Author Unknown When I m riding my motorcycle I fine peace in my heart. I hope you do too. STATE REP. RICH 5

6 Inland Northwest News Very small turnout for the September breakfast and meeting. So small we didn't have a 50/50 but our bank account is as small as the turn out for the meeting so we all made a $5 apiece donation to the club. Every little bit helps. Rich reported on what other local clubs are doing as far as rides and events that all are welcome to attend. Joyce reported on the happenings at Eastern Evergreen Road Riders. John and Charlie had their bikes packed for the road and left for the Tygh Valley campout in Oregon right after the meeting. We wish them a good ride and a good time at the campout. Dave and Billie missed our meeting this month due to being at Wing Ding. We're not sure if Scotty is with them or not. At any rate, it seems most members had Labor Day plans that didn't allow for the normal hearty breakfast and good conversation of the UMCI family. Everyone's favorite waitress is back and was talked into showing where she wants to add a tattoo of a zipper to her collection of tats... She rides but has yet to join in a UMCI ride. Seems she's always at work when we're riding... Until next time, keep the rubber side down and make the best of these fine fall days- Ride on!! -Tom Wells 6

7 Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan Campout September 2nd 5th 7

8 Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan Campout September 2nd 5th 8

9 Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan Campout September 2nd 5th 9

10 Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan Campout September 2nd 5th 10

11 7 serious ways to enjoy your motorcycle in the dead of winter by Derek Roberts You think the southern states have a monopoly on motorcycling from November to March? Think again! There are still plenty of ways in the off-season to improve your skills, enjoy the sport and get out and ride. Here are 7 serious ways to enjoy your motorcycle in the dead of winter. 1. Grab a cup of coffee Ok, so in reality this is a bit like ride more, but grabbing an early morning cup of coffee comes with a few additional benefits. First thing in the morning, weather patterns tend to be a bit more stable and if you look outside and see dry roads, there is a good chance that they will stick around for at least an hour or so. The casualness and cost of a cup of coffee will give you ultimate flexibility if the rain/snow does start to fall, and being just a short distance from home you can easily make the trip back to warmth and safety. As a bonus, early in the day traffic tends to be less, giving you the perfect opportunity to keep your skills fresh and honed in for the warmer months. 2. Read a book At the coffee shop or at home, the winter time is the perfect time to find inspiration in a travelogue, flip through your owner's manual or review some expert literature. With the previous riding season still fresh in your head, re-reading that well-worn copy of Proficient Motorcycling or delving into a new text, can really help connect the dots. We all have a close call memory that we d like to avoid repeating or an area of weakness that could benefit from some dedicated study. 3. Pick a skill to develop It s been said that every off season, Michael Jordan would pick a new skill and try to develop it. A great attitude for sports and a great attitude for motorcycling. While you re catching up on your reading, make a note of those topics that jump out to you and dive in. Do all the research you can on the subject and when the sun shows itself on one of those glorious, dry days, hit the road and start practicing. 4. Attend an event Just because many put the bike away in the winter time, it doesn't mean that dealers, instructors and manufacturers aren't still out there trying to make a living. A quick search on the internet even in the dead of winter will find you a treasure trove of great options. Maintenance clinics are always a cold weather favorite, but also be on the lookout for meet-ups and presentations which can help build your anticipation for the coming warm weather riding season. 11

12 7 serious ways to enjoy your motorcycle in the dead of winter, Continued Plan a trip For the dedicated tourer, some might say that this is half the fun! While meandering weekend long rides have their benefits, so do those where you plan a few highlights along the way. Combine a regional atlas, stack of travel magazines and a few of those internet articles you ve stashed away and start planning. It s the winter time, with not many places to go, so really delve in. A luxury trip, the ultimate ADV tour or a twisties filled weekend jaunt; when the summertime hits, pack your gear and hit the road. 6. Evaluate your touring gear Did you enjoy a busy riding season? Good for you! Now, how much of that gear did you use and what had the crap kicked out of it? Time to unpack and repack, so you don t waste any precious days this summer. Take a spare bedroom, the living room, or a section of your (heated) garage and spread it all out. First step: Do you need it? If it s not an important tool or first aid device then get rid of it. Second step: Is it in operating condition? Tents and camping gear wear out, first aid kits get used and waterproof equipment starts to leak. Test it and pack it or trash it and buy it. 7. Shop a local dealer Sure, because of the seasonality here in the Pacific Northwest, local dealers could really benefit from your contribution in the cold months, but you can really benefit from their time. Believe it or not, lots of shops have some bona fide gear and motorcycle experts and smaller crowds means more one-onone attention. Been thinking about a new model? Pick the guy's brain for a half hour. Need a new touring jacket? Maybe the gear manager can provide a little more detail on features and what may work best for your riding style. Regardless of your goal, the winter time is a great time to hit the shops and see what s on offer. To be sure, there are lots of ways to enjoy motorcycling in the wintertime. The two most important things are to keep enjoying your motorcycle and to get out and ride! 12

13 Oregon Events Wandering Spirit RV Park Campout Oct 21st - 23rd Wandering Spirit RV Park Salmon River Hwy, Grand Ronde GPS: Info: Gary Miller,

14 Freedom, Friendship, Food & Fun Our Only Business UMCI Representatives International Rep WA State & Inland NW Area Rep Columbia Basin Area Rep Okanogan Area Rep & Treasure Seattle/Puget Sound Area Rep Sedro Woolley Area Rep Daniel Magee, Medicine Hat, AB Richard Hentz, Spokane, WA Kevin & Kevi Besel, Othello, WA George & Willie Penner, Okanogan, WA Irene Blanes, Mountlake Terrace, WA Duane Wood, Bow, WA Monthly Breakfast Schedules Columbia Basin Area, 2 nd Sun. Inland Northwest Area, 1 st Sat. Okanogan Area, 1 st Sat. Puget Sound Area, 2 nd Sat. Sedro Woolley Area, 1 st Sat. 8:00am, (9am, Oct-Apr), Bob s Rest., 1807 E. Kittlestone, Moses Lake 8:30am, Timber Creek Buffet, 9211 E. Montgomery, Spokane 8:30am, Contact George , for current location 8:00am, Denny s Restaurant, th St. I-5, Everett 9:00am, Hometown Café, 818 Metcalf Street, Sedro Woolley International Website Washington State Website David Fitzgerald, Editor UmciNewsWash@gmail.com 14