Badass Riders out for a New Year s Day ride.

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1 1 Badass Riders out for a New Year s Day ride. Jimmy & Deana Smith with Tom Raybuck at last month s Club meeting in Kettering. Photos Courtesy of Deb Saul One tremendous Newsletter.

2 2 GCBMWC Breakfast & Ride Sunday June 4, 2017 Breakfast at 9, ride departs at 10 Traditions Family Restaurant Ed & Deb Saul Ride Leaders Alexandria Pike Alexandria, Kentucky Top rated restaurant in Alexandria. You probably have eaten here before. The 100ish mile ride will take you from Traditions in Alexandria to Falmouth, KY where our first Gas/Comfort stop will be. The ride ends in Augusta, KY where there are a variety of restaurants including one that has some great Pies at the Augusta General Store. For those inclined and heading back to Ohio, plan to take a ferry boat ride home across the river for $2.

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4 4 This rally is a yearly event over Memorial Day weekend sponsored by the Alabama BMW Riders. Previously called the Rocket City Rally in tribute to Huntsville, Alabama s role in aerospace and alternately, the Great Chicken Rally for the fact that the members and volunteers cooked and tended barbequed chicken from Thursday Evening until Sunday morning when the event was held in Huntsville. Three years ago, the event moved from Huntsville to Dunlap, Tennessee. A lovely 320 mile ride down Route 127. Your author had attended many of the Huntsville versions of the Rally from the late 1990s until appx In fact, several club members have also attended. This tome will recount my experience with the latest version completed this past Sunday, my first visit to the new location. The Rally site is a lovely municipal park owned by the historical society in Dunlap, TN. Camp sites were fairly level, wooded and shady. There are some pavilions and one permanent washroom that did not include showers (showers were available at a local school), hence the title of this piece, Very Good Chicken Rally. In addition, there is a fascinating museum on the grounds dedicated to Dunlap s past industry of Coke production, not the drinking type. The participation fee was $50.00 which included meals described below and camping from Friday through Sunday morning. Entertainment was provided both nights. Roughly 150 riders participated with others coming just for the day on Saturday. FYI, when the rally was in Huntsville, the typical attendance was , so this is a quieter event. The food was nicely done but not in the same league as in the past. To be fair, when the rally was in Huntsville, the amount of work was monumental and of course it was performed by the same people year after year. Incredible as it seems, it was still the same people this year. On Friday night, a very good pulled pork barbeque was served. This had been catered by a local BBQ joint. Saturday morning gave us a Pancake and Sausage breakfast. There was an informal lunch on Saturday for the one or two people who did not get out and ride. Finally, the Saturday meal was the famous chicken that had been smoked all day, with BBQ sauce, French (continued on next page)

5 5 Fries, Slaw and dessert. Outstanding. Departure day was Sunday morning at which time they had yogurt and pastries. Coffee, iced tea and lemonade were available To prove the point about not letting the weather forecast control your riding, rain had been forecast. As it happened, Friday and Saturday were beautiful days for riding. There are many rural, empty, twisting and turning roads up and down mountains in that area. However, on Saturday night, about 10:00 p.m. the heavens opened up for a light and thunder show. Fortunately, my tent was dry, it is just a strange sensation being in a tent during a storm because you cannot see what is happening. Sunday morning found remnants of Spotted at the Rally the storm, but only very light rain, more of a spit, so packing was not hindered, but we did have to pack wet gear which is challenging. By the time I had crossed back into Kentucky, the rain had stopped. Route 127 has been greatly improved as most of the small towns have been bypassed, so momentum is pretty easy to maintain. Also, since mine is a sport touring bike, passing was not difficult although I want it on record that your author only passed in appropriately designated passing zones and never exceeded the speed limit set by the duly elected officials. There are many interesting landmarks and vivid scenery on 127. For example, Sgt. Alvin York of WWI fame was born next $500 Cooler to the road in Pall Mall, TN. Also, Cordell Hull, Roosevelt s Secy. of War during WW2 was born 20 miles away from York on that road. Probably the most scenic view is the approach to Wolf Creek Dam from the south which affords you a view of the lake and dam as you negotiate twisties down to the crossing over the dam. There is much more I could tell, but those who have further interest can contact me and I will be happy to talk about this trip. In summary, a very good chicken rally. Recommended. Redneck Luxury Car Photos and story by Tom Collins

6 6 GCBMWC May 2017 Monthly Meeting The meeting was called to order by club President Tom Raybuck at the home of Neil Jones and Marsha O Connor in Kettering, OH. The meeting opened with an immediate motion to adjourn by Bill Berry. There was laughter, but no second, thus the meeting continued. Tom Raybuck offered a big thank you to Neil and Marsha on behalf of the club for hosting the meeting. Marta Graves offered the Treasurer's Report. Reporting period is April 8th - May 12th. Starting balance is $4, Last month s split the pot was $46.50, member dues of $15.00 and a $5 donation. Total receipts of $66.50 for an ending balance of $4, Joe Deluca provided an update on the Shawnee State Park trip. Joe reminded everyone that if you haven t been to Shawnee, this may be your last chance with the club. We have been to Burr Oak, we have been down to Kentucky. We will probably change next year. We have 20 rooms reserved, 13 are taken. In addition to the Lodge rooms, there are cabins and space for RVs. The dates are September 15th and 16th. Rooms are $109 per night. Rooms will be released August 1st and the rates may go up. Ed reports a very good turnout for the breakfast ride with about 20 people attending. The ride started at Nick s All American Cafe in Cleves, OH. The first part of the ride was up Mt. Nebo Road to a beautiful view of the Ohio River. Apparently, half the group didn t go that same way. A short time later Ed saw a group of very nice motorcycles going the other way. At the tail end of the group was his own wife, Deb! The groups was back together. They then went down Lawrenceburg Rd. and across the 275 bridge and apparently the group got separated again. Thanks to Ken Norris for leading the second group to Rabbit Hash. There was a new rider in the group, and Ed admits he should have made sure the new rider knew the group riding rules. Everyone made it to Rabbit Hash and reported they had a good ride. Eric reported meeting a nice, young man at The Comet bike night on Tuesday who told him about a nice ride he had gone on with the BMW Club that weekend. He said that he never ridden with an organized, group before and didn t know he was supposed to wait at turns and the group got split up a couple of times. He said, the woman that was riding sweep gave me a little bit of a hard time and let me know how it was supposed to work. He said he enjoyed the ride and Rabbit Hash and now he knows to wait at intersections. St. Joseph Orphanage Day. Seven members attended to ride with the kids. Tom s biggest observation was that the kids are on 125cc Hondas. They had one speed, get it in 4th gear and keep it wide open. Everywhere they went was as fast as the bike will go and they were good riders. Tom reports his GS was not the best tool for the job, the trails were muddy and narrow. The club bought pizza for lunch for the kids. Bill Berry reports that the teachers were very appreciative of the club attending and showing interest. Bill says he thinks this is something he thought the club could get behind. St. Joe s biggest challenge is equipment, helmets and protective gear. Tom says he was sitting next to a 14 year old boy who was 6 4 and they were having trouble finding a big enough helmet. Tom asked Jon Fischer how Barbara was doing post surgery for a hip replacement. Jon reports Barbara is doing well and everything is going as expected. (more on next page)

7 7 Continued: Tom Raybuck reports that the Battle Creek Club folks reminded him the Petoskey area will be very congested during the RA Rally this summer and to plan accordingly. Once you get out of town, it is fine, but the city will be congested. The MOA Rally registration is also open. It is in Salt Lake City, UT this year. There was an RTE a couple weeks ago to a new barbecue place, Double D in Lebanon. Tom reports the last weekend was the Mini Rally in Sturgis, MI. Tom reports that it rained a little bit on the way up, but only for the first 166 miles and it was 43 degrees. The Battle Creek Club will be visiting the Raybuck s August 25th to the 27th. It is a fun time. There were two guests, Lisa and Mike Williams riding a Goldwing Trike. Tom offered the club s welcome. Sam Altman reported that the June 10th meeting is at Elk Lake in Owenton, KY, about and hour and ten minutes from the Ohio River. Starting at 2pm if you like to go out on the boats or take a kayak out or you can swim. 5pm to 7pm there will be Bluegrass band and food. There is room for tents if you would like to stay overnight. Jon Fischer reported there is a National level Flat Track race June 3rd in Lexington, KY. Minutes recorded by Eric Ratermann, Club Secretary

8 8 On September members and friends of the GCBMWC will head for Shawnee State Park near Portsmouth for a Fall outing. To reserve your space call the Lodge at Lodge rooms and one cabin are being held for our reservations for September 15 and 16 at discounted group rates: Lodge rooms are $109 plus tax per night. Cottages are $179. The rooms and cottage are being held under our group name "Greater Cincinnati BMW Club." Tent camping is also an option. Call Now - Reservations Hot Line * September 15-17, 2017 * Tell the reservation agent that you are with GCBMWC for the discounted rates GCBMWC Fall Outing 3 consecutive years with zero arrests! Let s keep the string going!

9 9 Even though this membership list is full, the Club is still accepting new members. If you wish to join, you will have to meet the high standards of membership, including: 1. Attending 2 or more club events 2. Writing a check to GCBMWC for $18 ($15 single) 3. The Club has to vote you in to membership at a regular Club meeting. 4. Your check has to clear your bank. These high standards are in place to prove that we don t accept just anybody into membership. Other motorcycle clubs may have loose rules about membership, but we of the GCBMWC have high standards. Alfaro, Frank & Rosa LaBar, Mike & Kim Allen, Mike & Annie Leach, Allen Don & Michelle Balsley Ledbetter, Carter & Kim King Beers, Mark Lemkuhl, Jeff & Rita Kunk Berry, Bill Leonard, Dave & Robbin Sheppard Berry, Joe & Chris Lewis, Ted & Connie Brenner, Mike & Ursula Lovejoy, Larry & Gail Deatherage Callahan, Keith McCurach, Ian & Pam Collins, Tom & Margaret Miller, Enzo & Craig, Dave & Patty Monnig, Ron Craves, Marta & Chuck Norris, Ken Cross, Tom & Donna Nyktas, George & Mary Crum, Barb & Mike Osbun, Jim & Rosemary Haddad DeLuca, Joe & Linda Perry, Karl Disher, Alan & Jane Pierce, Derek Duning, Bill & Jane Pierce, Henry Eby, Steve & Teresa Pillis, Marc Finks, Harry & Robyn Ratermann, Eric & Jessie Fischer, John & Barbara Raybuck, Tom & Joni Francois, Ken & Becky Ritter, Tom & Cheryl Franklin, Gary & Sue Saul, Ed & Deb Friedman, Scot & Lisa Sires, John & Marilyn Gerding, Dave & Caroline Smith, Allan & Debbie Gingerich, Dan & Linda Smith, Jim & Deana Glos, Merrill & Diane Thoerner, Steve & Karen Howson, Bill & Linda Todd, Ralph & Terri Izzo, Gerry & Deana Ulrich, Bob & Gail Jones, Neil & Marsha O'Connor Williams, Glenn & Nancy Katzer, Chris Wright, Bill & Shelia Kidwell, Darrell. Alan Disher fishing in the surf at Melbourne Beach

10 10 There s nothing like a 5 day motorcycle getaway to enhance the joys of Springtime. Neil Jones & Mike Brenner departed May 22 on just such an adventure. Sticking mostly to 2 lane state and US highways, the two BMW RT s headed east on US 22 to Circleville and Lancaster, Ohio, then picked up OH 555 near its northerly start point and rode it south to US 50. Route 555 is one of Ohio s best known motorcycle roads. It combines plenty of curves with some dramatic changes of elevation. We used to call them whoop-de-doos, There are curves aplenty, and the only caution would be that we found gravel in 20% of the right hand curves. Helmet-to-helmet communicators came in quite handy. Mike uses a SENA Bluetooth setup and Neil s is a Schuberth SRC. They paired fine and continued to work well over the 5 days. Our 220 mile first day ended near Parkersburg.

11 11 Confluence of Shenandoah and Potomac rivers Mike Brenner points out geological formations at Harper s Ferry. Following US 50 east into West Virginia, heading for Terra Alta, Latin for high ground, a small town at 2400 ft above sea level and therefore cooler than average. Oakland, MD was next, followed by Cumberland. The second day ended in Martinsburg, WV where Mike knew of an outstanding Italian restaurant, La Trattoria. He ordered Eggplant Parmesan and I tried Pasta Bolognese. We talked with Sophie, the owner-chef and complimented her for our excellent meals. Harper s Ferry was the first stop on our third day. We walked around this historic town where the Shenandoah River merges into the Potomac. Mike knew my brain would explode if exposed to too much historic information, so he was kind to me. From Harper s Ferry to Front Royal, VA at the edge of the Shenandoah NP. My 2 NP Senior pass cards were in a drawer at home, so I bought a third. The Skyline Drive was most challenging. Like Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace, it has no commercial traffic and a 35 mph limit. On the day of our visit the clouds hung low and we rode 75 miles in fog and drizzle. The scenic overlooks were useless as visibility was 200 ft at best. The bikes got separated in traffic in Harrisonburg, VA, but both riders knew the route for the day. After crossing the Shenandoah Mountains into WV we re-connected at a gas station, glad to have those helmets talking to each other again. The third day ended in Canaan Valley, WV. Fog, drizzle and rain had made this our most difficult day of motorcycling. We found sunshine and a delightful breakfast spot in Davis, WV to start the fourth day. The owner s well-mannered dog greeted us, but didn t try to share our food. I ordered strawberry & rhubarb pancakes. Mike had a more traditional breakfast. From Davis we followed scenic US 219 south through Elkins, Marlinton and turned west to Summersville. From there it was a short hop to Hico and Amsted on US 60, which rivals Deal s Gap with its curves. This fourth day ended in Glen Ferris, which isn t even on WV maps. The town is about 35 miles east of Charleston on the Kanawa River. Mike picked an 1839 hotel on the river where we had good food and a great place to stay. It s one of those places that you plan to come back to with your spouse-equivalent, if you are lucky enough to have one. This 1200 mile trip was not a random selection of curvy roads. Brenner planned this route 3 years ago using Garmin s BaseCamp. In 2016 Mike led a group of riders and friends from his local Gold Wing group. He has tweaked the plan to fit the interests of the group. So I ll publicly thank Mike right here for planning the ride. Before this I was not accustomed to actually knowing in advance where the road would end. The ride went far better and was way more fulfilling than expected. By Neil Jones

12 12 Make the most of your next outdoor activity or relive the trips you ve taken. BaseCamp lets you plan outdoor activities, organize your data and share your adventures with others. ****************************************************************************** Many motorcyclists have complained that Garmin's BaseCamp is too complex, too difficult to master. Yet member Mike Brenner has become quite adept at using Garmin s program for mapping and trip planning. The download is free. Google Garmin BaseCamp and look for the free download. Windows and Mac both can be used. Mr. Brenner has studied and recommends a YouTube tutorial series which can be found at Mike says, There are 18 tutorial lessons and 4 very short nuggets included to learn BaseCamp on Youtube. The teacher really understands the program and illustrates each lesson very well. Please let our folks know the rewards of going through all 18 lessons for they will then see the power inherent in BC and the ability to get a lot done. Try it out if you are interested, and feel free to contact Mike for advice or assistance.

13 13 Honda 2013 cb1100 only $5,000, See Ron Monnig at the June GCBMWC meeting Send Questions to

14 14 Want to Be a Touratech Rally Ride Leader? Touratech is looking for skilled riders familiar with GPS tracks. June in Washington state August in Central PA Click here to get the whole story. Touratech Rally East YouTube (They wanted me but I am too busy Edditing.)

15 15 Next Meeting: Saturday June Schudule of Meeting Dates & Hosts January 14.. SmoQ BBQ Restaurant 275 Pictoria Dr. Springdale February 11.Lisa & Scot Friedman, Liberty Twp. OH March 11. Rosemary Haddad & Jim Osbun, Mason,OH April 8..Tom & Joni Raybuck, West Chester, OH May 13..Marsha O Connor & Neil Jones, Kettering, OH June 10.. Ron Monnig & Sam Altman Owenton, KY July Larry Lovejoy & Gail Deatherage, Warsaw, KY August 12..Berry Brothers Smoke Off, Cincinnati September At Club Fall Outing, Shawnee State Park October 14...Bill & Jane Duning, Lebanon, OH November 11.George & Mary Nyktas, Clarksville, OH December 2... Holiday Party, Kolping Center, Cincinnati Thanks to all our meeting hosts. Without you, we would have to meet out in public. Who knows where that might lead.

16 16 President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Tom Raybuck Ed Saul Marta Craves Eric Ratermann Newsletter Edditor Neil Jones Web Master Mike LaBar Charter # 220 Charter # 18

17 17 Trust your legal affairs to a BMW rider and Past President of the GCBMWC Piston Society Moto Shop 1428 Race Street Cincinnati, OH Attorney Tom Collins Kummer, Dilts and Collins, PLLC.; 909 Wright's Summit Parkway, Suite 200, Fort Wright, Kentucky Tom says, Trust me, I m a Lawyer! Phone: ext. 222 tcollins@kummer-law.com

18 Scarborough Blvd., Columbus Ohio