The WASH
Table of Contents Announcements & Tid Bits State Reps Corner Inland Northwest News 10 Tips for Fall Motorcycle Touring Area Reps and Breakfast Schedules Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 2
Announcements & Tid Bits Cover Photo Rollie Rohrer - Okanagan, WA I ve been riding for over 50 years. My first bike was a Honda 90. The one I ride now is a bit bigger; Goldwing 1500. In between, I ve ridden them all, Yamaha s, Triumph's, several Harleys and three trikes. I road Outlaw 1% for over 20 years, then decided I was getting too old, sold my Harley and decided to quit riding. That lasted for six months or so, bought my first Goldwing, got rid of the wife, and became human again. Been with the UMCI for about 5 years now, enjoying the company and a great bunch of people. Hope to ride another 50. If you all are enjoying riding as much as me, we are having a good life. Rollie 3
State Reps Corner I hope everyone has survived the wind storms and all the rain we had this month. Usually I loose one or two trees, but this time I got lucky and didn t loose any. With everyone s buying Spiders and turning their motorcycles into three wheelers, the one thing I haven t seen on the road is the Carver Three-Wheeler. The Carver debut in 2002, offering a motorcycle-style 45 degree maximum lean angle, combined with a car like body. Cost in 2007 was $40,000. Has anyone seen one on the road? Rich Hentz WA State Rep. 4
Inland Northwest News The October meeting was brought to order by President Rich Hentz. Even though it was a very wet Saturday, two of the hardier riders, Charlie Crane and John Fast, rode their motorcycles to the meeting. It was pouring down rain when they got there and still pouring down after the meeting. They said they were heading west because it wouldn t be raining so hard in that direction. Even though it was a wet morning, we still had a sizeable turnout at the meeting. We were able to discuss several items that pertain to our club. Last Inland Empire Motorcycle Coalition was discussed. There were several items of importance at the Coalition meeting. One being the threat of having EP15 made mandatory for all vehicles. The Feds have been trying to introduce this to the public, but no one with vehicle that is gas burning, would want 15% ethanol in the gas. Small engines are not built to run on this type of fuel. it was suggested that we contact our legislators and tell them to vote no on EP15. The coming election was brought up and everyone is encouraged to vote, no matter who or what you are voting for. Your vote does count. There were several things discussed at the meeting. One of them being the Washington State rally that is to be held in this area. It was decided that we should try to have the rally in the Inland Empire. Several places were mentioned as probable places to have the rally. It was then decided that the next day would be a good time to scout out campgrounds. The first campground to inspect would be one at Kettle Falls, which is about 80 miles north of Spokane. The meeting was adjourned. Billie Leonard 5
10 Tips for Fall Motorcycle Touring You didn't put your bike away already did you? The kids are back in school, the RV traffic has lightened on the roads and there are some wonderful weather days ahead for riding. While some think the last weekend in September is "put your bike away until spring" time, we say hogwash. Those that do so are missing some of the best riding days of the year. Over the years, experience has taught us a lot about riding in the fall. Here's 10 tips to keep you riding into October and possibly even into November. Go for the high country - In the Puget Sound where I live, there are a lot of low elevation rides to take. But we could take those rides just about any day of the year. At the start of the fall, the snow hasn't found its way into the mountains yet, so incorporating a few passes into the mix is perfect right now. Bring layers - you can get away without wearing much during a summer ride, but be sure to pack the layers even if it's warm when you're ready to take off. Weather has a way of changing abruptly. A base layer, your gear liner and rain gear all add a layer of warmth when you need it. Get wired - Beyond the usual base layer and liner, heated gear, hand grips and heated seats add the kind of warmth you'll relish on a cold fall morning. Incorporate one or more into your arsenal. If you already have such, be sure it's working before you go. Check the weather - Personally speaking, I don't always do a good job of looking at the advance weather and thus I've been caught up in torrential downpours, high winds and snow. A little advance planning might cause a re-route for you, keeping you out of the wicked stuff. And no matter how hard you research, you may still get caught by surprise, so be ready. Check those tires - My m.o. is to take off for a week or longer during the fall. But if I've been riding the same bike all summer, those tires might be looking a tad thin. If I'm out for a week, 6/32's of tread won't take me far. If your tread is on it's last legs, it might be a good idea to change tires before leaving, or schedule some to be waiting for you out on your route. Wildlife abounds - There's a lot of wildlife moving around during the fall. Incorporate a little viewing into your adventure by picking out a place or two where you might come across it and pack a camera to snap a few pics as you go. 6
10 Tips for Fall Motorcycle Touring, Continued... No hurries, no worries - It seems like summer rides incorporate a lot of go-go-go into them with some riders packing in the high mileage every day. It's time to relax, take stock in what's around you and just enjoy the journey at a slower pace. Pocket kites fly really well at this time of year. Plan, no plan - I know meticulous riders who plan a trip right down to where they're going to have lunch each day. Fall is a good time to just go and make it up as you go without booking advance reservations, never knowing where you might end up one day to the next. Get a room - I like motorcycle camping as much as the next thrifty rider, but the fact is some nights can get darn cold and you might like something a little cozier. Hotels and motels seem the obvious option, but how about a few nights in some state park cabins, or grabbing a cot at a hostel on the route. Seeing the sites - As part of making a fall trip a bit more relaxing, stop into one of those museums you usually blow by, add a little culinary uptick to your ride instead of munching on fast food all day, or park the bike for a day midway and take a site-seeing tour provided by the locals, if such exists along your route. PT/Summer 14 7
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 403-488-9387 509-999-1556 509-531-1942 509-485-1922 206-914-2147 360-766-6603 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 Penner @ 509-485-1922, for current location 8:00am, Denny s Restaurant, 132-128th St. SW @ I-5, Everett 9:00am, Hometown Café, 818 Metcalf Street, Sedro Woolley International Website Washington State Website David Fitzgerald, Editor UmciNewsWash@gmail.com 8