We are planning our Christmas Potluck for December 9th at 6:00 PM.
I will send out an email with directions to the complex in Port Orchard where Greg has scheduled a room for us.
In addition to bringing a main or side dish, we are asking everyone to bring a White Elephant gift for exchange. It can be motorcycle related or not...preferably something that you no longer want or need.
Plan to be there...
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Veteran Appreciation
The following was sent to me from Pete and Suzanne:
Hi Richard, Will you pass this on to everybody.
We would like to see as many bikes and people as possible. Pete can meet everyone at the McDonald's in Port Orchard (Sedgwick Rd.) @ 12:00 or high noon as he said.
Please bring snacks for munching for the guys. Crackers, pop corn and such. Remember most of these guys are diabetes and don't need the sugar.
Personal item's will work too.
We will be meeting the other chapters at the Roy Y off of Hiway 512 @ 1:00 and going to the Veterans Soldiers Home in Orting.
Spend some time and let them see your bikes and just talk. That is what we are all about.
Please e-mail or call to let us know if anyone is going. If not, we might go over the night before. Pete and Suzanne
Hi Richard, Will you pass this on to everybody.
We would like to see as many bikes and people as possible. Pete can meet everyone at the McDonald's in Port Orchard (Sedgwick Rd.) @ 12:00 or high noon as he said.
Please bring snacks for munching for the guys. Crackers, pop corn and such. Remember most of these guys are diabetes and don't need the sugar.
Personal item's will work too.
We will be meeting the other chapters at the Roy Y off of Hiway 512 @ 1:00 and going to the Veterans Soldiers Home in Orting.
Spend some time and let them see your bikes and just talk. That is what we are all about.
Please e-mail or call to let us know if anyone is going. If not, we might go over the night before. Pete and Suzanne
Thursday, August 14, 2008
August update
It has been way too long since new information has been added to this blog, so I will try to get you updated.
Our August meeting is two days from now, and our scheduled ride is the Hood Canal Loop. I don’t know who the Road Captain will be or what the exact route will be, but I am looking forward to an awesome lunch somewhere.
I am hoping to have a guest at our meeting from the American Legion Riders to give us a rundown on the upcoming “Remembrance Run” that will take place on September 6th. The proceeds from this run will go to provide educational assistance for the many children having lost a parent as an unfortunate consequence of Operation Iraqi freedom and America’s war on terrorism.
Chapter 403 participated in the Whaling Days Parade last month, and we were joined by some of the American Legion Riders. It was my first ever attempt to ride the motorcycle slowly in formation, and it was almost painful. My clutch and brakes must have an additional month of wear on them from thirty five minutes of parading. However, it was an opportunity to join some of my motorcycling brothers and sisters in community support, so it was ultimately enjoyable.
The Northwest STAR-B-Q in Post Falls, Idaho on June 27 and 28 was definitely one for the memory books. The host chapter (Spokane, Chapter 174) did an excellent job planning and running this event, and it will be difficult to top in the future.
Some of our members helped out with the Don Blair Memorial Poker Run on August 3rd that was sponsored by Brothers Power Sports, and held to benefit the WMRRA Injured Riders Fund. The Blair Family put this event together, and they work hard to make it go each year (this was the fifth year).
I hope all of you are taking advantage of the summer weather to get out and ride. The price of fuel is still hovering around $4.00 a gallon, so it makes sense to ride when you can rather than drive.
Above all else, stay safe…
Our August meeting is two days from now, and our scheduled ride is the Hood Canal Loop. I don’t know who the Road Captain will be or what the exact route will be, but I am looking forward to an awesome lunch somewhere.
I am hoping to have a guest at our meeting from the American Legion Riders to give us a rundown on the upcoming “Remembrance Run” that will take place on September 6th. The proceeds from this run will go to provide educational assistance for the many children having lost a parent as an unfortunate consequence of Operation Iraqi freedom and America’s war on terrorism.
Chapter 403 participated in the Whaling Days Parade last month, and we were joined by some of the American Legion Riders. It was my first ever attempt to ride the motorcycle slowly in formation, and it was almost painful. My clutch and brakes must have an additional month of wear on them from thirty five minutes of parading. However, it was an opportunity to join some of my motorcycling brothers and sisters in community support, so it was ultimately enjoyable.
The Northwest STAR-B-Q in Post Falls, Idaho on June 27 and 28 was definitely one for the memory books. The host chapter (Spokane, Chapter 174) did an excellent job planning and running this event, and it will be difficult to top in the future.
Some of our members helped out with the Don Blair Memorial Poker Run on August 3rd that was sponsored by Brothers Power Sports, and held to benefit the WMRRA Injured Riders Fund. The Blair Family put this event together, and they work hard to make it go each year (this was the fifth year).
I hope all of you are taking advantage of the summer weather to get out and ride. The price of fuel is still hovering around $4.00 a gallon, so it makes sense to ride when you can rather than drive.
Above all else, stay safe…
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Training Accomplished
Our safety training workshop was well attended and well received. Greg Sandstrom, Chapter 403 Sergeant-at-Arms, did an excellent job facilitating the workshop and sharing a wealth of knowledge acquired during his time as a Motorcycle Officer for the WSP.
We discussed issues pertaining to safety when riding in a group, as well as individual maintenance responsibilities, and overall considerations for the Road Captain and Tail Gunner before and during a ride. Many of us expected nothing more than a review of material we should already know, but came away from the workshop with one or two new pieces of information (like hot pipes can ruin some fine rain gear...huh Blaine?) and a better understanding of the effort required to maintain a safe edge whenever we are enjoying a ride. I am confident that this type of gathering will take place more frequently than once a year, and it will help all of us improve the quality of our motorcycling experience.
Richard Lamphere (Chapter 403 Shepherd) was the driving force to make this workshop happen, and he went above and beyond the call to provide a clean and comfortable facility for us, as well as providing an excellent feed for everyone attending.
”Well Done” to both Greg and Richard for your work on behalf of your motorcycling family. Thanks!
Note: Almost half of our attendees came from outside the immediate Chapter 403 area, and we greatly appreciate their friendship and support.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Safety Training
Our Road captain/Tail Gunner/group Riding Safety Training will be held immediately following our regular monthly meeting on March 15th.
Our meeting will be held at the Brother's Power sports (as it usually is), and we will proceed to the training location as soon as the meeting is over.
Directions to the training site are being emailed to the distribution list for Chapter 403.
Our meeting will be held at the Brother's Power sports (as it usually is), and we will proceed to the training location as soon as the meeting is over.
Directions to the training site are being emailed to the distribution list for Chapter 403.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
February ride to 7 Cedars
I am just beginning to warm up after our ride to 7 Cedars Saturday. It was actually a beautiful day to be out and about, but a little nippy yet.
Of the eighteen members attending the February meeting, fourteen were able to join us on the ride. We stopped at the Hilltop 76 so a few of us could top off the gas tank, and then we continued on to the casino.
We decided to try the buffet because it was nearly empty, and it was easy for them to accommodate our group. Pete was very disappointed that they don’t offer a senior discount, but you can believe that he got his money’s worth.
If we were going to keep track, and list our favorite casino buffets and restaurants, this one would be on the list because it is next to a highway we will be seeing a lot of. The people are great and the food is okay, but I know some of us would prefer to stand in line at Little Creek. Just sayin’.
It was great to have Richard and Barb Gibson along with us. They are both very personable, and they jumped right into the conversation. Richard seems to be anxious to collect everyone’s thoughts about ways to improve our mutual experience with STAR Touring and Riding Association, and that reflects well on his position (he and Barb are the Washington State Directors for STAR Touring and Riding Association).
The ride home was a little warmer than the ride up there, but it was just a teaser folks. Another ten degrees and it will be perfect for me.
In the meantime, keep the shiny side up and be safe out there.
The safety class for March 15th is definitely on. I will send directions to everyone on distribution.
Of the eighteen members attending the February meeting, fourteen were able to join us on the ride. We stopped at the Hilltop 76 so a few of us could top off the gas tank, and then we continued on to the casino.
We decided to try the buffet because it was nearly empty, and it was easy for them to accommodate our group. Pete was very disappointed that they don’t offer a senior discount, but you can believe that he got his money’s worth.
If we were going to keep track, and list our favorite casino buffets and restaurants, this one would be on the list because it is next to a highway we will be seeing a lot of. The people are great and the food is okay, but I know some of us would prefer to stand in line at Little Creek. Just sayin’.
It was great to have Richard and Barb Gibson along with us. They are both very personable, and they jumped right into the conversation. Richard seems to be anxious to collect everyone’s thoughts about ways to improve our mutual experience with STAR Touring and Riding Association, and that reflects well on his position (he and Barb are the Washington State Directors for STAR Touring and Riding Association).
The ride home was a little warmer than the ride up there, but it was just a teaser folks. Another ten degrees and it will be perfect for me.
In the meantime, keep the shiny side up and be safe out there.
The safety class for March 15th is definitely on. I will send directions to everyone on distribution.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Some of the STARs
Our first meeting of 2008 went very well. We had twenty-one attendees with two new faces present (Greg and Patti Cryder). Ron Swift (Chapter 350 President and charter member of our chapter) was also with us.
Dick Lamphere brought in a white board for the use of chapter members. It will initially reside next to the door into the main sales floor of the Brother’s Power Sports, but will eventually occupy space along the large wall on that end of the building that will be dedicated to chapter issues, members, and events. The STAR accessories that currently cover that wall space will be moved into a separate parts area, leaving a lot of wall space for recognition of STAR Touring and Riding Chapter 403.
The Road Captain/Tail Gunner/Safety Training Class has been tentatively scheduled for March 15th, which is our meeting day for that month. Dick Lamphere will finalize the arrangements for a space to hold the training, and location information will be posted in all the usual places. Pete mentioned that we will have attendees from other chapters, and has suggested that everyone in Chapter 403 attend. We will be space limited, so please get your name on the list as soon as possible.
The charter reading and signing for 2008 is now complete, and we have moved into our second year of existence. Our chapter resolution for this year is to be infinitely more organized than last year, and to increase the number of events that will attract new potential members.
Ten of us gathered at Jimmy D’s in Belfair for a late breakfast after the meeting. We are all anxious to welcome some warmer and drier weather, and look forward to a very active 2008 riding season.
Stay Safe…
Dick Lamphere brought in a white board for the use of chapter members. It will initially reside next to the door into the main sales floor of the Brother’s Power Sports, but will eventually occupy space along the large wall on that end of the building that will be dedicated to chapter issues, members, and events. The STAR accessories that currently cover that wall space will be moved into a separate parts area, leaving a lot of wall space for recognition of STAR Touring and Riding Chapter 403.
The Road Captain/Tail Gunner/Safety Training Class has been tentatively scheduled for March 15th, which is our meeting day for that month. Dick Lamphere will finalize the arrangements for a space to hold the training, and location information will be posted in all the usual places. Pete mentioned that we will have attendees from other chapters, and has suggested that everyone in Chapter 403 attend. We will be space limited, so please get your name on the list as soon as possible.
The charter reading and signing for 2008 is now complete, and we have moved into our second year of existence. Our chapter resolution for this year is to be infinitely more organized than last year, and to increase the number of events that will attract new potential members.
Ten of us gathered at Jimmy D’s in Belfair for a late breakfast after the meeting. We are all anxious to welcome some warmer and drier weather, and look forward to a very active 2008 riding season.
Stay Safe…
Thursday, January 17, 2008
2008
Our January meeting is quickly approaching (Saturday, January 19), and I still don’t have a ride picked out for this coming season. I know we have a committee that is supposed to put together a ride list because I am on it, but we have been very lax about getting together. I hope there are enough suggestions by meeting time to actually get a list firmed up.
We have a lot of chapter business to take care of as we move into the 2008 season. Ride waivers need to be filled out by all members (you need to provide proof of current insurance, show the endorsement on your driver’s license, and show your STAR membership card with an expiration date that hasn’t happened yet), our charter must be read and signed, and the ride list for the entire season must be submitted for approval.
The artwork for our chapter logo has to be fine tuned and submitted for approval, and we have to resolve the issue of a chapter web site (will we or won’t we). Our charity committee has some work to do planning and developing an event to raise awareness and funds for Camp SeaStar, and the vast amount of other unfinished business that has followed us from 2007 is crying out for attention.
We might not be the quickest chapter to get things done, but we always have something to look forward to. Our main objective is to enjoy our affiliation with each other, so let’s get after it with a smile and a positive outlook (and don’t make me keep repeating all this until next January).
We have a lot of chapter business to take care of as we move into the 2008 season. Ride waivers need to be filled out by all members (you need to provide proof of current insurance, show the endorsement on your driver’s license, and show your STAR membership card with an expiration date that hasn’t happened yet), our charter must be read and signed, and the ride list for the entire season must be submitted for approval.
The artwork for our chapter logo has to be fine tuned and submitted for approval, and we have to resolve the issue of a chapter web site (will we or won’t we). Our charity committee has some work to do planning and developing an event to raise awareness and funds for Camp SeaStar, and the vast amount of other unfinished business that has followed us from 2007 is crying out for attention.
We might not be the quickest chapter to get things done, but we always have something to look forward to. Our main objective is to enjoy our affiliation with each other, so let’s get after it with a smile and a positive outlook (and don’t make me keep repeating all this until next January).
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