Hey !!!

Don't forget, you have to set your clocks back on Saturday night, yes, it's that time of year again. So if you forget you may be a tad late for Sundays Gift Ride, (about an hour).
If you don't want to change your clocks that is alright also, it will just mean you will have to do a little math. Time shown minus one hour (central, mountain, and pacific zones subtract accordingly.

I can happily say I will not be setting my clock on my bike back an hour. Since Spring I have been mentally adding an hour, now it'll actually be right.

klay

The Annual Gift Run

The Gift run is coming up this weekend,this is the last real organized run of the year. The schedule is as follows:




Sunday, Nov. 1st, 2009


Meet: "New" Dunkin Donuts,
Coleman St., New London


At this time we can discuss who will be riding with the club and helping at Harkness and who would prefer to ride with the Hoard out of the Speedbowl.


Time: 10:00am AOB Departure, The members will ride to Stash's for breakfast. All you can eat for about $7.00.
At approx, 11:00am  Club ride along some of the area roads eventually arriving at Harkness Park where the Club will have the Duty of Parking  arriving bikes.


Note: Anyone w/trikes who would like to give residents a ride see Don Werner when we arrive.

Good morning. My name is Paul Neves My son Chad, who lives in Columbia, CT. is unfortunately looking for a home for his two American Boxer/Pit Bulls, Benz and Spot. Chad has had these dogs since they were born and has realized that due to his upcoming divorce and the fact that he works over 70 hours a week, he is unable to care for them properly. Benz (black one) is 4 years old and is Spot's father. Spot is 3. Both dogs are healthy and extremely gentle, having grown up in a home that has had over 30 foster children come and go over the last 3 years. They have never done anything but lick. Benz is about 50 pounds and Spot is around 60. Both are male. They spend most of the day chained in the back yard with shelters and spend the nights loose in the house. They both love cats. Chad actually has another pit bull, (the mother) who he is trying to keep. The dogs need a good home and someone who has the time to enjoy them and walk them. We would appreciate your consideration of these two . We are getting desperate to find homes for these two as the weather is getting colder and my son's situation is not getting better. My son is also traveling out of state on the 11th of November and will be gone a week. At that point it becomes critical that these two are placed somewhere. The dogs are not totally up to date on shots and they have not been neutered. Financially for him, getting this done now, and even boarding them, is not an option. Thanks very much. Please let me know as soon as possible so that if required, we can continue to pursue other options. Thank you very much.

Whats going on???

From the Road Captain:



Reminder that Sunday, Nov. 1st, is the Annual Gift Run. Last year 42 member bikes participated. Hopefully we can trump that number this year. Meet at the "New" Dunkin Donut's on Coleman Street in New London prepared to depart for breakfast at Stash's at 10:00am.


From the President:


A reminder to turn your clocks back Saturday/Sunday morning 2:00am.



From the Activities Chairperson:


The date of this years Christmas Party will be Saturday, December 19th, beginning at 6:00pm. Potluck, so bring your best dish. There will also be a Yankee gift swap, bring a male, female or gender neutral gift for $ 15.00 or less. This is an Adult Party, alcohol will be present, so if you bring children be aware of the presence of alcohol. Also, bring a gift for your child so they can also participate in the gift part of the program.

The downward side of the slippery slope

               Another one of our members has met that point in life where they "officially" enter the slippery slope to the end. Yes Curt Anderson has hit 50. The Official point where people say you are over the hill, Well I'd like to say that is crap. "Over the hill", "past his prime", and all such witticisms used when some one turns 50 are an out right lie. Lets face it everyone is on that slippery slope downhill before they ever hit 50, 50 is not middle aged, how many people actually live to be 100 years old? Damn few. And honestly who would really want to, the golden years is not a thing I am looking forward to seeing. Wearing diapers and eating pabulum, waking up in the middle of the night and having to go pee, then ... waiting to pee.
           So Curt don't worry that you are 50, look at all the things you can look forward to, there's retirement - being able to sleep in, then ride all day. The other thing you get to do is get closer to your doctor, there's a whole new direction in which he will be looking during your annual physicals. 
              Just remember, getting older is like living in a haunted house, a whole bunch of noises and smells which you just can't explain.
                                   Happy 50th,


        By the way, Dan D and myself will be joining you shortly. Hey... maybe we can get a group rate from the doc.

 klay

To all the members of the NLMC,

I'd like to thank-you from the bottom of my heart, for the kindness and support.


He loved it when all of you came to the house, and saw all the bikes riding away, you could tell he was thrilled.


Thanks for the escort to the funeral home and then to the Elks.


He loved the club and all the members like a family.






God Bless you All


Betty Kay

The FOUR corners,,,minus three

AOB was scheduled at 10am, you know the place, and members started arriving as early as 915a. Of course everyone who showed was not going for one reason or another, be it having to do other things or just forgetting to change out of their pajamas,(You know who I'm talking about). The normal coffee drinking and bull session progressed until Tom called the riders meeting after which everyone mounted their trusty steeds and we were off, Sixteen bikes and two chase cars. The club proceded south on 32 to Oakdale road where we picked up Interstate 395 north to Norwich and Route 2 passing ten southbound Ferraris on the way. Once on Route 2 the Club headed west and north, at 163 one of the cars departed home and the other moved up. (Hey, Where's Beebe?). The Club contnued north and west through Bozrah and Colchester where two more members joined in, another member joined in Marlborough while Tree and Evert dropped off to fix a wayward flag before rejoining the Club.

The ride continued up 2 through Glastonbury and East Hartford where they jumped on Route 84 across the Connecticut River, (I ever tell you about the time my Grandmother was all upset about the Pequots buying up all the property they were buyng in the nineties? "If we keep letting them buy up everything pretty soon they'll change the name of the state to an Indian name!" ...Ah'm Gram...Connecticut is an indian name.),anyway, crossing the "Indian named" River the Club picked up Rte 91 north. In Granby the Club dropped off the expressway and grabbed Route 20 to East Granby where the Club stopped to meet the rest of our contingent and to,,,ahhh...you know... was chilly...cool air makes you have to...ahhh...You know.

      With the Club count now at 26 we continued to follow Route 20 to West Granby at which point we turned onto Barkhamsted road (Route 219) for a stop at the Barkhamsted resevoir dam...photo shoot

 From there most of the Club continued west towards 318 and route 44, that would be all but our Sarasota Florida  Chairman who decided to wait for all the bikes to get out ahead of him. Problem was all the bikes there were not ours. Steve dropped back to pick him up and both rejoined the column a little further up the road. The Club stayed on 44 through Winsted and Norfolk then dropped down hill into Canaan for lunch. Due to the amount of time lost in Granby at the one hole Dunkin Donuts it was decided to have lunch at McDonalds, It was the only place to get that many in and out of in a resonable amount of time. From Canaan The Club proceded west stopping quickly to refuel before continuing on 44 and 41 through Salisbury and Lakeville then 41 south to Sharon where we turned east on Route 4 and headed for Cornwall Bridge.

A short stop there found another Club rolling in, this was a Cobra Automoble Club. Back on the road we proceded south on Route 7 towards Kent before jumping onto 45 through Warren and into Marbledale (I don't make up the names). In Marbledale the Club jumped on Route 202 south through Northville and Hickory Haven before turning east on rte 109 with a side trip down Sackett Hill road which had a great little hairpin.

 On the ride south on 7, 45, 202, and 109 we passed Lake Waramaug, Jones Pond, The Morris and Wigwam Resevoirs, and Black Rock State Park on roads which were up and down with a good amount of the twistys,

before meeting up with Route 8. Jim Skerrit feft us around Granby, Boomer and another in Canaan, Evert in Cornwall Bridge, Mark at Rte 8 at Reynolds Bridge. The Club ran south on 8 to Waterbury and Rte 84 east. We followed route 84 east through Waterbury to Marion where we jumped on 691, then through Meridan. At the 15 connector Steve Natale turned south and Adriane and Les turned North onto 91. The rest of the Club continued east into Middletown where some went south on 9 to 95 and others east across the Portland bridge and 66 to 16 and home.  All in all a great day, the weather obliged by been sunny and cool with a little wind. The foliage was past peak but there was still plenty of yellows and golds, the reds having faded to brown.  I would like to add that Charlie protected the clubs tail, his donation of his CB radio worked all day.

klay

LOOKING FOR WOMEN!!!!

Looking for women who are looking for womens gear. If you are tired of trying to find clothing or accessories that fit you and end up buying mens or boys... look no further!!!!

Try a visit to the





This site specializes in womens gear.

"LadyBikersDen.com was created especially for you, offering a unbelievable selection of women’s motorcycle casual wear, leather jackets, women’s motorcycle helmets, biker accessories, children’s motorcycle jackets, and so much more! Check out our stunning assortment of women’s motorcycle gear – our collection includes garments that have been specifically designed with a female physique in mind, as well as unisex-approved gear and garments available in a wide variety of sizes, including Tall and X-Small. We invite you to check in often and see what’s new – at Lady Bikers’ Den"

See link ...    http://www.ladybikersden.com/

klay

Winterization information Courtesy of "RoadRUNNER Newsletter"

RoadRUNNER Newsletter - October 2009



Contact: James T. Parks

(240) 423-3631

JParks@roadrunner.travel


IN THIS ISSUE

New Book: Riding America's Backroads: 20 Top Motorcycle Tours


November/December 2009 Issue


Touring Tip: Checklist for Winterizing Your Bike


Riding America's Backroads: 20 Top Motorcycle Tours - Order Your Copy Today!


In a newsletter earlier this year we told you about plans to publish our first touring book. Well, our final version of Riding America's Backroads: 20 Top Motorcycle Tours just went to the printer and will be available in time for this year's gift-giving season. It contains 20 of our best U.S. tours as well as bonus service articles on motorcycle maintenance, riding techniques, and more…


As an added benefit: You'll also be able to download GPS files and printable tank bag maps for each tour, for FREE, from our website.

Pre-order now by phone (866) 343-7623 or online at www.roadrunner.travel/shop.


Free shipping on soft-cover book orders placed before 11/30/2009.


The soft-cover book is 192 pages in length and retails for $27.95. 200 Limited Edition Hardback copies ($75 plus S&H), signed by publisher Christa Neuhauser are also available, but act fast if you're interested because once they're gone, they're gone!


Either book will make an excellent gift for that special someone, who is passionate about touring America on two-wheels. And, of course, it's all right to "give" it to yourself as an indispensable addition to your motorcycle-touring library.


November/December 2009 Issue


The adventure-packed November/December '09 issue of RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel is on its way to a mailbox or bookstore near you. These exciting tours are featured:


Robert Smith's roundtrip tour out of Fresno, CA, aboard a BMW 1200GS explores the central Sierra Nevada Mountains and Yosemite.


Rick Schunk takes a roundtrip to southern Missouri to sample its alphabet roads;


Jim Parks and Florian Neuhauser log Part I of their two-part journey along the full length of the Ohio River.


Chris Myers heads to Jackson, Tennessee on a Yamaha FJR 1300 for a nostalgic Shamrock Tour®; and


Simon and Lisa Thomas, our World Travelers, head south in this issue to the wild landscape of East Africa to camp with lions.


You'll also want to peruse our Buyers' Guide for gift suggestions for those motorcycle enthusiasts on your list. In addition, there are informative bike reviews on the: exciting new 2009 Aprilia Shiver, 2009 Yamaha TMAX 500 scooter and 2010 Triumph Thunderbird. And, of course, there's always much more for your armchair-reading pleasure!


If you're not yet enjoying the subscription benefits of home delivery and discounted magazine prices, contact us today by calling 866-343-7623 or by ordering online at www.roadrunnter.travel.


Touring Tip: Checklist for Winterizing Your Bike


Because most mechanical systems perform best when they're used regularly, the most effective way of preparing your bike for winter is to simply keep riding and maintaining it. But most of us, unfortunately, don't live in a climate that allows a 365-day riding year. Consequently, we need to prepare our rides for some period of winter storage. Here's a quick checklist to help you make sure the job gets done properly:


Store Properly: Indoor (heated if possible) storage is best for guarding against moisture and rust. To prevent flat spots from developing on tires, store the bike on its centerstand with most of its weight off of the wheels. If that's not possible, move the motorcycle slightly every month.


Stabilize the Fuel: Fill gas tank and add fuel stabilizer to the gas. With fuel-injected bikes, run the engine so the treated fuel gets into the injectors. With carburetor(s) turn off petcock, drain float bowl(s).


Tend to the Battery: Attach maintenance charger to battery. If battery is a non-sealed type, check fluid levels and add distilled water if needed. Avoid using trickle chargers, which overcharge batteries in storage


Lubricate Controls and Other Mechanical Parts: Lubricate cables, change front fork oil as required by owner's manual and oil other exterior unsealed moving parts.


Change Engine Oil and Filter: Because old oil can develop acidic qualities and cause corrosion, change it prior to storage and possibly again in the spring.


Inspect/Lubricate Final Drive: Chains should be cleaned, checked for proper tension and lubricated. Check the oil level on shaft drive bikes and add or replace it as necessary.


Inspect/Service Cooling System: For water-cooled bikes, test the coolant for freeze protection. Look for any signs of rust or leakage, ensure that coolant level is at the proper level--drain and flush and replace coolant every two years.


Inspect/Service Brakes: Remove the brake pads and check the calipers for corrosion. If left unchecked, corroded parts can eventually cause brakes to seize up. Replace faulty parts as necessary.


Inspect/Replace Tires: Check condition of tires, including tread depth. Tires with wear bars showing or 3/32 or less of tread remaining, or older than six years should be replaced.


Inspect/Service Electrical System: Look for any signs of corrosion on exposed electrical connections. A thin coating of silicone dielectric grease can help prevent corrosion.


Replace Brake/Clutch Fluids: Brake fluid can absorb moisture over time, causing corrosion and loss of braking effectiveness. It's best to replace those fluids yearly, but be sure to use only the recommended fluid from a sealed container.


Check Torque of Threaded Fasteners: Ensuring that key nuts and bolts (i.e., those that could threaten life or limb if they became loose) are at their proper tightness is especially important.


Clean/Protect Surfaces: Give your bike a thorough cleaning and then polish and wax all painted and chrome surfaces; clean and polish aluminum and stainless steel surfaces with the appropriate metal polish and then apply a protective coating.


Inspect/Replace Air Filter: Inspect the air filter to determine if it needs cleaning or replacement.


Clean and Treat Leather: Using a high quality dressing to clean and preserve all leather surfaces.


Treat Cylinder Walls: To help prevent cylinder wall and piston ring corrosion, remove spark plug(s) and add 25cc of motor oil. Then, with plugs removed, use the starter to turn the motor over several times to distribute the oil. Reinstall spark plugs and tighten to the specified torque.


Consult Owner's Manual: As a final check to make sure you haven't missed anything, review the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual to determine if any other services are required.


Many, if not most, of the above procedures will be within the mechanical knowledge and skill level of the owner. However, if you're ever in doubt about something, it's always advisable to consult a trained professional technician.


Ride safe and we'll see you again next month

http://www.roadrunner.travel/newsletter.php

"Reprinted courtesy of RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel magazine (www.roadrunner.travel)"

Harley-Davidson to shut down Buell

Continuing to struggle with its lackluster performance, Harley-Davidson  announced two steps aimed at returning the company to the solvency of a couple years ago,Shutting down its Buell line and selling off the high-performance brand MV Augusta. The moves will cost the company millions, but will allow it to refocus on its cruiser bike market

       Harley bought the Buell name and product of inventor Erik Buell in 2003 in an attempt to brake into new markets, including sport and standard bikes. 

MV Augusta once dominated Grand Prix racing, but has changed hands several times.in recent years.

Sales of Harley-Davidson bikes were down 22.9 percent from the same period in 2008. Revenue for the quarter dropped 22.1percent year over year, while distribution fell by 27.4 percent. Earnings per share were 10 cents shy of analysts' expectations of around 21 cents a share. To help reduce dealer overstock, the company said it would be cutting back on manufacturing in the fourth quarter.

Unlike its competitors, the uniquely American brand cannot offshore its business without risking damaging backlash from its customers.

Harley-Davidson Financial Services unit, recorded an operating loss of $31.5 million for the quarter.
Harley-Davidson remains constrained by its narrow identity as a cruiser bike company, The real question remains, however, just how much unfulfilled market for its machines remains?


(from an article in Daily finance)

klay

From The Road Capt...

          Just got back home on a rainy Sunday and I saw a rider on a BMW going north on I -95 as I was going south. The temp was 44 and a moderate rain was falling, I was envious of him/her riding and me not. It's seems that every Sunday we as a club are riding together going to or from someplace. As a club we get together 3 or more times a week to ride practice or just socialize.

         With the change of the season comes a change in motorcycle activities. It's a real adjustment and when you're home off the road on a crummy day you realize how much belonging to this club and riding your motorcycle with your club-mates means to you. Take it away and you see the difference.

Well...I guess there's always quilting.

Road Capt.

_________________________________________

"Only Harleys are Cool"

I Beg TO Differ, for those of you who beleive that the Harley is what makes you cool, Just watch some of those people out there on bikes who come off a red light and keep their feet hanging out til they make the corner. I've seen this done on both Metric and Domestic bikes, So you see, what makes you cool is how you ride and your attitude. You can be a goof ball on a Harley or you can be cool, You can be a goof ball on a Metric or you can be cool. So ride well, and remember, you need a cool attitude...


Remember, think "Cool" and you will be...

As you can see, even a Gold Wing rider can be cool.

klay

After Action Report

Steve Natale has withdrawn his nomination for Honor Guard Captain

klay

Whats for diner ma? Venison Chili

Thursdays’ meeting 10-15-09        




Bob Pepin killed Bambi and cooked it up in a chili. Everyone I talked to agreed it was really good.



        The meeting came to order on time, and ended early, with every officer and County Seat having no report the meeting flew by. The pledge of allegiance was given but before the moment of silence Jim Sullivan announced that one of the club’s charter members had passed away at the age of 98. The Secretary had no report after calling roll; the treasurer told us we have little money left after the pavilion work. The President and Vice President had no report. The Road Captain was planning a ride this weekend for foliage but with the forecast calling for rain and snow, this weekend’s ride was scrubbed. The VP called on reports from the committees and county seats and all had no report. Since the Honor Guard Captain likewise had nothing to say the meeting moved to old business and there was none. Because new business promised to take some time the "good of the club" was brought up next. Paul Neves read an article from the Backus Hospital paper thanking the club for assisting in the cancer drive setup. Mike Henry had a death in the family and the Club would be sending a card, anyone interested in sending the family a card was invited to do so.

Moving on to new business, nominations for club offices was held. The nomination standings are as follows.






President: incumbent Jim Moran, no challengers






Vice President: Steve Malzone incumbent, Dana Mcfee and Tom Yuchniuk challenging






Assistant VP: Dana Mcfee not seeking another term, Challengers are Mike Holmes and Dan Dunn






Road Captain: Incumbent: Tom Llorett no challengers






Secretary: Curt Anderson will not seek nor will he accept another term as...(hmm), Jason Moran challenging, Ron Duran nominated, refused nomination.






Treasurer: Paul Neves, incumbent, Challengers: no one in their right mind.






Honor Guard captain: Incumbent Rich Woodhall, Challenging, Steve Natale





You may notice a pattern here, The three crappiest (meaning most time consuming and thankless) had no challengers. Those were:






The President,
The Treasurer, and

The Road Captain.    


One additional note, Thursday was the first snow fall of the season. While the waitress at David’s Place was all excited about it, few others were. With all the signs, It looks as though it is going to be a cold, long, looooooong, loooooooooong, long, long, long…. Long winter.

                                     
 
 
 
 
 
klay

"Think Ride"

The AMA has announced a new Public Service Announcement campaign called “Think Ride”. The Campaign calls for all riders, on road, off road, and ATV to think before they ride. The first phase of the program will be a series of videos that encourage Safety gear, and safe, responsible riding practices, and discourages impaired riding and excessive exhaust noise. Another video will be aimed at Car and Truck drivers informing them to “Watch out for Motorcycles”. The two remaining phases will be Radio and flyers.


Visit the American Motorcycle Associations website for more details.   http://www.ama-cycle.org/index.asp

klay

Where are you???

WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS, WE WANT STORIES, so get a couple shots and a history of your riding, or an event that occured to you and have it posted. How else will you be in the printed blog book, how else will everyone get to know you, how else are we all going to be able to laugh at you.

So come on, give us a story we can add you photo.

klay

Towards the discussion at Hazlett's garage the other day...

                                                                           

If that maroon Vstar is still in the shop, you can keep the hardbags, and the exhaust, All I need are the heads and timing parts. Jim won't mind...right?

Founders Day

         The Founders Day ride October 4th, 11th . Crappy weather on the 4th so the ride was moved to the 11th. A.O.B. was at 10am, 1010am, o/k so the club rolled out of Dunkin Donuts at 10:16am and proceeded south on route 32 to 163 where they jumped on 395 to route 2.


         My plan was to collect video footage along the trip from alongside the road, looking down from bridges and driving along side (car because the bike needs to go in the shop). I filmed the club departing Dunkin donuts, jumped in my car and got stuck behind one of the two people in Connecticut who actually do the speed limits on route 32. The second person was the one who matched his speed in the other lane when 32 went to dual lanes. In New London the two lines of traffic behind these cars finally broke free, I ran up rte 85 and arrived in Colchester and waited for the Club. Unfortunately…they had already gone by. So…so much for footage. (I should have gone to PA to gamble like I was going to).

         Word has it that it was a great ride with wonderful weather. The Club stuck to the highways on the way up 2,84,and 91 and two of the northern County chairs joined along 91. More than 20 bikes made the trip with Tom and the “Chaplain” both saying a few words at the gravesite. The Club then went to Lunch,(Italian, because Jesus settled in Italy. What???) before splitting into two groups for the ride home, one taking the highways and the other taking the always more enjoyable back roads.

klay

Charles E. Kay

Charlie

1941 ~ 2009

We have all lost a great friend, and more than that a member of our family. Charlie will be sorely missed.

There was a quote by an officer during the Vietnam war that fits whenever anyone is lost to us, in combat or in peace.

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving,

for the places they can no longer go".

Mark Beebe

================================================

Charles E. Kay, born on September 21st, 1941, in Allentwon, Pa., the son of the late Charles and Jeanne of Florida. Charlie was a member of the New London Motorcycle Club for only 3 years but his love for the Club and it's members was second to none, as shown by his generousity and compassion over the short time we enjoyed his presence. Charlie will be deeply missed.

Jim Moran

Building Improvement photos

 The following is a collection of photos of Club members working on the building...

The Dig and forms...

footing and knee wall

Filling in...

Jungle patrol...

New  Doors

The Pad...

Plumbing for new outside water spicket...

New sidewalk and kickstand pad...

O/K...now its time to get going on the roof... There's still time before the snow flies.

klay