Friday, February 28, 2014

Dan Dunn reminded us that although snow is once again in the forecast the Bike Blessing is just 6 weeks from this Sunday. Bike Blessing posters are available to be posted at establishments frequented by riders.

Don't be intimidated by the poster. You don't need to be able to ride on water to participate!

Thursday, March 13^th is the deadline for T-Shirt Sponsorship ad copy.

We will have the same band that played at last year’s Bike Blessing again, the Square One Band. As I remember, they were really good. Jim advised that you could find them on YouTube. I tried and came up with a bunch of bands with the same name, but none that I could definitely say were the right one.

Dan also advised that he and Rich Jones will be heading to South Hampton, MA this weekend for another Iron Adventure meeting. He reminded us that those who preregister will receive a free t-shirt and patch. HOG members will also receive a special gift. Also, tickets to Saturday night’s concert are $45 for those who don’t preregister.

OK, these lovely ladies may not have been at the last Penguin Plunge. Here are some shots from last year's event.

The Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics is on Sunday, March 9^th at Noon at Ocean Beach. Donations will be collected at next week’s meeting. Please support our members who will be participating. Check out the following link for more info.

http://soct.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=2900&pg=entry

Dave Adams advised that Julie Perry brought her Dad, Randall Perry’s bike over to Dave and Margo’s. It is in need of a new rear tire and minor repairs. Dave plans on riding it with Julie on back for Randy’s memorial run (date to be announced). Momma Margo is looking for a back seat.

The results of last week’s Chili Cook-Off were announced:

Jim Moran’s chili with its not-so-secret ingredient won first prize.

Lane Ventura’s came in second and Patty Dueller’s came in third.

Once again Dana McFee’s chili did not make the podium, but it did come in ahead of Steve Natale’s Italian Chili (a.k.a. pizza)!

Steve Natale reported on a number of members who have been under the weather lately.

Both Erika Dwyer and John Goglia are home from their respective hospital stays and both are doing well.

Karen Gowin retired from her job today and is doing OK. It was also noted that her birthday is this Saturday and that, due to a computer problem, she lost a number of photos of Bubba.

If anyone has photos to share please forward them to her. Steve Natale said he was planning to visit and would be happy to bring them with him.

There is no ride this Sunday, but the Road Captain said he may be doing a little “testing” in advance of the Tuesday’s planned departure for the Key West Run. If the run is delayed by weather, they may not be back in time for the New London St. Patrick’s Parade on Saturday, March 15^th. Staging for the parade is at 11:30 AM on South Water Street. The parade itself is set to kick off at 1:00 PM.

Patty confirmed that Saturday, March 15^th is the date of our Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner and game night.

Dave Adams reported that he and Momma Margo joined Gary Dobrinski and Tammy Perry for the showing of Why We Ride at the Seaport Community Church last Sunday. Gary won the top raffle prize, a DVD of the film and a T-shirt.

Tom Lloret shared tales of his recent adventures in the Caribbean including riding in mini-buses at breakneck speeds down narrow island roads and the local pedestrian’s learned behavior to automatically duck the side mirrors. He also described an interesting and humorous video his brother, Mark, sent to him upon his return. I’ve asked him to share the link with me so I can post here on the blog for all to enjoy. In the meantime, here are some shots from my visit to Barbados last April.

Queen St., Bridgetown, Barbados.
Pedestrians only and few tourists know of this gem for shopping. Don't tell Donna!

One of the main thoroughfares in Bridgetown lined with department stores.

Pedestrians are everywhere in town.

I rent a car whenever we visit Rosie's family in Barbados.
Left Side Drive isn't too hard to get used to.
I tried to rent this Honda CB750, but it was for "Sale Only"

Tom spoke about flocks of goats in the road. I think what he saw was sheep. Not the wooly type we are used to but the type used for Curry Lamb Stew. This brave fellow stayed in the road while all his mates ran into the field.

You may run into one of these "Green" monkeys in the road as well.
Like deer, if you see one, chances are more will follow.

It may be hot down there, but it sure beats dealing with snow!

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

The Authority of The Federal Government

A DEA Agent stopped at a ranch in Texas and talked to an old rancher. He told the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs." The rancher said, "okay, but don't go into that field over there...", as he pointed out the location. The DEA Agent verbally exploded and said, "look mister, I have the authority of the federal government with me!" Reaching into his rear back pocket, the arrogant officer removed his badge and proudly displayed it to the rancher. "See this badge?! This badge means I can go wherever I want... On any land! No questions asked, no answers given! Do you understand old man?!"

The rancher kindly nodded, apologized, and went about his chores. Moments later the rancher heard loud screams, he looked up and saw the DEA agent running for his life, being chased by the ranchers big Santa Gertrudis Bull...... With every step the bull was gaining ground on the officer, and it was likely that he'd sure enough get gored before he reached safety. The officer was clearly terrified. The old rancher threw down his tools, ran as fast as he could to the fence, and yelled at the top of his lungs......

"YOUR BADGE! SHOW HIM YOUR BADGE!"

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Biker Song

Kelly Ventura recommends this YouTube post.

Biker Song - Open Road

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXlz0nmCk1U

Monday, February 24, 2014

Deer aren't the only wildlife to watch out for!

Motorcyclist Attacked by Turkey

http://www.wideopenspaces.com/motorcyclist-attacked-by-turkey-video/

Friday, February 21, 2014

2/20/14 Meeting Report

Bike Blessing

It’s Official; the date has been changed to 4/13/14 due to the Miracle Ride being on 4/27. This date has been confirmed with Ocean Beach and our website has been updated. Official advertising (print and radio) will start in March.

This gives us 2 fewer weeks to prepare, so please contact Paul regarding any potential vendors and Jason regarding any potential sponsors (T-shirt advertising).

The following businesses have already been approached, so please don’t contact them again.

1.State Street Saloon

2.B&D Autobody

3.Pennells Auto

4.Oakdale Pizza

5.Friendly's Pizza / Cakes and Cones

6.Big Gary's Package Store

7.Longshots

8.Citizens Bank (Montville)

9.Brown Derby

10.Handlebars Cafe

11.The Outpost

12.Haymond Law Firm

13.Trantolo and Trantolo

14.Mike's Famous

15.New England Cycle Works

16.Motorsports Nation

17.Valvoline Instant Oil Change

18.Chelsea Groton Bank

19.Coca Cola

20.IPC

21.Lou's Custom Paint

22.Nowhere Cafe

23.Eastern Technology

24.Foxwoods Casino

25.Mohegan Sun Casino

26.MJ Sullivan

This year’s shirt will be a royal blue with gold print.

Gates open at 11 AM; Blessing starts at 2 PM.

Chili Cook-off Saturday Night

Dana is vying for the title once again. Will this be the year he finally takes the crown or will Patty’s reign continue? Come on down and judge for yourself. Better yet, whip up your best chili recipe for the competition.

If you’re all thumbs in the kitchen, you can still contribute to what has been one of our more popular events by bringing side items such as tortilla chips, sour cream, corn bread or anything else that you think might compliment chili.

There were requests to combine this event with a “Game Night” and there may be a card game or two after the event. Feel free to bring your game of choice to share with fellow members. The fun starts at 6 PM.

Wake for Randall Perry this Sunday

Please join us in honoring this fallen member. Whether on two wheels or four, we will be departing the Dunkin Donuts on Coleman Street in New London at 11:30 AM.

Honor Guard dress is requested.

Honor Guard Uniform:

A. Black boots that will take a shine.

B. Black jeans

C. White L/S or S/S T-shirt w/graphics on sleeves only. L/S or S/S will be called for by the Honor Guard Captain as the uniform of the day.

D. Black Ascot hat w/small round patch sewn on the front. Off bike & parade wear.

E. Black/Gloss shorty helmet for road riding into an event

F. Black leather vest (laced sides)

1. Large Round Patch only on the back

2. Special Brass Nameplate only on the front left breast side

It is OK if you are not prepared to fulfill all of the aspects of the Honor Guard Uniform. Simply make the effort to do what you can.

Here is an updated obituary from the funeral home’s website:

Randall K. Perry, 54, of East Hampton passed away Sun, Feb. 16, 2014 at his home. He was born on Sept. 4, 1959 in New London the son of Anita Johnson Perry Kettner of Groton and the late George Perry. Randall had been employed for many years as a supply and equipment manager with the Environmental Services Dept at Foxwoods. He was also an active member of the New London County Motorcycle Club. Besides his mother, survivors include his daughter Julie Perry of New London, a son Nicholas Perry of East Hampton, 2 sisters Linda and Dawn, a brother Brian and 5 grandchildren Anthony, Lorenzo, Sonnja, Jayde, Alexis, and his dog Trixie. Visiting hours will be held from 11 to 1 pm Sunday Feb. 23 at the Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St, New London. At his request, there is to be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be directed to the Covenant Shelter of New London, Inc, 42 Jay St., New London, CT 06320

St. Patrick’s Day Events

Thibs will be preparing a Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner on Saturday, March 15^th.

We will be participating in the New London St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16^th.

Update on The Iron Adventure

Peter came down from New Hampshire tonight to advise us on the changes being made for this year’s event and to answer our questions.

Jackson Gore will be the hub of the event with most, if not all, activities happening or starting here. They have worked out an arrangement with the venue to provide much better pricing for alcoholic beverages and the event will be providing free coffee. They have also improved lighting in the parking lot (so you can find your bike again) and have devised a system to ensure that Event Signs remain posted during the event.

They have planned more entertainment this year including comedians, popular local bands and at least one prominent national band, Déjà vu; an all-girl band that plays at many Harley Davidson events.

The scavenger hunt will be back, but the guided and unguided rides have been pared down to allow riders to participate in activities at the Hub. Certain activities, such as Biker Games (field events), have been scheduled in the afternoon so that riders can go out for a ride in the morning and participate in those events when they get back.

They have arranged for a larger number of vendors to participate, with the bulk set up at the hub and other set up downtown.

This is the second year of the event and the second time it is being held in Ludlow, VT. Next year it will be held in Massachusetts and it will move throughout New England each year after that. If you sign up ahead of time you’ll receive a complimentary T-shirt and patch.

I apologize for not dressing up this blog post with pictures, but I just found out I’m on the early shift tomorrow.