02-27-14 Meeting Report

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!