2-6-14 Meeting Report

There were quite a few cars in the clubhouse parking lot when I arrived shortly before 7 PM. The Groundhog had done an admirable job of clearing the snow out of the way, but with temperatures not having risen above 32 degrees for some time, I still managed to do some slipping and sliding on some black ice as I walked to the clubhouse. This caused me to take a pause and notice how nicely Vinny Yanonne’s stained glass window glowed in the night.

As everyone found their seat, Wolfie decided to move on up to the front row and sat down in the center of the row. A spot typically inhabited by one Craig “Old Business” Wormald during the regular riding season. With Craig’s proxy, Joe “The Biker” Fogarty, also absent on this frigid night, I quickly informed Wolfie that he was responsible to make a “motion” whenever necessary. I guess Wolfie’s been away too long or just hasn’t paid attention because he started off making motions on everything and anything.

President Jim Moran informed us that the matter of our Not-For-Profit status will be proceeding to court on March 4^th in Norwich. Vice-President Dan Dunn reported on his recent meeting with the club’s lawyer stating that it was very productive and that if the matter is not resolved on March 4^th it will proceed to the Appellate Court in New Britain.

Dan also reminded us that while our world may be coated in an icy blanket of white debris, Spring is just around the corner. In fact the Bike Blessing on April 27^th is just 11 weeks away. If anyone knows of any interested sponsors or vendors, NOW is the time for them to get in touch with the club to finalize arrangements.

Sponsors: Please contact the Secretary, Jason Moran at secretary@newlondonmotorcycleclub.com

Vendors: Please contact Treasurer, Paul Neves at treasurer@newlondonmotorcycleclub.com

Dan also advised that we have T-shirts from past years’ events at the clubhouse that we need to move out. Club members can take as many as they like for free. Please do so at next week’s meeting, after that, they’re history. (Anyone looking for XL, see me, I grabbed a bunch of them)

Jim brought us up to date on the sleeping arrangements for the Iron Adventure. It looks like we may be spread out among three or four motels due to the size of our group and disorganization at the Ludlow Chamber of Commerce.

When Jim looked into booking rooms for us LAST year he was told to call back after the “Ski Season”. THIS year he called a month later, just to get the ball rolling, and was told they were almost completely booked up! After calling other motels in the area he learned that the Chamber of Commerce members agreed that they would not start booking rooms until a specific date. Evidently some of those Chamber members went back on their word and started ahead of time.

The real issue is with the Best Western which went out of its way to ensure we had a good time last Summer. We thanked them profusely for this and Jim sent them a specially made package of NLMC apparel as a token of our appreciation. It appeared that we had established a relationship with the Best Western and had every reason to believe that we would return there for this season’s event. Instead they jumped at the chance to reserve most of the motel for a HOG Chapter without even giving us a heads up. They could have told the HOG Chapter to call back after “Ski Season”, as they had done to us last year, and given us the opportunity to build on our relationship.

At this point that relationship would be very difficult to reestablish, BUT THAT IS NO REASON TO GIVE UP ON THE IRON ADVENTURE.

Dan Dunn and Rich Jones have been working with the Iron Adventure committee to work out the issues from last year’s event, but motel reservations wasn’t one of those issues.

A representative from The Iron Adventure will be at our February 20^th meeting (not next week; the week after) to discuss the progress they’ve made and answer our questions. Those who attended last year should try to remember what could have been done better at last year’s event and come to the meeting prepared to discuss THOSE issues. I’m sure that Jim will make the motel reservation issue known. We don’t have to beat them over the head about it when this is probably the first time they’ll be hearing about it and it may not be within their control.

Why do I care about this? I’m not planning on attending this year. (I’ve got my sights set on the AMA Ohio trip this year). I don’t even ride a Harley. (Yes, all makes are welcome, but this really is an HD event).

Here’s why I care and you should too:

• The riding in Vermont is second to none for beautiful scenery and challenging roads (paved and dirt)
• This event is close enough that we can easily attend and far enough that we wouldn’t see these roads on a typical Sunday Ride
• Most importantly: This could be an opportunity for the NLMC to be involved, from the start, in an event with great potential.

Tom Yuchniuk brought up the fact that there is another great event in this area, The Killington Classic. (8/28 – 8/31) http://www.killingtonclassic.com/

This was the logo when I attended.

I attended one of their first events, years ago, and had a great time in spite of their growing pains. Now the event is being managed by the same group that manages Americade. They’ve probably worked out a lot of their growing pain issues and I’d love to attend this event again; perhaps next year. 

New "Americade" logo

Tom Yuchniuk is taking advanced orders for the 75^th Anniversary Patch.

 This patch will only be produced ONCE. It will not be available next year. Place your order now or lose out. The cost of each patch is $10, but you don’t need to pay in advance, just get your order in so we know how many to have made. See Tom at the next meeting.

Honor Guard Captain, Dale Adams, is preparing for the coming season and requests that members advise him of events they would like the Honor Guard to attend. Either see Dale at a meeting or send him an e-mail (dalebop35@yahoo.com). 

Our first event will be the New London St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday, March 16^th. We will not be attending the Mystic Parade this year as they believe our Drill Team slowed the pace of the parade. This will be their loss.

NOTE: The Honor Guard should not be confused with the Drill Team. All members are eligible to join the Honor Guard as long as they meet the basic requirements. They will not be required to perform any highly technical maneuvers. http://www.newlondonmotorcycleclub.com/gear.htm

Honor Guard Riding Formation:
    

Assembly    ( 2 x 2 )             (1) H.G. Captain              (1) President

8 Feet Apart                          (2) Road Captain            (2) Sgt at Arms

 ___   ___   ___   ___             (3) Blocker R. Sgt.*        (3) Blocker R. Sgt.*

 ___   ___   ___   ___             (4) 2^nd V. President        (4) V. President

                                               Mid Group Leader/Observer (CB)***

                                               Rear Sweeper/Observer (CB)

Honor Guard Riders are solo riders, no passengers allowed. Good riding skills are required. Riders must possess a motorcycle driver’s license and carry insurance on their motorcycle.

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. (Bring your apparel to the club house and advise Steve or Sue Distasio that you are interested in Honor Guard transfers)

 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) with One Large Round Patch only on the back. No patches on the front.

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

(See the Secretary, Jason Moran, for patches and Brass Nameplates)

Hospitality Chairwoman, Patty Dueller, advised us of the following upcoming events:

Saturday, February 8^th – Valentine’s Day Party at the Bozrah Moose Club.

It would be best to have some food on that "Dish to Share"

Saturday, February 22^nd – Chili Cook Off at our clubhouse

OK, I borrowed this shot from someone else's cook off, but you get the idea.

Saturday, March 15^th – Game Night – Dinner not confirmed yet. Either a potluck or possibly Thib’s Corned Beef and Cabbage.

Saturday, March 22^nd – Arresting Souls Bust Out Bash - Steve Natale has attended this event in the past. He said the food was good and they had a good time. 

Road Captain, Tom Lloret, advised that there is no ride planned for this Sunday in light of the current weather forecast. He conceded that he made the same recommendation last week and yet a ride slowly developed when the forecast was proven wrong last Sunday. So you never know. If the weather is good on Sunday and you feel like riding, meet up at the Dunkin Donuts on Rt. 32 in Uncasville at 10 AM. You just might find some fellow members there.

There is an event this Sunday that Linda Scavello-Young has invited us to attented: The Stilettos and Speedos Run at the Handlebar Café in Pawcatuck. Warm-Up event starts at 1:00 PM and the Run starts at 3:00 PM. You don’t need to show up in speedos or stilettos but do bring your wallet as this is a charity event for a local boy who is fighting cancer. Food, Fun and Many Raffle Prizes.