DIM BULB November 2018
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301
Autumn Leaves
Page 2 Dim Bulb Nov 2018 President’s Column High Beemers Great October Weather! M/C Club Another month has come and gone. I don’t know of any days PO Box 3127 that would not have stopped anyone from going for a ride. I want to Thank Katie and Larie for hosting our annual BBQ. The Sparks NV 89432 word was Chef Larie had the grill fired up to perfection. I want to also say Thanks to the members who attended the BBQ. President Late September and early October several members were re- turning from north of the border trips. October also found other Fred Barrie members returning from their Mexico trip. I’m anxious to hear 775.745.1936 about all theses adventures. [email protected] October was the first month with no monthly lunch ride so the on- ly club gathering was the monthly breakfast ride. I understand Vice President that there was a good turnout and I understand the group went to Russ Ristine some place that had the word “RED” in its name. I spent 3 weeks of October back in Illinois with my family. I am 775.742.5866 glad I didn’t ride my motorcycle on this trip. The weather was [email protected] great until I was coming back on I80 near Cheyenne. The tem- Treasurer perature dropped to 11° with 5 inches of snow. The heater in my little Fiat felt good! Ernie Baragar There is one month left in the “Anything Goes” Contest. Novem- 775.219.8881 ber 30th is the end date for the contest. I have received paper- work from 2 entrants. Please contact me if you have your paper- [email protected] work to be turned in. HIghbeemers Website Nick, I got yours ! Larie Trippet You need to mark your calendars! On January 1st, 2019 at 10 am we will meet at Mimi’s for breakfast. All attendees will be re- 775.690.4936 sponsible $ for their own breakfast. If the weather is ok there will WWW.highbeemers.org be a ride after we eat. On January 27th, 2019, we will have our annual dinner/meeting at Lakeside Bar & Grill. The restaurant is Newsletter Editor (Interim) normally closed on a Sunday night, so this will be a private party starting at 6 PM for our High Beemers Motorcycle Club. It will be Yoram Bronicki a served Mexican style dinner and a no host bar will be availa- 775.233.8667 ble. Following dinner there will be general drawings, “Anything Goes” awards, any presentations by members of their adven- [email protected] tures and of course our Annual Meeting. The High Beemers M/C of North- If any of you members are interested in serving the club as an ern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered officer for the coming year please let me know. I am sure that there are some people who would like to see somethings differ- ent and here’s your chance to serve the club with your ideas. Ride Safe Fred
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 3 Dim Bulb Nov 2018 The October Breakfast Ride by Doug Laird
Eight of us met at Starbuck’s and the decision was to ride to the Red Hut in Carson City for breakfast. Ernie had other commitments so left after coffee and didn’t make the ride.
It was a perfect Fall day. Started out at about 40 degrees but warmed up as the day progressed. Tracy led us on a shortcut through St. James Village and dropped us out just short of Davis Creek Regional Park. After a leisurely break- fast we were back in Reno by Noon.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 4 Dim Bulb Nov 2018 The Annual High Beemers BBQ Oct 7th 2018
HighBeemers picnic was held at Larie and Katies house in the afternoon of Sunday October 7th. Great food, drinks and conversation / bench discussions were had by all and a Big Thank You to Larie and Katie for sharing their home with us! I certainly enjoyed myself – Jim Morrow
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 5 Dim Bulb Nov 2018 Members Rides-A Mexican Adventure by Doug Laird Five of us from Reno attended the XXII Convencion Internacional Michoacan 2018 spon- sored by Motorrad Federacion Mexico and held at Morelia, Michoacán October 3-6. There are 14 BMW clubs in Mexico and their activities are coordinated by the federation. There are numerous rallies held throughout the year but their international rally is held each October and circulates throughout the country. Next year the rally will be hosted by the BMW Moto- club Chihuahua in the State of Chihuahua.
2018 Rally Host 2019 Rally Host
In 2013 several of us from Reno rode to Veracruz for the Mexican Rally. It was such a great experience that I thought it would be fun to attend another Mexican Rally. Four fellows joined me on the trip: Ernie Baragar, George Hatjakes, Jim McMichael and Dave Rankine. For those of us non Spanish speakers, the first challenge was to register online for the rally and pay the registration fee. Each then had to book passage on the ferry from La Paz to Topolobampo for themselves and their motorcycle. Hotel reservations were easier because folks could use programs such as booking.com. Likewise insurance for the time we were to be in Mexico can easily be purchased online. The group, minus George, met in La Mesa, CA on the 24th of September to begin our trip south the next morning. We crossed the border into Mexico at Tecate, to avoid the crowds at Tijuana, for the ease in obtaining the FMM (Tarieta de Turista) and the CIITEN (Vehicle Permit). Our route from Tecate took us down Highway #3 to Ensenada where we picked up Highway #1 with overnights at Mission San Ignacio, Mulege and La Paz. Mexico Highway #1 was in pretty good condition, similar to Highway #50 in Nevada, and Pemex stations were all within range. Today all Pemex stations accept credit cards, so the process is easier than dealing in pesos.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 6 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
Clearing Mexican Customs at Tecate. Lunch 75 miles south of Tecate
A desert Oasis. The California Star On September 28th at 2:30 PM we boarded the California Star for the seven and one- half hour crossing to Topolobampo (mainland Mexico) and docked at 10PM. We then had a nineteen-mile ride to Los Mochis where we’d be staying for the night and meet up with George. Several days before our arrival Los Mochis and the State of Sinaloa, had received over fourteen inches of rain from tropical depression 19-E. There was still a lot of standing water on the streets in Los Mochis, but the roads were in good condition. The next day as we continued south along the coast to the resort town of Mazatlan we ex- perienced yet another blue-sky day and left the water damage behind. The following day rode from Mazatlan to Durango via El Espinazo del Diablo (the Devil’s Backbone). With the new toll way completed there are no longer many trucks on Highway #40 so one can enjoy about one-hundred miles of the most fantastic mountain curves, all well engineered. That night we splurged a bit and stayed at the Gobenador Hotel and enjoyed a variety of steaks for dinner, all of which could just about be cut with a fork. We’d been riding through beef country for several days so just had to try some of the grass-fed beef. From Durango down to Morelia, via Aguascalientes, we were riding at about 7,000 feet elevation and en- joyed the cooler and less humid weather.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 7 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
El Espinazo del Diablo
Hotel Gobernador, Durango The Steak Dinner We arrived at Morelia on October 2nd, a day before the rally kicked off so had a rest day and a chance to have our laundry done. I must admit that my BMW Rally III suit was in serious need of professional cleaning.
Best Western Plus Gran Hotel Morelia, the rally hotel The first two days took us through-out the area with some great mountain rides. Each day’s ride included a catered lunch stop at a scenic spot and several interesting stops in small villages or parks along the many lakes. The last day was a tour of city landmarks with a Saturday night parade through the city and a sit-down steak dinner at the city square. The Mexican Rally is really a five-star event.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 8 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
Day 1—120 mile ride around a lake Mountain Ride– Mil Cumbres
Rest Stop 700 bikes taking over a small village
On October 7th we started home with our first destination being Guadalajara, Jalisco the cultural center of Mexico. We stayed at the Alcazar Hotel, where Dave and I had stayed on our ride to Ushuaia, Argentina in 2011. The hotel is a five minute walk from the city center and provides indoor parking for the bikes. With it being only a two-hundred-mile day, all on toll roads, there was time to visit any number of sites. The highlight of our stay in Gua- dalajara was a night tour of the city with Vinny who’d we met at the rally.
A thank you dinner with Vinny at a family restaurant and a tour of Guadalajara and Zapopan
October 8th took us back up to Mazatlan but along the coast and then on the 9th up to Los Mochis, the same route we’d ridden on the way south. The 10th we were in Hermosillo for the night putting us in great position cross the border at Nogales into Arizona midmorning the next day.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 9 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
The view from our hotel room in Mazatlan George dropped off at Guadalajara and the four of us continued to Chandler, AZ where we went on separate routes home. It was a 4,500 mile trip with no mechanical problems (isn’t that why we ride Beemers?) and no issues with the allegedly corrupt Mexican police. Nor did we see any evidence of drug cartels but there were a number of military checkpoints, both in Baja and the mainland. Being on motorcycles they usually just waived us through. At one check- point in Baja they did a cursory search of our saddle bags but were courteous.
A military checkpoint. Mexican Federal Police
The Motorrad Federation of Mexico (www.motofedmex.com) has announced XXIII Chihuahua International Convention 2019 will be hosted by the Chihuahua Club. The dates for the rally will be October 2-5, 2019. Online registration is now open. Registration before 7 December is 3,000 pesos ($155), after that it’s 4,250 pesos ($220). The rally fee generally includes lunches and several dinners. Rooms at the 5-Star rally hotel will run about $100. They expect about 1,000 to attend, mostly from Mexico but some from Central and South America. Don’t worry about the language. If you own a Beemer in that part of the world there is a 95% chance English is the second language. If you are considering joining us at the Chihuahua Rally please contact me me we can discuss it in more detail.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 10 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 11 Dim Bulb Nov 2018 Members Rides-A UK Adventure by J.P
As much as I appreciate the quality of the modern BMWs when it comes to vintage motorcycles, I have a soft spot for British motorcycles, and particularly to the BSA/ Triumph triples, the Rocket 3 and Trident. 2018 is the 50th anniversary of the triples and John Young established a challenge that is called the 50-50 Challenge. 50 different challenges to mark the 50 years. Most of the challenges have to do with sites that had either a development, manu- facturing or racing significance to the fairly successful motorsport run of the triples in production and endurance racing. The prizes are quite lucrative :) one has a chance of getting a framed t-shirt that commemorates the 50-50 challenge and a track day on one of the actual race bikes. John who is a long-term member of the triple and the long-distance riding associa- tion community and is a remarkable person. He completed the 2011 Iron Butt Rally on a lightly modified 1969 Triumph Trident. He also has an amazing collection, but this is for a different owner’s club newsletter. The challenge, which is actually run with his wife Sonia, has been great fun and a great excuse to ride and to meet people. One of the challenges is to ride 50 distinct rides that are at least 50 miles long. Others presented me with the opportunity to meet past riders or builders, and since there were nice points to be had for complet- ing an “Iron Butt” and a 5 state visit, I did a Bun Burner ride in June. However, in early October I had the opportunity to fly to the UK, pick up some points and join a group of other riders who did their first Saddle Sore 1000. For long rides I prefer the upright riding position. I find it is also better in congested traffic, and since it was a Brit-Bike event, I rented (or as they say, hired) a Triumph Tiger 800. So, I packed my bags (all 150 lbs. of them), took my BMW Rally suit, which in turn will create mild confusion, and flew to London Heathrow, by way of SFO.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 12 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
The trip was uneventful, but I needed to get to Silverstone where I would get the motorcycle the following day. Carrying the gear was a whole different issue and as I was trying to get up the stairs from the subway to the street level, I seemed so miserable (read-old) that a young women offered to help me carry my gear - I reluctantly accepted....
It was a beautiful fall evening in Silverstone
Silverstone is a quaint village that besides the world-famous race track has a pub and a church. The B&Bs that I stayed at were very nice and the owners were very helpful and seemed genuinely interested in my ride.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 13 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
In the morning, I picked up my Triumph from Spyder Club who also stored the gear that I didn’t need to carry with me. I had a modest ride plan for the day (under 120 miles) but I soon learned that English miles are much longer than Nevada ones and spent the day chasing points near Birmingham. Riding on the opposite side of the road wasn’t too difficult but did demand a high- er level of concentration which resulted in a few extra miles, or sometimes one more full circle of a roundabout, in order to get off at the correct exit. It really helps to follow another vehicle, and there were plenty of those to go around. The Garmin GPS (or as they say Sat-Nav) provided information in a British fash- ion which can be a little confusing. Especially when riding on a congested multi – lane highway (or as they say Motorway). The roads that I was on are not identi- fied as North, South, East and West but rather by a major town that may be somewhere along that road. This requires a better knowledge of geography than mine or that you need to take a little more time to prepare and study your route. During the SS1000 I noticed that there are signs on the Motorway that read “To the North” and “To The South”, I found it amusing, but it may be more of an indi- cation about my mental condition at the time. As many of you have probably experienced there is a magic in the image of a loaded bike and a rider in an adventure suit. When you stop at a gas station (or anywhere) people tend to stop and talk to you (and even to me). The people I met were very nice and curious about my journey also polite enough not to show their disappointment when they learned that it isn’t a glamorous RTW trip but just a short visit on a rental bike. In a few instances it started with a cautious “may I help you” but turned into a friendly conversation. The manager of a marina took notes in order to put a story in the local newspaper and another gentleman at, Umberslade Hall, a very elegant estate that used to house BSA’s development department told me about his interaction with the au- thor of a recent book about that department ( the book is “From The Inside by Brad Jones)
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 14 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
Silverstone, the circuit where the racing Picking up the Bike at the Spyder Club triples had their last major victory
Meriden -The site of the Old Triumph factory Braunston Marina
Umberslade Hall -BSA’s old development Ian and the BSA book department One of my stops was at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, I was on a mission to take a picture of a specific racing triple (known as Slippery Sam), but it is a very interesting place to visit and to me also sad. There is one hall which is dedicated to prototypes, the interesting ones are those from the late 60s and early 70s that show clearly that some people had a very clear idea on what needed to be done to stay in business, but it takes a lot more than that in order to make a suc- cessful product . The museum is also motorcyclist friendly, see the picture of the front gate.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 15 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
The racing triples; the bike which is left of center won the Bol D’or ( a 24 hours endur- ance race), the bike in the middle won the Isle of Man TT 5 times and the bike that carries the number 6 is a Rob North Trident, a similar bike won 2nd place in the Daytona 200 in 1970 and 71, and the BSA version won 1st and 3rd in 1971.
This is the Quadrant a Triumph in-line 4, over the years it generated “shoulda, coulda, woulda” theories, but in reality, it was too late for simple model extension exercises.
The Trisolastic– A 900 cc Trident engined Commando, period reports say that the im- provement was small, if any, yet contemporary accounts describe the bike as silky smooth. I may have to try it myself.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 16 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
Motorcyclist are asked to park on the sidewalk by the museum entrance. Other stops included the remnants of the once great BSA manufacturing facility in Small Heath. It was a sad place in a sad part of the city. By the time I reached the Motorway, I needed a rest and concluded that I will not try to reach Oulton Park. (Based on extrapolation) The British have a term called city name Services it is a combination of a rest area, gas (as they call it petrol) station, restaurants and sometimes even shopping. I made my first of three stops at Hilton Park Ser- vices and had a coffee and a sandwich. Inside I was approached by an older rider, who was using a walking cane. He was initially confused by my BMW suit but after I clarified the Triumph Bike/ BMW attire confusion told me that he is on his way to an event that they call the “Ride to the Wall” and explained that this is what you ( concluding that I was from America) call the “Run to the Wall” . http://www.thenma.org.uk/events-at-the-arboretum/forthcoming-events/ride-to- the-wall-2018/ He was riding a Trike with a trailer to carry his motorized wheel chair. He knocked with the cane on his left foot and explained that the wheelchair is a re- sult of a careless driver in the parking lot of a Tesco (what you call a Safeway). I realize that it may sound silly, but I am very impressed by the effort of people who didn’t know me to explain terms in a way that they thought I would under- stand. I think that this is a great synonym for the word welcome.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 17 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
A friend on the road - Hilton Park Services We said the traditional shiny side up and the rubber side down goodbye and I made the short trip to John’s house, a place of magic.
Sonia and John lodged and fed 7 of us and as it was our first visit to John’s all things triple collection, we spent the evening in the PG (Posh Garage) looking at rare specimens and generally cool stuff. We were supposed to meet others at 04:00 in Hilton Park Services so reveille was at 03:00 with departure set for 03:40. Rain was promised at least through Manchester!
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 18 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
Tea ( what you call dinner) Fish and One quarter of the PG Chips with mushy peas this picture was taken a few days after the visit, bike #24 is a Jim Rice tribute flat track triple Despite getting up ahead of time, I wasn’t quite ready once we started our en- gines. I left the Sat-Nav and the SPOT tracker in an inner pocket and was gener- ally disorganized. The rain was steady, and the temperature was around 40 [ F], the pinlock visor helped some but I was fogging up. In the incessant game of vi- sor up, visor down and the futile attempt to keep the C3’s visor partially up, I got enough rain droplets between both visors to lose about half of the visible area of my visor. Fortunately, Maurice, who was riding a GS has a high-vis jacket I just followed him for next 3.5 hours until daybreak.
As seen on Facebook– first petrol stop When cold and damp It really doesn’t about 100 miles into the trip matter what the coffee is like
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 19 Dim Bulb Nov 2018 I suppose everybody has stories about thoughts during a long-distance ride so I will save you mine. My experience has always been that of mild discom- fort, there is always something: I am either hot or cold or wet, my knees get sore or some pressure point under my helmet, that I have never noticed be- fore, appears and so on and so forth. For me the key is just to block the dis- comfort and ride on, focusing on what a privilege it is to ride while other have to deal with disgruntled employees. Somehow the jet lag (and lack of caffeine, more about that later) hit me in the first hours and after that I wasn’t tired until the end of the ride. As a grey wet morning appeared, I stopped for a second feeling sorry for my- self to notice that Graham was riding a Ducati Diavel with an open face hel- met. I want to think that after that my compassion totally shifted from me to him.
A man of steel working on getting an Iron Butt
We made a few stops on the way to get gas, coffee and pickup additional riders. At some point our group had 15 riders including two “proper” triples, ridden by very im- pressive riders. The drawback of a long ride in such a large group is that all stops tend to get long especially since you can’t pay for petrol at the machine and the coffee is all fresh brewed from a super-automatic coffee machine that requires interaction between the shaking water-soaked fingers and a touch screen and takes about 2 minutes per cup (more about caffeine later). We covered 1022 miles in 17:56 of net riding time, while the gross time was about 23 hours. Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 20 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
Because I was disorganized I didn’t enter the ride plan into the Sat-Nav ahead of time, so I was asking the ride leader what our next stop will be. However, I had a hard time finding the names that he was using in the GPS itself. What I learned is that Barrick is what I would say Berwick and that when they say Lester they actually mean Leicester. The ride from Perth to Inverness and on to Aberdeen was beautiful (albeit slow) and made me want to return for a far more relaxed ride. Being October much of the ride was done in the dark and this is a note that Jim sent to me after the ride:
I was going to point out that you had crossed the top of Loch Ness, I didn’t see the monster, the Red bridge on your left as we went through Edinburgh was the Forth Rail Bridge and in the dark on the A1 near Newcastle, you passed the Angel of the North Antony Gormley sculpture. I will try to be back with a little more time on my hands.
John Syme’s T160 special
Gary Westwater and his T150
This is what I saw of the Scottish Highlands
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 21 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
In Coventry Services, we made the one before last stop and two of the riders were supposed to continue to a different final destination. We got our receipts and then John handed out the badges that we have been working so hard for. My third visit to Hilton Park Services was when the clock was stopped for the rest of us, we got our final receipts there and proceeded to John’s house. I was back in my bedroom 23 hours and 50 minutes after we left. I was awake, alert and energized! When I woke up at 10:00 I discovered that I left the Sat-Nav on the bike and the key in the ignition switch :)
Maurice and James, two very happy Scotts
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 22 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 23 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
Our host didn’t sleep much as later that day was a “ride-in” to Sonia and John’s house. They opened John’s collection and served lunch in return for additional donations to the charity that the 50-50 challenge is sponsoring. There were about 120 visitors, some on very interesting motorcycles.
The ride-in
It was also a good time to get to know the riders that I spent the previous 23 hours with – Here I am talking motorcycles (surprisingly) with Daz.. I Also got to meet Nic Davies, who is leading the challenge. She did some of the rides on a 1972 T150 and some on a Honda C90.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 24 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
I spent all evening with John talking triples and left the next morning to pick up a few more points. Naturally it was overcast. Somewhere near Oulton Park the sun was out long enough to take pictures of the beautiful English countryside
I ended the day in Silverstone where the bike was returned. I got up the following day and took a taxi to the airport and just like in the song it was a bright, bright, bright sunny day.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 25 Dim Bulb Nov 2018 A provincial postscript
For those who had a chance to read travel journals of non- Americans, traditional drip coffee gets a bad rap. I think that com- plaining about food in a foreign country, and especially coffee is the true sign of a simple person who pretends to be a connoisseur. The coffee machines dish out either a White Coffee or a Black Cof- fee that are both mild in taste and in caffeine. I would have killed to find some “High Test” coffee, or even drip coffee that has been sit- ting on a hot plate for an hour. I guess I’m simple… To quote John Young, motorcycling brings people together and I met very nice people along the way. I had only one “ugggh” event where I made a tight right turn (rather than a wide one) so take it slow and as long as you have good rain gear and a change of gloves - Great Britain is a worthwhile destination.
My gratitude to Sonia and John Young, Carl, Daz, Gary, Graham, James, Jim, John Smith, John Syme, Kim, Les, Maurice, Nic, Phil, Richard, Scott, Tony and to those whom I met briefly on the road or at the PPH but didn’t get to know. JP I have also used my fellow travelers’ pictures, they should get credit for all the pretty ones.
Links
John Young’s IBR diary http://mattwatkins.org/blog1/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/John-Young-2011-IBR.pdf
50-50 Challenge https://www.facebook.com/groups/120788488604810/?ref=bookmarks
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 26 Dim Bulb Nov 2018 Members Rides -To the California coast By John Fitzsimons Ride started in Reno headed on 395 to Susanville to Highway 36 in perfect weather. Rode to Hydseville Ca where I had some dinner in a pretty cool gas station that had a nice res- taurant.
Headed down to 101 going south came to a place called Redcrest put up lone ride tent called it good. Next morning had breakfast with a couple from LA , a retired engineer and a school teacher who where on bike heading back to LA.
Packed up and got back on the road for Highway 1 to check out the coast line.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 27 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
I met a Candian Rider named Darwin. We teamed up to ride to the coast and later all the way to Sonoma.
We had a blast of a ride and made our way to Sonoma where I checked into a hotel that had a great pool party . Checked out back on the road headed to Lake Tahoe where I had lunch at McP’s pub. Headed to Carnelian Bay where I spent the rest of the week with my wife at a lovely condo.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 28 Dim Bulb Nov 2018 Members Rides -Sierra Ride by Fred Barrie Fall ride from Reno to Downieville with a stop in Sierraville. Picnic lunch along the river in Downieville with the return to Reno via Gold Lake
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 29 Dim Bulb Nov 2018 Members Rides-Short Ride by Fred Barrie From Tamarack Junction we rode along the east side of Washoe lake into Carson City. Carson City up to Virginia City for a break then back down Geiger grade back
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 30 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
Pictures From the Distinguished Gentlemen Ride
A beautiful R90, a very nice customized boxer, free coffee at See See, two visiting motorcycles (presumably) and Guinness the traveling dog.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 31 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
2018 High Beemer Rides ------The following are the planned dates of the rides for the upcoming year. If you would like to be the leader of any of the High Beemer CR or GS rides, let me know via email ([email protected]) or at the January 28th dinner meeting.
Breakfast Rides (BR) are on the third Monday of each month, starting at Starbucks on Wedge Parkway. Doug Laird or his backup (Nick) will lead the rides. Destinations are determined by the riders in attendance. Usually back in Reno by 12-12:30pm. These rides are held year around and if the weather is inclement everyone is encouraged to show up in an alternate vehicle.
Club Rides (CR) are road rides that occur on third Saturday or Sunday of each month. The ride leader will de- termine the ride date, gathering point, route, and lunch location. The ride leader shares the details of the ride with everyone via our club forum, email and newsletter. On the day of the ride, the leader takes a headcount at the gathering point and then calls ahead to the restaurant to make a reservation for the group. The route is a road ride, usually several hours long, possibly with a break stop on the way to the lunch site. The return trip is often open, allowing riders the option of returning to Reno as a group, or on their own.
Off Road Rides (GS) are on the fourth Saturday or Sunday of each month. The GS leader follows the same procedures as a Club Ride, except that the GS ride might include a “brown bag” lunch (rather than a restau- rant lunch) due to routing. ------
Mark your calendar for our annual New Year's Day Brunch & Ride. Details in the December Dim Bulb.
January 2019
Jan 1: Brunch and Road Ride Jan 27: Annual Meeting/Dinner
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 32 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
Sierra BMW– High Beemers November Promo’s
New Cardo products………………………………………………………………………………. https://bit.ly/2vJRPwd New Braking rotors and pads ……………………………………………………………………. https://bit.ly/2xTZGKT New Rallye gloves ………………………………………………………………………………... https://bit.ly/2Nfdwwd New Quantum-X graphics………………………………………………………………………... https://bit.ly/2IyDkD3 New ABUS accessories ………………………………………………………………………….. https://bit.ly/2N7yQ8i Klim K Fifty 2 Straight Leg Stealth Blue Pant ………………………………………………….. https://bit.ly/2IydOO9 New Cool Down vest ……………………………………………………………………………... https://bit.ly/2P9FHPf
F850GS|F750GS sections ……………………………………………………………………….. https://bit.ly/2PMbSV0 Magura Boxer WC|RnineT Lever Set …………………………………………………………... https://bit.ly/2RnjtdI
Visit our new website - www.shopbmwmotorcycle.com
Tom Lynn Certified Parts Manager Sierra BMW Motorcycle | Beta Motorcycles
Sierra Motorcycles, Inc. | 1380 Kleppe Lane Sparks, NV USA 89431 |
P: 775.355.0655 | F: 775.355.0651
www.sierrabmw.com www.betamotorcycle.com “Sierra Motorcycles, Inc. – We specialize in CUSTOMER SERVICE.”
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 33 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
NEW BIKE SPECIALS*/** : Updated 10/31/2018
• SELECT 2018 MODELS - RECEIVE UP TO $2000 IN BMW CUSTOMER CASH. OFFER ENDS 11/30/2018.
• RECEIVE $2000 CUSTOMER CASH WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW 2018 BMW K1600GTL through 11/30/2018. Ask your salesperson for details.
• RECEIVE $2000 CUSTOMER CASH WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW 2018 BMW K1600GT through 11/30/2018. Ask your salesperson for details.
• RECEIVE $2000 CUSTOMER CASH WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW 2018 BMW K1600B BAGGER through 11/30/2018. Ask your salesperson for details.
• RECEIVE $2000 CUSTOMER CASH WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW 2018 BMW K1600B GRAND AMERICA through 11/30/2018. Ask your salesperson for details.
• RECEIVE $2000 CUSTOMER CASH WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW 2018 BMW R1200RT through 11/30/2018. Ask your salesperson for details.
• RECEIVE $2000 CUSTOMER CASH WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW 2018 BMW R1200GSA through 11/30/2018. Ask your salesperson for details.
• RECEIVE $2000 CUSTOMER CASH WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW 2018 BMW R1200GS through 11/30/2018. Ask your salesperson for details.
• RECEIVE $2000 CUSTOMER CASH WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW 2018 BMW S1000RR through 11/30/2018. Ask your salesperson for details.
• RECEIVE $2000 CUSTOMER CASH WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW 2018 BMW RnineT MODEL through 11/30/2018. Ask your salesperson for details.
• RECEIVE $500 CUSTOMER CASH WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW 2018 BMW G310R through 11/30/2018. Ask your salesperson for details.
• RIDE SMART REWARD MSF PROGRAM # - Receive $500 in BMW Rider's Apparel with the purchase of a new BMW Motor- cycle. Offer ends 12/31/2018.
• ZERO DOWN available on any new model standard rate finance deal OAC!
• Ask about BMW FS 90 days until first payment options!
• Ask about BMW Motorrad, BMW Car Club, Law Enforcement, Emergency Services, MSF Instructor, & Active Military Specials for 2018. GET UP TO $750 CASH BACK DIRECTLY FROM BMW! Offer ends 12/31/2018. Visit our new website - www.shopbmwmotorcycle.com
Talk to Lane Swall General Manager / Dealer Principal Sierra BMW Motorcycle | Beta Motorcycles Sierra Motorcycles, Inc. | 1380 Kleppe Lane Sparks, NV USA 89431 | P: 775.355.0655
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 34 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
HIGH BEEMERS GROUP RIDE GUIDELINES: The purpose of the High Beemer Group Ride Guidelines is to ensure a successful, enjoyable, and safe group ride. Ride Leader Responsibilities: Determines the following: 1 - Where to? 2 – Distance & Time to complete the ride. 3 – Availability of gas/convenience stops. 4 – Lunch/Dinner location. 5 – Performs a pre-ride to validate distance, time, gas/convenience stops, lunch/ dinner location, and condition of roads. 6 – Enlists a member to act as Sweeper for the ride. 7 – Adjusts ride plan as required. 8 – Communicates ride plan to members. Sweeper Responsibilities: 1 – Have a cell phone. 2 – Have a camera (optional). 3 – Have cell phone number of Ride Leader and at least two other riders. 4 – Ensures that they are the last rider. If another rider stops, the Sweeper is available to provide assistance if necessary. 5 – Communicates to Ride Leader via cell phone to apprise him/her of any potential situa- tion the Ride Leader needs to be aware of. Ride Leader Responsibilities – Day of Ride: 1 – Ensure that you have exchanged cell phone numbers with the Sweeper and have cell phone numbers of at least two other riders. 2 – Distribute directions and an itinerary to all riders. 3 – Ensure that a first aid kit and tool kit are available. 4 – Keep groups manageable. An ideal group size is 5 – 7 riders. If more riders are availa- ble, break the ride into groups, depending on total number of riders. Assign responsibilities as required. 5 – Take a physical count on total number of riders. 6 – Review the ride itinerary with all riders prior to departure.
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 35 Dim Bulb Nov 2018
Group Rider’s Responsibilities: 1 – Arrive prepared (full gas tank) and on time. 2 – Ride in Formation: (Highway – Staggered Formation) Ride Leader should be in left third of lane. Next rider should be in right third of lane, next rider back to the left third of lane and so on. Preferably there should be a two second gap between riders. Riders should ride single file when the road conditions are curvy; there is poor visibility, and poor road surfaces, when entering/ leaving the highway or other situations when an increased space cushion or maneuvering room is required. MSF recommends a minimum of two seconds between riders. NOTE: Avoid side by side formation. If you needed to avoid a hazard, you would not have room to do so.
3 – If separated from the group, don’t panic. Each rider should know before hand the destination and be provided with directions. 4 – For mechanical or medical problems, use a cell phone to call for assistance as the situation warrants. 5 - If a rider plans to ride on their own and eventually meet up with the group, the ride leader should be advised prior to departure. 6 - If a rider plans to break off from the group they should advise the ride leader at a rally point or meeting location prior to leaving the group. 7 - All riders/passengers must obey state law and wear an approved helmet.
NOTE: No Alcohol should be consumed on a club ride. 8 - It is highly recommended that all riders/passengers wear protective clothing while on club rides. 9 - We represent motorcyclists to motorists so PLEASE drive appropriately. 10 - This is a group ride that riders have chosen to participate in. Riders: please be patient, toler- ant and respectful of others needs; please try to stay together and look out for the well being of other participants. 11 – Periodically check the riders following in your rear view mirror. If you see a rider falling be- hind, slow down so they may catch up. If all riders in the group use this technique, the group should be able to maintain a fairly steady speed without pressure to ride too fast to catch up. 12 – Each rider is responsible for the rider behind him. The rider should SAFELY pause at each major turn to ensure the following rider stays on the route. The rider waits until the following rider is able to continue. 13 - Someone from the ride should write a story of the trip for the newsletter editor.
Enjoy the ride!
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 36 Dim Bulb Nov 2018 High Beemers Club Communication
There are a host of ways for Members and Non-Members to stay in touch with the High Beemers Motorcycle Club (HBMC). They include:
• HBMC Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/High-Beemers- MC-Club-314072671145/
• HBMC Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F% 2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2Fhighbeemers%2F%3Fhc_ref% 3DARQ6fBSI807MRAw8oRef7hXM9UGKIMxyEOuKHT1xVhjyi7UqMYmbQXy_vg1Ji0fJAno
• HBMC website: http://highbeemers.org/index.html
• Dim Bulb Newsletter (this most-excellent publication you are reading !!! :-)
• Email: [email protected]
• HBMC forum: https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/highbeemers/
A detailed description of how to access and use the above methods exists on the HBMC forum site under General discussion by Tracey—take a look !
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301 Page 37 Dim Bulb Nov 2018 High Beemers Motorcycle Club Membership Application P.O. Box 3127 Sparks, Nevada 89432-3127 BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301
Primary Member Name______
Associate Member Name______
Address ______
City ______State ______Zip ______
Cell Phone ______Home Phone ______
E-mail ______
BMWMOA Member Number: ______BMW RA member number: ______
AMA member number: ______
Make and Model of your motorcycle(s)______
May we print your address and phone number in the club roster? Y N
May we print your E-mail address in the club roster? Y N
Emergency Contact:
Name ______Relationship______
Address ______City ______State ____Zip______
Phone ______
Types of Membership:
Primary ______$25.00 Includes annual dinner and monthly newsletter
Associate ______$5.00 (without motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license)
RELEASE: I understand and acknowledge that The High Beemers (motorcycle club) does not assume responsibility for my safety. I par- ticipate in any club event voluntarily; and on my own assessment of my ability, road conditions, and any facilities used for club events. I assume all risk for me and any passengers. I release and hold the High Beemers and its officers not responsible for any injury or loss to my person or property that may result from participation in any club event. I certify that I am at least 21 years of age and I am in compliance with my states financial responsibility laws regarding the carrying of proper insurance.
Primary Applicant Signature______Date ______
Associate Applicant Signature______Date ______
Volume 28 Issue 11 The High Beemers M/C of Northern Nevada BMWMOA Chartered Club #337, BMWRA Charter #75, AMA Charter #3185301