Get Into the Thick of It a Plethora of Places to Go and Things to the Land of I Thought the Crowd Was a Little Thin Do

August 2006

News from siderably since you last saw it) you’ll find Get Into the Thick of It a plethora of places to go and things to the Land of I thought the crowd was a little thin do. But also that Sipapu is right around when I arrived at the coffee shop this the corner, and with it the winding down Sunday morning. But instead it turned of the riding season. Of course, in New Enchantment out I was a little early, if you can believe Mexico the end of the season is also the that. In the half hour after I got there, best riding of the year. We truly live in BMW Riders bikes fairly poured in, filling up the park- the Land of Enchantment. ing lot. After an extended tire kicking We also seem to have a somewhat pre- session I headed north to Madrid, Santa dictable monsoon this year, so that you Fe and the Jemez. The bike count was up, can get some miles in the morning and way up. The roads were thick with them. be back before the afternoon rains arrive. The Mine Shaft hadn’t kicked into gear Of course, all bets are off in the moun- yet, but the Madrid coffee shops all had bikes in front of them, as well as both sides of the short street. I passed others headed for the mountains through Santa Fe, and saw them in pairs and dozens in the Jemez. It didn’t look like a single New Mexico motorcycle was in the garage. Left top to bottom: I guess summer is well under way, but Sometimes you can go flying by as well. Looking at the new home again. In the back calendar inside (which has filled up con- of my cousin’s shop in Montana I found the remains of the very first motorcycles I ever rode. tains, but that didn’t affect They should be of special the crowds of bikes I saw interest to Scootermeister heading right into the teeth Steve Mounce. of the storms in the Jemez. Yes, Lynn is standing As for me, I skirted them on the road. Is there and only got a few drops here a problem with that? and there. For a change. Montana mountains are Oh, did I mention the gully for four-wheelers. washer I rode through a couple of weeks ago? I sure didn’t www.nmbmwmc.org skirt around that one. I think my clothes are still wet! BMW MOA Charter #123 David Wilson, editor BMW RA Charter #81 Wherein the author gets his day in court (almost), learns about justice first-hand My Day with The Man (almost) and gets to face his accuser (not). by David Wilson Disclaimer: Lynn says I’m being cynical. But I’m a journalist, gosh darn it, I’m supposed to be!

The Facts changes occur, the suspension extends My citation was for passing in a no-pass- or retracts. This will change the ground ing zone. The officials on hand turned clearance and steering geometry and can out to be a prosecutor and her intern, the introduce oscillations in the suspension. Assistant Attorney General, and a Forest Reduced ground clearance limits lean Ranger representing all the Rangers who angle and can result in loss of traction…” had given out tickets. Had I followed the slow-moving SUV I had been advised to talk to the through the approaching corners, I would Assistant Attorney General, but there have been on the brakes throughout, com- was no talking beforehand. We arrived at promising the handling of the motorcycle. The corner where the 8:15 for the 9am hearing to find an empty Instead, since there was plenty of clear misdeed occurred. No courtroom. People began arriving around road (see the photo) and I could see all the traffic for about ¾ 8:30. By 9 it was standing room only, way around the corner, and since I barely mile. Truck crawling up and included five Forest Rangers, two had to accelerate to pass the truck, I opted the road. Then why no INS-type officers (none of these officials for the pass. In fact, I recall that that part passing? Because they were called to do anything, they just sat of the road had been a passing zone until painted those yellow around for a couple of hours then left), the restriping last fall. lines on the road there. and one nondescript Federal officer whose I tested this defense on two good patch just said “Police”. friends who happen to be judges and got The roll call was alphabetical, so about a split decision. One said it sounded rea- two hours later it was my turn at the sonable, the other just rolled her eyes. As table. It wasn’t a trial, but a preliminary it stands, we’ll never know. My goal was hearing to clear the docket: state a plea to not get slammed on my insurance, and and learn my options. They were to pay this result seems to do that. I took the the fine – which if I did they assured me money and ran. the charge would never appear on my record – or go to trial and risk “up to six The Opinion months jail time and a $5,000 fine.” I paid As usual, it boiled down to money. They See that gravel on the the fine. Then I left. The end. wanted $100, they got it, and I got off edge of the road coming with a dent in the pocketbook. Was it up around that blind The Fiction about safety? Doesn’t seem likely. The corner? That’s where I Since I agonized, researched, photo- message seems to be that as long as you’re was forced off the road. graphed, planned strategies and got legal willing to take a $100 hit every few People coming around advice from every judge and lawyer I months you can drive pretty much how- that corner and finding knew, I now present it to you. It’s preach- ever you want on Federal land. They may us parked there were ing to the choir, I know, but after all this change their mind if you start stacking pretty surprised too. time and effort for such a whimpering end, up the tickets, but there was no indication I need to do something with all this stuff. that they knew or cared. They only had My defense, had it gone that far, was the tickets on hand, no driving records. that what I did was actually safer than I also didn’t get to bring up the crazy the alternative of not passing the Ranger way I was forced off the road into gravel in the no-passing zone. Rest assured I had on a blind corner, or how the Ranger was documentation for all that follows. baiting drivers by his own driving. The MSF (New Mexico’s accredited Or the completely unmarked truck authority on motorcycle operation) states I’ve mentioned here before. I wonder if that the proper way to corner is to “Roll somebody thought he was some wacko on the throttle throughout the turn… pretending to be a cop and tried to get Federal officer or psycho Maintaining or slightly increasing speed away, would they be charged with evading pretending to be a cop? will stabilize the suspension and improve arrest? If you have a question about who Only his Commanding overall control. Avoid deceleration or is pulling you over, you’re supposed to Officer knows for sure. rapid acceleration while in a turn.” “Other acknowledge them and go to a safe, public difficulties arise from abrupt increases area to pull over. When I did that I was or decreases in speed in a turn. As such run off the road. That’s law enforcement. The Legendary Shaft The Missouri and Arkansas Ozarks by Doug Guinn I decided to ride to Missouri this year (post retirement) with more available time than in previous Father’s Day gatherings. My brother, a dedicated Honda “Wing Man”, from Kentucky also rode in so that we might spend some quality time, apart from family time, in two wheel pursuits. Other cousin type relatives on a Harley Road King and Honda crotch rocket joined in for one day of twisties.

Scenery Southwestern Missouri is green in late June. I mean really green, and that which ested turns seemed never to end. Each road The BMW Rally site in isn’t covered in trees seems to be dotted seemed to offer more than the last. Crane Missouri. Nice with cows and farms. There seems to be city park. more back roads in a single county than Road Kill in the entire state of New Mexico. It was Entire country meals all two lane, sparsely traveled by others, just lying around! and ripe for cyclists. When encountering Delicacies we rarely that occasional traveler going the same see! One safety con- direction, I was pleasantly surprised to cern I noticed on note that most pull over to let the bik- the first day was the ers pass. Bikes apparently frequent these abundance of road roads on weekends. We actually stopped kill we don’t have in to visit a BMW rally in Crane, Missouri. the Southwest. Some Nice setting in a city park, but small. of these would no doubt be quite slip- Crossing into Arkansas Unfortunately most of the 100 or so par- pery if discovered in a tight turn where on the Bull Shoals ticipants had gone to a dealer event in quick evasive maneuvers might be hard to Ferry. another town on the Saturday we arrived, accomplish. We leaving a fairly vacant rally site. learned to watch for these coun- Weather try meals lying For those of you who, like I did, believe around. The deli- Missouri and surrounding areas are hot cacies included and humid in late June, you would be opossum, skunk, wrong this year. The mornings were a armadillo, fox, pleasantly cool 59º, and dry. There was no deer, snake, and rain for the entire week I was there. The turtle of various warmest we experienced was 83º. sizes and types, including some Elevation critters I couldn’t Understanding the effects of near sea level identify. versus New Mexico’s high altitude gives A stop and wait place. way to appreciate the additional horse- Friendly to Motorcyclists power on tap. It felt like a different bike. It is obvious that many bikers frequent Zoom zoom! the Ozarks in summer, and also that the businesses, are especially biker friendly Speed, Sweepers in Arkansas. The law enforcement staff is Now the roads. Missouri was great, but reported to be tolerant and helpful toward nothing like the Ozarks, once we crossed our kind. Even so, we did not see many, the Bull Shoals Lake (on a free ferry no nor did we test the rumors of tolerance. less!) into Arkansas. Abundant sweepers If you have the chance to travel with nicely banked turns let us enjoy the east and can spend time in northwest pleasure of high speeds with a feeling of Arkansas or southwest Missouri, take it. exceptional confidence. Many miles of for- You will not be sorry. The Legendary Shaft LOE BMW R On the Road August September Sunday Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Saturday Sunday Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Join the LOE 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 BMW Riders Sunday, August 6 Española, possibly through the Jemez. Yearly dues are $20. LOE BMW R Birthday Party Contact RJ Mirabal at 299-4916, For more information Eat a light breakfast, whether you go [email protected] for details. or to pay: to the El Camino or stay home, because there will be plenty and brats, burgers, Thursday-Monday, August 24-28 Land of and business at the Yucca picnic area at Colorado East to West Enchantment BMW Oat Flats (about five miles south of Tijeras Riders will buddy up and ride at own Riders on the east side of “old highway” 14 – SR pace. Bring your maps. Transamerica 337 for you newer folks) starting at 11 Trail website has the trail mapped PO Box 92095 am. Tire kicking and tall stories will be out. We will bypass all single track Albuquerque, NM the first order of business followed by a and take only double track. Contact 87199-2095 short club business meeting at 11:30. The Michael Seebeck at 271-4689 or main topic will be volunteering for the [email protected] for details. www.nmbmwmc.org rally. Gary and Shelly Oleson will have a or contact Michelle sign up sheet and will discuss how you Saturday-Friday, September 2-8 Grand Canyon Williams at can be a part of our great little rally (see this month’s “Counter Steering” article for A week long ride before Sipapu traveling (505) 291-8396, always more details). to the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion and else [email protected] At noon the brats and burgers will where. Contact Harry Jenkins at 730-6267 be ready hot off the grill. The club will or [email protected] Note Concerning the provide the meat, in addition to buns, Calendar condiments, plates, eating utensils, and Friday-Sunday, September 8-10 You are strongly soft drinks. Members should bring one Bavarian Mountain Weekend, Sipapu encouraged to check side dish: your choice of salad, veggies, Simply one of the best rallies in the whole the Message Board and chips, dessert, and/or other beverages U-S-of-A. Come join riders from all over the Calendar (www. (if desired). If it rains, we’ll just gather the country in this justly famous event localendar.com/public/ under the gazebo, eat, and enjoy the need- put on by your very own club. Get over loebmwr) on the web ed moisture. If not, we’ll eat and drink to the web site and download the registra- site before any event, to anyway! tion form today! be apprised of any last- Contact RJ Mirabal at 299-4916, minute changes. You’ll [email protected] for details. Saturday, September 16 also find impromptu El Morro rides posted there (and Saturday, August 12 West on I-40 to El Malpais, south to you can suggest and Chama/Colorado Border Quemado, east on US 60 to Socorro post your own!), and Go through Manasa and visit the Jack and back to Albuquerque. Route reviews and opinions on Dempsey Museum. Contact John Ephlin will pass El Morro monument. club activities as they at 866-0811. Contact RJ Mirabal at 299-4916, happen. Isn’t the inter- [email protected] for details. net a wonderful place? Saturday, August 19 Low Road to Taos Saturday, September 30 All stories © by the Cross the Rio Grande around Pilar, Salt Mission Ride individual authors, used take the El Rito loop (maybe have South on 14 to Mountainair, then on to by permission. some chile rellenos at the famous little Gran Quivira, then back to Mountainair cafe there) and return back through for lunch at the Schaffer Hotel (if it’s not The Legendary Shaft to pricey!). Contact Loch Page at 869-0102 Saturday, December 9 The Watermelon or [email protected]. Christmas Party Mountain Jug Hands down the most well-attended Band & Beyond… event of the year. Well, except for The world famous Sipapu. And maybe the Progressive band features our Friday-Saturday, October 6-7 Breakfast. But it’s right up there. Date own Gary Oleson Datil Rides Again! and details to follow soon. playing one string Tentative overnight trip (pending sur- for all it’s worth! vey of interested riders, see the Message National Events Board on the website to vote in the August 5 survey). Stay tuned for the results, and Saturday, August 5 Rio Grande River details on the ride. 100,000 Foot Colorado Pass Ride Raft Race 10 different mountain passes totaling Tingley Beach mid- Saturday, October 14 over 100,000 feet in elevation. Ride pin, day Beaverhead embroidered patch, continental break- Ride Coordinator: RJ, though he may find fast, catered lunch and dinner, and August 31 yet another ride to some weird corner of special checkpoint awards along the 7-9 pm New Mexico. Contact RJ Mirabal at 299- route. $35 pre-registration fee required. The Range Cafe, 4916, [email protected] for details. Go to coloradobeemers.com to down- Bernalillo load mail-in form. Call Foothills BMW at Saturday, October 21 (303) 202-1400 for more info. September 8 Fall Leaf Ride, Eh? BMW Rally Sipapu Date subject to change based upon Dave’s Thursday-Sunday, August 17-19 super-secret government database of peak 8th Beartooth Rendezvous, Red September 16 leaf areas, the weather, what restaurants Lodge, MT 7:30-8:15 pm are open, whim and fancy. Contact Dave Camping along mountain stream, or Concert Series, Wilson at 232-0366 or [email protected] bunks in cabins. Hot showers and flush Sandia Presbyterian for details. toilets in Men’s and Women’s bath-hous- Church / Family es. 3 catered meals. Breakfast available Life Center 10704 Saturday, October 28 on site. Microbrew concession. 2 nights Paseo del Norte NE Pastura live entertainment. Rides include the South on 14, east to Corona, north- newly paved Beartooth Pass. Door September 17 east on 54 to Pastura, north on SR 219 prizes. Rally pin included with regis- 2-3 pm and US 84 past Anton Chico to Las tration. Preregistration $40 before 8/7; Young People’s Vegas, and return to Albuquerque. $50 at the gate. Bunks $15 for 3 nights Concerts Contact RJ Mirabal at 299-4916, (bring your own sleeping bag). Go to Jewish Community [email protected] for details. treasurestate.com/btbeemers; or Bruce Center, 5520 Barrow at [email protected], Wyoming NE, Saturday, November 4 (406) 248-6155. Albuquerque Club Business Meeting 10 am at Santa Fe BMW, juice and goodies Thursday-Sunday, September 7-10 October 7 courtesy of Torsten (and they’re always Best of Colorado and NM Gypsy Ride, International the best!). Ouray, CO Balloon Fiesta Includes the Ouray region of Colorado and Saturday, November 11 our own Bavarian Mountain Weekend October 8 Bosque del Apache rally in Sipapu! Ride will leave Foothills Rio Grande Arts Always one of the most beauti- BMW in Lakewood, CO on Thursday and Crafts Festival ful rides of the year. What birds! morning at 9 am. For details go to colo- www.riograndefes- Contact RJ Mirabal at 299-4916, radobeemers.com. No charge to join the tivals.com [email protected] for details. ride. All riders and passengers receive a BMW M/C of Colorado club pin. October 12 Saturday-Sunday, November 18-19 Contact Jeff Galligan (303) 888-8585, 4-5:30 pm Flat Land Ride [email protected]. International Visit the Southeastern part of New Balloon Fiesta Mexico, in all it’s austere beauty. You Friday-Saturday, September 8-9 may ask why, but I say, “Because it is Million Dollar Ride for Children, there.” Contact Loch Page at 869-0102 or Dallas, TX [email protected]. Ride to fight child abuse. Join us for the The Legendary Shaft LOE BMW R Officers conclusion of The Million Dollar Ride for or call 281-5216 for details. Races President: Children, and the beginning of The Bikers start at 11am on these Sundays: RJ Mirabal, and Badges Motorcycle Rally benefiting 299-4916 The National Children’s Alliance and its August 20 rjmirabal@ fight against child abuse. October 1 yahoo.com $50 Registration fee includes the Ride Vice President: and Rally, t-shirt, pin, doo rag, free park- What News There Is Bill Olsson, ing, and admission to event activities. The 821-8348, remainder of the fee will go to the charity. Counter Steering with RJ [email protected] The top fundraiser will win a new by RJ Mirabal Secretary/Treasurer: motorcycle. Check out the website at Sipapu 22 is Almost Here! Michelle Williams, www.milliondollarride.org. September 8-10 will 291-8396, mark the twenty- alwaysontask@ Friday-Sunday, September 22-24 second gathering yahoo.com Sandia Classic of BMW motorcycle Activity Committee: What has become one of the favorite local enthusiasts at the now Michael Seebeck, motorcycle events, this year’s event prom- well-known Northern 271-4689 ises to be the most exciting yet. Friday New Mexico ski lodge. Officially called seebeckm@ night dirt track racing will be at the the Bavarian Mountain Weekend, the bigfoot.com Harvey Caplin Raceway, all other events place – Sipapu – has become the more recognized name for the event. This year, long-time Sipapu pros, Gary and Shelly Oleson, are rally chairs and have worked several months with the finest rally committee ever assembled to organize yet another top flight event. All over the Western and Mid- Western region, Sipapu is known as the best little motorcycle rally Newsletter: will be at Sandia Motorsports Park. Every in the Southwest and has definitely put David Wilson, type of motorcycle racing, show and the Land of Enchantment BMW Riders 232-0266 swap meet you can think of will be there. on the map. This is your opportunity to [email protected] Don’t miss this one! Contact 352-8888 or not only take part in this “laid back” but Newsletter Delivery / sandiaclassic.net for details. well organized rally, but to have some fun Name Tags: meeting fellow riders and enjoying the Lynn Coburn, Sunday, October 1 great roads and scenery of the area. 266-4449, Texas Mountains Trail Heaven to Hell Sunday, August 6th marks LOE BMW nmmagnolia@ Ride, Big Bend, TX R’s Official Birthday Party at the Yucca wujiart.us This is a one-day, 350-mile ride through picnic site at Oak Flats about five miles Rally Chairs: the mountains and Big Bend region. $40 south of Tijeras off old Highway 14. Gary & Shelly Oleson, registration includes breakfast, din- Besides brats, burgers, and club business, 898-8320 ner and ride cap, pin and patch. Go to we will be signing up volunteers for the [email protected] heaventohellride.com or (432) 837-1070. rally. Some of the needed volunteers are registration (done in shifts of a couple Friday-Monday, October 13-16 of hours or so from first thing Friday to 9th BMW-MX International mid-afternoon Saturday of the rally), t- Convention, Queretaro, MX shirt and mug sales, coffee service (early The 9th International Convention of the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings), BMW Mexico National Moto Club. Go to heating and serving the Friday Night bmwqueretaro.com for more info. Chile Snack, and setting up the Friday night club dinner (more on that later). SMRI Racing On Labor Day, the ever popular “Building the Chile” at Gary and Shelly’s The Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing home (419 La Communidad, Alameda NW Inc is New Mexico’s only AMA of Albuquerque – call 898-8320 for direc- sanctioned road racing organiza- tions if needed), is a pre-rally event you tion. Visit www.smri-racing.org don’t want to miss. Although the main The Legendary Shaft purpose is to prepare the famous Friday Program Saturday night. Note: Classified ads Night Chile Snack, it has turned out to Speaking of vendors, Santa Fe/Sandia run for 3 months, then be a major club social event and a chance BMW will have some bikes available for are deleted unless to buy the new awesomely designed demo rides as well as desirable accesso- I’m told to keep them rally t-shirt (our shirts are favorites ries available for your shopping needs. running (or they’re worn at rallies all over the country) and Of course, Roadgear will be there with mine – which may run mug before the rally takes place. Shelly their usual top quality gear, along with indefinitely!). asks that some volunteers bring cutting MotoGear and others. Sometimes, the boards, knives, and maybe even a food most interesting vendors just show up. Write! processor or two. The event will start at Last year, great massages were available, Send in your stories, 11 am. A hardy lunch of sandwiches, fix- so you never know! opinions, pictures, ings, and some pie will be served to the Save your dancing feet for the Great gripes… we publish hard working crowd. Blue Whales, the contemporary rock/ anything! Send your Last year, a new tradition was added to country/blues band that has become a contributions to: the Sipapu bag of tricks – the Watermelon welcome fixture for Sipapu’s final night. Mountain Jug Band concert that will And, something a little more mellow is David Wilson accompany the tasty Chile Snack Friday always available at the bonfire across the 5700 Copper NE night. It’s a time for fun, good music, and stream. This year we will feature a few #B34 to remember that “What happens at the grand door prizes to be given away near Albuquerque, NM rally, stays at the rally!” the beginning of the evening program. 87108 Later, one of the perks of LOE BMW Our feature prize will be Roadgear’s R membership is the Friday Night Club Tierra del Fuego jacket, generously (505) 232-0266 Dinner around 8 pm after the rally donated by Mansoor Safti, LOE BMW R’s [email protected] attendees are served the Chile Snack. If long-time benefactor. So don’t lose heart you’re not yet a member, this is as good if your ticket number isn’t on the after- Computer files are a reason as any to join because the mem- noon’s list of winners because you may be easiest for me, sent as bers-only dinner will feature expertly one of the evening BIG winners! the body of your email barbequed chicken, sausage, beans, etc. There’s much more, but you have to be or an attachment saved prepared by our master grillmeister, Don there to really get it. So be there, volun- as ascii (text). Or you Cameron along with other side dishes pre- teer (if you can’t make the Club Birthday can fax it, or scribble pared by volunteers. We usually have a Party, call Gary and Shelly at 898-8320 on a piece of paper and special club-only door prize drawing, so ASAP), and enjoy our very own Bavarian mail it. I don’t care! don’t eat and run! I don’t know if it needs Mountain Weekend at Sipapu next month! And don’t forget lots mentioning, but one of the other club and lots of pictures. benefits (which is not looked on as a rally LOE Marketplace job) is the tapping and drawing off of some amber colored beverage that comes 1961 R60/2. Euro model, metric speedo. in a strange aluminum keg. Whatever, it’s 37k original kilometers. Good condition, some kind of drink that seems to promote needs paint. Two sets of mufflers, stock mellowness and storytelling! and Hoske Sport. Two seats, Denfeld solo Saturday, just like Friday, continues and S-M dual. Runs great, second kick to be a good day for volunteering for a start. Spare parts, bar risers, cables, etc. couple of hours, taking an awesome ride $5500. in the area, unloading your wallet at the Call Terry Tombaugh at 440-4697 or vendors area, kicking tires, telling lies, email [email protected] getting better informed at a tech session (subjects and presenters haven’t been con- Sales, Service, Parts firmed yet), or just hanging BMW Riders Wear out. Mid-afternoon is your chance to see if you’ve won 2578 Camino Entrada one of the many top quality Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505 door prizes we give away (we (505) 474-0066 have one of the highest prize 1-888-774-0066 to attendee ratios in the country). Prizes not claimed by 5 Service•Sales•Parts•Accessories pm will be given away at a second drawing at the Award www.santafebmw.com The Legendary Shaft

photos by Mark Winslow, too late for breakfast but not for the fire photo by David Wilson David by photo fire the for not but breakfast for late too Winslow, Mark by photos

because not a week later fire gutted the whole place. Here’s hoping for a new El Bruno’s in the near future. future. near the in Bruno’s El new a for hoping Here’s place. whole the gutted fire later week a not because Breakfast Breakfast

June 4th’s Remote Breakfast at the famous El Bruno’s in Cuba. Some of the best food in New Mexico. Shoulda’ been there, there, been Shoulda’ Mexico. New in food best the of Some Cuba. in Bruno’s El famous the at Breakfast Remote 4th’s June

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Land of Enchantment BMW Riders PO Box 92095 Albuquerque, NM 87199-2095