Michigan Squadron HSTA July 2007 Newsletter

Editor: Gregg Mitchell

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT!

Saturday, July 28, 2007, we will be meeting at Karl's Cabin restaurant in Plymouth, MI. Karl's is located on Gotfredson Road, just north of M-14. From I-275 / I-96 take M14 West towards Ann Arbor. Gotfredson Road is exit # 15. The meeting begins at 8:30 AM However late arrivers are always welcome!

99 Memories From Asheville / STAR 2007
By John “JC” Cirner

In case you missed STAR 2007, or even if you were there, I thought about sharing some of my favorite things about the recent trip to Asheville, NC and the 25th birthday party for the HSTA. I hope you can relate to some of them.

The roads.
The smell of cool fresh air in the mountains.
The sweet tea - anywhere.
The predictable rainstorms every afternoon around 3:00.
Getting a check for the Dan Clark safety fund.
Laughing till I cried listening to Fred Rau (guest speaker at the banquet).
Michigan winning the web-site of the year for 2006 (way to go Bruce). Thanks JC
The sound of Gregg Mitchell’s 675 as it goes by our room making sure I am out of bed by 7:00AM every morning.
The key lime pie at Magnolia’s.
The free tire changes in the parking lot of the Crowne Plaza (removal and installation not included).
The Blue Ridge Parkway on Monday morning (saw 10 cars in 65 miles).
Sitting in the detour off I-75 on Friday for 2 hours and then hearing that others sat for 5.
The Michigan contingency taking over the bar at Mulligan’s every night.
The 400+ HSTA members harassing two unfortunate golfers on the #3 green while waiting for the group picture (closest I will ever get to watching golf.).
Any room at the Biltmore Estate. Wow.
Bar-b-que at “The Little Pigs” restaurant.
The “Wheels through Time” museum in Maggie Valley.
Larry Job winning the Aerostich suit.
Jan Pennigton winning some kind of STAR for the HSTA women riders!
Riding for 5 straight days with various Michigan members and not having to go to work.
Only seeing one other neon / day glow yellow Olympia jacket (nice taste JT).
Walking up the hill after breakfast at Denny’s.
The housekeeping staff unplugging the alarm clock every day when they vacuum. Who needs an alarm to get up and ride anyway?
The “Butt-Butt chicken plate special” at the Beaver Drive In at Waynesville (if you are wondering ….it s chicken cooked on a can with the butt side down!).
Winning door prizes.
The shuttle ride back from downtown Asheville with a capacity for 15 comedians. Stick around for the late show.
Being first to establish a pool-side table for the welcoming ceremonies with other Michigan members. “Do I smell chicken wings?”
Breakfast at the “Hot Shot Cafe” (thanks Don Pennington for getting us there).
Terry McKinney’s new Ducati – very cool.
Group pictures on any mountain overlook stop.
Don Marriot’s knowledge of which restaurants in Asheville that serve blue cheese stuffed olives with their martinis.
A good parking spot in the Crowne Plaza.
So many great bikes and so few Harleys (I think there was one).
Seeing old friends again like Cisco, Doug Pippin and L Dee from Maryland.
Helping out with registration (what a great way to meet people).
Some “kid” riding over 1500 miles in 4 days during STAR.
Hitting the pool after a day of riding and before the thunderstorms.
60 MPH wind gusts on the top of Mt. Mitchell.
The simultaneous motorcycle t-shirt convention that coincided with STAR at the hotel.
The southern hospitality.
Michigan member’s successful plan and take over the “front row” for the group picture. Move over Ohio.
The Bier Garden’s 26 beers on tap. Their sweet potato fries are the best.
Feeling like I was in Ann Arbor, or Birmingham, or Grosse Pointe when wandering through the boutiques in downtown Asheville. Very chic.
The poker walk Saturday night and having a great time despite a lousy hand.
Jon Campbell dressed as “the Joker”
Watching members donate over $1400 in cash for the Dan Clarke fund when they passed the bowl around at the banquet.
Spending more money on tires than clothes (that was my favorite).
Mexican food at Salsa’s (lamb empanadas – are you kidding me!).
Drinking the Crowne Plaza out of Maker’s Mark bourbon, with lots of help, in only three days.
The $5 table the HSTA store. Better than doing laundry.
The expression on the face of the guy from Missouri when his name was called as the VFR bike raffle winner.
Not having a GPS system on my bike.
Getting lost with someone leading the group who has GPS on their bike.
The tunnels on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Seeing turkeys, snakes and a bear while riding.
The views.
The “hippies” in Drum Park on Friday night.
Staying upwind to avoid the contact buzz at Drum Park.
Wine tasting at the Biltmore Estate.
Watching “Kickstand” work on his bike with lots of helpers and an audience.
Eat, ride, party and sleep. Repeat as necessary.
Riding the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Smokey Mountains Nation Park.
6053 FT – the highest elevation on the BRP. Chilly.
No hospital trips and only one broken bike in the Michigan group.
The Aerostich convention every morning in the parking lot.
Grits, liver mush or brains for breakfast. Tough choice.
Coming home with a southern drawl …“We’re from Meeeechigan!”
Sitting on the porch of the Crowne Plaza watching the bike parade.
All the maps and great stuff in the welcome pack.
The cool 25th Birthday T-Shirt they designed for the event.
Trying to explain to the locals what the chrome HSTA wristbands are for.
Not having to wear a tie for a week.
Virgin, un-striped pavement on 19.
Doing 70+ MPH through the twisties trying to chase down Don Pennington.
The gas prices compared to Michigan.
The trains whistle from behind the hotel every night.
Being too busy riding and having fun to hear, or care, anything about Paris Hilton for 5 days.
One way streets in downtown Asheville.
The HSTA bike wash in the parking lot of the Crowne Plaza.
Eating a great chicken and pulled pork meal (including peach cobbler) creek side at the Wheels through Time lunch trip.
HSTA kickstand pucks.
No cell phone service on the back roads (hey I’m on vacation)
Succermong jelly.
Carrying extra tie-down straps in the trailers just in case some Michigan member needs them to get home.
The buffet at the Banquet and Awards Ceremony.
Hanging out on the porch of the “Neighborhood Watch Patrol” building on 19W and catching some shade.
“Bike Night” every night!
Being first in line for the hors d’oeuvres they served pool side (it was chicken wings!)
Meeting up every morning with other riders to start the days ride.
Helmet hair as an acceptable style for 4 days straight.
Orange yogurt pancakes at the Hot Shot Café.
Finding a shady spot to park when stopping for lunch.
Posing for a picture with “Bones” at the Wheels through Time” museum.
Women in motorcycling.
Seeing “H-Man” doing his Valentino Rossi impression (I have pictures).
Driving up to the Biltmore House on a bike. Wow!
Adding to our coffee mug collection. Big mugs!
Wishing it was Sunday morning in Ashville all over again.
Feeling proud to say “I’m from the Michigan Chapter!”
It wasn’t all that hard to come up with 99 things and I’m sure that I’m forgetting 99+ more. Hope your trip was as memorable also.

A special thanks to John Cirner for the article featured this month!

REMEMBER........

It doesn't pay a reward, but your articles will be appreciated by all your fellow members and your local editor AND you will earn points toward the 2007 SMOTY Award! If nothing else - you'll get to see your name in print, somewhere other than on the Post Office bulletin board!

MICHIGAN SQUADRON RIDING EVENTS 2007

One of the traditions of the Michigan Squadron of the HSTA is to organize a few events each year specifically for our State Squadron. These events are not sanctioned or official events of the HSTA, but are limited to those who are current members of the HSTA. Our remaining 2007 schedule is listed below in order of occurrence:

WOMAN’S RIDE
August 10 - 12, 2007, Michigan
Explore the Leelanau Peninsula
Event Organizer – Jan Pennington

Ladies of HSTA,

We have plans to have a ladies ride on Aug 10th to Aug 12th. The weekend will start with an early morning meeting on Friday at 8:00 am. We will meet at McDonald's, at the intersection of US 23 (EXIT #49) and Route 36. We should be on the road by 8:30. I will have maps and routes at the meeting.

We will stay at EconoLodge just south of Traverse City on Highway 37. The daily rate is $134.95 + tax per night for two double beds. There is a 72 hour cancellation notice is required so our plans need to be finalized by Monday Aug 6th. We will ride the roads in the Leelanau and explore some of the unique attractions of the area before for we return on Sunday. Let's have a GREAT RIDE!!!!!!!

Jan

Please contact Jan Pennington if you wish to participate in the event.
eMail - janpennington@comcast.net
Phone - 734.482.8188

NOTE:
Riders of the male persuasion are also welcome on this event – provided you meet one of the following requirements –

You are accompanied by a woman pillion rider.
You are riding pillion with a woman pilot.

M.O.B. - 2007
Michigan's Ohio Blitz – 2007
Sept. 7 - 9, 2007, SE Ohio
Event Organizer – Gregg Mitchell

PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATES FOR THIS EVENT!

Friday, Sept. 7

RIDE - from Michigan to Coshocton, OH
We'll be staying at the following Hotel -
Country Squire Inn and Suites (formerly the Travel Lodge), 275 S Whitewoman St, Phone - 740-622-9823
There will be a Mandatory "Rider's Meeting" held at the hotel at 9:00 PM, where we'll set up the riding groups, reveal the routes and prepare for the next days ride.

Saturday, Sept. 8

Several routes will be mapped out, 270 - 320 miles of twisty pavement ending in New Philadelphia, OH
Here, we'll be staying at:
Super 8 Motel, 131 1/2 Bluebell Dr SW
Phone - 330-339-6500
A group dinner -- tire kicking, telling lies about the days ride follows our arrival

Sunday, Sept. 9

RIDE back home to Michigan

If you want to participate - here's what you do -

1. Make your hotel reservations at both Hotels- without delay
There is a block of rooms being "Held" at BOTH hotels until August 7 under the name of Gregg Mitchell. Call them and take one of those rooms for your own. There may be rooms still available following that date – but don’t delay as there are not a lot of other rooms in the immediate areas that we are staying.

2. Let me know that you're planning on being there - I need an accurate head count for maps and dinner reservations.

You can contact me at the following:
E-Mail - MI_HSTA@Voyager.net
Phone - 248-375-5469 (Home) 248-377-8170 (Work)

HAZARDOUS TOUR
Hazard, KY, Oct. 4 - 7, 2007
Event Organizer – Gregg Mitchell
Details to be announced!

HEADS UP !

August 18, 2007 – Saturday
Michigan HSTA Monthly Meeting
Karl’s Cabin Restaurant
Gotfredson Rd., Plymouth, MI
8:30 AM
Following The Meeting:
There will be a Tech Session held at 1000 N. Opdyke Road in Auburn Hills. Dave Sallberg, our resident suspension guru will be on hand to help provide basic suspension setups. There will be a demonstration of the tire changing machine and balancer. Soft drinks and snacks will be provided.

August 21 – 25, 2007
“Fuel Your Adventure” Open House at Triumph Detroit – 28000 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville, MI

August 24 – 26, 2007
Mail Pouch Fly-By – Marietta, Ohio
A pre-Registration form for this event is posted in the files section of the Michigan HSTA Yahoo Group site.
Print one out and sign up today – this HSTA / AMA Sanctioned Event is not to be missed!

September 16, 2007
Stockbridge, MI Motorcycle Rally
ALL CLUBS DAY
The Michigan Squadron of the HSTA will be participating at this rally. Further details will become available soon.

MEMBERSHIP INFO

Welcome to the HSTA
Please join me in welcoming the following new member(s) to the Michigan HSTA Squadron:

Mark Overberg – Highland
Dale Wahlstrom – Iron Mountain

For the individual(s) listed below - this will be your last Michigan Newsletter if you don't renew within the next 30 days AND advise me with a call. If you feel this information is in error - call me. If you wish to renew and need a form, let me know and I'll send you one or you can print out the copy at the HSTA Website -------- www.ridehsta.com

We’re going to miss you if you don’t renew!

Curt Coulter - Chelsea
Jon Glassel – Howell
Mickey Glassel – Howell
Ann Klevgard – Ann Arbor
Marge Melosh – Howell
Ray Melosh – Howell
Steve Parsons – Walled Lake
Jim Stephens – Warren

Our policy regarding "Prospects" is to provide them with a "local" newsletter for 3 months following their
introduction to the club. Under those guidelines this will be the last newsletter for the following individual(s):

Steve Higley – Flint
Britt Michel – Rochester Hills

If you have decided to join the HSTA, please let me know so I can continue sending your monthly newsletter to you.

Current Squadron Membership – 96

A NEW MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT

The following information was posted to the National HSTA State Director’s Mail List recently:

June 18, 2007

Patrick Mogavero
HSTA Benefits Director

Dear Patrick:

Per our conversation and your letter of May 31st, I have requested information on discounts that would be helpful to you membership.
The Specialty Product Group has responded that your members can obtain a discount of 10% for your association membership. So, by joining your Honda Sport Touring Association group, they will receive a 10% rate reduction on their policy premium. They must tell the agent that they are a member of your group to obtain the discount.
Also, new members can obtain one year of free membership in the AMA courtesy of purchasing their insurance from Nationwide. Have them ask for the free AMA membership when they purchase their insurance.
We offer other discounts the would be specific to the drivers and their state underwriting requirements, i.e., rider training, no accidents and/or tickets, multi-policy price breaks if adding home or auto. Our hope is that these options provide your membership with an opportunity to take advantage of these price discounts and all other options available to them from Nationwide. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to helping your members.

Sincerely,
Raymond Jahn
President
If you have any question please call him at 248-473-8038.

This has the potential to be a great benefit to all members. I don't know how Nationwide rates
compare to others, but they are seeking motorcycle business, and are the "official" insurance carriers of the AMA already. I know that I will be getting a quote from them for myself.

Pat Mogavero
HSTA Benefits Director

MICHIGAN HSTA SQUADRON MEETING NOTES
Saturday, July 28, 2007

A picture perfect day greeted 45 members and 1 guest (Dave Holcomb) toKarl’s Kabin for the July breakfast meeting. Included in the “45” was one Ohio member (or interloper?) our good friend Tim Horton.

Trip/ride reports:
30 members recently enjoyed the HOI event (formerly known as Halacious) in West Virginia. 34 Michigan members made up part of the total contingent of 444 at STAR last month. At the banquet dinner, the following awards were bestowed on our humble squadron and its members:
. HSTA Website of the Year. Thanks to Bruce for his recent redesign!
. Aerostich suit: Larry Job
. Long distance “senior” rider: Jan Pennington (tie)
. Top recruiter for Michigan: Bob Primeau
. Dan Clark Safety cash awards: John and Ann Cirner

Upcoming events
August 5: The Meadowbrook Concours in hosting a collection of vintage motorcycles “in the circles” in combination with their car show next Sunday. Mark Preston shared some of the bikes to be at the event. The former Matilida Dodge-Wilson estate, Meadowbrook Hall is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester.

August 3-5: The Superbike races return to Mid-Ohio. At present, there were no organized groups riding down together so if you’d like to start one, send an email to the Yahoo group list and/or to Gregg Mitchell for mass distribution.

August 10 – 12: Women’s Only ride event. Jan Pennington confirms the Leelanau area in NW Michigan as the destination. Seven is the present count, so if you would like to join in, contact janpennington@comcast.net for information.

August 18: Tech session (tire changing, suspension set-ups) at Gregg’s business location in Auburn Hills. As this will occur after the August meeting, start time is estimated to be 11:00 am.

September 7-9: MOB (Michigan’s Ohio Blitz) is a non-trailering event. Friday night riders meeting will be at the Super 8 motel in Coshocton, Ohio. Saturday routes totaling 270 miles will be avoiding Marietta, Ohio this year due to a paddle wheel boat event being held that weekend. Saturday’s dinner will be held in New Philadelphia, Ohio area.

September 16: All Clubs Day in Stockbridge, Michigan. Our squadron will have a presence there to pass out information to interested parties. Bob Primeau is the contact person if you would like to assist.

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

Next months meeting will be Aug 18th (one week earlier than normal) at 8:30am at Karl’s Kabin, located at 6005 Gotfredson Rd. Plymouth, MI. Articles for the August newsletter are needed as soon as possible. Send anything you have to Gregg. The newsletter is being distributed in PDF format to those interested. The USPS mailed version will continue for those who choose that method. Note the PDF version may soon contain features that can’t be supported in the mailed version, including color, graphics and photographs. Are you receiving the monthly newsletter? Much of the information contained in the minutes should arrive at your residence in the week preceding the meeting. Let Gregg know if you are missing out on this award winning publication! Included in your membership fees, it is also available to prospective members who visit our meetings.

Contact Gregg Mitchell @
MI_HSTA@voyager.net for more info.
Visit Michigan’s award winning website at www.mi-hsta.com for news, events, articles and more.