Editor: Gregg Mitchell
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT!
Saturday, May 26, 2007, we will be meeting at the Andrico’s Family Restaurant in Fenton, MI. It is located at 3324 Owen Road, just west of M23. You can GOOGLE the location for detailed directions online. The meeting begins at 8:30 AM. However late arrivers are always welcome!
The T-Ride - Last Hurrah
By Ian Orr
Gregg Mitchell: “THAT tire isn’t going to make it to Mena!”
Doug Ryan: “Sure it will.”
Gregg: “Bet you 5 bucks it won’t”
Doug: “You’re on”
I sat for a millisecond and thought to myself “Ian, the new guy is giving out free money.” I know, as surely as Valentino will be on the podium for the next MotoGP race, Doug Ryan is now out $5. I’ve seen the tire – it’s not going to make it unless Doug removes it and hand carries it all the way to Mena. Although unstated, we Michigan HSTA’ers, live by the motto “If someone makes an honest mistake we are to thrust the biggest knife we have straight into the exposed weakness and then, while wearing our best mischievous grin, twist it sideways. Fellow club members are then required to join the “gutting.” The “gutting” clause mandates my response.
Ian: “Doug, $5 says that tire will be done 100 miles before we even get to Mena” (have got that extra twist in).
Doug: “You’re on!”
Like a modern day Caesar, Doug has perhaps sensed what’s about to happen. Et tu Ian? And so began T-19. 10 riders including Neil Fritsche, Pedro Gregorio, Tim Horton, Hal Kramer, Kelly McCrystal, Gregg Mitchell, Don Pennington, Doug Ryan, Mike Suchara, and I .
Three days and a thousand plus miles of what we all love to do - ride hard, ride fast, smile ‘till it hurts while riding, laugh when stopped, and for a unwanted change, shiver. The temperature on the first morning was a refreshing 34 degrees. Everyone plugged in their electrics, put on several layers and some topped off with select pieces of rain gear to keep the cold at bay. The rain started about 10 minutes into the ride and varied from a steady drizzle to something just short of a biblical deluge. It slowed us down a wee bit, putting a big emphasis on smooth riding. By lunch it warmed up to a balmy 40 degrees. Balmy that is if your heated gear actually worked – two riders found they had no heat to enjoy, some apparent disconnect in the all-important electron flow. The spectacular lightning show started just after lunch. Bolts of light, big and far too close, zigzagging their way down to the forest around us.
The hail, when it arrived, couldn’t penetrate all the riding gear and was, fortunately, short-lived. Some time later my trusty steed, a Honda ST1100, gave a big shudder, shaking me to my core. Oh crap, now what? The second time it happened I heard the accompanying clap of thunder. Yikes! Now the group I was riding in was a sort of “Morons-at-large” ensemble, with the always certifiable Gregg Mitchell, Hal Kramer, Kelly McCrystal and I. To that we added Neal Fritsche, (from the infamous Great Rocky Mountain Road Block episode) and Pedro Gregorio. This was the first high-speed riding we’d done with Pedro. To no one’s surprise he fit right in – very fast, very smooth and a subtle, razor-sharp wit. Oh, and tall, very tall, all of 6’ 7”. Mmmm. Tall? Lightning? Perhaps it’s time to stop and let the storm pass? But we have such a long way to go, unless we want to ride in the dark. I gradually dropped back from Pedro, increasing the spacing to a dozen or so yards. It would really screw up my line in the next corner if Pedro takes a billion volt lightning bolt right in front of me.
The rain stopped at times and, in total we rode about 180 out of 450 miles on dry or semi-dry roads. Each and every time it let up the pace stepped up. And the T-ride gremlins stepped up too. From my place at the tail-end of our riding group I watched in amazement as a huge turkey vulture spun mid-flight and, with claws grappling forward, dive-bombed Kelly. He looked at the bird for a moment, as if to say “Get real!” and then ducked as low as possible when he realized it was all too real. I’m not so sure it would have missed if he hadn’t ducked. We later discovered the chain and rear sprocket on Kelly’s bike were tearing each other apart, spitting sprocket teeth across the Ozarks. Perhaps the bird sensed a wounded animal and wanted only to cull Kelly from the herd. By early afternoon Doug’s rear tire had donated all it had to the abrasive roads and he and riding partner Mike headed off in search of a fresh donut.
About 100 miles from our destination we passed them at a bike shop, where Doug bought a new tire. That night we explained to him the advice Gregg and I were given several years previous that “Anyone who brings an “I think” tire to the Ozarks should be bent over a butane tank”. Upon learning what he paid for removal and installation of the tire I can confirm there was some “bending over” going on. The T-ride organizers put on a great, free barbecue feast every year at a campground located a thousand feet or so below the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, our final destination. After riding all day in soggy, cold conditions we couldn’t bring ourselves to stop at a cold, wet campsite for free food. For the first time in 12 hours, we wanted to be dry and warm. Many of you know I’m partial to the color red. Both my cars and both my bikes are red. My ‘Stitch is red. And within minutes of entering the lodge my whole body was lobster red as I stood under a piping hot shower and just soaked and steamed and broiled.
And what, pray tell, did we do on the next day, Saturday, which dawned similarly cold and wet? Eight of us stayed put. We drank coffee; we watched a couple of DVDs and sat around, kibitzing. The collective thought was “we’ve got this riding in the wet and cold thing down pat and don’t need to practice it any more.” We’d get the occasional ride report from someone who’d ventured forth – cold and, surprise, surprise, wet. Our two guests, Doug and Mike, went to visit a friend and returned looking – cold. All in all, a good day to hibernate.
Sunday dawned clear – and 28 degrees cold. We departed at 6:30am and rode about 100 miles before stopping for breakfast. Nippy would a good adjective describing the ride. Lots of wiggling of extremities and breathing carefully, lest you completely fog your face shield. The sun rapidly warmed us all and, with a hearty breakfast filling our bellies, the promise of a great twisty ride beckoned. But then the gremlins made one last appearance. My previous tug to remove my electric vest from the bike-mounted plug had loosened the ground plug and my electrical system was absolutely DOA. No lights, no nothing. It took a couple of minutes to figure out what happened. In that time Mike had come back to check why I hadn’t joined the group. Ground screw tightened I prepared to leave, only to hear Mike’s starter on his Futura make that all too familiar and ultimately feeble attempt turn the engine over.
Five minutes and three failed push starts later and we knew something on his bike wasn’t working. We eventually got it working, dying rectifier replaced, and then had to ride post haste to make our destination before darkness fell. Actually, truth be told, we always ride post haste, only this time we had to really haste along, post haste! We fled across the Ozark countryside, warm sun on our right casting modern-art bike shadows onto the road. Our route stitched together the best to be had. Excited chatter punctuated the brief gatherings at the end of each road. Pedro announced no fewer than three times “Ok, THAT’S my favorite road”. At the end of AR32, upon which he’d just disappeared into the distance, I drew even to be greeted by sparkling eyes and a helmeted grin. I think he finally found his favorite road. Mike Suchara was also thoroughly enjoying his indoctrination into the Morons riding group announcing “I didn’t know roads like this existed” and “You guys really clip along”.
And what of the two $5 dollar “tire” bets? We all know that when you make a sucker bet the principle of winning is what is most important. When the money is offered you don’t accept – that’s the honorary thing to do. Gregg and I both took the money. In fact I put my $5 in a corner of my wallet, where it stays until I meet Doug again. Not to return it, of course. I’ll be checking his tire to see if I can make some more easy money.
Next year’s T-ride as been postponed until mid-May so it won’t conflict with STAR. However, it would then conflict with MMM 10 so this year’s ride may have been our last. We’re thinking about creating a Michigan-mostly event (MI-OZ, or My-Oz, for Michigan-Ozark) during the same April time-slot – stay tuned.
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 SMOTY Award! If nothing else - you'll get to see your name in print, somewhere other than on the Post Office bulletin board! A special thanks to Ian Orr for the article featured this month!
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 2007 schedule is listed below in order of occurrence:
Hocking Hills Twisty Tour H2/T2
June 1-3, 2007
Lancaster, Ohio
Organized by: Don Pennington
Location
Lancaster is located south east of Columbus, approximately 230 miles from Detroit. The topography is generally flat until you reach Lancaster. South of this point the landscape changes abruptly with hills and rock outcroppings. Hocking Hills is located in Logan County, in southeast Ohio, mostly west of US 33 along SR 664 and SR 374. The Hocking Hills region is home to 9 state parks, over 9000 acres of state forest land, part of the Wayne National Forest, contains 4 nature preserves and one of the largest metro parks in the state.
Ride Route
The ride will begin in Lancaster and consist of a circle tour of approximately 250 miles. One gas and refreshment stop will be designated in the first half of the ride. Lunch will be the same as last year at the “Wild Horse” restaurant overlooking the Ohio River. A gas and refreshment stop will be designated for the last half of the ride as we return to Lancaster. The ride is designed to contain some of the most curvaceous, hilly, scenic, and challenging back roads within the State.
Date
The event will begin on Friday June 1 with a mandatory riders meeting at 9:00 p.m. in the Lancaster Inn/Colonnade at Fairfield Lounge. Riding groups will be set up, the route will be discussed, and preparations will be made for the next days ride. The ride will be on Saturday morning June 4. A dinner will take place Saturday evening with the return ride home on Sunday.
Accommodations
The “Hocking Hills Twisty Tour” (H2/T2) will center out of Lancaster, Ohio with accommodations at the Lancaster Inn/Colonnade at Fairfield Motel located at 1858 N. Memorial Drive. A twin style room will cost $59.00 per night. It has been worked out with the motel that if at least 15 rooms are booked, that a free room will be provided. Who gets the free room will be determined at the Saturday evening dinner.
Make your reservations as soon as possible
Call Lancaster Inn/Colonnade at Fairfield: 740/653-3040
Request to be registered as part of the HSTA-Hocking Hills Twisty Tour.
You can contact me at the following:
E-Mail – pennington@ameritech.net
Phone – 734/482-8188 (Home)
734/485-1445 (Office)
HALACIOUS 9.1
Nine is Devine
Vienna, WV – July 20 – 22, 2007
Event Organizers – Hal and Donna Kramer
Here it is, 2007, and after missing Halacious 9 last year, Donita and I are having Halacious 9.1 to make up for it. Preparations and draft "Quiz" questions are already underway at a feverish pace. Anyway, dates have been set, hotel rooms secured, a blankie will be sewn together for Halacious 8's lucky recipient of the Halacious Blankie Drawing (uh, Jan and Don, that would be you - but ya gotta send the shirts!), and other special features are already in various stages of development. But I won't spill those beans (Mexican jumpings beans, of course) and risk ruining the surprises. Heh, heh....
So without further delay, here's the usual weekend agenda/details/etc:
Dates: Friday July 20 through Sunday July 22
Ride in Friday evening and catch grub at the Kramer Inn
Either stay at our hacienda, or the hotel of choice for you noisy sleeper types
Ride on Saturday on some blame route Cisco (me!) is riding
Donita will sponsor a day out with the ladies if they prefer, but if all want to ride, she will also.
Saturday night grub and antics back at the Kramer Inn
Ride home Sunday and catch lunch on the way (well, hopefully-this is always an adventure with this group!)
One note I need to add. Like Halacious 8, we are asking that all who join us be of legal age. Thanks for your understanding on this.
This year we have the usual accommodations at the Kramer Inn which are available first come, first served and are complete with the usual infestation of bugs, snakes, and insects. The corn crib and the guest "suite" will be available. If you prefer a hotel, you can call and reserve a room in your name at the:
Wingate Inn, Vienna, WV, 304-295-5501
1502 Grand Central Avenue (Rte 14) right next to Lowe's
$ 74.00/night plus tax, 2 queen beds
$79.00/night plus tax, 1 king bed
8 rooms reserved with queen beds, 2 with kings - smoking and non-smoking
Pool and hot tub, and only a couple miles from our house
Ask for the rooms reserved for the "Halacious group" (yes, really), confirmation by Ashley (ID # 17154), and convert one to your name.
Rooms will automatically be released early July, so reserve one before then, this place is known to fill up.
So give us a call and come join Pancho, Tricia, Donita and Cisco in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia for Halacious 9.1! And as you already know, my imagination is somewhat limited on event slogans, so that's why I ask for your ideas! Please pass them along. Also, don't forget to let us know whether you prefer the Wingate or the Kramer Inn. For those of you who are new to Halacious, we encourage couples, so bring your spouse/significant other/riding partner. And we promise, you'll fit right in (heh, heh).
Cisco and Donita
WOMAN’S RIDE
August 10 - 12, 2007, Michigan
Explore the Leelanau Peninsula
Event Organizer – Jan Pennington
A leisurely ride is planned, leaving Friday morning and taking back roads to the Clifford Lake Inn for lunch. Lunch is served on the deck overlooking the landscaped grounds of the Inn and Clifford Lake. This Inn is just west of the community of Stanton. After lunch we will continue north along highway 66 and other connecting roadways to the Traverse City area where we will lodge for the night. We will leave Saturday morning, find a unique breakfast spot and begin riding along the shore line of Lake Michigan, generally following highway 22. The road winds through forests and small towns. We will ride through the Sleeping Bear Sand Dune State Recreation area and stop for a break at Good Hope Bay where we can walk the beach which is one of the best places to find Petoskey stones washed up by Lake Michigan.
Continuing north to the unique community of Leland we will stop to walk the unique shops at “fishtown”.
From Leland we will continue north along Highway 22 which at this point is one of the best twisty roads in the Leelanau Peninsula. The road winds through cherry orchards to the lunch stop at “Fisher’s Happy Hour Tavern” for the best pie and hamburger that can be found in the area. After lunch we will continue on highway 22 through Northport, a friendly town on Traverse Bay, to the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula and the historic Traverse Bay Lighthouse, where the shoreline is rocky and many islands can be seen.
In the afternoon we will ride south via interior twisty roads through cherry orchards, wineries, and vistas over numerous lakes stopping at the community of Suttons Bay, where artistic shops and unique architecture abound. After Sutton's Bay we will again continue along twisty secondary roads through the communities of Cedar and Lake Ann to Traverse Bay for an evenings rest and a good meal at one of the local restaurants.
We will plan to leave Sunday morning on the return ride, generally following highways 115, 66 and 50 to arrive back from a fantastic ride.
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 – 2006
Sept. 14 - 16, 2007, SE Ohio
Event Organizer – Gregg Mitchell
Details to be announced!
HAZARDOUS TOUR
Hazard, KY, Oct. 4 - 7, 2007
Event Organizer – Gregg Mitchell
Details to be announced!
HEADS UP !
May 26, 2007
Michigan HSTA Monthly Meeting
Andrico’s Family Restaurant
3324 Owen Rd., Fenton, MI
8:30 AM
June 1 – 3, 2007
H2T2 Event
June 3, 2007 – Sunday
British Bike and Car Show
Ft. Meigs, Perrysburg, OH
June 16, 2007 – Saturday
Michigan HSTA Monthly Meeting
Karl’s Cabin Restaurant
Gotfredson Rd., Plymouth, MI
8:30 AM
June 24 – 27, 2007
STAR – Ashville, NC
Registration Information is available in your latest STAReview!
34 Michigan Members are registered to go!
MEMBERSHIP INFO
Welcome to the HSTA
Please join me in welcoming the following new member(s) to the Michigan HSTA Squadron:
John Wolnowsky – Brighton
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!
Al Achelpohl - Petoskey
Keren Drescosky – Novi
Jeff Illes – Farmington
Lori Illes – Farmington
Greg Nystrom – Rochester Hills
Bob Primeau – Howell
Melanie Botsford – Ann Arbor
Graeme Voller – Howell
Paula Voller – Howell
Gail Wyckhouse – Royal Oak
Current Squadron Membership – 102
The HSTA Michigan Squadron and Newsletter belong to you - the Membership. Both of them can only be as good and as interesting as you make it --- so take the time once and awhile and contribute. If you've got something to say about a ride, your bike, perhaps a trip you’re planning - whatever -- send it in for the newsletter – To:
Gregg Mitchell, 2998 Powderhorn Ridge, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 MI_HSTA@voyager.net
