BMW Owners News April 2018

BMW OWNERS NEWS – A PUBLICATION OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS OF AMERICA

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Inside features

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the best south african adventure

By Curt Stetter #205881, Photography by Chuck Feil #203990 Chuck was bursting with excitement when he called Curt to tell him he had won a SAMA Tours trip to South Africa at the 2016 BMW MOA Rally in Hamburg. A few months later his excitement was justified as South Africa offered the friends the adventure of a lifetime!

eureka!

By Ken Frick #199204 Like so many small towns Ken Frick rode through when heading west on the "Loneliest Road in America," Eureka, Nevada, was nothing more that a dot on a map. After getting off his bike and spending a little time there, Ken realized these hidden gems prove the road is always full of surprises.

riding with my best friend

By Peter Burke #133958 When Peter Burke began riding BMWs more than a decade ago, he had hoped to ride with his wife but found her screems of terror somewhat distracting. If you see a yellow R 1200 GS Adventure linked to a Hannigan sidecar heading down the road, it's quite possibly Burke riding with his best friend...

ON THE COVER: W aiting for oncoming traffic to pass before entering the mile-long Ogarrio tunnel near the mountaintop mining town of Real de Catorce, Mexico. Photo by Mike McCrary #148315

The BMW MOA and MOATM are trademarks of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America.

the club 4 Owners News Contributors 8 Headlight Interesting News Indeed, by Bill Wiegand 10 President's Column April Fools!, by Wes Fitzer 12 Postcards from the Road 14 Rider to Rider Letters from our Members 16 Shiny Side Up The Barest Essentials, by Ron Davis

tech 38 Keep ‘em Flying Heading to Supertech!

by Matthew Parkhouse

44 Torque of the Matter All I needed was a Brake Job, by Wes Fleming

skills 68 From the Foundation Iowa Highways Big enough for Both of Us, by Vance Harrelson

Member tested/ product news 20 – Scenic: A Mobile Navigation app

– Sidi Performer Gore-Tex boots – Velomacchi Speedway Hybrid Travel Duffle – Rocky Creek bifocal riding glasses

30 Adventure gear designed for women by KLIM, Save your paint

with Second Skin, Register for the Rally during April and get a free Silipint, BMW MOA Summer and Annual Mileage Contests begin, Four candidates vie for three available BMW MOA Board positions, BMW MOA offers Premier Training event at BMW Performance Center Rider Academy.

lifestyle 70 2017 BMW MOA Summer Mileage Contest Results

80 Final Journey Jeff Thurmond 82 Dealer Profile Van Wall Powersports of Indianola, Iowa events 86 When and Where Places to Go and Things to Do 95 Advertiser Index 96 Talelight

BMW MOA RALLY 32 – Rally Registration needs Volunteers

– National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa – Dirt Training at the Rally – Did you Know Photo by Jeff Hower #145848

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

3

the club

CONTRIBUTORS 1. From his first bike – a Honda Mini-Trail – through a string of Yamaha, Bultaco and Hodaka dirt bikes in his teens, Peter Burke has been addicted to riding and aside from a few gaps due to military deployments he’s been riding ever since. A 2007 convert to BMW, he had hoped to ride with his wife but found her screams of terror somewhat distracting. He and his canine co-pilot travel widely in their R 1200 GS Adventure sidecar rig.

2. Ken Frick can mark the different phases of his life with the motorcycles he's owned. A Lambretta motor-scooter and all of the little Hondas got him through adolescence and high school, his Honda 750 into adulthood and through middle-age, a Kawasaki Concours was his ride through the thinning-hair era and now the '05 RT takes him to retirement. Blessed with a career as a freelance photographer, Ken continues to photograph and write about his adventures, most of them dealing with being on two-wheels.

3. A relative newcomer to motorcycles, Mark Hearon took to riding quickly. After connecting with the BMW MOA community, Mark began contributing articles for the BMW Owners News and hopes to continue while learning how to write. Mark is married to his high school sweetheart, Kate, who he met in marching band. A motorcyclist as well, Kate and Mark now ride to the beat of their own drum [brake].

4. Dan Townsley has been riding since he acquired his first new bike, a 1969 Royal Enfield 750 Interceptor, and since that time many motorcycles have passed through the garage. For the past 25 years those bikes have only been BMW’s, most with thousands of miles on them from around the world travel. As a retired Engineer with very early roots in computers and navigation technologies, GPS devices and related software are passions that continues today.

5. Dirt has been in Brian Dutcher’s blood since his first twist of a throttle aboard his 1981 Kawasaki KX80 when he was twelve years old. Now an avid GS Giant, adventure and dual sport riding provide the rush that southern California motocross racing once did. Whether it is on the road, track or trail, Brian is always actively seeking ways to improve his experience and make the most of any ride.

6. Mark Janda has been riding motorcycles for 30 years, ever since he “borrowed" his brother’s moped to race the neighborhood kids. He has ridden all over North America as well as Central and Southern Europe. He earned an Iron Butt award in 2009 for riding from Albuquerque to St. Louis. As much fun as he had over the years, it wasn't until he rented a BMW in Europe that he found out what he’d been missing. When he returned to the states, he bought his K 1600 GTL and his love affair with BMW began.

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BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

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Based on a series of third-party commissioned tests carried out by Motorrad Test Center in October 2016 at Boxberg et Neuhausen tracks (Germany) using a 2016 BMW S1000RR with tire sizes 120/70ZR17 (front) and 190/55ZR17 (rear), which compared MICHELIN Power RS with the following competitor tires: PIRELLI Diablo Rosso 3, DUNLOP SportSmart 2, CONTINENTAL ContiSportAttack 3, BRIDGESTONE Battlax Hypersport S21 and METZELER Sportec M7 RR. | 2 Based on internal tests carried out in Fontanges (France), Cartagena (Spain) and Ladoux (France) in 2016 on a 2015 BMW S1000RR with tire sizes 120/70ZR17 (front) and 190/55ZR17 (rear), which compared MICHELIN Power RS with the following competitor tires: PIRELLI Diablo Rosso 3, DUNLOP Sportmax Q3, CONTINENTAL ContiSportAttack 3, BRIDGESTONE Battlax Hypersport S21 and METZELER Sportec M7 RR. | 3 Based on internal tests in Fontanges, France in 2016 on a 2015 BMW S1000RR with tire sizes 120/70ZR17 (front) and 190/55ZR17 (rear), comparing MICHELIN POWER RS with the MICHELIN Pilot Power 3 on a 1.2 km track. Actual results may vary. | Individual results may vary. Copyright © 2018 Michelin North America, Inc. All rights reserved. The Michelin Man is a registered trademark owned by Michelin North America, Inc. 1

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BMW OWNERS NEWS  April 2018

Salvation Mountain More than 100,000 gallons of latex paint cover a mountain of dirt, cement, adobe and hay near Niland, California.

Photo by Mark Janda #198513

April 2018  BMW OWNERS NEWS

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headlight Magazine of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America MANAGING EDITOR

Bill Wiegand bill@bmwmoa.org

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Ron Davis • Wes Fleming • Joe Tatulli ART DIRECTOR

Karin Halker karin@bmwmoa.org CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

David Cwi • Marven Ewen • Deb Gasque Lee Parks • Matthew Parkhouse Jack Riepe • Shawn Thomas ADVERTISING

Advertising materials, including chartered club rally display advertising, should be sent to our Advertising Office. Please contact Chris Hughes for display rates, sizes and terms.

Chris Hughes chris@bmwmoa.org 509-921-2713 (p) 509-921-2713 (f ) BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS OF AMERICA

640 S. Main Street, Ste. 201 Greenville, SC 29601 864-438-0962 (p) 864-250-0038 (f )

Submissions should be sent to the BMW MOA office or editor@bmwmoa.org. Submissions accepted only from current members of the BMW MOA and assume granting of first serial publication rights within and on the BMW MOA website and use in any future compendium of articles. No payments will be made and submissions will not be returned. The BMW MOA reserves the right to refuse, edit or modify submissions.

Opinions and positions stated in materials/articles herein are those of the authors and not by the fact of publication necessarily those of BMW MOA; publication of advertising material is not an endorsement by BMW MOA of the advertised product or service. The material is presented as information for the reader. BMW MOA does not perform independent research on submitted articles or advertising.

Change of address notification and membership inquiries should be made to the BMW MOA office or membership@bmwmoa.org. BMW MOA membership is $49/yr. and includes the BMW Owners News, which is not available separately. Each additional family member is $19 without a subscription.

Canadian members add $16 for postal surcharge.

The BMW MOA and MOA™ are trademarks of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America.

OUR MISSION To foster communication and a sense of family among BMW motorcycle enthusiasts

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BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

Interesting news indeed

By Bill Wiegand #180584 IN A SHOCKING PRESS RELEASE RECENTLY ISSUED BY BMW MOTOR-

rad, the company announced that production of the marque’s S models including the R, RR, and XR, has ended.

Shocking indeed as the models were seen as the brand’s entry into the hotly-contested and fickle liter-bike class and created to change the perception of BMW as a stodgy, German brand only good for riding the long way around the world or across the nation’s interstate system. It appears BMW has given up on their attempt to reach a younger audience and instead decided to refocus on the markets where they maintain a firm stronghold – Adventure and Touring.

In the press release, BMW Motorrad’s Director of Corporate Communications Hans Ubersprechen said, “After much serious thinking and lengthy discussions, we have decided that we will no longer manufacture the S models. In their place, we have chosen to increase production of the HP4 race model and make lighting kits available as a special-order option allowing the motorcycle to be used on the streets. Working with auxiliary lighting maker HansGruber Lighting and Elektrik of South Berlin, MSRP for the HP4 with HansGruber lighting kit has been set at $78,625.” No word yet if special MOA incentives will be available.

The announcement came as a shock to everyone based on the success the S models have enjoyed both on the street and at the track.

Scooter Hanz, a spokesperson for the St. Louis BMW Motorrad dealership, Gateway to the West, was dumbfounded by the announcement and heard repeatedly mumbling, “I just can’t believe it, I just can’t believe it,” or something to that effect.

Repeatedly leading the nation in R, RR, and XR sales, Gateway to the West BMW Motorrad stopped selling the stodgy RTs, GSs and K models six years ago.

“The S model has been our bread and butter,” Hanz said, “It looks like I’m going to be very, very hungry.”

Gateway to the West Motorrad Sales and Service has apparently begun negotiations with an undisclosed manufacturer of plumbing supplies and is close to obtaining rights to a highly profitable, central US territory.

I believe I speak for a lot of riders in the Midwest, as well as many others across the country, by saying it’s sad to see another BMW Motorrad shop close its doors. Scooter Hanz and the gang at Gateway to the West have always treated riders well. I wish them the best in their new endeavor.

I also wish all of the readers of BMW Owners News a happy April Fools’ day!

On a serious note, April has always been my favorite month of the year. As a Midwesterner, the month begins with a smile and marks the beginning of a new riding season. For MOA members, it also marks the first MOA Getaway of the year at Fontana Dam, North Carolina.

With 11 Getaways scheduled this year, MOA members have plenty to smile about and many bucket-list destinations to program into their GPS units.

Member odometers will be spinning like an electric meter on a hot summer day as our When and Where pages are bursting with club rallies, and all roads are leading to our annual BMW MOA International Rally in Des Moines.

A motorcycle-friendly state, Iowa boasts the third highest number of motorcycle registrations in the country and with fried Twinkies, fried Oreos and even fried butter on a stick all available at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, it has to be fun. Just remember to bring your cholesterol medications.

With all of the miles you’ll put on your bike this year, don’t forget to send in your entry into the 2018 BMW MOA Summer and Annual Mileage Contests.

History. Family. Dedication.

It doesn’t matter what you ride or where you ride it, protection is our priority in every helmet we create.

That is Arai’s unshakeable foundation which you can rely on.

Even if you never use an Arai helmet for its intended purpose, the handcrafted comfort which only Arai can deliver will let you enjoy every ride even more.

And look darn good while doing it too!

N O H EL M ET CAN PROTECT THE WEARER AGAINST ALL FORESEEABLE IM PACTS.

NOTHING IS A SUBSTITUTE FOR SAFE RIDING PRACTICES.

PRESIDENTSCOLUMN

April Fools!

BMW MOA OFFICERS

Wes Fitzer, President 918-441-2114; wes.fitzer@bmwmoa.org Jean Excell, Vice President 719-650-6215; jean.excell@bmwmoa.org Reece Mullins, Secretary 334-470-7770; reece.mullins@bmwmoa.org Sam Garst, Treasurer 414-704-7767; sam.garst@bmwmoa.org BMW MOA DIRECTORS

Deb Lower 719-510-9452; deb.lower@bmwmoa.org Tracy McCarty 913-238-3182; tracy.mccarty@bmwmoa.org Marc Souliere 613-828-1798; marc.souliere@bmwmoa.org Roger Trendowski 732-671-0514; roger.trendowski@bmwmoa.org Chad Warner 614-735-8558; chad.warner@bmwmoa.org BMW MOA VOLUNTEER STAFF

Steve Brunner, Mileage Contest Coordinator 910-822-4369; steveb@bmwmoa.org Jim Heberling, High Mileage Coordinator 309-530-1951; jheberling@bmwmoa.org Sue Rihn, Ambassador Liaison 262-424-2617; sue@beemerhill.com Lee Woodring, Consumer Liaison 770-331-2419; lee.woodring@bmwmoa.org Joe Leung, Consumer Liaison 403-689-9939; joe.leung@bmwmoa.org Brian Hinton, 2018 BMW MOA Rally Chair 2018rallychair@bmwmoa.org BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS OF AMERICA

640 640 S. Main Street, Ste. 201 Greenville, SC 29601

Robert C. Aldridge, Executive Director bob@bmwmoa.org Ted Moyer, Associate Executive Director tedm@bmwmoa.org Bill Wiegand, BMW Owners News Managing Editor bill@bmwmoa.org Karin Halker, Art Director karin@bmwmoa.org Ray Tubbs, Digital Marketing Manager ray@bmwmoa.org Wes Fleming, Associate Editor Digital wfleming@bmwmoa.org Lesa Howard, Membership Services lesa@bmwmoa.org Shannon Bossana, Membership Services shannon@bmwmoa.org

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BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

By Wes Fitzer #170126 THOUGH MANY THEORIES SURROUND THE ORIGIN OF APRIL

Fools’ Day, the exact origin remains a mystery. Some believe the day has its origin in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales published in 1392, where the “Nun’s Priest’s Tale” is a set in Syn March bigan thritty dayes and two. Others believe the practice began in the late 1500’s when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar or that the celebration had its roots in the ancient festivals of Rome where citizens dressed in disguises.

The list goes on. What I found most surprising was that so many cultures around the world celebrate April Fools’ Day. Whatever its origin, April 1 signals the beginning of the 2018 MOA Getaway season!

Last month BMW MOA members received a 2018 MOA Getaways brochure with their issue of the BMW Owners News. As I was looking it over I found myself wishing I had more time off—man, there’s a bunch of outstanding options this year!

Kicking off our riding season is our first Getaway in Fontana Dam, North Carolina.

Scheduled for April 20 at the Fontana Village Lodge, this popular event attracts returning members as well as newcomers attending their first MOA Getaway. Located near the Tail of the Dragon, the riding just can’t get much better. Pair that with more than 150 BMW motorcycle enthusiasts, and you’re sure to have a great time.

Our Coeur d’Alene Getaway, scheduled for May 11, will take place at The Coeur d’Alene Resort in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This will be our second year at this location, and although I didn’t attend last year, I heard great things, especially the popularity of the Friday evening cruise.

June 1 takes us to Brian Head, Utah, and the Cedar Breaks Lodge. This is the first year for the event, and I’m excited to have an event in this beautiful part of the country. The Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, Wyoming, is another new event this year. Located within striking distance of Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and Jackson, Wyoming, this is another event I think will be very popular with our riders.

One of our old favorite Getaways comes next when we visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas, mid-August. This very popular event is one I’ve attended every year and plan to attend again this year. Another new venue takes us to the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains and Copper Mountain, Colorado, on August 24.

September brings us back to the Pine Mountain State Resort and the great riding surrounding Pineville, Kentucky, on September 7. That same weekend we’ll also be offering a Premier Getaway event at the Poco Diablo Resort in Sedona, Arizona. This event was very well received last year, and if you or your significant other wants to be pampered, this is the event for you.

The following weekend, on September 14, the MOA will be at the Jay Peak Resort in Jay Peak, Vermont. This was an event I planned to attend last year, but couldn’t. Vermont and the surrounding New England states are the only states I’ve never ridden my motorcycle. I’ll try again this year.

If you’re feeling adventurous, ride from Jay Peak to Tomah, Wisconsin, and the Cranberry Country Lodge the following weekend. Man, that would make for a great two weeks, ride to Jay Peak and then halfway across the country, to Tomah, Wisconsin. One day, after I retire, I’m going to do just that.

Finally, we round out the riding season by returning to Kerrville, Texas. I’ve attended this event every year and love riding the Three Sisters and other great roads of southern Texas.

Looking at all of these opportunities to ride, I believe you’d be a FOOL not to attend at least one of our Getaways!

Wes

Fitzer

www.weisertechnik.com

Postcardsfromtheroad

1 2

1. My G 650 GS above Golden, Colorado.

Steve O’Connell #207741 Arvada, Colorado 2. C rossing a creek during a Wheels of Morocco tour in January 2018.

Jerry Bushue #197246 Olivette, Missouri 3. A highway sign marking the main road from Khovd to Ulaangom in Mongolia.

Peter Duncan #200067 Ottawa, Ontario 4.

My brand-new RT photographed near Apache Junction, Arizona, just before it tipped over.

Terry Sueltman #212046 Driftwood, Texas

3

5. Rounding one of the many curves on the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee.

Norris Gearhart #191574 Frederick, Maryland 6. Along the Oregon Coast.

Thomas Woodman #152482 Dallas, Texas 7. I arrived on Nantucket Island to find that all roads eventually come to an end.

Kenan Giguere #209757 Nantucket, Massachusetts

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BMW OWNERS NEWS  April 2018

4 6

5 Each month we publish great images sent in by BMW MOA members captured as they tour the globe. Send us your best images and you could have your work published in our Postcards from the Road pages as well.

Email your high resolution images, image description and contact information to editor@bmwmoa.org.

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April 2018  BMW OWNERS NEWS

13

t

t

RIDERTORIDER Send your letters and comments to: editor@bmwmoa.org

Where there's a will...

I’ve just returned from another working visit to New Zealand and while catching up on my back issues of BMW Owners News, I read the letters about knowing when to quit (riding). My story is somewhat different, but ultimately is age-related.

In 2008, I was severely injured in an industrial accident and forced to quit my first love of classic racing. I started restoring bikes as therapy and as a new hobby/ life interest. The first one I finished was a 1971 Triumph Bonneville which I rescued from the hands of a chopper builder.

Fast forward a couple of years, I decided I would try to ride again, using the Bonny and the advantages it offered, including light weight and modest power. Its most important advantage was its right-hand shifting, as most of my injury was to my left leg.

After I had become completely comfortable with the small, light bikes, I did buy an R 1200 GS. Five years later, I sold the much-beloved GS, as it became too top heavy and unwieldy, which resulted in a low side in my own driveway last year.

Being that I wasn’t ready to quit, I acquired an ‘07 R 1200 ST which is now my long-distance bike, and my collector bikes are my “around-towners.” This arrangement works perfectly, and at 67 years old with a “minor” disability, I get as much or more enjoyment from the light bikes and a much higher degree of personal comfort and control.

If you are struggling with the tough decision over whether to quit riding or not, try a small, light classic bike as an option. I’m not suggesting a utilitarian, old 250 banger, but any bike built before 1989 falls into the small, light category when compared to our modern, larger BMWs. I expect to ride for at least another five years, and then I’ll face the next hurdle which is already crystallizing in my mind

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BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

as maybe a Hannigan color-matched sidey attached to the ST. The Bonneville that started my rehabilitation is still my daily rider and short-term tourer in New Zealand.

I believe I have the best of both worlds at the moment, but we all know that can change in a heartbeat. In the meantime, I suggest you look for options to keep riding safely and confidently and don’t give up. Ever!

Al Gill #155767 Edmonton, Alberta

A throwback rider

I just finished reading the March Issue of Owners News. As always, I vicariously enjoyed reliving the many adventures shared in the magazine, but one article in particular left me needing to find a pen and paper in order to respond.

In David Cwi’s Mileage Slaves column he writes about “The Throwback Rider.” I ride a 1972 R 75/5 that I bought in 2001 after a 20-year hiatus from riding to focus on my career and raising children. My bike’s name is Shramana, and it fits me like a glove and has served me well over the last 17 years. Three times I have taken a break at the side of the road to adjust the points or open the valve gap, but afterwards Shramana ran beautifully, so I have never been stranded.

In 2013, I purchased an F 650 GS twin with the intention of exploring the back roads of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. That summer I realized I wasn’t comfortable riding in sand, and while I loved the bike, I found it hard to justify owning and maintaining both bikes, so last fall I sold the GS to someone who could really ride and appreciate it.

I’m back to one bike, Shramana, my /5. I do as much of the maintenance as I am able, have no fairing, don’t listen to music when I ride, use paper maps, and am filled

with hope when I hear of an inquisitive young person who appreciates a wellengineered ride and the satisfaction that comes with learning how to care for it.

Alan Reynolds #101362 Hadley, Massachusetts

Low numbers no excuse

I look forward to getting my BMW Owners News magazine every month, and it always seems to have something in it for me. I was sad to see that you don’t want to have the winter (mileage) contest because of the small number of participants.

Well, first off, it’s a not-for-profit club; it should not matter and with fewer people entering should make it easier to do. Plus, it’s winter, and with over half of our country snowed or iced in, it makes sense that fewer people would sign up.

I wish that you would please reconsider and keep it going. If anyone else feels this way, please write Owners News or call and let the leadership know. They hear nothing, it’s all good, so please let them know.

Thanks for letting me get my two cents in.

Ride on and ride safe.

Dave Peters #201985 Oconto, Wisconsin

Bad side effects

Several years ago, I was wondering whether it was time to hang up my riding boots. There had been some crashes on the track, near-misses on the road, an increasing number of still-spills at gas pumps or while maneuvering in the barn, and one in spectacular fashion in the pit garage on my Ducati TT2 race bike that did little to endear me to the other racers.

While I know many other riders, women and men alike, who rode into their 70’s and beyond, I was still a far cry from that age, and my growing fear was that my

stable of bikes was either too tall, too fast or too squirrelly was getting to be too much. Was I (gasp) going to have to join the three-wheel crowd? I labored, and spent, mightily building a sidecar rig, and though the tale is too long to tell here, if we meet around a campfire you may hear the tale of Gail’s Great Sidecar Disaster.

Then came an afternoon when I was next door visiting neighbors and playing with their baby daughter. I had bought her a small stuffed animal from the gift shop at the hospital where I was working (I’m an Orthopaedic Nurse), and she sat in her high chair and laughed while dropping the fuzzy little giraffe over and over for the adults to catch or, in my case, to drop.

Adam and Sarah looked wide-eyed at me as I failed completely at pulling the toy out of the air. Over and over my hands closed behind it as it headed for the floor.

Sarah, a doctor, was surprised at this indication of how poor my reflexes, balance, and hand/eye coordination were, and they were especially concerned, given my motorcycle riding (and racing).

“What’s wrong, Gail? What are you taking for medications?” they asked.

We talked it over, and I realized that I had begun dropping bikes around the time I started taking antidepressants, and that recently, after switching to a sustained-release bupropion hydrochloride, things had gotten much, much worse.

When I tapered off the meds as quickly as was safe, I stopped dropping bikes.

As a member of a national organization of women motorcycle riders, I kept hearing stories similar to mine, and I would respond, “Can I ask a personal question?

Are you taking an antidepressant, and if so, which one?” I kept hearing the same answers.

If you’re contemplating giving up riding, you may want to ask yourself what’s actually going on. Am I advocating that you do what I did? Perish the thought— these meds have real benefit if you really need them, and earlier on, I certainly did.

But realize that many medications have side effects that aren’t well understood or well documented, but they should be a huge concern to us.

Gail “Hammerwoman” Piche #38131 Black Mountain, North Carolina

Jack Riepe overkill

I try to enjoy reading Owners News when I eventually get my issues, but it seems that every issue for the last six months, if not longer, has some sort of excerpt from Jack Riepe’s books or as in this latest issue, someone is reviewing his book.

Why wasn’t the book reviewed in the same review as the Adventure Reading article on the very next page? I remember an Owners News issue with at least three Jack Reipe book excerpts and an article from him.

I do not know him at all and am not trying to insult him or his articles. If I want to read his books, I will buy them and do not expect to see excerpts of his book in the magazine every month. I feel as though the MOA is promoting and/or advertising for him.

The magazine should include articles, news, product reviews from members, and tech, etc. that I cannot otherwise get.

Philip Bouffard #186079 San Antonio, Texas

Smaller bikes the answer

I don’t normally write letters to magazines, but the letters regarding knowing when it’s time to quit really got me thinking.

I’m 74 and have ridden for 58 years, even while in the service and while raising a family and earning a living. Motorcycles brought my family closer together, and I now live by the mantra “You don’t quit riding when you get older, you get older when you quit riding.” Riding has also been the best therapy for me after losing my wife and best friend of 44 years.

I am being attacked by age as all of us are, but have found new joy in riding smaller bikes like I did as a youth. I have a 500cc Royal Enfield and a 390cc KTM Duke, both of which supply me with a sufficient adrenaline rush when I need it. I also ride a Ural Gear-Up sidecar rig for my winter riding. I’ve had four different sidecars in the last 40 years, as I’ve always ridden 12 months a year and used studs, stove bolts and even chains to get through the winter.

I still ride an ’84 R 100 RS and a ’91 R 100 GS, but know the time will come when the small bikes and sidecar will be the

only options. I’ve always preferred solo riding and believe it is safest, as I can ride the speed I feel is safe for me and can rest when I’m tired.

I believe everyone will have to decide for themselves, but I believe small bikes of today and three wheels are the answer for additional years of riding pleasure.

Wayne Urban #1252 Custer, South Dakota

Making a silk purse

I just finished reading Brian Dutcher’s article, “Riding Iowa,” on pages 78 and 79 of the February issue of BMW Owners News providing the potential International Rally attendee an overview of the geographic lay-of-the-land should they make the trek to Des Moines.

Personally, I wouldn’t have been so obvious in trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. There are a ton of enjoyable things to do in and around the great state of Iowa, but interesting roads certainly aren’t its main attraction. Keep in mind, farmers don’t appreciate the DOT cutting traffic ways across their big square plots of land. Instead, why not concentrate on the historic and commercial attractions?

One might consider visiting Pella, “Little Holland,” to the east. Though it will be too late for the Tulip Festival, it is still a lovely little burg. Then there are the Amana Colonies further east, Iowa’s oldest settlement. Amana and Maytag appliance’s headquarters are by nearby as is Maytag Farms (home of the best blue cheese in the world) in Newton, Iowa.

Or how about the movie sets for Field of Dreams in Dyersburg or The Music Man in Mason City, both along Highway 20 to the north? Just further west on Highway 20 is Clear Lake, where we tragically lost Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson along with their pilot, Roger Peterson. Keep going west and you’ll run into La Mars, Iowa, the Ice Cream Capital of the World, and all this is just a short list.

Iowa is a lovely area of our country. Just don’t expect anything but straight roads and right or left turns.

Steve Swanson #92277 Independence, Missouri

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

15

the club

shinysideup

The barest essentials

By Ron Davis #111820 I’VE FOUND YOU

meet the nicest people—no, not on a Honda—at the dog park. Where I take my lab Penny Lane, the usual routine is to walk a path around the five acre field while your mutt runs, jumps, humps and plays keepaway with whatever ill-sorted mob of pooches that happen to be around. Often I wind up walking with two or three owners I’ve never met before, and I’ve discovered this just may be the last refuge of stimulating conversation. The dogs provide an instant bond to break the ice, and few owners choose to risk getting trampled while engrossed in a cell phone.

Anyway, a few days ago a young man with a labradoodle did a few laps with me and Penny, and when it was revealed I am a moto-journalist, he started peppering me with questions about riding. His re-enlistment bonus was burning a hole in his pocket, and he was thinking motorcycle. My usual response to prospective riders is to be solemnly neutral. I’m torn between offering support and telling sobering cautionary tales. Once we got past my gruesome fatality stats and my recommendations on what kind of bike he should get (start small!), he wanted to know my recommendations for bare essentials he’d need beyond the bike itself. Pretty much in order of importance, this is basically what I told him: 1. Helmet: I’ve had the opportunity to test a lot of helmets, and though I have favorite brands, my seasoned opinion is not surprising: you get what you pay for. There is more than one difference between a $100 and a $400 helmet; the

16

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

question is, “What’s your brain worth to you?” My personal preference for the kind of riding I do most of the time (street, some touring) is a quality flipup, and though first models were pretty clunky, the newest have come a long way toward offering the same comfort and safety as full-faced lids.

2. J acket and Pants: I should say two jackets. Though there are definitely some ingenious efforts to produce a true, three season jacket suite, I have gravitated to a ballistic mesh jacket with elbow, shoulder and back armor for the summer, and an armored, single layer textile jacket for everything else. I usually wear textile, single layer pants with hip and knee armor, but I’ve also dabbled with clever protective jeans and pants which can pass for casual wear. I’ve tried riding suits, and I think they’re great, but again, for the kind of short-hop riding that I mostly do, I’m more comfortable in a twopiece (riding ensemble!), using layers to adjust to the weather.

3. G loves: A year or so ago I slipped my hands into a pair of Fly heated gloves.

Along with heated grips and handguards, my hands, what T.S. Eliot would call “ragged claws,” are living the dream come October/November. In warmer months I’m usually wearing elkskin. As a testament for my version of handwriting, my kids once spent weeks before Christmas looking for gloves made of elfskin! No luck.

4. E ar Plugs: Twisted Throttle sells “No Noise” ear protection. These plugs were developed for Dutch police to specifically screen out wind blast, but still allow you to hear sirens and conversation. They do that pretty well, but I’m notorious for forgetting which

pocket I’ve tucked them in. My failsafe solution is a bottle of 32db foam plugs I find in Walmart’s hunting department.

5. Kickstand Foot: I’m lucky to have a son who runs a metal fabrication plant, so I usually (with his help) make my own permanently attached kickstand feet every time I switch bikes, since finding one that nests properly when retracted yet has a big enough footprint is often a trial and error experience (And I’m cheap). You can carry kickstand plates in your tank bag (Aerostich has a CARBON FIBER model!) but I think every one I’ve purchased or made myself has sadly been left behind as I’ve lackadaisically driven off into the sunset. Incidentally, there’s never an empty can around when you need one.

6. Windshield: Okay, okay, some will say I’m a wimp—real riders don’t need a windshield. But I have ridden in rain storms—heck, I’ve ridden in snow storms—and going without a real windshield (not the GS’s standard shield) is a part of the “adventure” I can do without.

7. Top Case: In my own crude, mechanically disinclined way I’ve bolted a top case to every bike I’ve owned and never regretted it. (Well, there was that one time when a female acquaintance caught her foot on the case while mounting up and fell over the bike.)

My all-time favorite is a Pelican 1500.

I’ve seen Pelicans blasted with buckshot, run over by trucks and pitched into the ocean with no loss of integrity.

They’re padlocking secure, positive latching tight and O-ring sealing waterproof. They even have purge valves for changes in air pressure!

8. Auxiliary Lights: My present GS has a pair of Cree auxillary driving lights mounted low on my front forks in an attempt to create the famous conspicuity triangle, but my next wrenching project is to move them to my crash bars to provide an even bigger spread.

These lights have three settings: high (daylight), low (after dark), and strobe (parking lots). The strobing feature is probably the most conspicuous, but more than once I’ve had vehicles pull over, mistaking me for an emergency vehicle.

9. De-accelerometer Tail Lights: What started with a couple guys tinkering in

garages has turned into a slew of products on the market, all offering the same safety feature: bright LED’s that blink to signal de-acceleration with or without riders touching their brakes. If you don’t know about these, you should.

I predict one day they will come as standard equipment on all street bikes.

being those that click off the moment the front brake lever is squeezed, and though it’s true they don’t maintain a constant speed on hills or in the wind like a true cruise control would, with my mechanical ineptitude and parsimonious nature, they’ve been a godsend.

10. Throttle Lock: The ragged claws thing again. Having spent a good share of my life stroking a Vic Firth 5A drumstick, my right grip doesn’t last long on an extended highway run.

Along with a Crampbuster grip lever, I’ve used a few types of mechanical throttle locks so far, my favorites

That’s a long list, but I could see my new dog park friend was still bike bound, though recalculating how to allocate his bonus check. What is your idea of bare essentials?

Send your revisions, additions, subtractions and objections to me at ron.davis@bmwmoa.org, and I’ll stick ‘em in a future column!

JOY. RIDE. www.catchdesmoines.com

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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PRoductreviews

Scenic: a mobile navigation app

By Dan Townsley #60829 I’M A LONG-TIME EVALUATOR OF

GPS devices and trip planning applications, and over the past ten years, I’ve also been watching and evaluating mobile navigation apps, hoping that some day they would be up to the task of motorcycle navigation.

Though I’ve found a few favorites, none have provided the breadth of features and user interface Scenic does.

Available in the App Store for about a year, Scenic is a free-to-download app developed by Guido van Eijsden, who is also an avid rider. His website, Motomappers.com, is the place to find the latest info on Scenic as well as Guido’s Blog. As an iPhone/iPad mobile app, Scenic is one of the few that properly support both iPhone and iPad displays in portrait and landscape orientations.

While Guido is open to the possibility of an Android version of Scenic, don’t expect it in 2018, as he is currently working on a major rewrite of the Scenic code to optimize performance and usability while improving stability. But that’s not all, Guido is adding some of the most often requested features logged over the past year from Scenic’s thousands of dedicated users, including custom POI support and route/trip management.

Pricing is usually the first or second thing most of us look at when it comes to buying mobile apps. For me, it’s the second thing right after all of the features I require and knowing that the app’s development is ongoing and the support is good. I’ve found Scenic support to be excellent! The in-app purchases support the map costs,

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

along with the routing engine, voice guidance license fees and Scenic’s servers, not to mention feeding and clothing Guido and his family. Speaking of Scenic servers, when you’re connected to the internet, all of your saved routes, tracks and waypoints are synced between your Scenic installs. I have Scenic on both my iPhone and iPad Pro, and knowing that all of my routes, waypoints and saved tracks are available on both devices when I’m using Scenic offline is a real plus.

Scenic can be used for free, but some features are paid. These premium features include voice guidance, route import and route and trip export. Even if you are a premium customer you always need to have credits to purchase maps, but once you have purchased a map your purchase includes free lifetime updates.

Premium features are accessible in three ways and include an annual Premium subscription for $10.99 per year, a Premium Forever subscription for a one time $49.99 charge, or a pay as you go option allowing users to purchase credits as desired.

By definition, navigating a route means providing the rider with just the right amount of feedback. Scenic does this by providing onscreen next-turn-direction, distance-to-turn and turn-by-turn voice directions available in 21 languages.

Routes within Scenic can be created with up to 200 points to shape your route path—that’s a lot of points. You can also just select a destination, and Scenic will route you there. If you are connected to the internet, Scenic provides the option to do Google searches for locations you may want to route to. Offline, your search results will be from your downloaded OSM map data.

When creating a route in Scenic,

the routing engine uses a curvy-road weighted algorithm to calculate your route path. In Scenic’s settings, you can select from curvy highway, curvy and extra curvy.

When you edit a saved route, you have the option of changing how it will be recalculated between the routes via-points using the more commonly used calculation modes: fast, short, efficient and curvy. In addition, you can select avoidances including tolls, highway and ferry.

Scenic is the only mobile iOS app that allows you to import a route or track from another source, convert either to a route, edit the route if needed and then let you navigate that route. When you do want to

navigate a saved route, if you are not at the start point of the route, Scenic gives you the option of providing guidance to the start point. You can skip via-points in your route on purpose, and Scenic will adjust your route to get you to the next via-point. If you miss a via-point by mistake or make a wrong turn, Scenic will route you back to the missed via-point if you wish.

Although Scenic is pretty robust at route planning, most of the time, I prefer a fullfeatured trip planner for long trips, so I use Furkot.com. Another very cool feature of Scenic is the group of built-in web-interfaces to Furkot and RouteYou. That integration allows users to authorize a connection between their trip planner accounts and Scenic, which enables Scenic to access my Furkot trip plans without multiple logons or separate file exports/downloads. If you use an online trip planner and want it to link to Scenic, ask the application developer to visit Motomappers.com and click on the Partnerships and Integration link at the bottom of the page. There are several ways to link data in other applications to Scenic, but the most seamless way is via custom integration like Furkot and RouteYou. If direct integration isn’t available, Scenic will open the following file formats: GPX, KML, GDB, Kurviger and ITN. You can also point Scenic to one of those file types out on the internet when you’re connected by using the file’s internet address.

For those still using Google Maps to create a route, you can use the Motomappers.com WebApp link on the website to import your Google Map. You’ll need a Scenic login account to do so, but the process does seem to work well. There are some helpful video links on the Scenic app import routes screen.

Your navigation app should have the ability to record your ride, and Scenic does this via the trip tracking feature. Whether you’re riding a new trip or a saved one, just press the start trip button on the map screen. Scenic records your speed, the roads you took and even the pictures taken along the way.

Every trip you take can be shared on social media, exported to GPX files and even turned into a navigable route so you can

ride it again.

Want to share your rides with other Scenic users? There is a worldwide “Scenic Rides” private repository that is a well-integrated feature allowing the connected user to search for rides in the currently viewed map area. Shared rides can be rated, saved to your Scenic app, edited and navigated.

OpenStreetMaps (OSM) maps are used within Scenic for navigation. An in-app purchase is required to download maps to your device even if you are a premium customer, but make sure you have sufficient storage space for the download. Your map purchases are shared across all of your mobile devices with the same Scenic account. If you purchase maps, I recommend making sure you download them when you’re connected via WiFi. If you are traveling in an area where you have purchased a map but not downloaded it yet, Scenic will try to make a data connection to download the map for you which may impact your cellular data plan.

In the app’s settings, you can select the map style you see from “Standard,” “Gray” and “Outdoor.” I find the Outdoor to be the most visible, outdoors or indoors. Gray is not very useful in my opinion, as there is very little contrast between map background and roads, and standard is okay but lacks the contrast of the outdoor style.

When you open the Scenic app while online, it will check for map updates. This is a great feature, but if there is a version update to the maps read the notice carefully because if you do select update, you will need to download all of your maps again.

This is an area where Scenic could do better by automatically downloading your paid maps after a map version update. It would also be nice to have a single U.S. map download pick rather than having to download each state individually. However, I certainly wouldn’t consider these showstopper issues.

Scenic is the most full-featured mobile navigation app I’ve found, and I’m looking forward to the coming new features and having the map use all of my iPhone X display.

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

21

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Sidi Performer Gore-Tex boots

By Mark Hearon #209373 I GOTTA SAY, I’M REALLY CON-

fused by this product. Known for overthinking things, both in my personal and professional life, it wouldn’t surprise me if I received some feedback in the “Rider to Rider” segment to that effect.

An air of quality surrounds the Sidi Performer Gore-Tex Boots, featuring Italian design and sport style with external sliders and a Gore-Tex membrane, all for only $295.

If the above has you licking your chops because of the price point, styling, and all-weather capability, that’s cool. At first, I was, too. Boy, was I excited to entertain the possibility of replacing my trusty Dainese

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

TRQ-Tour Gore-Tex Boots with these!

Then, it happened: I started thinking.

• Why would a “sport” riding boot need a Gore-Tex liner? Because every street Rossi in leathers actually carries a set of waterproof overalls on the JIC (just in case) so their boots don’t become foot fungus aquariums.

• Why would a track-looking boot have what appears to be a super-flimsy shaft?

Simple. Like ‘80s windbreaker sweatsuits, floppy never went out of style.

• Why would a style-sensitive commuter/ tourer want (or need) a replaceable toe slider? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve needed to race that squid with my panniers on just to prove how awesome I am.

• Why would a $295.00 boot not appear to

have equal amounts of protection on both sides of the ankle? It’s Italian.

There are definitely logical answers to these questions. I won’t waste your time with what I think those answers are here, but in your own exploration of the product, I humbly ask you to consider them while evaluating the product for yourself.

Now, with some questions out of the way, let’s talk ‘bout some of the tasty bits. The look and feel of the boot is definitely up to spec. The synthetic outer construction gives the boot a slick look and feel. The materials don’t creak or squeak, but fine creasing does appear rather quickly at the joints.

Some might take issue with this, but I call it the patina of use.

The boot has a gratuitous amount of

accordion-like paneling on the anterior shaft to aid in flexing. Additionally, the shin protection element feels sturdy and looks the business. As long as your aim is good, you could use these to practice your Kung Fu shin kicks against tree trunks and be able to walk home unassisted.

I don’t intend to need the toe slider, but should I ever inadvertently use it on the street, it’s nice to know I can replace the part. Nothing quite bothers me like messing up the most vulnerable portions of my leather riding gear. Oh, wait, this is all synthetically constructed! 2X multiplier. Now, since it’s not leather, how do I clean it properly? Darn, you caught me overthinking things again.

I’ve never felt quite so secure in a boot.

Perhaps I got lucky with the fitment. Nevertheless, the size chart Sidi provided for this boot was spot on for me. I’m a U.S. size 10, which correlates to a Sidi Euro size 44.

Disclaimer: results may vary.

Lastly, if the inclusion of a Gore-Tex liner on these boots falls anywhere between quaint and unnecessary for you, consider the nonGore-Tex model. You’ll save $75 and retain the overall look and feel of the boot. This to say, despite Gore-Tex’s renown for breathability, airflow won’t be all that great whichever direction you choose.

It could be that Sidi is guilty of the same thing I’m all too often criticized for: overthinking it. It’s hard to say, honestly. Don’t get me wrong. Although I’m no footwear fetishist, there’s much to like here and littleto-nothing to hate. To me, though, it just doesn’t make sense. Unfortunately, that’s where I start when I look to spend $295 on motorcycle boots.

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Velomacchi's Speedway Hybrid Travel Duffle

By Ron Davis #111820 WHEN IT COMES TO SOFT LUG-

gage that lives across my passenger seat or on top of a side case, I’ve used various versions of the rubbery-looking, roll-top expedition bags. Those will take a ton of abuse and are great for keeping out dust and rain, but I’ll be the first to admit I may have a little obsessive-impulsive problem when it comes to motorcycle luggage—I’m a sucker for anything that looks like the newest, ultimate combination of functionality, durability, and style in one product. The new Velomacchi 50L Speedway Hybrid Travel Duffle comes pretty close.

Readers may not be familiar with Velomacchi, but actually the Pacific Northwest company has been steadily gaining notoriety as a premium brand since 2002. Founder Kevin Murray has a background in Italian design and an affinity for brands like Ferrari, Ducati, and Alfa Romero (though he has his own stable of BMW motorcycles). In fact, “Velomacchi” is a blend of two Italian words, “velocita” and “machina,” translated as “velocity machine.” He also served at one time as the Global Product Director for North Face. Velomacchi’s logo, a butterfly over a wrench and screwdriver, connotes the company’s vision of marrying form with function. According to Murray, “We are committed to solving problems in product design and creating solutions for the Privateer unlike

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

anything else currently on the market.”

This particular Velomacchi product, the Speedway Hybrid Travel Duffle, has a lot of features integrated into a 25 by 12.5 by 10 inch package, but I was immediately struck by its brawny construction. Like most of Velomacchi’s line of products, the duffle is made from a 1000 denier fabric with a proprietary “KISS” coating for water resistance, rather than the popular polyester used by other companies on their expedition-style tail bags. It seems like the Velomacchi fabric might be more resistant to sharp pokes from gear like tripods or cookware, but I didn’t have the heart for a “puncture test.” Though attractive, the tough, black fabric is quite stiff out of the box, but softens up with use. The inside of the bag is lined with a ripstop nylon waterproof membrane, so no rain cover is needed. Rather than a roll-top, the Speedway uses a heavy duty #10YKK “water tight” zipper. The zipper has a nice “T” pull that’s easy to use with heavy gloves, and it is bordered by an inch of stretch fabric to make closure easier with storm liners underneath.

In addition to being “life of the user” (if not more) luggage, The Velomacchi Speedway is extremely versatile. Four anchor tabs on the bottom work for securing the bag to a bike frame or side case racks. Clever, easy on/off tie-down straps with aluminum G-hooks and strap minders are included with the bag. Off the bike, the duffle can be

The Speeway Hybrid Travel Duffle from Velomacchi provides an innovation-rich and stylish solution for adventure/touring luggage. The 50L converts easily from tail bag/duffle to a premium backpack for riders who don’t want to leave it strapped to their bikes.

toted in three different ways: by tuck-away handles that Velcro together on top, by an end handle, or by a backpack-like “travel harness” that hides in a pocket on the bottom of the bag.

This travel harness by itself is an elegant testament to Velomacchi design. It is stored in a pocket under a quilted back that can also hold a hydration bladder. The harness straps themselves have “rotating clavicle hinges” that swing in and out to accommodate any size or shape rider, and an adjustable magnetic sternum strap clips together and releases in seconds. Velomacchi designers even applied marker strips on the adjustable straps, along with a med info pocket on one, a pen or pressure gauge holder on the other and elastic bands on both to secure a hydration tube. I’ve used tail bags before that include backpack-like straps, but the Speedway Hybrid is as much a premium duffle as it is a premium backpack.

Other innovations on this bag also bespeak serious research and development.

Two four liter side access pockets are closed with unique, metal toggle closures. The zipper extends onto a triangular flap that clips down over another pocket on the end, very handy for quick access items like travel documents or maps, and inside is an elastic key clip on an elastic leash. When packed full, the other end of the duffle is blunt for upright storage. Two wide, cam lock compression straps across the top of the bag clip into resin buckles and are selftailing—nothing’s flapping around at speed.

Will I ever stop wistfully ogling new, improved market solutions to motorcycle luggage? No, probably not. But I have a feeling many riders will think any new products will have to come a long way to compare with this $279 tail bag/duffle/ backpack from Velomacchi.

The Velomacchi line also includes storage cases, backpacks, tool rolls and more— their 40L backpack in particular has been popular with motorcyclists. More information and videos about the Velomacchi line can be found at velomacchi.com.

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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Rocky Creek bifocal riding glasses

By John Wetli #195304 WHEN I WAS YOUNG, I REMEMBER

laughing at my father whenever he would ask me to read to him small print his old eyes could no longer decipher. My dad, the guy able to rebuild the motor of my sister’s Pontiac Tempest in his little spare time, couldn’t read an aspirin bottle. It took me a long time to understand why and the older I get, the more I discover we have in common.

Thanks to cataract surgery, my vision from ten feet to infinity is 20/20. From five feet to ten feet it's still pretty good, and from less than five feet, I need help.

As a rider, I've dealt with it and haven't had any serious issues and a cheap pair of drugstore readers is always in my pocket or tank bag.

What I have noticed over the past

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

couple of riding seasons has been that it’s becoming more difficult to read my GPS and instruments as I’m motoring down a highway. The only time that it’s really a problem is while I’m flowing along with traffic around large cities and I have to pay significant attention to my GPS. Like my dad, I need help. I need a pair of bifocals.

I recently bought a Rocky Creek Designs tire pump and while on their website stumbled upon their bifocal riding glasses. For about the same price I pay for my drugstore readers and available in five powers, I thought what the heck and bought a pair.

Once they arrived, a quick ride around the block told me everything I needed to know.

I ordered an additional tinted pair along with the Positive Dust Seal they sell.

The frames of the Rocky Creek bifocal riding glasses are lightweight and use an anti-fog coating. I’ve not had them long

enough to know how scratch resistant they are. The flat arms slip easily between my face and helmet and the glasses are so comfortable, I'll usually forget I'm wearing them. Adding the cushioned Positive Dust Seal makes it feel like you’re wearing goggles, with the cushion of the frame encircling your eyes. For me, the jury is still out, but for only $11.95 if I don’t like them I don’t have much to lose.

It’s funny how I’d forgotten how nice it was to see both the road ahead and my instruments clearly. Makes me realize I’ve got another thing in common with the old man.

Rocky Creek Designs bifocal riding glasses sell for $29.95 and are available with either clear or tinted frames in five powers from +1 to +3. The Positive Dust Seal is an additional $11.95. To order a pair, go to rockycreekdesigns.com.

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1

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Photo: Pedro Saldarriaga

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Join the BMW MOA FACEBOOK page today! Get the MOA Newsfeed via Twitter for more BMW and motorcycle news – www.twitter.com/bmwmoa

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BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

©2018

1/9/18 1:50 PM

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AeroFlow has the best Bagger, GT and GTL protection available for you and your passenger.

New K1600B AeroScreens: Our New Bagger AeroScreens' flared top and smooth shape offer both great looks and the best protection available. Available in Clear or Dark Smoke. Bagger and '17-on GT/GTL AeroWings and MiniWings in development.

GT/L Hybrid AeroScreen: We've combined our GTL's perimeter shape with the flared top of our GT screens. Larger envelope of rider and passenger protection.

Provides driver with over-helmet airflow while looking over screen.

GT AeroScreen: Screen of choice for many GT/GTL riders. Tapered, more narrow top offers a sportier look. Smooth aerodynamic shape and flared top ensures clean overhelmet airflow while looking over the screen.

AeroWings: Almost double the envelope of protection for driver and passenger. Compatible with any windscreen. '11-'16 GT/GTL. MiniWings: Protect drivers' hands and forearms in the rain and cold.

Feel your heated grips in temps down to the teens! '11-'16 GT/GTL. H.L.C's: The only headlight cover that protects the front & underside of the bike's costly headlight from pitting and damage caused by road-debris. GT/GTL & K1600B.

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productnews

Mileage Contests begin April 1

Motonation Apparel

Established in 1999, Motonation is an American brand of motorcycle apparel born out of a desire to offer the protective apparel that motorcyclists want, at a price they can afford.

Geared toward Sport, Touring and Adventure riders, Motonation apparel has been created to meet strict quality and safety standards and offers an option for riders focused on product value, features and fit at an affordable price.

Motonation prides itself on “doing as many things differently from its competitors as possible.” The company uses a racing metaphor to express its brand philosophy: “When racing you will never pass anyone by following them, you have to be creative and bold by selecting lines that the others have not used.”

The company’s passion for high quality motorcycle apparel products is shared with its existing brands, including Sidi Motorcycle Boots, Forcefield Body Armor, Trilobite Premium Aramid Fashion and Vemar Helmets. For more information about Motonation products, visit Motonation.com.

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BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

This year we are proud to announce that Michelin has joined us as a sponsor of the 2018 mileage contest and will award a set of tires to the top three male and female riders as well as the average male and female riders. The 2018 Summer and Annual BMW MOA Mileage Contests kick off on April 1. Please complete and mail the entry form included in this issue of BMW Owners News to enter.

Recent changes to the contests include the same starting date for both contests, with the summer contest ending each year on October 31 and the annual contest ending each year on March 31.

While a single form serves as entry into both mileage contests, the end form participants send in will determine which contest their mileage will count toward. Only one contest may be completed, and a valid MOA membership must be maintained through the duration of the contests.

2018

Summer/Annua

MILEAGE CONT

l

EST START FORM

Mileage Conte

st Guidelines

The 2018 Summer through Wednesd Mileage Contest covers the peri period from Sun ay, October 31, 2018. The 2018 od from Sunday, April 1, 201 8, day, membership mus April 1, 2018 through Sunday,Annual Mileage Contest cove rs the Mar t be maintained

throughout the ch 31, 2019. A valid BMW MO A Mileage Contest n While this time period. form is your entr y into both mile contests and the age con mer Mileage Conend form submitted will determintests, you may finish only one of the News and an Ann test end form will be included e which contest you finish. A Sum in BMW Owners Newual Mileage Contest end form the October issue of BMW Own will be included ers s. in the April issue of n All miles or kilomet and ending mile ers reported must have been aboard a BMW mot age must be sub News. Copies of mitt that form are acce ed on the official form include orcycle. Beginning ptable. d in BMW Owners n Always incl ude your BMW MO A member num ber on all correspo n When ente ndence. ring mile than 100,000 mi/k s or kilometers, always include bike that has gon m with an odometer that has the total mi/km on a bike with turn more as 225,000, etc.) e over 100,000 should be reported ed over to 0. (25,000 mi/km on a as 125,000; over 200,000 reported n If you trad e bikes or change spee dometers during of your old bike and the beginni the contest, send ng dealer or former owner. If a loaner mileage of the new bike with signin the final mileage that mileage. or rental bike is used, please prov atures from the ide verification of n Consideratio n will areas who have be given to those living in rem difficulty obtainin ote g signatures. n Email Stev e Brunner at stev eb@bmwmoa.org with questions. n

Start forms mu

st be postmarke

d by May 1, 201

8

Mail contest form to: BMW MOA Mile c/o BMW MOA age Contest 640 Main Street, Greenville, SC 296Ste 201 01

Adventure Gear for Women

Save your paint with Second Skin

R&G Second Skin paint protection film can protect your expensive bodywork from stone chips, scratches and bug splatter. Using durable polyurethane precision-cut to fit perfectly for a nearly invisible shield of defense, the material is also UV stable to prevent yellowing.

Each piece is applied with a self-adhesive backing which also enhances the structural strength of the OEM plastics and reduces the risk of stress fractures. Second Skin provides protection for the most vulnerable panels like the nose, front fender and the leading edges of the fairing that are inevitably going to be damaged during normal use.

Additional pieces are available for use in areas prone to wear and tear like the mid-fairing, tail or any other painted surface that may be contacted while riding. With the included fitting solution, installation is simple for the average DIY’er.

For more information, visit twistedthrottle.com.

Developed using KLIM’s in-house female product developers, extensive research and crowdsourced feedback from a deep pool of female adventure riders, the all-new Artemis combines KLIM’s apparel technology and functionality into custom-engineered gear specifically for women.

Using KLIM’s GORE-TEX® Fabric laminate technology to seal out external elements without using waterproof liners, the Artemis guarantees 100 percent waterproofness via its proprietary breathable membrane.

Ten custom ventilation port locations in the jacket and four in the pants ensure adequate airflow throughout the combo with KLIM’s KLIMATEK™ cooling mesh backing the armor pockets to ensure efficient airflow and cooling as the riding action or temperatures heat up. The jacket uses four arm and two waist quick-adjust straps and zippered hip gussets to fit different body types or accommodate for layering options.

Artemis pants feature adjustable, snap hem closures to fit varying boot and leg shapes, and an adjustable waist cinch helps wearers dial in the right fit. A full suite of D3O® Level 1 shoulder, elbow, back, hip and knee armor pieces provides full protective coverage.

For more information, visit klim.com or your local dealer.

Rally Registration Siliness

Register for the BMW MOA International Rally during the month of April and get a free “Experience the Journey” Silipint tumbler!

Bendable, flexible and completely unbreakable, Silipints are the perfect motorcycle travel tumbler.

Register online today at bmwmoa.org and pick up your Silipint at the MOA Gear Store at the Rally in Des Moines.

See you there!

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

31

2018 BMW MOA national Rally - Des Moines, Iowa Lend a hand

Rally Registration Volunteers Needed

By Karolina Francis #193671 Rally Registration Chair As the first point of contact for rally attendees, registration volunteers help members with the check-in process, give directions, distribute rally packets, answer questions and perform many other duties. With up to 30 volunteers working each four-hour shift, we also have a lot of fun while playing an active role in the success of the Rally.

Several hundred volunteers help out with rally registration each year and the average registration takes less than 10 minutes as we scan preregistered tickets and get members on their way quickly.

More shifts are available this year as Registration will be open 24 hours a day beginning Wednesday and running through Saturday and volunteers will be needed each day between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. The remaining hours will be covered by fairground security.

As a Registration volunteer, you will be able to get into the fairgrounds early as we will begin setting on Monday, July 9, with the first shifts available the following day.

To volunteer at Registration, visit www. moaregistrationvolunteer.eventbrite.com/

and choose a four-hour shift. Each shift is described as a separate event and to sign up for a shift, you need to get a free “ticket” for each shift that you would like to work. Once you've registered, you will be emailed a confirmation of your selected time. If your club would like to work together, simply find an available time and let your fellow members know when it is so they can quickly sign up individually.

For additional information regarding volunteer opportunities at the Rally, visit www.bmwmoa.org.

Experience the journey

Tame your GS with off-road training BMW’s GS models have long been known as the switchblade of motorcycles, equally adept at touring across the country as they are at navigating a rugged mountain pass, yet the truth is that an overwhelming percentage of GS owners never use their bike’s full potential.

Any rider can get more comfortable riding off-road with a little expert training and the secret to unlocking your potential, according to Bill Dragoo, 2010 GS Trophy Team USA member and owner of Dragoo Adventure Rider Training, is quality training that ultimately leads to bike mastery.

“Bike mastery,” according to Bill, a certified BMW Motorrad Off-Road Instructor, is learning to juggle the four cornerstones of adventure riding: Balance, Control, Judgment and Attitude.

At this year’s MOA Rally in Des Moines, Dragoo has teamed up with 2016 GS

32

Trophy member Tom Asher to help riders safely take advantage of the fun waiting beyond the end of the pavement.

Asher operates Tom Asher Adventure Rider Academy and is the only person to have entered the famed 2017 KENDA AMA Tennessee Knockout Extreme Enduro on a BMW R 1200 GSA. The training begins with Stage One and an explanation of the basics of bike set-up and proper rider positions for dealing with variable terrain, stopping, accelerating, and traveling fast over long distances off-road. Participants will learn to operate their motorcycles in tight quarters without “duck walking” or dragging a foot through a turn, proper braking techniques, and of course, how to reduce chances of injury when righting a downed bike. Explanations and demonstrations will be followed by hands-on practice under the watchful eyes of the instructors.

Make no mistake, even though this session is geared toward a rider new to dirt, it moves quickly and is a great refresher even for the veteran adventure rider. Stage One also serves as a prerequisite to Stage Two which includes hill fail recovery, riding up and down moderate hills, loose hill starts, side hills, obstacle crossing, and sand extraction.

All exercises are designed to be comprehensive, building upon Stage One and allowing a smooth progression of skill development as participants encounter increasingly challenging scenarios. Each segment will require a half-day to complete.

The regular cost for this training is $125, but with a partial sponsorship by the MOA Foundation, the final cost to participants will be only $65. To register for this off-road training at the BMW MOA Rally in Des Moines, visit bmwmoa. org.

For complete Rally information or to register, visit www.bmwmoa.org BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

An easy day ride

Visit the National Motorcycle Museum America has about half a dozen well established motorcycle museums. One is in Anamosa, Iowa, an enjoyable 155-mile ride from the 2018 BMW MOA National Rally in Des Moines, Iowa.

The National Motorcycle Museum exhibits represent machines from everywhere in the world, including stock, custom and competition machines we have ridden here in America for over 120 years. Merkel, Thor, Excelsior, Curtiss, Reading-Standard are among early American brands on display in the Museum. European makers like Ducati, MotoGuzzi, Parilla and BMW are here, plus British marques such as Velocette, Brough, Vincent, Douglas and of course Triumph, BSA and Norton.

Many of us got our start on smaller Japanese machines from the 1960’s and exhibits include a wide range of Japanese bikes that may remind you of your beginnings.

Diorama-type exhibitions include a restored 1920’s Shell Motor Oil service station, a large segment of board track with contemporary racers, two period motorcycle shop recreations, a hill climb course and an early Harley-Davidson retail setting. About a dozen video monitors run a variety of programs that help you put motorcycles into their period contexts.

Changing exhibitions over the last eight years have included the custom

motorcycle creations of pioneer Arlen Ness, drag racing, land speed record, police and military, and motocross/ enduro plus hill climb, board track and large treatment of American dirt track racing. Since the museum opened in Anamosa in 2001, most of the motorcycles in the National Motorcycle Museum have been loaned by supportive collectors.

While the National Motorcycle Museum has, at last count, 497 motorcycles on display, what is really exceptional about this museum is its memorabilia collection. Literally thousands of printed documents like a d ve r t i s ing posters, manuals, post cards, photos and even original paintings are on display, plus riding gear and race trophies.

The National Motorcycle Museum was voted the “Iowa Tourism Outstanding Attraction” for 2015.

Though Des Moines is in the geographically flatter part of Iowa, the National Motorcycle Museum is set just west of the beautiful bluffs of the Mississippi River where hilly, winding roads offering great scenery abound, so you will enjoy the ride to the museum.

Plan your visit at nationalmcmuseum. org, or call 319-462-3925 for more information. Enjoy the BMW MOA International Rally, and we hope to see you at the National Motorcycle Museum.

My favorite rally experience is the same for all the rallies I’ve attended meeting new friends and seeing old ones. The camaraderie with our MOA community is hard to top. I own and ride other brands of motorcycles and have attended their events, but I’ve found there's nothing like the MOA National Rally.

Jim Moss #32559

Did you Know...

4:1

The ratio of hogs to humans in the state of Iowa.

#3

Iowa ranks third in the nation for highest motorcycle ownership.

99%

Iowa boasts the highest literacy rate in the nation.

Q: What former US President was also a radio announcer for Iowa's WHO radio station?

A: Ronald Reagan was the sports announcer for the Iowa Hawkeyes long before politics, or even acting.

On January 20, 1982, a 17-yearold threw a bat onstage at a Black Sabbath concert in Des Moines. Thinking it was fake, Ozzy picked it up and bit off it's head and immediately realized it was real. His first stop after the show was a local hospital for rabies shots.

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

33

new

fromtheboard

Four candidates vie for three BMW MOA Board positions

By Reece Mullins #143779 FOR

THE

2018

election, we have three BMW MOA Board Director positions open for election. Four MOA members, including two incumbents have submitted biographies and photographs to be published in this month’s Owners News.

Each elected candidate will be seated on the board as an MOA Director during the executive board meeting on Wednesday, July 11 at the BMW MOA International Rally in Des Moines, Iowa. The three newly elected Board members will serve on

the board for three years. Board officer elections for the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary will occur at that board meeting in Des Moines after the new board members have been seated as Directors.

As in past elections, during the month of April a special election forum will be available for MOA members to interact with the candidates running for election. The election forum will be available by accessing the MOA Forum’s Clubhouse section of the MOA website.

I would like to personally thank Kurt Schrader, BMW MOA Forum Liaison, and Steve Henson, Forum Administrator, and all the forum moderators for their hard work and effort in creating, monitoring and

moderating the election forum pages.

After thoughtfully considering your choices for Director, properly fill out your ballot and place it in the mailbox, no need for a stamp (some postage may be necessary for international members). All ballots must be postmarked before April 30 and received by May 10, 2018, to be counted.

The MOA Board of Directors would like to thank our volunteers who comprise the Election Committee and who have worked diligently to bring forth qualified and motivated members to the board, ensuring the healthy future of this great organization.

Thank you Tom Buttars, Don Hamblin and Muriel Farrington. Your service to the organization, like so many of our volunteers, is exemplary.

Meet your MOA Board candidates Kenneth L. Decroo

I believe you must live a life worth writing about and for me, riding my BMW motorcycle makes that possible.

Before I became a writer, an educator, and consultant for universities and school districts, I worked in the world of research and wild animal training in the motion picture industry for many years as a stuntman and wild animal trainer. Among my many screen credits, I am most proud of being the trainer of Clyde in the Clint Eastwood movie, Any Which Way You Can. I hold advanced degrees in anthropology, instructional technology and

34

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

education. I live and write in the San Bernardino Mountains with my wife Tammy.

When not writing and lecturing, I love to ride my BMW adventure motorcycles (R 1200 GSA and F 800 GSA) with my wife (she rides an F 800 GS) down the Baja peninsula to beaches and bays without names.

I began riding when I was ten years old and rode to the Guatemalan border when I was seventeen; I have continued my love affair with BMW bikes ever since. Besides being a member of the MOA for several years, I am an active member of the GS Giants and several other BMW MOA charter clubs in SoCal and have served as the BMW MOA regional coordinator for SoCal for the last four years. I am a regular contributor to the BMW MOA Owners News magazine and have presented at workshops and seminars on motorcycle camping and riding in Mexico at various clubs, regional

events and the international rally.

If elected, I will work diligently to attract more new BMW riders to the club and strive to provide benefits and an atmosphere that will keep our existing members by making sure the organization is as inclusive as possible to all models of BMW bikes and styles of riding.

More about my adventures can be found on my blog at bajamotoquest.com.

Wes Fitzer

Many of you may already know me as your BMW MOA President, but for those who may not, allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Wes Fitzer, and I am a candidate for reelection as one of nine

elected directors of the MOA Board.

In the past four years, I have served as both your President and Treasurer. With degrees in both Accounting and Business Management, I have worked very hard during these last four years to place the MOA in a more secure financial position, ensuring a healthy and vibrant future for this organization that means so much to my family and me.

Over the years, my career as an FBI Agent has placed me in numerous situations that, like many in law enforcement jobs, may have caused me to develop a calloused viewpoint towards my community, even at times my nation. Being an MOA member has shown me a community of diverse people of all walks of society from many countries who have served to chip away at my tainted view and have reawakened my faith in the human condition, showing me how kind and understanding people can be.

Being around other MOA members at rallies and events and riding motorcycles has proven for me, as I suspect it has for many reading this, to be very cathartic and healing. This motorcycle club makes me a better person, and that is the primary reason that motivates me to continue to contribute my time and energy to make this club, that I care for so dearly, that much better.

During my tenure as a board member and officer, there have been many difficult decisions to make. Maintaining our fiduciary obligation to the membership and ensuring this great club remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come has been the key and overriding consideration in all my votes, arguments and decisions while serving on the board, no matter how potentially unpopular that decision may have been to make. I am excited about many of the decisions we have recently made as a leadership team of directors and staff, and I am confident that these policies will serve our membership now, and in the future.

Making our organization leaner, more flexible and dynamic are goals that have been implemented in many of our structural organizational changes, resulting in many successful changes that have directly benefited our membership. Our Getaway events, Adventure Series sponsorships and recruiting initiatives serve as an excellent

example of this. Our staff and trained volunteers have demonstrated their ability to organize, promote and run these events, often simultaneously across the nation, all without incident, always providing a highquality product to our members and potential new members. Many of these initiatives have served to increase our membership base, strengthening the club’s ability to provide a greater product to each member and enhance their club experience.

As a candidate this year, I would consider it an honor that you would cast your vote in my favor.

Sue Rihn

I am a life-time MOA member who has ridden around 450,000 miles on BMWs since 1987. I have three grown children who grew up riding pillion with me to all corners of this country. I live in Madison, Wisconsin, and I am lucky enough to be married to my best friend and riding partner, Tom Van Horn. I am a longdistance rider. My longest ride was in 2007 when I rode alone to all 48 contiguous states in two weeks.

I have been very active at the local and national levels within the BMW motorcycle community. Locally, I have chaired the Wisconsin Dells Rally several times, served on the boards of the Wisconsin Club and Madison Club. At the state level, I was also a member of Wisconsin’s Motorcycle Safety Advisory Committee. I belong to several chartered clubs including the GS Giants, the Knights of the Roundel, the Madison Club and the Wisconsin Club.

I’ve also served the MOA in several capacities over the past 30 years. I am an Ambassador currently serving as the Ambassador Liaison; I have chaired four International Rallies: Midland, Michigan, in 2000; Lima, Ohio, in 2005; West Bend, Wisconsin, in 2007; and Billings, Montana, in 2015. I have also served on the MOA Board of Directors for several terms in the past.

So, you might be wondering why I want to be on the Board again. I would like to serve as a Director for the next three years

because I believe the BMW MOA is a dynamic, exciting organization, led by bright, enthusiastic volunteers, and volunteers are the backbone of this club. I’d like to see the MOA become more involved using Social Media. Like it or not, social media impacts the club, and we should be using it to our advantage. Also, I would like to see more open lines of communication and transparency between the board and the membership. With my knowledge of the history of this club and my passion for the future, I think I would be an asset to our club and the Board of Directors.

I am now, and always have been, totally committed to the future of the BMW MOA. Peter Egan once wrote, “My favorite roads start at the end of my driveway.” That’s how I feel, too.

See you in Des Moines!

Chad Warner

It is with a profound sense of honor that I have spent the last year as a member of the MOA Board of Directors. So much so that I would like the opportunity to represent you as an MOA member again, but only with your vote for my re-election.

I have worked hard this past year to do everything I could to help grow the MOA and have it become a more successful organization for everyone. I hope I have been able to bring value and a voice to those who felt they had no voice within the MOA. Riding is an absolute passion of mine.

For nearly 40 years, riding has been a part of my life. I have found such a sense of community with the BMW members who I have met over the years. The experiences and adventures we have shared have developed into friendships that will last a lifetime.

In running for re-election, I hope that I can continue to represent and help grow the many different riding diversities that make up the MOA membership and encourage more people to experience their own type of riding adventures.

With sincere appreciation and gratitude for your vote, Semper-Fi.

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

35

NEW

news

PREMIER TRAINING 15 scholarships available for BMW Performance Center training IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BMW

MOA, MOA Foundation and the BMW Performance Center Rider Academy, a Premier Training opportunity for MOA members has been scheduled for May 11th and 12th at the BMW Performance Center Rider Academy in Spartanburg, North Carolina.

Limited to only 15 participants, this full day of rider training will encompass both on and off-road skill development using BMW Performance Center facilities, motorcycles and instructors.

This unique opportunity includes two nights lodging at the Greenville Marriot Hotel with a Friday night

36

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

“Meet and Greet” and introductory session at the Performance Center. Saturday features a full day of both on- and off-road training with breakfast, lunch and an evening dinner. Transportation between the hotel and the Performance Center facility, a special Premier event polo shirt, and the use of a Performance Center BMW motorcycle are also provided.

Typically, the cost of a single day of either on- or off-road training that includes the use of a BMW Performance Center motorcycle alone costs between $750 and $795. When adding lodging, meals, and transportation to an event like this, riders would easily expect to pay more than $1,000. Thanks to the MOA Foundation and the scholarship

opportunities it provides, 15 lucky MOA members will be able to participate in this training event for only $695.

This fantastic offer is available only for BMW MOA members and represents another benefit of MOA membership and exemplifies the continuing commitment of the MOA Foundation to provide education and training opportunities to MOA members of all skill levels and abilities.

Riders may choose to use their personal motorcycles for this training opportunity but will assume all risk and responsibility for any damage. This program is exclusive to any other existing discounts or MOA Foundation scholarship opportunities.

www.motoskiveez.com

Greece TOur

14 years

www.adriaticmototours.com www.adriaticmototours.com

14 days

tOUR DAtEs

May 24 - June 6 September 26 - October 9

HigHligHts

Riding the mountains of Greece, Delphi, Acropolis, Mani region, Epidavros, Athens, Monemvasia, Diros Caves, Vikos gorge, Meteora, Kefalonia Island.

The MOA Premier Training event includes: • Friday and Saturday night lodging at the Greenville Mariott with Saturday breakfast • Friday night “Meet and Greet” at the BMW Performance Center • One full day of training with the use of a BMW Performance Center motorcycle • Saturday lunch at the BMW Performance Center • Saturday evening dinner with special BMW Performance Center guests • Transportation between the hotel and BMW Performance Center on both days • A Special Premier Event polo shirt Availability for this unique training event is sure to fill quickly. For more information and to register, visit bmwmoa.org.

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

37

www.euromotoelectrics.com

TECH

keepemflying

Heading to Supertech!

By Matthew Parkhouse #13272 simply hanging out with Harry. Harry has owned airhead BMWs in the past and now a month since is on an F 650. Jeff returned, having really Susanna and I set off enjoyed his first two weeks of Mexico with our South touring.

Dakota friend Jeff Harry is an old Mexico hand. He grew up Ecker in his truck in Acapulco and now lives in Mazatlán for (Jeff ’s and our three the cold half of each year. Jeff rode down bikes on his trailer) and most of the way back without any probfor El Paso to start riding to Florida lems on his 1972 R 75/5. After his last night for the Northeast Florida BMW club in Magdalena, he awoke Winter Rally. It’s a good to a bike that was too out rally with good people, of tune to start. As he and we’d go back again. was only 56 km from the From there, we went on border, he hired a couple to Orlando, dropping of folks to haul him to the pair of slash fives off the border at Nogales. with Stefan Knopf, who He pushed the bike runs Stefan Knopf Tours across to meet his in Heidelberg, Gerbrother and sister, who many. The bikes will be live in Tucson. They shipped to Germany were waiting for him sometime in March. with a trailer. In Tucson, The ride following Jeff put in a new set of I-10 from Texas to Florpoints and got the bike ida was a bit rugged, running. with temps never getWhen he arrived here ting above the 40s and with the bike on his 50s. We ended up puttrailer, we pulled it off ting just under 2,000 and ran it into my shop. miles on the pair of Jeff Eckers stopped by on his way back to South Dakota from Mexico. We pulled his bike off Slash Fives. The tools the trailer and reset the points. Turned out to be a damaged advance unit. We also fixed up During the process of installing his new points, came out more for the indicator lights in the headlight shell. he had found that the maintenance than anyadvance unit “was not right.” The keyway at your driver’s license is adequate for ID. All thing else. I changed engine oil, set the end of the camshaft is shaped like the of the Baja Peninsula is part of this zone as the valves and generally prepared letter D to align the advance unit, the camwell. If you want to go further into the intethem for the start of our European shaft and the points plate. All 1970 to 1978 rior, as Jeff was planning, you need the varitravels this coming September. I airheads have this setup. At some point in ous titles, credit card bonding and so on to extracted a fair amount of water out the past, someone had forced the advance get your tourist card and vehicle papers. of the carburetors after the thousandunit onto the camshaft, which distorted the The authorities have checkpoints at the plus miles of riding. We didn’t have a metal of the camshaft and the plate of the 20-kilometer point. Jeff ’s friends did not lot of rain until the last 50 miles getadvance unit. I applied a small file to try have the needed papers and were denied ting to the rally, but alcohol-dosed and clean up the camshaft and donated a passage on the ferry from La Paz to Mazatgasoline and humid weather was used advance unit plate as I rebuilt the unit. lán. Jeff rode alone to our friend Harry’s enough to create some liquid in each We were able to get the advance unit to slide place in Mazatlán, met up with a couple side of the two engines. Getting the onto the camshaft, but it was loose, with a mutual friends and enjoyed a few days of water out made both bikes run fair amount of advance/retard riding around north-central Mexico and smoother.

IT’S JUST ABOUT

38

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

Jeff stopped by the house on his return from Mexico on the way to South Dakota.

He ended up riding alone to Mazatlán. His planned riding buddies had not done their homework regarding the Mexican paperwork required to enter the country beyond the “no hassle” zone near the U.S. border.

When you enter Mexico at any of the crossings, the first 20 or so kilometers (13 miles) are the “no-hassle” zone. This means that

Jeff isn’t sure how this happened as others have worked on the bike in the past. It would take a fair amount of force to move the steel around like this!

back-and-forth motion. I set it at full advance and started working on the timing.

I showed Jeff how to do static timing using a test lamp from the points wire at the condenser to ground, with the 12-volt lamp held by the timing port next to the oil fill hole. As I rotated the engine, using the 6mm keyway at the end of the alternator, what I was shooting for was seeing the lamp coming on as the “S” mark appeared in the center of the viewing hole. What we are observing is the points opening at that time, triggering the coils to produce the spark.

We got to that point with one adjustment, made sure everything was clear and started the engine. It ran well. As we closed the front of the engine, I reviewed with Jeff what we had done while stressing that it is a good idea to carry a spare set of points and some sort of 12-volt test lamp.

The test lamp stayed in use as we next turned to sorting out a few issues in the headlamp wiring. The neutral and oil lamps were not working, the illumination light for the gauges was out as well as the low beam of the head lamp. A new H4 bulb took care of the headlamp issue; replacing a couple of the small indicator lamps and bulb holders got the four indicator lights and the illumination working properly. These are the sort of things for which I carry tools and parts to allow for repairs. In Mexico, whether I’m alongside a highway or in a motel parking lot, I can correct these types of problems.

There are four inches of snow as I am writing this. We are preparing to fly to Maryland to be part of the Airheads Supertech 2.3. This is a weekend of intensive education for the 60 Airheads who have

Apparently, the advance unit was mounted a bit off and forced down on the end of the camshaft. Both the shaft and the plate part of the advance unit showed disrupted metal. I attempted to file it so it would seat correctly but ended up replacing the part with one from my collection of advance unit parts.

This is the first of several restorations I'm planning for the carbide lamps I picked up on eBay, along with a second, disassembled lamp. They came into use around 1900 when calcium carbide was introduced (thanks to the production of lots of electricity). They were used as lighting on bicycles, motorcycles and cars, along with miners lamps. They started to fall out of favor around 1930 when battery-powered electric lamps were produced. They remain in use by cavers (spelunkers) who enjoy working with elegant, obsolete technology - not unlike a few airheads I know!

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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5:46

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registered. Susanna and I are going a day or two early to allow some Washington, D.C. sightseeing. We will present a seminar on our four-month tour in Europe of 2006 and our plans to return with the second pair of Slash Fives this coming September. I will do a second seminar around what goes into airhead gearbox work. I’ll be doing my “Al Capone’s Vault” routine by opening a gearbox that is unknown to me. I’ve shipped my custom output flange tool ahead; everything else will be set up by the Maryland Airhead crew. It should be a fun, stimulating weekend where, once again, we get to mix it up with a group of BMW people from a new part of the country.

Three days after our return from the East Coast, we will trailer Strider down to Susanna’s sister’s home near Wickenburg, Arizona.

I’ll be riding out to Joshua Tree National Park in California to join a bunch of my old high school classmates camping there. This is our 50-year reunion, and we have a couple of gatherings planned. In April, while Susanna’s daughter and her four children come to Colorado, I’ll ride out to the Santa Ynez Valley in

California, where the school is. I’ll combine that tour with visiting friends in the Los Angeles area and maybe return to the Randsburg and Johannesburg area of the Mojave Desert. There was a small gold rush there at the beginning of the 20th century, and the almost-ghost towns are still there. Before the Army got me in 1969, I spent many a weekend exploring the old mine buildings and shafts.

I’m curious to see what remains there after close to half a century of being away.

I haven’t done a lot with old BMWs since returning from Florida, but I HAVE started a new hands-on pastime. In preparation for the hoped-for mine exploration, I’m restoring a few old brass carbide miners’ lamps. I already have the one I purchased at a desert store in the late ‘60s working again, and I’ve purchased some lamps from eBay to work on as well.

Many spelunkers favor them, so there are a few sources of parts still around. They fell out of fashion in mines as electric lamps came in.

Like a lot of old mechanical things, there is a lot of history and specialized knowledge to learn about them. It’s a good winter pastime!

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TEC

TorqueoftheMatter

All I needed was a brake job

By Wes Fleming #87301 pads clean, dry and cool as well.

I chose brake pads made by Scandinanumber of ways to vian Brake Systems, a Danish company. SBS upgrade the brakes came out with a new brake pad for motoron your motorcycle. cycles, and the 796 SP pads are the proper The easiest way to fitment for my GS. These are sinimprove tered pads and part of SBS’s Street your brakes Excel line, meaning they are meant is simply to for high-performance street use. I flush the system with fresh don’t know if my riding lives up to brake fluid and give it a good the term “high performance,” but I bleed; we’ve addressed bleedoften ride in the I-95 corridor near ing technique in a number of Washington, D.C., so I also often Nicht Uber Max columns in need immediate and reliable stopthe past. There are, of course, a ping power. number of other options rangYou might wonder, like I did, ing from rebuilding your caliwhat a “sintered” brake pad is. My pers to replacing the master research turned up two types of cylinders and brake lines. brake pads for motorcycles, sintered The option I chose for my and organic, with a hybrid called brake system upgrade was to “semi-sintered.” Sintering is a proupgrade the stock brake rotors. cess, not a material. Sintered pads This isn’t the place most folks are made by putting a powdered mix start looking to upgrade or of metals into a mold, then subjectupdate their brakes, but it’s ing the powder to heat and pressure where I started simply because in specific, measured amounts to of expedience. We had a cuscreate the brake pad. Organic pads tomer who ordered a set of are made in a similar fashion, but brake rotors for their bike, they use organic materials like carthen sold the bike before they bon and resins mixed with fibers came in. Instead of putting like Kevlar to create the pad. Semithem on the shelf and letting sintered are what you’d expect, a them sit, I paid for them and blend of materials used in both sindecided to put them on my tered and organic pads.

2005 R 1200 GS. At the same If you ride an Airhead, you may time, I put on new brake pads.

I wasn’t really due for new This rear view of the Wave brake rotor shows the contoured outer edge well have organic brake pads (or shoes) on your bike. They feel a cerpads, but most manufacturers and one of the cutouts that helps cool and clean the pads. tain way; to my hand and foot, they recommend new pads when have a more gradual feel, coming on in a Wasted space means excess metal, and installing new rotors. slower, more measured fashion. They may excess metal on a motorcycle means excess The new brake rotors I used are not stop you in a hurry, but they will stop weight—in this case, unsprung weight (that Wave rotors made by Braking. Brakyou, so you have to understand how they is, weight not held up by the suspension of ing is an Italian company making work and use your brakes accordingly. the bike). Reducing unsprung weight brake components and other motorWhen you absolutely, positively must improves handling, and thus the Wave cycle parts, and they’re the ones who stop as quickly as possible, you should be brake rotor was born. Braking claims the first came up with the wave-style looking at sintered pads. They have quick, slots and gaps in the rotor aid in keeping the brake rotor concept. The idea is THERE

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A

simple: eliminate the parts of the brake rotor the brake pads don’t come into contact with. Because the edges of the brake pads are more or less straight, there’s a lot of wasted space on the typically round rotor.

immediate bite letting you know you’ve hit the brakes. They can feel grabby, especially when first installed, and so your braking technique becomes important in the initial stages of slowing down. Sintered pads may take longer to wear down, but they’re harder on rotors than organic pads, so it’s best not to use sintered pads with rotors meant for organics. (They’ll still work, but you’ll wear

want to get a set of new rotor bolts for each rotor from your BMW dealer; BMW states the bolts are single use only, so they should be replaced every time you take them out. It helps that BMW prepares each bolt with thread locking compound, which is why a heat gun comes in handy when taking the bolts out.

Two common tools make this job easier.

www.alaskaleather.com

Use an old tire to make a stand for working on your front wheel. Avoid putting the brake rotors directly on a hard surface such as a metal work table or concrete floor.

out the rotor more quickly.)

Having satisfied myself I made a good choice with SBS’s new sintered pads, I went about changing out my old rotors (which were thinner than BMW says they should be) for the new Braking Wave rotors.

As far as upgrading your motorcycle goes, changing the brake rotors and brake pads is a job most of us can handle in our garage or driveway. Whenever you work on brakes, you should wear gloves and be careful not to breathe in brake dust; that stuff can cause all sorts of health problems.

The new rotors came with all the washers they needed, and only the front rotors get the washers. The rear rotor for my GS bolts to the same star-shaped flange the wheel bolts to, just on the opposite side. You’ll

Modified long-necked T40 bit for the bolts on the rear rotor. It’s not an absolutely necessary tool, but it makes the job easier.

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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www.advdepot.com

TEC 46

The first, a heat gun, is easy to come by. The second isn’t required, but it helps when changing the rear brake rotor on bikes where the rotor is part of the final drive assembly rather than attached to the wheel. For my generation of bike, the place where the T40 bit fits in is small, too small for you to use a standard T40 socket.

A T40 with a long neck makes the job easier, and you still have to be careful the edges of your long-necked T40 socket don’t scratch and scrape up your final drive housing. I took a hint from my boss, George Mangicaro, and had a friend with a lathe make the neck round for several inches and thin it out a bit so I could use it more easily. The key is to take your time; the more you slow down, the less likely you are to damage your final drive housing.

Fitting the new rotor is a little fiddly, so take the time to puzzle it out.

Install the rotor bolts one at a time, running them in far enough so you can rotate the assembly without the heads catching. Once you’ve gotten them all started, snug each one gently as you go around the circle. BMW specs two torque values for these; one is lightly set, the other is the final torque. Do the lower setting all the way around, then the higher one.

Being methodical prevents any warping of the rotor. Be sure to use your torque wrench!

Removing the front rotors is straightforward, and you can use any tools you want as long as they fit. Hit one of the bolts with a heat gun for about a minute, and it should spin right out. Make sure you remove all the existing washers and check the threads in the wheel for dirt or bits of old thread lock. Clean out anything in there—gently!—with a pick. Refer to the assembly instructions with your new rotor to see what order the washers go in. Don’t forget which side of the wheel the ABS ring goes on or where it goes in relation to the rotor. I like to take a photo with my

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

The cutout on the final drive makes accessing the rear brake rotor bolts one at a time possible, but it’s a tight fit. Using a standard (short) T40 bit could result in stripping out the heads of the bolts.

Installation is the reverse of removal, so pay close attention to the order of the components. Mixing up where the ABS sensor ring goes could adversely affect the functioning of your ABS unit. Even what order the washers are in is important.

The thin metal arm that fits into the caliper and over the pads keeps pressure on the pads and prevents them from vibrating, thus cutting down on noise.

phone as a reference before I take things apart; that little tip has saved me more than once.

Fitting new brake pads, at least on the front calipers, would be easier if you had three hands, but regular two-handed people can get it done quickly enough. If it’s been a while since you replaced the pads, you might find it worth your time and money to get what BMW calls a “pin kit.”

It’s a little bag of parts that includes some metal pieces to keep pressure on the pads, a cotter pin or two, and a new brake pad pin.

It’s this last bit that’s especially handy, because the brake pads slide along it. If yours are rusty like mine were you’re going to have to take the time to clean them off.

Rusty pins are not conducive to maximum brake performance. Don’t forget to lightly lubricate the pins before reinstalling them along with your new brake pads.

With both new brake rotors and new brake pads in place, I carefully test rode my bike, being sure to gradually apply the brakes. Common wisdom is you should take it easy for the first couple of hundred miles any time you change brake components to allow them to bed inn—that is, to allow the components an opportunity to fully settle into place and against each other and start to operate at peak efficiency. I also like to check all the important fasteners the next day to make sure I torqued them all properly, especially those wheel, axle and pinch bolts.

I was amazed at how much the Wave rotors and SBS pads improved my braking.

Once I felt the components were sufficiently bedded in, I headed to a public school parking lot on a Sunday to practice quick stops. The pads showed little or no fade after a solid 30 minutes of hard, short stops, and I feel SBS got it right with the compound of these pads. Initial bite is strong and predictable; I never felt they were grabby at all. They didn’t perform any differently after they got hot, and I’m confident they’ll continue to perform well in any conditions I might find myself riding.

The Wave rotors look fantastic, but I’m not sure what the ratio of performance improvement between the rotors and the pads are. This is my first ever set of

Always balance your wheel after doing anything to the wheel. Even if all you do is remove the rotors to clean them and put them right back on, balance the wheel. You may not have put the rotors on in exactly the same orientation as they were in when you took them off. (Thanks to Dave Carmean of Moto Europa near Richmond, Virginia, for the shop space and assistance.)

Inspect, clean and replace rusty components and again, pay attention to what order the parts are in when they come off. ALWAYS use a torque wrench and look up the torque specifications for things like the fork pinch bolt and front axle, shown here.

non-OEM brake rotors, so I expected improved performance, but I’m not sure how to measure it. I probably should have started with my old pads on, but I doubt I’d have had the patience for a lengthy experiment of that sort. I feel confident with my new brake components, and I wouldn’t

hesitate to recommend either of these products to any rider who asked my opinion on what to put on their bike.

There’s a video, of course, and you can watch it by pointing your web browser to tinyurl.com/R1200GSBrakes.

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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Explore

MOA GETAWAYS

[

MOA Getaways continue to grow in popularity, and this year we’re offering more than ever before. Spread across the United States in bucket-list locations, each Getaway provides a unique opportunity to ride some of the best roads and spend time with fellow BMW riders.

[

Be sure to register early as many locations sell out.

Register for more than one Getaway and receive a discount!

MOA Getaways — great rides and great friends. We look forward to seeing you at a Getaway this year!

Date: A pril 20 - 22, 2018 Location: F ontana, NC Join us amid the pristine beauty and legendary roads of the Nantahala National Forest and mountains of western North Carolina for an event you’re sure to remember.

Address: Fontana Village Resort 300 Woods Road, Fontana Dam, NC 28733 Reservations: 828-498-2211 - Mention BMW MOA Getaway Room Rate: Lodge rooms start at $70, Cabins start at $109 Website: fontanavillage.com

Host Info: Vance Harrelson 205-915-5188 alabeemer@gmail.com Event Fee: $99 Features: Live music on Friday evening, bonfire

Date: May 11 - 13, 2018 Location: Coeur d'Alene, ID There’s something magical about Lake Coeur D’Alene that’s hard to define, but it begins with spectacular Idaho sunsets, the glowing lights of downtown Coeur d’Alene reflecting across its waters and the wonderful roads.

Address: The Coeur d’Alene Resort 115 South 2nd Street, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 Reservations: Call 800-688-5253 to confirm reservation Room Rate: Park Tower rooms $109, Lake Tower rooms $139, Discounted parking $10 per day Website: cdaresort.com Host Info: Jackie Hughes 509-953-5679 jackiehughes39@yahoo.com Event Fee: $99 Features: Friday evening lake cruise and dinner included, on-site spa services available

Reserve your spot today! To register, visit bmwmoa.org and click on the EVENTS tab or call 864-438-0962 and a membership associate will be happy to assist you. Contact host hotel for accommodations.

The Places You'll Go! June 1 - 3, 2018 MOA Getaway Cedar Breaks Location: Brian Head, Utah

June 15 - 17, 2018 MOA Getaway Grand Targhee Location: Alta, Wyoming

August 17 - 19, 2018 MOA Getaway Eureka Springs Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas

August 24 - 26, 2018 MOA Getaway Copper Mountain Location: Copper Mountain, Colorado

September 7 - 9, 2018 MOA Getaway Pine Mountain Location: Pineville, Kentucky

September 7 - 9, 2018 MOA Getaway Sedona Location: Sedona, Arizona

September 14 - 16, 2018 MOA Getaway Jay Peak Location: Jay, Vermont

September 21 - 23, 2018 MOA Getaway Tomah Location: Tomah, Wisconsin

November 9 - 11, 2018 MOA Getaway Texas Location: Kerrville, Texas

For a detailed listing of events, please refer to the When and Where section on page 86.

www.bohnarmor.com April 2018  BMW OWNERS NEWS

49

Adventure THE BEST

South Africa

By Curt Stetter #205881 | Photography by Chuck Feil #203990

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BMW OWNERS NEWS  April 2018

C

huck called to tell me he won a motorcycle tour at the 2016 BMW MOA Rally in Hamburg, New York, exclaiming, “I never won anything in my life, and now I get to experience South Africa.” I congratulated Chuck anticipating his next question. “You’re going with me, aren’t you?” I knew nothing of South Africa except that Magellan sailed around the Cape of Good Hope and Nelson Mandela.

It took a month for Chuck to convince me to step out of my continent and agree to enjoy this SAMA Tours adventure with him. With the arrangements made, I impatiently waited for March to arrive. In the meantime, SAMA sent a custom-bound, 93-page guidebook describing the tour which even included a glossary of Afrikaan words you could use to impress your friends. “Lekker,” which means nice and cool was one of them. Most importantly, the guidebook made sure Yanks like myself knew we’d be riding on the opposite side of the road.

Chuck and I arrived a couple of days early to work off the jet lag, and our excitement grew until we were finally listening to the first of many daily briefings. At that first meeting, Julian, SAMA Tours ride leader, discussed our route and probable road conditions. Darryl, SAMA Tours owner, suggested that because Americans drive the “other” side of the road, they should stay close and follow him. Advice worth heeding.

My disposition was rigid when I made my first turn onto the tarmac of South Africa. The unfamiliarity of my BMW F 800 GS motorcycle coupled with driving on the left created a bit of internal panic. Luckily, the feeling eased as the miles accumulated.

Our first destination was the Union Buildings overlooking Pretoria and a stop for lunch. We parked our bikes alongside a rough looking building which served as our introduction to the township tavern in Mandela Village, a squatters’ settlement that sprung up in the early 1990s just before the end of Apartheid.

After arriving at our hotel later that day, we had the option to ride our motorcycles or sit in the back of a truck for a two-hour Safari through the Dinokeng Game Reserve. Half of our group chose to ride along the dusty and winding roads while looking for animals hidden in the tall grass. During the ride, we saw many animals, including zebra, wildebeest, impala, and ostrich before we returned to the Kawlata Lodge. Once there, we treated ourselves to a local brew, followed by a buffet dinner. Exhausted both physically and mentally, I turned in early to restore my energy for our ride the next day.

The whining of starters and the popping sounds of exhaust signaled our imminent departure from the Kwalata Lodge, and before long we were making our way toward the Panorama route. Known as a “Motorcyclist’s Paradise” and laced with beautifully curvy roads with great views along the way, we stopped to see the rock formations known as Hazyview and beautiful waterfalls threading through steep canyon walls.

The Rondavel site offered a view of a mountain range of massive rock formations resembling a traditional tribal dwelling with a conical thatched roof called a Rondavel. I slowed my pace to take in all of the beauty surrounding me. Soon, the sun was setting as we arrived at Mpumalanga and our hotel, the Hippo Hollow, situated next to Kruger National Park. For a lodge, the place was full of character and set amid lush grounds along a river with lazy hippos grazing on the hotel lawn.

The next morning, we toured Kruger National Park and witnessed a group of three lions resting along the side of the road seemingly not paying much mind to anything until one of them became fixated on a nearby giraffe and her baby.

After a brief chase, the two victims escaped. Breathing heavily, the lion then focused on a nearby zebra and sprinted through the brush and lunged at its left hind quarter only to be met with the hoof to the jaw. With a loose tooth hanging from his mouth, it was not a good way for the king of the jungle to begin his day.

Left, Riders depart Coffee Bay. Top Right, A local craft market in Mpumalanga in eastern South Africa. Bottom Right, Gazelles in the Dinokeng Game Reserve in Pretoria.

As noon approached, it was time to get back to the hotel to relax and prepare for our ride into the landlocked country of Swaziland. A lush and beautiful country, Swaziland is ruled by a king educated at an elite British university and known for having at least 13 wives. Despite the contrast, the people of Swaziland seemed very happy and friendly and always smiled and waved as we passed.

Tucked into a thick and heavily forested mountainside was Mantenga Lodge, our next stop. The large deck extending out from the restaurant offered a beautiful view of Mantenga Mountain and offered winding pathways joining rooms to the pool and the café. After a lovely meal, we sat and listened as the jungle sounds serenaded us until it was time to turn in.

The next day, we left Swaziland and headed toward the ocean and St. Lucia, a World Heritage Site selected by UNESCO for its wetlands, home to elephants, rhinoceros, coelacanth, whale, hippos, crocodiles, 526 species of birds, and 114 species of fish.

All of these creatures hang out around 50-mile lake with the average depth of three feet and about 175 miles of coastline.

The ride to St. Lucia was dotted with soft hills and sweeping curves that cut through small, busy villages. After a night of rest, early the next morning we boarded a tour boat and began floating across the murky brown water looking for hippos or crocs.

Twenty minutes into the cruise we saw two hippos by a bridge pier. Fifteen minutes later the guide pointed out a muddy bank loaded with hippos of all sizes. While some bobbed in the water, others lounged on the beach. I found it fascinating, looking down the throats of the widening open mouths of these massive beasts. Leaving the hippo hollow we came upon a few crocs, but they weren’t nearly as entertaining as the hippos.

Heading back into the mountains took us through the canyons of the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, known for its wildlife, steep sandstone cliffs, high waterfalls and the gorge carved by the Umzimkulwana River. Turning onto a dirt road led us to the Oribi Gorge Hotel, which resembles a lodge one might find in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A short hike from the hotel were sharp-edged cliffs dropping a couple of hundred feet to the river below. Not far off was a waterfall and beyond that a trail

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BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

Above, A swinging bridge at Oribi Gorge. Below, A hippo gives warning at the St. Lucia wetlands.

which took us to a 100-foot suspension bridge and a breathtaking view of the falls and gorge.

The rain was falling the next morning when I looked out our window to see our bikes. Our destination this day was Coffee Bay, and after finishing up my last cup of joe, I strapped on my tank bag, delivered my duffle to the van and mounted up.

Carefully riding the muddy road, I reached pavement and a lineup of riders ready to descend towards the ocean.

Riding out of the mountains wasn’t exactly easy. The slick, two-lane road that morning was clogged with tractor-trailer rigs chugging up the subtle grades and spraying muddy road debris onto my windscreen and face shield. Riding sweep, I wanted to be patient, but the group was far ahead. After finding an opening, I accelerated full throttle, and just as I approached the driver’s door, my face shield loaded with dirt and road spray, I saw the lights of truck turning toward me. With my shoulder next to the churning front wheel of the tanker, the oncoming truck passed me just as I slipped past the front bumper of the tanker.

I whispered to myself that I’d never do that again. With a renewed sense of being, I caught up with the group.

Port Alfred sand dunes.

The bright sun was a welcome change as we came out of the mountains and to the beautiful coastline outlined in variations of blue with splashes of white caps. Dropping down from the rolling green hills past the traditional Xhosa huts into Coffee Bay was paradise through my windscreen. Soon, we arrived at the Ocean View Hotel, a tropical hangout tucked into a cove and our bit of paradise for the next two nights. The hotel takes one back to the days of quaint respites where the entire restaurant and housekeeping staff greets you and all share in carrying your luggage to your room.

Thick tropical vegetation dotted with palm trees and a mile-long beach was just the setting we all needed after a day of rain and wind. The Ocean View Hotel lived up to its name.

Preparing to depart following our stay and as I backed up my bike to get a position in the lineup, Darryl looked at me strangely.

I’m sensitive to those type of looks and sensed something was wrong. He sauntered towards me focusing on my bike and announced, “You ‘av a flat.”

I craned my head around, focused on my rear tire and sure enough, the tire was low.

It also meant I had to switch bikes as the F 800 GS had tubes which would take too

much time to change.

The group got a little ahead because I was stopped a few times by “robots,” what traffic lights are called here. As I began to accelerate to catch up, a traffic policeman stood in the middle of the road waving a small stop sign and signaled me to pull over. I didn’t think I was speeding but was told to present my operators’ license, vehicle registration, and passport. Then the questioning began.

“Was I part of the group that blew by him?” he asked.

“Maybe,” I replied.

“Where are you from? Where are you going?” he continued.

“I can’t remember, but it starts with an A,” I said as the officer began naming locations.

None sounded right until he said, “Alfred.”

“Yes, I believe that’s it, Port Alfred!”

He smiled, shook my hand, and I’m sure he couldn’t believe the bloody Yank hadn’t any idea where he was going.

Up ahead, flashing lights signaled that we had caught up with our group. Soon, we maneuvered through winding roadways, over the Port Alfred Bridge, and up a steep hill before finding the quick right into a small alleyway leading to the Links Coastal Inn.

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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Along the coastal road leading to Cape Point.

April 2018  BMW OWNERS NEWS

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Once settled, we hiked to the beach where massive sand dunes lined the ocean’s edge. It reminded me of Cape Hatteras. The long shadows of the late afternoon created a dramatic setting for snapping photos as dinner time approached. The hotel restaurant was known for its cuisine, and that night the chef was grilling a native African meat called Kudo. Similar to American deer, the Kudo was very rich and flavorful.

Along with our long ride that day, the filling meal left everyone feeling as if they couldn’t get to the bed quick enough.

The next day took us to the town of Knysna, famous for its seafood and especially their oysters. After two evenings on the waterfront tasting the country’s best oysters and sipping some inexpensive, but delicious, South African Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc white wine, it was time to move on. We continued along the Garden Route, which weaved through the mountains and offered beautiful, breathtaking views amid twisting passes and delivered us to an ostrich farm. After a couple of riders volunteered to ride one of the feathered beasts, the consensus was that motorcycles were better modes of transportation.

Our next stop came at the Cango Caves, which featured a sizeable underground Cango Caves.

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BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

A rusting tractor in front of Ronnies Sex Shop, a rest stop along Cape Route 62.

room about 300 meters long with passages leading into other chambers, all filled with Speleothems created by flowing and dripping water crystallized over millions of years. Cave paintings were an indicator that this was home to early man. Back on our bikes we soon descended into the desert,

and if I didn’t know better, I’d swear I was in Arizona.

At the center of the basin was a rest stop at Ronnie’s Sex Shop. The story of this unusual boutique begins simply as Ronnie’s Shop until one day during a drinking session, one of Ronnie’s mates altered the sign on the side of the building by adding “Sex” in its title. As a result, Ronnie’s Sex Shop became a stop for busloads of tourists all wanting to get their photo taken there.

After 15 days, we were riding toward the southernmost tip of the African continent, Cape Agulhas, the point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. I began thinking about all the history that had occurred here beyond the drifting salts and crashing of waves, the spirits of lost souls that went down while navigating around the Cape.

The top of the lighthouse at Cape Agulhas offered a magnificent view of the joining waters and coastline. A stamp in your passport as you leave the lighthouse serves as a remembrance of your visit.

Before riding into Cape Town, we explored the winding coast until we arrived at the Navy town of Simons Town, where I was surprised to find hundreds of penguins lounging on the beaches and rocks.

We continued along the coast to the most

Celebrating at the southern tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas.

southwestern point of South Africa, Cape Point, and the Cape of Good Hope. Another lighthouse marks the cape, where you can ride a funicular taking you close to the base.

To reach the tower itself, you must walk the stairs another 100 yards. From this point, when you look south the next land is Antarctica. We had come to the end of our ride.

After settling into the City Hotel near the pier, we sadly gave our motorcycles back to Darryl and Julian. A lovely, final dinner gave us the chance to say goodbye to our fellow riders with whom we had grown so close through our shared experiences.

Chuck and I hung out in Cape Town for a couple of days to enjoy the city and relax from our incredible journey across South Africa.

I tip my helmet to SAMA Tours for this incredible ride. Being my first commercial tour, I’d say it was “lekker.”

An isolated beach at Cape Point.

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Eureka!

By Ken Frick

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BMW OWNERS NEWS  April 2018

#199204

The mural on a downtown building depicts the "Eureka," one of only three remaining Baldwin Class 8/18 C 4-4-0 steam locomotives and the only one that still operates. The 140+-year-old narrow gauge locomotive operated between Eureka and Palisade, Nevada, from 18751896. Decades later, after years of use in the timber industry, it was rescued from a scrap heap by Warner Brothers and used in films including "The Great Train Robbery" and John Wayne's final movie, "The Shootist." Now privately owned, the engine is listed on the National Register of Historic places. It was painted by Erik Burke and Nick D'Auria in 2016.

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IT’S LITERALLY A BLIP ON THE MAP,

the county seat in 1873. In the good years that followed the population stretched to somewhere near 10,000 in the late 1880s, but with the closing of the mines, most went looking for places with more promise.

One of the things they left behind was the Opera House. Today the facade isn’t necessarily something you’d be drawn to, only the bold letters above the second floor pulling you in. But once inside, there’s more to see, the architecture much more inspiring. It’s attractive without being ornate, a product of the time it was built. There’s no doubt that back in the 1880s it was a showplace, and today, it’s truly the heart of their community.

any map, even one of the State of Nevada.

With a population of only a tad over 600, it barely rates even that. But there it was, Eureka, my favorite stop on my West Coast road trip.

Sitting about a third of the way into Nevada on the dusty “Loneliest Road in America,” this place measures up. The first thing you notice coming into town are two perfectly manicured Little League baseball fields. Any small town that’s willing to maintain that much green grass for their kids to play on takes pride in itself. That alone was enough to make me slow down.

As I do on all of my trips, I carry a camera, recording the interesting things I find. I knew here I needed to take a closer look.

Beyond the ball diamonds, it was the Eureka Opera House that first caught my attention. An opera house, in a tiny town like Eureka? I needed to check it out, and the front door was unlocked.

Inside was a combination of “today,” a series of tables and folding chairs used the night before for a community meeting, and “yesterday,” the past being represented by a marvelous stage curtain. Patty Peek, the Opera House manager, told me the building dated back to 1880, the beautiful curtain being first used in 1924.

It’s almost a hundred years old.

As I rode across America I’d seen so many small towns that had lost or were losing their identity. Some were all but ghost towns, a few locals sticking it out, anchored to their land with nowhere else they wanted to go.

There were corn and soybean fields to be tended to, but the Patty Peek, Eureka Opera House manager. town they used for getting their If it matters, pretty much anything of mail had fallen by the side of the road. But merit runs through this building’s front every once in a while, you’ll find relief from doors. The Opera House hosts weddings, those dying towns; there are other Eurekas funerals, the high school prom, dance and I’d found over my many years on the road. piano recitals, and entertainment of all I learned there was a time when Eureka sorts including performances from the was a big deal, with the second largest minlocal high school students to celebrities ing operation in all of Nevada, right after such as Juice Newton, Eddie Rabbitt, Dan the Comstock Lode well to the west. Eureka Seals, Don Edwards and the Ink Spots, to had been settled in 1864 when silver prosname a few. The Missoula Children’s Thepectors found rock containing silver-lead atre group would be coming to town in a ore nearby. With growth, Eureka became

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BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

few days to produce Gulliver’s Travels, with up to 60 local young thespians lining up for a part in the show.

The Opera House, along with the Lion’s Club and St. Brendan Catholic Church, hosts Bingo, and VFW Post 8194 holds its meetings there. In April it was home of the local “4H Mr. and Miss Contest,” followed by a fiddler’s contest, then a car show. The Eureka County Fair has its beginnings there, as does the Holiday Bazaar and Christmas tree lighting later in the year.

Following a tradition begun well over a century ago, the VFW hosts the Fireman’s Ball, or the New Year’s Eve Ball raffle and dance on its floor. The hallways behind the stage are lined with the names of every per-

former who has been on its stage since the building’s renovation in 1993. The names go on and on, wrapping around corner after corner.

I learned online the city’s most famous son was a man named Antonio Mendez, a CIA operative. His name won’t ring a bell, but knowing Ben Affleck played him in the Oscar winning movie Argo should put a smile on your face. It was he who masterminded smuggling six US hostages out of

Iran during the Iranian Hostage Crisis.

The Opera House’s curtain is a classic! If you are traveling through town you must stop to see it. From it and the building’s interior you get a wonderful sense of local history. Other areas of the building are used for displaying the work of Nevada artists, and there’s a museum pertaining to the history of the building.

While it’s true the Opera House is the glue that holds the community together it isn’t the only thing in town that has visitors hitting their brakes. There’s the Eureka Sentinel Museum, which was closed when I was there and one of the things I wish I’d managed to see. The other touristy places that might call you in are the Raine’s Market and Wildlife Museum and the Jackson House Hotel, which with its bright red color may be the most attractive business location in town. It was impressive. The Eureka Court House, built in 1879, is also open for tours.

This was supposed to be a quick stop, then hit the road again. But I stayed the night, camping in the comfortable city park a block to the east of Main Street. Be warned, the sprinkler system comes on early in the morning. Pull out your sleeping bag under the canopied outbuilding in the corner of the park. The restroom was clean and well maintained for visitors and locals who stop by with their children.

Early the next morning I walked some of the city’s streets, looking for things to photograph and share back home. Eureka didn’t disappoint. What I found was some of what you’ll find in other old towns, places where the corners are maybe a bit frayed. There were a few faded flags, a mural depicting another time, and there are some empty buildings, waiting to be brought back to life.

My photographs made, I was ready to ease on down the road. Eureka may not be what you would call a major destination, but it is a place you will remember. What I really wish is that I’d been there for a performance inside their Opera House. If I’m ever that way again I’ll check their schedule. It seems there’s always something going on there.

Every trip is different. We never know what we will encounter, where an adventure will lead. My trip took me through Cincinnati and St. Louis on my way to San Francisco, but the first place I talk about when I share my trip back home is little Eureka.

The road is always full of surprises.

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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BMW OWNERS NEWS  April 2018

By Peter Burke #133958

I plan my summer trips meticulously, though I’m not sure why. Since discovering the joys of long-distance motorcycling, I have yet to follow one of those plans. Perhaps it’s my way of maintaining sanity over the long winter months here in northern Vermont. Or maybe it’s something more profound.

I travel with dogs, golden retrievers to be specific. First came Barley, who logged over 55,000 miles under his collar before I lost him to cancer. Then Tulliver, who despite a late start, covered 10,000 miles in his seventh year. Currently in the batters’ box is eighteen month old Glenlivet, an appropriate name as he is driving me to drink! Our long distance rig is a 2010 R 1200 GS Adventure linked to a Hannigan Dual Sport sidecar customized to meet the needs of my furry co-pilot. And that furry bundle of absolute loyalty depends on me. I am his world, and so I plan.

Like many, I use a GPS. Since it has proven to be an exceptional navigator, I refer to it as Captain Bligh. I create routes using BaseCamp, often accompanied by colorful language. While it’s not a particularly intuitive program, I’ve used it long enough that I feel comfortable with it, and my library of routes and waypoints is rather extensive at this point. There are other programs easier to learn and use, but this is how I lay out the routes that I will likely ignore once the adventure begins.

I start (and end) with paper maps, laying out a rough course. Next, I pour over ride reports from various online sources, filtering out those that don’t match my riding style. I’m in it for the ride, not the shops or bars. Google Earth helps me zoom in on areas of possible interest. For example, if my route takes me past a promising lake, Google Earth will tell me if it is surrounded by homes or offers a place where we might enjoy a peaceful break. If passing through an area covered by Butler Maps, I highlight their suggestions on my paper maps. That gives me a general overview on which to connect the dots, and on the road serves as a handy reference if time allows me to explore an area. The completed paper map is my backup and rides atop my tank bag with reading glasses nearby.

Next, I create the route on BaseCamp, usually breaking it up into four legs. I’ll spend several evenings fine-tuning it— skirting towns, diverting to twisty nearby

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seriously. My dog is on Heartgard for heartroads, and plugging in custom waypoints. worm, as well as Advantix II to discourage These may be small diners recommended mosquitos, fleas and ticks. I groom him by other riders or residents of a particular often, looking for insects or bites. On the region, but my primary focus is on plugging premise that a healthy gut is less susceptible in the location of veterinarians trusted by to organisms like giardia, he starts a course my many friends in the dog world. I use the of beef-flavored probiotics one month prefix DOG for vets (and EAT for diners). If before each trip. Lastly, I carry medications my dog is facing a health issue beyond my appropriate to his weight just in case: Flagyl care ability, by using the search term DOG for giardia, Rimadyl for aches and pains, on my GPS, those trusted vets display in Benadryl for histamine reactions, and a order of their distance from my position. broad-spectrum antibiotic along with Packing is the one part of my planning canine first aid supplies. that never changes.

Like most riders, I bring gear to cover the sort of weather I might run into on a ride. Last year was a heavy load as we packed for the summer heat in Salt Lake City as well as the rain and sleet we experienced in the Rockies. As I age I tend to forget and leave more gear behind, so these days I use an Excel spreadsheet with every possible bit of gear listed; what I don’t need gets crossed off, but at least I’ve considered it.

Thanks to a career in military medicine, I am comfortable carrying more medical and veterinary gear than most, with only the down and On our way to the 2016 BMW MOA International Rally.

I’m not a big fan of topical repellents for dirty trauma essentials carried in plain humans, so use a two-pronged approach of sight in what I call my “Oh Shit Kit!” keeping insects at bay. At campsites, I use I color-code the contents of my panniers Thermacells to create a bug-free zone and always pack the same way. Hot weather around us. It works surprisingly well in the gear goes in red bags and cold weather gear still air, less so if a breeze is present. Treated in blue. That saves me from rummaging clothing is the other weapon in the arsenal. around. Even my custom earplugs are You can buy pre-treated clothing, but it’s color-coded; red for the portside ear and expensive, and its effectiveness diminishes green for starboard. Dog essentials like with each washing. Instead, I drench my toys, treats, water, and poop bags are in a clothing in a permethrin spray, let it dry, daypack that goes on my back every time repeat, then stow it inside two-gallon zipthe dog is let out. Occasionally, and usually lock bags to preserve the effect. This in the beer tent, someone will grab the plasmethod is inexpensive, has no odor, and tic spade hanging from that pack and does not damage synthetic fabrics like tents laughingly ask me how far I intend to dig and sleeping bags. with it. Their expression as I explain it is The last and arguably most important used to scoop up dog poop is priceless! element in planning my trips is training Because we travel to parts of the country both self and dog for the miles we’ll cover with parasites and insect vectors not found on our adventure. Vermont is not blessed in Vermont, I take insect repellents

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with pleasant riding weather year round; as I compose this a harsh wind is scouring the three feet of snow on our field at a temperature of sixteen below zero. As the snow melts away and temperatures hit the mid30s, the bikes come out, and our local club (BMW Motorcycle Owners of Vermont) holds refresher training where we embrace that old familiar feeling of being on the road again.

With a dog at my side, every ride in those early days of spring is short and packed with treats, praise and fun. First around the village, then to nearby swimming holes and snack bars for treats, and finally longer distances working up to overnight campouts several hundred miles from home. Each dog handles the sidecar differently.

Barley would sit up and watch the world go by with intense concentration. He was also very territorial when it came to his dog bed; should something impinge on his personal space he’d simply pick it up and heave it over the side!

Tulliver is much more tolerant of my packing methods but has his quirks. When training Tulliver, I used ice cream shops as waypoints. That backfired on me as he learned that an ice cream cone painted on a building meant treats inside, and he would protest with the most incredible vocals if I dared pass one without stopping. Our trip to Das Rally in Hamburg cost me a total of sixteen scoops of vanilla ice cream! Little Glenlivet is shaping up to become one of the great dogs in my life, and I’m looking forward to seeing what antics he brings to our adventures!

“Travels With Barley,” one of the many seminars offered in Des Moines this summer, will cover dog-friendly sidecar modifications as well as how I’ve trained my dogs to share my passion for three-wheeled travel. Tulliver (or Glenlivet) and I hope to see you there!

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BMW OWNERS NEWS  April 2018

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FOUNDATION OUR MISSION

The BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Foundation is dedicated to supporting motorcycling and its rich heritage for BMW MOA members and the motorcycling public by funding programs that advance rider safety, education and training.

BMW MOA FOUNDATION OFFICERS

Chuck Manley, President cmanley@bmwmoaf.org Vance Harrelson, Vice President vance@bmwmoaf.org Will McHardy, Secretary wmchardy@bmwmoaf.org Tom Gary, Treasurer tgary@bmwmoaf.org BMW MOA FOUNDATION DIRECTORS

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Iowa highways are big enough for both of us

By Vance Harrelson #100402 THERE ARE TOO MANY MOTORCYCLE

crashes. Sadly, there are also too many motorcyclists dying from these crashes.

Dying from a life well lived is one thing, but losing a life to a preventable crash is a tragedy with lasting and devastating impact to everyone involved. We should be doing our part to prevent this tragedy and the MOA Foundation is ready to make it happen.

Our core mission is “Advancing Rider Safety, Education and Training.” As part of that mission, the Foundation is launching a comprehensive motorcycle awareness initiative. The Foundation believes the goal is worth the effort. While we all know crashes are usually far more serious for the riders, we also realize that everyone involved in any crash or collision is negatively affected.

Despite the careless attitude we all see all too frequently from other drivers, they likely do care about their own well-being and don’t want to be involved in a crash.

Think about it. Everyone involved loses, whether it is physically, mentally or financially. Crashes aren’t good for anyone.

Obviously providing a truly safe motorcycling environment is a daunting task. It will certainly require a comprehensive, continued and cooperative effort between riders as well as drivers of all motor vehicles to be effective. A successful campaign must be designed as a broad-based program intended to educate riders to be more alert and non-riders to become aware of motorcycles operating around them. With increased awareness, education and the cooperation of everyone, we really can provide a safer motoring environment that benefits all of us.

The Foundation believes the first thing we can do is promote a grass roots movement within the ranks of our club. It starts with us. We believe a good place to start is

where MOA members gather together in large numbers—Des Moines!

An awareness campaign funded by the BMW MOA Foundation will kick off during rally week in the Des Moines market.

The goal is to let locals know we will be there in large numbers and to look out for motorcycle traffic. You will see an awareness effort that includes yard signs, dealership posters, advertisements and other efforts to broadcast the message, “Iowa highways are big enough for both of us!”

After the initial campaign, we will continue to build the program by taking the message to where you are through other local events and rallies.

The MOA Foundation believes that all of us working together can reduce the risk of motorcycle crashes and ultimately save lives. We know you agree, and we need your help to make the program a success.

Once the initiative launches, grab some pamphlets, decals, signs or banners and help spread the message. It is our goal to make a range of material available to MOA members who are ready to fly the flag and promote motorcycle awareness.

The initial campaign is funded solely by the BMW MOA Foundation and a directed donation from a single MOA member.

Imagine what we could do if we have the power of 30,000 passionate motorcyclists behind us. Please do your part to spread the word. If your efforts save the life of a single motorcyclist, it’s worth it.

As always, we encourage you to ride safe.

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mileagecontest

2017

SUMMER MILEAGE CONTEST RESULTS

By Steve Brunner #84292 THE 2017 BMW MOA SUMMER CON-

test has ended with 764 End Forms received. Congratulations to all members submitting their mileage.

Wisconsin remains the leader with 87 participants in the Summer Contest, followed by Minnesota close behind with 84. For the second straight year, BMW MOC of Minnesota retained the firstplace finish for club participation by outdistancing MAC PAC of Pennsylvania.

Challenge yourself in 208 to begin and finish either our Summer or Annual Mileage Contest.

David Heusser #194989 First Place Male

I am a 75-year-old retired mechanical engineer and have lived in Independence, Oregon, for the past eight years.

Before moving here, I lived and worked in Alaska for 44 years but still rode motorcycles, despite the short riding season.

My goal last summer was to earn a Southern California Motorcycle Association (SCMA) Triple Crown award

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BMW OWNERS NEWS  April 2018

David Heusser

which allowed me to count many of those miles for the MOA contest. I started with the USA Four Corners tour and then rode nine of the 15 Best Motorcycle Roads in the USA, which together totaled 14,285 miles.

After that very long ride, I took several weeklong solo rides to complete the remaining six best roads. I then completed the four-day SCMA Three-Flags Classic ride from Canada to Mexico over the Labor Day weekend. Triple Crown goal accomplished!

I ride three BMW bikes including a 2005 R 1200 RT, a 1996 R 1100 RT and a 2013 C 650 GT scooter. While bike problems did

occur, no on-the-road failures required emergency repairs during all the miles ridden during the year. In addition to my BMWs, I also own three Hondas My mileage ridden this year was double my previous high-mileage year. I usually stay in motels and eat in restaurants, and I have noticed more people will come up to me to visit, even more when I’m riding the scooter. My future riding goal will be another Triple Crown award.

Jayne Thompson #80297 First Place Female

I am very happy to be the first-place finisher in the 2017 Summer Mileage Contest.

My husband and I rode very hard in 2017, traveling to 48 of the 50 United States. Our adventures included both pleasure and competitive miles, as we rode across the country looking for Merci Train Boxcars and other bonus locations while competing

in the Love and Merci Grand Tour organized by Team Strange Airheads (teamstrange.com).

This tour idea actually originated with Darryl and me after we visited Fort Indiantown Gap in Jonestown, Pennsylvania, and learned about the Pennsylvania Merci Train Boxcar preserved there. What is the Merci Train? Well, it all started in 1947 when the United States sent 700 train boxcars of relief supplies to the people of France. Most of the goods in those boxcars came from everyday Americans who wanted to do their part to help our allies recover from WWII. In return, in 1949, the

Jayne Thompson

French sent a Merci Train with 49 boxcars containing more than 55,000 gifts back to the United States as a sign of gratitude!

One boxcar from the Merci Train was sent to each of the 48 states and the 49th boxcar was shared between Washington D.C. and the Hawaiian Territory. At last count, 43 of these Merci Train boxcars still exist. In this year’s competition, our mission was to find as many Merci Train Boxcars and obtain photos of each with our tour flag and motorcycle.

After retrieving a list of all the boxcars and their locations, we planned four different routes which took us to 48 states, through deserts, over mountains and from sea to shining sea. We also had many pleasure rides in Pennsylvania and the states

surrounding our home. It was a great year of riding and seeing the beauty in these United States.

I must thank my husband who always plays a huge role in our ride planning, keeping our bikes maintained, and helping to route all our magnificent adventures.

Ride Safe out there

David Hrenchir #121136 Second Place Male

I started riding back in the 1970s when gasoline was predicted to reach $1 a gallon.

“My Lord, who can afford to drive a car at those prices?” I thought.

Living in Las Vegas at the time, I started searching for a motorcycle until I came across a sign that advertised “Learn to ride a motorcycle free, call xxx-xxxx.” I took the class in Vegas, wearing full gear and to this day don’t know what it feels like to ride with the wind blowing through my hair.

I settled on a Kawasaki KZ650 and replaced it with a Yamaha, then five Harleys before making the mistake of testriding a BMW R 1200 GS. Adios HD, hello BMW. While stationed in California, I was offered an opportunity to become a MSF Certified RiderCoach. That was 28 years ago. I recently retired in central Florida, where my wife Stephanie was raised.

Living in Florida, I have yet to find a day that is too hot or too cold that isn’t suitable for riding. It’s just a challenge of wearing the proper gear for the corresponding temperature. I rack up quite a few local miles by running errands, and you learn quickly how many groceries you can pack in your saddlebags.

Technically retired, I still continue to coach MSF classes for those who wish to

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

71

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become licensed-riders or just better riders. I’ve ridden in 49 states, seven Canadian provinces and have yet to find a state that doesn’t have a shortage of RiderCoaches. It’s the perfect job, and there are plenty of openings!

Recent rides contributing to this award include the 100,000-foot ride in Colorado and the Big Dog Adventure ride held in Colorado as well.

Day trips to the Keys with my wife and a ride to Hyder, Alaska, also helped accumulate miles.

I currently have just over 531,000 total miles of motorcycling, with 194,300 on BMWs.

Gail Thorne #94496 Second Place Female

The summer of 2017 was a great one for riding. Since Paul and I sold our business, we have made a point to ride as much as we can. Our travels take us in all directions, but we ride a lot in our home state of Mississippi, from the curvy roads to the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway, which might be a little slow but offers beautiful scenery. Our riding usually just includes the two of us, but we also ride occasionally with good friends who live in southern Florida. Also, our local club has a once a month Ride to Eat which we try to make if we aren’t somewhere else riding.

Most of my riding in 2017 was done on a G 650 GS single; my fourth 650 single. The 650’s really served me well, but at the end of the mileage contest, I traded for a F 700 GS which I really love.

My only problem seems to be that I have too many irons in the fire cutting into my riding time. I maintain several acres of land and raise poultry on a small scale. It isn’t that I don’t have help, but Paul is busy keeping our two motorcycles ready to go, and I wouldn’t be able to ride as much as I do, if not for him.

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BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

I am a little disappointed in my secondplace finish, because I know I can ride more, but like I said, there are other things that get in the way. I am looking forward to another riding season, and I hope to see more of my BMW friends on the road.

Bob Liley #106590 Third Place Male

When I found out I took third place in the 2017 BMW MOA Summer Mileage Contest, I immediately thought about how lucky I’ve been to be able to pursue my passion for riding nearly every day. I love to ride and it’s been that way since I was eight.

Forty-six years later, my love for riding still burns bright.

From ripping around the coal stripmines in my native Pottsville, Pennsylvania, to the Mountain Course on the Isle of Man during an Iron Butt Saddle Sore ride, I’ve been blessed to see the world from the saddle of a bike. I’ve also been blessed to have a sweetheart, Maureen (affectionately known as MoJo) who loves racking up the miles as my pillion, so whenever we get the chance, we’re gone. Add to that fact that I’m a salesman at the best “pure riders” shop in North America, Hermy’s BMW/Triumph in Port Clinton, Pennsylvania, and you have an individual that has achieved moto-nirvana!

2017 was a great year as I successfully completed my fourth Iron Butt Rally, took several riding vacations and commuted nearly 100 miles every day to and from work. The Iron Butt Rally gave me 13,124 miles over 11 days which, when added to several trips on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Daytona, a bunch of rides into western Pennsylvania, upstate New York and more, all added up to just over 36,000 miles.

I’d like to thank the techs, service team and parts professionals at Hermy’s BMW/ Triumph for keeping my mounts rolling. Thanks to my fellow sales associates for being great team players and keeping their sense of humor as I crushed whatever hopes they may have had in trying to top my mileage in 2017 and to Herm and Kris Baver for being the kind of bosses that make the

business side of motorcycles almost as much fun as the riding side.

Muriel Farrington #89517 Third Place Female

I live in White River Junction, Vermont, retired in 2008, and spend some time gardening and volunteering, but mostly I like to ride. I own two BMW F 650 GSs, one is a 2007 single and the other a 2012 twin. I prefer the single for dirt roads and local riding and the twin for trips.

This year I’ve ridden north to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, south to Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, and west and north from Oregon to Vancouver Island. I also rode through a lot of New England and New York, southwest to Oklahoma, and back through Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.

In October of 2016 I reached my 300,000 milestone and wanted to see how far into my next 100,000 I could go because at 76, I wasn’t ready to set 400,000 as my eventual goal. Maybe I will, as I’ve knocked off a 30,000 chunk from that next 100,000.

As usual this year, I’ll follow my front wheel and see where it leads me.

Richard Schmidt #60547 Average Male Rider

After 14 years of walking around on the earth and always wanting to try something new, I figured it was a good time to throw a leg over the side of 1934 Harley Davidson with nothing but a good ole fashioned kick in the pants kick starter. Like most, this became the beginning of the journey.

Through the years I’ve owned many motorcycles. Some had many letters in their name and some with only initials yet all of them have been memorable for one reason or another. My current bikes include a 1998 R 1100 R and 1994 R 100 GSPD Living in Arizona, riding is a year-round option. During my trips I’ve encountered more than a few like-minded souls on two wheels, all grinning inside as they share their desire to move to Arizona and enjoy riding as I do.

Top 25 Male Finishers

I have crisscrossed the country on two wheels using only a paper map and believe if I were using a GPS I could miss the opportunity to involuntarily explore many of the great little finds around me. Some may call that getting lost, recalculating or being temporarily off track, but I believe times like these can be very enlightening and informative.

Ruth Ann Reynen #48142 Average Female Rider

It’s really fun to be named the average female rider; I’m glad my numbers put me up for that award. I live in De Pere, Wisconsin, just a few miles southeast of Lambeau Field and the heart of Packer territory.

I am retired, so in theory that gives me more opportunities to ride my 2008 R 1200 R. My other bike, which I have kept in Europe when my husband and I rode with some friends across Siberia to Germany, is a 2013 F 700 GS. In 2015, we moved those bikes to Spain in preparation for an IMTBike tour to Morocco in 2016. Then, after a 2017 trip through Spain and France to Heidelberg, we shipped those bikes home.

They should arrive early this spring and I’ll then have a choice of wheels.

I’ve been riding since 1988 when my husband gave me a 1983 R 65 LS for my birthday. After putting 10,000 miles on it during that summer, I then took the road test.

Since then I’ve averaged about 9,500 miles a year. The most miles I’ve put on in a sixmonth period came from October 2010 to March 2011 when I rode my G 650 GS more than 18,000 miles on a trip from Wisconsin to Ushuaia, Argentina.

I’m not certain I would have ever bought a bike, but that R 65 LS birthday gift really opened the door to riding my own bike, and I’ve been lucky to travel many miles. Like everyone else who enjoys riding, I hope there are lots more miles to travel in my future.

MOA # Name State Year

194989 David Heusser OR 1996 121136 David Hrenchir FL 2012 106590 Bob Lilley PA 2012 7157 Darrell Penning MN 2016 189844 Terry Mueller IL 2013 59445 Bernhard Bjornsen MT 2013 28159 Donald Walker OH 2014 86999 Pete Noftz WA 2017 47185 Skeeter Kopacek MN 1976 13579 Larry E. Troutman, Sr PA 2015 18816 Taylor Kirchner OH 1995 189412 Warren Brownell DE 2016 51341 Richard Snyder PA 1995 40472 Rich Westcott IL 2004 146023 David Ward PA 2015 20317 Richard Henrion MI 2016 159271 Robert Annandale VA 2016 110496 James Radtke MN 2015 80519 Jeffery Foster NM 2009 83600 Jim Clark FL 2013 129225 Martin Cover MD 2016 89020 Darryl Thompson PA 2017 108471 Philip Graber CA 2010 99781 Dave Hudson SD 2015 110373 Tim Papinchak PA 2015

Bike #1 Model Year

Bike #2 Model

TOTAL MILES

R1100RT 2005 R1200RT R1200GS 2011 F650GS R1200GSA 2016 R1200GSA R1200RS 2012 G650GS K1600GT 2016 R1200RS R1200RT R1200GSWC 2016 R1200GSA R1200GSA 2011 R1200GSA R75/6 1978 R100/7 R1200GSA 2016 R1200GSA R100Mystic 1999 K1200LT R1200GSA R1100GS 1996 K1100RS R1150RXTR 1957 R26 R1200GSA R1200RT R1200RT R1200GSA R1200GSA 2012 R1200GSA R1200GSA K1600GTLE 2016 R1200GSA R1200GSA 2012 R1200GS R1200GS R1200RT 1990 R100GSPD R1200GSWC 1986 R80

43,158 40,545 36,196 33,951 33,648 33,548 33,089 32,444 31,252 30,459 30,413 30,237 30,211 29,989 29,236 28,566 28,237 28,063 27,910 26,980 26,957 26,533 26,318 25,706 25,013

Top 25 Female Finishers

MOA # Name State Year

80297 Jayne Thompson PA 2015 94496 Gail Thorne MS 2014 89517 Muriel Farrington VT 2012 9927 Deb Lower CO 2014 67296 Nancee Musto MN 2017 198389 Sandra Sander PA 2013 140563 Annie Huddy MT 2007 138245 Lisa Hecker MD 2016 126149 Stacey Papinchak PA 2013 176738 Patty Clark MI 2016 202504 Jane Bixby VT 2014 182082 Debbie Gasque SC 1994 145293 Christine Ledezma WI 2004 126912 Mary Begley WI 2005 71278 Linda Babcock CO 2011 143476 Donna Ditlow PA 2012 192235 Judy Mirick WA 2015 146092 Cheryl Laudermilk WA 2009 166938 Deborah Fuentes MI 2013 192087 Annette Linn MN 2012 203335 MK Alpers WA 2012 103826 Peggy Sue Rose IN 2010 200226 Kathy Dean OH 2015 182034 Chris Sjoberg NE 2012 143758 Ursel Willrodt WY 2016

Bike #1 Model Year

Bike #2 Model

R1200GS 2017 R1200GSA G650GS 2017 F700GS F650 2007 F650 R1200GS 2013 F800GT F700GS 2016 R1200R F700GS 2017 F700GS F650GS 2011 F650GS R1200GSA R1200GS 1990 K75S R1200R K1600GT 2018 K1600GTL R1100RS 1994 R1100RS R1150RXTR 2013 F700GS R1200RT R1200RT 2017 R1200GSA F650GS F700GS 2013 G650GS F650GS F700GS F800ST K160GT F650GS R1200GS F650GS R1200GSA April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

TOTAL MILES 26,142 25,253 22,974 21,973 21,195 19,970 19,759 19,095 17,613 17,022 15,930 15,233 14,608 13,998 13,987 13,750 13,576 13,196 12,738 12,661 12,503 11,792 11,371 11,043 10,956

73

mileagecontest

U.S.

21736 Joe Nesselroth 2001 R1100S 2009 F800GS 12,799 176107 Gary Richter 2011 R1200GSA 12,577 32167 Dennis Pink 2007 R1200RT 10,462 199059 Donald Landreth 2004 R1150RT 9,313 195464 Roman Soshin 2013 R1200RT 9,194 173517 Randy Bishop 2004 R1150GS 9,182 ALABAMA - 4 Finishers 97005 Donna McInerney 2007 R1200GS 8,317

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 117080 Jeffrey Wood 2014 R1200RT 7,274 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 177655 Jon Montano 2009 R1200GSA 2008 R1200RT 7,044 40300 Paul McClain 2012 K1600GT 2006 R1200GS 14,893 100083 Greg DeWit 2007 R1200GS 1973 R75/5 6,905 110423 Michael Greenwood 2006 K1200GT 13,136 149103 Hudson Philips 2015 R1200GS 6,644 84761 Thomas Werstler 2013 K1600GTLTrike 11,574 139500 Mike Zablocki 2002 R1150R 1974 R60/6 6,145 42184 Michael Waybright 2005 R1200RT 9,570 35271 David Peterson 1999 R1100RT 6,031

49,173 129644 Moe Klein 1984 R100RSE 2012 R1200RT 4,815 ALASKA - 1 Finisher 99565 Richard Smith 2009 F800GS 3,545

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 89021 Cheryl Tomlinson 2014 R1200RT 2,924 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 128177 Curtis Thomas 2004 R1150GS 1,772 25138 Dowglas Caldwell 2013 F800GT 1985 R80RT 14,483 118621 Troy Corrigan 2004 R1150GSA 2004 R1150GSA 1,515

14,483 51282 Edward Russell 1985 K100 1991 R100GS 778 ARIZONA - 12 Finishers 111135 Siggi Pflumm 2006 F650GS 2005 R1200RT 521

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL

236,549 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES CONNECTICUT - 7 Finishers 185857 James Elliott 2012 K1600GTL 1975 R90S 14,259

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 58537 Deryle Mehrten 2008 K1200GT 2002 K1200RS 12,963 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 131796 Michael Shaffer 2014 R1200RT 10,136 19607 Greg Anderson 1991 K100RS 1992 K100RS 17,513 172496 Ray Blecker 2015 R1200GS 9,601 175611 Jeff Winnick 1983 R80RT 1998 R1200C 11,782 110283 John Kersh 2008 R1200RT 1997 R1100GS 9,480 67986 Robert Horn 1971 R60/5 9,123 60547 Richard Lee Schmidt 1998 R1100R 1994 R100GSPD 9,239 10766 Ron Dilaurenzio 1993 K75RT 6,409 62287 Angie Brennan 2004 K1200RS 2007 F800ST 6,892 191686 Palmer & Cathy Lathrop2005 R1200GS 2005 R1200RT 5,752 38304 Stephen Cantrill 2016 R1200RS 6,099 172133 Timothy Parola 2017 R1200RT 1994 K1100LT 4,161 34477 Shelley Hogan 2008 F800ST 5,412 32803 Beth Kemmer 1987 K75C 1997 F650 1,643 87816 Sharron Zoyhofski 2014 F700GS 4,944

56,383 94648 Bob Still 2014 R1200GSA 3,936 DELAWARE - 3 Finishers 110196 Bern Juracka 2002 R1150RT 777

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL

93,738 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES ARKANSAS - 2 Finishers 189412 Warren Brownell 2016 R1200GSA 30,237

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 124289 James Sterling 2016 R1200RT 3,920 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 119405 Douglas Bennett 2001 R1150GSPD 3,787 39280 Wally Melik 2013 R1200RT 12,330

37,944 62350 Pattie Melik 2013 R1200R 9,830 FLORIDA - 16 Finishers

22,160

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL CALIFORNIA - 15 Finishers MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 121136 David Hrenchir 2012 R1200GS 2011 F650GS 40,545 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 83600 Jim Clark 2013 R1200GSA 26,980 108471 Philip Graber 2010 R1200GS 26,318 203033 Mike Ripper 2015 K1600GTLE 24,371 25244 Dave McQueeney 2013 R1200R 2002 R1150R 23,000 115872 Frank Brown 2016 R1200R 2016 R1200RT 20,866 26224 Fulton Martin 2008 R1200GS 18,402 161517 Paul Knight 2015 R1200GSA 19,791 99616 Peter Perrin 2000 R1150GS 2016 K1600GT 17,380 100522 Dan Carbone 2009 R1200RT 16,067 205186 Paul Stark 2015 R1200RT 14,030 24076 Marty Pegelow 2015 R1200GS 10,974 113211 Dale McNeely Jr 1985 Ursula 2003 Greda 8,355 92589 Bernhard Echt 2007 R1200RT 9,943 42793 Larry Rochellle 2017 R1200GSA 7,661 100862 Robert Hiday 2013 R1200GS 2011 F800GS 8,605 184503 Ted Viers 2014 R1200RT 7,433 147535 John Adams 2006 K1200S 2012 K1300SHP 7,652 110762 Marv Lewis 1999 K1200LT 1983 R80ST 6,009 180576 Al Wilson 2012 F650GS 5,762 34496 Mark Lawless 2016 R1200RS 4,961 13981 Victor Commune 2015 R1200RT 1974 R90S 5,599 137129 Lynn Fowler 2014 F800GT 3,378 112343 Christine Hiday 2013 F700GS 2013 F700GS 4,054 158163 Don Strand 2014 K1600GT 2,964 6990 Frederick Christ 2015 R1200GSA 2017 R1200GSA 2,578 129629 William Lopez-Hertan 2005 R1150R 1,255 108474 Will McHardy 2016 K1600GT 2,248 108765 Charlene McLauchlan 2012 F800GS 779 61047 Roger Doyle 2002 R1150R 1992 R100R 2,114 48882 Gino Fortunato 1987 K75T 583

208,149

142,508 GEORGIA - 4 Finishers COLORADO - 26 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 128540 Larry Everett 2016 R1200RT 2008 R1200GS 24,829 114169 Stan Herman 2012 F800GS 2016 R1200GSA 23,183 194565 Boerge Deist 2014 R1200GS 12,993 9927 Deb Lower 2014 R1200GS 2013 F800GT 21,973 140425 Ian Scobie 1992 K75RT 2002 F650GSPD 97004 Mike McInerney 2016 R1200GSA 18,627 11,326 137737 Paul Dewhurst 2012 K1600GT 17,057 83834 Maurice Kornreich 2012 F650GS 6,227 71278 Linda Babcock 2011 R1200RT 2017 R1200GSA 13,987

55,375 6599 Jay Kuhns 2007 K1200GT 13,965

All Finishers by State

74

BMW OWNERS NEWS  April 2018

HAWAII - 2 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 121009 Danny Graham 2006 R1200RT 2012 K1600GT 17,921 197 191448 Margaret Tafoya-Migliori 2015 R1200R

18,118 ILLINOIS - 38 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 189844 Terry Mueller 2013 K1600GT 2016 R1200RS 33,648 40472 Rich Westcott 2004 R1150RXTR 1957 R26 29,989 29325 Jim Rostron 2015 R1200RT 2006 R1200RT 23,990 122465 Robert Meana 1995 R100GSPD 2009 R1200GSA 16,735 85808 Richard Patenaude 2015 R1200GSA 10,816 144873 Ron Winter 1979 R100/7 2002 K1200LT 10,764 124409 Mark Ragogna 2013 K1600GTL 10,163 170608 Kirk Johnson 2000 K1200LT 10,110 68908 John Lange 2015 R1200RT 2015 S1000RR 8,122 116100 James McNutt 1984 R80RT 2010 R1200R 8,036 93674 Nicholas Schmutte 2016 K1600GTL 8,024 129372 Jerry Beatty 2007 R1200RT 7,302 156361 Jim Leistra 2009 R1200RT 7,299 82467 Jay Green 2012 R1200GS 7,062 134096 Jeffrey Fink 2003 R1150GS 2011 F800GS 6,822 200014 Thomas Liao 2011 R1200R 6,621 68813 Ronald Allen 2015 R1200GSAWC 6,495 104733 Robert Zwahlen 1978 R100S 1993 K1100LT 6,465 153542 Kent Meyer 2015 R1200GSA 6,315 88486 Robert Miller 2014 R1200RT 5,923 167558 Georg Thut 2012 R1200R 5,209 133834 Patrick McCormick 1984 R80RT 2014 C650GT 5,119 109426 Earl Esders 2014 F700GS 5,066 70444 Barbara Allen 2015 R1200GS 4,829 191926 Jim Heberling 2013 R1200GSA 3,789 152531 Dan Wittry 2012 K1600GTL 3,336 65436 Edward Gullo 2011 R1200RT 2,855 124843 John Mieckowski 2004 K1200RS 2,806 19464 Jim Olson 2005 R1150GS 1988 R100GS 2,739 182100 Darla Meyer 2009 R1200GS 2,585 194617 Ronald Pawelko 1974 R60/6 2013 F700GS 2,379 129317 Jim Tonyan 2002 K1200LT 2002 K1200LT 2,367 132272 Ted Harms 2005 R1200RT 1971 R60/5 2,280 97060 Larry Scalzitti 2001 R1200C 2002 R1150GSA 2,097 74027 Gary Herberger 2007 K1200GT 2011 R1200RT 1,918 30765 Steve W. Alwerdt 1995 R1100RSL 1,631 128124 Kevin Thomas 2006 K1200GT 1,390 120874 Eric Hasselberg 2014 R1200RT 1,270

284,366 INDIANA - 24 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 205608 Thomas Brentlinger 2015 K1600GTL 2014 R1200GSA 18,305 41040 Brian Findlay 1990 K75S 1983 R80RT 16,030 103979 Robert Conley 2014 R1200RT 1982 R100CS 13,581 80946 Harold Paterson 2016 S1000XR 12,858 20941 Wayne Garrison 2014 F700GS 12,072 103826 Peggy Sue Rose 2010 F650GS 11,792 205222 Lisa Gilbreath 2016 S1000XR 10,709 73731 Dennis Shelley 2012 K1600GT 2016 R1200GS 9,559 83416 Rob Litavecz 2014 R1200RT 8,363 204739 Donald Phelps 1998 R1100RS 8,284 108545 Galen Reinholt 2011 R1200RT 8,222 189804 Richard Snodgress 2009 R1200GS 6,328 37304 Andy Fountain 2010 R1200RT 1981 R100RS 6,237 70691 Richard Greene 2011 R1200GS 6,041 189323 Lina Rifai 2016 R1200R 5,803 26875 Kevin Largura 1999 R1100RT 2005 F650GSA 5,526 94198 Jeff Kernen 2007 K1200GT 2009 R1200GS 4,552 92560 Richard Hansen 2009 K1200LT 3,829

195892 Joseph Hochderffer 2001 R1100RT 2011 R1200GS 2,677 121752 Jim Pugh 2011 R1200RT 2014 F700GS 2,596 189945 Doug Johnson 1998 R1100RT 2,591 135330 Andrew Clark 2010 K1300GT 2,553 50785 James Thatcher 2009 R1200R 2,256 193476 Charles Goddard 2000 R1100RT 1,561

182,325 IOWA - 10 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 58995 George Akins 2011 R1200GS 17,999 69767 Steve Martin 2011 R1200RT 12,659 110139 Robert Rye 2009 R1200RT 11,407 80457 Joe O’Connor 1995 R100RT 2006 R1200RT 10,217 200615 Roger Howland 2012 K1200LT 9,628 127768 Peter Schmitz 2009 R1200GS 2016 S1000XR 5,577 89264 Tom Zirbel 2016 R1200RT 4,662 64332 James A. Lange 2004 R1150GS 2000 K1200LT 4,547 9162 Chuck Swenson 2010 R1200RT 1,345 164566 Dennis Boehme 1997 R1100RT 849

78,890 KANSAS - 1 Finisher

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 85371 Rob Lessen 2014 R1200RT 4,556

4,556 KENTUCKY - 2 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 102452 John “Traveln” Lang 2015 R1200GS 12,789 34713 Lowell Roark 2011 R1200GS 2009 R1200RT 1,311

14,100 LOUISIANA - 1 Finisher

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 42562 Thomas Zeringue 2012 K1600GTL 5,395

5,395 MAINE - 4 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 73527 David Eskelund 1999 R1100RT 1995 K75A 7,377 100191 Phillip Jones 2014 R1200RT 5,101 194741 Sarah Quantance 2007 F650GS 3,912 192772 David Stone 2013 F800GT 3,016

19,406 MARYLAND - 5 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 129225 Martin Cover 2016 K1600GTLE 2016 R1200GSA 26,957 138245 Lisa Hecker 2016 R1200GSA 19,095 91753 Scott Davis 2000 R1150GS 2013 K1600GTL 9,392 160295 Bob Hafenmair 2004 R1150RT 8,555 68961 George Criswell 2010 R1200RT 4,142

68,141 MASSACHUSETTS - 7 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 106179 Bob Ryan 2015 R1200GS 21,410 131700 Wallace French 2011 K1300S 21,026 29818 Ed Pedi 2017 R1200RT 14,155 82395 Larry Marquis 2009 R1200RT 1980 R100RS 11,260 78656 Arthur Schwope 1991 K100RS 6,009 97786 Mark MacRae 2002 R1150RA 2004 R1150RTP 4,857 203981 Gordon Winston 2013 K1600GT 4,839

83,556

MICHIGAN - 55 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 20317 Richard Henrion 2016 R1200RT 28,566 211946 Rodney Williams 2015 K1600GT 22,132 1505 Raymond Melosh 1991 R100RT 1995 R100RT 21,740 196631 Steve Miller 2016 R1200GSA 18,478 5245 Stephen Reese 2010 K1300S 1974 R90S 18,470 176942 Don R Clark 2016 R1200GS 17,126 176738 Patty Clark 2016 R1200R 17,022 135147 Eric Wilson 2016 R1200RT 16,607 106908 Phillip Thick 2006 K1200LT 2013 K1600GTL 16,402 91268 Thomas Gary 2012 K1600GTL 2009 R1200GSA 14,742 42362 Jerome Lubbers 2015 R1200GSA 1992 R100RT 14,655 60447 Jim Weber 2016 R1200GSA 14,601 176814 Gilbert Fuentes 2012 R1200R 2016 R1200R 14,279 113105 Philip Nellis 2013 R1200RT 14,029 77408 Michael Hankinson 1994 K75 1993 K75S 13,433 166938 Deborah Fuentes 2013 F700GS 12,738 44719 David Allgood 2011 R1200RT 2010 F800GS 12,660 52941 Gary L. Pothoff 1996 R1100RT 1999 K1200LT 11,187 140340 Eric Daniels 2005 K1200LT 11,126 149080 Scott Auer 2013 R1200RT 10,860 197111 Bill Harlan 2006 R1200RT 2017 Loaner 9,566 102640 Mike Hart 2013 R1200GS 9,377 39316 Rhys B. Blair 2018 K1600B 2013 K1600GTL 8,919 61249 Rich Yerman 2014 R1200RT 1978 R100/7 8,904 159037 Jake Berzkalns 2003 R1150GS 2006 R1200RT 8,899 15967 Robert Hicks 2009 R1200GS 8,617 128445 Bob Swanson 2013 F800GT 8,377 91091 Richard Wilder 2009 R1200GSA 2012 G650S 8,277 108477 Burton Jones 2016 R1200GSA 7,821 147020 Robert Hayes 2004 R1150RT 2003 K1200LT 7,786 188906 Andrea Chappell 2013 F800R 6,847 5167 Mark Schantz 2013 K1600GTL 6,513 119008 Gary Stroup 1999 K1200LT 6,229 70 Dick Hautau 2004 R1150RT 5,994 20650 James Mitton 2012 F800ST 5,922 163995 Roger Van Dan Brink 2004 R1150RT 5,692 138876 Kourtney Thompson 2010 R1200RT 5,592 98372 Tracy Sisco 2009 R1200RT 2003 R1200CLC 5,387 124165 Chip Hurley 2002 R1150RT 2006 K1200GT 4,951 161353 Kent Niederhofer 2009 K1300S 4,483 92885 Stanley Shirey 2009 K1200LT 4,479 128677 Tim White 2003 R1150RT 2012 K1600GT 4,372 79553 Roy Spens 2001 K1200LT 4,339 16680 George Yosin 2017 R1200RT 2009 G650GS 4,288 46251 Melvin E. Lehner 2003 K1200LTTrike 1982 R100RT 4,125 98347 James Sisco 2012 K1600GT 2004 R1200C 3,770 185208 Philip Borkholder 2002 R1150GSA 3,733 102193 Judy Monson 1992 R100RS 3,591 5638 Lloyd Elmer 1992 K75RT 3,248 57521 Fred Openlander 1994 R100RT 2,504 92040 Norma Elmer 2000 R1200C 2,210 9947 Paul Eisenhauer 2002 R1150RTP 2,171 199746 Bruce Urbanski 2000 R1150GS 1,730 50868 Robert Higgins 1976 R75/6 1973 R80/5 1,092 75914 Stephen Cridler 1996 R1100GSA 1

510,659 MINNESOTA - 84 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 7157 Darrell Penning 2016 R1200RS 2012 G650GS 33,951 47185 S keeter Kopacek 1976 R75/6 1978 R100/7 31,252 110496 James Radtke 2015 R1200GSA 28,063 136582 Daniel Maki 2005 R1200RT 2007 R1200GSA 21,986 67297 Jeff Oden 2012 R1200GS 2011 R1200GS 21,310 67296 Nancee Musto 2017 F700GS 2016 R1200R 21,195 78926 George Doughty 2017 R1200GSA 1993 R100GSPD 21,035

67422 Jerald Heinrich 197614 Larry Ripplinger 206723 Mike Heitkamp 408 Jack Weidenbach 86515 Jim Lescenske 48764 Wallace Heinrich 198432 Steven Deglmann 85387 Tim Born 192087 Annette Linn 201338 James Logan 46567 Tim Frederick 95628 Lewis Marshall 123492 Norine McVam 102355 Vicki Breese 115228 Patrick Corrigan 109596 Scott Hellzen 171711 Michael Weaver 46287 Milo Bjerke 11317 Doug Dokken 131743 Daniel Reese 59163 Jason Olson 106436 Adam Benedix 9064 Kevin Streeter 130908 Michael Neal 134867 Chad Lund 51902 Tim Nouis 89692 Perry Linn 150400 Thom Tieck 129333 Steven Handeland 200666 Kenneth Farr 88319 Nelson Gebben 212078 Keith Ferrin 18302 Larry L. Hawes 50299 Don Shinkle 102846 Beth Forristall 211981 Allen Peterson 142449 Thom Nolan 92043 Curtis Henry 60675 Jamie Jensen 41913 Ted Williams 8950 Barry Nelson 155274 Ricard Luoma 6590 Charles W. Coons 179885 Mark Hawes 196827 Scott Beck 197544 Glen Bloomstrom 212452 Stace Larson 201846 David Perrault 22124 David Koch 91714 Greg Anderson 131494 Bob Adamek 34400 Annette Schroeder 178982 William Schafer 196461 Carl Rowson 166871 Tim Clifford 117956 Thomas Erdmann 147960 David Christianson 145886 Samuel Halgren 197868 Greg Fetter 193657 Chuck Banks 148171 Chris Zimmerman 204665 Timothy Schwartz 27994 Karol Patzer 196809 Scott Blixt 180068 Larry Fraser 56676 Dale Peterson 132462 Bohdan Stepchuk 183018 J Dan Elasky 173498 John Tomlinson

2017 F700GS 2010 G650GS 20,611 2004 K1200RS 2007 F650GS 18,087 2015 R1200GSA 17,970 2016 R1200GSA 2013 F800R 17,800 2010 R1200R 2010 R1200RT 15,567 2006 R1200GS 2012 R1200GS 15,236 2016 R1200RT 14,004 1987 K100LT 12,971 2012 F800ST 12,661 2013 K1600GTL 2007 R1200GSA 11,037 2013 K1600GTL 10,889 2015 R1200RT 2018 K1600B 10,201 2016 R1200RT 10,183 2016 C650Sport 2013 R1200GS 10,138 2014 R1200RT 9,414 2007 R1200RT 2003 K1200RS 9,075 2001 R1150GS 8,970 2016 R1200GSA 1993 K1100RS 8,559 2014 R1200GSA 2013 G650GS 8,524 1977 R100S 2004 R1100S 8,345 2005 R1200GS 8,308 2013 K1600GTL 2016 K1600GTLE 8,262 2016 R1200GSA 8,222 2007 R1200RT 8,185 2013 R1200GS 2003 R1150GS 8,174 2005 R1200GS 8,170 2012 K1600GTL 7,905 1995 K75S 7,901 1975 R60/6 1984 R80RT 7,576 2003 K1200LT 2013 K1600GTL 7,380 2013 K1600GT 1995 K1100RS 7,316 2004 R1150GS 7,205 1988 R100RT 1999 R1100RT 7,039 1987 K100RT 1984 R100RT 6,868 2009 R1200GS 6,849 2016 S1000XR 6,538 1974 R90/6 1991 R100GSPD 6,269 2002 R1150RT 1992 R100GS 6,248 2013 K1600GTL 6,210 2014 K1600GTL 6,199 2008 R1200RT 6,193 2016 R1200RT 1973 R60/5 6,020 1993 R100R 2005 F650GS 5,711 2006 R1100RT 5,706 2002 K1200LT 5,632 2008 R1200GSA 2005 F650 5,505 2016 R1200RT 5,400 2014 R1200GS 5,317 2014 R1200RT 5,275 2013 R1200GSWC 5,012 2015 R1200RT 4,996 2002 F650GS 4,987 2012 K1600GT 4,887 2013 C650GT 4,667 2014 K1600GT 2014 R9T 4,113 2008 R1200RT 2001 R1200CM 4,061 2008 R1200GS 1972 R75/5 4,045 2008 K1200GT 3,923 2015 F800ST 3,815 2001 K1200LTC 3,743 2001 R1200C 3,733 2004 R1150RT 3,486 2012 F800GS 2007 R1200GS 3,481 2011 R1200GSA 3,422 2009 K1200LT 3,170 2014 F700GS 2,538 2002 R1150GSA 2,448 2008 K1200GT 2,018 2010 G650GS 1,781

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

75

mileagecontest

196786 Carla Adamek 2013 F800GT 1,729 132240 Joel Howard 1985 R80RT 2007 F800ST 1,681 18303 Mary Hawes 1991 K75 1988 K75C 1,323 194815 Steven Marsolek 2002 R1150RT 1,291 200666 Robin Asfeld 2008 K1200LT 1,194 67275 Ed Hampe 2016 R1200GS 1,100 179896 Linda Allen 2011 G650GS 691 197851 Bob Bies 2009 K1200LT 561

710,513 MISSISSIPPI - 2 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 94496 Gail Thorne 2014 G650GS 2017 F700GS 25,253 124273 David Smith 2015 R1200RT 16,024

41,277 MISSOURI - 9 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 157136 Steve Elliott 2012 K1600GT 18,207 39352 Jeff Ackerman 2015 R1200GSA 1995 K75wSC 12,908 72768 David Anderson 2015 R1200GSA 10,104 94628 Fielding Childress 2015 R1200GSA 9,669 72544 Kim Ireland 2016 K1600GTL 2009 R1100RT 7,011 152008 Bob Bond 1999 R1100R 2010 R1200GS 6,455 15225 Phil Sulfstede 2012 R1200GS 1990 R100RT 6,414 195135 Kenneth Heyer 2016 R1200GSWC 2,358 39353 Mary Ackerman 1995 K75RTwSC 363

73,489 MONTANA - 8 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 59445 Bernhard Bjornsen 2013 R1200RT 33,548 140563 Annie Huddy 2007 F650GS 2011 F650GS 19,759 65695 Mike Meredith 2010 F800ST 12,049 123908 Eugene Allard 2005 R1200RT 7,460 174257 Christopher Keyes 1997 R1100RT 1999 F650F 5,314 15230 Kim Lemke 1988 K100RS 1977 R75/7 4,716 26875 Richard French 2013 F800GS 4,252 200486 John Webster 2002 K1200LT 3,969

91,067 NEBRASKA - 12 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 162336 Michael Sjoberg 2010 R1200GSA 12,881 117390 Cliff Sawyer 2015 R1200R 11,522 182034 Chris Sjoberg 2012 F650GS 11,043 68401 David Bruner 2000 K1200LT 1974 R90/6 10,252 115367 John Sinclair 2016 F800GT 2009 F800ST 10,213 212164 Mark Stephenson 2016 S1000XR 9,300 150502 Rick Harvey 2014 R1200GSA 8,292 167073 Mike Kerby 2010 G1200GSA 6,890 32462 David Ruffner 1975 R90/6 1977 R100/7 6,759 110521 James Nyffeler 2010 F800GS 2004 R1150R 5,196 143267 Francis Geiger 2008 R1200RT 4,400 56299 Daniel Ruffner 1991 R100RT 1983 R65 2,247

98,995 NEVADA - 8 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 108441 Raymond Graber 2005 R1200GS 24,579 146373 Grant Kapteyn 2014 R1200RT 9,775 105940 Douglas Laird 2008 K1200LT 2016 R1200GSA 7,582 8864 Scott McKay 2007 F800ST 1994 R1100RS 6,107 200336 Marc Sykes 2014 R1200GS 5,346 143767 Scott Hilbert 2007 R1200S 2014 R1200GSA 3,601 18986 Jerry Bumps 2015 F700GS 3,335 148945 Natalie Hilbert 2008 F800ST 2009 G650GS 98

60,423

76

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

NEW HAMPSHIRE - 7 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 79994 Harry Pendexter 1994 R1100RS 1996 R1100R 7,302 205864 Roy Kjendal 2015 K1600GTL 2016 K1600GTL 5,296 172879 Susan Stanley 2009 F650GS 3,580 143452 Neal Socha 2009 R1200GS 2004 R1150RS 3,567 109561 Andy Travnicek 2000 R1200C 2015 R1200GSA 3,145 127549 Douglas Fahlbeck 2014 R1200GSAWC 2,558 81455 Cole Mills 1997 R1100RA 1975 R60/6 153

25,601 NEW JERSEY - 12 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 88147 Roger Trendowski 2014 F800GSA 15,028 51993 John Strickland 2015 F800GT 11,580 164962 Steven Adell 2004 R1200CL 8,752 60249 Reno A. Del Ben 1993 K75 2017 R1200GS 6,422 122798 Rick Mickles 2012 R1200RT 5,728 119613 Michael Smith 2004 R1150GS 4,048 116486 Robert Smith 1998 R1200C 3,712 181233 Bill Metz 2013 R1200RT 2,505 138382 John Slater 2011 R1200GS 1,615 165880 Rich Berman 2007 R1200GS 1,558 179775 Kriste Delane 2016 G650GT 1,536 110128 Blair Meiser 2013 K1600GT 1,366

63,850

100674 Scott Norman 1996 K1100RS 1980 R65 2,306 110602 Brian Young 2002 R1150GSA 2,116 104470 Edward Gray 2011 R1200R 2,115 33211 Richard Cockman 1978 R80/7 2,111

122,117 NORTH DAKOTA - 8 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 132429 Scott Wagner 1992 R100RT 1995 R1100GS 10,523 144330 Rob Keller 2014 R1200GSWC 10,313 42335 Greg Glur 2006 R1200RT 1982 R65LS 10,100 162129 Thomas Trenbeath 2005 R1200GS 2012 R1200R 8,745 96353 Myron Scott 2001 R1100R 2009 R1200RT 7,721 55992 Delmer Dyk 2003 K1200LT 1983 R65 5,930 61911 Larry Puppe 1994 K1100LT 1991 K75 1,251 27037 Kent Streibel 2010 R1200RT 449

55,032

OHIO - 35 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 28159 Donald Walker 2014 R1200GSWC 2016 R1200GSA 33,089 18816 Taylor Kirchner 1995 R100Mystic 1999 K1200LT 30,413 78584 John Frick 2016 R1200RT 23,416 171564 Jim Kieding 2016 R1200GSA 2016 S1000XR 22,309 87594 Joseph Svites 2011 R1200GSA 2007 R1200RT 15,022 209088 Bob Bruntkowski 2000 R1100S 2016 R1200R 12,693 47040 Karl Hoffman 1995 K1100RS 2002 K1200RS 12,060 NEW MEXICO - 3 Finishers 130717 Richard McCoy 2007 K1200LT 11,976

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 76104 Randy Merrow 1999 K1200LT 2012 R1200RT 11,724 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 200226 Kathy Dean 2015 R1200GS 11,371 80519 Jeffery Foster 2009 R1200GSA 2012 R1200GSA 27,910 73302 Kent Ringstmeier 2012 K1600GTL 1988 K75S 10,963 94370 Jim Gross 2014 K1600GLT 2017 Rental 9,868 98325 Jim Lasley 2004 R1150GSA 1981 R80GS 10,186 157644 Jack Dannenbert 2011 R1200GS 1,749 109602 Paul Koontz 2003 K1200LT 2012 R1200GSA 10,007

39,527 59517 Neil Jones 2015 R1200RT 9,686 90817 Stephen Cox 2016 R1200GSA 9,123 NEW YORK - 16 Finishers 55920 Karen Cox 2015 F700GS 8,841

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 200915 Sandi Valois 2015 R1200GS 8,473 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 77611 Randy Gabriel 2010 K1300GT 8,150 153920 Marcel Bialt 2016 K1600GT 20,784 52893 Randall Beecham 1997 K1100LT 2002 R1150GS 7,312 11558 Wayne Edkin 2005 K1200LT 1974 R60/6 20,195 29658 Mike Sikora 2016 R1200RS 7,190 11223 Josh Ascher 2009 R1200R 2000 R1150GS 19,699 108670 Henning Carlsen 2005 R1200RT 1976 R90S 7,138 52718 Robert Wunder 2015 R1200GSA 1994 K1100LT 17,980 116634 Abby Merrow 2006 R1200RT 2015 F700GS 6,494 27208 Ray McKenna 1978 R100S 1984 R80ST 13,251 82849 Roger Pivonka 2008 K1200GT 2017 F700GS 5,141 41897 Lee C. Hutson 1987 R80RT 1983 R100RSwSC 12,249 200248 Barry Spencer 2004 K1200GT 5,048 31479 Bruce Gallagher 2013 R1200RT 2015 F800GSA 12,166 57286 Donna Petrow 1996 K1100LT 2004 K1200GT 4,184 171805 Jan Moolenschot 2007 K1200LT 2011 R1200GS 12,048 62373 Jerry Riha 1975 R75/6 2002 R1150R 3,766 135798 Edward Gawarecki 2007 F800ST 2009 K1300GT 11,683 200251 Dennis Hudson 1999 K1200LT 3,565 197538 Bill Taylor 1992 K75RT 2014 R1150RT 11,504 40584 John Bebout 2016 R1200RT 3,505 132598 Herb Franklin 1982 R100 1990 K75 11,037 141355 Mary Riha 2003 R1150R 3,263 58851 Clyde Wells 1976 R90S 1978 R100SwSC 11,007 122322 Howard Schisler 2009 K1200LT 2012 F650GS 3,203 5703 Larry Wilson 2000 K1200LT 1993 K1100LT 9,390 112904 Paul Mitchell 2000 K1200LTC 3,148 168183 Paul Springer 2012 K1600GTL 7,037 36610 Lawrence Arnold 2003 K1200LT 1985 K100RT 2,386 188307 George Richardson 2017 F700GS 6,646 107662 Robert Gibbs 2003 K1200GT 974 115454 Gregory Storey 2004 R1150RT 4,147 189978 Zig Laczko 2012 F650GS 328

200,823 299 Mike Todd 1977 R75/7 40 NORTH CAROLINA - 15 Finishers

326,187

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL OKLAHOMA - 7 Finishers MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 131087 John Beamer 2004 R1150RT 2007 F650GS 21,106 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 83903 Michael Stock 2001 R1100RT 1984 R100 19,298 146027 Dwight Olson 2012 K1600GTL 2006 F650GS 16,261 101132 Mike McSwain 2001 R1150GS 1995 K1100LT 15,624 190357 Ghent Hopkins 2014 R1200GSA 11,520 242 Paul Beaver 2013 C650GT 1986 K100RT 10,434 122559 Greg Cunningham 2000 K1200LT 7,827 79291 Dan Hoots 2016 R1200GS 9,257 186498 Tom Williams 2015 R1200RT 7,047 101719 Debby Hoots 2014 R1200GS 7,550 47205 Kendall Smith 2008 R1200R 6,434 166203 Don Boyd 2014 F800GS 7,507 94422 James “Bob” Gillispie 2001 R1150GS 2016 R1200GS 4,034 128495 Michael Blotzer 2014 R1200RT 6,628 7998 James Firestone 2007 K1200GT 37 98770 Scott Prochaska 2015 R1200GS 5,941

53,160 101844 Jan Prochaska 2013 F700GS 5,374 136942 Mickey Mantel

2007 R1200RT

2007 R1200GSA 4,750

OREGON - 9 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 194989 David Heusser 1996 R1100RT 2005 R1200RT 43,158 148075 Chris Henry 2016 R1200GSA 14,285 108366 Leon Brunken 2007 R1200RT 10,316 173746 Larry Smith 2014 R9T 2006 R1200RT 9,711 126884 Clarence Story 2002 K1200LT 8,040 12967 Steve Woodward 2009 R1200RT 2000 R1150GS 6,231 90113 David Peterson 2003 R1150RT 1999 R1100GS 6,050 167133 Brad Sitton 2014 R1200GSA 2,301 91814 Jackie Brunken 2004 R1150RT 1,715

101,807 PENNSYLVANIA - 69 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 106590 Bob Lilley 2012 R1200GSA 2016 R1200GSA 36,196 13579 Larry E. Troutman, Sr 2015 R1200GSA 2016 R1200GSA 30,459 51341 Richard Snyder 1 995 R1100GS 1996 K1100RS 30,211 146023 David Ward 2015 R1200GSA 29,236 89020 Darryl Thompson 2017 R1200GSA 2012 R1200GS 26,533 80297 Jayne Thompson 2015 R1200GS 2017 R1200GSA 26,142 110373 Tim Papinchak 2015 R1200GSWC 1986 R80 25,013 198389 Sandra Sander 2013 F700GS 2017 F700GS 19,970 148120 John Churico 2016 R1200GS 2009 K1200LT 19,816 126149 Stacey Papinchak 2013 R1200GS 1990 K75S 17,613 42411 Jim Ditlow 2008 R1200GSA 1993 R100GSPD 17,256 88715 Leland Junge 2014 R9T 2016 R1200GSA 15,240 49851 Dick Lins 2013 R1200RT 1993 R100GSPD 15,224 98722 Gene Van Essendelft 2002 R1200C 2001 F650GS 15,061 14629 Terence Hamill 1971 R75/5 1987 K100RS 14,610 46091 James Bauer 2012 K1600GT 2005 R1200RT 14,203 143476 Donna Ditlow 2012 F650GS 13,750 87002 James Robinson 1996 K1100RS 2004 R1150GSA 13,641 160199 Phil Heisey 2010 R1200RT 2016 R1200RT 13,415 190459 Matt Blistan 2015 K1600GTLE 12,668 135581 Brian Lamborn 2005 F650CSA 1988 R100RT 12,508 76799 Jason Kaplitz 2016 R1200GS 12,036 100456 Douglas Raymond 2002 R1150RT 2011 R1200GSA 11,732 67897 J ohn Gehr 2016 S1000XR 2014 R1200GS 10,966 132926 Erin Hoxie 2002 R1150R 10,031 124758 Laura Blake 2010 R1200R 9,478 43352 Ed Kneller 1997 R1100GS 1992 R100GS 9,172 120394 Bruce Davis 2016 R1200RT 8,814 31455 Edward Tatters 2002 K1200LT 1985 K100RTwSC 8,617 101913 Rick Sorensen 2011 R1200GSA 8,547 105151 Ken Osiecki 2013 F800GS 7,659 30937 Jim Fortney 2002 R1150GS 1963 R60/2 7,567 146516 Angelika Haviland 2008 R1200R 2011 F650GS 7,557 207519 Dan Allen 2010 R1200GSA 7,353 12012 James Bauman 2015 R1200GS 1981 R100RS 7,298 95722 Linda Sorensen 2010 R1200GS 6,953 202295 Christopher Derosa 2011 R1200RT 6,802 113752 Tony Karas 2011 R1200GSA 6,707 98617 Rich Nagy 2008 R1200GS 1998 R100GS 6,132 102670 Joe Babkowski 2013 R1200RT 2003 K1200LTC 5,604 124757 Dwight Blake 2006 R1200RT 2004 R1150R 5,550 188751 Karl Best 2013 R1200GSWC 1976 R90/6 5,527 8285 Brett Gilbert 2008 R1200R 5,525 42863 William B. Fox 2016 R1200RS 5,231 93091 Parker Bartley 2011 S100RR 5,041 103576 Scott Fillman 2002 R1150GS 4,423 73367 Steven Silberman 2015 R1200GSA 4,224 40176 Gregg Moser 2009 F650GS 3,693 50619 Beth Ann Brady 1994 R1100RSL 1997 F650ST 3,623 52672 Fritz Spokas 2016 R1200GSWC 3,538 146 Dan Rudert 2016 C650S 3,462 188532 Rick Horst 2004 R1150RT 3,389 193011 Jeffry Smith 2003 F650GS 3,189

34429 Skip Metz 1998 R1100RT 2,853 8501 Lee Hetrick 2012 R1200GS 2,625 90220 Eric Heilveil 2007 R1200GS 1972 R75/5 2,513 172286 Lee Spenadel 2016 K1600GTL 2,430 190219 Aaron Berkebile 2011 R1200GSA 2,147 193782 Dave Ramage 2004 R1150RT 1,957 116788 Philip Debski 1998 R1200C 1,886 51108 Elsie M. Smith 2006 F650GS 2005 F650GS 1,813 200315 Jared Foley 2004 R1150Rxtr 1,738 57241 Paul Sanders 1975 R90/6 1,441 8196 Bill Zane 1958 R60/6 1976 R60/6 1,406 199213 Matt Debski 2002 K1200RS 1,320 149458 Gordon Till 2009 F800GS 2017 R1200GS 1,276 134113 Richard Sichler 1974 R90/6 2012 R1200R 1,218 100041 Gerry Cavanaugh 2004 R1150GS 655 101789 Rick Torpey 1993 K75S 1969 R60/2 466

661,949

UTAH - 9 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 109983 Rich Dolan 2004 R1150RT 2009 R1200GSA 12,264 135948 Bob Sawyer 2009 R1200RT 9,873 35099 Bob Mabey 2006 R1200GS 1984 R100RS 8,839 103656 Steve Barnhill 2014 R1200GSAWC 2017 R1200GSA 6,977 97809 Jan Peterson 2002 R1150GS 2001 F650GSDwSC 4,164 112330 Larimer Dimond 2008 K1200GT 3,523 110159 Jeffrey Thurmond 2002 R1150RT 1995 R1100R 2,854 129134 Marcia Thurmond 1999 K1200LT 1,566 147866 Eric Lemaitre 2003 R1150RT 527

50,587

VERMONT - 13 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 89517 Muriel Farrington 2012 F650 2007 F650 22,974 RHODE ISLAND - 3 Finishers 59719 Gerry Dockum 2015 R1200RT 18,621

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 150557 Michael Crossman 2015 K1300S 2014 R1200GSA 17,311 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 202504 Jane Bixby 2014 K1600GT 2018 K1600GTL 15,930 22329 Carl Saccoccio 2006 R1200GS 1977 R100RS 8,167 147314 Jeff Jackson 2008 R1200GSA 2016 Rental 14,849 83469 Roy Jackson 2013 R1200RT 7,804 116786 Dennis Gilkenson 2015 R1200GS 12,059 109554 Tom Pappas 2007 R1200R 3,434 184785 Dave Aho 2013 F700GS 2004 R1150RT 10,612

19,405 133958 Peter Burke 2010 R1200GSA 2012 R1200GSA 9,109 32284 George Haggerty 1979 R100RTwSC 6,345 SOUTH CAROLINA - 6 Finishers 195308 Ed Demler 2014 R1200GS 5,364

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 210759 Grace Demler 2016 S1000XR 5,283 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 205036 Larry Lamb 2016 R1200GS 4,623 126593 Brian Edwards Sr 1999 K1200LTwSC 2006 R1200RT 20,286 189431 Joy Ellis 2 013 F700GS 2,453 182082 Debbie Gasque 1994 R1100RS 1994 R1100RS 15,233

145,533 34077 Bill Gasque 2002 R1150RT 1994 R100GSPD 15,030 115301 Charles Fridy 2014 R1200RT 7,279 VIRGINIA - 12 Finishers 144287 Ken Rhye 2004 R1150RT 2013 F800R 5,784

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 120873 Marylee Jackson 2009 R1200GS 3,053 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES

66,665 159271 Robert Annandale 2016 R1200RT 28,237 19539 Dean Sherick 2014 R1200RT 17,702 SOUTH DAKOTA - 6 Finishers 60415 David Adams 2003 F650GS 2007 R1200RT 13,651

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 179758 James Burger 2016 R1200R 1978 R80/7 11,803 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 38796 Bob Knittle 2014 R1200R 11,095 99781 Dave Hudson 2015 R1200RT 1990 R100GSPD 25,706 199844 Karl Friedrich 2014 F800GT 2014 R1200RT 10,773 38663 Ron Lampe 2011 R1200RT 15,036 44061 David Weiss 2016 R1200GS 7,748 99183 David Bourdeaux 2013 K1600GTL 10,828 94486 Jeffery Green 2001 R1150GS 6,024 134901 Daniel Fisher 1996 R1100GS 2012 F650GS 7,090 121618 Fred Picard 1972 R75/5 5,609 52492 Gary Johnson 1999 R1100RS 4,822 120697 Donald Burns 2002 R1150GSA 1980 R65 4,436 107873 Thomas King 2004 K1200GT 1978 R75/7 794 209260 Paul Noite 2002 R1150R 4,274

64,276 32660 Tim Tolson 2005 R1200RT 2,353 TENNESSEE - 2 Finishers

123,705

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL WASHINGTON - 20 Finishers MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 120850 Alan Donnels 2015 R1200GSA 10,960 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 7275 Karl Mace 2007 F800ST 1992 K75 1,242 86999 Pete Noftz 2017 R1200GSA 2011 R1200GSA 32,444

12,202 59757 Roy Barnes 2009 F650GS 17,810 TEXAS - 14 Finishers 30657 Eric Blume 1981 R80GS 2008 G650XCM 14,401

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL 192235 Judy Mirick 2015 F700GS 2013 G650GS 13,576 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 146092 Cheryl Laudermilk 2009 F650GS 13,196 169878 Dave Schani 2014 R1200GS 20,596 131255 Hank Giddings 2003 R1200CLC 12,846 45061 Michael Brown 2002 R1150GS 1998 K1200RS 20,479 161723 Jim Trotter 2010 R1200GSA 12,692 113412 Jerry Squier 2007 R1200GSA 15,089 203335 MK Alpers 2012 K160GT 12,503 180710 Robert Burrahm 2012 K1600GTL 14,713 166192 Kim Dorsing 2013 K1600GTL 11,178 117178 Michael Voudouris 2016 R1200GSA 2012 K1600GTL 10,091 116042 Daniel Yorkstone 1995 K75R 11,021 78655 James Schulz 2015 R1200GSAWC 8,983 36606 Douglas Barritt 2013 R1200RT 9,168 5091 John Kresena 2016 F700GS 8,508 39834 Tyler Ranall 2007 R1200GS 9,149 86904 Gary Grosenheider 2016 R1200RS 8,373 57919 Richard Steen 2016 R1200RS 1990 R75S 9,144 80703 Chuck Wetzel 2010 R1200R 2012 R1200R 8,106 61414 Megan Barritt 2002 R1150RS 2004 R1150RS 9,117 124913 Dennis Drake 2012 R1200GSA 2016 K1600GTL 5,418 55536 Michelle Randall 2005 R1150R 8,918 136417 Fred Kraft 2012 K1600GTL 2017 R1200GSA 5,225 165663 Jim Elder 2010 F650GS 8,721 21560 Gerard Lobosco 2004 R1200CL 4,456 165664 Robbie Elder 2010 F650GS 8,701 19684 John Dunn 2014 R1200RTWC 4,370 163798 Robert Posey 2004 R1150RT 6,654 61946 Scott Dishnow 2009 R1200GSA 1970 R60/5 2,808 101733 John Eberhardt 2013 F800GT 4,678

137,215 66102 Bob Knutson 2004 K1200RS 2003 R1150R 2,582

228,499 April 2018  BMW OWNERS NEWS

77

mileagecontest

WEST VIRGINIA - 6 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 108004 Scott Lipford 2004 R1150RS 8,098 97756 Richard Page 2004 R1150RT 2008 F800ST 8,053 88980 Michael Harper 2006 R1200RT 6,920 120070 Richard Carson 2004 R1200CLC 3,533 109925 Pete Dailey 2015 F800GT 1,943 131753 Kevin Wood 1999 K1200RS 1971 R60/5 1,910

30,457 WISCONSIN - 87 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 161370 Lynn Behrens 2016 R1200RS 2004 R1100S 22,077 7892 Bob Alexander 1990 K1 2005 F650GSPD 19,863 116940 James Bronson 2006 R1200RT 2006 F650GS 19,523 130652 Jim Begley 2004 R1150RT 2005 R1200ST 15,941 7536 Harvey Read 2010 R1200RT 15,928 145293 Christine Ledezma 2004 R1150RXTR 2013 F700GS 14,608 126912 Mary Begley 2005 R1200RT 13,998 196282 Mark Hoesiy 1994 R100GS 2007 R1200RT 13,809 16721 Brian Manke 1972 R60/5 1977 R100S 12,367 102270 John Lawrence 2007 K1200GT 1995 R100RT 12,287 137993 Gary Hau 1978 R80/7 2006 K1200LT 12,210 197889 Jerry Hendrickson 2017 R1200GSA 11,634 197914 James Meinecke 2004 R1150RT 2015 K1600GT 11,217 81510 Jonathan Rutschky 2007 F650GS 2014 R1200GS 10,948 67739 Bruce A Grahn 2011 R1200RT 2003 R1150GSA 10,593 197355 Shad Volbrecht 2016 R1200RT 10,550 28273 MIke Standlee 2007 R1200GS 10,150 89407 Gary Klinker 1999 R1100RT 2016 R1200RT 9,958 134216 Jim Riederer 2013 K1600GLT 2006 R1200GS 9,231 130656 John Ihde 2006 R1200RT 9,145 97077 Kevin Birr 1995 K75RT 1992 R100GSPD 9,125 38356 Steve Reynen 2009 R1200GSA 2001 R1150GS 8,933 147696 Doug Twing 2004 R1150GSA 1994 K1100LT 8,801 51939 Rodney Pettit 1985 K100RS 2000 R1150GSA 8,722 195090 Dale Schneider 2010 R1200R 8,341 81296 Kurt Niemetscheck 2015 S1000RR 8,256 48142 Ruth Ann Reynen 2008 R1200R 2013 F700GS 8,078 124432 James Harms 2010 R1200RT 7,511 103463 Sam Garst 2003 R1150GSAwSC 1988 R100GS 7,394 31669 Douglas Ripley 1993 R1100R 7,330 153154 Brian Sheehy 2014 R1200GS 2009 R1150RT 7,178 63417 Steve LeDuc 2004 R1150RA 7,130 44770 Richard Burton 2007 K1200S 7,107 37283 Wayne Nankervis 2009 R1200RT 6,870 57031 Scott Henderson 2004 R1150RT 1983 R100 6,840 9624 Russell Champion 1992 R100RT 1976 R75/6 6,541 119025 Andrew Schneider 2004 R1150R 6,392 51525 Mark Turner 2002 R1150RT 6,368 64014 James M. Pilarski 1993 R100RT 6,362 160056 Hannah Schneider 2007 F650GS 6,297 6735 Ken (Mac) McHugh 19882013 F800GT 6,261 51550 Thomas G. Van Horn 1995 R1100RS 1978 R100wSC 5,921 110607 Dale Geske 2014 R1200RT 5,708 117290 Gregory Voskuil 2006 R1200RT 5,702 49712 Randy Boris 2015 R1200GSA 1976 R90/6 5,646 74516 Knud Tinglev-Hansen 1993 K75RT 5,118 114282 Jack Permer 2007 R1200RT 5,089 147016 Curt Boettcher 2009 K1200LT 5,019 43753 Sue Rihn 2009 R1200GS 1987 K75T 5,010 16063 Jeff Smigla 1972 R75/5 2005 R1200GS 4,760 69280 Mark Doggett 2013 R1200RT 2017 Rental 4,500 44679 David Henderson 2005 R1200RT 4,228 196385 Brian Grahovac 2004 R1150GS 1969 R50 4,081 109286 Bill Saxler 2006 F650GS 3,936 2803 James Low 1971 R60/5 1999 K1200RSwSC 3,797 129994 Andrew Pretzl 2002 R1150RT 2017 Rental 3,781

78

BMW OWNERS NEWS  April 2018

52352 Jose Tavera 1992 K75S 2005 F650GS 3,700 73695 Tony DeLorenzo 2015 R1200GSA 3,639 178218 John Panzer 1991 R100RT 3,626 108252 Sarah Berg 2013 K1600GTL 2009 R1200GS 3,570 126677 James Rathke 2004 R1200CLC 3,450 132982 Joann Hayes 2011 F800ST 3,391 150734 Bill Matchefts 2011 R1200GSA 3,370 133083 Alan Penn 2011 F800ST 3,291 204622 James Weyker 2014 F800GT 3,146 151173 Joy Zastrow-Mulcahy 2007 F650GS 3,137 26797 Howard Linson 2007 K1200LT 3,079 51851 Jude T. Wagner 2002 R1150RT 2007 R1200GS 2,717 151192 John Wasilczuk 1998 R1100RT 2,662 182106 Julie Pettit 2009 G650GS 2,269 50455 Jim Kossow 2004 R1150RT 2,254 96217 Thomas Stresing 2015 R1200R 2,251 90610 Billy Ferg 1998 R1200CwSC 2005 R1200RT 2,231 50263 Chuck Rabideaux 2013 F700GS

2,136 183879 Kevin Pepin 2010 K1300GT 2,087 148459 Peter Feneht 2000 R1100RT 2,078 74309 Gary Halpin 2015 R1200RT 2,065 34249 Richard Olson 2007 R1200RT 2,015 149494 Cory Majszak 2008 F800ST 1,927 31986 Ronald Limberg 2005 R1200RT 1,827 181807 Jeffrey Severson 2012 K1600GT 1,496 206890 Bill Cochran 1996 R1100GS 2003 K1200LT 1,334 212183 Mona Rihn 1990 K75 1,106 43159 Karen Hoffman 1987 K75T 1,064 77792 James Marks 2000 K1200LTC 1,007 31798 Arlene Neumann 1985 R80GSPD 604 181764 Heidi Goehring 1991 R100RwSC 287

566,986 WYOMING - 4 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 143756 Amdreas Willrodt 2016 R1200GSA 12,035 143758 Ursel Willrodt 2016 R1200GSA 10,956 174697 Detlef Hildebrandt 2017 R1200GSA 10,116 136538 Ted Rasmussen 2011 R1200RT 2001 R1200C 7,624

40,731

201359 Ivanhoe Beaupre 2016 R1200RT 18,658 34056 Richard Ward 2013 R1200GSWC 2017 Rental 7,143

47,656 NOVA SCOTIA - 1 Finisher

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 129637 Ted King 2006 R1200RT 1,250

1,250 ONTARIO - 19 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 170868 Mark Warner 2000 R1100RT 2015 R1200GSA 24,067 101141 Dominque Rambie 2016 R1200GS 14,573 39319 Ross Copas 2009 R1200GS 1993 K1100LT 11,780 109323 John Towes 2006 R1200RT 11,488 48929 Charles Fider 1982 R100RT 11,289 31210 Carol Taub 2009 R1200GS 10,373 49338 Jean Gattie-Copas 2011 R1200GSA 10,165 141987 David McDougall 2011 R1200GS 10,018 61015 Russel Roode 2010 F650GS 9,099 37273 Mark Howson 1995 R100R 1968 R50/2 8,876 51183 Jack Gucciardo 2012 F650GS 8,695 43199 Bob Mac Millan 1986 R80RT 2007 R1200GS 8,329 155401 Andy Clark 1976 R60/6 1977 R100/7 7,516 6711 Vic Bobinski 2007 K1200GT 6,634 40164 Darryl Cainey 1993 R100GS 6,615 174021 David Bryans 1980 R80RT 1994 R100R 5,802 43200 Marj MacMillan 2007 R1200GS 5,734 90041 Rosemary Gaines 2011 F650GS 5,286 105607 John McAllister 2008 F650GS 2,551

178,890 QUEBEC - 1 Finisher

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 210375 Gary Szilagyi 2016 K1600GTL 10,100

10,100 SASKATCHEWAN - 2 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 MOA # Name Year Model Year Model 159819 Bob Livingston 2015 K1600GT 45943 Merv Kosar 1995 R1100GSA 1987 K75S 772

TOTAL MILES 9,476 10,248

CANADA ALBERTA - 3 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES SWITZERLAND - 1 Finishers 167286 Charles Pearson 2016 R1200RS 15,204 141525 Scott Miller 2005 R1150Rxtr 2016 R1200RT 18,996 34120 Brian Hanasyk 2013 R1200GSWC 8,634

18,996 4735 Margaret Lang 1985 K100RTwSC 2014 F700GS 6,993

30,831

INTERNATIONAL

BRITISH COLUMBIA - 9 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 54254 Berne Schnieders 2012 K160GTL 23,159 81000 Bill Wallace 1990 K75RT 12,717 194176 Marcus Schack 2005 R1200ST 9,949 138890 Reto Camenisch 2000 R1150GS 8,350 50771 Reinhard Bartel 2012 R1200RT 2017 R1200RT 7,612 129934 Edward Von Euw 2014 R1200RT 5,587 180536 Shirley Sirkia 2015 F700GS 5,512 162140 Henry Sirkia 2013 R1200GSWC 4,017 158301 Bill Romanow 1978 R100RS 685

77,588 NEW BRUNSWICK - 3 Finishers

Bike #1 Bike #2 TOTAL MOA # Name Year Model Year Model MILES 170868 Martin Beaupre 2009 R1200RT 21,855

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Finaljourney

Jeff Thurmond friends who are still good friends to this day. band, father and friend to many, passed When R&R closed, Jeff began working away December 22, 2017, with his family by part time for Harrison Eurosports as an his side. “ambassador,” bringing people together, Jeff was born May 3, 1943, in Salt Lake giving seminars, doing dinner rides, calling City and graduated from Salt Lake City East to make sure repairs done at the dealership High School and the University of Utah. He were done right and people were happy was truly a man of many talents who always with their purchases, and loved taking photographs welcoming new riders to the and was a professional phoriding community. tographer for a time.

He has also been PresiJeff served “unofficially” dent of the Beehive Beemers in the military (as we were Motorcycle Club of Utah for not supposed to be in Camthe past few years and helped bodia during the Vietnam to keep the annual Red Rock War) and parachuted into Rendezvous motorcycle Cambodia six times. Profesgathering in Panguitch sionally, Jeff worked for a going year after year. Jeff time with the Utah Liquor also helped coordinate the Commission, with the Jus2017 BMW MOA Rally in tice Department, with the Salt Lake City.

Washington, D.C. police Jeff is survived by his wife department, and with many Marcia, daughters Kerrie associations and COO of (Matt) Doane and Kristina companies in Utah and CaliKnobeloch, grandchildren fornia. For years he was the Cayden, Jocelyn and Brinley, head of Planning and Pro- Jeff Thurmond doing what he always did – offering assistance to others. and many cousins. He leaves behind many, a visit. The shop also offered dinner rides grams for the American Automobile Assomany friends and people who love him and during the warmer months and seminars ciation based in Northern Virginia. will miss him dearly. on motorcycle maintenance and care, Working with the Utah Department of PubJeff will be truly missed. As granddaughsafety, and camping tips, etc., in the colder lic Safety, Jeff helped develop the Utah ter Jocelyn said, “Papa will be riding his months. He built a community of riders Motorcycle Ride Difficulty Map the state motorcycle in the sky.” Ride On, Jeff! through Motorcycle R&R and made now uses for motorcycle riders.

JEFFERY

CLARK

THURMOND,

HUS-

Jeff always loved motorcycles, riding most of his life, and that became his passion over the past 15 years. In 2004, he opened Motorcycle Repair & Rendezvous as a place where motorcycles could be repaired and parts and gear bought, but also where motorcycle riders could congregate, drop in for soda or coffee and stay for

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BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

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Cherry Moon Farms EXPERIENCE ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE WITH RACE DERIVED TECHNOLOGY

Members receive 20% off every order.

Travel Discounts Lyft

Members save up to $50 off your first ride.

Motel 6

Members receive 10% off at any of the 1,100+ pet-friendly locations.

For the complete listing of all member discounts, visit us online at bmwmoa.org/discounts www.bmwmoa.org/discounts

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

81

lifestyl 82

DEALERPROFILE

Van Wall Powersports

By Brian Dutcher #160860 WHEN THINKING OF BMW MOTOR-

rad, one rarely envisions a 1944 John Deere Model A tractor with its impressive 24hp plowing a dusty field near Woodward, Iowa. However, that was precisely where Don Van Houweling planted the seed with Wall Equipment as a John Deere implement dealer. It was from these humble beginnings that built the basic understanding of what it takes to earn the right to service customers and build a lifelong relationship.

Today, Van Wall Equipment is one of the largest John Deere dealerships in the country with 25 locations in four states.

As the business continued to grow, so did their lineup. In 1962 Don purchased his first motorcycle, an 85cc Ducati, which ignited his enthusiasm for Powersports. As a natural extension of the business and fueled by his

BMW OWNERS NEWS  April 2018

growing passion for Powersports, in 1974 Don opened Four Seasons in Ames, Iowa, selling and servicing John Deere lawn and garden equipment, Lund boats, and Evinrude motors. Over the years, their lineup grew to include motorcycles, including Honda, Yamaha and Victory. Then in 2009, Van Wall Powersports became an official BMW Motorrad dealership.

Located just south of Des Moines in Indianola, Van Wall Powersports is a multiline dealership carrying BMW, Honda, Montesa, Polaris and Yamaha. Van Wall Powersports services central Iowa riders with their BMW Motorrad needs and features an impressive display of the full BMW

Motorrad fleet sitting center stage in their modern, two-story showroom.

Principal, Matt Van Houweling, son of Don Van Houweling, caught the two-wheel bug at the early age of 14 on his 1980 Yamaha RX-50 Midnight Special. Matt recalls it being registered as a moped with the speed restrictor removed on day one.

Growing up in the family business, Matt

became principal of Van Wall Powersports in 2009, the same year the BMW Motorrad line was brought on. Today, Matt takes advantage of and enjoys the opportunities to sample different bikes as the desire arises.

With a wide range of riders from touring, to sport, to adventure, the focus of the dealership is not centered on a specific type of bike or riding, but rather on the rider’s experience while at the dealership. Supporting this wide range of rider base is evident in the diverse selection of riding apparel from BMW Motorrad, Fly Racing, LS2, Schuberth, Shoei and many others.

Dusty Kostman, the service manager, and Colby Kostman, a BMW Master Technician and certified Race Tech suspension specialist, ensure riders get the most out their rides. Colby and Dusty were the founders of C&D Racing in 1998, a fullscale race shop centered on Nebraska and Iowa’s hare scramble and enduro racing scene. In 2009 the C&D Racing team was incorporated into the Van Wall family. In addition to being a certified Race Tech suspension shop capable of rebuilding or upgrading any bike’s suspension, Colby, one of three technicians on staff, is also a certified Honda Red level and Yamaha Gold level technician.

With a mission statement focused on being the clear choice for their customer, the Van Houweling family continues investing in the dealership and working towards their goal of becoming a world-class dealership. They understand that a buyer has many choices, which is why they firmly believe in developing long-term relationships. The large, three-story facility has been used as a gathering point by local clubs for meetings and events, hosting several open houses throughout the year.

While the details are still being worked out, look for the Van Wall Powersports team to be supporting riders during the BMW MOA Rally this summer in Des Moines.

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

83

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84

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

www.iliumworks.com

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April 2018  BMW OWNERS NEWS

85

WHENANDWHERE

Email your event information to editor@bmwmoa.org

46 34 60 53 43 33 40 11 37 36 59 26 9 5 16 7 38 27

31 54

19

25

30

32

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48 42 39 57 3

58

23 62 47

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22 45 2 17 28 13 24 35

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Map courtesy of

April 1

04/06/2018 - 04/08/2018

Hill Country Hangout

Location: Kerrville, Texas Contact: Paul Mulhern 210-279-6074 pmulhern@swbell.net Just in time for the famous wildflower bloom and on the doorstep of the famous Three Sisters. Two nights camping included, or enjoy nearby hotel accommodations.

The best roads in Central Texas plus motorcycle museum, wineries, shopping, and more.

86

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

2

04/07/2018

Mars Maintenance Madness

Location: Landenberg, Pennsylvania Contact: Matt or Tracy 610-274-1344 novacich@email.chop.edu Come and share that work on your ride to make it ready for a screaming riding season.

Why be slow and wobbly. Fix it right and keep it riding straight for your riding season.

We will share stories, riding lies and Maintenance advice whether you need it or not!

3

04/14/2018

BMW MOA Board of Directors Spring Meeting - Open Session Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Contact: Ray Tubbs ray@bmwmoa.org The Board of Directors of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America invites each

member to attend the Open Session of the Spring Meeting held at the Hotel Eleganté, 2886 S. Circle Dr, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906. The meeting will start at 1:00 PM and we look forward to seeing you there.

4

04/20/2018 - 04/22/2018

MOA Getaway Fontana

Location: Fontana, North Carolina Contact: Fontana Village Lodge info@fontanavillage.com (828) 498-2211 Join us amid the pristine beauty and legendary roads of the Nantahala National Forest and mountains of western North Carolina for an event you’re sure to remember.

Detailed information for all events is available online at: bmwmoa.org

5

04/22/2018

34th Wild Goose Run

Location: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Contact: Brian Justman brianjustman@kewaskumpig.com The Port Washington BMW Club invites all Midwest area clubs to join us for a noon brunch and festivities at the Bayside Supper Club in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

6

04/27/2018

Frosty Nutz Campout

Location: Ascutney, Vermont Contact: Ken Springhetti (978) 764-3527 president@yankeebeemers.org Bring your sleeping bag, a sweater and a warm hat. Ride twisties, hang out around the bonfire, check out new roads and make new friends. There is a a mix of lean-tos, Connecticut River-facing camp sites, and a few cabins (first come-first serve). Firewood is available on site, and there is a store and butcher shop nearby.

7

04/28/2018 - 04/29/2018

33rd Annual BMW Motorcycle Motoexpo and Flea Market Location: Pecatonica, Illinois Contact: Earve Brauer (until 8PM) 815-9628911/Steve Frank 815-761-0048 rockbmw2000@yahoo.com We welcome buyers, motorcycle and accessory dealers, vendors, and enthusiast-sellers to join us for our huge indoor BMW MotoExpo and Flea Market! Vendors who register early get a free listing on our club website and enthusiast-sellers are welcome to rent a vendor space or sell their items on consignment at our club booth.

May 8

05/04/2018 - 05/06/2018

2018 Great Hopewell Road Rally

Location: Nelsonville, Ohio Contact: Sam Booth samrbooth@yahoo.com Join us in the Hocking Hills of southeastern Ohio for some of the best riding roads in the Midwest. Two nights camping, Friday and Saturday dinners, guided rides of the Earthworks/effigy mounds, self-guided rides, endless coffee, movies, awards and door prizes.

April 2018  BMW OWNERS NEWS

87

www.bcbmwclub.com

BMW Motorcycle Owners of Alabama

29th Annual

Great Chicken Rally May 25 - 27, 2018

Location - Coke Ovens Park and Museum, Dunlap, Tennessee For more information contact Dianne Albea rallychair@bmwmoal.org

9

05/04/2018 - 05/06/2018

The Original Mini-Rally

Location: Delton, Michigan Contact: Mike Hart (269) 317-9951 bathartx46x@comcast.net Located between Delton and Hastings near the Yankee Springs Recreation Area there are plenty of back roads to explore, both paved and dirt. Numerous camping areas with 2 bath houses as well as some electrical connections and rooms, cabins and bunk-houses for an additional charge - first come, first serve.

10

Rally

05/04/2018 - 05/06/2018

28th Annual Georgia Mountain

Location: Hiawassee, Georgia Contact: David Will (803) 760-9807 rally@bmwmcoga.org The area offers rewarding twisties, inspiring vistas and renowned mountain hospitality.

Plus, this is dual-sport heaven for all skill levels. The perfect start to anyone’s riding season! The rally has lakeside tent and RV camping and lodging, Friday chili and Saturday steak dinners, Saturday and Sunday breakfasts, regular rally attractions and major prize draws.

11

05/11/2018 - 05/13/2018

MOA Getaway Coeur d’Alene

Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Contact: The Coeur d’Alene Resort (855) 703-4648 There’s something magical about Lake Coeur d’Alene that’s hard to define, but it begins with spectacular Idaho sunsets, the glowing lights of downtown Coeur d’Alene reflecting across its waters and the wonderful roads.

05/17/2018 - 5/20/2018

12

European Riders Rally

Location: Burkesville, Kentucky Contact: www.bmwmcon.org We’ll offer a weekend of great riding for both the street and dual sport enthusiast.

Join in on the guided group rides both Friday and Saturday or explore the area on your own.

05/18/2018 - 05/20/2018

13

BMW Battlefield Memorial Workers Rally

Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Contact: Sam Booth

88

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

samrbooth@yahoo.com Once again we will be gathering at the Artillery Ridge Campground in the Gettysburg National Military Park for another weekend of volunteering for battlefield restoration and preservation for the National Park Service.

05/18/2018 - 05/20/2018

14

The 2018 Downeast Rally

Location: Phippsburg, Maine Contact: Cedric Harkins 207-415-5907 rally@bmwrsm.org Enjoy three days and two nights of Oceanside camping at Hermit Island Campground.

We provide a Friday night chowder & chili, Saturday morning full breakfast, Saturday evening lobster dinner and Sunday morning pancake breakfast along with live music on Saturday night.

05/18/2018 - 05/20/2018

15

Natural State Campout

Location: Morrilton, Arkansas Contact: Rod Kilduff rod.kilduff@conwaycorp.net A no-frills campout at the Corps of Engineers Cherokee Park on the north bank of the Arkansas River, southwest of downtown Morrilton, Arkansas. Complimentary coffee, camping fees only, and lots of good roads.

05/18/2018 - 05/27/2018

The 44th Annual Great River 16 Road Rally (GR3)

Location: Soldier’s Grove, Wisconsin Contact: Sam Garst rally@madisonbmwclub.org Your rally fee ($30 pre-registration, $35 at the gate) includes 2 nights of shaded camping, Saturday evening meal, Saturday and Sunday morning pastries and fruit, GS & Touring rides, a rally pin and mug to first 250, door prizes, awards, firewood, coffee & lemonade.

05/19/2018 - 05/20/2018

17

New Sweden 450

Location: Cherry Hill, New Jersey Contact: Ron Cesaretti rcesaretti@comcast.net We are back for our fifth year! 450 miles of great back roads linked together in the tristate area. The ride will take place over the course of 2 days, traversing some of the best roads in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and

Delaware.

18

05/19/2018

Texas National Picnic

Location: Rusk, Texas Contact: Rich Barnhart (936) 645-4549 detbmw@gmail.com The picnic will be held at the Park Dining Hall around noon on Saturday. There is no fee and the park day-use fee is waived for attendees. Camping, hotels & food are on your own and hotels are available nearby.

There are restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills, and plenty of parking. Bring your own food and drink; we will provide charcoal for the grills on Saturday.

19

05/24/2018 - 05/28/2018

The 49’er Rally

Location: Mariposa County Fairgrounds Contact: Joe Luthy 49erchair@bmwnorcal.org Mariposa is the gateway to Yosemite National Park and located on scenic State Highway 49. Rally activities include: speakers, vendors, food trucks, skills training, beer garden, poker run, 50/50, street rides, lead GS ride, live entertainment, Saturday night dinner and the GS Giants!

05/24/2018 - 05/27/2018

20 18th Annual Rok on Rally Location: Del Rio, Tennessee Contact: Jerry Dobrianski twocreekstn@aol.com Easy access to the great roads of East Tennessee, Kentucky, Western North Carolina and Western Virginia from our private campground, T.W.O. Creeks, in Del Rio, Tennessee. Within an hour’s ride of Max Patch, Deal’s Gap (the Tail of the Dragon) and the Cherohala Skyway.

21

05/25/2018 - 05/27/2018

The Great Chicken Rally

Location: Dunlap, Tennessee Contact: Dianne Albe rallychair@bmwmoal.org Grills are back and we are smokin’ some gooood chickens… Suggested rides will be available for you to explore the area. The rally grounds are the historical Coke Ovens Park and Museum that commemorates the boom era of coal mining in the region.

22

05/25/2018 - 05/27/2018

2018 Charter Oak Rally

Location: Eastford, Connecticut Contact: Chris Jennings nostnkncmptr@live.com 203-368-9281 Join us in the scenic shores of Crystal Pond at Camp Nahaco, Eastford, in the “Quiet Corner” of Connecticut. We offer camping, showers, beautiful country roads and four meals (including our famous Friday night chili), door prizes and an excellent reason to get your motorcycle out of the garage.

www.epmwilbers.com

44th annual

June 23

BMWBMW Square

2018 Land of Oz Rally

$13.00

585-381-3841

www.bikelog.com FREE SHIPPING!www.bikelog.com

www.rentalaska.com RentAlaska.com

06/01/2018 - 06/03/2018

Specializing in BMW Motorcycle Rentals since 1994

YMCA Camp West Mar Sabillasville MD 21780

camping + newly renovated bunk-houses + dinner Fri & Sat + beer on site + campfire + guided and self-guided rides + field events + tech day + Gettysburg Battlefield tour +++

Alaska Motorcycle Adventures

http://bmwbmw.org/srr www.bmwbmw.org/srr

(907) 376-4513

PUB BMW ON 2018.pdf 1 2018-02-19 09:36:39

38th RALLY BMW CLUB QUEBEC JULY 6-7-8, 2018 Activities: - Rides for street bikes in La Mauricie National Park

06/01/2018 - 06/03/2018

- Off-road rides for GS

MOA Getaway Cedar Breaks

Location: Brian Head, Utah Contact: Cedar Breaks Lodge ushotels@diamondresorts.com (435) 677-3000 Surrounded by the majestic canyons, rock formations and rugged landscape of southwestern Utah, Brian Head is a motorcyclist’s dream with miles of roads most riders can only dream of.

06/01/2018 - 06/03/2018

42nd Hiawatha Rally

- Presentations and seminars - Visit of La Cité de l’Énergie C

M

J

CM

MJ

Accomodations:

CJ

CMJ

N

- Camping - Cottage (Yurt) - Hotels near campground

The island is ours for the week-end!

Be part of it and join us to have fun!

Open to all Banane Island (île Melville Park) 1900, Melville avenue Shawinigan, Quebec G9N 6T8 GPS coordinates: 46.32.05.42 | 72.45.17.89 Contact for registration: rallyemaster2018@bmw-club-quebec.ca www.rallyemaster2018@bmw-club-quebec.ca

Location: Houston, Minnesota Contact: www.bmwmocm.com/ hiawatha2018.html.

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

Baroody’s

All your motorcycle info in one place

Location: Sabillasville, Maryland Contact: Bruce Dimon 703-953-8990 president@bmwbmw.org Rally round Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains for our 44th year. Plenty of camping and bunkhouses with upgraded furniture.

Reserve your bunks when you pre-register because we expect them to fill up. Chili on Friday and a dinner of BBQ with all the trimmings on Saturday.

26

bike log

5th New io n!

Edit

44th Annual BMWBMW Square Route Rally

25

Rally

June 1st – 3rd 2018

06/01/2018 - 06/03/2018

Location: Atchinson, Kansas Contact: Don Hamblin rallykcbmwmc@gmail.com An even better rally value than ever in the best kept riding secret in the midwest!

Shaded camping with lake views, Chili ’til gone Friday, KC BBQ Saturday before the live dance music.

24

Route

89

Rally fee includes: two nights camping, coffee, tea, water and lemonade. Vendors on site. Demo rides by Leo’s South. Door prizes and awards. Rally pin to first 330 attendees. Ride for Pie Friday afternoon.

Friday evening soup and roast your own hot dogs until gone.Live music Friday night. Guided dual-sport (GS) ride and field events Saturday. Dinner Saturday night.

Contact: Lloyd Larrimore 801-556-3578 beehivebeemers@hotmail.com The Rally site is the gateway to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Grand Canyon National Parks; plus there are 10 additional state parks within one hour riding! The Rally offers 3 days of camping, brat lunch, a Saturday catered dinner, a GS ride, a Poker Run, a tour to Grand Canyon, and lots of door prizes.

Contact: Tamela Rich tamela@tamelarich.com This is a luxury tour that includes accommodations, meals and two private bluegrass concerts—one by Wayne Henderson! The itinerary celebrates Southern Appalachia’s rich history, it’s fusion of cultures and cuisines, and it’s oral storytelling heritage in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina.

06/15/2018 -06/17/2018

06/29/2018 -07/01/2018

06/07/2018 -06/10/2018

27

42nd Annual Pure Stodge Iowa Rally

31

MOA Getaway Grand Targhee

Location: Amana, Iowa Contact: Steve Carson (319) 330-2844 pstarally@gmail.com We will be rally-central at the Middle Amana Community Park and we offer the best bands (both Friday and Saturday night), the highest quality rally food included Friday and Saturday evenings, shaded camping as well as nearby hotels, Amana shops, hospitality and restaurants to be enjoyed.

Location: Alta, Wyoming Contact: Grand Targhee Resort info@grandtarghee.com (307) 353-2300 Join us at the Grand Targhee Resort and experience some of Americas most scenic roads and legendary national parks including Yellowstone and Grand Teton as well as the famed Antler Arches in Jackson, Wyoming.

06/08/2018 -06/10/2018

Lobo Loco It’s Raining Cats and Dogs Motorcycle Scavenger Hunt

06/16/2018

16th Annual Laurel Highlands

28 BMW Riders Campout

Location: Somerset, Pennsylvania Contact: Jason Kaplitz 814-615-9138 gsjay@kaplitz.com Friday evening enjoy Gourmet Dump Stew (bring a can or two to add to the pot), hotdogs and snacks til their gone. Morning Coffee & tea. Saturday Catered dinner, tons of door prizes. Hearty send-off breakfast Sunday morning! Pavilion, picnic tables, hot showers, campfires allowed-wood provided! Motels & Restaurants nearby. Sat. night campground entertainment!

06/08/2018 -06/10/2018

Pemi River Rally

29 Location: Thornton, New Hampshire Contact: Duncan Cooper 508-338-4022 cooper.duncan@me.com We’ll bring our Toy Box, have a blazing campfire, a pig roast on Saturday night and enjoy best riding in New England. Friday night burgers and dogs and all-day coffee are included in the rally fee. Participation in the Saturday night feast is by preregistration only.

32

Location: Hamilton, Ontario Contact: Wolfe Bonham wolfe@loboloco.ca This is an eight-hour motorcycle scavenger hunt where riders are given themed locations, each with different point values, 2 weeks in advance. It is up to the riders to come up with their own route that will gain the most points and make it to the finish line before time runs out. Prizes, awards, certificates, and tons of food await!

06/21/2018 -06/24/2018

Touratech Rally West

Location: Plain, Washington Contact: www.touratechrally.com Please check the website for more updates.

33

06/22/2018 -06/24/2018

Merritt Camp-n-Ride 34

Location: Merritt, British Columbia Contact: events@valleybmwriders.

com This is a no host event. Join us in the beautiful Nicola Valley for some great riding, and camping.

06/14/2018 -06/17/2018

06/24/2018 -06/30/2018

Location: Pagnuitch, Utah

Location: Front Royal, Virginia

18th Annual Red Rock Rendez30 vous Rally

90

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

Appalachian Mountains & Music 35 Motorcycle Tour

36

BMWRO Chief Joseph Rally

Location: John Day, Oregon Contact: Bob Metzger 608-642-1186 bmwro.pres@gmail.com Enjoy the friendly confines of the Grant County Fairgrounds in the heart of central Oregon. With tent and RV camping available, enjoy daily guided and nonguided group rides, catered dinners, breakfasts and a beer garden as well as evening bonfires.

July 07/06/2018 -07/08/2018

37

38th Annual BMW Club of Quebec Rally

Location: Shawinigan, Quebec Contact: Richard Veilleux rallyemaster2018@bmw-club-quebec.ca The event will take place on a small island, called Ile Banane, reserved just for us. There are rides for both street and dual sport bikes. On the program will be: rides, local area activities, great food and lots of fun.

7/12/2018 – 7/15/2018

BMW MOA

38 International Rally Location: Des Moines, Iowa Contact: Brian Hinton 2018rallychair@bmwmoa.org A beautiful rally site, wonderfully scenic roads and awesome area attractions welcome rally goers at the 46th annual BMW MOA International Rally this summer in Des Moines, Iowa. We look forward to seeing you there.

07/19/2018 - 07/21/2018

47th Annual Top O’ The Rockies Rally 39

Location: Paonia, Colorado Contact: Carl Thomte rcarloski@

msn.com The area offers some of the best riding in the state both on and off road. There are three National Parks within a day’s ride from rally headquarters. Enjoy three nights of shaded grassy camping, Saturday night dinner, two nights of live entertainment in the beer garden, free wifi and endless coffee and tea. Food vendors and showers are on site and restaurants and motels are walking distance from the rally central at the teen center located in the middle of the park.

07/19/2018 - 07/22/2018

40

2018 Cascade Country Rendezvous and GS Rally by BestRest

Location: Republic, Washington Contact: Dan Muir rallymaster@wsbmwr.org Join the Washington State BMW Riders and BestRest Products at the Ferry County Fairgrounds in Republic WA. Guided off-road and road rides, seminars, dirt riding training in one of the best riding locations in the Northwest.

Join Us for the 18th Annual

ROK ON Classic a.k.a. “The Firefly Rally” May 24-27, 2018 T.W.O. Creeks Campground in Del Rio, TN. Hosted by the BMW ROK (Riders of Knoxville) BMW MOA Chartered Club #156, BMW RA Chartered Club #289

With synchronized firefly show by Mother Nature! www.bmwrok.org for • Check us out at www.bmwrok.org links, registration form, rally count and the latest info.

• Pre-registration ONLY! Limited to 100 attendees. Earlybird by May 13 is $50.

After that is $60. SORRY, NO WALK-INS! • Make check payable to BMW ROK and mail to: BMW ROK 324 Milburn St., Morristown, TN 37814

August 08/03/2018 - 08/05/2018

41

Damn Yankees Rally

Location: Heath, Massachusetts Contact: Ken Springhetti 978-764-3527 president@yankeebeemers.org The Damn Yankees Rally, in beautiful Heath, MA. Heath Fairgrounds offers rustic camping at one of New England’s oldest operating fairgrounds. Saturday evening chicken BBQ by the Heath Volunteer Fire Department is included as well as the legendary Church Ladies home made Pies and baked goods. Rustic, outdoor showers available.

08/04/2018

42

19th Annual 100,000 Foot Ride

Location: Lakewood, Colorado Contact: David Kosak 720-810-2479 davidkosak2937@gmail.com This ride is designed to take you over enough mountain passes in a day to equal 100,000 feet. This accomplishment is not available anywhere else in North America and perhaps the world. The 100,000 Foot Ride combines some of the best motorcycle roads and stunning scenery the state of Colorado has to offer.

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April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

91

08/24/2018 - 08/26/2018

08/09/2018 - 08/12/2018

Kaslo Camp-n-Ride

43 Location: Kaslo, British Columbia Contact: events@valleybmwriders.com This is a no host event. Join us on the shore of Kootenay Lake for some great riding and camping.

08/10/2018 - 08/12/2018

44

41st Annual Daniel Boone Rally

Location: Boone, North Carolina Contact: John Olsakovsky 704-577-4512 rally@carolinasbmwmoa.org Enjoy some of the best motorcycle roads on the East side of the Mississippi River. With three states in easy distance, ride the Blue Ridge Parkway and High Country of North Carolina, try the roads in Southwest Virginia and Northeastern Tennessee and try out a variety of challenging and fun GS rides, all in easy distance to the campgrounds.

08/16/2018 -08/19/2018

45 Touratech Rally East

Location: Huntingdon, Pennsylvania Contact: www.touratechrally.com Please check website for more information.

08/16/2018 - 08/19/2018

Nakusp Hotsprings Rally

46 Location: Nakusp, British Columbia Contact: Robert Tetrault nakusprally@beeceebeemers.com The Nakusp municipal campground is a beautiful location nestled right in the town of Nakusp, near amenities, restaurants and shopping. The area provides both on and off-road riding experiences. Take a dip in the lake or soak in the Hotsprings after a fantastic day of riding.

47

08/17/2018 - 08/19/2018

MOA Getaway Eureka Springs

Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas Contact: Inn of the Ozarks (479) 253-9768 info@innoftheozarks.com Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas and surrounded by pristine rivers and lakes, Eureka Springs is known for its healing waters as well as ribbons of highway twisting around majestic bluffs to reveal the area’s breathtaking scenery.

48 MOA Getaway Copper Mountain Location: Copper Mountain, Colorado Contact: Copper Mountain Resort (888) 760-7561 Come to colorful Colorado to ride some of America’s most breathtaking stretches of the Rocky Mountains. For some, these spectacular mountain passes and canyons represent motorcycling nirvana.

49

44th Annual Finger Lakes Rally

Location: Watkins Glen, New York Contact: Finger Lakes BMW Club rally@fingerlakesbmw.org Located 3 miles west of Watkins Glen, NY just off Route 329 in Watkins Glen State Park, it is the perfect base to come and experience the many touring opportunities in one of the most scenic areas of New York State.

September 09/07/2018 - 09/09/2018

36th Annual Green Mountain

50 Rally

Location: Goshen, Vermont Contact: Eric Rossier ebryantrossier@gmail.com Enjoy cool mountain air as you soak up bluegrass Friday night. Dine comfortably on home-cooked meals in the screened hall, or fire-lit pavillion. Self guided gap rides and tons of gravel roads in and near National Forest.

51

09/07/2018 - 09/09/2018

MOA Getaway Pine Mountain

Location: Pineville, Kentucky Contact: Pine Mountain State Resort rita.jackson-edmondson@ky.gov (606) 337-3066 Set in the Kentucky Ridge State Forest and surrounded by mountains, this secluded resort offers peace and tranquility while being the perfect place to get away for a weekend of fun and great riding.

09/07/2018 - 09/09/2018

MOA Getaway Sedona

Location: Sedona, Arizona

reservations@pocodiablo.com

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

09/07/2018 - 09/09/2018

Midway Camp-n-Ride

Location: Midway, British Columbia

08/31/2018 - 09/03/2018

52 Contact: Poco Diablo Resort

92

(928)282-7333 Surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and lush pine forests, the Sedona area offers some of the most scenic roads of the southwest taking riders through postcard-perfect rock formations and incredible landscape.

53 Contact: events@valleybmwriders.

com This is a no host event. Join us on the edge of the Kettle River for some great riding and camping.

09/14/2018 - 09/16/2018

33rd Annual Autumn Beemer

54 Bash

Location: Quincy, California Contact: bashinfo@comcast.net 1-925-209-1066 Come check out the famous CCBR coffee, our Beer Garden, 2 nights of camping w/ early camping available, a Saturday night BBQ, two Continental breakfasts, a GS ride, a poker run, vendors and speakers. RVs and leashed pets are welcome and there’s great camping on the grass along with hot showers.

09/14/2018 - 09/16/2018

55

Purity Spring Rally

Location: East Madison, New Hampshire Contact: www.gsbmwr.org Come and join us in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire for our 27th annual rally. You can choose to camp, stay in a cabin (cold water), or stay in a hotel room.

Camping is on a level grassy field and hot showers are a short walk from the camping and cabin area.

09/14/2018 - 09/16/2018

56 MOA Getaway Jay Peak Location: Jay, Vermont Contact: Jay Peak Resort (802) 988-2611 info@jaypeakresort.com Ride the deliciously winding roads through lush topography that only God could have created. Experience Green Mountain with its rushing streams and working farms so picturesque every photograph taken becomes a picture postcard.

09/21/2018 - 09/23/2018

57 15th Thunder Mountain

Rendezvous

Location: Hotchkiss, Colorado Contact: Kerry Dolan 970-985-1274 dolankm@gmail.com Our rally offers great camaraderie, a beautiful venue, and the greatest riding in Colorado. It also helps us raise money to support motorcycle safety and the local Booster Club. Our low elevation venue includes a large meeting hall, restrooms with showers, plenty of grassy camping and the convenience of walking to downtown restaurants, stores and motels.

09/21/2018 - 09/23/2018

58 Hoosier Beemer Rally

Location: North Vernon, Indiana Contact: Jeff Kernen 812-801-1327 jrkernen@yahoo.com Friday night includes a gourmet Hot Dog roast as well as Live bluegrass music and Saturday evening we’ll have a catered meal and give away door prizes. Come ride some of the best roads in southern Indiana and enjoy some great fellowship at the same time!

09/21/2018 - 09/23/2018

59 MOA Getaway Tomah

Location: Tomah, Wisconsin Contact: Cranberry Country Lodge (608) 374-2801 Experience a unique combination of quiet Midwest charm in an area untouched by glaciers. This area of southwestern Wisconsin is known by deeply carved river valleys, lush forests and some of the best riding in the region.

09/27/2018 - 09/30/2018

60 Last Chance to Camp-n-Ride Location: Oroville, Washington Contact: events@valleybmwriders.com This is a no host event. Join us on the shore of Osoyoos Lake for some great riding, and camping with fellow riders from both sides of the border.

61

09/28/2018 - 09/30/2018

2018 Rams Rally

Location: Parker Crossroads, Tennessee Contact: Spencer Bennett 901-626-2831 spencer14554@gmail.com Friday and Saturday nights tent camping, pancake breakfast on Saturday and Sunday,

Saturday evening dinner, endless Coffee, Lemonade and Ice Water at Rally Central, live music, and Legendary RAMS Door Prizes.

October 62

10/12/2018 - 10/14/2018

43rd Falling Leaf Rally

Location: Potosi, Missouri Contact: Bill Haugen rally@gatewayriders.com The St. Louis Gateway Riders welcome you to the foothills of the Ozarks, offering exciting riding for road and dual sports, and beautiful Fall colors.

November 11/09/2018 - 11/11/2018

63 MOA Getaway Texas

Location: Kerrville, Texas Contact: Y. O. Ranch Hotel (877) 967-3767 Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country

Motorcycle Relief Project (MRP)

HELPS VETERANS

with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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April 2018  BMW OWNERS NEWS

93

www.beemershop.com

and full of cowboy spirit, riding this part of the state provides spectacular vistas of wildflowers and sun-kissed rivers over wonderfully rolling hills on the best roads this state offers.

11/09/2018 - 11/11/2018

64 16th Gumbo Rally - Swamp

Scooters Motorcycle Club

Location: Carencro, Louisiana Contact: James Carpenter (337) 298-6340 president@swampscooters.net Rally fee includes great food Friday and Saturday nights as well as breakfast on Saturday, bike games, shaded camping, a great location to camp and enjoy the bonfires.

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94

BMW OWNERS NEWS April 2018

advertiserindex Adaptiv Technologies............................... 42 Adriatic Moto Tours................................... 37 ADV Depot.................................................... 45 Adventure New Zealand Tours............. 29 AeroFlow....................................................... 29 Aerostich-RiderWearHouse.................... 28 Airhawk International.............................. 28 Alaska Leather............................................. 45 Alaska Motorcycle Adventures............. 89 Arai Helmets....................................................9 Arkansas Parks and Tourism............ 40, 41 Ayres Adventures....................................... 84 Backcountry Discovery Routes............. 67 BeadRider...................................................... 42 Beemer Boneyard...................................... 23 Beemer Shop, The...................................... 61 Best Rest Products..................................... 27 Best Western Inn of the Ozarks............. 41 Bike Log......................................................... 89 Bing Agency................................................. 61 BMW Club of Battle Creek....................... 87 BMW Club of Quebec............................... 89 BMW Motorcycle Magazine................... 91 BMW Riders of Knoxville Rally............... 91 Blue Rim Tours............................................. 94 Bob’s BMW.................................................... 69 Bohn Armor........................................... 49, 66 Boxer Works Service.................................. 42 BullRack......................................................... 18 Catch Des Moines...................................... 17

Capital Cycle................................................ 28 Chicken Rally............................................... 87 Clearwater Lights....................................... 84 Colorado Tourbike Rentals..................... 18 Corbin Pacific............................................... 65 CruzTools....................................................... 83 Cyclenutz....................................................... 29 DMC Sidecars............................................... 28 Dubbeju Motorcycle Rentals................. 18 Edelweiss Bike Travel................................ 42 EPM Hyper Pro..................................... 23, 66 Euro Moto Electrics................................... 37 Geza Gear...................................................... 18 Haynes North America............................. 25 Helmet Sun Blocker................................... 25 HEX-ezCAN................................................... 94 Ilium Works................................................... 85 IMTBIKE TOURS................................... 25, 83 Jesse Luggage Systems........................... 66 Kermit Chair Company............................. 42 LD Comfort................................................... 42 Legal Speeding Enterprises................... 83 M4Moto-psa......................................... 84, 94 MachineartMoto........................................ 23 Magura USA................................................. 21 Michelin Tire.............................................5, 71 MOA Member Benefits............................ 81 MOA Platinum Roadside Assistance... 79 Morton’s BMW............................................. 66 Moto Aventura............................................ 61

Moto-bins..................................................... 83 Moto Skiveez............................................... 37 Motoadventours........................................ 18 Motonation..................................................BC Motorcycle Relief Project........................ 93 Motorrad Elektrik....................................... 29 Mountain Master Truck Equipment...... 18 MTA Distributing/Olympia Moto Sports..IFC On The Level Magazine............................. 65 Overseas Speedometer........................... 29 Palo Alto Speedometer............................ 18 Parabellum................................................... 80 Paradise Motorcycle Tours...................... 27 Progressive Insurance.............................. 19 Ray Atwood Cycles.................................... 42 Redverz.......................................................... 18 Re-Psycle BMW Parts................................ 23 Rider Magazine............................................ 94 Rocky Creek Designs................................ 27 Russel Cycle Products............................... 27 Sargent Cycle Products............................ 85 Scenic Wheels Motorcycle Tours.......... 25 Square Root Rally....................................... 89 Stop ‘n Go...................................................... 83 Suburban Machinery................................ 42 Twisted Throttle......................................1, 27 Weiser Technik............................................ 11 Wilbers USA........................................... 29, 89 Ztechnik......................................................... 43

BMW ON (ISSN:1080-5729) (USPS: 735-590) (BMW Owners News) is published monthly by BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Inc., 640 S. Main Street, Suite 201, Greenville, SC 29601. Periodicals postage paid at Pewaukee, Wisconsin and additional mailing offices. Opinions and positions stated in materials/articles herein are those of the authors and not by the fact of publication necessarily those of BMW MOA; publication of advertising material is not an endorsement by BMW MOA of the advertised product or service. The material is presented as information for the reader. BMW MOA does not perform independent research on submitted articles or advertising.

POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO BMW ON, 640 S. Main Street, Suite 201, Greenville, SC 29601 © 2018 by BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Inc. All information furnished herein is provided by and for the members of BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, Inc. Unless otherwise stated, none of the information (including technical material) printed herein necessarily bears endorsement or approval by BMW MOA, BMW NA, the factory or the editors. The editors and publisher cannot be held liable for its accuracy. Printed in the USA. Volume 48, Number 4.

April 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS

95

talelight

Sunshine everywhere

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge creates the backdrop on an unusually warm winter day.

Photo by Stephanie Hrenchir #211657

96

BMW OWNERS NEWS  April 2018

GEAR SHOP BMW Club White Latte Mug $15.00

14oz latte mug with the standard BMW Clubs logo.

Men’s Square R Nine T Black Tee $20.00

Super soft adult tee with new R nine T graphic. Athletic cut t-shirt is 100% pre shrunk cotton and very comfortable. Screen printed graphic on black shirt.

Twill Mid Profile Hat $15.00 Hats, hats and hats availablein a variety of styles and colors.

Ladies Game V-Neck 1972 Tee White/Blue $20.00

Stylish new v-neck design for the ladies. Soft white tee with weathered blue trim. Very soft 100% cotton District Made tee.

1,000+ items available www.olympiamotosports.com

Order online at gear.bmwmoa.org

BMW OWNERS NEWS – A PUBLICATION OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS OF AMERICA

Pursang $179

WAT E R P R O O F T E X T I L E JACKET  Constructed of multi-layer Dura Guard 600 denier textile.  Removable, waterproof and breathable Reissa liner.  Removable quilted liner for cold rides.  10 zip open vents to keep you cool.  Pockets everywhere!  CE armor used throughout.

Motonation Apparel offers a solution for riders who are focused mainly on product value, the

Alt Colors:

utmost in features and fit at an affordable price. Despite the affordable price level Motonation apparel meets strict quality and safety standards.

Phantom $129

WAT E R P R O O F T E X T I L E PA N T  Constructed of multi-layer Dura Guard 600 denier textile.  Removable, waterproof and breathable Reissa liner.  Removable quilted liner for cold rides.  Multiple pockets & zip open vents to keep you cool.  CE armor in the knees.

APRIL 2018

www.motonation.com motonation.com 877.789.4940

APRIL 2018 BMW OWNERS NEWS www.bmwmoa.org