BMW Owners News May 2017

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

MAY 2017

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MAY 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS www.bmwmoa.org

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Inside features

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broccoletti, bread and a beemer, part 2

By Tamela Rich #161425 Ride along with Tamela as she continues her nine-day motorcycle tour of Italy discovering not only the beauty of the boot shaped country, but culinary delights able to turn even a fast-food junkie into a foodie.

seven bikes

By Ken Frick #199204 Over his lifetime, Ken Frick has owned seven motorcycles. While it was a Lambretta that opened his eyes to the freedom of two wheels it was a 2005 RT that took him to the top of the world.

ON THE COVER: T he view of Mount Denali is but one reason to ride the Talkeetna Spur Road between Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska. Photo by Ken Frick #199204

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the club 4 Owners News Contributors 8 Headlight A Salute to Volunteers, by Bill Wiegand 10 President's Column Motorcycle Awareness Month,

skills 80 Ask a Pro Passengers on our Own Bikes, by Lee Parks 82 Foundation News GEARS Training adds Advanced Skills

12 Shiny Side Up My Mayday Moments, by Ron Davis 14 Postcards from the Road 16 Rider to Rider Letters from our Members

lifestyle 86 Jack the Riepe Hypothermia and Iguanas make for Raw

by Wes Fitzer

Member tested/ product news 20 Olympia Women’s Four-Season Expedition suit, Dunlop Sportmax

Roadsmart III tires, Magnum Horn Wolo, Ride Utah! By Dave Magdiel.

30 BMW EnduroGuard suit, Rox Riser options for R 1200 GS and GS

Adventure, Cardo Systems Scala Rider FREECOM system, PIAA hybrid bulbs, Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladder by Giant Loop, Camping and motorcycle touring are natural partners at KOA, Siebenrock: Building a better BMW.

tech 42 Keep ‘em Flying Our Southwest Tour Continues,

by Matthew Parkhouse

46 Nicht Uber Max Questions and Answers,

by George Mangicaro

48 Maryland Supertech: All Airheads all the Time,

by Wes Fleming

Program

Adventure in Key West, by Jack Riepe

90 Final Journeys 2017 BMW MOA International Rally 94 Ride home a Winner at the Crossroads of the West Rally 96 Rally Registration Volunteers Needed 97 Streetmasters and Street Skills to offer training at the Rally 98 BMW Motorcycles of Utah welcomes Rally Attendees 100 The GS Giant: Not your Average Dirt Competition 102 2017 Rally Committee Chair list events 106 From the Board January 2017 Board of Directors meeting minutes

118 When and Where Places to go and things to see 127 Advertiser Index 128 Talelight

discovery 52 Long Distance Style No More Turtle Necks,

by Deb Gasque

56 The Apprehension of my first Rally, by Keith Foster

Photo by Bill Wiegand #180584

May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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CONTRIBUTORS 1. Tamela Rich began her love affair with the open road in the 1970’s, traveling old Route 66 from the Midwest to California for family reunions. Her G 650GS is a definite improvement on the Vista Cruiser station wagon, with its vinyl seats and underpowered air conditioner! Tamela shares more of this story and others at TamelaRich.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or somewhere down the road.

2. Jeff Dean has been a BMW motorcycle rider since 1967 and still loves his BMW R 60/2, probably because it was his first motorcycle. In 1968 he founded the Madison (Wisconsin) BMW Club and in 1972, co-founded the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America and Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners.

Today, his BMWs include a 1954 R 51/3 through a 2014 R 1200 RT, as well as an R 68, R 67/3, 1949 R 24, R 25/3 and several of those wonderful R 60/2s. You can find information on all these BMWs and others on his web site at www.bmwdean.com.

He is an obsessed motorcyclist (according to his long-suffering wife, Jill—who is absolutely correct), a motorcyclist instructor and coach, an architectural historian, a photographer of historic buildings, and in all other ways, a wandering rider on the great twisting road of life.

3. Keith Foster operates a couple of small businesses in Birmingham, Alabama. After his Wailing' Wayne weekend adventure, he became intrigued by BMW motorcycles and purchased a 2004 R 1150 R with 37,000 and joined the MOA. Having put 5,000 miles on it over the winter and he is currently eyeing an ‘04 R 1150 GS. He is also looking forward to attending Wailin'

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Wayne Weekend again this year as well as the MOA Getaway in Texas this November.

4. Kurtis Minder is a motorcyclist, hiker, runner, biker and entrepreneur based in Arlington, Virginia. He began his motorcycling career riding with his father-in-law and found the BMW motorcycling culture to be a fit. Focusing on safety, wellness and minimalism, he enjoys annual cross-country trips on his R 1200 GS. Kurtis serves as the Vice President of the BMW Bikers of Metropolitan Washington (MOA charter club #40) and is the CEO of a Information Security company based in the Washington, D.C. area.

5. Ken Frick is relatively new to BMWs and his '05 RT is one of the seven motorcycles he’s owned since his college years back in the '70s. A retired freelance photographer, Ken now spends much of his free time writing stories to accompany the photographs he takes on his motorcycle travels, about his family, long-distance running and the 1953 MG TD both he and his wife claim as their own.

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.

www.tourmaster.com

Blue Solitude

All alone near Death Valley.

Photo by Mark Janda #198513

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May 2017  BMW OWNERS NEWS

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headlight Magazine of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America MANAGING EDITOR

Bill Wiegand bill@bmwmoa.org

A salute to volunteers

By Bill Wiegand #180584

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 11030 North Forker Road, Spokane, WA 99217 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 $40/yr. and includes the BMW Owners News, which is not available separately. Each additional family member is $10 without a subscription.

Canadian members add $12 for postal surcharge.

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

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BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

FROM THE BMW OWNERS ANONYMOUS AND ITS THOUSANDS OF

phone numbers listing the multitude of members willing to help fellow members in need to the volunteer staff coordinating our mileage contests, rider education, and more, one thing that never ceases to amaze me in my role as the Managing Editor of Owners News is the selfless giving of our membership.

I also have to take into consideration the International Rally, where hundreds of volunteers give up their opportunity to simply attend and enjoy the rally to give to others, and the pages of BMW Owners News filled each month with the contributions of our members. The number of people who volunteer in some way to help the club is staggering.

In last month’s issue, Paul Ruffell, the Rally Volunteer Chair, put out his yearly call for volunteers by saying, “While there is no salary, the satisfaction of volunteering for even a few hours with any of our committees will create new friendships along with a great sense of giving and being part of our rally. Volunteers are the backbone of the MOA International Rally and without member involvement our annual July get together would be impossible to host.”

In this issue, Rally Registration Chair Roger Trendowski made a similar call for volunteers by saying, “Not only is it a great way to meet other riders and help riders who arrive at the rally after long hours on the road, but you’ll forge new friendships that will last a lifetime.

Rally registration volunteers play an active role contributing to the success of the rally.”

Just as our volunteer efforts serve to insure the success of our Rally, without the selfless giving of our members it would be impossible to publish this magazine.

From Curt Stetter (#205881) taking us along on a ride on a route once the path of oreladen wagons and stagecoaches of the late 19th century known as the Old Spanish Trail, to Bex Becker (#192550) relating her account of the first all-female Motorcycle Relief Project ride, it’s the generous giving of our member writers and photographers that provide the delightful content we are treated to each month.

While most members recognize the names Parkhouse, Riepe, Cwi, Gasque and Thomas, it’s the less familiar names of Russell, Frick, Foster, Hamill, Janda and many, many more that deserve our highest praise. It’s these members who represent the anonymous character of our member contributors excited with a tale to tell or a photograph to share. For a visual representation of the editorial talent of our membership, a review of our January issue’s Best of 2016 section will confirm that claim.

Working with our great member contributors has created a bit of a dilemma, though. Each month we receive many more submissions than we are able to print in the limited number of pages of Owners News. While having more content than can be used is a good problem to have, I believe our member contributors who have worked so hard deserve to see their work available to all.

To make this a reality, I’ve begun to work closely with Wes Fleming, the MOA’s Digital Media Editor. Together, we share the goal to making virtually all member contributions available either within the pages of Owners News or on the MOA website, either as a traditional article or as an entry in one of our blogs. No longer will we be limited by a finite number of pages within our magazine! Moving forward, we plan to grow our online resources and continue to build our ever-growing archive of member contributions.

We welcome and look forward to receiving your contributions and are excited at the opportunity to share your great stories and images with our MOA brothers and sisters.

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Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. $75 per year premium excludes state fees and taxes, and is not available in AK, GA, HI, MA, & SC.

PRESIDENTSCOLUMN

Motorcycle Awareness Month BMW MOA OFFICERS

Wes Fitzer, President 918-441-2114; jwfitzer@yahoo.com Jackie Hughes, Vice President 509-928-3261; jhughes@bmwmoa.org Reece Mullins, Secretary 334-470-7770; rangerreece@mac.com Jean Excell, Treasurer 719-650-6215; jeanexcell@bmwmoa.org BMW MOA DIRECTORS

Sam Garst 414-704-7767: guanocave@gmail.com Stan Herman 719-250-4358; hermanhaus1@msn.com Lisa Malachowsky 925-759-4360; lisa.malachowsky@gmail.com Marc Souliere 613-828-1798; beemer1@sympatico.ca 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 David Swider, Ambassador Liaison 415-479-8075; teamkbasa@comcast.net Lee Woodring, Consumer Liaison 770-331-2419; lee.woodring@bmwmoa.org Joe Leung, Consumer Liaison 403-689-9939; joe.leung@bmwmoa.org Greg Feeler, Pat Carol and Brian Burdette 2017 BMW MOA Rally Chairs 2017rallychair@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, Director of Membership & Marketing 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 Noelle Boiano, Membership Services noelle@bmwmoa.org

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By Wes Fitzer #170126 MAY IS MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH THROUGHOUT THE

United States, a time when the general public is reminded to watch out for motorcyclists with the hope of reducing motorcycle/automobile accidents. The problem is motorcycle/automobile-related collisions have been on the rise for the past several years, which indicates to me that motorcyclists cannot depend upon government initiatives to make the sport we love safer. Let’s look at a few things we can do in very general terms.

Wearing protective gear, especially DOT-approved helmets, is the most influential action a rider can take to help save his/her own life. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates riders not wearing helmets are 40 percent more likely to die in a crash than those who are wearing helmets.

Here is the real reason for my column: I’ve seen an alarming trend on our social media pages of our members attacking people outright for not wearing ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time). As a community, we should be helping to educate our members about the benefits of ATGATT as opposed to attacking people. No one has ever changed their modus operandi as the result of personal attacks. Let’s be a community of people who encourage each other, not a community hell bent on attacking those who ride differently than we do.

I was recently looking through some pictures from rallies long past. It was startling to see the number of riders (most, if not all) who were riding without any protective gear other than a helmet. What happened? What changed? We all learned over the years the value of ATGATT and incorporated it into our riding style. Let’s help our new and potential new members learn instead of attacking them and turning them away from a great organization because their first interaction was to post a picture on social media and be attacked because they weren’t wearing ATGATT. I’m going to give a shout out here to the BMW MOA Foundation. Does everyone know our foundation’s primary purpose is to provide training? One of the many benefits of MOA membership is the ability to apply for a $250 Paul B. scholarship from the Foundation and take a training course of your choice, from a training provider of your choice, at a time of your choice. That one benefit far outweighs the cost of our annual membership.

This should go without saying. According to the NHTSA, riding impaired is the single largest causation factor for single vehicle (motorcycle) crashes occurring late in the evening/early in the morning. I’m sure NHTSA funded a study for something that any of us who ride could have told them. Many of us enjoy adult beverages from time to time, but let’s stay off our bikes and not mix the two.

I tell new riders that I have several key things I do to try to ensure I make it home safely: I wear protective gear including the best helmet I can afford, and I treat every encounter with a vehicle as though they are playing Grand Theft Auto and are out to kill me. I do everything I can, including wearing neon green, to make myself more visible to cars while riding within my abilities. I also avoid riding at night and never ride after drinking.

Let’s face it, Motorcycle Awareness Month is not going to make that teen driver put his or her phone down, it’s not going to prevent that parent from being distracted by a child, nor will it prevent that sweet little old lady from turning left in front of you. It might grow awareness of our sport, though, and that just might save a life out there on the road.

Ride Safe!

Wes

Fitzer

www.twistedthrottle.com/mydealer

the club 12

shinysideup

Mayday moments

By Ron Davis #111820 Another Mayday Moment occurred a cockpit, would be screaming into his mic, WHEN I WAS IN few years ago when I had taken my R 1150 “SKYRIDER TO BASE! I’M HIT, I’M HIT, probably fourth or R out into the sticks trout fishing. After a HAVE TO DITCH! MAYDAY! fifth grade my pal fruitless few hours spent wading the North MAYDAY!” Steve and I would Branch of the Little Wolf, I packed up my I always wondered why “Mayday” would make a monthly gear and headed out of the parking area be used as a call of distress. May to me sugpilgrimage on our and up a steeply pitched gravel ramp. Near gested little girls braiding garlands of danSchwinns out to the the top, the roadster slipped sideways as delions and skipping around a gaily edge of town to a the rear wheel began to spin, and though I ribboned maypole. It wasn’t until just resale shop called Kruetzer Brothers. was near panic at the thought of dumping recently that I read somewhere “Mayday” is The place was dark and gloomy, and a the heavy bike on this steep incline in the actually a misnomer. The expression comes permanent haze of cigarette smoke middle of nowhere, for once I actually did from the French “M’aidez” (Help Me), emanated from a grumpy, gray-haired the right thing and got on the throttle, which makes a heck of lot more sense. clerk in the back who perched on a squirting me up onto the blacktop. Cue the However you spell it, anyone who’s spent barstool, chain-smoking his way enormous sigh of relief. some time on a bike has probably had his through crossword puzzles. Thick My most recent Mayday Moment or her share of Mayday Moments. I guess grey dust layered practically all the occurred at a busy intersecmerchandise which tion where I waited, first in could include “SKYRIDER TO BASE! I’M HIT, I’M HIT, HAVE TO line, for the light to change anything from a and enter a four lane expressbeat-up catcher’s DITCH! MAYDAY! MAYDAY!” way. When I got the green, I mitt to a IT SEEMS LIKE THE YOUNGER AND LESS began to enter the intersecdisassembled tube radio to a crusted EXPERIENCED I WAS, THE MORE FREQUENT WERE tion, but suddenly caught a silver blur approaching from portable cement THOSE WHITE KNUCKLE MOMENTS. my left. The blur became a mixer. Back in one full-sized silver SUV runcorner in a battered ning the red light at about 50 cardboard box was mph. I squeezed and jumped on the brakes, my first came when I was young and stupid our destination: a sprawling pile of and the SUV’s bumper passed within (-er). An archetypal hippie, I had a full used comic books. inches of my front wheel. Stunned, I sat beard at the time, and I hated the way my Comics were five for a quarter at there for a moment, then looked up to see helmet’s chinstrap matted it down, so of Kruetzer’s, and sitting crossed-legged the drivers of all the cars now stopped at course I never buckled it. Though I cultion the grimy floor, we would solthe intersection shaking their heads in vated the look of a champion of the counemnly sort through the mess, builddisbelief. terculture, come to think of it, I was ing our piles of keepers. As comic Mayday Moments come with the terrihopelessly vain. Anyway, as I made a right connoisseurs, we cast aside anything tory when you’re a motorcyclist, looking turn at an intersection, I hit some fine sand as puerile as an Archie and Jughead back at mine, I can see a pattern. It seems and slowly lowsided. Apart from a bruised or a Richie Rich, searching for the like the younger and less experienced I ego and torn jeans, I was unhurt, but my hard stuff—war comics. Invariably was, the more frequent were those white Honda was lying on its side in the street, there’d be a panel in one of those knuckle moments. Time spent on the road and my helmet had instantaneously where an unshaven pilot of a Japanese isn’t the only factor that has reduced my popped off my head and tumbled to the Zero sneered through his windscreen Mayday quotient. I owe a lot experts like opposite curb. A motorist in a suit and tie and strafed the wings of an American David Hough, Fred Rau, Lee Parks and stopped and helped me right the bike and Mustang piloted by a chiseled-faced Ken Condon. Rally workshops, tune-up get going, politely avoiding any comment guy with a name like Buck Skyrider courses, and videos have been helpful, too. concerning the considerable role luck may (AKA-AKA-AKA-AKA-AK).

Our To borrow a phrase from Matt Parkhouse, have played in preventing my brains from hero Buck, blood trickling down his “Always learning, always learning.” being strewn across the pavement. forehead and smoke pouring into his

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

www.araiamericas.com

Postcardsfromtheroad

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6 1. M ercer’s Mill Covered Bridge over Octoraro Creek near Atglen, Pennsylvania.

Terence Hamill #14629 Lansdale, Pennsylvania 2. M y F 700 GS “Evie” photographed on Geiger Grade in northern Nevada near Virginia City.

Val Weston #209043 Dayton, Nevada 3. Along Route 66 near Odell, Illinois.

Kris Layson #207538 Spring Lake, Michigan 7

4. L unch break on the Dalton Highway, Alaska’s Haul Road.

Jeff Kernen #94198 Madison, Indiana 5. O n the Shames Mountain Road west of Terrace, British Columbia.

John Curtis #202773 Casco, Maine 6. A n early morning on the Olympic Peninsula along the Washington coast.

Paul Furlong #209690 Bellingham, Washington 7. A pair of R 60/2s photographed in front of an octagonal barn in Plain, Wisconsin.

Jeff Dean #115 Tucson, Arizona 8. O n the way to the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Park, Alberta.

David Burns #197049 Santa Clarita, California

8 For July, send us your Best Postcard from the Road. One photo may be submitted per member with the best selected for publication in BMW Owners News. Send your high resolution image, contact information and member number to editor@bmwmoa.org.

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

Bravo Owners News

The direction of the MOA Owners News content has really improved in the last several years and become more meaningful for me. The inclusion of so many finely written personal articles by the membership and featured moto-journalists has touched a chord not usually struck by lifestyle membership magazines.

The latest column (February 2017) by Lee Parks referencing the risks associated with motorcycling was heart wrenchingly superb. A personal loss of life tragedy coupled with his using the poem "Risk" as the eulogy conveyed a universal truth to our chosen passion.

This is one example of why MOA Owners News has gone from always interesting, to sometimes really compelling. It can be light and airy, to somber and reflective of the human experience with a motorcycle. Bravo!

Walter Bringman #177814 Penn Valley, California

Love my R 90/6

In the January Owners News, Hebert Hummer talked about his preference for the modern, well-built and engineered BMWs while in the same letter implying that old airheads are junk and break down too often. How ironic then that the very next letter printed outlines a member’s recent rear drive failure on his 2007 R 1200 GSA! I am of a similar age to Herbert and have owned modern BMWs as well as older models and will always defend the marque for innovation, quality and longevity. However, when I decided to buy a motorcycle to tour the U.S., I chose a 1976 R 90/6 which was 33 years old at the time of purchase.

With my wife riding pillion, we covered 45,000 miles in the U.S. (including Alaska), Mexico and Canada and was rewarded with trouble free touring. Our tour was

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arranged over several years while leaving the bike stored at different locations.

Other than one dealer providing service, all routine maintenance was done by me at the start of each tour.

This bike is still providing good, reliable service and has recently been used to tour the Spanish and French Pyrenees. Not bad for a 40-year-old machine in standard trim.

I agree that the new bikes are fantastic machines and that BMW will continue to lead the way in quality products, but I don’t believe my R 90/6 is junk.

Thanks for a great magazine.

Tony Williams #138646 Old Woking, Surrey, England

Jack's read first

I finally got around to catching up on my several BMW Owners News magazines after the holidays and was very pleased to see another “Jack the Riepe” column in my December issue.

Not unlike Cycle World when Peter Egan writes his guest column, Jack’s is the first column I turn to whenever it’s available. I must say though, at first I was a tad disappointed to see that a guest columnist, Michael Cantwell, had authored the December installment. However, after the first few sentences, I felt that Jack may have had a twin switched at birth. What a joy it was to read!

Should Jack ever find himself unable to make the next deadline, I believe you have your “go to guy” in Michael Cantwell.

Thanks again for such a great publication.

Steve Swanson #92277 Independence, Missouri

Love the F 700 GS

I would like to say thanks to Ron Davis for the article on the F 700 GS, "My affair with

the Poor Sister," published in the April 2017 issue of Owners News, as I have become very fond of this model of BMW as well.

In late 2013, I traded an 800 plus pound cruiser for a 2013 F 700 GS, and it revitalized my riding.

It’s no surprise that the F 700 GS is quicker, brakes better, handles better and is better finished than my former cruiser, and with the Vario Cases, it can also carry more stuff.

I am 64 and have a bad right knee and a sometimes painful back, so I really appreciate the ease of moving this lighter bike in a parking lot or garage. Because my wife rides her own BMW, I don't need a big bike for two-up. I also don't ride off road, so my GS is strictly a street bike for me. I like the riding position, and it handles the highway at 60 to 70 mph all day, no problem, and at 6' 3", bike seat height is not an issue.

For years I always said the only way I would have a bike with a chain is if I liked everything else about the bike. I never thought I'd find one, but the F 700 GS is that bike for me.

Thanks for shedding some light on this sometimes overlooked, but excellent bike.

Glen Bowley #194120 Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada

F 700 GS a great bike

Ron Davis is right: for some of us, the BMW F 700 GS is a great bike.

I have owned an 1100 LT, bought sight unseen, loved it, too. I had a 650 GS which was a bit too small but loved her, too. The F 700 GS came into my life just prior to the International Rally in Salem, Oregon, in 2013. After a quick break-in and service, off I went to my first rally.

The next summer was a 6,000 plus mile trip from Dayton, Nevada, to Fairbanks, Alaska. I rode my "poor sister," and my daughter rode her 650 GS, and we both

had trouble-free rides.

This trip was not without danger, and I believe my bike saved my life four times during the ride up and back, twice in the gravel outside Beaver Creek, Yukon, Canada, and twice on Hwy 97 just outside Crater Lake, Oregon. The gravel adventure was my fault, but the highway adventures were due to drivers who didn’t see us. I did get a chance to ride an 800 GS in Europe but found the bike too tall.

I am almost 70, and the F 700 GS is a wonderful bike for those of us getting on in age. I really don't want to pick up a dropped R 1200 GS. This summer I will be in Salt Lake City on the July 13, and with any luck my daughter will be along for her first rally. I have no doubt the "poor sister" will get me there.

Bob Gautschi #108142 Dayton, Nevada

Staying away from Utah

I appreciate the time and effort scores of volunteers put into the 2017 International BMW MOA Rally. I also realize that locations are chosen well in advance and that the international rally is an important gettogether for members and fund-raiser for our organization.

Nonetheless, where we spend our money is a political statement. I will not support Utah. Like many motorcyclists, I can’t envision life without our National Parks and other public lands in the USA. I am willing to bet there has never been an issue of our BMW Owners News that did not prominently feature the beauty of our bikes in public lands. I am sure Utah’s location, with access to many well-known public lands, was an important reason it was chosen as the rally destination.

Unlike us riders, the state of Utah does not share our passion for governmentowned and operated lands. Governor Herbert and his legislature support and have created some of the worst, and unprecedented, policies in the nation to dismantle, ravage, and defund public lands. Like the outdoor retailers, I cannot support Utah’s efforts to reduce, sell, lease or defund our public lands.

I am going to follow the lead of some other North Americans, the Canadian

outdoor retailer Arc’teryx, and donate the money I would have spent traveling to and attending the BMW MOA rally to the defense and protection of public lands.

I hope some of my fellow BMW riders will join me.

Brian Reeder #101144 Morehead, Kentucky

Enough already!

Geez, how do I comment on your request regarding K Bike Brittany without coming across like a grouchy old poop or someone who doesn't like the apparently wellloved Riepe?

I'm 64 and one of my rides is an S 1000 R, but I gotta tell ya, I find the magazine old fashioned. Not that I don't appreciate all the work you do. I know how difficult it is to put out something like Owners News. A lot of what goes in depends upon submissions; I get that, and I wrestled with even sending in this letter.

I know I am probably in a small minority, but Owners News simply doesn't speak to me. There must be others who feel this way. Multiple page articles on airhead valve adjustments for some trip the author is taking, eleven pages of K Bike Brittany/lightning/or K bike camping.

Enough. I surrender.

Lego article was interesting, as was Product News and World Super Bike, and Italy was a nice one.

And I am violating one of my own rules.

That is, you can't criticize if you don't offer a solution. But this one has me stumped.

Oh, and to answer the original question...NO, I don't want to see another word about Secret K BIke Clubs or Brittany Berlinga.

Herb Hummer #140014 Toledo Ohio

We want more Brittany

Someone needs to count Riepe's pills!

He's either taking too many or not enough! Please "insist" he finish Brittany's story before he loses what little is left of his mind. Jack's stories are the best!

They're the first thing I read every issue.

Lee Hutson #41897 Corinth, New York

I just finished reading Jack Riepe's "Brittany Berlinga" and enjoyed it. I read Jack's note at the end of the story advising to write in if I wanted to find out what happens to Brittany. So I hope I can find out in the May issue of Owners News. I also enjoyed his lightning story.

Dick Daniels #85168 Queensbury, New York Felt compelled to write after reading Jack Reipe's piece. I enjoy his regularly published musings very much, but this little novella came as a really pleasant surprise.

Can't wait for the next installment, and I hope you agree.

Ian Carroll #199905 Yorktown Heights, New York More Brittany Berlinga please.

John Diaz #103498 Bountiful, Utah Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the “Brittany Berlinga" story by Jack Riepe! I always enjoy reading his stories, and I can’t wait to read the next installment in this serial.

Tim Adkins #121172 Olive Hill, Kentucky I'm a Life member of the MOA and I wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you what a great and informative magazine you produce. I particularly enjoy Jack' s articles. I have a copy of his first book and am waiting to order his newer ones. I loved his Brittany suspense story in the latest issue (arrived yesterday and I already read it).

Walter Payne #49259 Athens, Tennessee

Please allow Jack Riepe the opportunity to conclude the story of Brittany Berlinga in the next special K Bike section.

Willard Ripley #135962 Fernie, British Columbia

May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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member teste 20

PRoductreviews

Olympia women’s four-season Expedition suit

By Deb Gasque #182082 THE

WORDS

“IMPRESSIVE,”

“functionality” and “satisfaction” ring a lovely chime in most everyone’s heart, and when those three words come together in perfect synchronicity, they give me huge goosebumps.

It’s curious the way we’ve all mastered a dependence on those three concepts. We completely expect services and products to be full and precise in their offerings and will settle for nothing less than feeling ubergratified by our use of them. For me, the Olympia Women’s Expedition Jacket and Pants deliver in a big way.

Throughout this winter and spring, I’ve been putting the Olympia Women’s Expedition suit to the test. I live in the Southeast, so the temps have been off the chart this past season. One week it’s warm and wet, the next it’s cold and dry – and then those two worlds collide. The bi-polarity of our weather has made riding a motorcycle quite a feat lately. But the impressively well-made and functional Olympia Expedition suit carried me through all the many changes and provided true satisfaction.

The Expedition jacket and pant suit, using Olympia’s three-layer

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

system Design, is truly a four-season set up.

Not only does the style of this suit rock (even for this Iron Butt Fashionista), but its outer shell is constructed in 500 and 2000 denier Cordura fabric. It also has zip-down MVS Mega Vent Panel Systems at the chest, back, arms and legs, which means that in warmer weather you can pull a few zippers and have totally vented gear!

Additionally, I found the comfort factors exceed any suit I’ve ever worn. The customfit collar, cuffs, elbows, waist, and legs, along with neoprene framing around the collar for extra comfort, really sends this suit into “goosebump zone.”

The two under layers (completing the three-layer system) are comprised of a Thermolite insulated, zip-in warming jacket with connecting zipper and an over or under rain jacket and pants which have neon yellow panels for high visibility. Also, this suit has many pockets both inside and out. It represents functionality at its prime.

As far as stylish, I love the color blocks and the many ways of cinching to fit your own body style. Ladies, this suit does it all! I felt comfortable yet knew my curves were well-fitted on the road.

Olympia makes this suit for both women and men. Of course, I wanted to try out the rugged side for us all. During the winter

chills this past February, I tested the Olympia Expedition for an entire ten-hour day in 40-degree weather with just a basic coldweather layer without heated gear and a few hand warmer pouches in the pockets of my suit. I must admit, I stayed pretty comfortable. Later in that same trip, I headed south into Florida where the temperatures elevated very quickly. With a quick zip and tuck of a few panels on the Expedition suit, I was feeling the cool breeze that I needed in 80-degree weather.

Later that day, I experienced a good Florida rain and did a quick suit-up of the highly visible rain suit. It quickly and easily fit over the riding suit, and off I was with total protective and visible gear. Not a drop penetrated the rain layers. One suit covering several extreme climates, totally impressive!

I believe the ladies Olympia Four-Season Expedition suit has hit all the notes for a complete, all-season riding suit. It’s function, it’s satisfaction, and it’s highly impressive. It even gives this Fashionista goosebumps!

The Olympia Women’s Expedition Jacket retails for $429.99, and the Expedition Pants retail for $349.99. For in-depth product and dealer information, visit olympiamotosports.com

The Olympia women's Expedition is also available in black and high-visibility yellow.

member teste 22

PRoductreviews

Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart III Better performance and more mileage

By Steven M. Green #198919 I’LL FREELY ADMIT THAT I’M NOT

a former AMA racer and I don’t have a test track in my office complex, but when you talk to someone that is a racer and their job is testing tires for Dunlop, I’ll step up and pay attention.

The recent launch of Dunlop’s Sportmax Roadsmart III tires included one such tester as well as a gaggle of slides from their data acquisition software and some GoPro videos demonstrating amazing traction on a flooded test track.

BMW motorcycles are, by design, motorcycles with sport and performance in their soul. Save the S 1000 RR, any of the marque can be a sporttouring machine. We demand a lot from our tires. They must have a long wearing tread, show exceptional

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

cornering grip, and push away water like a fire pump to keep the rubber on the road in wet conditions. Dunlop addressed each of these criteria with a goal of exceeding those performance parameters in comparison with the current king of the hill, the Michelin Pilot Road 4. Dunlop’s own tests on a 2016 R 1200 RT, corroborated by an independent lab, show an increase of about 3000 miles of life over the P4.

In crafting the new tire, Dunlop molded the casing with new construction designs and new cord weaves with a goal of not only creating great performance, but also retaining that level of performance over the life of the tire. We have learned that switching to a new tire from an older one will delight the rider with an immediate increase in performance since tire performance typically decreases with age. The key is to keep that

performance over time as the tire goes through endless heat and cooling cycles.

Dunlop shared their test data comparing worn tires versus new ones, and the difference was negligible, a most impressive feat.

Part of the secret for their impressive life is use of a dual-compound tread design. The tread portion of the tire is comprised of a high mileage compound in the center and on the sides, a high adhesion compound that contacts the pavement as soon as a few degrees of lean are encountered. Additionally, the rear profile has been changed to increase the footprint and improve mileage; both front and rear tires have a new sidewall construction to enhance shock absorption and provide crisp handling. The deep complex and intertwined grooves make the wet handling outstanding.

When the classroom presentation of

their data was over, we were invited to test the tires on some new bikes outfitted with the Roadsmart IIIs. Having just completed riding over 11,000 miles on a set of Michelin P4s on my S 1000 XR, I was eager to try the tires on that model. Our test route was over some familiar roads in the Santa Monica Mountains. Within a few miles, the tires revealed the engineers had scored a home run.

There was noticeably better compliance to the irregularities in the pocked tarmac. The handling revealed crisp turn-in, excellent cornering adhesion and confidence inspiring grip in the puddles left by the previous day’s rains. The spirited pace of the ride with fellow journalists left little doubt.

The route of the ride was only a mile or so from my home dealership, BMW of Ventura County, so I stopped by to see what the shop guys thought of the looks of the tires. All agreed with me that the aggressive tread pattern is a winner; it screams performance, and that was the final stamp of approval.

The tires are available in a range of 17” and 18” sizes. A quick check of pricing over the local counter showed that the cost is competitive, coming in somewhat less than the target P4s.

Again, I’m no AMA racer, but with these tires, I do feel just a little bit closer to being one.

member teste 24

PRoductreviews

Magnum Horn Wolo

By John Wetli #195304 AS A KID, I REMEMBER BEING

told by my father that he wanted me to be seen but not heard. It usually meant I was in trouble for something. I was in trouble a lot, so it could have been almost anything. As a rider, the phrase stuck has stuck with me for another reason. Visibility is good, unnecessary noise is not.

To make ourselves visible to texting teenagers, oblivious knuckleheads and inattentive dreamers, we wear the latest and greatest high visibility gear and don our bikes with the brightest auxiliary lighting available, yet we still don’t always get the attention of distracted drivers. It doesn’t matter if you’re flowing with traffic on Interstate 894 around Milwaukee or all alone on a quiet Highway 32 rolling through Pulaski, being seen by others has to be one of our top priorities every time we roll out of our driveways.

Yet, despite the fact that the gear I wear is brighter than the University of

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

Oregon’s football uniforms and I’ve got enough LEDs on the front of my bike to be seen from outer space, the minivan at the intersection I’m approaching still wants to pull out in front of me.

Sorry Dad, it’s time for me to be seen and heard.

I’ve always thought the horns installed on our motorcycles were but a single step above the thumb-actuated bells we had mounted on our handlebars of our tricycles. While they did allow us to pass a DOT licensing requirement, they were anything but an attention grabber. So began my quest for a horn upgrade.

Popular options pondered included a compressor driven, twin-tone air horn or a simpler, single-tone electric unit. I ruled out dual, compressor-driven trumpet horns.

While I’m sure they’d demand the same attention a semi does, I’m not sure what’s left of my hearing would last. The Magnum Horn Wolo found at Hornig.com that promised a sound output of 139 decibels and simple plug and play installation won my vote.

Installation of the Magnum Horn could not have been easier. Once I disconnected the wiring connector from the OEM horn and removed a single bolt holding the mounting bracket, the stock horn was easily pulled out of my 2007 R 1200 GS. Then it was simply a matter of positioning the Magnum Horn as needed, retightening the original bolt and attaching two leads to the horn and original wiring connector, and I was done. I spent more time finding the tools I thought I’d need than it did to install the new horn.

No doubt, the Magnum Horn Wolo is significantly louder than the stock unit.

Will it keep minivans from turning in front of me? That I can’t say. But what I do know is I’ve now got another tool in my kit to help insure that I get home at night, and if that peace of mind allows me to enjoy my ride just a little bit more, I’m happy.

The Magnum Horn Wolo is available at www.mhornig.com and carries an MSRP of $69.90 plus shipping.

The Magnum Horn Wolo (left) and the stock unit (right).

www.michelinmotorcycle.com

member teste 26

PRoductreviews

Ride Utah! by Dave Magdiel A Book Review By Wes Fleming #87301 JUST LIKE BETWEEN 5,000 AND

6,000 of the people reading this magazine, I’ll be heading to the Crossroads of the West Rally in Salt Lake City this July. Some of us will ride straight there from wherever it is we live and ride straight back home. Some of us will wander about the country for days or even weeks on either side of the rally, both leaving home and heading back there when the mood strikes.

No matter which method of travel you prefer, if you are going to the rally, you should take the time to read Dave Magdiel’s book Ride Utah! (published in 2007 and updated in 2013 by Abajo Media). It is not only worth the money, but more important, it’s worth the space in your tank bag or pannier.

If I wasn’t planning on stopping in Utah, the advice and routes in Section IV, “Riding Through,” are worth the time. It’s easy to blast through a state on the interstate highways, but even if you don’t have the time to stop and see all Utah has to offer, knowing about the Heritage Highway and other non-freeway routes through the state enables you to get where you’re going and still see

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

some of the state. Both US 50 and US 6, once major east-west paths across the USA, go through Utah and hold both national and motoring history in store for riders.

Magdiel’s writing style is personable and warm. It’s easy to tell that he’s ridden these roads many times, and his tips for getting the most out of your gas tank and tires in Utah are invaluable to anybody planning on spending any time there. Especially helpful

are the sections in each chapter that clue travelers into the best gas stations, campgrounds, hotels and restaurants along the way. Since it’s been a while since the book was updated, it’s probably a good idea to phone ahead and make sure those businesses are still open, though.

Ride Utah! is filled with color photos that show off Utah’s amazing landscapes and feature plenty of smiling faces and motorcycles.

The one major weak spot of the book is the maps; while it’s handy to have them and get a visual idea of the routes being described, the maps themselves show little detail. Many of the maps lack even nearby major roads. You’ll have to rely on reading the text carefully to find out how and where to access the routes Magdiel lays out.

The book also contains handy tips and other information that can benefit any motorcyclist, not just one spending time in Utah.

Several appendices are included that give addresses and phone numbers for motorcycle dealerships across the state, clubs for just about any marque you can imagine, and a long list of links to motorcycling and travel websites.

The book’s subtitle is “A definitive guide to one of America’s greatest motorcycle touring destinations,” and it lives up to that claim.

Available at www.amazon.com

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new

PRoductnews BMW's new EnduroGuard

Both on and off-road touring in the elements just got easier thanks to BMW Motorrad’s new EnduroGuard suit. The EnduroGuard suit is a waterproof adventure suit with a new cut, new material, new colors and new features that satisfy the wish list of men and women seeking maximum functionality, safety and comfort while navigating roads less traveled.

“Our riders have been asking for an externally waterproof suit with no liner and ample ventilation that provides the same standard of protection and comfort they expect from BMW Motorrad Apparel Products,” said Jordyn Baker, Apparel Product Specialist for BMW Motorrad USA. Constructed of fabric developed exclusively for BMW Motorrad by Schoeller Textil AG (Switzerland), the EnduroGuard suit achieves top performance ratings for abrasion resistance, climate control, personal comfort and protection. Men’s and women’s jackets, offered in a range of sizes in grey or black (men’s sizes only), are priced at $949.

Pants for men and women, offered in a range of waist sizes and inseams in black, are available at a MSRPof $649. Visit your local BMW Motorrad dealer for more complete details.

Rox Risers offer riding comfort

A pair of new products from Rox Speed FX for riders of BMW’s 2013 and later R 1200 GS and GS Adventure models include an Anti-Vibe Handlebar Riser and a 1 ½” Barback Handlebar Riser.

The Anti-Vibe risers are designed to significantly reduce bar vibration while allowing the rider to pivot their handlebar to exactly where it is most comfortable.

The 1 ½” Barback risers move the handlebar back by about ¾” and up by about 1 ¼” and are a great option for riders who want to sit in a more upright position and reduce strain on their arms, neck and shoulders.

Both sets of handlebar risers work with stock cables, are made in the USA and feature a lifetime warranty.

For more information, call 218.326.1794 or visit RoxSpeedFX.com.

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BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

Communicate with Cardo Systems

Cardo Systems recently announced a new line of rider communication systems which include the Scala Rider FREECOM 1, FREECOM 2 and FREECOM 4.

The FREECOM 1 is designed for sole riders, while the FREECOM 2 is designed for solo riders or riders with passengers, and the FREECOM 4 is for group rides of up to four using Bluetooth communication. With the new Scala Rider FREECOM units, Cardo offers a highly durable Bluetooth connection to smartphones, MP3 players and GPS systems. All three of these devices have a design making them the smallest on the market and easy to operate. Up to 13 hours of talk time are available on a full battery charge. Additionally, all three units feature a slim control panel and fit virtually all helmet types.

All three communication systems offer two Bluetooth channels and can easily connect to a mobile phone, GPS device or to any music source for wireless A2DP stereo. Additionally, the systems come equipped with customizable Voice Control (VOX) for receiving or rejecting calls and the customizable AGC technology that automatically self-adjusts the volume according to the riding speed and the level of background ambient noise.

For complete information on the FREECOM system, visit cardosystems.com.

Extra gas is in the bag

PIAA lights the road ahead

With riders demanding more performance at a better value, PIAA has created a high-performance replacement bulb line combining high output performance with extended bulb life at a lower price point.

Constructed utilizing features from the PIAA’s popular Xtreme White Plus and Night Tech lines, the new Hybrid bulbs provide high output and reliability.

The Xtreme White Hybrid bulbs are engineered with newlydeveloped bulb coatings to provide a much brighter and whiter beam than stock bulbs to give riders more contrast and brighter down-road illumination, allowing you to see farther for greater safety and comfort in any driving situation.

In addition to a whiter and brighter light, the new Hybrid bulbs are fully DOT compliant and are backed by a one year warranty.

Visit www.PIAA.com for more information.

Giant Loop's new Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladder allows riders to transport up to two gallons of hydrocarbon fuel for powersports racing in a collapsible, welded film and ballistic nylon reinforced container that rolls up or packs flat when empty.

Weighing less than a pound, Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladders provide a lightweight and compact means of transporting gas for off-road racing on closed courses. Each Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladder is individually pressure tested and made in the USA by Fuel Safe®, a leading racing fuel containment manufacturer based in Redmond, Oregon.

Flat and unfilled, the two gallon Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladder measures 22" long x 11.24" wide and uses a standard size filler neck to fit universal spouts. For multiple attachment options, the Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladder features two webbing daisy chains. Three webbing handles facilitate filling and dispensing fuel. The Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladder is intended only for the temporary transport of liquid hydrocarbons for racing vehicles used in professional off-road and closed course competition racing events. The Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladder is NOT a portable or long-term fuel storage container.

The MSRP is $299.99, and for more information visit www.giantloopmoto.com.

May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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news

news

At KOA, camping and motorcycle touring are natural partners FEW THINGS CONJURE UP IMAGES

of adventure and freedom more than motorcycles and camping, so why not put them together for the ultimate getaway?

With stunning scenic roads made for motorcycles and KOA campgrounds along the way, you can enjoy nature from the road and up close while still being guaranteed a hot shower and maybe even a pancake breakfast or a steak cookout for dinner. When it comes to prepping and packing for a trip, considering these basic questions can help make sure you have a great experience…

How do I want to sleep?

DDo you want to camp out in a tent?

Or are you going to take advantage of one of KOA’s Rustic Cabins or Deluxe Cabins? Although both options require that you bring certain items with you, some KOA deluxe cabins come complete with towels and linens, reducing the items you’ll need to carry with you.

Just how light am I prepared to travel?

If If you are an experienced backpacker, bike packing won’t be too much of a transition for you since you’re used to space being at a premium. However, if camping for you usually means setting up a homeaway-from-home, complete with camp stove, folding chairs, giant coolers and maybe even the kitchen sink, then you’ll need to go through your standard packing list and whittle your gear down to the bare essentials.

If you just can’t do without that cast-iron Dutch oven, then you’ll need to look at pulling a trailer. Bear in mind it might cut down on the fun of

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BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

the twisties when you’re riding, but more important, trailers can affect stopping times and have other safety considerations.

Hard or soft luggage?

IIf you are ready to shed all the nonnecessities, the next big decision is whether to use hard bags or soft bags on your bike.

While this is mainly a matter of personal preference, there are some points to bear in mind when making your decision.

While hard bags can do a better job at keeping your gear dry, are generally more durable and can be painted to match your bike, they typically mean a greater investment and require a mounting system bolted to your bike. If your trip includes off-road riding, hard bags are also more susceptible to damage in the event of a fall.

On the other hand, soft bags are generally cheaper, typically use a lighter mounting system and can take a fall better than hard bags. On the down side, they may not be as waterproof as hard bags, and your gear may not be as secure.

Some basic tips…

• Waterproof nylon stuff sacks are always a great idea to help keep things individually packed and dry.

• Consider putting things that really shouldn’t get wet in heavy-duty plastic freezer baggies.

• You can never have too many straps. Make sure every item is securely fastened to the bike itself and never to other bags. Double check for straps that may flap or get tangled on the road.

Special Savings for BMW MOA members

While all campers can purchase a KOA Value Kard Rewards membership for just $30 per year, BMW MOA members are eligible to receive a free one-year membership in the KOA Value Kard Rewards program.

With a KOA Value Rewards Kard, members will receive 10 percent off KOA camping fees in addition to access to thousands of dollars worth of money-saving coupons and even a free night of camping each September.

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Siebenrock: Building a better BMW

By Kurtis Minder #141660 SIEBENROCK IS NOT YOUR TYPI-

cal hobby-turned-enterprise business. Jochen (pronounced Yo-han) and Harriett have built an empire based upon a fascination. For those who appreciate motorcycles, pulling into the parking area of the Siebenrock facility evokes a vocal response.

Located in the small town of Wendlingen, a suburb of Stuttgart, Germany, Siebenrock’s modest, glassfronted headquarters is crammed with vintage bikes including early 1900s rebuilds, with special models from Hoska, Krauser, Boot and Heimlich, as well as a collection of motorcycles from every era of the two-valve BMW, including special race models and celebrity bikes. To the left, thousands of square feet of products are visible, with much of this inventory near original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, with improvements to the original designs courtesy of Mr. Siebenrock.

You can see Jochen and Harriett’s

Jochen in the Siebenrock showroom.

passion emanating from the quality and refinement of the Siebenrock products and service. Walking through the massive showroom and product displays, one is humbled by the collection and attention to detail. It is understandable that this was built by an architect, someone who appreciates design, sweats the details and makes old things newer and better. That visionary is Jochen Siebenrock.

Jochen is probably best known for his aftermarket improvement to the two valve BMW classics. Most famous are his piston kits for the R 65, R 80, and R 100 models.

These kits have been tried and tested by riders in more than 65 countries. Built to improve weight and boost power and torque output, these kits use clever materials and quality re-engineering of the stock piston design and require no modifications to the cylinder heads. The R 80 “Siebenrock Kit,” for example, increases power from 49.3 to 59.2 horsepower and even 63.1 hp can be reached with some tuning. The conversion kits also eliminate the typical BMW torque dropout between 4,000 and

5,000 rpm. Finally, the bikes run smoother and quieter due to the much lighter nicasilcoated pistons that weigh 150 grams less than the stock piston heads.

“You have to congratulate me. I have the best thing in the world!” Jochen says as he pops on the balls of his feet, turns and walks swiftly toward a K bike in the window. An MKM #1 Mike Krauser Original Bike, he purchased it from Mike Krauser himself. Everything is as perfect as it was left before the sale. Before I can fully take in the bike, Jochen is off to show me another bike. In front of his modest office sits a BMW R 26 in perfect condition. The odometer on the bike reads “000000.”

Jochen quickly explains that it was built entirely of OEM spare parts, as new. This man has connections. It is a priceless bike, surrounded by other vintage classics of various models and eras, including an immaculate R 23 across the walkway.

Immediately behind the showroom there is a modest garage where technicians are installing Siebenrock parts. Walking through

Behind the scenes in the Siebenrock garage.

the garage, one sees bikes of various vintages on lifts, getting cylinder head covers installed and vintage shocks and instrumentation mounted and tested. Jochen sells over 8,000 valve covers per year. For his local clients, he offers installation services for his parts. During our visit, he darts back and forth in the shop and inventory areas. In a flash, he jets back into a shelving area behind the main inventory, and I am suddenly surrounded by vintage gas tanks from the two-valve area. “My Favorite room,” he says, “I love the colors,” as he pulls a classic toaster tank from a shelf and hands it to me. Many parts that Siebenrock stocks are vintage parts that need some restoration or attention but are hard to get elsewhere. Where Seibenrock really shines is with the improvements on the part and remanufacture.

Standing in front of an early model R 80 GS, Jochen points at the instrument cluster.

“See this? This is an amazing instrument cluster, but the original part has a wellknown defect.” Jochen explains that the BMW original cluster develops a rattle over time. He explains that he isolated this to a small gasket inside the wire housing.

Jochen experimented with different materials and was able to find a gasket that did not have this deterioration and rattle problem. He remanufactured the part to factory specs, kept the original look and function but eliminated the defect. This is the genius attention to detail of Siebenrock. Later he displayed the prototypes of the cluster build on a conference room table, explaining that he had graphic designers attempting to replicate the font on the cluster so that even to the trained eye the “FUEL”

label looked OEM. He claimed to have had dozens of versions built until he was satisfied. Jochen’s commitment to quality and attention to detail is clearly visible in all of the Siebenrock products. Siebenrock remanufactures improved Krauser cases, shocks, windshields and even the nuts and bolts.

In many cases Siebenrock goes to great lengths to determine the source manufacturer of an original part. The part could be something as substantial as a frame or as simple as a nut or bolt. He then looks to see what improvements can be made on the original design with an eye on keeping the aesthetics identical to the original. Following any improvements, he works with the original manufacturer (if they are still in business) to build the new improved part.

The result is improved and like-new vintage parts.

Standing in front of one of the display podiums, Jochen walks through the idea and design behind his famous piston kits.

His enthusiasm erupts: the clever use of the metal materials, the piston size, negating the need to board the cylinder head, the reliability of the parts. He hands me a piston kit that had clearly been used. “This one was returned to me recently. We were surprised to have someone return a kit, they are so reliable. The lady who bought this kit was one of my early customers; she put 700,000 kilometers on it.” Reliable indeed.

Following a comprehensive tour of the main facility, a tour of the auxiliary garage commences. On the short walk between the two buildings I ask Jochen how many bikes the company owns; his answer: “Over

www.advdepot.com

www.spectro-oils.com May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

35

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100 bikes.” I followed up, asking how many Jochen and Harriett own personally, and he said, “I own more.”

He smiles before unlocking the door.

Pushing aside the sliding door reveals a treasure trove of K bikes and boxer models, along with a couple of mini cars.

Not surprisingly, Jochen has a cellar where he keeps his secret stash.

Jochen does not age fine wine in his cellar, however. Beneath the main building there is a dirt floor basement with cast concrete walls. Stepping over steel beams and pushing aside spider webs, Jochen leads us to an opening in the wall about five feet in height. A glance around shows there are many of these openings throughout the space. A peek inside the door reveals hundreds of original BMW motorcycle frames. The frame collection is worth more than most wine collections, without question.

Shortly after returning to the surface of the shop, Jochen’s staff pulled out two R 65s and an R 80 GS and offered to take us for a test ride. One of the R 65 models was virtually stock and in absolute mint condition. The other had been fitted with the Siebenrock piston kit. The kit increases the overall torque and horsepower of the bike, turning the modest 650cc bike into an 800cc racer. I left the shop on the stock bike for a leisurely ride around the city. Even this bike was stunning, immaculate, as when it rolled off of the showroom floor. As suggested, I switched mid-ride from the 650cc to the improved 800cc R 65 with the kit. The difference was immediate and surprising. The pull of the second bike had the feel of an edgy sports bike with ample acceleration on the highway. At speed, the bike cruised smoothly with little vibration. The R 65 sounded like sewing

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

The Siebenrock frame vault.

machine and rode like new.

As time passes and the vintage market heats up, finding parts and recoverable bikes is increasingly difficult. There is hope, though, because Siebenrock is here to continue to support the vintage dream.

Without question, they are the leading supplier of quality vintage parts and

performance enhancements for the twovalve classics. They have United States distribution support through Wunderlich America and welcome visitors at their shop. Stop through and meet the couple next time you find yourself in Stuttgart. In the meantime, reach out to Wunderlich America for support and sourcing.

www.corbin.com

www.bingcarburetor.com

www.spectro-oils.com

May 2017  BMW OWNERS NEWS

37

Join us at an MOA

GETAWAY 38

BMW OWNERS NEWS  May 2017

5/12 - 5/14

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May 2017  BMW OWNERS NEWS

39

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TECH

keepemflying

Our southwest tour continues

By Matthew Parkhouse #13272 bit as the weekend progressed, but as Susanna’s shoes will attest, one had to be home a couple of careful to stay in the center of the dirt. To days from our the sides, under and near the scrub brush, it month-long ride/ was so muddy it grabbed at your feet and drive around the could pull them under. No amount of Southwest. In early scrubbing has removed the tinge of sandy February, Susanna brown. and I trailered her I brought my bag of tools and parts in Slash 7 and my “Mexico” Slash 5 to case anybody Congress, Arizona, needed mechanical where her sister and assistance.

Steve husband spend their from Arizona rode winters away from an R 80 RT that he the snow in Idaho. said tended to “stagCongress is a crossger when under roads community load.” He told me he not too far from had never really Wickenburg and checked the carbs about 75 minutes since acquiring the from Phoenix. Upon bike. I suggested we arrival, I stashed the look to see if any old Volvo wagon water was causing and the trailer beside problems. As I the house, and after slowly unscrewed spending a couple of the main jet carriers, days visiting, we a fair amount of packed up the bikes dirty water ran down and took off for Las the sides of the brass Vegas. We stayed pieces. After I put there for a day with everything back our friend Bruce Davidson and his Preparing to return to Susanna at her sisters in Arizona. The six men are fellow classmates from the together, a test drive wife, and then the 9th and10th grade of the Midland School in Santa Ynez, California. The Class of 1968 is becoming revealed the staggerthree of us took off known for how we have kept in touch over the decades. One of the guys actually was in the 5th and ing to still be present. The next place I for an Airhead gath- 6th grade with me! looked at was the float levels, and they did provided a real gourmet menu with a ering in Death Valley National Park. seem to be off. I carefully bent the brass tabs smoker and two large grills. I was told that This was the 25th such gathering. of the floats to allow fuel flow to begin right there were several cancellations due to the What started out as a small rally was with the seam of the float parallel with the weather in a good part of southern Califorone of the first events that B. Jan edge of the carb body. Steve took off for nia. Flooding and minor landslides were Hoffman and the founding members another test run and returned to report that forecast and occurred in parts of the of the then-new Airheads Beemer the bike was “running great.”

National Park. Still, more than 75 folks Club held. The 150-plus-mile ride to About 30 seconds after I finished workshowed up and enjoyed the relaxing camathe Furnace Creek Campground was ing on the carburetor project and raderie. Along with all the cooking equipcold and windy. The recent (and announced I was done, Steve turned on the ment, several dispensing taps were there, ongoing) rains rendered the area a bit bike and a cloud of smoke emerged from providing some excellent local craft and muddy, but we found an uphill porunder the tank! I was glad I had about five homebrew beers. The weather cleared up a tion of ground under some overWE’VE

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BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

BEEN

hanging branches for our tent.

Our arrival on Thursday allowed us to help with setup. The California Airheads are quite good at hosting this gathering.

They brought two pickup trucks full of tables, awnings and cooking equipment, along with a third truck of firewood. The pair of cooks, Kelly Pixton and Kevin Kempton (a retired clown, of all things),

or six witnesses to attest to the fact that I had not been under the tank for any reason.

After quickly shutting off the bike and lifting the tank, I found a short run of burnedup red wire. I determined that at some past time, somebody had installed a Dyna III ignition system. The wiring for this had not been really secured and moved around freely under the tank. I found a spot on the underside of the tank right where the loose wires were and the paint had been rubbed to the bare metal. I could also see that the insulation from the short wire had also been rubbed off. This created a dead short to ground when the key was turned on.

Steve was very lucky this happened at the rally while surrounded by helpful Airheads.

I had some wire in my bag, someone else came up with a couple of connectors and a few cable ties, and we rectified the problem.

Steve took a long ride the next afternoon and confirmed that we had taken care of both the staggering problem and the burning up problem.

The rally was a relaxing, social occasion for Susanna and me. John Covington and Gary Jackson, the southern and central California Airmarshals, really pulled off a good time for those who came to Death Valley.

John was kind enough to lend us his room key so we could grab a quick shower, something we REALLY appreciated! The ride back to Las Vegas was just as cold and windy as the ride out. We had one more night with Bruce in Las Vegas and then rode back to Arizona in gradually warming weather.

After returning to Susanna’s sister’s home, we rested for a couple of days and then took off for Tucson, unable to avoid driving through Phoenix (driving instead of riding was a good decision), to visit with another one of my outlier friends. Face had been one of the Colorado Springs Terros Hotline crowd back in the 1970s and early 1980s. While in Colorado Springs, he was an airman in the IT section at the Air Force Academy. He was one of the computer pioneers of the time. A true geek, after leaving the Air Force, he hired on at the University of Arizona computer labs. Now retired, he still does a lot of freelance computer work.

Some cold Rally goers, sitting around our central fire. One of the well thought out preparations by the Rally planners was a pickup truck load of scrap lumber.

The loose wire that was rubbing against the underside of the gas tank. No idea how long it was under there doing that, the present owner acquired the bike with this in place.

The underside of the R 80 RT's gas tank. The worn-to-the-metal area corresponded exactly with the location of then eroded insulation on the wire that became hot when the key was turned on.

May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

43

tech 44

keepemflying

Good food, drink and opera are among his interests, and it’s always a good time to spend a few days visiting and sleeping on Face’s floor. His name? In high school, he had a parttime job in an Italian pizza parlor.

They would yell at him, “Hey you, fascia brute” (ugly face). It got shortened to just Face and became his operating name. Just one more lasting friendship from those intense days and nights on the phones.

We returned to Congress again, and a couple days later (once again going through the parking lot that is Phoenix; a two-hour trip that took four hours), I rode off on the Mexico Bike for Joshua Tree National Park near Twentynine Palms, California.

Things were finally warming up and drying out. The stretch of road between Parker, Arizona, and Twentynine Palms is some of the emptiest land I’ve been in. I’d been to the area before, but I came in from the Los Angeles side. This occasion was a campout with several of my high school classmates. The Class of 1968 is gaining a real reputation as a group that has stayed in touch with each other. About eight or nine of the 20-some classmates go on a camping trip every year or two. A couple of years earlier they camped in the exact same location in Death Valley as the Airhead Rally. This was their second time at Joshua Tree, and this time I joined six of them. I spent a pleasant two nights there catching up on everybody’s adventures in life. On the third day, I loaded up and rode the 230 miles back to our base in Arizona.

The next day, we hooked up the trailer, loaded up the bikes and headed home.

The old Volvo did give us a bit of trouble. At the New Mexico-Arizona state line I noticed the muffler and exhaust system were hanging MIGHTY low, only a couple of inches

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

Ready to go, the system is securely lashed into place. The Joad family would be proud.

from the pavement. At the next rest area, I searched the truck parking area and came up with a three-foot length of coat hanger gauge wire. I got the bag of tools out, jacked the exhaust system back up and wired it in three places. We were, after all, on Interstate 40, the successor of the old Route 66.

I think the Joad family would have approved. My old friend Doug (the Volvo mechanic) will help me do the fix properly now that we are home.

Upon arriving back here in the Springs, I jumped back into working on airheads. I had been in the house perhaps four minutes when the phone rang with a fellow rider asking some questions about his bike.

Now, five days later, I am finishing up gearbox #2, and have a bike with electrical issues awaiting my attention. I need to get all the work done by Friday evening as I’m taking off on the next adventure.

This trip has nothing to do with BMWs but is an intensive three days of training in gunsmithing. I’ll report a bit of that next column. I was wait-listed for the class, and by the time I was accepted, airfare was

exorbitant, so it’ll be a fast blast to Alabama in a rented car.

Incidentally, the first gearbox I just finished up had a real surprise, a first for me.

The owner brought the gearbox to me, out of the bike, after finding some metal fragments when the oil was last changed. As we started out, he mentioned that he had flushed the inside with some gasoline to see if more fragments were in there. Nothing of note came out, and I sort of let the conversation fade away. After I extracted the output flange and removed the nine bolts holding the cover in place, I grabbed my pair of torches to heat up the cover to allow its removal. After a couple of minutes, there was a loud POOF! and a flame shot out of the output seal, past the shaft and up to eye level! No eyebrows were lost, and once I calmed down, I laughed at myself. I bet that from now on, when handed a gearbox, I’ll stick my nose into an opening to sniff what is inside. Always learning, always learning.

TEC

nichtubermax

Hard acceleration and a blank dash

By George Mangicaro #136221

Q:

My 2008 R 1200 R suffers from hard acceleration from a stop, and sometimes the hard acceleration causes the entire power to be turned off like turning the key off. The dash display goes blank most of the times it happens, but not always. Sometimes I get some sort of error code. Most of the time it happens, all I get is blank dash and dead engine. BTW "hard acceleration" means hard launch like launching down the 1/4 mile. Turning off the key allows a restart pretty quickly. I have checked all six battery cable terminal connections and the connectors to the ignition switch. I even tried wriggling the ignition key while accelerating and it did not make any difference. Another fault that MIGHT be related is that sometimes when I turn on the key, I get nothing. I can wait a couple of minutes and get nothing. Other times, I turn on the key and in 2-3 seconds the dash does its test and the bike is ready to start. Other times, I turn the key and nothing happens for 20 seconds or more – then the dash comes on and it starts and runs normally! I have tried charging the battery, and it makes no difference. I even replaced the battery when this first started happening, but it made no difference.

– George L. via Facebook

A:

In cases like this, it’s important to get the error codes from the bike’s computer. You’ll need to get it to a shop or buy a diagnostic interface like the GS-911 or the far more expensive Axone Direct.

You have a CANbus bike, which means that a computer does most of the work that fuses used to do on

46

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

previous generations of BMW motorcycles.

It’s important to get the error codes because it gives you an idea where to start looking. If you have an intermittent short somewhere (a chafed wire grounds out against metal, for example) the computer senses it and shuts off the circuit before the harness can be damaged. You need to know where that is happening.

Problems like this—and you have a variety of weird problems—are usually one of three things. It could be an intermittent short caused by chafed wiring grounding out against metal or another bare wire. It could also be an intermittent open caused by a broken wire or corrosion. It could also be a failed component, such as the ignition switch (which has internal parts that could theoretically move under “hard acceleration”), or a cold solder joint on a circuit board in one of the computers.

One thing you can do is to carry a notebook with you and start documenting exactly what happens, when and under what conditions. “The bike shut off ” isn’t detailed enough—you need to note “The dash went blank but the headlight stayed on.” A diagnostic tool like the GS-911 won’t tell you exactly what the problem is, but it can tell you where to start looking by clueing you in to computer communication problems that it does take note of.

Most likely your problem is an intermittent open in the mass of wires at the steering head, which is one of the few places on your motorcycle where wires flex enough to cause damage over time.

Q:

My 2005 F 800 ST is having trouble idling. It’s weird, because it runs okay when I get on the throttle, but sitting at a stop light, it wants to die, and I have to hold the throttle slightly open to keep it running.

– Chris D. via email

A:

There was a tech bulletin on your bike that may address this issue. The underlying problem is the idle air bypass hoses connected to the underside of your air box. Over time (and many heat cycles), the two hoses soften and deform to the point where air doesn’t flow through them properly. At idle, the throttle body’s butterfly is closed and idle control is handled by a stepper motor inside the air box. This allows air to bypass the closed throttle and enter the engine to keep it idling. If (when) the air bypass hoses stop passing air through them, it affects the idle like you’re experiencing. Naturally, when you crack the throttle open, that stepper motor-controlled idle is less relevant (it works in conjunction with the butterfly to give you a smoother transition from idle to riding).

The idle actuator is maybe three or four millimeters in diameter. If even a small portion of that is blocked, it cuts off a large proportion of the air flowing through it. The throttle body is easily ten times that diameter, so when the butterfly opens, the proportionally small amount of air flowing through the idle bypass hoses quickly becomes irrelevant.

This is a long-winded (no pun intended) of saying that you likely need new idle air bypass hoses. They’re located under the air box cover just forward of the front seat mount.

Have questions for Nicht Uber Max? Send them to TechQuestions@bmwmoa.org.

www.nolan-usa.com

tech

Maryland Supertech: All Airheads all the time

By Wes Fleming #87301 “YOU’RE GOING TO SUPERTECH,

right?” Dale said one afternoon, less a question and more a statement of fact.

“Uh…sure?” was all I could manage to say. I was much more focused on keeping the rear wheel of a Slash 5 pulled toward the back of the bike so he could wiggle the transmission out.

There was cursing and a little blood involved, but we finally managed to get the gearbox out without having to dismantle the bike.

Supertech. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard of such an event. My friend and occasional coworker Dale had

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BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

mentioned it before, likening it to a weekend of pure airhead technical bacchanalia, something that had to be experienced to be believed. Dale’s penchant for hyperbole aside, he ended up not being far off in his description.

“Yeah,” I finally said. “I’ll go to Supertech.”

Due to my hectic schedule (hey, the gig economy is ruthless!) and limited budget, I couldn’t go for the entire extravaganza, which started after lunch on Friday and didn’t break up until the coveted Dung Beetle Award found its way to greedy fingers at Sunday’s lunch. Instead, I committed to

getting up early on Saturday, driving the three hours to Easton, Maryland, and spending the day there. I promised my wife I’d be home for dinner, but that if she decided not to wait, I wouldn’t be offended.

I regret missing out on the social aspects of the Friday portion of the program; I suspect that’s when the networking got done.

Saturday was business, when the knowledge transfers took place and the information flowed.

As I arrived, Kat and Paul Connell were getting ready to talk about the development of their LED instrument panel replacement cluster for airheads, something brought

about by sheer ingenuity and the desire to find a good solution for dim lights that fail.

Instead of hanging out in the main building and listening to their whole presentation, though, I headed over to the Machine Shop to take in Bill Lambert’s discussion of ethanol and the effect it has on these classic motorcycles.

Bill is a young guy—for an airhead rider, anyway—and beneath that full head of hair lies an inquisitive mind. He gathered a number of fuel additives that all claim to counteract the effects of ethanol in our gasoline and put them through a series of tests.

We’ve been told that ethanol is destroying our motorcycles, even at the 10 percent saturation level, but Bill’s demonstration showed that it might—MIGHT—not be as bad as we all think it is. He made no claims about E15 gas, though. Look for a future article breaking down Bill’s findings.

For the second session of the morning, I headed over to the Rural Life Museum to listen to Tom Cutter’s question-and-answer session. Tom is one of those guys who has forgotten more about airheads than most of us will ever know, and he’s seldom (if ever) stumped by a question. His gift is his ability to zoom instantly from the big picture straight down into the weeds and get at the core of a rider’s problem. His knowledge on tap is dizzying, and it reminded me that as the longer-toothed airhead experts retire and, unfortunately, pass away, a lot of knowledge is being lost.

Now, I’m not trying to say that Tom is nearing his journey to the Great Beyond, because he’s not that old, but I am trying to say that events like the Maryland Supertech are absolutely, incalculably important in keeping our classic and vintage BMW motorcycles on the road where they belong.

Did you know, for example, that an R 65 LS from the early 1980s needs to have hardened valve seats installed or you’re looking at major problems someday? Neither did I until I mentioned that I am looking at one of those being sold by an acquaintance as a bike for my kid and I to work on and for her to ride when she’s old (and trained) enough.

As a matter of fact, if I hadn’t mentioned it at Supertech, it’s quite likely I’d have never known it until it was too late.

Supertech organizer Mark Lipschitz took

care of lunch, providing two delicious soups for us all. I opted for the Thaiinspired one without meat, but there were a lot of grunting, smiling faces getting the meat-based soup shoveled into them. I even learned that what I thought was some exotic (and tough) nut in my bowl was actually a root, meant as a flavoring agent and not something you actually eat. Mark assured me it wouldn’t hurt me, and I had no choice but to believe him and wait.

After lunch, I took in Todd Mullican’s lecture and demonstration of his handmade wiring harnesses. It’s fascinating how simple and yet how critical the wiring harness on a motorcycle is. In the age of CANbus bikes (and post-CANbus bikes, even), we kind of take the wiring harness for granted, but on an airhead, you simply can’t do that. When (not if) you have a wiring problem on one of these old bikes, it’ll take patience and more to track it down, and the end result is that you may find yourself stripping the bike far enough to replace the entire harness. With the care and attention Todd and his wife put into these harnesses, there’s a source out there that you know has put in the attention to detail needed to craft a quality item.

Wandering out of Todd’s demo, I saw a group of guys watching somebody roll around in the gravel. The guy rolling around in the gravel wasn’t actually rolling around, but he was struggling mightily to change the rear tire on a venerable snowflake wheel. Will Andalora is his name, and he’s the Airmarshal for Maryland. I was lucky enough to witness his ascension to that role at another tech day last summer. For the Airheads Beemer Club, the Airmarshal is the lead organizer for a state, and every state has at least one.

It’s not unlike an appointment to the Supreme Court, better known for its life sentence nature rather than some more reasonable term of service.

Will got the tire changed, and used the air puffing out his R 80’s left cylinder spark plug socket to inflate it. The gathered crowd murmured their approval (there may have been a golf clap as well) as Will puttered around on the bike to make sure the bead was properly set. Most of us headed back over to the main building to

listen to Brook Reams talk about his amazingly organized method for cleaning, machining and cataloging airhead parts, but I was drawn into a conversation and ended up missing Brook’s entire talk.

On the three-hour drive home, I had an epiphany of sorts. It went beyond realizing that the legacy of the airhead era of BMW motorcycles was driven deeply into my 2005 R 1200 GS by BMW’s engineers and design staff, but it’s something I didn’t appreciate when I owned an R 90/6. The guys that ride airheads aren’t just a bunch of seemingly cranky guys complaining about how things were better back in the good old days (though there are a handful of those). Rather, they are the source of knowledge that bridges the gap between the way BMW Motorrad used to do things and the way things will be done in the future. They hold the institutional knowledge of the motorcycles that connects the first single-cylinder R bike to the latest whiz-bang K bike.

There’s a reason why BMW’s radical electric motorcycle has what looks like horizontally-opposed cylinders on its twenty-third century engine. BMW understands what these airhead riders live, sleep, eat and breathe: that taking care of a marque’s history is as important as guiding its future. It may be European emissions standards that force BMW to continually improve the boxer-engined platform so many of us know and love, but it’s also clear that these older motorcycles are still ridden and loved deeply by those who own them.

Maryland Supertech is an annual expression of that love and an important way for the next generation of airhead riders to keep their bikes on the road for many years to come. One thing is for certain, next year I’m going to try a lot harder to come early, stay late, and as a result, soak up more knowledge from this motley band of airheads.

For more information about the Airheads Beemer Club, MOA Chartered Club #214, find them on the web at airheads.org. You can also find them camped in a clump at the MOA’s annual rally, proudly flying the flags that sport their motto, “SIMPLE BY CHOICE.”

May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

49

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BMW OWNERS NEWS  May 2017

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discover 52

Longdistancestyle

No more turtle necks

By Deb Gasque #182082 FINALLY, RIDING SEASON FOR THE REST

of us has officially begun.

Each time we prepare for a journey, we run through our checklists of gear to be packed and motorcycle maintenance that needs to be done before departure. Many of us like to share riding tips and tricks with each other, so I have one unique tip to share with my fellow riders out there: leave your turtle necks at home, please. Bear with me while I get to the point…

In the past couple of years, I’ve noticed that after a series of long days in the saddle, my body is toast. While I certainly don’t consider myself an earthy kind of gal (yet have the utmost respect for those gals), I have often wondered about the benefits of yoga as a remedy. Yes, I said that four-letter word. I believe I have many more years of long-distance riding left in me and don’t care to rely on the bevy of painkillers out there to get me through a couple of decades on two wheels, so I’ve toyed with the idea of yoga for the physical benefits of flexibility and core strength. Recently, to seal the deal, I was approached by a friend of mine, Beth Urban, who happens to

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

not only teach Fitness Yoga, but is also a serious bicyclist. She gets my two-wheeled lifestyle and wanted to know when I was ready to work on some Crazy Eights and ditch my Turtle Neck. I have to admit, I was intrigued and maybe somewhat frightened, but wanted to learn more.

We’ve all heard the old saying “use it or lose it.” Well, that’s the basis of our human muscular makeup. If we don’t use our muscles, we are eventually going to lose use of them. Utilizing simple yoga poses and stretches regularly puts muscles and joints into positions that we don’t assume on a daily basis, therefore building flexibility and keeping our joints lubricated. This is especially important for our bodies to help to dramatically decrease our chances of injuries.

Yoga can help lessen the impact of damage to our bodies due to an unfortunate mishap on the highway or even a simple stumble over a tent stake when returning from the beer garden at midnight. Flexibility in muscles and joints equals better odds in unpredictable situations. Another added benefit of yoga, once you regularly apply good posture and stretching, is improvement of our digestive, immune, nervous, and lymphatic systems. With our insides being stimulated and our internal organs being massaged through yoga positions and stretching, our bodies are able to release toxins, which in turn keeps us overall healthier.

So, how in the world was I going to do Crazy Eights and lose my Turtle Neck and how would I apply all of this to a day of riding?

Through Beth’s expertise, we worked out a great yoga plan for not only a day in the saddle, but also for my daily routine. I’d like to share some of these wholesome tips to my fellow riders.

To be done any time…

Tadasana (pronounced: tah-DAW-sah-na; meaning “mountain pose”) is a pose that is all about good posture. Practiced daily, Tadasana helps relieve stress, aches and pains, and it strengthens your core while helping your physique look taller, healthier and thinner. Stand with your feet straight and in line with your hip bones, then tuck your tailbone in; drop your shoulders and open them up; keep your hands straight by your side with your fingers pointing to the ground; and make sure your neck is straight.

Hip Release This can be done using a flat, sturdy surface that is equal to your inseam: a table, the back of a couch, even the seat of your motorcycle.

Once you’ve achieved your Tadasana (good posture position), slowly bring your bent leg onto the surface, relax, breathe, and feel the stretch in your hip. After you feel the release, switch legs and repeat steps.

Shoulder Warm Up Hands cup top of shoulders. With a neutral neck, extend the crown of your head to the sky. Use a full range of motion with your shoulders so your elbows make circles; go forward and then backwards.

To be done while riding…

Ban the Turtle Neck Did you know that a human head weighs between 10 and 12 pounds?

A 15-degree tilt of your head equates to 27 pounds of pressure on your neck. At 30 degrees forward, the strain on the neck equals a

40-pound head. The greater the angle, the greater the strain. How much does your helmet weigh? Mine weighs just over three pounds, which adds greatly to the overall weight when my neck is tilted forward. Remedy? Retract your head to be aligned with your spine, with a neutral chin, and always try not to scrunch your shoulders.

Ditch that ol’ turtle neck and you’d be amazed at how much better you’ll feel at the end of your ride.

Belly Breath and Girdling Use your front and back muscles to support your spine and then use a few deep belly breaths as resistance to massage these muscles and the spine. Breathe slowly in through your nose, breathe out through your mouth. This will also help with any anxiety or stress you may be carrying with you on the road. After a few of these “girdling” exercises, you may actually begin to enjoy the ride instead of worrying about that unfinished spreadsheet on your desk hundreds of miles away.

To be done during rest stops…

Crazy Eights A kid’s card game? Absolutely not! Think of a belly dancing move… put your hands on your hips, stand with good posture and slowly rotate your hips to form an “eight” pattern, then reverse, releasing the tightness that’s built up in your hips and lower back after hours in the saddle. Be sure to do this exercise gently, listening to your body and your limitations. Think of the slow and concise rhythm of belly dancing music…and don’t be surprised if you’ve got onlookers at the rest stop!

Neck Release Stretch In a sitting position with good posture, lean your head to the right as you gently pull down with your right hand. Hold for five breaths.

Release and use your right hand to gently raise your head back to neutral position. Then repeat for the left side.

Hand Stretch Using one finger at a time with your palm facing the front of your bike, stretch each finger against the handlebar. Be sure to drop your shoulders and open your chest while doing finger stretches.

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discover

longdistancestyle

Piston Wrists Piston? Now we’re talking some motorcycle language! Clasp hands together in front of you, keeping forearms and elbows close to each other. Then much like the movement of the pistons in your engine, rotate your wrists around carefully and deeply (in figure eight patterns) to release the muscles and tendons that can get tense and tender throughout a long day of riding.

Bridge On your towel (or mat) on the floor, lay on your back, bend both knees and place your feet flat on the floor, hip width apart. Slide your arms alongside your body with your palms facing down. Press your feet into the floor, inhale and lift your hips up, rolling your spine off the floor. Lightly squeeze your knees together to keep the knees hip width apart. Place a couple of pillows (or yoga blocks) under your hips to create a cushion, and relax keeping your feet firmly planted.

Breathe and hold for four to eight breaths.

To be done at the end of the day…

When you’ve completed your inversions, enjoy a couple of the stretches/poses that feel good for you before turning in for the night.

Then, rise and repeat. Always be mindful of your posture, and never do a yoga stretch or position that causes pain. Yoga is meant to build your flexibility and core strength, therefore its purpose is to keep you more pain-free by the end of the ride…and in life. Practice often and you’ll reap amazing benefits. And hey, those Crazy Eights may stir some attention at rest stops, but I promise you’ll never regret leaving that turtle neck behind!

Inversions (Disclaimer: Like all things in life, inversions are not for everyone. Certain injuries and illnesses will not allow for these positions. Please check with your physician prior to giving these a try.)

Ah, the mighty inversion! Once you’re off the bike for the day and you’ve showered, eaten and are ready to relax, I’m thinking a great inversion will be just the remedy for a fantastic night’s sleep. Any yoga pose that puts your head below your heart is classified as an inversion. Inversions improve circulation and use gravity to provide the brain with more oxygen and blood. Inversions can increase your mental function and immune system, therefore curbing illnesses, and can give you temporary relief from the pull of gravity. They are also great mood enhancers…if your day in the saddle wasn’t quite enough!

Downward Dog Throw a towel (or yoga mat) on the floor of your hotel room, tent or grassy area outside and get on your hands and knees.

Slowly raise up so that your buttocks are pointed towards the sky, legs and arms extended, feet and hands solidly pressed into the floor/ground, creating an “A” shape with your body.

Breathe in and out allowing relaxation, gentle stretch and blood flow to the upper part of the body. Hold for five breaths.

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www.motorcycle-travel.net

www.adriaticmototours.com

www.motoskiveez.com

www.gezagear.com

www.sargentcycle.com

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The apprehension of my first Rally

By Keith Foster #209426 I AM 48 YEARS OLD AND HAVE

never owned a motorcycle.

Though I rode a little when I was a teenager, all of my riding experience to date came when I rode my cousins’ bikes when our family would visit them. The truth is that I spent more time on their moped since that was what was available.

While my cousins rode their dirt bikes, I was on the moped providing entertainment as I tried to grasp the subtle differences between bicycles and motorcycles. Things like pulling up on the handlebars when

All smiles after his first adventure ride.

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approaching a ramp and aggressively applying pressure to the front right lever, which operated the rear brake on my bicycle, ended up giving me much more air time than any jump I attempted.

My cousins and their friends were great and coached me whenever I was around. As much as I enjoyed riding, my parents would never allow me to own a motorcycle. I tempered my enthusiasm and lived with the reality that while riding was fun, it would probably never became a passion.

That was more than 30 years ago. Today, my son is a Boy Scout, and we love to camp and backpack. Through scouting I have met

several other fathers into motorcycles who enjoy adventure and dual sport riding.

Recalling how much I enjoyed riding as a kid, the desire to ride again filled my head, and soon I was sourcing Craigslist where I found a 2009 Kawasaki KLR650 with just over 1,000 miles on the odometer and only four miles from my house. I made an offer, which was refused, so I continued my search. The next week I stumbled upon a Facebook meme using a picture of the “Most Interesting Man in the World.” It said, “Life is Short my Friend, Buy the Damn Bike.” I called the owner who had turned me down a week earlier, and we

made a deal. Now the bike it sitting in my garage.

With a new set of tires, some SW-Motech crash bars and a newly minted license, I was ready to ride. After a few hundred miles of practice on some gravel, dirt and paved roads around my home, I was ready for adventure and asked a buddy if he had ever heard of “The Wailin’ Wayne Weekend” and together we began our planning. I was excited but was still apprehensive. Would a guy on a KLR be welcomed at a BMW event? Would I fit in? Would I get there only to realize I was way over my head? I kept my concerns to myself and continued riding into the great unknown.

We arrived at the Begley Campground outside New Straitsville, Ohio, late Thursday evening in time to set up camp. The next morning, following breakfast and a riders’ meeting, it was time to hit the trail.

Though nervous, I was ready to ride and realized my friends hadn’t led me astray as we rode along smooth gravel and dirt roads.

I can do this!

I should have known they weren’t to be trusted, as after about 200 yards the terrain quickly changed to the 27 miles of whoops, ruts, and steep ascents and descents on dirt, loose rock and sand.

While I was probably in a bit over my head, I did get a chance to work on skills I had been told about and read about concerning trail riding. I discovered that a heavy bike on the trail is only heavy if you have to lift it, which I did a lot. Almost every time I dropped, someone was right there to help me and provide some valuable coaching on what I did wrong. Others simply told me to catch my breath and slow down, to regain my composure and to get back at it. I quickly learned the riders I was with were not frustrated and in a hurry to get by me.

Maybe they were simply happy it was me falling instead of them.

After riding difficult sections, we would all stop and catch our breath. These stops provided the basis for conversations and quickly developed friendships that carried

on throughout the weekend. About three hours into our ride, we arrived at the halfway point, and some riders waved good-bye and headed out on their own. That was when I realized my apprehension was gone.

The nervousness I felt about sticking out as the newbie had vanished. I was simply one of the guys trying to make it through some tough terrain with the common goal of making it to the end.

After nearly five hours on the trail and no water left in my hydration bladder, we hit the blacktop and headed for camp. Three of my four turn signals were now duct-taped on, both mirrors were shattered, and my windscreen was broken. All in all, it was a pretty good trip.

Dinner that evening brought more conversations and stories of riding, bikes, gear and how people got started in this crazy

sport called Adventure Riding. Never did I hear the typical questions used to generate small talk. No one cared what anyone did for a living or where we were from. Those questions were replaced with others: “How long have you been riding?” “What do you ride?” “What brought you here?” I could have been riding with CEOs, brain surgeons, lottery winners or waste management technicians, but no one cared. The only thing that mattered was we all loved to ride and that was enough.

I rode home knowing that I am officially an Adventure Rider and am no longer concerned about what I ride or wear or how good I am. My only qualification is I love it and can’t wait to do more.

My thanks to all the great people at the Wailin’ Wayne Weekend. I look forward to seeing you all again next year!

www.beemershop.com

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www.moasuperstakes.com

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Broccoletti, Bread and a Beemer Part 2

By Tamela Rich #161425

If you missed Part One of this story, I’m on a nine-day motorcycle tour of the Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria regions of Italy.

There’s nothing like a few days in Italy to turn even a fast-food junkie into a foodie.

Italians are proud of their culinary heritage and my tour guide, Enrico Grassi of Hear The Road Motorcycle Tours Italy is a goodwill ambassador of all things cultural and gastronomical in the boot-shaped country.

Even scenic pullovers are an opportunity for Enrico to give us a lesson in Italian cuisine. At Tuscany’s Crete Senesi, which was formed by sediments of the 2.5-4 million year-old Pliocene Sea, we behold a remarkable lunar-like landscape. Enrico explains that all kinds of edibles are rooted in its grey clay. Sheep milk from this region owes its unique flavor to the scented bushes and herbs of the Crete region the sheep eat, and that is why pecorino cheese is the local specialty.

When we pull into Pienza for lunch, I notice that nearly every shop boasts il miglior pecorino (the finest pecorino) and an offer of international shipping.

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Above: Pecorino.

Below: Crete Senesi.

A Pienza Dance Party

Entering the city, an accordion player and percussionist are singing and playing in the Piazza Martiri della Liberta, and I am delighted when a dance party breaks out.

Two slim bicyclists in their 60s or 70s and wearing yellow hi-viz riding gear steal the show with their flamboyant moves while an American woman in dark sunglasses dances and twirls, holding the ten-euro bill she intends to place in the buskers’ suitcase.

The players call themselves “Chorobodo” and specialize in Brazilian-Italian peasant songs. Brilliantly so. Here I am living la dolce vita. No electricity, lights or backstage passes required. Simple living, simple instruments, simple pleasures.

The American Stomach

The day ends at the fabulous Altarocca Wine Resort in Orvieto. Our Siena country house, Podere la Strega, oozes Old-World charm while Altarocca is all about modern decadence. Orvieto sits on the top of a rock plateau made of consolidated volcanic ash that we call “tuff ” in English. Altarocca’s buildings are made of this tuff rock, as is most everything else in the area. .

My room has a wraparound patio looking down over the fertile valley 1000 feet below that is pinstriped by vineyards. I put my motorcycle boots outside to air out for the night before unpacking and getting ready for dinner, which will be the restau-

Etruscan and Roman ruins in Orvieto.

rant’s tasting menu.

The wait staff makes the “mistake” of bringing bread to the table before our meal.

As an advocate for the “right” way to eat Italian food, Enrico is firmly on record not to touch the bread before the meal arrives.

Although we’ve been in Italy for nearly a week now, our stomachs are still not on Italian time. An 8:00 meal feels like midnight to me and no doubt like the middle of the night to Christin from Los Angeles.

Dan bravely makes his move on the bread

basket, and as Enrico begins chiding him, we all stealthily grab a slice. Bravely, Denean asks the waiter for butter—it’s been five days since we’ve had any. When it arrives, we all ask her to pass it along.

Yes, we “know better” by now. Like an indulgent grandfather, Enrico pretends not to notice our “English” behavior—that’s how he thinks of butter on bread, as an English peccadillo. He would prefer that we use our bread to sop up the sauce and guide stray morsels onto our forks—the Italian way.

When he and the other smokers go outside for a lungful, the rest of us brainstorm ideas for a thank-you present for Enrico, whom we have come to love despite—or perhaps because of—his staunch upholding of the Italian gastronomic tradition. We decide that the gift must have something to do with bread. A fancy bread basket? A butter dish?

Orvieto

Rich food late at night is not the best recipe for early rising, but the morning air is crisp and invigorating as usual. We make the brief journey to Orvieto proper.

Orvieto is rich in Etruscan history, and we begin our day with a fascinating tour from an archeologist under a church with Etruscan and Roman ruins underground that are older than any architectural remains in the States.

Dining al fresco at Podera La Strega.

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We spend the rest of the morning strolling through the city and scanning the shops for Enrico’s thank-you gift.

Several of us are with him when he gets the bright idea to buy meat and cheese for a picnic on our way to Rome tomorrow. He ducks into Norcineria Dai Fratelli—technically a butcher (norcineria) but in fact we would call it a gourmet shop, specializing in foods from the region. He selects sausage and cheese with the enthusiasm and expertise of a proverbial kid in a candy shop.

You’ll know Dia Fratelli’s shop by the mounted boar head to the right of the entryway. Inside is a now-familiar sight: wild boar sausage hams hang from the ceiling, a nub of femur bone staring at you, and hide with fur intact—not only is it a reminder of where “real food” comes from, it contrasts to the styrofoam and plastic trays that disguise food origins in the States.

Lake Corbara towns

Other than the hectic Autostrada, every Italian road was a pleasure to ride. Yes, the roundabouts took some getting used to, but when I returned home to the States I missed their efficiency. Factoid: Italy was the first country in the world to build motorways.

Tour group in Todi. Photo by Enrico Grassi.

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Hanging hams.

Leaving Orvieto we ride what Italian motorcyclists call La Strada delle Mille Curve (“Road of a thousand curves”) toward Todi. Now, the Italian claim of a thousand curves here is no more hyperbolic than boasting 318 curves in 11

miles—looking at you, Tail of the Dragon— but I think we all enjoy La Strada delle Mille Curve much more.

After consulting the group to verify we don’t mind a couple of miles on a hard pack gravel road, Enrico takes us to Titignano, a

Bridge to Civita di Bagnoregio.

former castle where we gaze at Lake Corbara in its glory from high above. The late afternoon sun glistens on the water’s surface as we enjoy the quiet interlude and raise our faces almost in unison for a moment of sunbathing.

When we arrive back at Altarocca, we spend a couple of hours as a group laughing and talking in the warm waters of its spa.

We have truly come to enjoy each other's’ company and begin talking about rallies in coming years where we might rendezvous.

In the morning, we’re for Rome.

En route to Roma

Our final day on the road begins in Civita di Bagnoregio. Founded by Etruscans more than 2,500 years ago, it is now known to Italians as il paese che muore ("the town that is dying").

The town is dying in the most touristfriendly way. Civita is an inland island, surrounded by a valley of grey-white clay that is eroding beneath the volcanic stone, reminding me somewhat of the Dakota Badlands. What isn’t eroding has been shaken away by earthquakes, the strongest of which was in 1794. It destroyed the natural bridge that linked Civita to the bigger nearby town of Bagnoregio, and a footbridge is now the only way to reach the Civita.

Edging closer to Rome, we stop for our picnic lunch of the meats, cheeses and breads that Enrico bought for us in Orvieto while perched atop a fallen tree in Faggeta del Monte Cimino (“Beech Forest of Mount Cimino”). The serenity of the forest reminds me of the California Redwoods.

A couple of days earlier Derek, a

motorcycle mechanic and Millennial MacGyver, did a field repair on Christin’s Guzzi exhaust pipe using a piece of cellophane cigarette box wrapper as loctite. Little did he know that his best moment was yet to come in our last stop, Civita Castellana.

This stop isn’t on the tour, but as we have seen time and again, Enrico supplements the standard itinerary with things he knows will delight his guests.

Enrico is a master at understatement, telling us that a friend of his has “a little motorcycle museum we will enjoy.” Parking our bikes in a cluster at Piazza Guglielmo Marconi we spy a gray, three-story building with a green garage door labeled “GARAGE” in contrasting yellow capital letters. Inside is a motorcyclist’s equivalent of Ali Baba’s cave.

Retired mathematics teacher Costante

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Costantini restores and displays a fine collection of Italian motorcycles and scooters inside. We all oooh and ahhh, but Derek is ecstatic as he lovingly photographs Costante’s latest project: boosting an old Italian Motobi motorcycle’s engine by adding another one.

The garage is chockablock with not only bikes, but also the bric a brac of Costante’s life. I laugh at an old Mussolini poster and a 2007 wall calendar featuring the executed fascist dictator on the wall of a cubbyhole for scooters from the late 1950’s. Costante comes over to start one of them for me, and I think to myself that the folks at Barber Motorsports Museum would love an introduction to him.

After returning our bikes in Rome and cleaning up for dinner, we walk to a little cafe for our farewell dinner. Between the main course and dessert Jo surprises Enrico with our gift: a wrapped butter dish, stocked with pats of butter, (burro). At first he is surprised. “Why do you want me to have a butter dish? I do not eat the butter.” And then it dawns on him. We all share a belly laugh.

Christin at Costanza's garage.

Enrico and the butter dish.

Arrivederci, Enrico and my fellow Americans. Each of you brought me moments of joy and laughter. Grazie.

Tamela Rich began her love affair with the open road in the 1970’s, traveling old Route 66 from the midwest to California for family reunions. Her G 650 GS is a definite improvement on the Vista Cruiser station wagon, with its vinyl seats and underpowered air conditioner! Tamela shares more of this story and others at www.TamelaRich.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or somewhere down the road.

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Hear the Road Motorcycle Tours Italy http://motorcycletoursitaly.com/ Podere la Strega http://www.poderelastrega.it/ Altarocca Wine Resort http://www.altaroccawineresort.com/en/

www.motorexusa.com

www.iliumworks.com

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7

BIKES

By Ken Frick #199204

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M

lake for hours on end and on Friday eveup and over the hill and in a matter of minegaphones! Back in the nings went to dances at neighbors’ houses. utes we'd hear him gearing down at the race early '60s that word meant Fuzzy faced, all we boys worried about was track, Megaphones crackling, still audible only one thing: glorious if there was enough lawn mower gas to get from so far away. What a rush! Those were noise. our motorbikes through the next day. Our the good ol’ days when anything was possiWe were only kids, none of us over 14 lives depended on our bikes. Our high ble. There was no EPA, you would occayears-old, all of us on our motorbikes joyschool days were just around the corner, the sionally hear sonic booms as the military fully breaking the law. Gary Berkshire rode music we listened to was on 45s, and there jets flew overhead, and most cars, lacking around on a Zundapp, the Jerles brothers was a man from Camelot in the White air conditioning, rolled along with their on Suzukis, and I had a Lambretta motor House. No one had heard of Vietnam. windows down. Life was exciting. scooter. Tom Mastellar owned a Whizzer, Back in the day, many of us boys earned In my lifetime I've owned seven motorand the rest of the gang rode Hondas. By spending money mowing other people's cycles, four in my youth and three more as any definition, all of our bikes were tiny yards. There were weeks when I earned $20, an adult. The Lambretta opened my eyes. It things, nothing with over five horsepower. a fortune for a boy at the time. In short gave me a taste of freedom, of indepenBy chance we'd picked the best time to be order I'd upgraded to a Honda kids. There wasn't a doubt in 50 Sport. My old oily motor our young minds that we scooter was a relic, dark and weren't kings of the road. clumsy. It looked medieval; it Today, looking back on our was history. By contrast, all of youth, we really had no clue. the Japanese imports were Today's standard lawn mowers bright and shiny. Now my produce more horsepower. motorbike looked like all the The pistons in our little bikes’ others. We were kids exploring motors, not even an inch and a boundaries. half in diameter, would on any But did we abuse those little scale be called “petite.” We bikes, all of us testing their could care less. All of us had limits and learning our own. our heads in the clouds.

One nearby road had a long Every once in a while we'd hill. It was there we'd open 'em see our futures, or at least what up, flying down at their top every boy took for granted ends. Somehow they'd all get only a few years away. At the up to 60 mph, the highest time the American-made Harnumber on their speedomeleys were barely roadworthy, ters, but never an ounce more. all of them parked on the None had tachometers so we wrong side of the tracks. had no idea how fast those Everyone knew it, even us engines were turning. Somekids, but a British Triumph, one, somewhere must have now there was real glory. The done a great job putting them son of our parents’ best friends Two young riders: Ken on his Honda 90 and buddy Dave Beitzel on his Honda 50 had one, and it had Mega- Cub back in 1962. Both lived in Melody Lake, a quiet suburb just north of Zanesville, together because none of our phones! When Jim visited our Ohio. As Ken recalls all but two of the teenagers who lived in our area, and there motors ever blew-up!

Our Melody Lake sub-divihouse the world around us were many, had motorbikes of some sort. sion had one road in and that came to a stop. Every kid in same road out. An urban myth of sorts had dence. I learned about limitations and conthe area with a bike would come over, and evolved, we teenagers living with the undersequences. That first day, riding it home I when he rode off we'd go chasing after him. standing that as long as we rode within the slid off the road, scaring my mother half to Thinking back, it was hilarious, really, confines of our immediate area the police death. A few days later, on my first official our tiny 50cc engines, all wound widewould leave us alone. In fact, an Ohio State ride around the neighborhood, I crashed open, those little pistons burping as fast as Highway patrolman lived on Mill Drive; into Mr. Zellers' front yard. Before that bike they could, and the Triumph already down we'd see his car parked there all the time.

I had no concept of mortality. I was thirteen at the end of the road. If it was a Friday eveNever once did we see him or any other without a care in the world. Owning that ning, we'd park, all of us turning off our police or sheriff 's vehicles out patrolling. bike opened the road for the six that would engines. And we'd listen. We knew where But riding outside our half of a squarefollow.

Jim was heading: the Zanesville Motor mile Melody Lake area was always the In the early ‘60s everything was innoSpeedway, miles away as the crows flew. temptation. Lee Wright, who would serve cent. Everything we did was important. We We'd hear him after he'd made the turn as our West Muskingum High School Class played sandlot baseball until it got so dark from Mill Drive west onto Ritchey Road, of 1966 Class President was the only one to we couldn't see the ball. We swam in the then north onto Rt. 77 (it's now Route 60), Left: Hard core Harley rider Tom Brandt, from Milwaukee of all places, and Ken ride through Zion National Park at the end of a three-day 1987 adventure that had started in western Colorado. The photograph was taken by an Idaho couple, each riding BMWs, who happened by when the two needed help taking the picture.

still owned, followed by a ‘65 GTO and next Beyond it was mystery. It was the turnget caught on the outside. He had his license the USAF Air Force. around to get us back to civilization. revoked until he turned 18. And Jim McGee, I was young for my age; I probably still We called the place Stringtown. It was a a buddy with a linebacker's build who am. My wife, who I wouldn't meet for 15 magnet, an apple-like temptation we would later serve the Zanesville community years, defines that period in my life about as couldn't ignore. Late one fall afternoon I for decades as a police officer, was a bit well as anyone. She would tell people that, couldn't resist. Winter was hours away, but luckier. He escaped the law's chase one day “Ohio University were the best ten years of that day it was a bit warmer. I snuck out; I by carrying his Honda 305 Dream over a Ken's life.” Sometimes she would add that in needed one last ride. I felt like a felon, havdeep creek. the middle of those years was, “an alling no idea what that meant. It would be As there is everywhere a pecking order expense government paid trip to Southeast only a quick ride, what could happen? In a developed. We upgraded, our bikes getting Asia!” During those four years I doubted I few minutes I was past Fairview Road and bigger. Girls entered the picture. Some of us would ever own another motorcycle. in another minute or two was there. But were always on the prowl. One summer my Back home in college I owned a Honda from somewhere, out from the bushes ran a cousin Roni came to visit. She was the type 360, a nondescript bike that filled in huge dog, barking madly, than grabbing at of girl older boys noticed. between the better years. My need at the my front wheel. In a nanosecond it was One day when we were at the lake, Jim time wasn't to feel the air slipping around under me, my light-weight bike bouncing rode by. To this day I'll never forget it. Just me or anything dealing with the thrill of and skidding along the blacktop, me flying beyond us he locked his throttle, then stood being on a motorcycle, it was all economithrough the air. straight up on his seat, arms outstretched in cal. It was the only utilitarian bike I ever If it had been the summer months I'd a “T!” Now that was “showing off!” To this owned. It did what I asked it to do, it got me have been a mess. But I was wearing a winday it remains one of the most impressive around. It would take me two more years to ter coat and gloves. The bike and I skidded things I've ever seen on a motorcycle; also find my footing, purchasing my brother to a stop, only my pride hurt; the handleone of the stupidest—that stretch of road Chuck’s '72 Honda 750. Life was good again. bars were bent a bit, but the bike well was rough-packed gravel, it hadn't yet been It's the life I still live and enjoy today. enough to be ridden home. The dog, its paved. My God, was I was impressed, but On Chuck's old bike I hit all of the lower deed done, got up and pranced back home. not Roni.

48, watching the Ritchey Road was spin past our south boundary.

WE WEREN'T NUTS, WE WERE JUST KIDS LAUGHING OUR odometer 99,999 three times.

It was the only WAY THROUGH ADOLESCENCE. HOW NONE OF US Until my marriage, straight-stretch of this was the happiroad in the area perMANAGED TO KILL OURSELVES WAS A MIRACLE. est time of my life. fect for drag racing.

On one summer I'd upgraded to a trip I rode over 11,000 miles, that same No doubt it added a little motorbike decal Honda 90, the old-style before their oversummer putting only 11 on my car—all to to the side of its dog house, another biker it head cam. For its size, it was a beast, with get oil and filters for motorcycle oil changes. had brought down. the best third gear of any bike I've ever During the warm-weather months we were Was it karma? Was it fate? Did I deserve owned. I took on all takers. Steve Hauke, a inseparable. We knew the PCH, the Moki what happened? Fifteen year-old Lutheran younger rider with an inflated ego, pulled Dugway and Cadillac Mountain. Ed, my boys ask those kind of questions. up next to me with a new Honda 65. With Vietnam buddy lived in Denver, what I conOver the years I've had close calls, times its overhead camshaft it was the beginning sidered to be the starting point for all my when I have no idea how I survived. of a new wave of motorbikes. My 90 dusted trips out west. The ride from Ohio Although minor, that was one of the first. him! amounted to only the preliminary miles, There's no explanation on why I didn't We were like a hoard of bumble bees, the foreplay if you prefer. crack my head open. It would be three or buzzing around, day after day. We found Together the 750 and I rode to the top of four years before Ohio would require helfun everywhere. Dave Bietzel's parents’ Pikes Peak, over the Beartooth Highway mets. It wasn't often, actually only a few garage had the neighborhood's smoothest and across the Golden Gate Bridge. We times, but I've wondered what the Big Guy concrete, perfect for burn-outs. In today's parked on the infield at Indy, saw oceans upstairs has planned for me down the highsociety all of our parents would be locked east and west, Bryce, Zion, Old Faithful, way? Why was it that I was allowed to walk up, the keys thrown away. Home for us was rode over the Mackinaw Bridge, up the away from serious accidents with only grass only a place to eat and sleep. We weren't Devils Highway and on the Vegas Strip, stains. I have those thoughts still, all these nuts, we were just kids laughing our way some many times. For years I would tell years later. through adolescence. How none of us manpeople I owned my '72 longer than I knew The 90 would serve as a bridge to bigger aged to kill ourselves was a miracle. my wife. Way back, when I purchased the and better and the wheels to get me into A bit north and to the east of where we '72, I had a full head of hair. Oh boy. high school where everything changed. lived, out the Dresden Road, was a short That bike, the one I tell people was the Magically automobiles took center stage. line of houses, maybe a bit over five miles only machine I've ever owned with a soul, Glass packs replaced Megaphones. First for away. It was where the pavement ended, changed everything. During winters before me was a '56 Pontiac, the one car I wish I where the road surface turned to gravel.

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During Ken's 25 years on his '72 Honda 750 he watched the odometer turn over three times, the first on Center Street in Marion, Ohio, the 2nd on I-77 riding through Charleston, WV and the 3rd on US Rt. 441 just outside Milledgeville, GA. The ride home through Georgia from the Gulf Coast was the last long ride Ken would take on the 750. He still has the old speedometer. It sits only a few feet from where he wrote this story. You might question his stopping at the exact mileage on the odometers for his pictures.

He found it easier to simply pull over and disconnect the speedometer cable, then ride home and take the picture there.

Ken, in 1976, just months away from graduation, sitting on his newly purchased '72 Honda 750 at Ohio University's Siegfred Hall, Athens, Ohio. Ken had purchased the bike from his brother Chuck over the Christmas break, on condition that it ran when he got it back together. The bike had been in hundreds of pieces sitting on the basement table where their mother sorted laundry. Of note, when Ken went to get the bike Chuck dropped six small parts into his hands, little things that he had no idea where they belonged. They must not have been important since the bike ran forever without them. Photograph by Dave Levingston.

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retirement age I gave serious thought to walking away from two-wheels. But there was always my annual trip out west. I couldn't see myself making that trip in a cage. There's nothing like riding a motorcycle cross country, even if what you're on is lacking.

Every year there was always something far away I needed to see, no matter if I knew what it was or not. When I retired I decided to make one last trip to the west coast. Riding that far from home was a major commitment. I'd made the ride before but not for decades. I figured what a great way to ease into a more retired state, to get this trip out of my thoughts, once and for all.

That trip put a smile on my face, rekindling my interest in being on two wheels.

But I made one mistake. While making a U-turn my foot slipped on some loose pebbles, the bike falling on its side. I couldn't get it back up, its full tank of seven gallons just beyond my tipping point. I knew in an instant my time on the Connie was over. I no longer had the upper-body strength to deal with it. I needed something lighter.

And that was that. One door closed, another opening. My brother Chuck aimed me at a shop not far from my house where he'd found a ten-year-old BMW RT. When I walked in the door, the skies opened, a ray of light shining through the window and onto only that bike. It was love at first sight. It was red, I mean really red. The adventure was back, I knew it!

The Lambretta, all those years ago, the Honda 90, then Chuck's old 750, all had something special to offer.

They arrived in my life when I was looking for something that would expand my future, to take me somewhere I'd never been. Before I ever set on that Beemer I knew that it would offer the same, something very special.

And so it was. There's a group of local BMW riders who get together every Wednesday for rides and The original map with only the black lines was donated with the '72 Honda to the AMA Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio nearly two decades ago. This map shows Ken's major trips, the black lines from the 750, the red lines from the camaraderie. I joined them.

Concours and the blue ones, some of which are hard to see, from only the past two years on the RT. Some of the highways I'd never done anything like have been ridden on well over a dozen times. Although the map represents dozens of wonderful trips there are many that before. I'd never been to I was married, it lived in my living room.

Stories I wrote about us appeared in magazines. It got so that people would recognize it on my trips. Granted, not often, but it did happen. But no one ever recognized me.

It was a tank, but in time, near the end it developed too many cracks. The faded paint was a badge of honor the bike wore well. But the rear brakes had been used so many times its drums were worn beyond any adjustment, the carburetors the same.

The wheels had the beginnings of rust burning through and a cylinder gasket had let loose, the bike leaving a Honda-Valdez of ooze at every stop light. When I cleaned it up, it looked mighty nice sitting in our driveway, but next to anything newer it was old, very old. I didn't care. But it was worn out.

We'd grown beyond middle-age together, but there was no way I could hold onto it. It would be a sin to leave it sitting in our garage while I was out on its replacement. It needed a new home.

Lucky me, I lived not far from the AMA Hall of Fame Museum, its director residing only a few blocks from my home. A deal was struck, and I made it a donation. Parking it in their lot, leaving it behind, I had

tears in my eyes when my wife drove me away. Chances are it will never be shown in a display, but from that day forward I knew it would be forever warm and dry, no doubt out-living me.

Over two and a half decades I'd come to rely on that motorcycle. Somehow I figured that we'd ride off into some sort of sunset together. The first time I put the 750 in gear I heard an audible “clunk.” Whatever was inside that motor had mass, it was a serious motorcycle. But now I needed something else.

It was to be a Kawasaki Concours, one I found online. One ride and I was sold. It was the only bike I looked at. Buddy Dave rode one and loved it. With a 1000cc engine it had zoom, but what sold me were the brakes. We would travel the county together for fifteen years.

At first it did the job, keeping me happy.

But imperceptibly, year after year I started to lose interest. The place where I parked it was small, and this bike was a bit bigger. It wasn't only heavy, it was top-heavy. It seemed a struggle to deal with, needing to be man-handled. I made excuses, choosing my car to get around town. The Connie was parked for long periods. Nearing

within the BMW community that would put my map to shame.

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Best buddy Dave Levingston and Ken, in 1984 riding a short distance north of Dave's Granville, Ohio home. Dave had been reluctant to come along for the ride and the picture, and maybe rightfully so. While the two were gone Dave's wife at the time went into labor with Esther, their first child. Dave and Ken rode together for tens of thousands of miles over the better part of three decades.

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The splendid view of Mt. Denali is only one reason the take the Talkeetna Spur Road to the laid back community of Talkeetna, only a few miles from the Parks Highway, the main road between Fairbanks and Anchorage. Talkeetna, which boasts having a cat for a mayor, is thought to be the basis for the small community of Cicely, Alaska, of television's Northern Exposure fame.

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A dream for decades, last year Ken finally made it to Alaska, reaching the state on his '05 RT via the Top of the World Highway. The sign is just beyond Poker Creek, Alaska, population three, the "Most Northerly Land Border Port in the USA." So says the sign at the border crossing.

any kind of motorcycle rally, now having been to Billings and Hamburg, and soon to Salt Lake City. It was at the rallies I learned how to get a downed motorcycle back up on two-wheels. Who would have thought it didn't require upper-body strength?

Now there were no limitations. The long ride to California wasn't that far away after all. The year after the Connie trip I did another, followed by my long wished for trip to Alaska. As I write this I'm approaching 70 years of age. I'm tired of what I see in the world, disgusted and jaded in many respects. Growing older, living through a life-time of sorted realities will do that. But after five-plus decades, there's still joy in getting on a motorcycle. It's escape in the rawest form.

As a thirteen-year-old boy, my Lambretta

was my first escape machine, my way to find adventure, no matter how I defined it.

Today I feel that same sense of adventure. I search for the fun in the places I visit. In a car I'd drive right by much of it. But on a bike I'm pulled in every which direction.

The question that occasionally crosses my mind is, how long can I keep this up?

I've found what I believe is my last motorcycle. There's still magic out there to discover. I'm still curious about what's around the next turn. If this goes as I hope, maybe, just maybe this bike will be like my old 750, another with a heart and a soul. I'll know for certain in a few more miles.

Jim knew that the Megaphones on his Triumph drew attention to him. He loved it.

He wasn't an outlaw, but those mufflers let us think he was. For some of us there's an

image we need to project. For the rest, just leave enough space for us to pass you safely.

I don't need the special mufflers, bright red is fine with me.

No matter whether you're a kid out for the first time or a seasoned rider, there's nothing like being on two wheels. When the time comes that I can't find a sense of adventure it will be time to retire to a couch, or to find something else for excitement.

There are plenty of BMW riders like me, enjoying their senior years. At the past two rallies I've spoken with many of them. I wonder what's in store down the road? I think I'll keep riding to find out. Mine's the red one. Someday I'll ride where you are.

Flag me over. I'm sure we'll both have stories to share.

What a way to ride into the sunset!

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Whitehorse, in the Yukon Territory was without a doubt the most energetic of all the places Ken visited on his Alaska trip. The mural, painted by Lance Burton, seized on that energy, making it the perfect place to get a nice photograph of the RT. Whitehorse was supposedly named after the white crested rapids of the Yukon River which runs through the city, appearing as the manes of white horses.

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skills

askapro

Passengers on our own bikes

By Lee Parks #162125

Q:

I keep reading about self-driving cars. Will modern gyroscopic technology—like that on the new BMW “Vision” concept motorcycle—one day make us all “passengers” on our own bikes?

shouldn’t be doing, like drifting into another lane without using the turn signal, it will take action and make control inputs.

The first time I felt the car take control of the steering or braking was quite a shock. I could almost hear Hal from 2001 saying, “I can feel it, Dave.” That’s especially weird as my name isn’t Dave. The question is, do we want something controlling our bikes without our permission? After riding a new KTM Adventure with stability control, I’m torn. It really allows you to hit the That is a fascinating question. As brakes in the middle of a turn and not have I write this I am attending the the bike crash. But what about when we national “Lifesavers” safety conferwant to be close to another rider either for ence in North Carolina. It is made up fun or to pass, how would the of major stakeholders in bike know? Obviously it the safety business includwouldn’t. That is until we get to ing government bureauTHE WHOLE IDEA OF SELF-RIDING the point of brain implant chips crats, safety technology MOTORCYCLE SEEMS PREPOSTEROUS TO like in the Matrix. Perhaps one businesses, vehicle manufacturers, etc. UnfortuMANY OF US ENTHUSIASTS. AFTER ALL, day you’ll insert a chip into your brain and you’ll say, “I know nately, no one in a position IT’S THE CHALLENGE OF CONTROLLING MotoGP!” of authority that I’m aware I think it’s only a matter of of has addressed how AN INHERENTLY UNBALANCED MACHINE time before the inherently danmotorcycles fit into an LIKE A TWO-WHEELED MOTORCYCLE THAT gerous nature of motorcycle ridautonomous vehicle future. ing could cause it to be legislated The whole idea of selfIS A BIG PART OF THE FUN OF RIDING. off public roads if we don’t proriding motorcycle seems tect those rights now. If this preposterous to many of us sounds a little too dystopian for you, keep enthusiasts. After all, it’s the chalsafer, but we should never forget why we in mind what happened to three-wheeled lenge of controlling an inherently ride in the first place. The successful manATVs (called all-terrain cycles or ATCs) in unbalanced machine like a twoagement of risk is the main reason motor1986. That was the year that the industry wheeled motorcycle that is a big part cycle riding is so satisfying. In my opinion, sold over 460,000 units and 20/20 ran a of the fun of riding. this is what the Harley-Davidson riders very negative news story about how danFor those of you who are not familmean when they say, “If you have to ask, gerous they were. The Consumer Product iar with it, BMW recently introduced you wouldn’t understand.”

Safety Commission (CPSC) later issued a its “vision of the future of motorcyTo really understand the issue takes Consent Decree and forced the OEMs to cling.” According to an October 11, looking at where current car technology is sign it.

2016 USA Today article, “It is a sleek now. I recently purchased a VW Golf R car The CPSC asked a federal court to concept bike that’s self-balancing. that has several driver aid technologies declare ATVs to be “imminently dangerWith the help of gyroscopes, the standard: Lane Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, ous consumer products.” The lawsuit rider never has to put down a foot.

Adaptive Cruise Control, Park Assist (for sought to require that manufacturers: 1) The sleek, black bike is supposed to parallel parking), Forward Collision Warnend production of three-wheel ATVs; 2) stay upright even when it is standing ing and Autonomous Emergency Braking. repurchase all three-wheel ATVs from still. ‘The world is rapidly changing.

This means that when the car is moving, if dealer stocks; 3) offer financial incentives New solutions are needed.’ said BMW it senses me doing something it “thinks” I

A:

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Board of Management Chairman Harald Krüger. BMW’s goal, he says, is to ‘shape tomorrow’s premium mobility’— an integration of vehicles and technology. In showing off the new BMW Motorrad Vision motorcycle, the point was to show how the rider will take advantage of emerging technology. Special glasses allow riders to see critical information without having to look down. And no helmet or any other protective gear should be needed, BMW contends, because the bike is intelligent enough to avoid accidents and hazards.”

As readers of this column know, I’m a huge fan of technology that makes bikes

to encourage owners of three-wheel ATVs to return them; and 4) provide safety education.”

The next year (1987) sales were only around 60,000 units, which put many Japanese motorcycle dealers out of business and many on the verge of bankruptcy. This was because three-wheelers were a major part of revenue for a lot of them. So it’s not paranoid to be concerned about the government wanting to take away our rights to own motorcycles let alone ride on public roads.

As I typically take a “half-full” attitude toward life, I’m going to continue to work toward getting rider-controlled motorcycles into the narrative of a self-driving transportation future. With a little understanding of what makes us who we are, tempered with an open mind toward technology, hopefully the bureaucrats of today and tomorrow will come around.

I think the best chance we have of protecting our future on public roads is introducing legislators to the joy of riding. With gyroscopes and other future tech, perhaps it will make riding more attractive to them as well.

Lee Parks (#162125) has been riding and racing motorcycles for well over 30 years. He has been the editor of both consumer and trade motorcycle magazines, manufacturers his own line of motorcycle gloves and is a WERA national endurance champion. His riding skills book Total Control has sold over 100,000 copies in five languages around the world. Lee’s Total Control Training company manages—and is the curriculum vendor for—the California Motorcyclist Safety Program as well as several large military contracts. If you have a question you’d like to him to answer in this column, send him an email at lee@totalcontroltraining.net.

May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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www.weisertechnik.com

FOUNDATIONNEWS

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 Mark Austin, Vice President maustin@bmwmoaf.org Bex Becker, Treasurer bex@bmwmoaf.org Greg Straub, Secretary gstraub@bmwmoaf.org BMW MOA FOUNDATION DIRECTORS

Vance Harrelson vance@bmwmoaf.org Randy Logan rlogan@bmwmoaf.org Will McHardy wmchardy@bmwmoaf.org Peter Perrin pperrin@bmwmoaf.org BMW MOA FOUNDATION HEADQUARTERS

2539 John Hawkins Parkway Suite 101-111 Birmingham, AL 35244 866-865-1055 Ted Moyer, Executive Director tmoyer@bmwmoaf.org

MOA Foundation expands GEARS training

By Peter Perrin #99616 MOA Foundation Director THE BMW MOA FOUNDATION WILL

once again be offering its premier rider training program in Salt Lake City at the Find Your Crossroads International Rally.

This summer there will be two programs offered: the GEARS basic MSF-dirt bike training and an advanced skills program called GEARS ABC. All teens ages 13 to 18 years old are welcome to register for the programs, and MOA membership is not a requirement.

There is no cost to the participant, and entry into the Rally is included in the registration. Up to 24 students will be able to participate. Sign up early and get more information at www.bmwmoaf.org.

GEARS has been well received by past students who have had a lot of fun riding motorcycles while learning valuable basic riding skills. The riding course will be set up on a well-groomed dirt parking lot, and there will be instructors who have worked with the MOAF for several years to provide a dynamic program. Participants do not need to have any experience in riding a motorcycle, and by the end of the two day program they will be riding safely and with confidence.

GEARS ABCs (Advanced Bike Control) is a follow-up to the basic GEARS course that will provide returning riders an option to have more fun and learn advanced bike control skills on the dirt. GEARS ABCs is offered to those who have completed a basic dirt bike course or a GEARS course.

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Effective braking, controlling rear wheel skids, proficient clutch control, improved balance, and traction management skills for improved bike control will be some of the new training offered. If students wish to repeat the basic GEARS, they are welcome to sign up for the basic course.

Both training programs will be two days in length and will run concurrently, Wednesday and Thursday, July 12 and 13, 2017. There will be classroom discussions that will include Crash Scene Management and basic first aid, and Paul and Voni Glaves will be in attendance to provide much insight into motorcycling from their multi-million miles riding careers. The ever-popular SMARTrainer will be in the classroom with a certified instructor who will help the teens become aware of riding on many different types of streets and roads. The SMARTrainer has been likened to a flight simulator with real world experiences.

Snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided on both days of the programs, and a certificate will be awarded to those completing either of the training programs.

All participants will be required to have the basic safety gear: helmet, eye protection, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Bikes will be provided by DirtBike Tech.

Sign up today at www.bmwmoaf.org!

www.ceebaileys.com/cycle

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jacktheriepe

Hypothermia and iguanas make for raw adventure in Key West

By Jack Riepe #116117 ADVENTURE

begins where the commonplace ends. You don’t have to be in the middle of nowhere: the road can be paved, it can be broad daylight, or it can involve a mouse just as easily as a grizzly bear. I have had adventures not 30 miles from the house. Come to think of it, I have had adventures in the garage.

No one sets out to have an adventure on a motorcycle. Adventure is what happens when you are tooling along minding your own business. It usually begins with a loud noise, or a change in weather, or the flashing red lights of the authorities, or a voice as soft as silk on a moonlit night asking, “Is that a K 75?”

I admit that some locales are more prone to adventure than others. The chances of getting jostled by a herd of evil-looking and worse-smelling buffalo in the badlands is much higher than having the same thing occur in Pennsylvania Amish country. Likewise, riding through the Texas panhandle will increase your odds of finding hairy spiders the size of garbage can covers chewing on your K 1300, while the same thing would be unthinkable in tidy little Rhode Island. And yet they do have adventures in Rhode Island. Roy Jackson, a devoted R bike rider, was once trapped for three days in a Rhode Island beachside restroom by a rabid clam.

My point is that adventure can happen to anyone, regardless of what he or she rides. Take the strange case

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

of Michael Beattie. Born into Italian nobility, raised in British boarding schools and now a resident of the Florida Keys, Beattie has an eclectic sense of adventure. His resumé includes stints as a journalist, a radio announcer and a ship captain. He and his wife, Layne, once sailed a small boat from California to Key West. He classifies adventure as anything between wailing voices in deserted Italian castles to thirtyfoot waves that appear on dark nights.

“Adventure in a small boat amidst crushing waves is best taken in small doses,” said Beattie, who speaks with a clipped British accent. “Those are the moments when you want less adventure and more beach.”

Michael and I met in rider’s chat room in 2005, where he expressed doubt that BMW’s early K 100 and K 75 would ever be regarded as “classic,” due to their reservoirlike plumbing and battleship fighting weight. He expressed this position politely and in that accent. But a rock thrown through a windscreen is still a rock, even when wrapped in lace.

I met Beattie face-to-face in 2010, when he successfully completed his first Iron Butt ride, putting a Triumph Bonneville through its 1000-mile paces in under 24 hours. As it turns out, he was well within the timeframe and even managed to catch some sleep in a vacant dog house. If he is to be believed, Beattie also ate from the dog’s bowl. (He later learned that no extra points are awarded for this level of economy.)

Beattie is also driven by public service and is currently a supervisor for a 911 emergency call center in the Florida Keys. It was here he found himself under lockdown at the command center as Hurricane Wilma tore through the area in 2005.

“We were shut in for five solid days, beginning with the evacuation for the storm and ending only when the hurricane

had passed,” said Beattie. “The staff and I were forced to survive on excellent Cuban cuisine whipped up by dedicated locals determined to keep our facility operational.

Still, there comes a time when a change of scenery and a change of clothing are required. We were released two hours before dawn on a cold October morning, sodden with post-storm rain.”

This is the setting for adventure. But it is important to remember that all adventure is relative.

“How cold was it?” I asked.

“About 69 degrees,” Beattie replied.

I was stunned.

“Do you realize that this story will be read by riders in Minnesota, upstate New York and North Dakota who regard 69 degrees as dancing-naked-in-the-woods weather?” I asked.

“I cannot be responsible for the cultural aberrations of those who live in places where molecular activity ceases for nine months out of the year,” said Beattie. “Sixtynine degrees is snow-shoe weather in Key West.”

Beattie set out for home, a 25-mile run through an apocalyptic setting on his “number two” ride, a tangerine-colored 2004 Stella scooter.

“There wasn’t a light anywhere,” said Beattie. “There was no electricity. And because of the evacuation, there were no people, no cars, no one moving about. I had that unique sense of being alone in a lost city that had been abandoned by civilization in a rush. And I was returning to an empty house, as my wife and dog had fled inland. But I had a sack of Cuban breakfast and lunch tossed over my shoulder, and there was bottled water in the house. I was confident I’d do all right.”

Confidence is the first damp, slippery step toward adventure.

The landscape had been devastated.

Palm trees were down. Dead wires were draped over everything. The streets were littered with tree branches, loose coconuts, pink flamingos uprooted from lawns, gutters torn from roofs, signs ripped from their posts and poorly applied siding.

A mile from the command bunker, Beattie drove onto a flooded street. The water covered the scooter’s floorboards. With the survival instincts of a roach, he jumped to the submerged sidewalk and gained an extra five inches or so. The superior feeling of cheating certain death lasted briefly when the road turned right and Beattie went straight — this time dunking both the floorboards and the exhaust under water.

“The encouraging stutter of the two-stroke engine suddenly became the flatulent flutter of an exhaust spitting water,” said Beattie.

“I scrambled to keep it running and to find higher ground.” At one point, the detached arm of a store mannequin was framed in the headlight, further rattling our hero.

Beattie threaded his way through this miasma on a scooter that just needed a large daisy decal to say “1968.” His destination was Ramrod Key, traditional home to pirates and the original Key West separatist movement. Ramrod Key is an enchanting blend of Michael Beattie. canals, waterways, mangroves and the eternal summer kind of architecture that says, “Tropical Florida.”

The Beattie estate hosted a verandah overlooking lime trees, banana bushes and the occasional coconut palm. Out back, a boat dock encouraged the afternoon swim. The only fly in the ointment was a horde of iguanas that would eat tomatoes on the vine, bell peppers new to the steeple, or anything else Beattie tried to grow.

“It would be different if the iguanas showed some appreciation for my attempts at agriculture or occasionally passed a look of affection. But they haunted the undergrowth in droves,” said Beattie. In a desperate attempt to rid the area of these invasive lizards, he once told the owner of a local Asian restaurant that iguana soup enhanced manhood. “With a rumor like that, you’d have thought the iguanas would be extinct about now.”

The ride home became arduous as Beattie carefully inched around detritus that grew more and more intriguing. “At one point, the scooter headlight focused on a port-a-potty that had been tossed from a building site. It was on its side, with the door jammed against the pavement. I didn’t think to look if it was occupied,” said Beattie.

Around another corner, the road was

blocked by a sailboat. It was a pretty big boat, and while the ocean was close, Beattie marveled at the combined forces of the wind and tidal surge for causing destruction. “It occurred to me that I was really on my own,” he observed. “There was no one close by to call if I got hurt or rode into a hole or something.”

Beattie is a competent, methodical rider of the old school. He completed that first 1,000 mile Iron Butt run without incident.

Yet it was after the ride on the way to his house that he encountered a damp spot about 2-inches in circumference on a parking lot surface and dropped the Triumph. Thankfully, two elderly women, returning from a three-day ice cream social, were able to pick the bike up and get him sorted.

“One of them called me ‘kid,’” said Beattie. “I didn’t like her tone.”

Beattie was less than 100 yards from his house when his headlight picked up a black, log-like obstruction that completely blocked the road. “What now?” he thought, inching toward this new roadblock. The log was black and shiny in the dark, wet rain.

“It was an alligator or a crocodile,” said Beattie. “It was at least 12 feet long. And it was between me and the house.”

Beattie was horrified.

Alligators and crocodiles in Florida are common—just not in the Keys. “The only alligator I ever saw in the Keys was one of the two in the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key,” said Beattie,” and you had to look hard for those as they were easily spooked. This one was big… and dead, or so I hoped.”

The dead alligator opened its mouth and hissed.

“There was no going back,” said Beattie.

“Back to what? Everything behind me for

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jacktheriepe

25 miles was dark and closed. There was no one to call. Emergency services was gearing up for thousands of people returning to damaged communities. It was just me and this alligator.”

There wasn’t room to pass it on the road. One end housed the teeth and the other end offered the tail. Beattie wondered which would be less of a challenge to the Stella. “And all of this was happening in total darkness. I tried yelling. I tried blowing the feeble horn,” said Beattie. “I even glanced about for something to throw at it, but the idea of getting off the scooter and being on an equal footing with this thing seemed less than appealing.”

Twenty eternal minutes later, the alligator found the combination of the Stella’s headlight and his British accent too annoying, and it crawled off into the mangroves across from where Beattie lived.

This bone fide adventure involved a twowheeled vehicle, darkness, an apocalyptic setting and an alligator—all within 300 feet of Beattie’s sofa. He parked the Stella and entered the darkened house. A miserable excuse for dawn was unfolding, and in the grey light Beattie saw the unmistakable glare of reptilian eyes again sizing him up.

“There was a damned iguana in the house,” Beattie sputtered. “Well, I’ll take guff from an alligator, but I refuse to stand for it from these other things.” He tossed his wet gloves at the lizard and thought of warming the life back into his hands over the barbecue grill.

Mr. Beattie has now replaced the Stella with a real VESPA. He was thinking of getting a K 75, but a life without mechanical challenge just seems so dull.

Jack Riepe —writer, columnist, speaker, and spokesperson for the Secret K Bike Riders’ Club— will be addressing the Georgia Mountain Rally (May 5-7), Americade (June 6-10) and the BMW MOA International Rally in Salt Lake City (July 13-16). Security will be tight as Riepe’s life has been threatened, again. Reserve your autographed 2nd Edition of Conversations With A Motorcycle by emailing your name, address and telephone number to jack.riepe@gmail.com. Put “book reservation” in the subject line.

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BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

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May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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finaljourney

Kermit Easterling KERMIT

EUGENE

EASTERLING

#15856 born June 23, 1944, passed away March 27, 2017.

He was the son of Edith Cox Smith and the late Jessie Kermit Easterling.

His father and a sister Joy Rose preceded him death.

Kermit is survived by his mother, his wife Linda Hiveley Easterling, sons Jesse, Curtis and Gregory, grandson Wyatt, sisters Billie Brunell, and

Virgie Williams, brothers Vernon, Keith and Steve.

Mr. Easterling was a veteran of the U.S. Marines, and in 199 retired from IBM after 25 years’ service as a development manager.

A lifelong motorcycle tourer, Kermit developed and sold motorcycle camping products since his retirement.

Said Dave Cwi, “Kermit was a fabulous craftsman and inventor, a great vendor and “talker” at BMW rallies, instrumental in

keeping the BMW air head tradition alive, and just a good and honest man’s man. He was also fun to be around and could draw a crowd. Kermit, you will be missed and thought about every time I pack one of your bags for a road trip and plenty of other times in between.”

Friends wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Kermit may do so to your local humane society.

Owners Club of America and the Cannon Creek Crafters club. She enjoyed motorcycles and sidecars, aircraft, travel, water aerobics, needle work, volunteering at the Haven Hospice Attic, and the ‘Riding Into History’ Motorcycle Concours.

Judie and her husband Jack were introduced to BMW Owners News readers in an

article appearing in the September 2015 issue titled, Love Story, Jack and Judie Wells: A Member Profile.

Judie is survived by husband Jack, a daughter, a son, five grandchildren and a brother and sister.

Washington, for the past 13 years, where he was a popular manager and friend to many.

Kevin was killed instantly in a motorcycle accident on his way home from work, less than a mile from his office. Kevin will always be remembered as an extremely positive, smart and kind person with an infectious sense of humor. He loved the Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Reds, yet always rooted for the Detroit Red Wings and Lions.

Kevin was active in the BMW motorcycle community, and he was a founder of an international motorcycle group known as the TurboFluffy MotoClub. Kevin loved

animals and was an avid supporter of local and national pet adoption charities. He was a golfer, and he traveled the world with his wife Lisa Sims of 24 years. Kevin and Lisa rode their BMW motorcycles frequently, and thousand mile trips were common for them. Kevin leaves behind many friends across the globe and is survived by his wife, his nieces and nephews and his treasured pets Simba, Lucy and Wolfy. His mother, Alberta Kohls Sims, died six days after Kevin’s accident.

Donations can be made in Kevin’s name to www.Perfectpals.org

Judie Wells BMW

MOA

MEMBER

JUDITH

Krogh Wells #195824, 73, of Lake City, Florida, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2016 surrounded by her family.

Judie was a member of the BMW Motorcycle Club of Northeast Florida, the Cannon Creek Airpark EAA Chapter 977, the Navion Aircraft

Kevin C. Sims KEVIN C. SIMS (#93015) OF SAM-

mamish, Washington, died in Redmond, Washington, on September 30, 2016.

Kevin was born in Alexandria, Kentucky, and attended St Joseph Camp Springs elementary and Campbell County High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Northern Kentucky University in 1992 and a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Wayne State University (Detroit) in 1996. Kevin was employed by Microsoft in Redmond,

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BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

Perry Bushong PERRY BUSHONG #1692 LONG-TIME

owner of BMW of Fort Worth and later Perry’s Motorcycles and Sidecars has passed away.

According to Mike Secor, President of the Lone Star BMW Riders, “I have been riding my old /6 for more than 40 years and Perry was instrumental in teaching me how to care for and maintain my bike. While I used to start tearing into things to figure out what might be wrong, I now close my eyes and listen to the engine and let it tell me many things such as valves that need adjusting or carburetors out of tune. I learned a lot about BMW Airheads just hanging out in Perry’s shop. He was one of the good guys all the way around.”

Ride Brilliantly Every Day! Play your Beemer like a fiddle Our proven riding technology has helped thousands of riders break through to the next level! This is why Total Control was chosen by the U.S. Marine Corps to train its elite motorcycle mentors in advanced skills. Learn the secrets of Total Control at our 25+ locations. Call or click today for more info.

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James Russell LONGTIME BMW MOA MEMBER JAMES

Lyman Russell, 76, husband of Marguerite Langley Russell, passed away Friday, January 13, 2017, at home in Easley, South Carolina. Born in Cook County, Illinois, Jim lived and worked in Sarasota, Florida, and retired to Blairsville, Georgia, and Easley, South Carolina.

An aficionado of BMW Slash 2 and Slash 5 machines, Jim owned and restored many of those models along with newer BMWs and an eclectic collection of other marques.

Jim’s garage also included his personal world map of moto-tours around the globe.

In addition to his wife Marguerite, Jim is survived by Anne and Christopher Green and four grandchildren. James Russell was preceded in death by his first wife Gerry Davis Russell.

A celebration of Jim’s life was be held by Marguerite and Jim’s many ‘Two Wheel Tuesday of Blairsville’ riding and dining friends later this spring.

May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

91

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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 May 2017

hit the links sporting MOA gear

Nike Dri Fit White Pebble Texture Sport Shirt ‘MOA’ In these Nike Golf styles, an understated pebble texture meets high performance moisture wicking from Dri-Fit fabric that’s designed to keep you comfortably dry. Contrast Swoosh design trademark is embroidered on the left sleeve $41.01 and up MOA Ladies SoftStyle Junior Fitted Navy Tee Luxuriously soft to the touch and exceptionally comfortable, this lightweight tee is irresistible when you just want to relax, indoors or out. $12.45 and up

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RALLY

2017 BMW MOA INTERNATIONAL Rally

Ride home a winner at the Crossroads of the West Rally FOUR YEARS AGO, BMW MOTOR-

rad introduced the R nineT to mark “90 years of BMW Motorrad.” Radiating purism and power in an undisguised form, the new R nineT skillfully blended the boxer engine’s rugged character and the design traits of overlapping eras of motorcycle design with cutting-edge technology and a modular concept offering the rider a canvas for personalization.

The classic roadster was originally built to cater to enthusiasts who yearn for unadulterated, stress-free riding pleasure and was alluring with its hand-built feel and strong emotional appeal.

With styling cues taken from classic motorcycles blended with the very latest drive and chassis components, BMW produced a motorcycle just as

good at cruising through town as it is at powering down a quiet country road.

The distinctive bike was an immediate success and appealed to a wide range of enthusiasts from young urban riders to those more seasoned recalling their many miles on classic airheads. This was BMW’s first model specifically designed to honor their history and thus became the first Heritage model. With sales numbers exceeding expectations, in 2015 BMW introduced the second Heritage model, the BMW Scrambler. Last year, BMW expanded their Heritage lineup even further by releasing three additional variations of the original R nineT: the Pure, the Racer and the Urban G/S. We are very excited to announce that we are giving away not one, but two of the newest R nineT Heritage models. This summer in Salt Lake, two lucky rallygoers will win

their choice of a BMW R nineT Scrambler, Pure, Racer or Urban G/S! If you have been following the growth of BMWs R nineT Heritage models already, we don’t have to tell you how cool it would be to win any one of them. Though built on a similar platform and sharing a common drive train, each model is unique in their styling and engineering details. All are designed to be customized by the owner using a wide range of OEM BMW accessories. To answer the very first question a traditional BMW rider asks, saddle bags are available!

Whether your garage holds a single BMW or a fleet, it’s hard to imagine anyone not getting excited at the thought of adding one of these classic looking Heritage models to his or her stable.

Not much beats a meandering ride on a warm summer evening, a brisk sprint down

a dual-sport friendly forest road, carving a tight corner or a simple ride to the coffee shop for a shot of Joe. Whatever your preference, there is an R nineT built with your name on it if you’re lucky enough to be one of two Grand Prize winners at the Crossroads of The West Rally this summer in Salt Lake City.

There is one catch, though. You’ve got to come to the BMW MOA Rally in Salt Lake City this July to get your ticket to win.

Come and Find Your Crossroads in Salt Lake City this July and ride home a winner!

May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

95

RALLY

2017BMW MOA INTERNATIONAL RALLY

Registration volunteers needed

By Roger Trendowski #88147 WE’D LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO JOIN

our great team of rally registration volunteers in Salt Lake City, Utah, this July.

Not only is it a great way to meet other riders and help riders who arrive at the rally after long hours on the road, but you’ll forge new friendships that will last a lifetime.

As the first point of contact for rally attendees, registration volunteers assist with their check-in process, provide refreshments, give directions, distribute rally packets and answer any questions. With up to 30 volunteers on each four-hour shift, many new friendships are likely as you meet and greet club members, friends and

family as they arrive. We typically have so much fun that most people sign up for multiple shifts or sign up to volunteer as a club.

Rally registration volunteers play an active role contributing to the success of the rally.

Typically, the registration process takes less than 10 minutes, and registrants leave the area with their admission wrist band, rally program and knowledge of where to go next.

Every year, about 250 volunteers help out with the registration process. Complete and detailed training is provided, and there is always someone there to assist you in case issues arise.

If you are interested in signing up as a rally registration volunteer, the best way to

get involved is to visit moaregistrationvolunteer.eventbrite.com and choose the fourhour shift where you would like to help. At the volunteer registration site, 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 want to work. You will receive an emailed confirmation at the end of the process.

If your club wishes to work together. the easiest way is to select a day/shift, then spread the word to your members to quickly signup individually. Don’t hesitate to contact any of our registration co-chairs if you have any questions. Our team’s contact information is shown on the registration volunteer web site.

See you in Salt Lake City!

info@motorelief.org

Streetmasters to offer on-site training at Crossroads of the West Rally.

THE BMW MOA AND THE MOA FOUN-

dation have announced that Streetmasters Motorcycle Workshops will be the on-site training provider at the 2017 BMW MOA Crossroads of the West Rally in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 13, 14 and 15. Walt Fulton III, Nancy Foote and members of their experienced staff will be conducting halfday training sessions for rally participants on Thursday and Friday.

Walt Fulton has been involved in motorcycling his entire life and loves to share his experiences gained from years of racing, crash investigation work, writing and rally riding. Nancy Foote has more than 30 years of riding experience and enjoys traveling twisty backroads and training others so they too can enjoy those fun roads in a more confident, proficient and safe manner.

Four separate workshops will be held during the Crossroads of the West rally with two scheduled on Thursday and two

scheduled for Friday. Times for each day are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Each class will begin with one hour of fast-paced classroom discussion on mastering the “delayed late-apex” technique of cornering.

After the classroom instruction, each participant will ride their own motorcycle in the precision exercises on a course set up at the rally site. If you ride two-up, be sure to include your pillion for no additional charge.

This will not be your typical “parking lot practice,” as it will be challenging and informative. For some, this will be a great opportunity to brush up on current skills, and newer riders can expect an opportunity to learn great techniques from the knowledgeable Streetmasters staff.

Now for the best news: most of the cost of the training is being underwritten for participants by the MOA Foundation! All students will need to register and pay $75 to hold a spot in the class; however, each

“graduate” will receive a rebate check of $50 from the MOA Foundation at the completion of this class thanks to the Foundation’s Paul B. scholarship fund.

To sign up, please visit the RALLY ‘17 page at bmwmoa.org and look for the “Training at the Rally” link. When registering for the Streetmasters’ training, participants will have the option to pay using their Paypal account or credit card.

Space is limited, and class registration will be managed on a first-come, firstserved basis, so don’t delay. Sign up now for what will be a fun and information-filled rally experience.

If you wish to contact Streetmasters with questions, please email Nancy Foote at nancy.foote@streetmasters.info or call 951.549.1717.

Street Skills to offer on-road training.

CURVES ARE THRILLING WHEN RIDDEN

on a motorcycle, but they can also cause riders to feel occasional anxiety. While attending the Crossroads of the West International Rally this July in Salt Lake City, sharpen your skills with a qualified instructor on actual roads.

Jon DelVecchio of Street Skills, a school specializing in advanced motorcycling skills, will again be offering BMW MOA Rally attendees an opportunity to enroll in

his 4-hour, On-Road Style– Cornering Confidence course. Instruction will take place off-site on area roads and will offer experienced riders the opportunity to develop cornering skills in a real-world setting.

Courses will begin and end at the rally site and are based on the school’s Fast Track to Precision Riding program. Class size is limited to four riders.

There will be six course sessions offered

on the following dates and times: July 13 (8 a.m.-noon), July 13 (1-5 p.m.), July 14 (8 a.m.-noon), July 14 (1-5 p.m.), July 15 (8 a.m.-noon) and July 15 (1-5 p.m.). While the course tuition is $250, the MOA Foundation will send a $50 rebate check to all course participants.

Enrollment is limited and preregistration is advised. Register directly with Street Skills LLC at www.streetskills.net/productcategory/on-road-training/.

May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

97

RALLY

2017BMW MOA INTERNATIONAL RALLY

BMW Motorcycles of Utah welcomes BMW MOA Rally goers BMW MOTORCYCLES OF UTAH

will be serving BMW MOA rally attendees with extended service department hours while offering rally goers service priority and specials

on tires.

BMW Motorcycles of Utah is located just 15 minutes south of the BMW MOA rally site at 339 West 9000 South in Sandy, Utah. During the rally, BMW Motorcycles

www.mortonsbmw.com

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BMW OWNERS NEWS  May 2017

of Utah will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For additional information, email Andy@HarrisonEurosports.com or call 801-618-2700.

www.mortonsbmw.com

The

Benefits of

Membership

We have lined up some of the best discounts in the industry worth way more than $40 per year. Whether you need product discounts, travel discounts or specialized services, your MOA membership can save you thousands of dollars with our partners.

Product Discounts Staywarm-Staycool

Receive 15% off entire order and free shipping at staywarm-staycool.com.

Travel Discounts Medjet Assist

Medjet provides Air Medical Transfer for individuals that become hospitalized during domestic and international travel. Medjet eliminates all costs beyond its membership fee for medical transfer to a home country “hospital of your choice” in time of need. Motorcycle Transfer Protection is available as a membership upgrade option.

Learn More and enroll at MEDJETBMWMOA.COM or call Medjet at 1.800.527.7478 and reference BMW MOA. Reduced annual Medjet membership rates for BMW MOA members under age 75 start at $215 – a savings of $55. Multi-year and short-term rates are also available.

Motel 6

Members receive a 10% discount at any of the 1,100+ pet-friendly Motel 6 locations in the US.

Leisure & Lifestyle Discounts Wheels Through Time

Members receive a custom pin to place on the Wheels Through Time map.

Retail & Shopping Discounts Cheryl’s

Members save 20% on their order of gourmet cookies and desserts.

Service Providers Vihiport

Members receive a $25, $35, or $50 discount on shipping services.

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

RALLY

2017BMW MOA INTERNATIONAL RALLY

The GS Giant: Not your average dirt competition

By Mark Carrera #188605 EACH YEAR AT THE BMW MOA

Rally, all BMW GS riders’ bragging rights are at stake. To determine the top rider, they compete on a custombuilt, off-road adventure course built by the GS Giants that pushes the imagination of what an off-road adventure rider can really do.

Competitors test their nerves by riding on the dirt course fortified with rocks, logs, mud and stunts where even vintage GS bikes are part in the action. The GS Giants will be competing for the honor of being named “The GS Giant” and for a custom,

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BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

hand-built trophy by moto-artist and rider Jason Adams. The track and competition is open to all rally attendees, but sign up early at the Giants booth because the roster fills up fast.

The GS Giant competition is a unique opportunity to watch big GS bikes in their natural habitat, off-road adventure riding.

Observation bleachers and photography vantage points around the track will be open during practice and competitions.

Also, there will be scheduled riding times for women only, for novices only, and for more advanced riders. A track marshal and bike wranglers will be present to assist

riders while the track is open. Also, there will be professional training for novice riders interested experiencing dirt on their GS Bikes. Expert tutelage for adventure riding is essential to getting started or honing skills, and this training offers an excellent opportunity to enter the wonderful world of adventure riding in a controlled environment.

So, stop at the GS Giants tent, check out the track, sign up for classes, but most of all talk to a GS Giant about their chapter and moto experiences. The GS Giants are a family friendly, bike-centric organization with “dirty bikes but clean minds.”

Are you ready to “Go Big?”

www.ridebdr.com

RALLY 102

2017BMW MOA INTERNATIONAL RALLY

2017 Rally Committee Chairs Position

Name Email

City/State/Province

5K Foot Race Chair..........................................Andrea Borella.................................andiroadrunner@hotmail.com....................Danielson, CT 5K Foot Race Co-Chair...................................John Borella......................................borella_ent@hotmail.com............................Danielson, CT Ambassador Booth Chairs...........................Leland and Slina Prothe...............Lsprothe@gmail.com......................................Paola, KS Ambassador Booth Co-Chair......................Lee and Verna Hunt.......................lvhunt@sbcglobal.net.....................................Wellsville, KS Ambassador Dinner and Events................Dave Swider......................................teamkbasa@comcast.net..............................Colorado Springs, CO Awards Chair.....................................................Don Hamblin....................................bmwscooter@gmail.com..............................Kansas City, MO Awards Co-Chair..............................................Karen Mans.......................................neraksr@gmail.com.........................................Kansas City, MO Bike Wash Chair...............................................Milo Bunda........................................beemerbunda@sbcglobal.net.....................New Berlin, WI Bike Wash Co-Chair........................................Stephanie Sturm..............................................................................................................New Berlin, WI BMW Motorrad Liaison.................................Bob Aldridge....................................bob@bmwmoa.org..........................................Champaign, IL Charging Station/Radios Co-Chair...........Jean Copas........................................rcopas@sympatico.ca.....................................Tweed, ON Charging Station/Radios Co-Chair...........Ross Copas........................................rcopas@sympatico.ca.....................................Tweed, ON Charity Chair.....................................................Karol Patzer.......................................gypsybeemer@earthlink.net.......................Eagan, MN Charity 50/50 Chair.........................................Miranda Sanders.............................bruceandmiranda@outlook.com...............Dripping Springs, TX Charity 50/50 Co-Chair..................................Bruce Sanders..................................hp2guy@outlook.com....................................Dripping Springs, TX Charity 50/50 Co-Chair..................................Deborah Parsons.............................bmwrdr@att.net................................................Jonesboro, AR Chartered Club Camping Chair.................Rick Koscher......................................rickkoscher@me.com......................................Elgin, IL Cleanliness Chair.............................................Bruce Davidson...............................KATBOD@aol.com............................................Las Vagas, NV Cleanliness Co-Chair......................................Arla Hile..............................................crocov502@yahoo.com..................................Fresno, CA Closing Ceremonies Producer...................Wes & Paula Fitzer...........................wes.fitzer@me.com..........................................Eufaula, OK Closing Ceremonies Co-Chair....................Ken Scott............................................bravo616@comcast.net..................................Pittsfield, NH Closing Ceremony Videographer.............Wes & Paula Fitzer, Ken Scott.......................................................................................

Coffee Chair.......................................................Charlie Parsons................................143bmw@att.net...............................................Jonesboro, AR Coffee Co-Chair..............................................William Bray......................................wbray@nmhs.net..............................................Pontotoc, MS Coffee Co-Chair..............................................Jim Fox................................................jimfox@sisna.com.............................................Holladay, UT Coffee Co-Chair..............................................Joe Natividad ...................................surfajoe@hotmail.com...................................Kaneohe, HI Commercial Vendors Chair..........................Deb Lower.........................................LDeborah@centurylink.net..........................Colorado Srprings, CO Commercial Vendors Co-Chair...................Josh Ascher .....................................vendorinfo@bmwmoa.org...........................Latham, NY Commercial Vendors Co-Chair...................Cy Young............................................cy@cybeth.com.................................................West Lebanon, NH Data Services Chair.........................................Melissa Logan...................................melissa.whatever2k@gmail.com................Kansas City, KS Data Services Co-Chair.................................Tige Chastain....................................tigechastain@gmail.com...............................Anderson, IN Data Services Co-Chair.................................Calep Howard...................................calepwhoward@gmail.com..........................Overland Park, KS Door Prizes Chair.............................................Susanna Parkhouse........................doorprizes2017@bmwmoa.org....................Colorado Srprings, CO Door Prizes Co-Chair......................................Larry “Stoner” Stonestreet...........ca.stoner@yahoo.com....................................Murrieta, CA Door Prizes Co-Chair......................................Rick Nelson........................................bikerhiker04@yahoo.com.............................Box Elder, SD Entertainment Chair......................................Lee Harrelson...................................lee.harrelson@att.net......................................Helena, AL Entertainment Hospitality Chair...............Mari Harrelson.................................mari27@bellsouth.net.....................................Helena, AL Entertainment: Stage Manager Chair........Phil Keppelman...............................philkep@comcast.net.....................................

First Aid Chair...................................................Lisa Malachowsky...........................lisabmwmoa@gmail.com..............................Phoenix, AZ Food Committee Chair.................................Greg Jerome.....................................grjerome@coca-cola.com.............................Draper, UT GEARS Chair......................................................Peter Perrin........................................peterpldma@4000e.com...............................Torrence, CA GEARS Co-Chair...............................................Randy Logan.....................................randall.logan@gmail.com.............................Petaluma, CA GEARS Co-Chair...............................................Ken Hall...............................................kthflieger@yahoo.com...................................Stockbridge, GA Gear Store Chair...............................................Jackie Hughes..................................jackiehughes39@yahoo.com.......................Spokane, WA Friends of Bill W...............................................Doug Crow........................................flybmw@comcast.net.....................................Alpine, TX Go-fers Chair.....................................................Chuck Manley...................................manley8614@gmail.com................................Bloomington, IL

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

Position

Name Email

City/State/Province

Go-fers Chair.......................................................... Julie Manley..................................... julman53@gmail.com........................................... Bloomington, IL Go-fers Co-Chair................................................... Michiael (Roc) Shannon.............. motoroc@ymail.com............................................. Bloomington, IL Go-fers Co-Chair................................................... Jim Heberling................................. bassdog24@gmail.com........................................ Le Roy, IL Golf Carts Chair..................................................... Marc Souliere.................................. beemer1@sympatico.ca....................................... Ottawa, ON Golf Carts Co-Chair.............................................. John Murphy................................... JeanMarc.Murphy@ottawa.ca........................... Richmond, ON GS Giant Chair....................................................... Tracy Novacich............................... tracy@novacich.com............................................. Landenberg, PA GS Giant Co-Chair................................................ Mark Carrera.................................... mark.carrera@gmail.com.................................... Monroe, VA Local Hospitality Chair....................................... Jeff Thurmond................................ JeffThurmond@hotmail.com............................ Salt Lake City, UT Ice Sales - Chair..................................................... Kent Ringstmeier........................... beemericeman@yahoo.com.............................. Seville, OH Ice Sales - Co-Chair.............................................. Jim (Mad Dog) Faucher............... fauchersj@charter.net.......................................... Woodstock, CT Logistics Co-Chair................................................ Vance Harrelson............................. alabeemer@gmail.com........................................ Helena, AL Logistics Co-Chair................................................ Stan Herman................................... hermanhaus1@msn.com..................................... Colorado Springs, CO Logistics Co-Chair................................................ Sam Garst......................................... guanocave@gmail.com....................................... Lake Mills, WI Oil Change / Tire Pressure Chair..................... Brian Manke.................................... bmwmanke@gmail.com..................................... Fort Atkinson, WI Oil Change / Tire Pressure Co-Chair.............. Kevin Krueger................................. Kjkrueger@wi.rr.com............................................. Wauwatosa, WI Oil Change / Tire Pressure Co-Chair.............. Shad Volbrecht............................... smvolbrecht71@gmail.com ................................ Geneva, WI Pin and Patch Chair............................................. Gary and Karen Pothoff.............. glpothoff47@hotmail.com.................................. South Haven, MI Pioneer Events Chair........................................... Norm Phoenix................................. normphoenix@yahoo.com................................ Chicago, IL Receiving Chair..................................................... Steve Reynen.................................. sreynen@gmail.com............................................. De Pere, WI Receiving Co-Chair.............................................. Ruth Ann Reynen.......................... rarhino@gmail.com............................................... De Pere, WI Registration Chair................................................ Roger Trendowski......................... rtrendowski@verizon.net.................................... Middletown, NJ Registration Co-Chair......................................... Mark Austin..................................... austin01@juno.com............................................... Louisville, KY Registration Co-Chair......................................... Sam Booth....................................... samrbooth@yahoo.com...................................... OH Registration Co-Chair......................................... Karolina Francis.............................. karolina.z.francis@gmail.com............................ Vancouver, BC Registration Co-Chair......................................... Gretchen Crane.............................. yourpinecone@gmail.com................................. Victor, NY Registration Co-Chair......................................... Lloyd Larimore............................... lloydfl47@gmail.com............................................. Sandy, UT RV Chair................................................................... Ron Rumohr.................................... beemerron@yahoo.com...................................... Woodland, WA RV Co-Chair............................................................ Bob Still............................................. blueboy412005@hotmail.com........................... San Tan Valley, AZ Security Chair........................................................ Gray Buckley.................................... graybuckley@gmail.com..................................... Lakewood, CO Security Co-Chair................................................. Reece Mullins.................................. rangerreece@mac.com........................................ Enterprise, AL Security Co-Chair................................................. Gene Whittier.................................. epwhittier3@hotmail.com.................................. Gulf Shores, AL Seminars Chair...................................................... Sue Rihn............................................ sue@beemerhill.com............................................ Madison, WI Seminars Co-Chair............................................... Tom Van Horn................................. gromittt@juno.com............................................... Madison, WI Seminars Co-Chair............................................... Greg Orr...................................................................................................................................

Sewing Booth Co-Chair..................................... Alison Buckley................................ mrsarbuckley@gmail.com.................................. Lakewood, CO Sewing Booth Co-Chair..................................... Linda Low......................................... lrlow2@gmail.com................................................. Cambridge, WI Shuttle Chair.......................................................... Jerome Eberharter........................ btb.betheboss@gmail.com................................ Soda Springs, ID Shuttle Co-Chair................................................... Jim Beaudin..................................... jkbeaudin@cox.net................................................ Phoenix, AX Sign Production & Placement Chair.............. Dan Steele........................................ gsaadv1@gmail.com.............................................. Las Vegas, NV Sign Production & Placement Co-Chair............. Ed Kilner............................................ ed.kilner@rogers.com........................................... Mississauga, ON Sign Production & Placement Co-Chair............. Martin Hobbs.................................. tonibec@hotmail.com.......................................... Armstrong BC Vintage Display Chair......................................... Lee Deyoung................................... lee.deyoung@att.net............................................ Lombard, IL Vintage Display Co-Chair.................................. Cathy Deyoung.............................. lee.deyoung@att.net............................................ Lombard, IL Vintage Display Co-Chair.................................. Jack Wells.......................................... jaxtrax@comcast.net............................................ Lake City, FL Volunteers Chair................................................... Paul Ruffell....................................... rallyvolunteers@bmwmoa.org......................... London, ON Volunteers Co-Chair............................................ Wayne Doherty.............................. dohertywc@gmail.com....................................... Toronto ON Volunteers Co-Chair............................................ Dan Andrews ................................. cptchaos018@aol.com.......................................... Fort Meyers, FL

May 2017  BMW OWNERS NEWS

103

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BMW OWNERS NEWS  May 2017

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BMW MOA Board of Directors meeting minutes Atlanta, Georgia • January 21, 2017

The First Quarter BMW MOA Open Session Board Meeting for 2017 was held on January 21 at the Crown Plaza Airport Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. The MOA conducts open session board meeting quarterly at various locations during the year. All members of the MOA are encouraged to attend. The open session board meetings are a great opportunity for members to engage with MOA leadership and staff and to be on the cutting edge of all things new and approved by the MOA. The next Quarterly BMW MOA Open Session Board Meeting will be held May 6 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The exact location and time will be posted on the MOA website and social media as soon as practicable.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: President Wes Fitzer, Vice President Jackie Hughes, Treasurer Jean Excell, Secretary Reece Mullins, Directors Stan Herman, Marc Souliere, Sam Garst, Lisa Malachowsky, and Chad Warner.

Staff Members Present: Executive Director Bob Aldridge, Director of Membership and Marketing Ted Moyer, Director of Business Development Ken Engelman, Associate EditorDigital Wes Fleming, Digital Marketing Manager Ray Tubbs, Owners News Managing Editor Bill Wiegand, Owners News Art Director Karin Halker.

FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: President Chuck Manley, Vice President Mark Austin, Treasurer Bex Becker, Secretary Greg Straub, Directors Will McCarty, Vance Harrelson, Peter Perrin, and Randall Logan.

VOLUNTEER STAFF PRESENT: Consumer Liaison Lee

Woodring.

AMBASSADORS PRESENT: Karol Patzer, Deb Lower.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Eric M. Simon, Jerry Barron, and Tom Hill.

President Wes Fitzer calls the meeting to order at 13:10 EST. Wes begins the meeting with a brief welcome and introductory statements from all members of the board, staff, and MOA members present.

Wes identifies and welcomes Chad Warner as our newest board member appointee, replacing Director Bill Hooykaas.

Wes concludes his opening comments and introductions with a brief description of the Board’s overall agenda during the course of the week. Wes discusses the MOA’s strategic planning meeting, the Board’s facilitator Bob Harris [CAE] and the overall purpose of the strategic planning session that occurred on Thursday, January 19. The overall purpose of the planning session was to best position this organization for

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future success, looking three to five years out.

Treasurer’s Report-Jean Excell:

Our investment account is at $605,472 as of January, 20, 2017. This amount is in excess of our long-term liabilities.

Executive Director’s Report-Bob Aldridge:

Bob briefly clarifies to the members present how the MOA defines “long term liability.” The primary purpose of the investment balance is to accommodate the cost of those members with three year, five year, and lifetime memberships.

Bob Aldridge allows each staff member present to brief their respective portion of the Executive Director’s report, (operational staff report of the organization) to the membership.

Ted Moyer-Membership:

We’ve been tracking membership closely since 2013. We measure each month by noting membership totals the last day of every month; last month (December, 2016) we closed at 31,352.Membership trends were displayed in chart data as well as the impact of the BMW NA twelve-month new bike free membership program that Ken Engelman has worked hard to put together. The Headquarters move, the new membership database system, trends in the industry have all created a degree of volatility that may cause us to hover between the 31,000 and 33,000 membership totals for a while.

Bob Aldridge mentions the industry statistic regarding BMW Motorrad sales in America overall down 20 percent and how that may be affecting our overall membership numbers and discusses the ten-year study that linked membership number trends with overall national motorcycle sales numbers.

Bob Aldridge-Financial Report:

Revenue Report: The MOA’S primary sources of revenue has not changed much in 2016. Our revenue sources still consist primarily from advertising, membership dues, events (National and MOA Getaways), our national safe driver insurance program, and Med Jet Assist.

REVENUE RESULTS:

Budget Advertising $971,000 Membership $900,000 Events / Other $984,000 Total Income $2,855,000

Actual $978,000 $945,000 $930,000 $2,853,000

to Budget + $7,000 +$45,000 ($54,000) ($2,000)

EXPENSE REPORT: COGs (Cost of Goods) PRINT/RETAIL

Budget Actual Owners News $548,000 $557,000 Anonymous $45,000 $38,000 Gear Store/Other $252,000 $251,000 Total COG $845,000 $846,000

to Budget ($9,000) ($7,000) ($1,000) $1,000

NET RESULTS

Revenue COGS Operations Total P & L

to Budget ($2,000) $1,000 $109,000 ($112,000)

Budget $2,855,000 $845,000 $1,816,000 $194,000

Actual $2,853,000 $846,000 $1,925,000 $82,000

We are operating in the neighborhood of around a three-milliondollar annual budget. This is a good overall number for us based on our current size. Having an $82,000 year end profit margin is good but not great; we are working diligently towards great. The motorcycle industry as a whole, has not fully recovered from the economic downturn that started in 2008. These volatile economic variables represent an ongoing challenge for us to remain stable going forward.

Ted Moyer-Advertising:

Ted begins by thanking Chris Hughes and Ken Engelman, the advertising team, for their hard work and effort allowing the MOA to have their seventh year running of advertising sales exceeding $1,000,000 in revenue. Bob Harris, the strategic planner, was very impressed with the position the organization is in regarding its advertising sales team. They do a phenomenal job in bringing in the business. As of 2017 they already have $724, 493 booked for the year. We are in pretty good shape right now. “This feels about right for this time of the year.”

SCORECARD • $724,493 YTD • 04% to last year • 11 New Advertisers • 85 Annual contracts renewed, 26 will renew later in the year • Expect a 1% increase in the overall advertising revenue when the year is complete.

Ken Engelman-Business Development:

We have five new 2017 advertising contracts: Continental Tires, Heidenau Tires, Cardo Scala, Saddleman, and Dunlop Tires, equaling $48,664 dollars, in new advertising sales.

Business Development Scorecard: We have 96 Member benefits.

I’m still working towards 100 total. Our benefits, discounts, and resources compared to other national motorcycle clubs: MOA: 94 AMA: 53 GWRRA: 31 HOG: 23.

Three years ago, we had only six member benefits. This increases our value, and motivates more people to join us.

Business development highlights: We are renewing our KOA campgrounds partnership that we created last year, a great recruiting and retention program that members can take advantage of. Cardo Scala rider communication systems will offer a 15 percent discount to all BMW MOA members. They are working with us and donating headsets to be used for member promotions.

BMW MOA has been positioned inside of the BMW Motorrad exhibit at all seven IMS events. This relationship has been very well received by members, advertisers, and exhibitors. BMW NA has welcomed us in their booth, the RA is not part of this relationship. The BMW staff has introduced us to numerous potential members and advertisers. While at the booth we engage with MOA members and potential MOA members, and hand out wrist straps, key chains and other MOA accoutrements. We pass out cards and handouts to motivate members at IMS shows to go to our website. “I’d like to acknowledge to the board and to our members that the staff of BMW Motorrad USA, as well as Powertrip Industries, have been outstanding hosts to us located inside their BMW Motorrad Exhibit this past IMS Show season. Special thanks to them all.”

The BMW demo truck and MOA photo marketing program continues to be successful. This program is currently scheduled for attendance at MotoGP events, Americade (back after a five year hiatus), and of course, our rally.

Ken Engelman referred to a first quarter benefit to be revealed soon that will more than exceed the value of membership. Ted Moyer further discusses the nature of the upcoming benefit and recognized Ken and the marketing team for their hard work and success regarding the acquisition of this and other benefits. Peter Perrin asked the question, “Where are these member benefits and discounts listed on the BMW MOA website?” A discussion ensued regarding the discounts location on the website, how they are displayed for non-password potential members extoling the benefits of membership, and how the page that lists the benefits and their promotional codes has to be password protected on the website.

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Bill Wiegand-BMW Owners News Managing Editor:

The following is information about the Owners News scorecard we keep; Karin and I really strive hard each month to put together the best magazine we can, I think we’re doing a pretty good job.

Media Scorecard: Delivery: 100 percent on time. In the last couple of years, Karin and I have met every deadline our publisher has required.

Unless it’s lost in the mail, virtually everybody is getting their magazine before the first of the month or right about that time.

Editorial/Ad mix: 35 percent. We are working towards a responsible page count. We are better than the industry standard of 55 percent advertising content verses editorial content.

We are at 35 percent advertising content and 65 percent editorial content. Each month we work very hard to find the best editorial content we can that will, as Ted says, “fill the bucket” each month, including feature content stories, member profiles, tech articles, (looking to expand these) and membertested reviews on products.

Media Team Highlights: Things that you’ll see in the upcoming issues that may be a little different than what you may have seen in past issues.

• Rebranding of “Picture This” to “Postcards from the Road.”

The “Picture This” themes were sometimes difficult to come up with and somewhat restrictive; “Postcards from the Road” will be less restrictive. This will enable members to simply send high quality photographs during their travels on the bike.

• Greater member involvement and expanding the photos to other media outlets.

• Linking of “Rider to Rider” and Facebook. Topical discussion on Facebook almost in real time allows dialog with members.

Coming Attractions: The retooling of “Member Tested:” We are looking at it to probably start in the April or May issue, the desire is to take products of a certain category, like heated gloves as an example, and have members review different products within the category. Product reviews will still exist on new products much in the manner they do now. Regarding the Member-Tested conceptualization, an example of what I’m talking about would be to take five pairs of summer riding gloves from five manufacturers and take them to an MOA gathering, like a summer rally, and hand them out to MOA members at the event to test them out and write up their reviews for publication. By doing this we hope to achieve a broader level of the examination of the products tested.

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New Discovery Series Locations Peter Perrin is going to join us in southern California, and he is going to show us the best roads in his backyard. What we try to do with the discovery series is to capture the best riding areas available in a wide range of regions and showcase these riding opportunities to the membership in well written, well photographed articles in the Owners News.

We are looking at utilizing the BMW press fleet for the discovery series articles, as sometimes it is hard to get content for a specific model. For the southern California article, I wanted to use a K 1600 or maybe a K 1300 S neither were available; instead we were offered a R 1200 RS and an S 1000 R. Though we’ve had plenty of content on the R 1200 RS, we haven’t had much on the S 1000 R so this will give us a better opportunity to showcase these two models and expand our model specific content.

Our Owners News member contest is a new program designed to engage our members to submit photographs and content. Increasing our member involvement through photographs and content submissions will enable the members to receive a donated prize from one of our advertising sponsors or possibly receiving merchandise from the MOA gear store.

At the conclusion of Bill Wiegand’s portion of the brief, Bob Aldridge emphasizes the contrast between our magazine’s masthead and points out the small magazine staff of only three that we have versus the ten, fifteen, or twenty people you will see on staff at any other major magazine. His comments served to illustrate how hard our staff members are working for the membership to produce the quality product that is the BMW MOA Owners News.

Wes Fleming-Associate Digital Editor:

Since the last board meeting, we completely redesigned the menu bar. One of the biggest complaints we got about the website: “It’s hard to find anything; too much clicking, too much subpages…”

We’ve stripped it down and made it much easier to get to any page you may be looking for in three clicks or less. I’ve streamlined the process to keep it down to one click on the menu bar, one click on the thing you want, and maybe one more if that’s not the exact thing the member is looking for. My goal is to keep every important page on the website to no more than three clicks from the front page. The membership can help me with that, if you find something that takes you numerous clicks and excessive time to get to the page you want, send me and email at wfleming@bmwmoa.org and I will work hard to fix it; this can only improve the member experience on the website. Our current improvements involve much less drilling down with a much better web experience overall.

Another thing we have done is to establish a content schedule, a rotation for the website. I’ve implemented a schedule where we add a picture to the front-page rotator once a week. This content almost always comes from members. We have a deep archive of photos to choose from sometimes I’ll go back to last month’s issue of Owners

News, sometimes, I’ll go back six months, eight months, or more, and put it up with a photo credit. We will also rotate through what I call “people pieces.” It might be member profiles, interviews with people, tech articles, product reviews and feature articles…that come mostly from old Owners News issues so that we can get them back in front of people. Some come through Owners News archives, while some come through our newly established member pipeline. We’re hoping to expand the content variety that gets on the website, and of course, everything that gets put out on the website gets shared through our social media funnels: our Twitter feed, our Facebook page, and our forums. We’ve “tweaked” the settings on the website through the provider a bit. We were able to go through the back end to make the website more accessible to mobile devices. By doing so, the pages don’t just look good on your laptop or computer, they will look good on your tablet or mobile device.

We were having some trouble with the links from the provider for our archives.

That issue has been resolved, so that now our achives for the Owners News are up to date to the point where when a February issue is published, for example, you can go to the website and the link will be hot for the February issue. One of my goals is to keep that happening every month. The archives go all the way back to 2009; prior to that, we did not have electronic issues.

Regarding rally information, I received a commitment from Greg Feeler to provide information for the website and the Owners News, and we will publish that information as it becomes available, leading all the way up to the rally. Rally 2017, our premier event, will be on the navigation menu and easy to get to. I’m working to enhance the blog content and pipelines with an overall content manager that will enhance and facilitate the funneling of information, and serve to improve the overall digital membership experience.

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Karin Halker-Art Director:

Ted Moyer introduces Karin Halker’s role and duties as a staff member. He acknowledges her role in picking up additional tasks after the headquarters move from St. Louis to Greenville, in addition to her duties as Art Director. This is Karin’s first presentation at a board meeting.

Karin Halker: We recently finished the 2017 Winter Dealer Quarterly Supplement (24 pages) that highlights the best of those three months of Owners News content. The Quarterly Supplement saves the MOA money on printing and the shipping costs to the 70 authorized BMW dealers we currently ship to nationwide.

Marc Souliere asks: Do we also include in the Dealer Supplement the “Three for Free” opportunity?

Karin Halker: Yes, if you open up the supplement, the very first full page highlights and leads prospective members to the “Three for Free” program.

Lisa Malachowsky: Why do we only send the supplement to 70 dealers? Why don’t we send it to all authorized BMW dealers?

Ted Moyer: We send the dealership supplement to those dealers that we have made contact with and have a relationship with. Establishing a relationship with the dealerships is one of the tenants of the Regional Coordinator program. We found that just sending magazines to dealerships without establishing contact and engaging with that dealership first, would sometimes cause the dealership to just stuff the extra magazines in a corner somewhere. Rather than wasting the money to send them out to all 150 dealers, we felt it was more cost effective to send the supplement to those dealers that expressed interest in receiving them, placing them in the dealership in a manner that would reach potential new MOA members.

Bob Aldridge: The Dealership Supplements and the Regional Coordinator program are still transitional programs. We started with the original 70 dealerships and will adjust the dealership profile we send the supplement to based on their willingness to participate. We certainly want the MOA’s materials in every dealership, and eventually we may be able to make that happen. There are some dealerships that we do send the full magazine to. The supplement program is designed to reduce cost while still highlighting the product and the MOA’s Owners News magazine, and to avoid enabling the guy who shows up in the dealerships once a month to receive his free magazine, that guy is never going to join if he can get his magazine for free.

Ted Moyer answers Peter Perrin’s question regarding follow up at the dealership. Ted emphasized the role of the Regional Coordinator and the relationship that the RC has with the dealerships. Checking to ensure that the Dealer Supplement is being received and displayed is one of the duties of the RC. Karin Halker: The 2017 Anonymous book will be sent out in

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March, a month earlier than our normal publication date, just in time for riding season. The digital version of the Anonymous book will be going out live at the beginning of February.

Peter Perrin: Can anyone access the digital version of the Anonymous book?

Karin Halker: The digital version of the Anonymous book is password protected on the website. Karin proceeds to explain to Peter how one would access the digital version on a mobile device while traveling.

A member asked the question: Do we have plans for an App for the Anonymous book?

Bob Aldridge: We have a desire for an App but no plans at this time. It is something we have looked into and continue to research.

Karin Halker: Another thing I’ve been doing for the past four to six months is hyperlinking our ads in the digital version of Owners News. Karin explains the functionality of the hyperlinks in the ON, how a member can utilize the hyperlink to be directed directly to the advertiser’s web page. This is something that was previously done by our printer; I voluntarily took it on as it saves us about $6000 annually.

What I have to look forward to in the upcoming months: I will be working on the 2017 National Rally program. I’ve taken on responsibilities of ordering several products for the rally: pins, patches, mugs, awards, plaques, etc. Working with Director Jackie Hughes, we will order all the things that will be sold in the gear shop.

I’ve been working with Bill Wiegand on redesigning the MOA Getaway page to ensure that it sufficiently highlights which Getaway is coming up next. The Getaway page will showcase the many specific attractions associated with each Getaway. Each month we’re going to highlight one Getaway as it comes up, not just a list of Getaways with times and locations but create content around the Getaway and the activities that are available at that Getaway.

Digital Marketing/Membership ManagerRay Tubbs:

First, I would like to recognize the staff in Greenville, South Carolina, one of the forgotten elements of the membership team, for their hard work and efforts over the past year. We have been tracking all the numbers of the staff ’s service and performance this last year, and about half way through the year we realized we could improve our member services. we brought on a new employee, Noelle Boiano, she’s super excited about working for the MOA. A super nice young lady, she is very well educated, very engaged, and she has a background in service; we are looking forward to having her on the team. That being said, with just two employees, we had 8,827 phone calls in 2016, that’s just the office, not the rest of the staff…9,634 emails…we track a lot of other metrics when it comes to member services, renewals, new members…but you can tell from these numbers there is a lot of work being performed by our two full-time staff members in Greenville. We’re very serious about service and very serious about performance; we feel like if we don’t

give members what they need when they need it, we are not going to retain members, we are not going to retain good people out in the MOA community.

The Regional Coordinator Program is working well. Ray explains the regional coordinator program to the members present and how the program is performing, and briefly describes the RC volunteer’s roles. Moving forward, this year, we would like everyone to know we could probably use more people in the RC program. One of our newest Regional Coordinators from South Alabama, Brian Hinton, is working out great—very excited and every enthusiastic about his RC duties, doing great things for the MOA in the southeastern region.

The RC program includes a small number of volunteer members that dovetails nicely with the seventy dealerships we send out dealership Owners News supplements and materials to. The RC gets feedback from dealerships, enhancing the relationship between the MOA, the dealerships and charter clubs. We definitely have plans to expand that program.

Ray Tubbs goes into detail on the MOA’s goals for the Regional Coordinator program going forward: improving relationships with dealerships, charter clubs, MOA members. We’re establishing some accountability and guidelines with the RC’s working within the unique qualifications each RC brings to the volunteer position. We are attempting to fill large gaps on the map where the MOA RC program may be under-represented.

One of the things we’ve challenged our RC’s and staff members with regarding social media is to provide content, photos, and themed photos to be uploaded through social media, in order to improve the content and timeliness of event coverage. One possibility we are considering is creating contests, with awards to challenge members to submit high quality, engaging content.

We want to see people smiling, we want to see people having a good time.

Ted Moyer: Regarding the submission of photos and content on social media, while I’m sensitive to the delicate balance of not

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tying the hands of our members, it is our high goal to give a content platform for people and some directions about what we would like to see, or challenge them with a submission genre, in order to facilitate the goal of showing the community who we are, what we have, and what we are capable of in a timely fashion.

Ted Moyer concludes the Executive Director staff report with discussion regarding several initiatives and upcoming events: • The MOA Getaways and the Motorcycle Relief Project.

Members donated over $8,000.

• Members who didn’t even attend the event posted on social or contacted the staff directly, stating that they were proud to be a member because of the MOA’s involvement in this worthy cause.

• Recently we’ve completed the 26 second “teaser” video for the upcoming 2017 International Rally at SLC. • The longer version is available and will launch on the website on February 1. This is the first time we’ve looked forward a year and captured rally footage to use for the upcoming rally for the purpose of promoting the next year’s rally.

• We have an MOA YouTube channel and encourage everyone to share video content through social media to spread and disseminate information.

• We have a retention staff member that reaches out and contacts members whose membership has expired for the express purpose of talking to members and retaining their membership through renewal outreach efforts. The retention numbers aren’t as high yet as we like, but we are excited to see this effort bearing fruit. We don’t want any members walking away from the organization.

• Ken Engelman put together a Cardo package which includes a sponsorship component. They are giving us some product to use, and we are going to use that for our membership drive in 2017. So if you’re a member, every month we are going to have a drawing for a CARDO PAC TALK system, which is a $700 prize. We hope Cardo’s actions serve as a springboard for other advertisers to come on board with us for programs like this.

• We will be launching a new program that’s accompanied with the website called “Sociallink.” It would be a product that your membership provides. It’s still a ways off, but think of it like “Linkedin” profiles, but on our MOA website page. Your profile would be more detailed and provide a social feed whose algorithms are based off of that profile.

This detailed profile will determine the feed, and the content will be more relative to the member, it will also facilitate content and member-to-member communication.

• By first quarter were working on revamping our communication platform to be more comprehensive and visually

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stunning, as we reach out and communicate via email to members.

Ted Moyer concludes the staff report and opens the floor to questions: Marc Souliere: In what way was the check presentation of the Motorcycle Relief Project communicated to the membership?

Ted Moyer: It was displayed on the BMW MOA Facebook page and group and is also in the February Owners News.

Jerry Barron-MOA Charter Club #363 out of Columbia, South Carolina: Discusses some of the gaps in communication between the MOA and the charter clubs; highlights some of the upcoming events Club #363 will be hosting in the near future, thanks the staff for providing the three for free material to his club to hand out to prospective MOA members, and offers ideas on how the MOA and Charter Clubs can work more closely aligned with each other.

Ted Moyer: Recognizes that Jerry is right on point and admits that there are deficiencies between the MOA and the Charter Clubs and how they interact. We are developing new and better strategies to facilitate the Charter Clubs. This mission is a key piece of the Regional Coordinator program. I couldn’t agree more. We the MOA bear the burden correcting that deficiency.

Wes Fleming: One of the things I’m doing to reach out to the charter clubs is to upload their content to the MOA website and use that material as a conduit to the social media sites. Wes highlights a recent project where he took photos and write-ups for a DC charter club and posted their submission on the website. Wes is also responsible for uploading all Charter Club’s information and events on the MOA website.

Bob Aldridge concludes the staff presentation.

Wes Fitzer thanks the staff for their hard work and points out some of the differences in the staff presentation from previous presentations. Wes thanks each member that came to the open session meeting for taking the time necessary to travel to and attend the board meeting.

Upon completion of the staff report, Wes Fitzer calls for the board committee reports:

Jean Excell-Operations Committee:

We are continuing to update the BMW MOA board procedures in the Policy and Procedural manual. A lot of it is title changes, administrative changes, and we’ve added in a section for regional coordinators. We have a deadline to lock down our current changes by February 13 with those changes being voted on for approval by our next board meeting.

Sam Garst-Volunteer Committee:

Welcomes Lee Woodring, one of the MOA’s Consumer Liaisons and key volunteers. The Volunteer committee has been busy as of late to find members to nominate to the BMW MOA Foundation Board. We have also been heavily involved in the Policy and Procedures updates within the volunteers section; Jean Excell has already

captured most of the work being done in her committee report. One recent change to the P&P manual I would like to bring forward is the change to the high mileage contest awards program. We have simplified and unified the awards mileage increments and accoutrements. For 100,000-900,000 in 100,000 mile increments members now receive a pin, patch, and a sticker. For 1 million – 2 million miles, the member receives a pin, patch, and sticker, but also a plaque in 100,000 mile increments. This change is representative of the positive action the board can take in a relatively compressed timeline from the recommendation and request of a key volunteer to the board.

That change was voted on and approved in executive session today and will be reflected on our website on or around February 1.

Bob Aldridge: Further clarifies some of the historical background of the original high mileage award increments, and identifies our relatively new High Mileage Key Volunteer, Jim Heberling, appointed by Chuck Manley earlier in 2016. Jim Heberling has been doing an outstanding job in his new volunteer role, and his recommendation for the mileage increment and awards change to the volunteer committee serves as a great example of the board listening to and acting upon the recommendations or our members and key volunteers.

Vance Harrelson: The updated design on the pins and patches…“Good Job,” it really needed to be updated and revamped.

Karol Patzer asked a question regarding the process for members to apply for the mileage awards. Bob Aldridge answered the question and made recommendations to contact Jim Heberling by email jheberling@ bmwmoa.org if a member has any questions or needs any help in the application process for the award. If any member has lost their accoutrements or wants an updated set of pins and patches they can contact Jim. We are happy to fill those requests and there is no charge for updating a member’s high mileage pins and patches to the new design.

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Jackie Hughes-Events Committee:

The Events Committee has been spending the majority of its time in the last two months firming up the Getaway schedule for 2017. Currently we have nine venues confirmed and one still pending. The weekend Getaways are typically hotel-based events.

The ticket cost covers the two meals provided, the goodie bag, tee shirt, and the door prize ticket.

Date City & State Venue Room Rate 4/21-4/23 Fontana Dam, NC Fontana Dam Village $70-229 5/12-5/14 Coeur d’Alene, ID Coeur d’Alene Resort $99-129 6/2-6/4 Colorado Springs, CO Hotel Elegante $103-169 6/9-6/11 Muskoka, Ontario Camp Tamarack TBD 8/18-8/20 Eureka Springs, AR Inn of the Ozarks $109-119 9/8-9/10 Sedona, AZ Poco Diablo $159-179 9/8-9/10 Pine Mountain, KY Pine Mountain Lodge TBD 9/8-9/10 Warren, VT Sugarbush Resort $89-99 9/29-10/1 Tomah, WI Cranberrry Country Lodge $83-117 11/17-11/18 Texas Hill Country TBD TBD TBD Panorama, BC Panorama Resort TBD

Bob Aldridge: The Getaway board initiative shows the great efforts that are being made by our volunteer network. As the venues continue to expand, they serve to provide an engagement event for our membership through volunteering and participation. We will see that program continuing to develop and expand in the future.

Peter Perrin: Are these events revenue neutral?

Bob Aldridge: They do make us money. We probably netted between fifteen and sixteen thousand dollars last year. We are not trying to “get rich” on these events; we do take a risk on each one; on some we’ve lost money on others we’ve made money.

Peter Perrin: I see Utah is not on the list this year. Is there a reason why we removed the Utah venue?

Jackie Hughes: The main reason for the Utah omission was the International Rally location this year. We basically didn’t want event proximity overlap that may cause a member to choose one over the other.

Registration for all the events opens February 1 on the website. Registration costs do not include lodging.

Wes Fitzer invites the newly elected Foundation President Chuck Manley to brief the activities and status of the BMW MOA Foundation Board.

Chuck Manley-BMW MOAF President:

Chuck begins his briefing by thanking outgoing Foundation Board Members Eric Simeon, Karol Patzer, Deb Lower, Bruce Sanders, George Rice, and Peter Schmitts.

Our current Board of Directors consists of: Peter Perrin (Camp Gears Lead), Randy Logan, Will McCarty, Vance Harrelson, Bex Becker, (Treasurer) Greg Straub (Secretary and Paul B. Scholarship lead), Mark Austin (Vice President) and myself as President.

The Camp Gears program planning is well underway. Registration for gears will begin on the website February 1. Peter Perrin is working closely with the Owners News to write up and release information regarding camp gears as it becomes available for release, and he’s also working closely with the Rally Chair, Greg Feeler for the 2017 Rally in SLC. Last year in 2016 the Paul B. Scholarship program dispersed over $9,000 in scholarships. Over $8,100 was dispersed in cooperation with RPU initiatives that took place primarily at the international rally. The 2017 fundraising programs: Planning is well underway for the return of the Super Stakes raffle; this year’s going to be

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bigger and better than what you’ve seen in the past, and it will be very well received by our membership. In the second half of the year, probably about a September roll out, we are going to have two individual bikes that we will be raffling off. These two will be special bikes; more information will be available on these bikes soon.

Following the Open Session Board Meeting there will be a brief joint meeting between the MOAF board and the MOA board. This has been done for a number of years in the past and fell away over time. We are reinitiating this joint activity for the mutual benefit of the two boards and their perspective missions.

Wes Fitzer: Thanks the departing directors of the Foundation Board for their many years of dedicated service and thanks the new members for stepping up to volunteer.

Wes articulates the importance of the Foundation’s role for the membership.

Greg Feeler-International Rally Chair:

Rally Chair Greg Feeler was not in attendance but participated in the open session briefing via video teleconference. To see Greg Feeler’s presentation in full, go to the BMW MOA website, navigate to this month’s digital Owners News, turn to this page and click on the hyperlink provided at the end of these open session minutes.

Reece Mullins-Secretary:

The upcoming quarterly, in-person MOA board meeting will take place May 5-7 at Colorado Springs, Colorado. Specific times and hotel location will be posted on the MOA website news feed as reservations are finalized.

President Wes Fitzer: Thanks everyone for coming and calls for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Sam Garst so motions, Marc Souliere seconds the motion, all in favor to adjourn, no abstentions, no nays. The meeting was adjourned at 15:55 EST. To view the January 2017 BMW MOA Board meeting minutes with accompanying Powerpoint slides, visit bmwmoa.org/ meetingminutes.

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www.m4motorcycles.com www.captialcycle.com May 2017  BMW OWNERS NEWS

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May 1

5/5/2017 – 5/7/2017

3rd Hopewell Road Rally

Location: Logan, Ohio Contact: Sam Booth samrbooth@yahoo.com Join the Southeastern Ohio Beemers again for a weekend of early spring riding in the hills of southern Ohio.

2

5/5/2017 – 5/7/2017

The Original Mini-Rally, 45th Year

at the Green Valley Campground, S/W of town on Fawn River Rd.

3

5/5/2017 – 5/7/2017

Georgia Mountain Rally

Location: Hiawassee, Georgia Contact: Geoff Maffett president@bmwmoga.org This is a great venue for both street and dual sport riding adventures. Your rally fee includes two nights camping, chili dinner, steak dinner and two pancake breakfasts.

4

5/12/2017 – 5/14/2017

MOA Getaway

begins with the spectacular North Idaho sunsets and moonrises, the glowing lights of downtown Coeur d’Alene reflecting across its waters and the wonderful roads.

An $99 event fee includes a Friday night welcome party and dinner with cash bar, Saturday night dinner cruise and awards with cash bar, $500 worth of door prizes, event t-shirt, special MOA gift and a silent auction to benefit the Motorcycle Relief Project. Event Fee does not include lodging.

Visit bmwmoa.org/getaway to register for the event and contact Coeur d’Alene Resort at 855-999-7998 for room reservations.

5/18/2017 – 5/21/2017

Location: Sturgis, Michigan Contact: Mike Hart 269-317-9951 bathartx46x@comcast.net Welcome spring with us in Sturgis, Michigan,

Location: Coeur d-Alene, Idaho Contact: bmwmoa.org/getaway There’s something magical about Lake Coeur d’Alene that’s hard to define, but it

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

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

5

European Riders Rally

Location: Burkesville, Kentucky Contact: ridersrally@bmwmcon.org

We’ll offer a weekend of great riding for both the street and dual sport enthusiast.

Explore the area on your own, or stay onsite and enjoy seminars, movies, motorcycle games and more.

6

5/18/2017 – 5/21/2017

45th Moto MO “Crane Rally”

Location: Crane, Missouri Contact: Ken Foster 417-827-3198 kenandemmfoster@cs.com Join the Springfield BMW Road Riders for camping along a spring-fed creek, with plenty of shade and grass to pitch your tent and park your bike.

7

5/19/2017 – 5/21/2017

43rd Annual Great River Road Rally (GR3) Location: Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin Contact: rally@madisonbmwclub.org Join us for the 43rd Annual Great River Road Rally in beautiful Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, located at the epicenter of the best riding roads in the state.

8

5/19/2017 – 5/21/2017

2017 DownEast Rally

Location: Phippsburg, Maine Contact: Sanford Peabody 207-272-2367 rally@bmwrsm.org Join us as we return to Hermit Island at the start of the New England riding season for another DownEast Rally! Enjoy three days and two nights of Oceanside camping at Hermit Island Campground.

9

5/19/2017 – 5/21/2017

Texas National Picnic

Location: Rusk, Texas Contact: Rich Barnhart 936-645-4549 detbmw@gmail.com Join us at the Texas State Railroad Park. This is a week-end campout with the Picnic being held at the Park Dining Hall around noon on Saturday.

10

5/19/2017 – 5/21/2017

Natural State Campout

Location: Morrilton, Arkansas Contact: Rod Kilduff rod.kilduff@conwaycorp.net A no-frills camp-out at the Corps of

Engineers Cherokee Park on the north bank of the Arkansas River, southwest of downtown Morrilton, Akansas. Complimentary coffee and lots of good roads.

11

5/19/2017 – 5/22/2017

32nd ABC Rally

Location: Ontario, Canada Contact: Rich Stevenson johnnydundas@gmail.com The Forest City Motorrad Club of Southwestern Ontario (MOA #159) will be hosting its 32nd rally at the Springwater Conservation Area, in S.W. Ontario.

12

5/20/2017 – 5/21/2017

New Sweden 450

Location: Cherry Hill, New Jersey Contact: Ron Cesaretti 856-425-4040 rcesaretti@comcast.net 450 miles of great back roads linked together in the tri-state area. The ride will take place over the course of 2 days, traversing some of the best roads in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.

13

5/25/2017 – 5/28/2017

18th Annual ROK Rally

Location: Del Rio, Tennessee Contact: bmwrok.org It is our pleasure to host our 18th Annual ROK Rally in conjunction with an amazing synchronized firefly show by Mother Nature at T.W.O. Creeks Camp area in Del Rio, Tennessee, Memorial Day weekend!

14

5/25/2017 – 5/29/2017

45th Annual 49’er Rally

Location: Mariposa, California Contact: bmwnorcal.wildapricot.org Join us for the 45th annual 49’er Rally at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, Memorial Day weekend, 2017! Mariposa is the gateway to Yosemite National Park and located on scenic State Highway 49.

15

Tennessee. Situated just west of, and close to Chattanooga, Tennessee, we’ll have some great suggested rides for you to explore the area. The rally grounds are the historical Coke Ovens Park and Museum.

16

5/26/2017 – 5/28/2017

Charter Oak Rally

Location: Eastford, Connecticut Contact: Chris Jennings 203-368-9281 rally@crvbmw.org Join us on the sunny shores of Crystal Pond in the “Quiet Corner” of Connecticut at Camp Nahaco in Eastford, CT. We offer camping, showers, pretty country roads, great food including our famous Friday night chili, door prizes and a great reason to get your motorcycle out of the garage.

17

5/26/2017 – 5/29/2017

BMW Cass Rally

Location: Arbovale, West Virginia Contact: Michael A. Harper motoman1150rt@hotmail.com Come join the Mountaineer BMW Riders at the 2017 BMW Cass Rally. Your Rally fee includes 3 nights tent camping, Friday Hot Dogs and chips, Saturday night catered meal , door prizes for adults, free flowing coffee and snacks throughout the Rally.

June 18

6/2/2017 – 6/4/2017

41st Annual Hiawatha Rally

Location: Houston, Minnesota Contact: Greg Anderson 2017hiawatharally@gmail.com Rally pin to the first 330 attendees, two nights of camping along with coffee, tea, water and lemonade, Ride for Pie Friday afternoon as well as Friday evening soup and roast your own hot dogs until gone.

5/26/2017 – 5/29/2017

2017 BMW Motorcycle Owners of Alabama Rally Location: Dunlap Tennessee Contact: bmwmoal.org Come join us at our Memorial Day Rally in the beautiful Sequatchie Valley in Dunlap

19

6/2/2017 – 6/4/2017

MOA Getaway

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Contact: bmwmoa.org/getaway Sitting at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains and within sight of Pikes Peak,

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Colorado Springs offers a delightful mix of western charm, sunny skies, crisp mountain air and wonderful roads.

An $89 event fee includes a Friday night welcome party and dinner with cash bar, Saturday night dinner and awards with cash bar, $500 worth of door prizes, event t-shirt, special MOA gift and a silent auction to benefit the Motorcycle Relief Project. Event Fee does not include lodging. Visit bmwmoa.org/getaway to register for the event and contact Hotel Elegante at 719-576-5900 for room reservations.

6/2/2017 – 6/4/2017

20 2017 Land of Oz Rally Location: Atchinson, Kansas Contact: Don Hamblin 256-479-5606 bmwscooter@gmail.com Treat yourself to a weekend the whole family can enjoy at beautiful Warnock Lake, Atchison, Kansas! In the heart of the “best kept secret” of the midwest, you can enjoy scenic touring roads, ADV riding with the GS Giants, Championship KC BBQ (with special kids meals), Field Events, an Old School Bike Show, Live Music, Door Prizes, Awards, 24 hour gourmet coffee or explore historic sites in the most haunted city in the state.

21

Rally

6/2/2017 – 6/4/2017

43rd Annual Square Route

Location: Sabillasville, Maryland Contact: Bruce Dimon president@bmwbmw.org Join us at Camp West Mar in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland. There are a lot of twisty roads in the surrounding hills, field events, seminars, selfguided & guided guides (adventurous and paved), and an optional (extra cost) professionally guided tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield.

22

6/8/2017 – 6/11/2017

41st Annual Pure Stodge Iowa Rally 120

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

Location: Middle Amana, Iowa Contact: purestodge.org, Steve Carson 319-330-2844, psta.rally@gmail.com Wwe 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. Excellent door prizes and riding in the scenic Iowa countryside top off this not-to-be-missed rally experience.

23

6/9/2017 – 6/11/2017

6/9/2017 – 6/11/2017

26 25th Gathering of the Clans Location: Ferguson, North Carolina Contact: Charlie Smith 276-628-3251 bmwcharlie@embarqmail.com Airheads and other members of the motorcycling community are cordially invited to join us for this weekend of celebration at High Country Motorcycle Camp. Roads for any style of riding, plenty of shaded creekside camping, clean hot showers, tech sessions, Friday and Saturday evening meals.

27

6/15/2017 – 6/17/2017

15th Annual Laurel Highlands BMW Riders Campout

17th Annual Red Rock Rendezvous Rally

Location: Somerset, Pennsylvania Contact: George Blackham IV or Jason Kaplitz (gsjay@kaplitz.com) gjbiv1stsgtusmc@yahoo.com (814) 615 9138 We return to Pioneer Park Campground located in south central Pennsylvania. Pioneer Park is a terrific full-service camping resort with excellent showers and facilities.

Location: Panguitch, Utah Contact: 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! Make plans to attend the best little rally in the west.

24

6/9/2017 – 6/11/2017

The Dragon Roars 2017

Location: Tazewell, Virginia Contact: Larry Davidson (276) 988-5726 info@backofthedragon.com This will be the biggest, most action packed Back of the Dragon Event EVER! New This Year! We are opening with the Dragon Derby! A top notch demolition derby like you’ve never seen before featuring the Monster Freestyle FX Stunt Team, 5 time World Champion Stunt Rider Bill Dixon, Country Sensation Kaitlyn Baker (To Pieces, Coal Train, Burn) and the rising stars Outshyne (Moonlight Crush, Night With Your Name On It).

25

6/9/2017 – 6/11/2017

Pemi River Rally

Location: Thornton, New Hampshire Contact: Ken Springhetti kz1000@hotmail.com www.yankeebeemers.org Located in New Hampshire’s beautiful White Mountains. A blazing campfire, Friday night burgers and dogs, a pig roast on Saturday night, all-day coffee; Great way to make the most of Laconia Bike week far from the noise and traffic of Wiers Beach.

28

6/18/2017 – 6/23/2017

Appalachian Mountains and Music Motorcycle Tour Location: Front Royal, Virginia Contact: Tamela Rich tamela@tamelarich.com Luxury tour includes accommodations, meals, and two private bluegrass concerts!

In addition to these iconic roads, the tour itinerary celebrates Appalachia’s rich history, its fusion of musical genres and dances, its distinctive cuisine, and its oral storytelling heritage. Begins at Front Royal, VA on June 18 and ends in Little Switzerland, NC on June 23.

6/23/2017 – 6/25/2017

29 The BMW Riders of Oregon Chief

Joseph Rally

Location: John Day, Oregon Contact: Doug Tewksbury 541-543-7320 bmwro.rallymaster@gmail.com The fairgrounds has it all - green grass camping, hot showers, clean restroom facilities, a large pavilion building for meals, improved Wi-Fi connections and an RV park.

30

6/23/2017 – 6/25/2017

Camp-N-Ride

Location: Merritt, British Columbia, Canada Contact: Gary Smith 250-766-3192 judosmith@telus.net

This is a non host event. Come and join fellow riders in a great area of the Nicola Valley in B.C. Canada. Please check our website for updates and further details Valley Bmw Riders.

45

th

July 31

June 23–25, 2017 John Day, Oregon

7/9/2017 – 7/12/2017

Sponsored by

The GS Giant: Snake River Ramble

BMW Riders of Oregon

Location: Ririe, Idaho Contact: Tracy Novacich 302-723-2354 Spend three days in the shadow of the Tetons riding the best of eastern Idaho and Wyoming, both on and off road. Your rally fee includes a daily catered breakfast and dinner, bike games, door prizes, great old and new friends and awesome adventures, plus the obligatory tee-shirt and swag bag.

32

(BMWRO) Charter #83

Green grass Tent and RV camping on fairgrounds in John Day, OR. Motels and restaurants three blocks away.

Best riding in the West. www.bmwro.org Visit bmwro.org for registration and details.

For questions, e-mail

7/13/2017 – 7/16/2017

BMW MOA International Rally

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Contact: Greg Feeler 2017rallychair@bmwmoa.org Utah is a rider’s wonderland with 21 national parks and monuments, 40 state parks, and seven national forests. Easy day rides from the Fairpark will take you into the mountains to Park City, the Utah Olympic Park, and the year-round resorts of Alta, Solitude, and Snowbird.

33

CHIEF JOSEPH RALLY

bmwro.rallymaster@gmail.com www.bmwro.rallymaster@gmail.com

Phone: 541-543-7320

Visit MotoMO.org www.motomo.orgfor more info

7/15/2017 – 7/16/2017

Vintage Motorbike Show at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Contact: Ted Sohier 412-561-0993 ted.sohier@verizon.net Please join us for the 6th year of the growing Vintage Motorbike Show at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. All makes and models of historic, vintage, and antique vehicles are welcome at the largest spectator event in the city each summer.

www.bmwbmw.org May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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38 34

7/20/2017 – 7/23/2017

46th Annual Top O’ The Rockies Rally

Location: Paonia, Colorado Contact: Matt Baroody matthewbaroody@msn.com The Paonia area boasts some of Colorado’s best riding, both on and off road. Your rally fee includes three nights shaded camping, Saturday meal and two nights live entertainment. Great place to stop after the MOA rally!

35

7/20/2017 – 7/23/2017

45th Annual Cascade Country Rendezvous Location: Republic, Washington Contact: wsbmwr.org Join us for the 45th annual Cascade Country Rendezvous in beautiful Republic Washington. Camp at the Ferry County Fairgrounds or stay in a local motels.

August 8/3/2017 – 8/6/2017

36 22nd Damn Yankees Rally Location: Heath, Massachusetts Contact: Rich Roy f650gs@cox.net www.yankeebeemers.org Rustic camping at one of New England’s oldest operating fairgrounds, The Heath Fairground. Outdoor showers. Saturday activities include a guided Dual Sport Ride, a visit to a legendary ISDT Spanish Motorcycle museum, A Magical Mystery Tour, a “MotoGymKhana” and Live Band. All brand riders and their guests Welcome!

37

8/5/2017

18th Annual 100,000 Ft. Ride

Location: Lakewood, Colorado Contact: Carl Thomte 303-753-662 rcarloski@msn.com Ride enough mountain passes in a day to equal 100,000 ft.! This ride can

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go from 300-500 miles depending on the final route.

BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

8/10/2017 – 8/13/2017

Camp-N-Ride

Location: Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada Contact: Gary Smith 250-766-3192 judosmith@telus.net This is a no host event. Come and join in on the camaraderie of fellow riders and visit some of the best riding in British Columbia.

Please check our website for further details Valley Bmw Riders.

8/11/2017 - 8/13/2017

39 35th Annual Husker Rally Location: Franklin, Nebraska Contact: Jayney Solo 402-676-1739 jayneysolo@cox.net Join us for our 35th annual rally at the fairgrounds in Franklin, nestled in the beautiful Republican Valley of south central Nebraska. The Nightriders offer a weekend of great food and fun. Meet others who share your love of the open road, good company, shaded camping, hot showers and the best rally food.

40

8/11/2017 - 8/13/2017

40th Annual Daniel Boone Rally

Location: Boone, North Carolina Contact: rally@carolinasbmwmoa.org Join us for the 40th Annual Dan’l Boone Rally at the KOA Campground in Boone, North Carolina. Some of the best motorcycle roads east of the Mississippi River with three states in easy distance. Ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, High Country of North Carolina and much more.

41

8/17/2017 - 8/20/2017

Nakusp Hotsprings Rally

Location: Nakusp, British Columbia, Canada Contact: Grant Fengstad nakupsrally@beeceebeemers.com The areas around Nakusp, BC boasts some of the best riding roads in all of British Columbia. Whether you come for the workshops, talks, camaraderie, riding or to relax in this picturesque location you will not regret your visit.

8/17/2017 - 8/20/2017

42 19th Beartooth Rendezvous Location: Red Lodge, Montana Contact: Charlie Greear/Carla Tooth registrar@beartoothbeemers.org

(208) 661-5639/(406) 696-2114 You can’t ask for a better view! Join us at the Lions Camp located 10 miles south of Red Lodge, Montana. Ample camping space is available in and around the camp and there’s even a mountain stream nearby.

8/18/2017 - 8/20/2017

43 MOA Getaway

Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas Contact: bmwmoa.org/getaway Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas and surrounded by rivers and lakes, Eureka Springs is known for its healing waters and ribbons of highway curling around majestic bluffs and over hills revealing the area’s breathtaking scenery.

An $89 event fee includes a Friday night welcome party and dinner with cash bar, Saturday night dinner and awards with cash bar, $500 worth of door prizes, event t-shirt, special MOA gift and a silent auction to benefit the Motorcycle Relief Project. Event Fee does not include lodging. Visit bmwmoa. org/getaway to register for the event and contact Inn of the Ozarks at 800-814-8307 for room reservations.

8/18/2017 - 8/20/2017

44 Four Winds BMW Riders Rally Location: Fairmount City, Pennsylvania Contact: John Humphrey 412-897-1903 john.4windsbmw@gmail.com Please join us for the longest continuous running BMW rally in America. Beautiful riding in scenic western Pennsylvania, just south of the Allegheny National Forest.

Great group and individual riding for road and GS riders. Local lodging is available, as well as RV and camping sites in Red Bank Park.

45

8/25/2017 - 8/27/2017

Galena Campout

Location: Galena, Illinois Contact: Douglas E. Rost (847) 217-9194 douglasrost@gmail.com Set amongst the beautiful rolling hills of Northern Illinois, just minutes from the mighty Mississippi River is the family friendly Palace Campgrounds. There you will find plenty of shaded camping, mini cottages, RV hook-ups, hot showers, and even a pool and sun deck.

September 46

www.tourbikes.com

9/1/2017 - 9/4/2017

43rd Annual Finger Lakes Rally

Location: Watkins Glen, New York Contact: 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.

9/8/2017 - 9/10/2017

47 MOA Getaway

Location: Pineville, Kentucky Contact: bmwmoa.org/getaway Set in the Kentucky Ridge State Forest and surrounded by mountains, this secluded resort offers peace and tranquility and is the perfect place for fun and great riding.

A $89 event fee includes a Friday night welcome party and dinner with cash bar, Saturday night dinner and awards with cash bar, $500 worth of door prizes, event t-shirt, special MOA gift and a silent auction to benefit the Motorcycle Relief Project. Event Fee does not include lodging. Visit bmwmoa.org/getaway to register for the event and contact Pine Mountain State Resort Park at 606-337-3066 for room reservations.

48

www.epmwilbers.com www.purestodge.org

9/8/2017 - 9/10/2017

Camp-N-Ride

Location: Midway, British Columbia, Canada Contact: Gary Smith 250-766-3192 judosmith@telus.net This is a no host event. A great time to relax along the Kettle River, or go for a variety of rides in the area. Please check our website for further details VALLEY BMW RIDERS. 9/8/2017 - 9/10/2017

49 Wisconsin Dells Rally Location: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Contact: Brian Manke & Heidi Goehring dellsrally@gmail.com Lots of shade & scenic paths await you.

There’s more room to camp this year plus live music both nights and a pig roast Saturday. Check out our website for more details Wisconsin BMW Motorrad Club.

Join the BMW MOA FACEBOOK page today! Get the MOA Newsfeed via Twitter for more BMW and motorcycle news – www.twitter.com/bmwmoa May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

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50

9/8/2017 - 9/10/2017

MOA Premier Getaway

Location: Sedona, Arizona Contact: bmwmoa.org/getaway Surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and lush pine forests, the Sedona area offers some of the most scenic rides in the southwest through postcard perfect rock formations and beautiful landscapes.

A $129 event fee includes a Friday welcome party and dinner, Saturday dinner and awards, $500 in door prizes, polo shirt, special MOA gift and silent auction benefitting the Motorcycle Relief Project. Visit bmwmoa. org/getaway to register for the event and contact Poco Diablo Resort at 928-282-7333 for room reservations.

51

9/14/2017 - 9/17/2017

Ride the Blue Ridge

Location: Morganton, North Carolina Contact: Gene Smith 828-439-9754 rallymaster@knobbies.org Ride the Blue Ridge with the Knobbies. Join us once again at Catawba Meadows Park in Morganton, North Carolina, for some of the best riding in the South. Our Knobbies guide GS rides, sport rides and more.

52

9/15/2017 - 9/17/2017

Annual Oktoberfest in September Location: Round Top, New York Contact: Don Eilenberger deilenberger@verizon.net Once again, we’re honoring the actual date of when Oktoberfest begins in Germany (September 16th in Munich) - and planning on excellent September riding weather! We are again gathering at the Crystal Brook German Resort in Round Top NY. The weekend can be had as an all inclusive, ALL meals included with lodging, or as a B&B weekend with breakfast included.

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BMW OWNERS NEWS May 2017

53

9/15/2017 - 9/17/2017

Whacky Hat

Location: Jamaica, Vermont Contact: Bill Cusack bcusack@comcast.net www.yankeebeemers.org This is the finest time of year to ride Vermont! This campout has moved around over the years, and we like to keep it fresh.

This year we go back to Jamaica for some twisty roads, fall foliage, real maple syrup, and all that is the essence of riding Vermont in the fall. Saturday morning “Breakfast in Canada” is a favorite, so bring your passports!

9/15/2017 - 9/17/2017

54 32nd Annual Autumn Beemer

Bash

Location: Quincy, California Contact: bashinfo@comcast.net 1-925-443-2070 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. The wonderful mountain rides in the Sierras are a short jaunt away!

Enjoy a relaxing weekend of field events, riding destinations, awards, camaraderie and a fabulous roast pig banquet.

57

9/22/2017 - 9/24/2017

31st Annual Hoosier Beemers Rally

Location: North Vernon, Indiana Contact: www.facebook.com/hoosier. beemers Join us for great riding in scenic southern Indiana. Rally fee of $30 includes two nights camping, Friday night gourmet hot dog roast with all the fixins’ and live bluegrass band, Saturday night dinner, door prizes and awards.

58

9/22/2017 - 9/24/2017

14th Thunder Mountain Rendezvous Location: Hotchkiss, Colorado Contact: Gary Campbell 970-210-2604, gcampbell44@yahoo.com Come join the 14th Thunder Mountain Rendezvous hosted by the BMW Riders of Western Colorado! We will be at the Delta County Fairgrounds in downtown Hotchkiss on Color Weekend on the sestern Slope of Colorado and once again offering great camaraderie, a beautiful venue, and the greatest riding in Colorado.

9/22/2017 - 9/24/2017

9/15/2017 - 9/17/2017

55 8th Annual Twin Valley Rally Location: Meadows of Dan, Virginia Contact: Seth Pagani seth@twinvalleyrally.org Imagine the perfect motorcycle rally. You put it in an area renowned for amazing roads and sublime scenery. You host it in a clean, intimate campground with proper amenities. You make it small enough to get to know practically everybody there, but large enough to broaden your friendships.

You have music, door prizes, and possible test rides of fine new machines, amazing food, vendors and fun events. That’s what Twin Valley Riders, the sport-touring and adventure-riding club of Southwest Virginia has done with the Twin Valley Rally.

9/22/2017 - 9/24/2017

56 35th Last Chance Rally Location: Buena, New Jersey Contact: Pete Lisco 856-589-7015 Enjoy shaded camp sites, cabins and local hotels to accommodate your travel preference.

59 MOA Getaway

Location: Jay, Vermont Contact: bmwmoa.org/getaway Located in the northeast corner of Vermont, Jay is in an area of the state known as the “Northeast Kingdom” and is one of the last undeveloped towns where you still find peace and serenity while enjoying the worldclass recreational opportunities.

An $89 event fee includes a Friday night welcome party and dinner with cash bar, Saturday dinner and awards with cash bar, $500 in door prizes, t-shirt, special MOA gift and silent auction to benefit the Motorcycle Relief Project. Visit bmwmoa.org/getaway to register for the event and contact the Jay Peak Resort at 800-451-4449 for room reservations. Use group code 61085 BMW MOA.

60

9/28/2017 - 10/1/2017

Last Chance Camp-N-Ride

Location: Oroville, Washington Contact: Gary Smith 250-766-3192 judosmith@telus.net A great camp out with great bunch of

people from both sides of the boarder as well as some excellent rides in the area.

Please check our website for further details Valley Bmw Riders.

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9/29/2017 - 9/30/2017

Oklahoma BMW Rally

Location: Talihina, Oklahoma Contact: Mike Truel, mtruel1@cox.net Come join the Central Oklahoma BMW Road Riders for this multi-club camp out in southeast Oklahoma! The Talimena State Park marks the Oklahoma entrance to the Talimena National Scenic Drive, a winding road through the Winding Stair Mountains that is known for spectacular foliage.

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9/29/2017 - 9/30/2017

Gathering of the Clams

Location: Wakefield, Rhode Island Contact: Carl A Saccoccio 401-447-7114 carlsaccoccio@verizon.net Join us at Camp Fuller YMCA on beautiful Great Salt Pond in Wakefield, Rhode Island.

Enjoy three days and two nights of oceanside camping or sleep in a shared cabin at no extra charge.

9/29/2017 - 10/1/2017

63 MOA Getaway

Location: Tomah, Wisconsin Contact: bmwmoa.org/getaway Experience a unique combination of quiet Midwest charm in an area untouched by glaciers. The Driftless Area is characterized by its beautifully sculpted topography, forested hillsides with valleys cut into limestone bedrock by cold-water trout streams.

An $89 event fee includes a Friday welcome party and dinner, Saturday dinner and awards, $500 in door prizes, t-shirt, special MOA gift and silent auction benefitting the Motorcycle Relief Project. Visit bmwmoa.org/getaway to register for the event and contact the Cranberry Country Lodge at 608-374-2801 for room reservations.

9/29/2017 - 10/1/2017

64 2017 Rams Rally

Location: Parker Crossroads, Tennesee 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.

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October 10/19/2017 - 10/22/2017

65 2017 Adventure Ribfest Location: Centerville, Tennessee Contact: Lee Waggoner ribfest@bmwmcon.org Enjoy great paved roads or dirt roads and trails with many creek crossings for a true adventure. The GS Giants will be hosting the Trials Course as well as an off-road skills class. There will be plenty of primitive camping, lots of campfire conversations, entertainment, and some of the best ribs you’ll ever eat.

November 66

11/3/2017 - 11/4/2017

47th South Central BMW Owners Reunion Location: Fayettville, Texas Contact: Gene Ronchetto vp@bmwclubofhouston.com Enjoy tent and RV camping, guided road rides or GS rides, social events, Texas cooking, awards, and great fellowship on the shore of Lake Fayette. All in a pleasant wooded lakeside park, with hiking and fishing opportunities as well.

67

11/10/2017 - 11/12/2017

16th Swamp Scooter Gumbo Rally

Location: Carencro, Louisiana Contact: James Carpenter president@swampscooters.net Everyone is welcome at our Annual Gumbo Rally so come pass a good time and laisser les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll) at Bayou Wilderness Rv Resort near Lafayette.

11/10/2017 - 11/12/2017

68 MOA Getaway

www.aeroflowscreens.com

Location: Texas Hill Country, Texas Contact: bmwmoa.org/getaway Join us this November in the rumpled terrain of Texas’s famed Hill Country, an area laced with endless miles of appealing two-lane blacktop running through wooded canyons cut by spring-fed rivers.

A $89 event fee includes a Friday night welcome party and dinner with cash bar, Saturday night dinner and awards with cash bar, $500 worth of door prizes, event t-shirt, special MOA gift and a silent auction to benefit the Motorcycle Relief Project. Event Fee does not include lodging. Visit bmwmoa.org/getaway to register.

advertiserindex Abus Security.............................................116 Action Stations/Bohn Armor.........18,125 Adaptiv Technologies.............................109 Admore Lighting........................................ 33 Adriatic Moto Tours................................... 55 ADV Depot.................................................... 35 Adventure Designs..................................104 Adventure New Zealand Tours...........115 AeroFlow.....................................................126 Aerostich-RiderWearHouse..................115 Alaska Leather............................................. 50 Alaska Motorcycle Adventures............. 33 Arai Helmets................................................. 13 Ayres Adventures....................................... 92 Backcountry Discovery Routes...........101 BeadRider...................................................... 92 Beemer Boneyard....................................111 Beemer Shop, The...................................... 57 Best Rest Products...................................109 Bing Agency................................................. 37 Blue Rim Tours...........................................111 BMW of Southeast Michigan...............104 BMW MOA Foundation..................... 58, 84 BMW Performance Center....................105 Bob’s BMW.................................................... 51 Boxer Works Service.................................. 27 British Motorcycle Gear.........................109 BullRack.......................................................105 Capital Cycle..............................................117 Cardo Systems............................................. 88 Cee Baileys Aircraft Plastic............... 18, 83 Chief Joseph Rally....................................121 CIMA International.................................... 47 Claw of the Dragon................................... 79 Colorado Tourbike Rentals...................123 Continental Tire.......................................... 79 Corbin Pacific............................................... 37 Cyclenutz....................................................... 40 DMC Sidecars............................................... 28 Dubbeju Motorcycle Rentals................. 40 Dunlop Tires................................................. 41

Dyna Beads.................................................115 Edelweiss Bike Travel..............................113 EPM Hyper Pro...................................18, 117 Euro Moto Electrics................................... 78 European Toys............................................. 28 First Gear......................................................IBC Geza Gear...................................................... 55 GS-911 Diagnostic Tool............................ 78 Global Rescue.............................................. 40 GSM Motorent............................................. 33 HanniganMotosports............................... 50 Haynes NA/Clymer Manuals.................. 92 Helmet Sun Blocker................................... 28 HEX-ezCAN.................................................105 Ilium Works................................................... 67 IMTBIKE TOURS................................... 27, 40 Jesse Luggage Systems........................... 40 Johnstown Thunder................................104 Kermit Chair Company............................. 18 Kinekt Gear Ring......................................... 28 Laural Highlands BMW Club Campout.... 92 LD Comfort................................................... 89 Lee Parks Design........................................ 33 Legal Speeding Enterprises.................116 M4Motorcycles............................... 115, 117 MachineartMoto......................................104 Magura USA................................................. 27 Michelin Tire................................................. 25 MOA Gear Shop.......................................... 93 MOA Member Benefits............................ 99 Morton’s BMW Motorcycles................... 98 Moto Aventura..........................................109 Moto-Bins...................................................... 89 Moto Skiveez............................................... 55 MotoMo Rally............................................121 Motonation..................................................BC Motorcycle Releif Project - psa............. 96 Motorcycle Travel Network.................... 55 Motorex USA................................................ 67 Motorrad Elektrik....................................... 18 Mountain Master Truck Equipment....117

MTA Distributing/Olympia Moto Sports..IFC Next Adventure Wealth Advisors......... 27 No-Mar Enterprises................................... 89 Overseas Speedometer........................... 33 Palo Alto Speedometer..........................105 Parabellum................................................... 28 PIAA USA....................................................... 50 Progressive Insurance.................................9 Pure Stodge Iowa Rally..........................123 Ray Atwood Cycles.................................... 27 Redverz........................................................115 Remus USA................................................... 29 Re-Psycle BMW Parts................................33 Rich Phillips Leather.................................. 33 Rider Magazine..........................................123 RKA Luggage.............................................116 Rocky Creek Designs................................ 91 RTW Moto Tours.......................................115 Russel Cycle Products............................... 89 Saddlemen................................................... 45 Sargent Cycle Products............................ 55 SBS Brakes..................................................... 78 Scenic Wheels Motorcycle Tours.......... 89 Spectro Oils of America............. 33, 35, 37 Spiegler.......................................................... 89 Square Root Rally.....................................121 Stop ‘n Go...................................................... 28 Suburban Machinery................................ 89 TecMate.......................................................117 Total Control Training............................... 91 Touratech.........................................................1 Touring Sport BMW.................................117 Tourmaster......................................................5 Twisted Throttle.......................................... 11 Weiser Technik............................................ 81 Westco Battery............................................ 91 Wheels of Wonderment M/C Camp.... 28 Wilbers USA.........................................33, 123 Wolfman Luggage..................................... 18 Ztechnik......................................................... 19

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 © 2017 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 47, Number 5.

May 2017 BMW OWNERS NEWS

127

talelight

Striking beauty

With the capital dome in the background, a 1967 R 60/2 poses near Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin.

Photo by Jeff Dean #115

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BMW OWNERS NEWS  May 2017

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

MAY 2017

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