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A Perfectly Believable Story
As I was just completing a somewhat rough ride on my porcelain American Standard, I also finished reading “Captain Carbonite’s” (aka. K-Zar!!) story (“A Perfectly Believable Story with a Happy Ending,” October 2023) of fantasy, fiction, and frivolity. The destination of which he speaks, referring to a “place in New Jersey” can only be at one location. It must be somewhere near the Newark Airport sewer depot that collects the discarded rainwater runoff and actually stores it in the vast tanks lining the highways. The liquid stored to create his claimed gin and ice can be the only reason that after he consumes said elixir, transforms a somewhat normal thought pattern, into a weird potion that “illuminates his mind.” This combination of “trumpet tree tea,” mushrooms and some really old LSD, has to be what he calls gin. I personally like gin, but I’ll sip mine in Florida on the beach looking at green eyed sirens in their miniscule bikinis, thank you. Bob LeClair #218775 Port Orange, Florida
Thanks Ray Tubbs
I wanted to take a few moments to thank Ray Tubbs for his MOA service. I first talked to Ray during the fall of 2022. The local charter club’s longtime president and his wife the treasurer were relocating out of state. With no one else available, I took over the leadership of the Derby City Beemers. My first call, even before officially agreeing to become president, was to the MOA. Ray was the person that returned my call. From that first contact Ray guided me through each process as needed. His many years of involvement with the MOA made him a huge source of knowledge for a rookie like myself. I can’t say enough positive things
12 BMW OWNERS NEWS | November 2023
about Ray and the help he provided to the Derby City Beemers. I was sad to hear that Ray was stepping back from his position at the MOA. I wish Ray all the best in his future endeavors. I hope one day, I can get down to Alabama to join you for a ride. Fred Bramblett #101458 Vine Grove, Kentucky
Love my Grip Buddies
I, too, have experience using Grip Buddies and Grip Puppies (“Grip Buddies Lite,” Mark Barnes 10/23 issue). I find both products quite useful. I stored my Grip Buddies (i.e. Beemer Buddies) in what I called my “Slab Kit,” which has been missing for a while now. In this sandwich bag I had Buddies grip covers, throttle lock devices and other convenient items for when it came time to ride the interstate long distances. What I liked about the Grip Buddies was the ability to install them on or off in seconds. Grip Puppies are more of a permanent accessory, especially if the motorcycle has handguards. With the Buddies, I never actually glued down the securing strip’s adhesive backing onto the handlebar grip. When I wanted to put them on, I’d just hold the hook strip really well in place as I stretched the neoprene panel with loops around the stock grip and into place. Thanks for reviewing these, Mark. I’ll have to order a new set of Grip Buddies and build myself a new Slab Kit! Jon DelVecchio #208163 Churchville, New York
A Great Resource
On a recent trip from the Pacific coast of California and Oregon I had occasion to use the BMW Owners Anonymous book.
After crossing the Cascade Mountain range, I coasted into Sisters, Oregon, on a Thursday afternoon with a failed clutch. I realized the problem was a failure in the hydraulic clutch system. After collecting my thoughts, I recalled that I had downloaded the BMW Owners Anonymous app on my mobile phone. I texted the two riders listed in Sisters and one owner in Bend, Oregon, and all three answered within minutes! Not only that, but all three offered timely assistance and advice. One rider in Sisters offered immediate help which I gratefully accepted, while the rider in Bend strongly recommended the independent pro shop, M-Tech (in Bend) for the repair work. The trip delay lasted over the weekend but the assistance and the friendliness of these two fellow riders converted a troubling dilemma into a delightful addition to my adventure (which included a Saturday ride on a borrowed motorcycle!). The timely and expert service provided by M-tech in Bend got me on my way on Tuesday morning. The BMW Owners Anonymous is a great resource! Richard Luoma #155274 Backus, Minnesota
Saved by my Gear
I am writing this with the hope it might help others. It was a beautiful day, and I was on an Appalachian BMW group ride heading South on 178 towards South Carolina. I entered a tight left-hand turn, and I ran out of road. I dropped my front wheel over the edge of the pavement and immediately steered it back onto the road. I remember my bike leaning sharply to the left, and my next memory was flying through the air looking down at the pavement. I flew diagonally across the road–my own Marc Marquez moment. The impact was like