BMW Riders Don't Wave?

Every year a few of us stay to the bitter end of the Memorial Weekend 49er Rally, knowing that at least one of the raffle tickets, we're holding is going to win the grand prize. I shamelessly hope that the winning ticket will have my name on it, but short of that, it would be fun to win something with one of the other tickets, entrusted to us by Club members who depart early to accommodate more traditional Memorial Day activities. Every year I stay and every year it's a bust. My consolation is that the Master of Ceremonies always has at least one joke that gets more than a groan.

This year's gem came when the MC announced that he was going to read the Top 10 Reasons BMW Riders Don't Wave. The audience was immediately agitated and defensive.

Of course we wave and we protest the "stuck-up" stereotype we've been given. Bob's recent article on "The Wave" can be submitted as evidence.

The MC became concerned that the crowd wouldn't let him continue, but everyone finally relaxed and took the opportunity to laugh at ourselves.... Here they are:

Top 10 Reasons BMW Riders Don't Wave

10. New Aerostich suit too stiff to raise arm.
9. Removing a hand from the bars is considered "bad form."
8. Shoulder too stiff from camping on the ground the night before.
7. Too busy programming the GPS, monitoring radar, listening to iPod, XM, or talking on the cell phone.
6. Wires from Gerbings are too short.
5. Too sore from an 800-mile day on a stock "comfort" seat.
4. Afraid of frostbite if hand is removed from heated grip.
3. Can't find the "auto wave back" button on the dashboard.
2. Distracted by odd shaped blip on radar screen.

And the number one reason...

49er Rally Report

As always, the 49er Rally in Auburn was great fun. The our club was represented by Bill Hand, Ken Ward, Bob Bongberg, Anita Oostwouder, Anita's friend Ingrid (visiting from The Netherlands), Lisa Thorson, Dave Pearson (I hope I got Dave's last name right), and PeeWee (our newest club member).

It was hot in the valley, but the heat was easy to escape with some great rides through the Sierras.

The "Happy Camper" award for the Rally belongs to Anita. In addition to having a long-time friend discover the joy of a BMW rally, another generous friend loaned her his 2007 K1200 GT for the weekend. Top it off with a $300 jacket for $70 and the picture says the rest.

 June 3rd Saturday Ride

Courtesy Phil Brownell

Members present and accounted for:  Phil Brownell, Al Bertaina, John Bridendall and Ron Garland on his Bigger bike, the KLT and and a new potential recruit, Nick Brown from Petaluma on a rather new looking K1200 GT.

We finally got out of Windsor heading north by about 10:30 
determining that no others were going to join us on this magnificent ride day. Headed up through Windsor to Dry Creek Road and into Cloverdale for a leisurely stop.  From there to Hopland on as many back roads as Al could find (we all know how good he is at that!). And then up and over the #175 Hopland grade to Lakeport and up #29 to the little cafe on the north edge of the Lake and the Main street of Lake Port.  The one that we mostly go to for outside dining.  Totally beautiful day for it and we picked a table in the shade. 

Excellent conversation as John B.  had just done a 4 wheeled vehicle track day out at the Jim Russell School at Infineon.  I think it is something any of us would have enjoyed as probably most of us would a motorcycle track day as well. We came back on #175 over Cobb Mountain and into Middletown where Phil headed south on #29 and the others scooted out Butts Canyon and on down to #128 and onto the Silverado trail  and over to St. Helena to pick up the twisty St. Helena Road through the foot hills of St.Helena and Calistoga and onto Calistoga Road and home.

I think it would be safe to say a good ride day was had by all!

Chief Joseph Rally Report

Details Provided by Bill Mees

The RRBMW Club had an impressive contingent at the Chief Joseph Rally in John Day, Oregon. Bill Mees, Dudley Peters, Val Cervantes, Val's friend Mark, Ken Ward, Tom Lueder, and Bill Carter all participated.

Bill and Dud did the ride there in two days with an overnight stop in Alturas. As most of us know, Bill doesn't like to let his tires cool off so part of the group took the long way home with overnighters in Diamond Lake and Fortuna. Bill's estimated distance for the trip was 1470 miles.

It's rumored that Val and Mark did the 600 mile trip home in one day.

Bill's final analysis was that the rally was good but the ride there and back was awesome. Definitely put it on your calendar for next year!