February 02 Club Newsletter

Club Newsletter
February 2002
Editor: Pat Sammarco
Ó2001San Diego/ Wanderers
Motorcycle Club

WANDERERS GENERAL MEETING
January 26th, 2002
Country Choice Restaurant
ATTENDING: Bill Edwards, John Q. Lawrence, Gary Steinweg, Ralph Cole Sr., Chris Browne, Rod Fleming, Kevin & DeAnn Gayken, Joe Durham, Dick (Grumpy) Useted, Thomas Cassidy, Barry Borden, Greg Huber, Ron Growel
Called to order by President Bill Edwards at 10:00 AM.
First order of business was the welcoming of two brand new members to our club. Greg Huber has already ridden with us a couple of times and Joe Durham who's company we enjoyed during our latest trip to Tecate for tacos and border traffic training.
MINUTES: A motion was made By Tom Cassidy and seconded by several others, to accept the minutes as posted on the website.
TREASURERS REPORT: Gary Steinweg recapped the treasurer's report as posted. The club treasury currently has $450 available to squander as wantonly as we wish.
OLD BUSINESS: Brief discussion of our next upcoming ride. Rod will lead us to lunch at Viejas Casino. He promises this will be an extremely easy ride and all club members are encouraged to attend.
Ron Growel recapped the 2001 Toy Run. The event collected at least $6000 worth of toys, $2100 in cash and another $2100 in matching funds from another contributor.
The Toy Run Committee has decided, based on an after assessment of this years event on a minor rules change. From now on, sponsoring organizations must have a representative attending 90% of all organizational meetings and must supply a minimum of 3 helpers during the actual event. Apparently there have been organizations taking credit for playing a major part in the planning without actually doing so.
Wanderer John DelSanto has been Chairman of the toy run committee for several years and wants a break from the responsibility this year. Volunteers? The club thought maybe Tera could do it.
The Roadhouse probably will not be the destination for this years toy run. Another location that can handle a large number of motorcycles but still be an interesting ride is needed. The club thinks maybe Tera can come up with something.
NEW BUSINESS: John Q presents an idea he hopes will increase rider participation at club rides. The idea is to produce a patch or pin indicating the member has ridden a certain number of miles on official club rides. 1000 miles is tossed out as an example (about 10 rides?) Ride Captains would file a mileage report following each event and each club member attending would be credited with those miles. When a specific number of miles are attained a small patch or pin is awarded.
Ron Growel is concerned that patches or pins of this sort might create a hierarchy within the club. The possibility is discussed by those present. A vote is taken the idea moves forward. John Q will form a small committee of club members who will produce two options for members to decide between next meeting.
Reminder: Club dues are due in April. (And this is why they call em' the dues? Sorry Elton) To make this a simple process the March newsletter will include a membership renewal form plus a participant questionnaire (same as mailed last year) to see if changes can be made to increase participation at rides and meetings. Ron will forward both items to Pat for mailing. Members are asked to fill out both and send to Gary Steinweg.
RIDE CALENDAR: No new rides were added at this meeting.
WE'RE OUTTA HERE: Someone made a motion to adjourn, someone else seconded and meeting adjourned at 11 AM.
We went for a ride.
Respectfully submitted, John Q. Lawrence attempting to fill the very large shoes (figure of speech Rose) of Secretary Rose Fleming
Members,
A former club member has suffered a major loss.
Jim Hunt sent John Q. the following. He thought many of you would want to know and perhaps send wishes. Jim's e-mail is jimbeau@arkynet.com
His message:
Anna passed away (1/24) last Thursday night due to massive stroke, liver cancer and other complications. She had been ill for a while. I could use your prayers.
Jim Hunt

WANDERERS TREASURER RPT - 01/26/2002

1. 12/22 Last reported balance= $596.71
2. 12/30 Dec newsletter = $ 18.18(-)
3. 01/17 Jan newsletter = $ 18.80(-)
4. 01/26 Current Balance = $559.73 Notes:
Available Funds:
2. 38 paid memberships - 59 total members.
3. All listed members paid thru 04/02
Current treasury balance = $559.73 Nwsltrs thru 4/02 @ $28/mo
set-aside = $112.00(-)
Available = $447.73

WANDERERS PATCH ACCOUNT SOLD
1. 12/22 Previous reported account balance = $ 39.00(-) 36
2. None sold during reporting period
3. 01/26 Current patch account balance =
$39.00(-) 36
Avail patches: Don P - 5
John Q - 7
Rose F - 2
Total Avail = 14
Regards, Gary Steinweg,
Wanderers Treasurer

Ride to Bell Gardens
December 1st 2001
Ride Recap by John Q. Lawrence
We were a ride of eight including guests Kent Saxton and my youngest son, Shane.
Our youngest rider enjoyed the day but can't quite believe we did all those great things, lived all those great days and only had black and white television to do it with. Explanation coming up. <grins>
Thanks to Ron Growel who led the Bell Gardens ride proving you "can" ride 80 miles of rural road at a stretch if you have the long version of Inna Gadda Da Vida playing in your helmet.
This was a typical Wanderers ride taking us from Grossmont Center out to Valley Center and Bell Gardens via "alternate roads." Indeed they were roasting Chestnuts on an open fire when we arrived. . Our group of 8 was also treated to a popcorn popping demonstration (on the cob no less) and turning Orange peels into flame throwers. That trick alone is worth the investment in a butane lighter to thrill and amaze. Did you know an orange peel also makes a great deodorant? We didn't either. And then there was the train ride. 15 minutes of ear to ear grins as we forgot (for awhile) we were supposed to be responsible adults and pretended the scale sized buildings were real, the clackity clack of the wheels were taking us on an important journey.
Our lunch at Fat Ivors (as previously alluded to) turned into an hour of memories from another time. We swapped stories about fast cars and TV shows, pump your own gas...(no really, electricity free pumps) and going hunting for rabbit each afternoon not out in the east county but...in what we now call "Paradise Hills." It wasn't "always" full of houses and paradise paved over.
Our ride home took us along Del Dios Highway and through Fairbanks Ranch where every other vehicle seems to be either a Lexux SUV or Mercedes. The "help" drives BMW's.
All in all, heck of a great day. Thanks a bunch to Ron and Iron Butterfly.
Better watch out...the next ride he leads could be accompanied by the full version of Alice's Restaurant. Gel pads anyone?
Cheers
John Q.

A Ride to Lunch with John Q.
Rod Fleming, Ron Growel, Dick Useted, my son Shane and I took a little ride to lunch today. Just a quick jaunt out Highway 94 to Barrett Junction for some all you can eat fish fry.
While there I spotted a sign advertising train rides from the San Diego Railroad Museum in Campo. Well, that's just up the road apiece so we'll stop by the museum (how many times have we all ridden by the place never stopping) for details. The waitress asks if we've ever visited the candy factory in Boulevard. Say what? There's a factory in Boulevard? Well, what the heck, we'll go there too!
And so our little lunch trip turned into an exploration that motorcyclists are so very good at (you ever been down "that" road? No? Lets go!!) . The train museum was closed but, it turns out has regular hour and a half rides scheduled each Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 2:30. $12 for the tour of the last transcontinental railroad link. We watched a train at play for awhile then headed out to beautiful....well, Boulevard.
We generally turn off the 94 well before reaching this place, somewhere around Cameron Corners usually, headed for old Highway 80 and Sunrise Highway or another high point in the hills. Boulevard, it turns out, is indeed the home of the Candy Factory. Real chocolate, real nuts, real marshmallow real...well, you name it, they make it and have a small storefront selling it. We all left with bags full of new years resolution breakers. While there Ron says something like 'why don't we walk up the street and see what's there?' It turns out Boulevard has a small motel, a gift and "collectibles" store (open Wednesday through Sunday but closed this day...go figure.). And then there's the restaurant. The "Burning Tree Native American Grill." Ok, so what does a native American grill serve for lunch fare? Steak!. Oh, and Navajo tacos, and Pine Ridge Pizza, soups, salads, and the classic Buffalo Burger. All at pretty fair prices! Amazing what you can discover in a place you normally just drive through (if you ever get there at all) just by taking a little walk.
The ride home "could" have been via the nearby Interstate 8 onramp...but we're on bikes here! Freeway? Pshaw! Back to old Highway 80 (paralleling I-8) through Pine Valley, down past Harbison Canyon and eventually...home.
Another great Southern California day of riding and discovering new places, new things new people. Lives that never would have touched us if we hadn't discovered travel on two wheels. Incredible.
John Q.

From Bill E. 1/11
Today I met up with Doc Cassidy, Jim & Evelyn Hotz, and my friend Pete Swanson at the newer Packard's in Ramona for some brunch, good chat, and a brief ride afterwards. It was a perfectly clear day, with some gusty winds, but warm. Pete led us out Old Julian Hwy, "forcing" me to give the new bike a good workout. After we stopped at Dudley's, Doc and Pete helped me to lower my bars some more, and I found out later that it made a BIG improvement. Later on 78 headed back into Ramona, Jim & Evelyn stopped at the egg ranch, then we waved goodbye to Doc as he headed towards home via Wildcat Cnyn. Pete and I went on down to Escondido via 78 and eventually found ourselves at the Kawasaki dealership, which has just completed a move from their old location. Wow. "Chapparal South" is what they oughta call it.
That new Packard's location is pretty cool...great food, good service too, and very clean. The seating could be a problem for a larger group however.
Nice ride today, thanks to all who joined me.
Regards,
Bill E.

From Rod 1/13
Thanks to everyone who went on the ride today. It was a wonderful day for a ride. We met at Grossmount Starbucks at 9:00 and after coffee and introductions we headed out to 94 east to Patreo park for a but break/pit stop. After the break we went to Cameron Corners and stopped to wipe the bugs off the windshields. From there off to La Posta road and the Sunrise hwy and a quick stop at the glider port. Then off to Cuyamaca for lunch.
We had a good lunch and afterward we split up with Ron's group heading to the 8 and the northern contingent heading up Engineer Rd lead by me. It was the first time I had to find my own way on this route but managed to get though with no U turns. From there we headed to Santa Isabel to the gas station where we took the last break and went our separate ways. Another great ride in sunny San Diego.
Rod

Ride Calendar
Sunday, February 3
Viejas Brunch Ride-The Casino serves up one heck of a Buffet on Sundays! Rod Fleming will lead this one making sure we don't get to Viejas by any sort of direct route. Departure time/place TBA.
Saturday, February 23
Doc's Broken Leg Memorial Ride-It was one year ago that our friend Doc introduced his Suzuki Intruder to the macadam of Highway 94 (breaking his leg in the process). Doc will take us on a tour of the now infamous roadway. Departure time/place TBA
Saturday, March 9
Spring Green Ride-By now our hills should be wearing a thick and beautiful coat of green. John Q will lead a twisty ride through the back country with occasional photo stops if the valleys are especially clear and photogenic. Departure time/place TBA
Saturday, March 23rd
First Weekend of Spring Bike Cleaning!: It's time to be rid of all the grunge that's managed to build up under the fenders, behind the steering head and under the seat! We'll all gather at the home of Don and Bobbie Presten (they have a really big driveway) where water and a high pressure washer will be made available. Please bring your own cleaning products, polishes, towels and any tools necessary to remove seats, windshields, bags and other accessories if needed. Time TBA. Don's address is on your Wanderers Membership Roster. If you don't have it please E-mail him for details. Let's shine em up for summer!
Friday, Saturday &Sunday, April 5, 6 & 7
Klub Kitchen Kreek Kampout-This one is planned just as the deserts should be blooming. The camping spot is the same as last year on Kitchen Creek road. It's a perfect launch point for a Saturday desert ride. Not too hot, not too cold but juuuuust right! (obscure forest reference) Those not into camping in tents are encouraged to join us in a motorhome or, just ride up Saturday morning for a 9 am departure from the campground headed east into the desert.
May ????
Mike's Housewarming Ride-Our Vice President hopes to have his new home ready for some "show and tell" by now. He will guide us to a housefest along winding back country roads. Departure time/place TBA

Website to check:
From Donut Bob Guarino of the SoCal Cruisers
California Motorcycle Roads-
150 Best Rides & Maps, 1200+ Pics
This is a web page about more California roads for motorcycle rides than I will ever be able to enjoy in my lifetime. It was sent to me by my good friend Dave Everett. "Enjoy"
http://www.pashnit.com/motoroads.htm
Do-nut man Bob

Copied from another list
for your information and enjoyment.
Rod
Motorcycle Addiction, or MA
Even more serious that the mania to count in chocolate, is the growing epidemic of MA, or Motorcycling syndrome. Don't laugh because you might be it's next victim. Just to give you a possible heads up in case it's creeping up on you, here are a few question to quietly answer for yourself.How many of these apply to you?
1. I have gone riding when I was depressed, or to cheer myself up.
2. I have gone on riding binges of several tanks of gas or more in a day.
3. I ride rapidly, often 'gulping' roads.
4. I have sometimes ridden early in the morning or before work.
5. I have hidden bikes in different places to sneak a ride in without being seen.
6. Sometimes I avoid friends or family obligations in order to ride motorcycles.
7. Sometimes I find myself analyzing sections of roads as if I was riding even while in cars.
8. I am unable to enjoy myself with others unless there is a bike nearby.
9. At a boring party, I will often slip off unnoticed to go riding.
10. Riding has made me seek haunts and companions which I would otherwise avoid.
11. I have neglected personal hygiene or household chores until I have finished a ride.
12. I have spent money meant for necessities on accessories instead.
13. I have attempted to complete an Iron Butt ride.
14. Most of my friends are heavy motorcycle riders.
15. I have sometimes passed out from a night of heavy riding.
16. I have suffered 'blackouts' or memory loss from a bout of riding.
17. I have wept, become angry or irrational because of a road I have ridden.
18. I have sometimes wished I did not ride so much.
19. Sometimes I think my riding is out of control.
If you answered 'yes' to three or more of these questions, you may be a motorcycle addict. Affirmative responses to five or more indicates a serious problem.
Once a relatively rare disorder, Motorcycle Addiction, or MA, has risen tonew levels due to the accessibility of higher quality motorcycles at a relatively low expense since the end of the Second World War. The number of motorcycle addicts and abusers is currently at record levels.
SOCIAL COSTS OF MOTORCYCLE ABUSE
Abusers become withdrawn, uninterested in society or normal relationships. They fantasize, creating alternative worlds to occupy, to the neglect of friends and family. In severe cases they develop bad posture from riding in awkward positions or carrying heavy tool bags. In the worst instances, they become cranky bike mechanics in small towns.
Excessive riding during pregnancy is perhaps the number one cause of moral deformity among the children of Road Racers, Tourists and Posers alike. Known as Fetal Motard Syndrome, this disease also leaves its victims prone to a lifetime of vertigo, daydreaming and emotional instability.
HEREDITY
Recent Harvard studies have established that heredity plays a considerable role in determining whether a person will become an abuser of motorcycles. Most abusers have at least one parent who abused motorcycles, often beginning at an early age and progressing into adulthood. Many spouses of an addict become addicts themselves.
OTHER PREDISPOSING FACTORS
Fathers or mothers who are road race fans, collectors, or heavy leather wearers; parents who do not encourage children to play games, participate in healthy sports, or watch television (other than Speedvision) in the evening.
PREVENTION
Premarital screening and counseling, referral to adoption agencies in order to break the chain of abuse. One percenters in particular should seek partners active in other fields. Children should be encouraged to seek physical activity and to avoid isolation and morbid introspection.

One could turn out like this fellow!