Guests: Tom Voelker; Justin Kramer & Jessica Baldwin.

Greg Huber called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

MINUTES: Doc moved that the minutes be accepted as posted to the web site; Carole seconded. Minutes were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Gary reported no activity on the account with the exception of a monthly bank fee. Treasury balance is $952.16. John Q. moved that the report be accepted as read; Rod seconded. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Since only nine people signed up, it was suggested that the weekend at Foster Lodge on Mount Laguna be rescheduled. Hopefully, we will have a larger turnout.

2. Carole reported on the findings of the Christmas party committee. It was decided that the event would be a "come as you are" instead of the original suggestion about making this a "dress-up" affair. As Carole put it (much to the hilarity of the members), "Clothing optional!" While this pronouncement might enliven the party, we urge all members to wear clothes. The committee will be meeting on September 10th at Sweetwater Lodge to check out the facilities and to go over the menu, decorating, and other items. All committee members are urged to attend.

3. Suggestions for the beneficiaries of the 2005 Christmas In July event should submit them to Steve Mitchell at steveogolf@cox.net . So far, we have decided that the proceeds should target senior citizens, perhaps through Meals On Wheels, or a selected Senior Care Facility. Gary is going to check on Belmont in Saber Springs.

4. Members were reminded that next month’s meeting will be held at Potrero County Park, due to the fact that it coincides with the Annual Fall Campout. Members who are not camping, but are planning on attending the meeting, need to contact Rose at venture-rose@cox.net , so we can be sure to have enough food. The Moonlight Ride will originate at the campground on Saturday evening.

5. Membership booklets are ready for printing. If you would like to have one, please contact John Q. at johnq@cox.net or Carole at womantriker@aol.com .

6. Sparrow will be putting out the newsletter for the month of September. Members are reminded to get their articles, pictures, or biographies to her no later than the 28th of each month. Submit them to spanishsparrow@yahoo.com.

RIDES:

Tina’s Chicken Run Tina Brooks August 29
Pie a la Mode-rcycle John Q. September 11
Las Vegas Heat Steve Mitchell September 17-19
Anti-Destination Ride (alternate) September 18
Fall Campout MEMBERS ONLY September 24-26
Moonlight Ride Greg Huber September 25
Baron’s Custom Show (alternate) September 25-26
Angeles Crest Mike Calderone October 30
Cook’s Corner Gery Marcelino October (date TBD)
Simi Valley Tom Warren October (date TBD)
Big Bear Weekend Paul Barban Date TBD
La Fonda Sunday Brunch Rod Fleming Date TBD

Please check the web site for these and other rides.

SAFETY FIRST: John Q. shared a series of photographs which he downloaded from the internet, illustrating what happens when a rider tries to take a particularly tight curve too fast. (The pictures were taken at Deal’s Gap, TN, on the "Tail of the Dragon", an especially challenging 11-mile stretch of highway containing 311 curves.) The rider was: (a) fully loaded and didn’t take in to consideration the fact that he was much lower to the ground than usual; (b) traveling at a much too high rate of speed; (c) unable to gain control due to having locked up his front brake. Doc pointed out two specific points where the rider could have regained control, had he not been going so fast in the first place. While we may not have anything as severe as the Dragon to contend with, riders are reminded that awareness, road conditions, speed, and common sense are paramount in avoiding mishaps on our own "twisties".

Someone motioned to adjourn; someone else seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10:35, and Doc led an after-meeting ride.