ATTENDING:  Rod & Rose Fleming; Greg & Seanna Huber; Sean Brooks; Carole Helstrom; Kent Saxton; Russ Greene; Doc & Bonnie Cassidy; Steve & Melinda Mitchell; Diane Keneally; Paul & Sharie Barban; Tom Warren; John Q. Lawrence; Ted Cox; Gary Steinweg; Gery Marcelino; Don Petrick; Bill Edwards; Leon Smeiska.
 
Greg Huber called the meeting to order at 10:05 AM.
 
MINUTES:  Kent offered a correction to last month’s minutes:  The term “test” as is used in relation to the Ride Skills exercise, should be changed to “demonstration”.  The use of the word “test”, is misleading.  Carole proposed that the minutes be accepted as corrected; Sean seconded.  Motion passed.
 
TREASURER’S REPORT:  There is currently $802.42 in the treasury.  This amount includes $5.00 that has been set aside in a Charity Event Sub-Account.
 
OLD BUSINESS: 
 
Christmas in July:   Steve reported on the progress of the Christmas in July event.  His committee consists of the following:  Diane, Sharie, Carole, Debra Smith; & Melinda.  Steve has approached Buck Knives, Home Depot and other businesses asking for donations to a raffle.  Members are reminded that any sizeable donation checks should be made payable directly to the beneficiary of this event.  Since we have chosen a privately-owned Senior Citizens’ facility as our beneficiary this year, donations are not tax-deductible.  Doc suggested that those who wish to make their donations tax-deductible could give them to a church (or other non-profit organization) and ask that they be given to our beneficiary.  If members have any questions about this, they can contact Doc for clarification.  Members who have items they wish to sell on E-Bay, can contact Steve at steveogolf@cox.net.  He is willing to pick up small items.
 
Throat Mikes:   Steve demonstrated throat mikes, which he is happy to report, work great!  The set includes two microphones, and ear piece and a safety strap.  Those who want to try them out, may do so at the Skills Demonstration.
 
Ride Captain Certification Program:   Doc is still refining the program and will be offering it in Phases.  The first phase will be offered April 9, after the Sunrise Ride.  Interested members are invited to contact Doc.  He will post a schedule as soon as it is available.
 
There was a suggestion that next month’s meeting be held at Doc’s church with a Skills Demonstration session immediately afterward.  Doc will contact the secretary to confirm that this does not conflict with his schedule.
 
Ride Skills Demonstration:  Kent distributed copies of the criteria and goals.  Video taping will be available so that members can actually see themselves riding.  The waiver that is on the back page of the handout, must be signed and turned in to Doc BEFORE the course is run.  Practice will build confidence not only the rider’s skills, but also in the bike’s capabilities.  Often times, the bike is capable of much more maneuverability than the rider is aware of.  Pins will be awarded upon successful completion of the course, and “successful completion” means being able to go through the entire riding course without putting a foot down.  Tow designs are being considered.  The first is a pre-made pin depicting a wheel with two wings.  The second incorporates the Man In The Maze replacing the wheel.  Carole will check on the manufacturing costs of the second design.
 
Dues Increase:  Gary reported that initially, the dues structure was set up to cover the “operating expenses” of the club (i.e. printing and mailing a newsletter).  Over the years, that description has expanded to include activities and awards that are funded by the Treasury (i.e. Club campouts, picnics, pins, patches, etc.)  Doc made a formal motion that effective immediately, and subject to verification through the by-laws as to procedure, the club dues be increased to $20 for single-membership, and $30 dual.  Carole seconded.  Voting was 20 “yes”-3 “no”.  Motion carried.
 
(NOTE:  Club by-laws allow for dues increases by a majority vote of those members present at any regular meeting.—R.F.)
 
In addition, it was proposed that a separate line be added to the membership form allowing members to make a voluntary contribution specifically for charitable purposes.
 
Nominations:  The Secretary is now accepting nominations for the officers positions.  Thus far, the following nominations have been received: 
 
            President                                 none at this time
            Vice President                         John Q. Lawrence
            Secretary                                 Rose Fleming
            Treasurer                                 none at this time
            Member Representative          Melinda Mitchell
 
Members are reminded that elections will be held at the next General Meeting on April 23.  Please check with your nominees before submitting their names.
 
NEW BUSINESS:  Greg passed a handy little T-wrench around which he received when he enrolled in Honda Riders Club of America.  He pointed out the not only did he get the free wrench, a $15.00 value, but he also got a $75.00 certificate towards a Motorcycle Safety Riders Course (ERC)---a good deal for his $39.00 dues.
 
SAFETY FIRST:  Kent referred to an article in the Friction Zone (Apr 2005, page26) which dealt with speed and lean angles in curves.  The gist of the article is a caution that slowing down while in the middle of a curve is a recipe for disaster.  If it is necessary to slow down, it should be done before entering the curve.  Once in the middle, your best bet of retaining control of the bike is to increase the lean angle and look at where you want to go.
 
New tires?  Check the air pressure frequently to make sure the valves have seated properly.  Also make sure that the directional arrows on the sides of the tires point toward the front of the bike, and haven’t been mounted backwards.
 
Question:  When riding in the rain, at what angle does one cross a cattle guard?
Answer:  “Straight up vertical, and do not apply the brake.”
 
Special Member Recognition goes to Bill Edwards for having completed the Streetmaster Course. (applause, applause)  A tip that he shared with us:  When entering a curve, point your NOSE in the direction you want to go.  The bike will follow.
 
EVENTS:
 
            On May 7, there will be a fundraiser supporting Rose and Seanna’s commitment to walk 60 miles in 3 days on behalf of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the National Philanthropic Trust.  This walk will take place on October 14,15 & 16, to raise funds for breast cancer education, treatment, and research.  They are walking in honor of Jeannie Adkison’s memory and in celebration of our very own Joan Q.’s survival (7 years now).  The fundraiser will consist of a rummage sale, craft fair, candle party, bake sale…and anything else they can think of to turn a dollar.:^)  All Wanderers and their families are urged to attend.  Sweetwater Lodge (where the Christmas Party was held).  Watch for announcements.
 
The Wanderers Spring Campout will be held on May 13, 14 & 15, at Potrero Park.  Volunteers are needed to prepare meals.  As in the past, we ask that you RSVP as soon as possible.  Contact Rose at venture-rose@cox.net.
 
A couple of years ago, Don Presten hosted a Spring Cleanup at his home.  He provided the power washer, and the water, and we supplied the polish and elbow grease.  It was a good time for us to get together and clean the grunge off our bikes.  Anyone wanting to volunteer to host another one, please contact John Q.
 
Greg & Seanna have offered to host the 3rd annual 4th of July BBQ at their home.  Details will be posted.
 
RIDES:
 
            Bill Edwards Café 101                                               Sunday, April 3
            Blessing of the Bikes                                                  July (Date TBA)
Someone called for adjournment. Meeting adjourned sometime way after 11:00 (I think)
 
Respectfully Submitted
Rose Fleming, Secretary