WANDERERS GENERAL MEETING
February 23, 2008
ATTENDING: Russ & Katie Greene, Carole Helstrom, Rob Poindexter, Jon McDonald-Gibson, Bryan Crawford, Doc Cassidy Mike & Jenn Randazzo, Debbie Giamanco, Larry Weeden, Mike
Bojanowski, Doc O'Connor, Dave & Kate Hardwick, Jason Eidsmoe, Ken Storm,
Guests: Sterling Slagle
Russ called the meeting to order at 10:00AM.
MINUTES: Jenn moved that the minutes be accepted as posted to the website. Ken seconded. The minutes were unanimously approved.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Rob reported that the ending balance last month was $342.54. He has taken in $340 in renewal dues The expenditures this month, were $113.67 for patches, and $20 for Steve Martin's dinner, leaving the current balance at $567.87. Carole moved the treasurer's report be accepted as read. Katie seconded. The report was unanimously accepted.
Guests introduced themselves and were welcomed to the meeting. Sterling.lagle (a guest today)
from the Elks Lodge in Lakeside, has invited the Wanderers to start/end a ride there as they would be thrilled to serve us. They are fully set up in their "restaurant" area to accommodate us.
He also talked of the Wanderers riding with his Harley group, sharing a "theme ride" thery did.
"The Bridges."
OLD BUSINESS:
Katie reminded us that this is membership renewal time, and that the deadline for renewing is March 22nd. The club welcomed Mike Bojanowskie as a new member! Katie distributed club pins to Mike, and other recent joiners. She told of Wanderers products available for purchase: large patches-$30, small patches $5, decals-$1.50.
Nominations are being accepted for club officers. Nominations made at the meeting are:
President - Russ Greene (nominated by Katie, seconded by Doc O'Connor
Vice President - Ken Storm (nominated by Katie, seconded by Jenn)
Secretary - Nancy Nemecek (nominated by Carole, seconded by Mike Randazzo
Treasurer - Rob Poindexter (nominated by Mike Randazzo, seconded by Katie)
Member Liaison - Katie Greene (nominated by Doc Cassidy, seconded by Carole)
Any other nominations should be sent to Carole Helstrom, Secretary, so they can be added to the slate. Remember to get approval from the person you wish to nominate before nominating them.
The Ballot committee will be established at the March meeting. Volunteers names will be taken then. We need three members. If more than 3 volunteer, the first three names drawn will make up the committee.
NEW BUSINESS:
Speedometers - a discussion was held regarding the rate of speed traveled on some ride. The speed reported by riders throughout the line were significantly different. Jon McDonald-Gibson
suggested setting up a speed check test to see where 60, 70 mph readings on the bikes fit in with reality. Using a GPS and cars were discussed, and the idea was received enthusiastically. The stretch between Santo and Mesa Blvd was suggested (even meeting at a coffee shop at Santo for rides north was mentioned.) Jon will work on setting this speed check date up.
The fact that some are intimidated by speeds they feel are too fast, and others felt that sometimes we go too slow, once again brought up the idea of two groups allowing riders to choose the second group (which would go at a more moderate pace) to allow them to feel more comfortable, It was pointed out that we have been riding in two groups for some time as our
group of "regulars" has risen to 15-20. so this would be easy to do. It's the long rides, and freeway rides that bring this issue up. It doesn't matter if the "cookers" go in group 1, and "non-cookers" go in group 2.we're all ending up at the same place. Our goal is not to push anyone.. our goal is fun, and safety. It is never a policy to exceed speed limits, and addressing the speedometer issue is an important first step here.
If anyone feels uncomfortable with the pace, wait for the first stop, and move towards the back of the line, in front of the sweep. That will prevent large gaps, and rubber-banding, which adds danger to the group.
Jon wants the ride leader to stick to speed limit. Rob points out that there are times when the slowest traffic is over the speed limit. Deb asked about the need to go to the fast lane on the freeway, Carole pointed out that the club has always aimed for the number two lane on multi-lane roads, as statistics show it's the safest.
Conversations such as this are always productive for club members.
Cell phone share list - Carole brought up the need for a cell phone share list that can be accessible to members who want to BE ON IT, and SHARE IT. As Secretary, she is constantly getting calls to request member’s phone numbers. Doc O'Connor took all cell phone numbers of
riders on his last ride, and many thought this was a great idea. Adding these numbers to individual info on our website was discussed. Some members do not want their cell phone number on the site. Carole Helstrom cautioned that these numbers ONLY be shared with those
on the share list, placed in your individual cell phone address (or home phone) book, and NOT GIVEN TO ANYONE OR GO ANYWHERE ELSE. This was agreed to, and a sheet was passed around for info regarding who wants to share their numbers, and where. Carole will organize this. and give the list of numbers to go on the website to Katie, and the whole share list to those signing on.
NEW RIDES:
We have been really riding! Some short, some long, many impromptu. That's what we are all about! Jason - proposes a ride to Monterey on Friday March 14th. He will be staying with family, and those who choose to go will need to arrange for accommodations, It will be a members only ride. Dates are 3/13-14-15.although Jason can stay longer is someone wishes to.
3/8 - Desert Ride
5/17-Casino Pauma
5/18-Kent's Memorial Ride
6/6-8-Big Bear
Check the website for details. Jenn wants someone to plan a Bridges Ride, Mike R is planning a Palm Springs Ride, and a Dam Ride..watch for details!
SAFETY FIRST: THIS & THAT:
Ken reported on the Group Riding Discussion dinner with Steve Martin. It was well attended, and everyone found Steve was very informative, flexible, and helpful. Ken suggested we have such meetings more often. One of the results from that meeting was directed at adding to the ride protocol, specifically in relation to placement of trikes in the line. Ken passed out a sheet with some ideas and additions, and rewording. There was a lengthy discussion which included the following thoughts, ideas:
- let ride captain decide where trikes ride (rides are governed by the leader), but captain should not be allowed to override the club protocol (unless emergency situation demands)
- if different leaders set different protocols it is confusing, consistency is necessary
- no one should tell a rider where they have to ride (unless there's a safety issue being caused at that time by something )
- protocol is the place we start to be sure we are all on the same page, enhances our safety
- trikes should not be on the left
- riders need to check mirrors more often
- signals need to be above your head so they can be seen by riders behind you
- signals need to be passed back
Russ will send out Ken's notes to the list. Indicate changes desired, or not. Russ suggested we all reread the entire ride protocols on our website, so we can discuss this further at the next meeting.
GADGETS:
Bryan shared reusable ties that he found at Home Depot.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:03...so moved by Carole, seconded by Doc. Let's ride!
Respectfully submitted,
Carole Helstrom
Secretary