· Letter from the Prez

Again, I’d like to say a big “Thank You” for all of the efforts and contributions toward keeping the Wanderers an active motorcycle club. In the past couple of months we’ve seen an explosion of activity and participation with the newsletter, the website, rides, and several new members added to the roster. And there’s more to come! For those of you who have contributed, a big pat on the back. For everyone else, I encourage you to get involved.

It’s always a good feeling to be involved doing something worthwhile, especially when you can do it and enjoy yourself at the same time (such as riding a motorcycle on a beautiful San Diego day). The Wanderers participated in two charity events this past month. The San Diego Optimists Club sponsored a ride to raise money for San Diego’s kids. This was the first time they’ve sponsored a motorcycle charity event, and I hope they’ll continue next year. The Wanderers received a colorful Certificate of Appreciation for our participation….a really nice touch from them. On rather short notice, we also participated in the Annual Blue Knights Charity Run. Each year this organization sponsors a rather large ride, with proceeds going to different causes. This year’s benefactors will be disabled persons who will be able to benefit by companion dogs. This is the third year running that the Wanderers have participated in this run.

And speaking of charity events, most of you know that the Wanderers were co-sponsors last year of the San Diego Toy Run, which provides Christmas gifts to underprivileged area children who might not otherwise receive anything from Santa. We can all look forward to doing it again this year. At May’s monthly meeting, we voted to again be co-sponsors of the event. Rick and Steve Moyer are already very active in attending planning and organization meetings with the other co-sponsors, and will continue right up until the day of the Toy Run in November. We all owe them a huge thank you for their efforts. A charity ride of this magnitude really takes a lot of planning and hard work. Let’s all pitch in wherever we can.

We can also applaud Don Presten for leading an effort to raise rehabilitation funds for Steve Lasko. I’m sure Don will include information in this newsletter in that regard, so I won’t go into details here. All I will say is that Don has voluntarily taken on a huge task, and could use all of the help the Wanderers can give him. We’re with you, Don!

So, who says motorcycle riders are a bunch of bums? Sounds to me like we’ve got a great bunch of people here!

Ride Safe and Sane,

Ron Growel

· San Diego Optimist Club's 1st Annual Charity Poker Run for the Kids

Recap by Bill Edwards - On May 6, the Wanderer's and some guests rode for a good cause, the San Diego Optimist Club's 1st Annual Charity Poker Run for the Kids. We'll ride for any old excuse, of course, but this was a worthy event. I'm sorry more riders didn't show up.

We rode as a group, with Ron Growel leading the way. (Good thing too, I didn't really study the route before we left!) The ride started and ended at the Paradise Hills VFW on Reo Drive in south San Diego, and took us out Otay Lakes Rd, up Hwy 94 to Barret Lake, Campo, Pine Valley, Alpine and back to the starting point, with three stops along the way, all at VFW posts. At each stopping point we were met with friendly smiles and sincere folks who were donating their time for this event. It was impressive.

The ride itself included a neat road, La Posta, which cuts over from old 94 to old 80. Neither Ron nor myself had taken that road before. The scenery was great. Of course the entire backcountry area was gorgeous. After going through Pine Valley on old 80, we headed all the way up Japatul to Tavern Rd and Alpine. "How green was my Japatul (Valley)?" was what went through my head.

Free spaghetti lunch back at the starting point. My "poker" hand was non-existent, but I did win a Harley long sleeved t-shirt for my ticket, and by the way (John Q, eat your heart out!) the ride pins were great! We had eight bikes, and at least four won gift certificates at various bike shops here in town. Thanks Ron, and Dick, Rod & Rose, Anthony, Jim, Jeff, and the other guy (sorry, I cant remember his name...he was riding a Virago 1100, which he'd recently purchased, but told us he had a 750 also, which he'd put over 80,000 miles on...that's impressive. He also told us he's riding to Washington D.C. in October!) for a great ride and good company.

And thanks to the Border Bandits too, they were out there today too, just a bit behind us.

I normally don't like these poker run things, but this was a fun one, and I hope the Optimists do it again next year.

(Addendum by Rod Fleming) The winning poker hand was aces and queens full house. Jeff donated the winnings back to the kids, proving once again that bikers are good folks. The name of the other rider was Richard Samson. I proved my inability to lead by breaking up the group twice in 20 min even with Rose admonishing me to SLOW DOWN. I guess I am just throttle happy ;-) Every one that road got prizes and a good time was had by all.

This next ride report (of the same ride) comes to us courtesy of Jeff Lightburn of the SoCal Cruisers…

Teaming Up to Benefit Kids

When the Wanders invited us to join them for the San Diego Optimists Charity Poker Run a few weeks ago, I thought, “Hey, here’s a chance to see some new scenery and, at the same time, help a great cause and spread goodwill amongst fellow VOC riders.”

But I got to tell you, the “excuse” to ride was only the first step in what was to be one of my best road trips in quite a while (Ok, Avi was great. So was the Museum of Tolerance. Ports-O-Call and Senor Licos, YUM-- There’s a lot great outings). But the beauty of the San Diego ride had to do with the weather—a perfect 70 degrees—crisp cool, clean air, winding roads dotted by streams and colorful vegetation, little traffic, and a leisurely pace that allowed you to enjoy and take it all in.

The ride down from Orange County to the gathering point in Chula Vista was a great start to an even better day. Somehow, soaking in the sunrise view on PCH headed south was more invigorating than the weekday sunrise madness on the 405 headed to work.

The Wanderers had 10 bikes in all join their group, and we headed out to rendezvous with other riders at the VFW. After registering, our travels took us down through old Highway 80 to Alpine, and over to Harbyson Canyon Road and up to Jamacha. As Ron Growel will attest, this is a terrific route to ride in the spring and fall—and you cover diverse terrain ranging from mountainous roads to open desert. The route through the Cleveland National Forrest was exceptionally pretty, with a number of roadside streams brimming with water.

We made three stops along the way—where we took butt brakes and drew for our Poker hands. The Optimists manning each stop kept us honest! Upon return to the VFW in Chula Vista, we enjoyed a spaghetti dinner and drew our final cards. Well, that’s where Lady Luck patted me on the back and said, “Buddy, this REALLY is your lucky day.” With three aces and two queens, my full house won the $100 pot!

I donated the money back to the Optimists, who were raising money for kids educational and inner-city programs. I did so in the name of our SoCal Cruisers and Wanderers. After picking themselves up off the floor, the Optimists and VFW thanked us profusely. Like Ron said, “bikers are good folks.”

But it kept getting better. I also won a drawing, which provided me a tinted shield for my Nolan helmet, and a T-shirt from the local BMW dealer—which had, yes, a K1200LT emblem on it! Was this Déjà vu, or what?! I had to get outa there before people got tired of my winning.

So, the ride was a big hit in my mind and heart—but being able to give back some winnings for kids made it even better.

Just goes to prove—sometimes there’s a surprise benefit when you’re ridin’ for the right cause. See “yall” on the next go around. Ride Safe.

· Dick Useted’s May 10^th Wednesday Ride

I got out this morning for a stint through east county. Went out 94 to Campo and up Buckman Springs Rd then old 80 to Sunrise. >From I 8 I traveled the full length of Sunrise to S79 and back down 79 to I 8 and encountered zero traffic. Some cars were going the other way but it was like I had a private road all to myself. 40 miles of nothing but empty blacktop. About half way up Sunrise the wind really kicked up but it was still a wonderful ride. And my mother-in-law wonders why I didn't want to go back to Michigan to live. (grin)

· Wanderers Ride to March Air Force Base

May 14, 2000

Re-Cap by John Q. Lawrence - It was another purrrfect Southern California Sunday. The Wanderer's gathered at the usual feed depot, Denny's, for a trip to Riverside and the Air Force's annual left coast showing of it's wares at March Air Force Base. We've learned to ask for Anna as our waitress. She has a thing for people who ride motorcycles and is determined to get us off to a good start with a large breakfast and coffee…more coffee...need more coffee guys?

The ride was sparsely attended, maybe because it was Moms day. Led by President Ron Growel on his Roadstar the entourage consisted of Jim Webb, Rod and Rose Flemming and John Q. Lawrence on their Virago's.

This was an all freeway scoot, which caused my mind to meander into the "wonder what this would be like on a Yamaha Venture" area. Hmmmmmmm.

Once at our destination we found the Air Force had thoughtfully provided a motorcycle parking area. Unfortunately it was smack up against the auto parking area and situated so our bikes completely blocked any chance that more than a few air show attendees would be leaving before us.

Hey, the MP's said "Park There!" Who were we to argue?

The Air Force show is very similar to the familiar Miramar Air Show put on by the Navy each year with some classic planes parked along with the new. We looked over an F-4 Phantom from the Vietnam era with Rod observing that that particular airplane proved one thing.."strap” a big enough engine on a rock and you can make it fly." (Rod was in the Air Force and knows all this technical stuff).

What a contrast between an World War II era B-17 (Ron got to go inside for awhile), the Korean War era B-52 (a tribute to how well aluminum holds up) and the still pretty much untried B-1 bomber which proved another point…you can throw a lot more money into an airplane but you don't necessarily make it better.

The eerily quiet Stealth fighter put on a display as did the services tankers and cargo aircraft. We didn't stick around long enough to enjoy the aerobatics of the Air Force "Thunderbirds" hunger and sore feet winning out over six buck burgers on the flight line. It's a good thing we chose to leave when we did though. A family had found itself locked into its parking space by bikes and were beginning to think in terms of moving motorcycles (which is to say ours) on their own to make an escape.

Ron, Rod and Rose stopped on the way home for supper while John and Jim continued, both with Mom's day responsibilities at home.

Another great day, good ride especially if you own a Venture or Road Star and like freeways (hmmmm again) and as always, good company.

· Another Weekday Ride - Gary Steinweg

Took a short ride this afternoon. North thru Escondido past Lake Wolford, east on S-6 all the way up to Palomar, then back down S-7 and onto Mesa Grande, then back home thru Ramona. 125 miles.

The buffalo I spotted last year in a pasture on Citrus Road in rural Escondido is still there. He's also got a donkey in there along with a couple horses.

The road was totally mine. Everywhere. The temperature couldn't have been better. Brisk.

Everything is still very green. The grasses are getting taller. Mesa Grande was kinda special today. Normally I ride thru there around 55-60 MPH. Others go thru faster, some slower. But today, with everything as beautiful as it is gonna get, I decided to poddle thru at 45 mph. Whata treat.

Saw a wild turkey with 9 or 10 chicks. Wild turkeys are about half the size of those that sit on your table at Thanksgiving. They can fly too. This one was in no hurry to get away; I guess
I wasn't too threatening. As I was sitting there by the side of the road a pickup truck came past me from the direction I was heading. He saw the turkey too and stopped and told me there were a couple deer playing in the field about a half-mile back. When I went by, they were still there.

I love Mesa Grande. Horses standing knee deep in foxtails, wild oats and clover. Green as far as the eye can see.

On the way from Santa Ysabel down to Ramona, the road was still clear.

Just another day in paradise.

· Wanderers on the Blue Knight’s Run

Recap by Bill Edwards and Ron Growel - The Wanderer's had a decent turnout for this year's ride, with 8 members making the ride (4 of these were riding two up), and 8 guests (2 of which were two up). Lessee, there were 13 bikes! I know that fer sure! We had 4 Viragos, 1 RoadStar, 1 Harley, 2 Beemer's, 2 Honda's, and 3 Kawasaki's.

I never got a count of all the bikes that took part today, but it was a fairly large amount. I'm not gonna guess either, 'cause I'd probably be way off. We saw some interesting bikes too, including a Honda CB400A Hawk that had been converted so the owner could drive it from his wheelchair, and a Gold Wing that had a roof on it!

We met this morning at the usual spot, Denny's in Kearney Mesa, and rode over to MotorSport Warehouse in Poway about 8:20AM. I got to lead this part of the ride, since I knew where the place was.

After signing up, getting our pins, etc, we had a good safety briefing by ride captain Ron Growel, and I was chosen for sweeper duty. It was already getting pretty warm as we headed up through Poway towards Highland Valley
Road (which I was convinced would be covered with rusty little nails just waiting for my new tire!)

The route took us up Highland Valley to Bandy Canyon, then up 78 (I love that part of the road) and straight on out 10th through Ramona to Wildcat Canyon Rd. It was darned hot now! Nonetheless we were having a great time, but then, at the Barona Casino, Rod & Rose Fleming had to pull over. It seems that since Gary Steinweg had missed this ride, Rod got "stuck" with the bee-catcher duties. Ouch! Sucker got inside his vest and crawled around for a while, doing his thing.

Once we got regrouped, we headed for a butt-break in Lakeside, and then headed up Lake Jennings Road towards Olde Hwy 80. Unfortunately, one of our guests, Pam Farina, had some bike troubles along the way, her oil light came on, and the Kawasaki ES500 was kinda sputtering, and then died on her. A rider from the Southern Cruisers, Robert Williams, luckily had some oil in his bags, but the bike wouldn't start, even with a bump start. I think Pam had just had the bike serviced also!

However, the oil was not the culprit, it was something to do with the fuel filter or whatever the little filter thing is on the gas lever. After we waited awhile, it still wouldn't start, but putting the lever on reserve seemed to do the trick. It started under the hands of Jim Hockett, to much applause.

Other than missing the turn for Harbinson Cnyn at Arnold Way, the rest of the ride was uneventful, I suppose. Oh, we had to regroup a few times due to traffic, and there was a bad wreck on the 805 before we got to the exit at Home Ave, which delayed us some, but we finally made it to the San Diego Police Department Shooting Range and some well earned Spaghetti dinner. Well, 11 of us did. John Q. Lawrence had to head home, and Pam also.

But it was a good ride for a good cause, and I wouldn’t of missed it. We'll do it again next year. Thanks to Ron Growel and Lorn, Dick Usted, Rod & Rose Fleming, Jim Hockett, John Q. Lawrence, Kevin Haywood, Jim Hunt, Pam Farina, and from the Southern Cruisers, Dave Hannifan and Cindy, Robert Williams, Kevin (?) and James (?). It was great riding with all of you today.

Added by Ron Growel:

Riding with the Wanderers is always an adventure of some sort, and this ride was no different. Following the route was pretty easy since Lorn was reading the instructions (finally, a woman who can follow directions) and using the intercom to tell me where to go (seems like she's always doing that <grin>). We'll never tell the true story at the Arnold Way turn, let's just say we couldn't provide an "error-free" ride and still be Wanderers.

The good news is we had a great ride with a bunch of good people. I was particularly impressed on two occasions when we had to make unplanned stops (Rod's bee visitation, and Pam's mechanical difficulties). Everyone must have been paying attention to the safety talk at the beginning of the ride, and when these two bikes dropped out, we managed to get everyone stopped in very short order (1 1/2 miles on Wildcat Canyon Road). Considering that 13 bikes were spread out on hilly, curved roads, where rear visibility is very limited, I'd say this was an excellent performance by everyone.

All in all, a great day, a great ride, and great people. Hope to see y'all again real soon.

· Letter from Pam – to the Wanderer’s

Ron,

Please share as much of this as you'd like with the group.

I had two concerns when considering whether to run with the Wanderers. One being, will I feel comfortable and have a good time. Well, the Wanderers are a wonderful group of people and made me feel like an old friend.

The second concern was making sure I wasn't the "women" of the group who had bike problems. Dang, failed that one. Thank you for sharing other bike breakdown stories and assisting me with oil, waiting in the hot sun with me while my bike cooled, pop starting my bike, and pushing my bike.

I learned a good lesson on Sunday. Not only must I be diligent about keeping my bike well tuned, but I must also add #5 to my usual checklist before riding:

    1. Is chain in good shape
    2. Tire's proper inflation
    3. Brakes, lights\signals all working
    4. Gas
    5. Check Oil-Especially after a tune-up!!!!!

I'm also going to practice pop starting my bike. I had to leave the ride early because my bike was still cutting out. After I got on the freeway, it
seemed to do fine and I had no problem getting home.

Thank you again for a great day and I hope you'll consider letting me ride again with you all. That is after Lemon Grove Motorcycle "gives" me a free full inspection to make sure nothing was damaged and\or repairs what was
damaged.

Who do I owe the oil to? Which would you like, the same oil (if so, what was the brand and type and how to get it to you) or would you prefer cash? My husband would prefer the oil so he doesn't have to go to the store. Let me
know. And again thank you.

Thanks – Pam

· A View From the Back-Half of the Saddle
By Pat Sammarco

How Did We Get Here?

It all started because Larry and I have been involved in SCCA sports car racing. We have both been drivers, although I most enjoyed pushing myself and the car, alone, on a course, in autocross competition. Then Larry took our 240Z one step further to C-Production road racing. We also worked the racing events, he a starter, I in timing and scoring. Our home track was Road America at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The AMA held its first race there and used our workers; we'd never seen motorcycle road racing before. It is elegant and exciting. Larry divulged a lifelong dream of having a motorcycle. We first learned to ride at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's basic rider course, and finished our last session with our Yamaha 550 Maxim in the van, on its way home. We've since had a 750 Maxim, and now the 1100 Virago.

Sharing the Road

Sitting on either half of the saddle requires each to be aware and alert of all the things that may happen on a ride. Many riders enjoy being alone on their machine on the road, but many of us enjoy sharing the road with, or as a passenger. Freedom of the road shared is sometimes twice as good.

One bike: two riders

We each took turns being each other's passenger. We both know both halves of the saddle and love riding together. I have a chronic condition that has caused me to lose grip…not with reality…but in reality, loose my ability to grip, or reach the controls. If you want to know more about Scleroderma ask me, or contact the Scleroderma Foundation (scleroderma.org), but we don't need to dwell on it here. Larry and I love riding together, and there is almost as much fun to be had looking over his shoulder.

Ultimate Trust

I frequently reflect on the ultimate trust that is involved in sharing the saddle of a motorcycle. I know that either of us can control the handling of the bike. I have complete confidence in Larry's abilities, judgement and reflexes. I trustingly and knowingly put my life in his hands. I don't do this naively, but willingly. Because we ride together often, we ride together well. There are times when the bike really feels great, tuned in to every corner, machine and both riders in sync with the road…WOW!

· Sensible Approaches - By Elaine Anthony

(From the Web - Copyright © 1999-2000 by The Master Strategy Group, all rights reserved) A group of experienced tour riders I know started a rider safety conversation recently about sensible ways to handle a ‘red light is stuck’ situation. While automobile drivers usually have little reason to notice signal light sensors and how they work, the information that was shared may be quite interesting to motorcyclists. I can’t say that this information is ‘gospel,’ but it sounded pretty accurate to me.

First, there are two types of signal lights: timed traffic signals (signals that follow a sequence based solely on time) and actuated signals (signals that alter their sequence based on demand). Actuated signals are activated by vehicle detectors.

Several types of vehicle detectors are in use today in the United States. These include:

1) video cameras that detects movement

2) radar units that detect movement

3) sonar units that detect distance to an object

4) magnetic sensors that detect changes in the earth’s magnetic field caused by moving metal

5) loop detectors.

Video cameras, radar, sonar and laser detectors are being used for various kinds of traffic control; some are already installed on the Houston freeways and on toll roads. Especially at rural intersections with fitful traffic patterns, signal lights may be video controlled. In most cities and states, however, loop detectors are used.

A loop detector is the most popular device used to govern traffic signals, probably accounting for more than 90% of the detectors in use in the United States. These work just like a metal detector. Typically, three or four turns of wire are placed in or below the pavement in a 6'x6' loop. Multiple loops may be installed to extend the detector’s coverage area.

Some riders who are faced with a ‘stuck’ red light may think that a Gold Wing or other motorcycle isn’t ‘heavy enough’ to trip the sensor. Clearly this does not happen at all intersections, but most riders know of one or two where the lights regularly fail to change when they pull up on their bike, but change for a car. Does weight make a difference?

Because the sensor is a metal detector, a vehicle’s weight doesn't really affect it. It reacts to only the presence of metal (or an electromagnetic field). Most of these loop sensors merely serve as an antenna known as a whetstone bridge. When a certain mass of iron interferes with the balance of the circuit, the circuit reacts. If the electrical value of the antenna/bridge changes in any way, the voltage will be changed, triggering a relay to switch the lights. These sensors detect large masses of metal, and a touring bike surely qualifies. A sensor may be out of adjustment, however.

The sensitivity of a loop detector varies due to a number of parameters. It is affected by its front panel sensitivity setting, the number of turns of wire in the loop, the number of loops that are connected to one detector unit (the electronics of the device is called a detector amplifier), and the length of wire connecting the loop(s) to its detector unit. Additionally, a loop can be incorrectly installed right next to concrete rebar, which tends to overwhelm any signal coming from vehicles above. It is also possible to put a loop too far below the surface of the pavement.

While you are sitting there "stuck at the light," one additional thing to remember is that the traffic signal may forget you’re there. In the case of motion detectors, the device’s memory must be turned on. (Also note that it does no good to roll up slowly to an intersection that employs a motion detector). But with loop detectors, because they detect presence, memory is often turned off. Turning it off prevents the signal from constantly changing for vehicles that have made a right-turn-on-red. However, if your bike goes beyond the detection zone, the device will forget you, and you’ll sit and sit.

There are some tips that may help you outwit these witless devices. First, start noticing where they are. Traffic intersections are often grooved so that detector loops can be buried. Grooves may run both perpendicular to and parallel with the direction of travel. If the paving contractor installs the wire loops after paving the road, you may see the saw cracks from loop installation. If you can't see the loop, you can usually presume it is a 6’x6’ loop, centered in the lane and probably six to twelve feet behind the stopbar.

Thus, if a motorcyclist can’t depend on a car to trigger a signal light to change, then the best place to stop for a signal light is probably three feet to the side of the center of the lane, with the front tire about six feet behind the stopbar.

Before you decide to run a red light that’s ‘stuck,’ here are a couple of other ideas you might want to consider (besides checking in your mirror):

1) Pass your motorcycle directly over the lines marking the perimeter of the sensor. You may even roll back a couple of feet to help the sensor "see" the bike. Depending on where other traffic is stopped or moving nearby, this may or may not be possible.

2) After sitting through one cycle of the lights, some people put their side stand (or center stand) down -- the idea being that having actual metal touch the road helps.

3) You might position your bike right on top of the "line" cut into the pavement, then hit the kill switch and restart your engine. On a marginally maladjusted sensor, this may create enough of a magnetic field to trip the light. (Another suggestion is to hit your starter button without turning your engine off, as it will have a similar effect.)

4) If you know you must cross a dangerous intersection where this problem often exists and you have not been able to get it fixed by your local officials, consider changing your route or going around an extra block to avoid the intersection.

5) If there is a "pedestrian button", consider getting off the bike and pressing that button.

If nothing else works, especially for a group of riders committed to a particular course of travel, wait until traffic clears, then run the red light carefully. You may want to wait through more than one full cycle before taking this course of action, to be sure you are not perceived by other drivers as simply flaunting the law.

If you know of traffic lights in your area which routinely fail to change in response to the presence of a bike, the sensitivity of the detector is out of adjustment. Out-of-adjustment sensors should be reported to your state highway department or to the agency responsible for maintaining local traffic controls.

· Summary of May Members Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 7PM by President Ron Growel. Members and officers in attendance were Rick & Steve Moyer, PA Davis, Larry & Pat Sammarco, Rod & Rose Fleming, Bill Edwards, Jim Webb, Don Presten, Gary Steinweg, and Dick Usted. Ron G. read a summary of the April minutes because yours truly had forgotten to bring them.

Treasurer Gary Steinweg reported our current balance as $539.00.

There was a discussion of membership level: including S.O's, we have 28 members on the roster.

Old Business:

1. No update available on MSF rider course.

2. Pat S. reported 7 members committed for the CPR course on June 3, and the Deadline of May 22 was set for signing up, with a deadline of May 31 for the fees. Rose F. confirmed she will provide the facilities at Sweetwater Lodge. The fees will be $20.75 plus $10.00 for food. Gary S. using dues to defray some percentage of the cost for members, but this motion was defeated in a vote. A subsequent anon. motion was taken to defray the cost of the CPR video rental ($20.00).

3. Rick Moyer discussed the annual San Diego Toy Run, scheduled the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and the need for the Wanderer's to decide whether to again be a formal sponsor. The problem this year is that the commitment is bigger monetarily, with the potential cost to the Wanderer's of $300.00 should the event be sparsely attended due to rain. Rick explained the reasons for this in detail, as well as the ramifications. He explained that the ride will likely be much larger than last years, due to new sponsorship (Rancho Jeep) , and that the format for the ride this year will likely be more of a Poker Run, but definitely not the Parade style of the past years. The destination may also change, but many details are left to be worked out. He explained that the Wanderer's should remain committed to this Ride, since 100% of funds will, as always, go to the Saint Vincent de Paul, but the only question was whether to remain actual sponsors of the ride, due to increased costs. He explained that ABATE fronts the money for this event, and if it doesn't sell enough T-Shirts, they're simply out the money, and the Wanderers would be too, potentially $300.00.

The ride will be advertised by Rancho Jeep as the "Holiday of Hope"; the deadline for ordering T-shirts, increased to 300 from the past 200, at a cost of $8.00 each, is July 1st. A vote was taken on the question of continued sponsorship, which passed 7 to 3.

3. Club patches...carried over to nest meeting.

4. A certificate of appreciation from the Optimists was presented to the Club for our participation in the recent ride.

New Business:

1. Charter Amendment voted in.

2. Ride agenda was presented by the President.

3. New meeting location suggestions are to be presented at the next meeting, June 21.

4. Don Presten discussed ongoing efforts to raise funds for Steve Lazsko's rehabilitation costs, and a tentative plan to have a fund raising ride on August 19, 2000. Such an event would require lots of dedication and participation by the Wanderer's membership. Without 100% effort and participation by the membership, the effort would not be successful. He advised the John DelSanto is involved, and will be discussing this effort with the AMA and the Council of Clubs.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20PM

· Note from our Webmaster

The Wanderers Website is turning out to be a very popular destination! Since being posted on March 21st of this year the site has hosted more than 13 hundred visitors.

Some additions were made in May including an Adobe Acrobat formatted membership application. Users with this "free" program on their PC's can now open the application in Acrobat fill in the blanks and E-mail the form back to club officers without having to print, fill in and snail mail it.

We've added more names to the "members" page this month. Welcome to Carol (Tommie) Gilbertson, John Hamm, James Hunt and Anthony Parker.

The Wanderers sure ride a lot! As always our scribes were busy penning ride recaps. Three were added to the site in May including the Optimists Ride, our trip to Airfest 2000 in Riverside and the Blue Knights charity ride. Read all about em by clicking the "past rides"
button. In some cases we're even posting multiple recaps!

The "Future Rides" page has been updated, adding our Thursday evening gatherings at Por Favor restaurant and pub in La Mesa for hot rod nights and, due to our busy schedules, deleting a planned camping trip for the weekend of June 10th and 11th.

"Pillion Tales" has it's first official story thanks to Pat Sammarco. We're still waiting for short stories from other Wanderer's and friends who choose (even if only occasionally) to ride the back seat.

Last, but certainly not least, this very newsletter is now available online by clicking the "newsletter" button.

As always your suggestions for improving the site are welcome.

Wanderers Webmaster
John Q. Lawrence

· Wanderers New Members

The Wanderers would like to welcome the following new members:

Carol (Tommie) Gilbertson

John Hamm

James Hunt
Tera Salo

· Looking for a new Meeting Place

The Wanderer’s are looking for a new location for its monthly meetings. While Giovanni's Restaurant has been great to us, it is just too noisy and makes hearing the speakers very difficult. We are looking for another restaurant in the same area that will allow us better conditions to hold our meetings. If you know of such a place, please call them and see if they can accommodate us – if so, let Ron know and we’ll take a look.

· Personal Note from the Newsletter Editor</