· Letter from the Prez

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Don Presten for volunteering to become our Newsletter Editor and for putting this all together. Although I can’t say it is our first Newsletter, as we have published some in the past, it is the first in quite some time and hopefully will be the first of many on a regular basis.

Along with this “First in a Great While Newsletter”, we have very recently launched our own web site, thanks to the efforts of John Q. Lawrence. John has done an excellent job of putting this together for us, and we have received numerous favorable comments about the site. In addition, we have also have been contacted by several folks wanting to know more about the Wanderers, and a few who have already joined our club. Once again, Great Job, Nuzguy.

A special thanks goes out to the contributions of Bill Edwards, who has put his wit, sense of humor, and creativity too much appreciated use in writing up most of our ride reports.

We are going into our third year as the Wanderers, and it has been a real pleasure to see this club grow from a hand full of Pioneers to nearly 30 members. The past year has been a real learning experience for me as President, and I appreciate your confidence in re-electing me to serve for another year. I am especially grateful to all of the support provided by the club officers of the past year, and I’m sure the newly elected officers, as well as those who hold appointed positions to the board, will continue to work hard to see this club progress into an organization of which you will be proud to be a part.

We are beginning to see more and more of our members not just participating in events, but helping out with the organization and leadership of rides. This is both very encouraging and much appreciated. This is your club and it will be what you help to make it.

Our main purpose is to provide an open organization that creates an atmosphere of family and camaraderie to folks who enjoy cruising on motorcycles. I think we have been extremely successful in that regard, and I think that is what most of us appreciate about the Wanderers. Along the way we have even shown some civic responsibility in that we have participated in or co-sponsored several charitable events benefiting the San Diego area.

This next year also holds some promises for us. Through the hard efforts of Pat Sammarco, we may finally have that First Aid/ CPR course we’ve been trying to schedule, and we haven’t given up hope in organizing an Advanced Rider Safety Course. Efforts are ongoing to develop our own Wanderers logo which we can use on patches, t-shirts, hats, jackets and whatever, and of course we still find time to squeeze in plenty of riding time in beautiful San Diego County, searching out new and exciting places to eat.

All in all, I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this organization, meeting new people, making new friends, and having a lot of fun. Thanks to you all, and I encourage you to continue your efforts and participation in making the Wanderers a club that we can all be proud to be a part of. After all…it’s your club.

Let’s Ride

Ron

· Joshua Tree Ride, Sunday April 4th, 2000

Ride Recap By Bill Edwards - The Wanderer's departed Kearny Mesa at 7:30AM sharp for a planned ride to Joshua Tree National Monument, with a meet up planned with the So. Cal Cruisers at Ciriasco Summit. Well, OK, we didn't leave just exactly at 7:30, but that's part of the charm, heh. I think we left pretty close to "on time", for a Sunday morning that also happened to be the first day of Daylight savings. There were 7 bikes at the starting point, with Ron Growel and lovely Lorn leading the way, joined by Gerryfer Marcelino & Virginia riding two up also, and Rick Moyer, myself, John Q Lawrence, Rod Fleming & Lee Jannsen. Along the way we picked up Gary Steinweg, Jim Hockett, and Sal Orso at the Hwy. 67 & Poway Rd intersection.

It was a beautiful morning to be out riding. No wind, crystal clear, not cold really...just gorgeous. Ron G. had asked everyone to watch for Tera Salo along the road a few miles west of Ramona, and wave if we saw her waving. But I forgot completely and never heard if she was out there waiting for us to go by. It was her birthday Sunday. Happy birthday Tera!

We were supposed to be at the Summit by 11:00AM, so we rode a bit more "spiritedly" than we often do, once we left our first fuel stop in Ramona. Usually, when I ride along Highway 79 or 76, I try and stay (Joshua Tree Ride Continued) within 5-10 of the speed limit. Well, that's just me. Today though, we moved along. But there was little traffic, although there were already lots of other bikes out on the roads.

We rode up through Sunrise Summit and took the turnoff for Hemet & Anza, and our next pick-up at the Cahuenga Casino of Hwy. 371. This was to meet Pat & Larry Sammarco, and Jeff Dodds & Yvette. 12 bikes now, all but 3 of 'em being Viragos! Ya know, I've been a member of the Wanderer's for almost 2 years now, and just recently have begun to have a real appreciation of the Virago. I gotta ride one sometime.

The ride up to Cahuenga Casino had been great so far, and this was new territory for me. It was also a welcome butt break. Free coffee inside the casino. I wanted to eat breakfast there and gamble some. I was tired, not having gotten more than 5 hours sleep the night before. This ride was going to be a real test, for me at least.

Off we went for Palm Desert, on Hwy. 74. This was a pretty neat road, both going up over the mountains, and then the awesome view as we dropped on the twisty sweepy road (freshly repaved!) down into Palm Desert. I'll bet Gary S. had fun going back up that sucker, as he couldn't make the whole ride, and turned back after we gassed up in Palm Desert. Gotta make that ride again sometime, just so I can turn around and go back up!

It was warm now, riders shed layers and even leathers altogether. Not me, my Firstgear jacket is fine with the vents opened and the liner removed.

Well, we were running late now. It was already 11:00 AM, and we were still in Palm Desert. The "Fukawi" legend (or curse) did its thing though, as we made the mistake of turning left on Hwy. 111, instead of right, to head for I10. This was Ron's call, but I was aware of something being wrong, as I'd checked the maps just the night before. I shoulda spoke up! I didn't, and we were nearly two hours late getting to Chiriaco Summit, where the SoCal Cruisers were waiting for us. I take some responsibility for that.

When we finally got to I10, the majority of riders got ahead of myself, Rick M., and John Q. due to traffic and distance, we weren't able to catch up with them. Also I got separated from Rick and John Q. (who had sweeper duty), in my vain attempt to catch up with the group. So I was unaware of John and Rick stopping at a rest stop off the freeway, and Rick's decision to turn back. This was the least pleasant part of the ride, IMO. Even riding on the freeway, when I'm out in the desert or backcountry, I like to more or less cruise it and enjoy the scenery. Still, we were soooo late. I felt sorry for the SoCal folks. They'd waited, eaten, and waited some more. It wasn't surprising that they chose to depart for the ride through the National Monument while we had some much-needed sustenance at the Chiriaco cafe. Again, I want to take some responsibility for all these events. I shoulda spoke up!

Well, motorcycling being what it is, unexpected things happen. In even the best planned events. Or even to the most careful riders, eh? Entering the Joshua Tree National Monument off of I10, I almost had a go-down, when my rear tire lost traction in some unseen gravel. Whoa! I felt like I'd given myself a minor whiplash, and it took a few minutes to get the heart-rate down. Whatever I did to recover, I did instinctively, I guess. I'm lucky! This was on a right turn from a stop sign. Didn't see the gravel, leaned over on the right turn and let the clutch out a bit abruptly, I guess. The darned bike hadn't let me get it down into first at the stop, so I was double clutching it as I rolled forward. Idiosyncrasy of BMW R trannies, and my inattention. Well, I mentioned I was tired.

The ride through the Monument was spectacular, even if the Spring flowers weren't blooming as we'd hoped. I hadn't been out to this area of the high desert since the late sixties, when my Dad used to live out there. The communities have grown, and lots more people live out there now, in that awesome quiet beauty. We stopped and took photos. They'll be up on the Wanderers' website, check it out!

There were 10 bikes now, and once we got out of the Monument and on Hwy. 62, we headed down to Yucca Valley for a gas stop. I had an instant machine dispensed Mocha. I needed it. I was tired. I kept trying to think of a way I could stop and spend the night in a motel, and still make it to work on time in the morning. :^)

Not much wind so far. I don't like high winds. And the day before had been windy all day, even in San Diego. Winds had been predicted, so I felt we'd been lucky. All in all, the day had been perfect riding weather. But heading down 62 for the I10 again, we got hit with very strong crosswinds. This in the area where all the windmills are located, and this is common. Still, this unnerved me. The R1200C presents a high profile to the wind. I slowed down considerably, and once again got separated from the main group. Thanks again to John Q. Lawrence, who hung back there with me. We managed to catch up with the group again on the I10, despite what were now headwinds, as we rode towards an ever more brighter sun, lowering in the western sky ahead.

After a brief stop near March AFB, we headed south on I15 for home. I'd forgotten my clear face shield, so I knew I wouldn't be falling asleep. The sun had set when Ron and Lorn, Larry & Pat, Gerryfer & Virginia, Jeff & Yvette, and Rod & I stopped in Temecula for a fine meal at Texas Lil's. The other four headed on home. After dinner, and some good fellowship, we gassed up once more, and the four of us that lived down south headed home on I15. It was well after nine, I was surprised at how much sough bound traffic there still was at that hour on a Sunday evening. Just at the Ted Williams Pkwy exit, we ran into a major backup, due to road repairs! Lucky me, I just chose to exit there, and was home in ten minutes to a hot shower and bed. I hope Ron & Gerry and Rod got through that mess OK.

I had about 412 miles at the end of the day. Lots of fun and lots of beautiful scenery, and as always, lots of good fellowship!

· VOC Western Regional Spring Ride-In, Laughlin Nev. April 14th, 15th & 16th 2000

Ride Recap by John Q. Lawrence - Technically called the Western Regional Spring Ride-in This ride was a gathering of kindred souls. Members of the Nor Cal Cruisers, a Virago Owners Club (VOC) sanctioned club from the San Francisco Bay Area made the longest trek (and probably the most eventful one). The Wanderer's, represented by club President Ron Growel riding his Road Star, John Q. Lawrence, Geryfer Marcelino and his S.O. Virginia Sullivan on their Virago's met up with the So Cal Cruisers of Los Angeles/Orange Counties at Cajon Pass. We (the Wanderers) hit a couple of rain showers just before hooking up with the Cruisers but nothing major.

The ride to the AVI Resort and Casino, just a few clicks south of Laughlin was uneventful but quite a thrill with roughly 15 bikes, all in formation cruising on a freeway, stopping for gas, stopping to eat, cruising, stopping to eat, cruising, eats and gas and...well, you get the picture. The Cruisers obviously like their vittles as much as the Wanderer's do.

Once arrived and roomed everyone gathered in a meeting room arranged for by our host, Virago Owners Club President Mac McCurdy also known on the VOC Website as "Dr. Piston." That beer sure tasted good after putting 339 miles on the bike, butt and brain. This is where we met other clubs as they arrived from Northern California, Arizona and Nevada.

Saturday brought a group ride to the small burg known as Oatman who's primary claim to fame is that it sits astride the old route 66 highway which, until freeways were built, was THE route east or west. You've gotta hand it to Granddaddy, they had to be a little more patient about traffic than we are today. That highway is just a skinny ribbon of blacktop, one lane each direction. Another of Oatman's idiosyncrasies is burro's.. Burro's wander aimlessly through town, remnants of the days when there was gold in them thar hills. Once the ore was panned out the miners departed, leaving their trusty pack animals behind. They (the animals) have gone forth and multiplied now subsisting, apparently, on handouts from tourists who purchase Burro Food at a buck a bag. Hey, these folks may be tucked away from the world a bit but good old American capitalism is alive and well.

After Oatman some of us split off to visit Lake Havasau, now best known as the home of the London Bridge. Yes, the real London Bridge of song and rhyme purchased then disassembled brick by brick, stone by stone and brought to America for re-assembly. The city even built a small lake/pond so the bridge would have something to cross in the middle of the desert. Very neat, very touristy and a very nice 67 mile day from beginning to end.

Saturday evening brought the formal gathering. Alright maybe "formal" isn't exactly correct for a group of motorcycle riders but a few had actually found real button down shirts in their t-bags for the occasion and some had doffed riding boots in favor of tennis shoes or flip flops.

The evening was full of fun and games hosted by our favorite Master of Ceremonies, Wanderer's Vice President Rick Moyer who had gone on ahead of our group by a day to help with setup. Rick found himself in the middle of a desert sand/dust storm the likes of which (says he) the great state of Arizona has never seen and is likely never to see again. He might be washing desert dust out of his Virago's cooling fins for years to come.

Sunday was time to go. The weather service was predicting rain for the west coast so some took off very early hoping to beat Mom Nature at her little game. Ron Growel and I hooked up with Jeff and Jeannie Lightburn of the S.C. Cruisers, heading out about 7:30 am. We decided on a southerly route rather than retracing our inbound steps and it proved to be a very wise choice indeed. We headed south on Calif SR 95, picking up SR 62 west towards Joshua Tree then found SR 177, which brought us out onto the I-10 at Desert Center. I've gotta tell you, the desert was absolutely beautiful and the temperature was probably hovering around 80. Perfect. Once on the 10 we waved our good-byes to Jeff and Jeanne with Ron and me splitting off on the 111 into the Palm/Desert Springs area. Our turn point in town to hit the highway 74 over the hills, Ron recalled, was a Shell Gas station. We now have a new landmark...There's also a Hooters restaurant on that corner. Both of us suddenly developed a hunger and a thirst and went in to drool over a couple of hamburgers n' soda's n, well, you know....french fries! . The service was slightly slow but we couldn't have cared less. ;~)

Once sated we headed over the mountain on SR 74 to SR 371 finding SR 79 into Temecula then, scenery input over, caught the I-15 back to San Diego. Total distance home through desert, mountains and scenic places? 333 miles. Total distance getting there mostly freeway? 339. Next time we go to Laughlin it'll be the scenic and short way. Who needs freeways??!!

It was a wonderful weekend, we met a lot of great people and the really terrific thing is....We get to do it again next year!!

· Taste of Tecate – April 29, 2000

On Saturday, the Wanderer's had a more or less impromptu ride from La Mesa down to Tecate, Mexico for some tacos. Well, any excuse to ride, you know?

This ride was led by John Q. Lawrence, aka Wrong Way John, at a fairly leisurely pace and the route led us through Lyons Valley and back to old Hwy 94 for the trip south. There were 8 bikes, 3 of those two-up, with Ron Growel & Lorn taking up sweeper duty. (The list has already received Simon's pics...thanks Simon!) We had lots of twisties, and lots of butt breaks, the first of which was in Lyons Valley to feed Black Jack some licorice.

Ever notice how many of these back country stores restrooms are out of order, by the way?

I had never ridden a bike across the border before, and it had been a few years since I'd been down there at all. It was no problem with the experienced John Q. leading the way, however. We decided the first order of business was to find a restroom, since the restaurant we were headed for reportedly didn't have one. And there was a bit of traffic, so John turned down one side street, then another...but the rest of us saw the One Way sign, and John didn't! Heh! He said later, "Well, I was only going ONE way!" We found a Burger King, of all things, and used their restroom, although there was no paper, so the ladies chose to wait. It turned out the place we were going did have facilities however. And some really fine tacos. Most folks ordered 6-8 apiece. I had three. Hey, they weren't that small! As usual, there was good friendship and conversation, and the weather was perfecto.

After lunch we headed slowly and carefully back across the border, and when we got back to 94, some decided to head home, while a few of us headed up towards Pine Valley and the Cuyamaca, for more twisties that included Engineers Road and later even Highland Valley Road. We did take butt breaks at Lake Cuyamaca and at Dudleys. It was a gorgeous ride up the Cuyamaca and beyond....I can't describe it adequately. One thing, did see a car club of old Volvos coming down 79. That was interesting.

This was a great ride, and I hope we can do it again. I think this is the best time of year to ride in San Diego county, everything is as green as it gets, even out in dryer areas.

· Bi Weekly Gatherings

Every other Thursday - Hot Rod Nights in La Mesa.

It's time to re-start another Wanderers' traditional bi-weekly event. During the summer months (ok so it's only spring) the Wanderers get together every other Thursday evening in La Mesa to enjoy the ritualistic Hot Rod Night in La Mesa. For those of you unfamiliar with this event, it is an opportunity to view anything from restored, classic automobiles from the golden, olden days up to present day customized jobs as they cruise up and down La Mesa Blvd. This is not a planned or organized event, and you're likely to see most anything there.

The Wanderers typically meet at the Por Favor Cantina, 8302 La Mesa Blvd. at the corner of Palm street in La Mesa. Enjoy supper and/or a Margarita or beer and watch antiques, muscle cars, hot rods, and anything else imaginable cruise by while you eat. Or just come to stand and watch and walk up and down the street to gawk and marvel at what man can do to machine.. In either case, we treat this very informally, no ride captain, no time of arrival or departure, no RSVP's. Just show up anytime after 6:00PM and see who else is there. Motorcycle parking is available.

Every other Friday - Run to Packards

Join the Wanderers for an early evening “cup o’ Joe” at Packard’s in Ramona. Every other Friday, we have an impromptu gathering at Packard’s located in Ramona on Main Street, on the southeast corner of the last light heading east out of town on SR78.

No RSVP's necessary...just show up at one of the departure points or show up at Packard's. All are welcome. Return home time is up to the individual.

We have a couple of departure points if you would like to meet up.

Departure from Lakeside: Meet at Burger King Restaurant, corner of SR67 and Mapleview in Lakeside. 6:15PM

Departure from Escondido: Meet at Highland Valley Road and Pomerado Road just east of I-15 at Lake Hodges. 6:15PM

· Message from the Treasurer - DUES DUE

My name is Gary Steinweg; I was just elected Treasurer in a hotly contested election at the April general meeting. There was only one vote I didn't get (mine - ok, so I was unopposed). I promise not to head to Mexico with the Wanderer's bank account.

So, what's my first order of business? How about reminding those who wish to remain active members of the Wanderers that dues were due in the month of April. April will be dues month from now on. New members joining after April will have their first year's dues reduced by $1.25 for each month beyond April of the membership year applied for.

We'd also like to have a completed application for each active member.

All this was pointed out in our last newsletter. No, wait. This is the first newsletter we've published in a couple years. Well, that's gonna change from now on as we have a new newsletter editor replacing the one we never had before.

What we need, then, is a completed application and $15 from each Wanderer. These monies will be used to publish a newsletter MONTHLY, and support/fund other club activities.

You'll find a downloadable application at the new Wanderer's website. Print it out, fill it out, and send it along with a check for $15 to:

Gary Steinweg
13171 Carolee Ave.
San Diego, CA 92129

Make the check payable to "Gary Steinweg", and in the memo section of the check write "Wanderers Dues".

If you aren't able to download the application, give me a call at (858) 484-0415, leave your name, address and phone number, and I'll mail one to you. I can also be reached at "garysteinweg@juno.com".

· First Aid / CPR Training – June 3, 2000

After some delays caused by logistical problems, we have come up with a re-schedule date for the First Aid / CPR training. Pat Sammarco has been working very hard to make this happen, and we have set Saturday, June 3 for the training. This will be an all day class, presented by a Red Cross certified instructor.

As this class was originally scheduled for March, then postponed, we need to take another headcount as to who is interested. Please RSVP directly to Pat Sammarco no later than Monday, May 8. The approximate cost for certification is $40.00. Payment will be due by May 26. There MAY be training available at a reduced rate (without certification, but the same training) depending upon how many are interested in certification. The class size is limited, so we will give priority as follows:

1.) Wanderers paid members choosing certification.

2.) Wanderers paid members choosing not to certify.

3.) Guests choosing certification.

4.) Guests choosing not to certify.

More details will be provided later, but please respond as soon as possible, indicating whether you wish to have certification, so we have an idea how many to count on.

Please reply to Pat Sammarco: pes@maxwell.com

· New Officers Elected

At the last meeting, the following new officers were elected for the year 2000 and make up the Wanderers Board of Directors:

President: Ron Growel

Vice President: Larry Sammarco

Treasurer: Gary Steinweg

Secretary: Bill Edwards

Newsletter Editor: Don Presten

Webmaster: John Q. Lawrence

Founder/VOC Rep: Rick Moyer

· Let Your Helmet Save Your 'Face'

James R. Davis - Copyright © 1999-2000 by The Master Strategy Group, all rights reserved. Once upon a time a motorcycle rider was traveling along a city street, minding his own business, when all of a sudden a car entered an intersection directly ahead of him and stopped - right in the middle of that intersection. The biker 'climbed on his brakes, hard', and though he was only traveling at 20 to 25 MPH, his rear tire 'hit some gravel', and the rear-end of the bike came around quickly and he low-sided. The bike slid away from him on its left side.

Neither he nor the bike hit the car in the intersection. That car simply drove away from the scene of the 'accident', possibly unaware that it had even happened.

The motorcyclist, however, sustained major bruises and torn clothes and gloves, though no broken bones, and the bike had little damage as well - the left mirror was broken off. The biker's helmet was scarred, and a hole was worn through his gloves - causing him severe road rash and abrasions to his hand.

· Who was at fault?

· How credible are the 'facts' presented?

· What was done wrong?

· Could this accident have been avoided?

Let's consider these questions one at a time.

It is not illegal to stop in the middle of an intersection. Sometimes situations are such that you simply must do so. While not the brightest thing in the world for a driver to do, as the car managed to safely get into that position, he owned the intersection while he was in it.

The motorcyclist could not have suddenly found a car directly ahead of him, stopped, crosswise, in the intersection without having seen that vehicle enter the intersection, unless he was not paying attention at all or the intersection was 'blind' (meaning that it was just past the crest of a hill, for example.) Let us assume that he saw the car enter the intersection and then stop. At this point the motorcyclist could either swerve and go around the vehicle (probably behind it), or stop. At the very least, he should be slowing down if there is any possibility that he might hit the vehicle

from the moment he notices it entering the intersection, or he is about to crest a hill rendering him blind as to what is ahead of him.

One more fact to take note of, even after the lay down and slide on its side, neither the bike nor the motorcyclist hit the vehicle - they both came to a stop before doing so. As a sliding bike cannot slow down as quickly as a bike can with its brakes applied (while still on its tires), the motorcyclist could EASILY have stopped safely without hitting the car. (Nothing was said about being on a downslope, but if such was the case, it could take longer to stop than the time available - another reason to slow down.) It is clear from the above that the motorcyclist is the cause of his own accident.

As to the credibility of the facts ... it is a dead certainty that the motorcycle had been traveling faster than 25 MPH at the time he applied his brakes. (For those of you who have attended the MSF, you know that virtually anyone can stop a motorcycle going 20 MPH in less than 23 feet without losing control on a normal pavement, flat slope surface.) That the back end broke away and the bike then low-sided, and continued to slide thereafter is further indication of faster speed. It takes almost exactly the same amount of time to skid to a stop at 25 MPH as it does for the bike to fall over (which is what is happening during a low-side.) That is, if the brakes were applied at 25 MPH, the bike would have been virtually stopped when it landed on its side.

The claimed speed of 20 to 25 MPH is not credible, or the facts fail to show being on a severe downslope.

Some guesses and a certainty about what was done wrong. First, the motorcyclist appears not to have noticed the threat of the vehicle until it was already stopped in the intersection. Either he was distracted, or not paying attention to what was happening in front of him.

Second, he was apparently traveling faster than he thought he was. Probably too fast for conditions based on the resulting accident.

Third, he aggressively used his brakes (including the rear). It NEVER makes sense to aggressively use the rear brake.

Fourth, he lost control of his motorcycle. (You do what you have to do - at 25 MPH it is hard to lose control - but possible.)

As to the last question - could it have been avoided ... of course.

The title of this article is 'Reality Check'. Next time you hear a fellow motorcyclist explain the accident that he was in, think it through. Do not assume that he is not telling the truth, despite 'facts' like those presented here. An accident causes lots of adrenaline and perspectives warp. He may believe what he says even if the facts cannot be as he claims them to be.

Besides, we all try to save 'face'. A little fudging here or there is normal, I suppose. But your life depends on maintaining control of your bike at all times, and understanding the reality of a situation, and acting accordingly, with preemptive defense, need never have to be explained. Let your helmet save your face.

· Wanderers New Members

The Wanderers would like to welcome the following new members:

Jim Hockett Rod and Rose Fleming

· Space Reserved for Board Meeting Notes

On Wednesday, May 3, the Wanderers Board of Directors met and the following summary of the meeting is submitted to the membership.

1. The Executive Board added the positions of Newsletter Editor, Webmaster and Founder/VOC Coordinator to the list of voting Board Members.

2. Newsletter expenses (postage and stationary) were approved by the Board. The Newsletter editor will provide the Treasurer with an expense report and receipts to be reimbursed by the membership treasury.

The subject of who should receive the printed newsletter was discussed. The printed newsletter will be sent by US mail to all current paid Wanderer’s Members, the International VOC Newsletter Editor and the SoCal Cruisers Newsletter Editor. Extra copies of the newsletter will be made available for ad-hoc mailings as needed.
The actual Wanderers Membership list will be maintained by the Treasurer and made available to the Board on demand.
Changes to the Wanderers Charter will be proposed and approved for submission to the membership at large. The membership at large will be giving the opportunity to vote on the change.

· Deadline for Newsletter Submissions

Deadline for submissions for inclusion to the monthly newsletter is the 25^th of each proceeding month. It is planned that the newsletter will be mailed to the membership on or about the 1^st of each month.

It is preferable that all submissions be sent to the Newsletter editor in electronic format via Email to dpresten@tfb.com.

· Wanderer Ride and Meeting Calendar

More information on these rides and meetings can be found by visiting the Wanderers Web Site.

Saturday, May 6 - San Diego Optimist Club 1st Annual Charity Poker Run for the Kids. 125-mile benefit ride into southern San Diego County.

Friday, May 12 - Wanderers' Night at Packards in Ramona. (see information in this newsletter).

Sunday, May 14 - Air Fest 2000 Air Show (USAF Thunderbirds) at March Air National Guard Base in Riverside.

Wednesday, May 17 - Wanderers Monthly Meeting. Giovanni's Restaurant on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 7:00PM

Thursday, May 18 - Hot Rod Night in La Mesa. (see information in this newsletter).

Sunday, May 21 - North San Diego County Ride. Cruise thru the "hidden" county roads of North San Diego County, including De Luz, southwest of Temecula.

Friday, May 26 - Wanderers' Night at Packards in Ramona. (see information in this newsletter).

Thursday, June 1 - Hot Rod Night in La Mesa. (see information in this newsletter).

Saturday, June 3 - First Aid/CPR Course (see information in this newsletter).

Sunday, June 4 - 1st Annual John Q. Lawrence GET LOST RIDE. Who knows where we'll end up with his new GPS.

Friday, June 9 - Wanderers' Night at Packards in Ramona. (see information in this newsletter).

Saturday/Sunday, June 10/11 - Weekend Camping Ride in the local mountains.

Thursday, June 15 - Hot Rod Night in La Mesa. (see information in this newsletter).