Wanderers Newsletter
October, 2001
Editor: Pat Sammarco
Ó2001San Diego/ Wanderers
Motorcycle Club
www.sdwanderers.org
The San Diego Wanderers motorcycle club was created in 1997 to organize local Yamaha Virago
owners into a cohesive group of individuals interested in group-rides around the Southern California area. The
club continues to grow and develop.
The garage now includes Virago's along with an ever-increasing number of Yamaha Road Stars and Ventures. Kawasaki's
Vulcan is represented as are BMW, Honda, Suzuki and Harley Davidson. Motorcycles of all breeds are welcome.
Bill Edwards, President, Mike Calderone, V Pres, Rose Fleming, Secretary, Gary Steinweg, Treasurer
For the summer, club meetings are being held the fourth Saturday of the month, 10 am at the Country Choice Restaurant.
It is located at 8910 Troy St. in Spring Valley, near Bancroft. Meetings may continue at this well-accepted site
throughout the year.
Country Choice has plenty of parking, takes plastic, the food is good and plentiful.The restaurant is very close
to several major freeways (the 8, 125 and 94). To reach the Country Choice simply take 94 East to the Bancroft
exit. Turn right (south) and continue until Bancroft turns into Troy. The restaurant is around a right hand bend
in the road.
The meeting will be followed by a ride, the route to be announced during the meeting.
From the President
Hi all,
Again, I'd like to first of all thank everyone for all the phone calls and emails. It's been truly amazing. I've
also received many such from the BMWCOSD, such as Guy Harris. It seems that some of the group left Major's that
day and rode by the scene shortly after I'd been taken away in the ambulance. "Hey, that bike looks familiar!"
Well, to replay this for those I haven't spoken to, last Sunday, the 23rd, I was puttin' down what has to be considered
one of the safest stretches of our back country roads, Old Hwy 80, just outside of Pine Valley. I was headed for
Sunrise Hwy and Mt. Laguna, having just ridden up through Dehesa and Japatul. It was just after 11AM. Ahead and
to my right along the road a man was attempting to put some horses in his corral, when one large mare bolted, jumped
a low fence, and appeared in front of me....just feet in front of me....from behind a roadside bush or tree. My
only reaction was disbelief, and then we T-boned. There was no time to even squeeze the brake or roll off the
throttle, although I may have done.
When I attempted to get up off the ground, I discovered my right "ankle" was broken, as it rolled oddly
and sickeningly to the right as I sat on the pavement. (The actual damage is two broken bones in my right leg,
the tibia down near my ankle, and the fibula near the knee.) The fellow with the horse heard the impact, ran to
the fence, and told me his first sight was of me sitting on the pavement, pounding my fist on the ground, and yelling
an obscenity.
I had surgery that evening at Sharp Memorial, and they put a rod in my leg. But aside from the unbelievable hassle
of crutches around the house, the leg hasn't bothered my much. Instead, I've had some internal pain and discomfort
which began with the morphine at the hospital. When they put you under for surgery, sometimes your "guts"
take awhile to wake up. And the morphine made me nauseous. So I'm suffering a bit. I was diagnosed with a kidney
stone last July, seems that perhaps it's decided now is the time for it to move.
Mainly I wanted to write and say that many of my friends have asked if I will ride again, and some non-riding friends
have commented along the lines of "Maybe Someone is trying to tell you something?" All I can say is
that I certainly have had some bad luck lately. And that I don't want to go through this again. Riding is one
of those activities that doesn't sound attractive when you're not feeling very well. So time will tell.
As for the horse, she had to be euthanized. She was a beautiful animal, and I'm sorry she lost her life. Perhaps
she is now my personal "totem".
The bike is at Brattin's, but I haven't heard a repair estimate yet. And a former Wanderer is now my Attorney
to handle this mess for me.
Finally, I have two very wonderful "ex-girlfriends", who from now on will only be known as "dear
friends", who have done much to make my life more bearable. Words can't express....
Regards,
Bill Edwards
Reminder:
Toy Run
The 21st Annual San Diego Toy Run (co-sponsored by the Wanderers) is rapidly approaching...only 2 more months...and
plans are progressing nicely.
WANDERERS GENERAL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22, 2001
COUNTRY CHOICE RESTAURANT
ATTENDING: Bill Edwards; Mike Calderone; Rod & Rose Fleming; Gary Steinweg (in effigy--see "Treasurers
Report"); Ron Growel; Thomas (Doc) & Bonnie Cassidy; James T. Scoggins & Cherie Huff; Kevin &
De Gayken; John Q.; Dick (Grumpy) Usested.
Called to order by President Bill Edwards at 10:08 AM.
MINUTES:
A motion was made by John Q. that the minutes from August's meeting be accepted as published on the website; Dick
seconded, and the motion was carried. (By the way, due to a major lapse of memory, your humble secretary forgot
about there being a meeting during her absence, and most abjectly apologizes to the membership for failing in her
duties. Also, she is most grateful to John Q. for filling in at the last possible nano-second.)
TREASURERS REPORT:
As to the Treasurers Report, the same procedure was followed as to its acceptance as posted. Gary Steinweg was
represented by his picture (albeit a black & white) and did such creditable job, that his likeness will be
in prominent attendance henceforward whenever he cannot be there in person. (He may be upgraded to full color at
a later date.)
OLD BUSINESS:
Rod Fleming is investigating more club tee shirt options.
TOY RUN:
Ron Growel gave an update on the Toy Run. Absolute deadline for pre-ordering tee shirts and ride pins is September
24. Additional volunteers to help with parking at South Bay Shores will come from the AMA Local 11 under the leadership
of Tera Salo. "Black Diamond" has also volunteered to help with the booth at the Roadhouse. There will
be a couple of changes in conjunction with the committee heads as follows: Pat Sammarco will take up the reins
at the registration desk, and Rose Fleming will assume the duties at the Wanderers booth. Ron expressed the need
to meet with all committee chairpersons, specifically, John Q., Rose, Pat, and Tera in the very near future to
go over details. He will post an announcement as to when and where. Ron also had flyers for all those attending
today's meeting to pass out at various locations throughout the county. More will be available. Ron also suggested
that, based on the success of the Scavenger Ride scheduled for Nov.11, we look into holding a similar event to
raise money for next year's Toy Run.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dick Usested had embroidered American Flag patches for sale @$3.00 and Rod Fleming had USA tee shirts for $10.
Most of them were sold. Rose also passed out free American Flag stickers, of which there are still some available.
It has been suggested that each month, a different Ride Captain Guideline be introduced for discussion and/or clarification.
This month, it was the subject of right turns on red lights. While this is perfectly legal, the Captain must take
into consideration the visibility factor and the length of the line of riders behind him, and if it isn't practical
to make the turn, he should wait for the green light. Please take special note that this does not apply, however,
to green arrows. (Just a little humor there, folks) As with all of the guidelines, the Ride Captain must use his
best judgment and common sense so as to ensure the safety of the group.
Also in connection with rides, discussion was opened on the subject of "open" vs. "club only"
events. Keeping in mind that the over-all perception of the Wanderers as an open-armed group of people rather than
elitist, the following options were brought to the table:
	1. When posting, describe the degrees of skill level needed for that ride.
	2. Posting the ride as a "Members and Invited Guests only".
	3. Leave it up to the Ride Captain as to if and how his ride is restricted.
Tom Cassidy then made a motion to incorporate all three options when rides are being posted on the website; John
Q. seconded, and the motion carried.
The Country Choice Restaurant has turned out to be a great selection as a meeting place for those of us who have
attended. At the next meeting, there will be a vote as to the acceptance of this location on a permanent basis.
Bill Edwards invites all members to e-mail, post on the website, or otherwise contact him with your input.
NEW RIDES (Details to be posted):
	Cook's Corners/United in Remembrance;Sept. 30
	Welcome Home Tera (changed); Oct. 7
Meeting adjourned at 10:54.
Submitted by: Rose Fleming, Secretary
WANDERERS TREASURER RPT - 09/22/2001
1. 08/25 Last reported balance =$676.69
2. 09/13 Nwsltr - Pat Sammarco = $23.30(-)
3. 09/22 Current treasury balance = $653.39
Notes:
1. Available Funds:
Current treasury balance= $653.39
*Dec charity t-shirt reserve= $300.00(-)
**Nwsltrs 10/01 - 4/02 @ $28/mo set-aside=$196.00(-)
Available = $157.39
*(T-shirt reserve will become available after the event)
**(Remaining nwsltr expences from present thru 04/2002)
2. 36 paid memberships - 57 total members.
3. All listed members paid thru 04/02.
WANDERERS PATCH ACCOUNT SOLD
1. 08/25 Previous reported account balance = $114.00(-) 33
2. No patch activity during period = $-0-
3. 09/22 Current patch account balance =$114.00(-) 33
Summary: Don P - 5; John Q - 3; Gary S - 9; Avail =17
Regards, Gary Steinweg
Wanderers Treasurer
The Ride Schedule
Sunday October 7th
Welcome Back Tera Ride: Tera Salo has been out of town, out of the state, out of the U.S. of A for several months.
Okinawa actually serving the U.S. Navy in some mysterious function involving diving. We're afraid to ask. This
ride will begin in Ramona at "Ramona Country Crafts" 2021 Main Street, across the street and midway between
from "Route 67, the Roadhouse" and "Denny's" restaurants. Departure is 12:30 pm. The ride will
take us up the hill toward Julian, a little detour around Wynola Rd. and then a stop for late lunch at the "Wrongbranch".
Following lunch we'll cruise out 79 to Engineers Road, take that back to 67 and return to Ramona where a Craft
Faire is scheduled to run through 4pm. No guarantees we'll make it for closing time so If you're into crafts you
might want to arrive in Ramona a little earlier than our departure for browsing.
Saturday, October 20th
Ride To Idyllwild:
Mike Calderone claims we can get to Idyllwild without touching wheel on a freeway. We'll give him a chance to prove
it.
Ride Details:
We will leave from Starbucks grossmont ctr at 9AM - we will ride very short distance on freeway to Hwy 67 and after
Lakeside no more freeway. We will go thru Ramona to Santa Ysabel and take Hwy 79 to Hwy 371 which we will pick
up at Aqunga. We will take Hwy 371 to Hwy 74 and then Hwy 74 to Hwy 243 into Idylwild where we can have lunch.
One way the trip is about 100 mi - Its mostly sweeping curves, country roads, very nice ride. We may pick up so
calif cruisers at a site to be determined or they may meet up in Idylwild for lunch. I plan on returning same route.
There are a number of decent places for lunch in Idlywild. I would gas up before we leave but there is a gas stop
near the 371-and hwy 74 junction about 80 mi into the trip. Major change to the original plan is we will not pick
up SoCal Cruisers in Temecula as we will not be going thru there, also I understand they have their monthly meeting
that day.
Gary S. has already notified them and left open what they want to do
thanks, Mike C.
Sunday, November 4th
Ron Growels First Ever (this is an experiment) Scavenger Hunt Ride: Lists of items will be provided by Ron for
riders to find ranging from "three masted sailing ships" to "hungry black mules" Depending
on how the Ride
Captain sets this up, we could simply travel as one group to discover all the items on the list or if the turnout
is large break into separate groups. Please check back for details.
Sunday, November 25th
21st Annual St. Vincent De Paul Toy Run: This is the clubs annual charitable event which, in years past, has involved
nearly every member of the organization at the ride beginning or ride end. Last year we (and other sponsors) drew
in excess of 700 motorcycles and 1000 riders each of whom donated an unwrapped toy for the children at St. Vincent
De Paul shelter in San Diego.
The Wanderers are charged with traffic control and as most are aware, directing motorcycle riders is akin to hearding
cats. Please contact overall project coordinator Ron Growel to see how you can help (rgrowel@home.com ) or location
leaders:
Ride Start: Don Presten (traffic control duties)
Registration: Pat Sammaroc (do paperwork and try to keep your cool)
Ride End: Tera Salo (signage and traffic control)
Club Booth: Rose Fleming (booth setup and hosting in Ramona)
Many who''ve volunteered to work one end or the other in the past have actually put in an appearance at both, helping
wherever possible. Even if you can't devote the entire day to this event please consider giving it a few hours
and an unwrapped toy.