Drifters Newsletter October 2016

From the Prez – October 2016

 Ah yes, October is in the air – burning leaves, frost on the pumpkin – all that sort of thing. And I’ve just returned from 14 days in beautiful Ponca City, OK. Definitely not a destination point for any rides, that’s for sure. The boredom wasn’t even broken by one of the record number of earthquakes they’ve been having. At least the “straight line” winds had taken a break. But my Karma is working! I’ll be back to Hutchinson, KS in early December. Sure to have winds and plenty of cold by then.

Meanwhile, there had been a couple of “non publicized” rides up through the “Silver Thread” of southern Colorado. A few of our clan met up with Joe McKeehan from AZ for that one. And a flying friend of mine went off to Oregon for a quick 4 – 5 day jaunt. I missed both. I had a ten-day job in McCall, ID turn into a one-day job, so I almost was clear for the Oregon trip.  Too bad, as I have yet to tour that state either by plane, coach, car, or motorcycle. It remains on the bucket list – perhaps a Drifter adventure for 2017?

I have a gig coming up in Palm Springs with a weekend break at the end of October. So perhaps I’ll ride the scooter down there and break out on that weekend to visit old friends nestled in the freeway tangle of San Diego. And in November, Tom Fabio, Greg Clark and I are going to revisit Rocky Point MX for the debauchery of their annual rally.

I was around for the weekend a few weeks ago to join a Drifter group of about eight to ride the 300 miles to Antimony for lunch. Perfect day – some colors were just beginning to break in the Aspens as we road across Brian Head and past Panguich lake. Took in a passage of Zion Park on the return trip (still 100 degrees when we got back to “the valley”.

CHILI COOKOFF

Originally scheduled for Saturday, Oct 29th, We’re going to move this to SUNDAY, OCT 30 – 2:00 PM – ? Location has moved from the Parowan Hanger to the JET/Babs residence at 877 W South Links Dr, Washington. We’ll supply the hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni salad. YOU bring anything else you’d like. Chili is totally optional. Activities to include car/bike/dog washes, lawn fertilization, air guitar contests, and perhaps ammunition reloading – all dependent on alcohol blood level.

So, if you haven’t guessed by now, it appears that I’m too busy still working to (a) do much riding/participating, and (b) actively be doing my fair share of officer’s duties. So blessed am I to have Dawn who has done far, far more in coordinating activities and keeping the website going. Therefore, LET IT BE KNOWN, that NEITHER Dawn or I seek re-appointment, re-election, re-anything at the end of our “terms”. NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!! Dawn says she’ll continue as webmeister, but nothing more – and I don’t blame her.  Those desiring LEADERSHIP ROLES, please let me know.

As we blast into November, if anyone gets a burr in the saddle, give Dawn a note to publish and or blast out to the group. See you for dinner Friday at the Texas Roadhouse.

Blue skies, tail winds.

John T.

 

Secretary’s corner –

Mark and I did join in on the  ride to Antimony last month..beautiful ride – we were detoured because there was an event happening on Hwy 14 out of Cedar City.  John T expertly guided us along another even more beautiful route.  Only a handful of us went, but it was the very best of company!

Dinner at Sakura was superb!  It had been a while since I had Japanese food, and I really enjoyed it.  We were seated in a private room in the back, but the restaurant was so noisy (Saturday night) that we closed our door and had an even more private dining experience. The Drifters that attended all agreed the food was great!  Speaking of food, we are looking forward to the next Drifter dinner this Friday, October 7th at Texas Roadhouse.  We are meeting at 4:45 pm so we can get in on the early bird special!  Yes..I guess we’re old AND cheap!

As John mentioned in his message above, I will not accept the position of Club Secretary for 2017.  I’m just a tad bogged down these days, and I love being your webmaster (webmistress?) so I will happily continue on in that vein.  So…knowing that these exciting opportunities are becoming available, if you have interest, or are just a bit curious about what’s involved let me know.   I’ll happily share these formerly highly-guarded top-secret club instructions with anyone that asks.  Obviously, I can’t keep a secret!  It has been such a pleasure being your Secretary the last couple years…but it’s time I get caught up on some other projects.

Keep the shiny side up!

Dawn