Drifters Newsletter December 2015 / January 2016

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

2016 Drifters New Year Greeting

Well, it’s 0730 hours and I’m up and about – BECAUSE I was in bed almost 12 hours earlier. Yes, I’m that kind of partier anymore, and I wanted to be fresh for the cage ride to Mesquite later this morning.

So Happy New Year, fellow Drifters. I guess the highlight reel of 2015 must include the replacement motorcycle buying frenzy. Seems folks were “drifting” away from their formerly beloved Gold Wings, or out and out trashing their current ride in order to justify an upgrade. Of course I’m pointing fun at myself as well. It goes without saying that we are indeed blessed that only metal was twisted.

While there were several “solo” rides throughout the year, the highlight for a group turnout and overall fun time had to be Vern’s organized trailer convoy/ride to Deadwood SD and a subsequent week of riding in the Blackhills. I seemed to miss most of the riding this year due to my work habit, or as some are starting to call it – my jobby. I’m going to try to cut back on that this year.

And now I’m going to start some rumors:

  1. Rumor has it that I have on my ride list a weekend in Death Valley. Many have gone before me, but I have only ridden a few scorching hours on a day ride out of Vegas some years back. So I’d like to plan an overnighter on a moonless weekend probably in April to gaze at the Milky Way. So next week I’ll have to consult my Farmer’s Almanac and look for lodging.
  2. I have also ridden a couple of time past the Twin Lakes area of Colorado and always thought it would be nice to spend a few days in that area. I chose to plan a trip the last week of July, but stupid me, that’s when the annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) convention is in Oshkosh. So I’m going to back this up to the first week of August. Twin Lakes is located on CO 82 (Independence Pass) about 25 miles SSW of Leadville. It’s just a B&B area with a small lodge/cafe so I need to check prices. If too expensive, we could move to regular motels in Buena Vista or Leadville. I’ve already Google Mapped several day rides to Mount Evans (highest highway in the US), a ride across Loveland pass on Hwy 6. Getting there would have us climbing Independence pass out of Aspen and I plan to return through Pagosa Springs CO and Monument Valley. Etc.
  3. Steve Empey uttered that he might like to do a trip to Cody WY which of course would have to include riding the Chief Joseph and Beartooth byways.
  4. Tom Fabio wants to watch 18-wheelers attempt world jump records at Evel Knievel days in Boseman MT. I believe the days for this is the weekend of July 23. Information and video links at: evelknieveldays.org.

Our next event will be the ever exciting Annual “Business” Meeting on Sunday January 31. (Cleverly planned this year NOT to interfere with Super Bowl night. The usual pot-luck and choosing of officers. Please plan to attend and, of course – step forward!

Blue skies – tail winds!

John

 

Secretary’s Corner

Hello Drifters.  Sure enjoyed seeing you all at the Christmas Party!  Great friends, and interesting conversation was abundant!  As a group, we really clean up well – you’d never know we’re a bunch of bikers.  The staff at Cliffside Restaurant was great, the view was amazing, and the food was fantastic.  I’d like to know how many of you would favor using that venue again next year?  Drop me a note, call or text me, or let me know your thoughts at our Annual Business Meeting at Sky Mountain Club House on January 31st.  If you have other suggestions, I’m all ears.

The annual New Year’s jaunt to Los Lupes restaurant in Mesquite was well attended.  The only soul brave enough to ride was John Marshall – the rest of us took our cages due to the especially cold weather.  Yes, I did verify that John had heated riding gear…hmmmm…maybe I should consider investing in some.  I’m eager to put some miles on my new bike, but don’t feel like dealing with frostbite.  It was comforting to know that I was in the majority – and not just a sissy!

As John T mentioned, there are some plans in progress for rides in 2016.  If you have any ideas please bring them to the Annual Business Meeting, so we can get an idea who is interested.  In the meantime, we are continuing with the weekly breakfast/impromptu rides on Fridays at 9:30am at Golden Corral as well as the weekly gathering /possible impromptu ride on Saturdays after the hamburger lunch at Zion Harley Davidson.  Most attendees meet at Zion HD around 11:30am for the burgers, then a possible ride if anyone shows an interest and weather is decent.  Also, any member can feel free to call an impromptu ride…I’ll be happy to send out a last-minute email to members to gather the troops. (Here’s hoping Mother Nature will surprise us with a few beautiful days!)

One last item, if you know anyone who might be interested in joining Drifters MC, please feel free to bring them along to our annual meeting.  It’s a nice way to get to know each other over an always great pot-luck meal.  I will have DriftersMC membership applications and business cards at hand.

Happy New Year & Keep the Shiny side up!

Dawn