PREMISE for the CLUB: There are a number of local riders who would like to get together with other riders once in a while. Most everyone is “busy”, so a local club is not intended to be the focal point of anyone’s social life.
The CLUB’S GOAL: To provide an occasional opportunity for area riders to get together for conversation and to ride with other BMW enthusiasts.

CLUB EVENT DATES TO REMEMBER:
BREAKFAST/MEETINGS: All Breakfast/Meetings are held on the second Sunday of the month unless otherwise notified. We meet at 9:00 AM at: NEW BEGINNINGS RESTAURANT, 4735 Lake Michigan Dr., Standale, Mi. They are ¼ mile west of Wilson Ave. Their phone number is 616-735-4902.
Upcoming dates: April 11, 2010 (2nd Sunday), May 16, 2010 (3rd Sunday), June 13, 2010 (2nd Sunday)

CLUB RIDES: There is a ride scheduled for April, after the breakfast. Stay tuned for the rest of the 2010 schedule.

MICHIGAN DESTINATIONS 2010: I should have it finalized by next month, and it will start on May 1, 2010 to November 1, 2010. There will be five destination stops required plus two of your own choosing. That is all for now.

CLUB NEWSLETTER: Mailed or emailed on a monthly basis. If you have any concerns or contributions you may contact me, William Dirkmaat at: 11801 Hoskins NE, Cedar Springs, MI. 49319. Phone: 616-263-9110, cell-616-340-4440 or wmbmwriders@charter.net

OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST: Please note that you may obtain more information in the BMW MOA ON and BMW RA OTL magazines for some of these events. More local events can be found posted on the bulletin board at the shop.

April 30, May 1-2, 2010; Battle Creek BMW Club Mini Rally, Sturgis, Mi.
July 15–18, 2010; 38th BMW MOA National Rally, Redmond, Oregon. www.bmwmoa.org
July 29-August 1, 2010; BMW RA National Rally, Pownal, Vermont. www.bmwra.org

CLUB T-SHIRTS and SWEATSHIRTS:

The available shirts and sweatshirts are as follows:

T-Shirts:

ASH
blue & red print / no pocket; 3 – Lg @ $8.50 ea, 9 – XL @ $8.50 ea
blue & red print / with pocket; 3 – XL @ $9.50 ea

BLACK
white print / no pocket; 3 – XL @$8.50 ea
white print / with pocket; 2 – XL @ $9.50 ea

WHITE
blue & red print / no pocket; 1 – Sm @ $8.50 ea

Sweatshirts:

ASH
blue & red print; 4 – Lg @ $16.00 ea, 7– XL @ $16.00 ea

BLACK
white print; 3 – XL @ $16.00 ea

Call Bill D. at 616-263-9110, or 616-340-4440 if you would like to have one of these.

More Random Musings…March 2010………………………………………..…….by Bill Hankinson via Mexico
Still not many BMWs to report here in Mexico, I have only seen one other one since the previous report, another R1200GS, a black one this time and looked to be ridden by tourists as they had gear on. Then on a sightseeing trip to a little beach town a bit north of us I saw another black GS go by and as we arrived at the hotel the guy was just checking in. I introduced myself as a fellow BMW rider and he could speak English also. He was from a town near Mexico City and was up for the weekend. Joanne snapped a picture of us and his bike.

I did spot a large metric twin tooling down the boulevard the other day, first one of those I’ve seen too. We participated in a Carnival parade which had a contingent of large V Twins, H-D’s and metrics, riding as part of the parade, only problem they had was that the air cooled ones got pretty warm and they had to stop every so often and let them cool down, then would come roaring back to get in line. I visited the Elektra Store and they are a distributor for the Italika brand of small motorcycles and scooters we see a lot of around here. They have a line up of bikes from a 90cc to a 200cc in various models, sports, cruiser, regular and scooters from 50cc to 150cc. Prices range from about $500.00 for the 90cc to $1,900.00 for the 200cc versions. They are made in Mexico it says and are pretty nice looking machines. They seem pretty reasonably priced compared to the US for bikes of this size.
Next month “we’ll be back” as Arnold would say. Looking forward to seeing everyone again. We have our first ride scheduled for after the breakfast meeting so hoping for some nice, dry, temperate Michigan spring weather. The Sturgis Mini Rally is on the last Friday of the month, that is another nice way to start the rally season. Put it on your list, we want to win the award for the most members of a club in attendance again, we have done it for the past two years. They are displayed at our bulletin board at BMW of GR.

Thought for the Month: Light travels faster than sound ….. which is why most people appear brilliant until you hear them.

Breakfast/Meeting, March 14, 2010…………………………………………………………by Bill Dirkmaat
I remembered the time change, set the clocks ahead, and went on to the breakfast. I chose the car as there was a bit of drizzly moisture and wasn’t really prepared anyway. I came up to the light at Wilson and Remembrance when I saw a bike approaching the intersection from the west. I got the green and proceeded thru as he came to the corner. I recognized the ULY, Steve Bickford on his Buell. He followed me in to the restaurant. We went on in and saw Allen Dewey seated. Soon Mike Hankinson joined us, having ridden in on his K75. Also making up our group is Phil Nellis, Bob Swanson, Jim Weber, Larry Schwallier and Kristy Hollingsworth, Steve Cooper, and Alan Cunningham who rode his R1200RT from Schoolcraft. Many of our regulars are still out west or down south. We should see them next month. Our small and cozy group did have the usual great breakfast and conversation. We all do look forward to the projected warm weather in the coming week.
Next month we will be gathering on the 11th at 9AM and weather permitting we will have a ride scheduled. The route sheet will be sent along with the newsletter.

FOR SALE: Gerbing Jacket Liner Enjoy late season and winter rides with warmth! Like new, size 48 x 34. It completely works. I liked it so much I purchased the 30-year anniversary model, so you can get this one at a substantial discount. Jacket Liner--$65. Also available; single controller--$40, controller case--$5. All for--$100. Contact Rick at 616-566-2201 or w_mi_biker@live.com

FOR SALE: 1993 BMW R100GS; Classic Bumblebee yellow/black, unmolested bike in nice shape. 51K+ miles. New YSS rear shock, new front brake disc, new road tires with approx. 2500 miles on them, all in 2009. Driveshaft replaced at 39K. Bike has a tall tinted Parabellum windshield. Photos available. Also: Haynes Repair Manual, K Bikes 86 to 96, hardcover like new…..$25. Haynes Repair Manual, K Bikes 86 to 90, paperback…..$15. Haynes Manual R Bikes 1970 to 1990, paperback…..$15. Call Mike at 616-401-0453.

WANTED TO BUY: K75 PARTS. Looking for a set of saddlebags to fit K75 / K100 style Z bars. Also looking for side panels in Mystic Red as well for K75 STD. Let me know what you have and prices, send photos to miker100gs@sbcglobal.net if possible.

03.28.2010 Giant Swap Meet At the Delta Plex from 11am to 4pm. We will have lots of specials we’ll bring with us.
Please join us at Putt Putts Bar on Sunday March 28th, 3-5 PM, for round two of the World Superbike races. We had a great turnout for round one and we enjoy seeing all of you there. Go BMW!!! Putt Putts Bar, 1148 West Fulton, Grand Rapids, Mi.
Check out their website for current events and specials.

The last of the page;
* Any and all contributions for the newsletter is welcome. Share your experiences with your fellow members. Till next month, be happy and be safe.

Bill Dirkmaat, 11801 Hoskins NE, Cedar Springs, MI. 49319.
Phone: 616-263-9110, cell-616-340-4440 or wmbmwriders@charter.net