July 25, 2010…If you haven’t heard already, I didn’t make it to Oregon. I decided to delay my Saturday take off to Sunday as I was a bit exhausted and Barb was also somewhat under the weather slightly. Sunday morning found us doing better, Barb went on to Spring Lake to visit with her parents and brother and family. I said I was going to fix the computer ( not able to access the internet ) before I left. It wound up to be about noon and the skies were rumbling to the south. With the weather channel on and seeing what my best option was, I chose to go the northern route. Departing at 12:30 going north on US131 I saw nothing dark and dreary until the large spits of rain drops hit at the Morely exit. I pulled off there, as I didn’t have rain gear on, but decided that the black skies to the north weren’t exactly inviting. I went west and sunnier skies appeared with fewer rain drops. As I thought about the delayed starts and potential for rain, I thought it better not to make this a hurried up event. So I steered back home and just said screw it, I’ll take more time going to Vermont. Barb was somewhat surprised to see me home when she got back.
Monday brought on more. Barb called from work in the morning and wasn’t feeling very well. She set up an appointment to see the doctor after work. Noontime she called me back and said she wasn’t feeling any better than earlier. Well to make a long story shorter, she wound up going to the hospital with some back pain and chest pain along with feeling queasy. After an ekg, chest x-ray, spending the night for observation, an echo cardio gram on Tuesday, it was determined that it was not the heart. Going home and getting rest for the next few days was good medicine. She is doing a lot better now, cutting out caffeine, staying away from citric acids, taking a prilosec for acid reflex. It was just a combination of everything and stress. So I look back and think that I wasn’t meant to go out west this time.
I would like to thank Judy Monson and Gordon Hankinson for sending me reports on the breakfast/meeting/ride.
We will be getting together again on August 8th for breakfast at 9:00 am, and a ride to follow. This is our annual Bud and Geri Memorial Run. We wind up at Bortels Fishery north of Pentwater. The route sheet will be provided at the breakfast. The ride will depart at the usual 10:30 am.

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: August 8, 2010( 2nd Sunday), September 12, 2010( 2nd Sunday).

CLUB RIDES: August 8, 2010 we will be taking off after the breakfast/meeting at 10:30 am. The route sheets will be available at that time. The ride will be by back roads ending up at Bortel’s Fishery north of Pentwater.

MICHIGAN DESTINATIONS 2010: Well here it is…….. we will be making those places that we use to give us a rest in between our journey to destinations, our destinations this year. What you ask is he talking about? Well, I was pondering over the state map from 2009 and it was staring me right in the face. The cover of the map had the answer to my question of where to go. Michigan Roadside Parks and Scenic Turnouts will be the stops for this year. I have picked out five of them as required and you will also have to add two more of your own choosing.

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.

July 29-August 1, 2010; BMW RA National Rally, Pownal, Vermont. www.bmwra.org
October 8-10, 2010; 35th Anniversay Falling Leaf Rally, Potosi, MO www.gatewayriders.com

BMWTCD Presents: Vintage Motorcycle Days
August 14 & 15, 2010 Grounds open daily at 9:00 AM
At Jim Reinert’s Farm
5105 W. Grand River Rd
Owosso Mi 48867
(Northeast of Lansing MI)
GPS coordinates: N42 53.134 W84 15.671

Details:
*This event is open to everyone. No cost to attend or show your vintage motorcycles. This will be a non-judged show. All brands are welcome.

*Preregistering show motorcycles is not required but encouraged to reserve a space. Email your name, motorcycle specifics and picture to: vintagemotorcycledays@gmail.com

*Free onsite camping available to everyone on a first come basis. Sleepy Hollow State campground (517) 651-6217 and hotels in Owosso are nearby lodging alternatives.

*You can call Jim Reinert directly if you have any unique or special needs. Call Jim at (517) 651-6427.

*Volunteers are needed to help set up, traffic management, registration, etc. If interested please send an email to vintagemotorcycledays@gmail.com

*Bring out your vintage stuff. Invite your friends. This will be a great party.

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; 3 – Lg @ $16.00 ea, 5– 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.

July Breakfast and Ride ………………………………………..…….by Judy Monson
On Sunday, July 11, 2010 the BMW Club met at New Beginnings Restaurant for the monthly breakfast and ride. Ten members were present for breakfast: Virginia and Bill Lane, Steve Cooper, Roxanne and Phil Nellis, Mike Hankinson, Gordon Hankinson, Dale and Judy Monson, and Allan Dewey. After breakfast eight riders (Virginia and Bill, Roxanne and Phil, Judy, Dale, Gordon, and Allan) on six bikes prepared to take the prescribed route of the day. First there was discussion in the parking lot regarding who would lead the ride since our usual leader, Bill, was out west on his way to the International Rally. It ended up that Gordon lead the group. We headed out in great weather. Eventually we started riding into some scattered thunderstorms. We caught a few drops but hoped we could skirt the heavy downpour. When Gordon, who faithfully followed the route, took a left down what looked like a dark, windy, rainy road, with a bolt of lightening to top it off, Virginia and Bill followed him, but the faint of heart, took a right hoping to outrun the storm. Those of us who turned right pulled over down the road to see if the first two bikes turned around to follow us. We didn’t see them, so decided we would meet them at the next stop which would be the restaurant.
With our newly appointed leader, Steve (this was his neighborhood so to speak), we did miss the rain, continued our ride, and found the restaurant. Unfortunately the restaurant was closed for the day. We waited in the parking lot hoping the other three would ride in. After about 20 minutes we decided to go to Sam’s Joint in Alaska for lunch. We left a note with a BMW roundel and information about where the other riders could find us on the wall of the restaurant .
We went to Sam’s Joint, had a tasty meal and nice visit. There was a heavy rainfall while we were inside eating, and we were hoping the other three riders were staying dry as well. After we were done eating and had received our bills, in walked Gordon. They had continued the route, hit some better weather, and had found our note. However, Virginia and Bill were not with Gordon and he did not know where they were. They were behind him and then gone. He went back to find them, but to no avail. We assumed they weren’t hungry and headed home. We visited with Gordon for a bit, and then all headed off in different directions.
Our ride started out great with all of us together and Gordon did a great job of leading us. We managed to miss the bad weather, continue the ride and had a good time.

July Ride……………………………………..........................................…..…….Submitted by Gordon Hankinson.
After a great breakfast and too much coffee I was convinced by my fellow riders I should lead the ride because I am next of kin to our normal (?) leader. Five BMWs with seven enthusiasts (Bill and Virginia Lane, Dale and Judy Monson, Phil and Roxanne Nellis, (on a brand new R1200RT) and Steve Cooper) lined up behind Gordon Hankinson on his brand X and we were off in the sunshine. Bill H. had laid out a nice route taking us around to the north with a scheduled stop in Cedar Springs. Trying to follow the printed route sheet I missed one turn but a left and then a right put us back on track.
After leaving our used coffee we wandered off to the east and south to be attacked by a summer thunder storm. Stopping briefly I stayed on the route and headed for cover under a tree followed by the Lanes. The rest of the group headed off to the south and weren't to be seen again until the end of the ride. The Lanes and I picked up the route south of Saranac and got caught in another shower just as we arrived at the destination restaurant to discover it closed. We found a note on the door from the others, they had found another place open so we headed there. I found them filled and happy so we talked for a bit and hit the road hoping not to see anymore wet roads before getting to our own homes. All in all a very nice scenic route (Thanks Bill), and no one melted from the rain.

08.21.2010 | 20th Annual Antique Meet
Come join us in celebrating our 20th year in business with our yearly Antique meet. Registration from 9 to 11am with the awards being given out at noon. Be sure to stop by for the celebration even if you don't have an antique bike for great food, camaraderie and door prizes. We will be taking donations for Spread The Music Foundation. You can donate money or an old instrument you have and they'll refurbish it and give it to an interested youth to play. Check out their website at www.spread-the-music.org. They have some great concerts for the summer on the website. We'll be here from 9 till 3.

HAPPY 20th ANNIVERSARY to BMW MOTORCYCLES of GRAND RAPIDS !!!! 1990 – 2010 CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

September 18, 2010 Swap Meet at BMW M/C of GR We will be having a swap meet open to everyone. It will be free to set up in our parking lot or the one to the north. Bring anything motorcycle related and make some money. We will also be opening up all of our used pieces and parts at super prices. It will be from 9 till 3.

The last of the page;

* WMBMWR kicked in a donation of $100.00 along with member contributions for a total of $200.00 to the BMW MOA 2010 Club Charity Challenge. Thank you to those that have personally contributed.

*I had gone to and participated in the 2nd Annual Rock-n-Rumble Charity Poker Run on June 26th. It was a good event for a great cause, The ALS Association Michigan Chapter. Our club member Chip Hurley was the chairperson for this event and did a fantastic job.

*The Falling Leaf Rally in MO. Is on October 8-10, which also coincides with our normal 2nd Sunday Breakfast /Meeting. Many of our members attend this rally and we have in the past moved the club brkfst/mtg to the following Sunday (3rd) in the past. At our next breakfast (August 8th) we should confirm if this action will be taken again this year. It usually works out better for the fall color ride also.

* Here is another event that may interest you. I will also attach the information to the email recipients of the newsletter.

The BMW Motorcycle Touring Club wants to see you at the Vintage Motorcycle Days.
 Vintage Motorcycle Days
August 14 and 15
5105 West Grand River Rd
Owosso Michigan 48867

Bring your vintage motorcycle out to share with everyone. All brands are welcome to participate in this non-judged show. You are also welcome even if you don’t have one but enjoy them. Spend the day or the weekend. Short on time? Bring the family, a picnic basket and enjoy a day in the country? We will have some organized activities including motorcycle sidecar rides, field events and technical sessions.
 There will be organized Lunch Rides both days, a Saturday evening Dinner Ride and a Sunday morning Breakfast Ride to local restaurants. Look for details on the message board at the registration table. You are more than welcome to bring your own food and spread out a picnic blanket. Port-A-John and showers will be available. Showing your motorcycle, attending the event and overnight camping is all free.
  Below is the tentative Schedule of events. Feel free to invite other vintage enthusiasts. Hope to see you there.

Harry Jones
President, BMW Touring Club of Michigan

Tentative Schedule
Vintage Motorcycle Days
8:30 AM        Breakfast Ride (Sunday only)
9:00 AM        Registration opens
9:30 AM        Sidecar rides sign up at registration table 
10:00 AM       Restoration Tech Session
11:00 AM       Lunch Ride Departs
12:00 Noon    Lunch (join the ride or spread your picnic blanket)
3:00 PM        Restoration Tech Session
4:00 PM       Field Events
6:00 PM        Dinner Ride (Saturday only)
9:00 PM        Event over except camping
10:00PM        Quiet time

* Tomorrow, July 26th, I head out for Vermont. I will be stopping in at Barb’s nephew Kris and his wife’s house to see their new addition, a son. From there I will be going to the rally and should have a great time with all of the rest of the attendees. I plan to be back home on August 3. Hope to see you at the breakfast on the 8th and I’m sure that we will have lots of tale to tell. Till then do ride safe and have fun.

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