River City Beemers RCB Home Page

2026 Mileage Contest

Ken Caruthers — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 03:26:53 GMT

by Fred Jewell

WHY DOES THE CLUB DO A MILEAGE CONTEST EACH YEAR?
(just in case you were asking)

First of all, I, (your not-so-humble contest designer), have always felt that our club is a riding club, not a TT club as other leather-clad organizations tend to be. (TT in this case meaning Tavern to Tavern, not Tourist Trophy). BMW riders have always been associated with touring, long distance riding, and, since the advent of the R80GS, adventure/dirt riding. A mileage contest tends to reinforce those ideals, rewarding and challenging those who go a little further, ride a little longer, chase down new sites and roads less traveled. That being said, these contests have evolved from one that originally rewarded someone who went the most miles (Rand) to a raffle style that gave everyone a chance, no matter how small.

I feel that a mileage contest is something a new or prospective member would see that we take our riding seriously, and that’s something that might entice them to join the club. These contests also encourage members to go outside of what I call their “150 mile cocoon”, something that many of us have spent time in. I design these to encourage members to find new roads, sites, attractions, or locations that they may not have ever had the chance to do so, and have fun along the way. There’s something that a little competition does to a person that might make them take a chance, explore somewhere new, and have a chance to be rewarded for their efforts.

Which brings me to this year’s contest. This year the grand prize is not a set of tires awarded by raffle, but a winner take-all $500 gift certificate to A&S, with a second place $150 gift certificate and a third place $100 certificate. It will be a combination of miles traveled, bonuses, and double bonuses to earn points, so go on, set out to challenge others (or just yourself) and see something other than what we see in our “cocoon”, and have some fun!

PLAY BALL! THE RCB 2026 MILEAGE CONTEST IS TAKING THE FIELD!

The season is upon us, and it’s time to connect our national pastime with our favorite pastime, which of course is riding motorcycles! Yes, this year’s mileage contest is going to involve baseball along with accruing miles on our motorcycles. As ever, the contest is open to members in good standing only, no purchase necessary. It begins on April 1 and ends on September 15, 2026. There will be a grand prize of a $500 gift certificate to A&S, of which their general sales manager Randy is generously donating half. The winner can use this to purchase tires, gear, clothing, service, whatever he or she needs. There will also be prizes for second and third-place finishers; $150 A&S gift certificate for second and $100 A&S gift certificate for third place. Again this year, YOU NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN! That’s because this year the winner will be the member who gathers the most points during the contest; second and third places going to the second and third most point gatherers. Winners will be announced at our Christmas party.

RULES:
You must send me a picture of your beginning odometer(s) on April 1 (or any time after) to my phone 916 230 0951, and don’t forget to tell me who you are. You must also send me your ending odometer picture(s) on or before September 15; this is mandatory this year as failure to do so will forfeit any bonuses you may have picked up, so DON’T FORGET! All pictures of bonus locations should have your motorcycle in them whenever possible. The bonus locations are (mostly) for the California minor league teams’ stadiums located throughout the state. Each bonus location can only be visited once to earn points, and you don’t actually need to go to a game, but you should, they’re fun.

POINTS:
Riders will earn 2 points for every 1,000 miles traveled during the contest, no limit, rounded to the nearest 1,000 miles.

BONUSES:
Ball 4, take your base: Each participant will get 1 point automatically for the River Cats stadium, no need to actually go and visit the stadium.

Singles: Get one point each for visiting the following baseball stadiums and getting a picture of your bike and the stadium sign –

The Modesto Nuts (now the Roadsters), John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Drive
The Stockton Ports, Banner Island Ballpark, 404 West Fremont Street
The San Jose Giants, Excite Ballpark, 588 East Alma Avenue

Doubles: Get 2 points each for visiting the following baseball stadiums and getting a picture of your bike and the stadium sign –

The Fresno Grizzlies, Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare Street
The Visalia Rawhide, Valley Strong Ballpark, 300 North Giddings Street

Triples: Get 3 points each for visiting the following baseball stadiums and getting a picture of your bike and the stadium sign –

The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, LoanMart Field, 8408 Rochester Avenue
The Inland Empire 66ers, San Manuel Stadium, 280 South E Street, San Bernardino
Lake Elsinore Storm, The Diamond, 500 Diamond Avenue

Home Run – Go to both of the following stadiums and get a picture of your bike and the stadium sign and you will double your points:

The Reno Aces, Greater Nevada Field, 250 Evans Avenue
The Las Vegas Aviators, Las Vegas Ballpark, 1650 South Pavilion Center Drive

GRAND SLAM! After getting the previous Home Run bonus, go to each of these two locations, get your bike and the signs in the pictures, and double your points once again:

The Rocky Mountain Vibes, blocktickets Park, 4385 Tutt Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
The Garden of the Gods Trading Post, 324 Beckers Lane, Manitou Springs, CO. (This has nothing to do with baseball; I just truly enjoy the Garden of the Gods. It’s a really cool place and well worth visiting while you’re there)

So go out, warm up in the bullpen, take those practice swings, put on your helmet and hit one over the fence, and enjoy our national pastime while riding your motorcycle. HAVE FUN!

2026 Annual Whale of a Tour B&B ride in March

Jack Klauschie Jr — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:42:04 GMT

RIVER CITY BEEMERS TOUR SERIES

2026 Annual Whale of a Tour B&B ride in March

March 20, 21 & 22, Friday/Saturday/Sunday return.

Greg & Cyndee Peart will again be hosting the first RCB ride of the season. This tour has been running now since 2007. This makes year 19. Destination has always been the beautiful Seagull Inn Bed & Breakfast in Mendocino. This tour was conceived during a Manchester Beach campout to be a couple’s tour, rain or shine, motorcycle or car, non-campout & the first RCB tour of the year. Anyone solo of course is welcome. There is a 2-night minimum stay. Reservations must be made by calling The Seagull Inn at 707-937-5204 or by calling one of the owner's Ian Roth directly on his cell at 415-847-1661. Let Ian or the Inn’s staff know you are with the River City Beemers and you may receive 15% off the standard weekend rate (there is a cut-off date). Your first night rate will be charged as a deposit when the reservation is made and the balance required at check-in. As in past events, this will be a very easygoing weekend. Activities depend on the weather, size & wishes of the group. The Inn is a beautiful place to just chill. Mendocino is a historic district, small coastal town that is just wonderful to stroll about, trail hike the coastal headlands, watch the migrating whales, shop, and just relax. There also is a fabulous breakfast delivered to your room each morning. As in past years we will again enjoy a group cocktail party at the Inn each night prior to departing for dinner & an Irish coffee someplace in town as the Mendocino Hotel has been closed for our after-dinner libation.

New Year Musings

Jack Klauschie Jr — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:30:56 GMT

For those who are not members, we are an active riding club despite the absence of regular web site content. We welcome all who share a passion for motorcycles, riding, civility and having a good time.

Do we camp? Yes. Do we stay in motels? Yes. Do we do one to the exclusion of the other? No. Do we do the same things every year? A little because of tradition, but mostly because enough people participate in an event to justify keeping it on the calendar. Are we willing to do new events? Absolutely, especially if one is willing to help organize a new event. Are we willing to consider new ideas? Of course.

Our shortcomings? Ah yes, we have a few. We ride and therefore are not good at stopping for photos. Instead, scenic views, wildlife and historic places are etched in our brains. We are not good at sharing our rides in writing hence the limited web site content. We are happy to share these images and rides, but alas it mostly will be through oral history.

Do we encourage visitors and guests? 100%. Feel free to attend a member meeting, club ride or more elaborate event. Is riding a BMW required? No, but we are a BMW based club, so we reserve a right to tease you in good fun of course.

What are you in six words or less? We are a riding club.

New Years Day Ride 2026 Cancelled!

Ken Caruthers — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:29:21 GMT

The weather isn't cooperating again, so our traditional ride to Rio Vista on New Year's Day for lunch. is cancelled.

September Group Ride – 36 to FORTUNA!

Ken Caruthers — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:16:36 GMT

By Al Morrison

Before getting ahead of myself, I want to send out a whole-hearted thank you to all who made this year’s Tahoe Chill weekend a success. Our hosts, Maggie, Jeanie, and Gordy were good enough to forfeit their ride to haul the campsite must haves as well as provide the group with good food and cheer. Ernesto and Julie treated us to a Friday night pizza party which was delicious. Melinda kindly loaned us her portable fire pit which kept us warm and toasty and Jeanie even brought crafts for whoever wanted to partake. When adding lake-front lunch, music on the patio, and a rum runner or two, I do believe everyone had a great time.

With Tahoe Chill behind us, it’s time to look ahead to our next weekend adventure. We will be heading to FORTUNA on Friday, September12. RCB has 10 rooms blocked at The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel, 1859 Alamar Way, Fortuna. To reserve your room, call 707-725-5500 (rate: $149/night + tax).

I know I’m looking forward to the route Kenny’s putting together for us. We are planning to meet up Friday, at 8:00 a.m. at the Black Bear Diner located at 2700 El Centro Rd., Sacramento. For dinner… Eel River Brewing is steps from the hotel (my go to place with both good food and beer). Hope you can join!

2024 Summer and Fall

Ken Caruthers — Sun, 04 May 2025 17:16:55 GMT

by Maggy Mini, RCB Prez

July continued to be hot, 113 degrees, so hot that we canceled the monthly ride.
The club didn’t have any events planned in July. The top of the Rockies in Paonia was a destination ride for a lot of die-hard riders regardless of the hot weather, but I wasn’t one of them. Instead I stayed home and rode in the early mornings.
In August, Ken did briskly lead the monthly ride to five of the local Bingo sites.
Again it was a 100+ day but ten of us riders did endured the heat to get one ticket
closer to winning the big prize.
The ladies ride and luncheon meetup was in Newcastle. Jeanie Thurston & I
met in Rocklin and rode the back roads to one of the Bingo sites in Wheatland. Came upon a sign on W Wise Road “pavement ends”, the road was dry, dirt, and gravel so we continued on about three miles till pavement. We took our photos for the contest and then continued on to the eclectic Newcastle Produce, meeting up with Roxanne, Cyndy, Joanne, and Veronica enjoying a good lunch and fun.
The event for August is the Tahoe Chill at Camp Richardson, Lake Tahoe. Gordy
reserves the campsites 10 months in advance. Jack, Lynette, Steve & Jen set up a
great camp and fix the best meals ever. It’s very important that you know that bears wander through the campgrounds day & night. So if you’re afraid of bears this not the campout for you. Plus, a lot of campers think by setting their car alarms off it will scare the bears. So, between the bears & car alarms you don’t get much sleep. This year we had perfect weather and filled our days with self-guided motorcycle rides, lounging at the beach, making friendship bracelets (as long as you didn’t need the letter “E”), singing around the campfire.
September’s Lassen campout was canceled due to the Park Fire smoke. We
did have some members participate in NorCal “Range of Light” which started in Gridley and ended in Laytonville.
In October we had our main event of the year, the “Manchester Campout”. We had 65 attendees. It was nice leaving the hot valley and riding hwy 1 enjoying the cool ocean breeze. New this year was Fred’s Friday Margarita happy hour and Saturday’s happy hour; we enjoyed his famous Bloody Mary’s. Friday night’s lasagna dinner was hosted by Heidi, Karl, Bob, & Terri. The board of directors cooked Saturday night’s dinner. Bob Raster cooked the brisket, and it was delicious. Thank you to every who helped with setup, cooking, & cleanup.
November was our ladies luncheon ride. We rode baseline past the over growing
west Roseville to pleasant grove rd enjoying the farmland, coming upon gravel road ending up at Bennett’s westside Grill excellent food. The Day After Thanksgiving ride enjoyed the scenic roads to the Waterloo restaurant.
In December we enjoyed our holiday potluck party at A&S motor sports, with a
good attendance of 80 members. Our Elf entertained us with great raffle prizes. Cindy Kilton made our table decorations of wine bottles with lights and hand painted with flowers, birds & scenic designs. We also were entertained with Jeanie Thurston’s saxophone band playing Christmas music. The clubs annual BBQ arranged by Fred at the Sacramento Children’s Receiving home (CRH) was enjoyed by all the children. 17 members volunteered at the event cooking, serving food. The club members donated $830 to CRH for Christmas.

Safe riding,
Prez and First Gentleman

RCB Mileage Contest 2025 Rules and Bonuses

Ken Caruthers — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:55:16 GMT

By Fred Jewell

RCB Mileage Contest 2025 (Updated 5/16/2025)

And now for something completely different – the Pony Express, RCB style! Yes, I know each year’s mileage contests are already completely different, and often don’t really have miles involved, but this year’s contest is truly different: It DOES involve actual miles traveled! Another big change is YOU NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN. 3rd change is the raffle is going to be held at the RCB Christmas party (or holiday potluck, if you prefer) and I will proxy those contestants who aren’t able to attend the party. As usual, the contest is only open to RCB members in good standing, and the contest duration is from April 1, 2025 to September 15, 2025. No purchase necessary, the prize is a set of tires for your motorcycle, installed by A&S. Randy has once again generously donated the installation to the winner of the tires. Here are the details for the contest:

_ One raffle ticket will be awarded for every 1,000 miles traveled during the contest period, NO LIMIT. On April 1 contestants will text me at 916 230 0951 with a picture of their odometer showing their start mileage (please tell me who you are in the text). On September 15 do the same for the final mileage. The total miles will be rounded up or down to the nearest even 1,000 to award the tickets.

_ Bonuses: Remember I said The Pony Express, RCB style? There are bonuses to be earned in addition to the miles traveled, and they involve going to markers, monuments and/or signs relating to the Pony Express. In case you didn’t know, the Pony Express started in St. Joseph, MO and ended in Sacramento, and there are all kinds of signs, markers, or monuments along the way, and some even further past the end in Sacramento. Here is the list of those available to members to earn raffle tickets and the ticket value of each. Please tell me who you are and what bonus you are at should the picture not be clear. All are in California unless otherwise noted:

1. Dixon. At 6100 Silveyville Road there is a monument titled Halfway House. Take a picture of it and your bike for one raffle ticket.

2. Oakland. In Jack London Square there is a monument dedicated to a rider named Thomas Bedford. You won’t be able to get your bike there, just take a picture of the monument itself for one ticket.

3. Woodfords. At the junction of state routes 88 and 89 there is a marker for Woodfords Station and its relation to the Pony Express. Get a picture of the marker with your bike for two tickets.

4. Lafayette. At the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd and Moraga Road there is a monument for the Lafayette House and its relevance to the Pony Express. Take a picture of the monument for one ticket.

5. Martinez. At the corner of Main Street and Ferry Street there is a marker for the Morgan House. Get a picture of it and your bike for one ticket.

6. Orinda. Near the intersection of Highway 24 and Camino Pablo there is a monument to the Pony Express riders. You probably can’t get your bike near it so a picture of the monument will suffice for one ticket.

7. El Dorado Hills. On Joerger Cutoff road, near the intersection of Clarksville Road and White Rock Road, there is a marker for the Mormon Tavern (a contradiction in terms?). Get a picture of your bike and the marker for one ticket.

8. El Dorado/Mud Springs. On Pleasant Valley Road, next to the El Dorado Fire Station near Church Street there is a marker titled El Dorado (Mud Springs). Take a picture of your bike and the marker for one ticket. Stop in at Poor Red’s for a great lunch.

9. Kyburz. 9 miles west of Kyburz on US 50 near Ice House Road there is a marker titled Moore’s (Riverton) dedicated to the site of a change station for the Pony Express. Take a picture of your bike with the marker for two tickets.
Update: The plaque is missing, but the monument is there.

10. Update: Meyers. At the corner of US 50 and Pioneer Trail Road there is a marker for Yank’s Station, a stage stop for the riders. It's under the Holiday Market sign. Get a picture of your bike with the marker for two tickets.

11. Placerville. At the corner of Main Street and Sacramento Street there is a marker for the Placerville Pony Express terminus. You probably won’t be able to get your bike in the picture, so a picture of the marker alone is OK for one ticket.

12. Pollock Pines. At 5620 Pony Express Trail there are a couple of markers for the Sportsman’s Hall, AKA Twelve Mile House. Find either one and take its picture for one ticket.

13. Rancho Cordova. At the corner of White Rock Road and Gold Valley Drive there is a monument for the 15 Mile House remount station. You probably won’t get your bike close to it, so a picture of the monument is fine for one ticket.

14. Rancho Cordova. At the corner of Folsom Blvd and Dawes Street there is a monument to the Pony Express just off the sidewalk next to Rosie’s Country Kitchen. It might be possible to get your bike in the background of the monument for the picture, if not, the monument itself will be OK for one ticket.

SUPER DOUBLE SECRET DOUBLE BONUS:

Since the Pony Express generally followed US 50 across Nevada (the Loneliest Road in America and one of my favorite ways to go East) I have three bonus locations along it that, if you get all three, you can DOUBLE YOUR TOTAL number of raffle tickets! All sites are on US 50 in Nevada, starting first outside the town of Cold Springs, which is just east of the shoe tree. Just before you get to that bustling metropolis on your left are the ruins of an actual Pony Express station, and there is a marker there just off the highway on a dirt circular drive. Get a picture of your bike with the ruins and the marker in it. If you don’t feel like taking your bike into the dirt, and who can blame you, there is an asphalt lot just east of the ruins with its own sign. Take your picture of your bike, sign, and the ruins there.

Second is to continue on to Austin, where right before you leave town and get to the best section of road on the trip, there is an RV park called, ironically enough, the Pony Express RV Stop. Get a picture of their sign with your bike.

Third is to keep heading east to the city of Eureka (Nevada, NOT California, remember we’re heading east) and find the monument/marker for the Lincoln Highway. It’s on the sidewalk next to the county courthouse at the corner of US 50 and Ruby Hill Ave, and there’s a large bell and a plaque on the wall behind it. Try to get your bike and all three of those things in your picture. The Lincoln Highway was the original designation for US 50. If you stay in town there is a nice Best Western motel that has an OK breakfast. Dinner is your choice of two places in town, the Urban Cowboy is probably preferable.

EVEN BETTER THAN THAT, THERE’S STILL MORE!

For those who really like traveling and not afraid of putting on the miles, there is one more bonus location that could really increase your raffle ticket total. If you’ve already gotten the double bonus above, then keep heading east until you reach Ogallala, Nebraska. There is a park in town called the Tri Trails Park, and it has two Pony Express monuments in it. One is a triangular shaped boulder with two plaques on it, and the other is a metal silhouette of a Pony Express rider. Get pictures of both of those and you will double your raffle ticket total AGAIN, effectively quadrupling your amount. You must have already gotten the three bonus locations in Nevada to get this bonus. While you’re in Ogallala, visit the Mansion on the Hill Museum and the Petrified Wood Gallery. There are also plenty of motels, brewpubs and steakhouses to choose from to make your stay even more memorable. You might also take time to cool down with a swim in Lake McConaughy nearby, a lake I have gone water skiing in (a long time ago!) but it’s a man-made lake that my grandfather was an engineer working on it with the Corps of Engineers during the Depression. Small world.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

President's Corner June 2024

Ken Caruthers — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 13:25:39 GMT

by Maggy Mini, RCB Prez

Well, the month of June has come and gone but a lot did happen in June. Ken led the monthly ride to Poor Red's driving his Miata (his XR was in the shop).
At the monthly meeting a fellow motorcycle rider waltzed in looking for one of our members. It seems that our member lost his tank bag the prior month and this rider found it and dropped it off. Not wanting to give his name he just wanted to help a fellow rider. It’s great to know that there are people we don’t know willing to help out.
One week prior to the Rally I rode up to Spokane to attend my great-nephew’s high school graduation meeting up with more family members.
Finally, the MOA rally is here. I rode from Spokane to Redmond passing BMW riders who rode in from all directions, it was exciting to see fellow riders on the road.
We had 44 RCB members attend the rally but that wasn’t enough to win the “largest chartered club” that went to NorCal BMW club with 80+ member attendees. Thanks to Jack Klauschie for reserving club camping and to Bob Raster for bringing pop ups, tables and ice chest.
We also had our longest day of the year on June 20th. Welcoming the Summer Solstice and the beginning of summer.

Safe riding

Maggy Mini, Prez and First Gentleman

President's Corner April 2024

Ken Caruthers — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 23:02:12 GMT

by Maggy Mini, RCB Prez

April is known as the best month to look up to the skies and watch meteor showers, the start of warmer weather and super blooms! But this year on April 8 there was a total solar eclipse . In California we only saw a partial eclipse which was not even noticed. I gazed into the sun with my Solar Eclipse glasses and was able to see the partial eclipse but after a couple of glances it wasn’t too exciting. So, If you miss this eclipse the next one will be in 2044. Hmmm where will I be? Finally, it didn’t rain on our April monthly ride. We had 13 riders and rode highway 49 to snow along Rawhide Road to CA-108. Enjoyed lunch at 50s Roadhouse in Knights Ferry. Good company, nice roads, and excellent weather. This month we’ll have a tech day “fixing a flat”. If you plan to attend, please register on the event calendar. This is a hands-on event. You will need to bring your own fix flat kit and we will provide tires for you to practice on. Place: TBD by how many register. April 26-28 is the “Coastal Classic to Morro Bay” planned by Bob Rasters. It looks like 10 will be attending. This is a fun event with a great ride to the coast, and yummy food. The survey was emailed to all members in March, and we had 55 of our 151 members complete the survey. Their names were placed into a drawing for a Susie’s breakfast certificate and the winner was Ralph Duff. Woohoo! Following our May 4th club meeting is our Memorial poker run. Ken will be planning a route through the foothills ending at our host Mike Ledbetter’s house, with lunch prepared by Fred. Fred will be fixing his ‘World Famous Fajitas’. There is a registration fee of $10 which includes lunch and the first poker hand. See event calendar for more information. The weather is getting better so it’s time to prep your motorcycle with new tires, maintenance, battery, new seat and some bling ⭐ . Safe riding!

Prez and First Gentleman

President's Corner March 2024

Ken Caruthers — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:27:44 GMT

by Maggy Mini, RCB Prez

We welcome spring on Tuesday, March 19 at 11:06 pm with the arrival of the spring equinox and the time change on March 10 setting our clocks forward and robbing us of 1 hour of sleep, but giving us more light at the end of the day.

Our first event of the year is the “Whale of a Tour” March 8-10 planned by Greg Peart. Hopefully they will have no rain.

Jack Klauschie is planning a track day at thunder Hill on April 15 for more info you can contact him at jackklau@comcast.net.

April 26-28 is the “Coastal Classic to Morro Bay” planned by Bob Rasters. 7 rooms are on hold till April 18. This is a fun event with a great ride to the coast, and yummy food.

Registration for the 49er Rally opened. Early bird registration of $125 includes tent camping and your Saturday dinner thru April 30. May 1 the registration is $150. RCB will be handling the Poker Run. Gordy will oversee the event and our ride Captain Ken will plan the routes, they have been overseeing the poker run for 5 +years. I’ve talked to Wynne Benti of NorCal who is charge of scheduling events at the rally and she is excited that RCB is handling the Poker Run ♦ ♣

A survey will be emailed to all members this month requesting what you want from the club. If you complete the survey your name will be placed into a drawing for a Susie’s breakfast certificate. Hopefully you’re getting in a ride between rain storms. Enjoy!

Safe riding!

Prez and First Gentleman

President's Corner February 2024

Ken Caruthers — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 23:37:09 GMT

by Maggy Mini, RCB Prez

❤ February ❤ Happy Groundhog Day! Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, meaning an early spring is on the way. But he’s only 40% right most of the time so hopefully we’ll have some nice spring rides days. January ended with 3 beautiful days hope you got to enjoy them riding. A&S hosted the presentation of the BMW R1300GS with a great turnout. The new GS was very impressive with advanced technology and lotsa bells and whistles. But if you want to know first-hand just ask ride captain Ken, as he trampled everyone to be the first person to sit on the GS! February’s Saturday monthly ride will depend on if it rains. Check the RCB website forum. The Ladies luncheon ride/meetup is Saturday, February 17. Jeanie Thurston has planned a squiggly route turning the 5-mile route to Rocklin into 20 miles. Woohoo! March 8-10 is our first RCB event “Whale of a Tour” planned by Greg Peart. Check the RCB website forum for details to make room reservations which need to be made by February 15. Fred has posted on the RCB website Home page all his “Rules and Regulations” for this year’s Mileage Contest - “Beemer Bingo”. It seems the destination sites are a secret till April Fool’s day!! So be prepared to be surprised!! Future events to start planning for are the MOA Rally in Redmond, Oregon, June 13-15 and the RCB Manchester Fall Classic, October 4-6. The RCB Manchester committee had their first kickoff planning meeting. Vice Pres, Ray Nuguit is the Committee leader. The Committee consists of Bob Rasters, Heidi Weiland, Marv Lewis and myself. Feel free to dazzle the committee with any questions or ideals you have regarding this event. Safe riding!

This Year’s Mileage Contest – Get Ready for Beemer Bingo!

Ken Caruthers — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:06:05 GMT

by Fred Jewell

Starting April 1, this year’s contest consists of visiting sites on the bingo card and getting a picture of your bike at the sign for each site. Everyone gets the exact same 6 x 6 bingo card, and each bingo will have a certain number of raffle tickets assigned to it, a minimum of one and a maximum of twelve. There are only 81 tickets available in total, so a single ticket has more value this year. All the locations are within the state of California except two, which are in Nevada. There are free spaces on each line (except one diagonal) so you can get most bingos with only five sites visited on each. As you send your pictures to me, either by email (frebeck94@gmail.com) or my phone (916 230 0951), I will check off the spot on your bingo card and alert you when you have scored a bingo. Continue collecting sites and scoring bingos until September 15. The raffle will be held once again at our Manchester Beach event in October, and you must be present to win the set of tires mounted on your motorcycle. The bingo card will be unveiled on the RCB website on March 31, and physical bingo cards will be distributed at the April club meeting for those who don’t know how to hit the print button on their computer. Good luck and good riding!

President's Corner January 2024

Ken Caruthers — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:07:13 GMT

by Maggy Mini, RCB Prez

Happy New Years to All!

We ended 2023 with our last two events - We had a great turnout for our annual Christmas party at A&S. We had 80 party goers filling all chairs and enjoying a buffet of yummy food, and our very own Elf raffling coveted prizes. Next year we may need to add another table from 10 to 11. The Toy Run for the “Sacramento Children’s Receiving Home” (CRH) was greatly enjoyed by the children and staff. We had 13 members who, BBQ hamburgers, hotdogs with fixings and visited with the children. This year we added a CRH donation link on the website, received donations of $440. The CRH was very appreciative of the generosity of toys, gift cards and money donated by you all. Fred Jewell, as always did a great job in organizing this event.

It’s a new year -2024- We have a lot of rides planned this year such as the monthly rides, Wednesday dinner rides, scheduled riding events planned by members, ladies’ luncheon, Fred’s riding contest, and the MOA rally in Redmond, OR. To participate in all these rides check out the website’s event calendar for more info. You can also plan a ride and don’t be surprised if other members join you as you could end up in Mexico, Europe, or even Alaska!

Elections in December went off without a hitch and so far, no protesting or riots! All the members listed below are passionate about motorcycles, riding and having fun. They have stepped-up to keep club,

Our new Officers are me as President, Mark Naber as Treasurer, Jean Cordalis as Secretary and Ray Nuguit will continue as Vice President.

Directors- Bob Brown, Ken Caruthers, Rick Kilton, Marv Lewis, Al Morrison, Gordy Olson, Bob Rasters, Greg Smith, Karl Weiland, Fred Jewell.

Working behind the scenes and greatly appreciated is Jack Klauschie - Newsletter editor, Heidi Weiland- Membership Administrator and over achiever Ken Caruthers- Director, Webmaster, and Ride Captain.

I’m excited to be your President, but I have all the above members, “YOU” and the “First Gentleman” to support the club in this year’s riding adventures!

Let’s ride,

Prez & First Gentleman

President's Corner November 2023

Ken Caruthers — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:27:45 GMT

by Fred Jewell, RCB Prez

Here it is, my last monthly column as president (again), and it seems like the year has gone by too fast. I have enjoyed being president (again) of the club; I truly have found some wonderful people in this organization, and I believe we have a most excellent club because of them. I also believe it’s a good time to get some new perspectives on what the club does and how we do it, and having Maggy as president next year is a way to do it. She is going to be great. I know it. Please give her the support you have given me in the past year. We will be going through the motions of electing officers and directors Saturday morning, so if you want to be part of the operations of the club make your presence known.

Just because the weather is turning colder doesn’t mean we’re not doing anything; we’ve got the holiday potluck/Xmas party coming up on the 2^nd with lots of great raffle prizes and the SCRH toy run and BBQ on the 9^th. Because we want to give our members time to prepare their favorite item for the party, there will be no club ride Saturday. Rest assured though that, weather permitting, we will have club rides in the months ahead, and look for a New Year’s Day ride too, which this year will be held on January 1. (A nod to Mike Miller there).

Just because I’m not going to be president next year doesn’t mean I’m going to fade away, I’ll be on the board of directors, I’m currently working on next year’s mileage/destination contest, Bloody Marys will still be served at Manchester Beach, and of course I’ll organize the Toy Run/BBQ again. It’s going to be another fantastic year with the RCB, I know it!

So in conclusion let me say it’s been my honor and privilege to have served in this club, and I hope to see you on the road next year. Get your bikes ready, now is the time to do it. Don’t be one of those who show up at the national rally with cords showing on your tires! Which reminds me, the national is going to be in Redmond, OR and I would love to see us turn out in numbers that will win the #1 club award again. Everyone take care, be safe, and go out and ride as much as you can.

Call for Officers and Directors!

Ken Caruthers — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 14:01:50 GMT

While Maggie Mini has decided to become our next president, that leaves a couple of positions open.
First is to replace Maggie as secretary (if that’s even possible!), hopefully someone that’s good at taking minutes at the BOD meetings and formatting them properly.
Second, Greg Smith has bowed out of becoming treasurer due to personal reasons, so we do need someone with an interest or experience in maintaining our club’s finances (and to keep Gordy from spending too much!). If we don’t get enough people interested in these positions now I may postpone elections for a month until our December meeting.
Please let me or any other board member know of your intentions towards helping our club run as efficiently as possible in the year to come. Thank you for your support, Fred Jewell (president again but not for much longer)

President's Corner November 2023

Ken Caruthers — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 23:04:20 GMT

by Fred Jewell, RCB Prez

If you haven’t figured out by now, I was able to make it to Manchester Beach and enjoy a wonderful weekend with absolutely the best motorcycle club. Becki was able to get around on her wheelchair by herself and had friends over to help, so it worked out for me to leave, but it may have contributed to my “crabby bartender” shtick I portrayed. I do want to thank everyone who helped put on the event, in particular Karl and Heidi, Bob and Terri Rasters, Marv, Ray, Lisa Cornelius, and others I’m sure I forgot. It would not have been the excellent event it was without them.

November is almost here and that means elections! By that I mean the important ones – officers and directors for the club. Maggie Mini has decided to run for president, and I can’t think of anyone better than she for that position. She is an excellent rider with extensive experience with how the club functions through her service as club secretary. That means we will need someone to fill that position, and I hope there is someone out there who will, please let me know. Greg Smith is going to give it his best as treasurer to relieve Gordy, which means there is a director position open, which if no one steps up I will fill that one myself. I believe all the other positions are remaining as is, but I do hear that Heidi is grooming someone for the appointed position of membership director.

November is also the month we plan out the next year’s events, and this year we are going to be doing that at the regular board of directors meeting on the ninth at Pete’s Brewhouse in Folsom. I encourage anyone who wants to volunteer or has an idea for an event to attend. Please realize that space is limited there, and you are on your own for dinner and drinks. The food and service are very good there, worth it just for that.

Bob Findlay was the winner of the tires in the Where’s My Name contest. He had the most raffle tickets of those attending which gave him the best odds, although Larry Campbell was very close. Both members should be very thankful that last year’s winner, Chris Navarrete, who went to every location in the Ride to Eat contest, went to every location in the Where’s My Name contest but was unable to attend Manchester Beach. He is an air traffic controller and often works 6 days and double shifts. Bob did tell me he set out to go to every location this year, but a faulty alternator on his bike (Yikes!!!) prevented him from doing so. He did say the tires helped soothe the pain of having the alternator replaced by a little. Congratulations to him, Larry, and all the others who participated. Now look forward to next year’s contest, which I’m calling Beemer Bingo. Stay tuned for details, I’m still working on it.

Even though the weather is starting to change, we still have lots going on in the club. The Fall Colors ride is going to be the club ride, there will be a Day After Thanksgiving ride, the club Holiday Potluck is coming up, as well as the toy run and BBQ. The road goes on forever and the party never ends! (Who did that song?)

President's Corner October 2023

Ken Caruthers — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 01:38:21 GMT

by Fred Jewell, RCB Prez

It’s the first of October and I’m getting this month’s column out a little later than I’d like. I generally pride myself on being on time for most things. However, the past 10 days or so have been a bit more difficult than usual. After multiple trips to the doctor and many, many x-rays, we now know my wife Becki has a broken fibula AND tibia due to a condition called Charcot foot. (Look it up if you’re really interested), but it may cause me to miss attending our annual biggest event at Manchester Beach. She says go, but I’m not feeling right about leaving her alone. I won’t know for sure for a few days yet, but rest assured, the Bloody Mary bar will still be there in the very capable hands of Lisa Cornelius and Jack Weiglein. This year, due to our Saturday night menu featuring Mexican food, there will be Margaritas available too. The raffle for the set of tires for those who participated in the Where’s My Name contest will also be conducted by Gordy. A good time will be had by all, I’m sure.

Elections will be held in November for officers and directors, and I urge anyone interested in the fascinating world of club operations to let us know so we can get you on the ballot. I have been asking people to take the helm of this club away from me and have been met with thunderous silence. If no one steps up, then I will give it one (AND ONLY ONE) more year. I do enjoy being president, but I also do other things for the club, and I’d like to concentrate more on them.

I’m going to keep this column short this month, hopefully I’ll see you all at Manchester Beach.

Days are getting shorter, let’s get those rides in before the weather does its thing and puts us on 4 wheels.

President's Corner September 2023

Ken Caruthers — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:43:44 GMT

by Fred Jewell, RCB Prez

I can’t believe it’s getting to the last few weeks of summer already, and that means we’re getting ready for our annual campout at Manchester Beach in October. In the meantime, however, we have the Gypsy Tour, happening over the holiday weekend that I know a lot of our members enjoy. It’s a well-run and interesting tour of Northern California, but it does involve camping, which leaves me out. Our club meeting is on the same holiday, Saturday, which means either Ray or Rick will lead a (much simpler) ride depending on the temperature. If it is relatively cool(er) out we’ll go to Granzella’s via the Capay Valley, or if it’s hot, we might end up in the foothills somewhere. Routes are already on the club rides section of the website, check the forum for updates.

September also means that the mileage (destination) contest is drawing to a close in a couple of weeks, so get those pictures in to my email or phone by the 15^th. This is your chance at a set of tires for your bike, installation included donated by Randy at A&S, which is nothing to sneeze at (if that’s your idea of fun). It is a raffle so the more places you go to the better your chances of winning.

As I’m moving along in my second presidency of this most excellent motorcycle club, I often think of Gary Stofer, president for many years before my first stint, and the things he helped me with in becoming president of the first club I’d ever even been a member of, let alone leading one. That being said, as much as I enjoy being president, I would really like to see someone new and energetic come take the reins of the club, I would help him or her as much as I can. Pay and benefits commensurate with experience.

Gary had many pearls of wisdom he would occasionally drop on us as he saw fit. One I recall in particular was when I was complaining about the weak horn on my 1100 RT and wanted to install a louder one, and he said bad idea, you don’t want aggravate drivers as you are extremely vulnerable in a road rage situation. The pearl he dropped on me was if you have time to think, react and hit that hard-to-reach horn button, you have time to avoid the situation and let the driver go on their way. I don’t think I’ve hit the horn but a couple of times since then, and I never replaced the stock horn on any of my bikes.

Last month’s trivia question answer is Kingfish, a side band of the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir I got to see in concert a couple of times in the mid-seventies. Here’s a non-musical one for this month: On what date did the 20^th century begin?

The weather’s great, let’s ride!

President's Corner August 2023

Ken Caruthers — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 03:09:56 GMT

by Fred Jewell RCB Prez

August is almost here and we’re welcoming our intrepid travelers back from Alaska, not much the worse for wear, save for a little mud. Well, a lot of mud. (Just ask Al Morrison). Ernesto kept us updated regularly on his Facebook page with lots of pictures and eloquent descriptions of the day’s events. Many thanks to him for doing that so well, it kept my mind at ease from worry, knowing everyone was safe and well. It certainly appeared that it was the ride of a lifetime for those who went, and that it was well planned and well led by our own Octogenarian Roger. I have to say I’m very proud of Roger, he’s been trying to get this ride together for a few years and he finally did it. It almost made me yearn to go there myself, the scenery was breathtaking, but the tales of mud and gravel stop me right there. It shouldn’t stop anyone else from trying though, especially if mud and gravel roads don’t bother you. (Ask me if you don’t know my answer to riding in the dirt).

August is also the time for the annual Tahoe Chill campout on the 18^th through the 20^th. There is a sign up for it on the front of the website; this is important as to estimate enough food and beverages for everyone. Hopefully, the bear will like other people’s campsites better than ours this year, just don’t forget to say “hello bear” if he does visit ours.

I have it on very good authority that, if you are playing the “Where’s My Name contest, or even if you’re not, you should not miss Mendenhall’s Museum of Gasoline in Buellton. The contestant stated that there is a huge amount of land speed record memorabilia, and the owner is a wonderful guy named Mark. I’m going, even though being the administrator of the contest, I don’t participate, but it sounds like a great day ride destination. And speaking of the contest, I also have it on good authority that our club ride this Saturday will be going past Jewell, CA on the way back from the oysters. Great way to earn 12 tickets, enjoy a ride to the coast and partake of a dozen oysters.

Last month’s trivia question was easy, (at least to those of us old enough to remember Johnny Horton) so this one is a little harder to get without the use of Google: I was going to send them off to Alaska with a song called “Wild Northland”, so who did that song, and why would I be associated with it?

The weather’s great, let’s ride!

President's Corner July 2023

Ken Caruthers — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 04:52:57 GMT

by Fred Jewell RCB Prez

THE RAIN IS GONE! Finally! Aaaannd, here comes the heat. It’s looking like Saturday we’ll be riding into 104-degree temps, that is, unless you decide to participate in the annual Ride ‘n’ Bowl in Yerington, where it should be significantly cooler. The lunch destination in Genoa (Nevada, not Italy) should also be a decent temperature with shady spots to eat really good homemade sandwiches.

Speaking of shady spots, our poker run went off (although with a hitch or two) but ended up at Mike Ledbetter’s estate for lunch, drinks and games. Mike is a very gracious and generous host, and he deserves a round of thanks from all those who were there. I certainly had a good time cooking for everyone, and I’m hoping next year will have an even bigger turnout.

Our coterie of riders will be going north, to Alaska (north, the rush is on) soon after the holiday weekend and we wish them all well and good riding. I’m expecting daily reports on how it’s going; it sounds like the ride of a lifetime and some of us who can’t make it will want to live vicariously through them.

I’m starting to get more pictures of member’s motorcycles at sites from my Where’s My Name contest now that summer is in full swing. Please check the forum for my post about some corrections to a few site descriptions. Unlike last year’s contest, I haven’t actually been to many of the sites, so I went off Google earth for them. Mea culpa. I am hearing of a possible group ride to several of the local sites in July. Stay tuned for details, but here’s a chance to gather 6 tickets in an easy day’s ride.

Easy trivia question today: Whose song did I reference above?

President's Corner June 2023

Ken Caruthers — Tue, 30 May 2023 19:25:36 GMT

By Fred Jewell RCB Prez

It sure looks like my karma with the weather continued last month with the poker run being postponed, but this Saturday it’s looking as if we’re finally getting the cooperation we need. If you signed up last month there’s no need to sign up again for this Saturday, we’ve got you covered. If you haven’t yet, please do so as soon as possible so we know how many to feed. I’ll be doing the cooking, so you know it’s got to be good.

I’m starting to get some texts and emails from members with their contest pictures of the locations, and I’m expecting a lot more now that the optimal time for riding is here. There are enough local sites to visit that you could gather a half dozen tickets in an afternoon if you don’t feel like exploring the rest of California. One member has already found the sprawling metropolis of Jewell, CA, so I know others can too and earn 12 tickets for the privilege. If you have sent me an email and I haven’t responded right away, please send it to my phone, along with your name and the location. A lot of emails ended up in my spam file last year.

I’m going to call this next section of my column “Things I Learned From Gary Stofer”. If you never had the good fortune to know Gary, he was president of the club for something like 9 years, and was truly the glue that held the club together, and a (mostly) very even-tempered guy. I succeeded him in my first tenure as president as I got the feeling he was glad to be finally handing the reins over to someone else. Which brings me to the first thing I learned from him, and that is you don’t campaign to be re-elected, you campaign to find someone to replace you. That being said, I would gladly step aside for anyone else wanting the position! The next thing was as president, you’ll never please everyone, so don’t try. Just do what you think most people would want to do, and if someone complains, maybe they could be president next! I did hear him say more than once “This job doesn’t pay enough to take your crap” or something like that. Gary had a very strong opinion on replacing your weak sounding horn for a louder one, something with which I completely agree. The point being that if you have time to think, react, and reach for your horn button, you have time to avoid the situation. If you’re using the horn in retaliation for some perceived wrong done to you, you should realize that you’re in a position of extreme vulnerability on your bike, so discretion is definitely the better part of valor. Just let them go on their way.

So let’s get going now that the time and weather are right. Go somewhere you haven’t been to before. Ride a road you’ve never been on. Ride until you’re lost and have to use your GPS to get home. Travel, get out of your comfort zone, you’ll be surprised at how much fun you’ll have.

Memorial Poker Run Rescheduled

Ken Caruthers — Thu, 04 May 2023 17:57:52 GMT

Due to the weather, the Memorial Poker Run will be after the June club meeting on June 3rd instead of the May meeting.

President's Corner May 2023

Ken Caruthers — Mon, 01 May 2023 15:04:14 GMT

By Fred Jewell RCB Prez

Yay! Sunshine and warm temperatures, finally. I was beginning to wonder there for a while. Hopefully it continues through this weekend for our annual poker run, 50/50 raffle and lunch at Mike Ledbetter’s palatial estate in the foothills. Don’t forget to sign up on the website ahead of time, it’s always a good time and a fun ride devised by Ken and Gordy.

It’s also good weather to start your hunt for sites in the Where’s My Name contest and collect raffle tickets towards a set of tires for your bike. There are 180 tickets available if you hit every one, but I’m going to bet even last year’s winner, Chris Navarrete, can’t make it to all of them. You’ve got until September 15 to gather as many tickets as you can and improve your chances for those tires.

Jeff Hanrahan, from A&S, told me recently that BMW will be celebrating their 100-year anniversary at the Barber Sports race track and motorcycle museum in Birmingham, Alabama Oct. 6-8.

Unfortunately, this is the same weekend as our Manchester Beach meeting, but if you’re not going to Manchester (and shame on you) you might want to join in their festivities. I wish it had been just about any other date, I’d have gone. That motorcycle museum has been on my bucket list for a while, and I’ll bet BMW will put on a great event.

There are lots of things going on in the months ahead, both our own events and others we enjoy participating in, so check the RCB calendar and plan accordingly. Get yourself and your bike ready to go, and let’s have a great riding season.

Some random thoughts: Why do we park on a driveway and drive on a parkway? If a fly didn’t have wings, would it be a walk? How come people are never combobulated or gruntled? You can’t be in cahoots by yourself.

President's Corner April 2023

Ken Caruthers — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:39:56 GMT

by Fred Jewell RCB Prez

Is it just me, or has it been raining on every club meeting since I became club President (again)? I hope it’s not an omen. I believe Ken has been chomping at the bit to go to the Priest Station Cafe each time, and this Saturday is looking iffy again. We’ll see how the weather looks as we get closer, so let’s hope for the best.

Remember, April 1 starts the Where’s My Name contest, and it’s not an April Fool’s joke, you really can increase your chances for a set of tires mounted on your motorcycle by visiting the sites listed to earn raffle tickets. There are 180 tickets possible.

In the latest issue of the Owners News magazine I found an article about group riding that I felt was very apropos to this time of year, and well worth reading. To summarize, in case you don’t get the ON magazine, the author emphasized several “contracts” all riders should have in group rides: Don’t hit the rider in front of you. Be in proper riding formation (differs by road situation). Keep the rider in front of you in sight. Keep the rider in back of you in sight. Pass back road warnings and hand signals. And to me the most important, ride within your own ability. (I’ve also heard that described as every bike has its own throttle and brake). Read the whole article to get the details explained better; the information in it could come in very handy on any group ride going to Morro Bay at the end of the month. Speaking of Morro Bay, it’s looking like a pretty good turnout this year, more than we’ve had in a while. That is something I do hope IS an omen, I’m looking forward to seeing more participation in club events throughout the year. After all, isn’t that why you joined the club? Actually, the board is looking to do a survey of our members to determine just that, plus other things as well. Look for it in an email sometime in the not-too-distant future, and please answer it (honestly), it’s being designed to find out what the club can do for our members.

I know the weather will eventually turn into proper riding weather so let’s get ready. We have a lot of rides and events coming up in the next several months, so there’s got to be something that you’ll find to your liking.

After reading that ON article I was reminded of a classic discussion of knowledge v. wisdom, where knowledge is knowing Frankenstein was the doctor, not the monster, but wisdom is knowing the doctor was the real monster. In motorcycling, knowledge is knowing what your motorcycle is capable of, wisdom is knowing where your own capabilities end. Ride safely; let’s all make it home.

Where's My Name?

Ken Caruthers — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 18:24:01 GMT

By Fred Jewell, RCB Prez

Instead of a mileage contest this year, I've come up with a different kind of contest. Visit these sites to collect raffle tickets for a drawing to be held at the next Manchester Beach shindig. All locations are in California, and I used members’ names to come up with sites to visit to earn raffle tickets.

*Contest begins on April 1, 2023, and ends at midnight on September 15, 2023.

*Only RCB members in good standing are eligible to participate and win.

*Contest winner will be determined by drawing at the October meeting at Manchester Beach KOA -YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!

*Contest consists of visiting the sites on the list to collect the corresponding # of raffle tickets for the site.

Each site can only be visited once, and must be visited on your motorcycle. As you visit each site, take a picture of the designated location (as stated on the list) with your motorcycle in it. Note: there are some locations that cannot be reached on your motorcycle, in those cases, a picture of the location will suffice.

*Each site has a # of tickets available, anywhere from a minimum of one to as many as twelve.

*The contest winner will be awarded set of motorcycle tires of his/her choice installed on the winner’s motorcycle.

Here are the locations and the sites to be photographed for the Where’s My Name contest. Starting April 1, all you have to do is travel to the sites on your motorcycle, take a picture of the site specified with your motorcycle in it (when possible), and send the picture to my email or my cell phone. Email is frebeck94@gmail.com, cell # is 916 230 0951. Please remember to tell me who you are and what your picture is. Also, please realize that, although I tried, I couldn’t get every member’s name into the contest, and the names have no meaning to the location other than similarities. Contest ends on Sept. 15, and the drawing for the tires will be at the Manchester Beach club meeting in October. You must be present to win. Good luck to everyone!
Fred Jewell, RCB President (again)

Gordy Olson reminded me of Gorda on US 1, which boasts of having the highest priced gas in the country. Get a picture of your bike and the pumps to earn 5 raffle tickets.

Chris Navarrete, who won last year’s contest, reminded me of Navarro on hwy 128. Take a picture of your bike in front of the general store to earn 5 tickets.

Ken Caruthers reminded me of the town of Caruthers. Take a picture of your bike in front of the “Welcome to Caruthers” sign to earn 3 tickets.

There is a road outside Galt called Ivie Road, spelled just like our own Mike Ivie. Take picture of your bike and the road sign to earn 1 ticket.

Ray Nuguit made me think of Raymond, where there is the Raymond Museum. Take a picture of your bike in front of the museum to earn 3 tickets.

Scott Moseman may not know there is a town in California named Scott Bar, but you can take a picture of your bike in front of the John Scott monument for 7 tickets. It is next to the Community Hall.

Not for Al Morrison as much as for his wonderful wife Angel, you should go to Angel’s Camp and get a picture of your bike in front of the Angel theater for 2 tickets.

Jack Klauschie reminded me, of course, of the town of Jackson. There is a historical landmark for the Argonaut and Kennedy mines on 49 just before town on the right. Take a picture of the plaque for 1 ticket.

Bob Brown has a town named after him called Brown’s Valley (not really, but it sounds good). Get a picture of your bike in front of the Brown’s Valley Garden Center for 2 tickets.

Tracy Buchanan, of course, has to be Tracy, and there is the Tracy Historical Museum in town. Make sure you get your bike in front of the museum in the picture for 2 tickets.

Of course Larry Campbell has to be Campbell, and of course there has to be a Campbell Historical Museum there for you to get a picture of your bike and the front entrance to earn 2 raffle tickets.

Randy Felice and Rand Olson reminded me of the bustling metropolis of Randsburg. Not much there but there is the Rand Desert Museum, and you can take a picture of your bike in front of it for 7 tickets.

I’ll bet Steve Jones didn’t know, and probably not you either, that there is the Jones Family Park in Elk Grove. Get a picture of the sign for 1 ticket.

Bob Lawrence reminded me of Lawrence Livermore Labs in Livermore, where you can earn 2 tickets for a picture of your bike at the front entrance. Just don’t stay too long, you might start glowing in the dark afterwards.

Lewiston is where I thought of Marv Lewis, and where you can earn 5 tickets for a picture of your bike in front of the Lewiston Hotel Bar and Grill. Go in and hoist one in memory of Lois.

Stan and Gloria Davis got me thinking of the town of Davis and their famous Toad Tunnel. Find it at a place called Toad Hollow and take a picture of the tunnel (I don’t think you can get a bike there) for 1 ticket.

Don’t mind the spelling difference, but Karl Weiland reminded me of Carlsbad, where there is the Leo Carillo Historical Park. Take a picture of the sign “Rancho De Los Quiotes” for 9 tickets.

However, Heidi Weiland got me thinking of Heidi’s Pancake House in South Lake Tahoe. Get a picture of your bike in front of it for 4 tickets.

It’s a stretch, but Rick Kilton reminded me of Richvale, where there is a big farm called Lundberg Farms, and they have a sign on the road that you should take a picture of your bike in front of to earn 2 tickets.

Here’s a good one for Nathan Fender in Fullerton. The Fullerton Museum has an exhibit about Fender Guitars, so get a picture of the front of the museum with your bike. Gather 8 tickets and see if they’ll let you shred on a ’56 Telecaster.

Terry Lee has me thinking of Lee Vining and the Mono Basin Museum. A picture of the museum sign and your bike will earn you 4 tickets.

It’s another stretch, but I know there is no place called Williges in California, but there is one called Willits, and that’s close. Get a picture of the town sign over the main street that says “Willits. Heart of Mendocino County” for 4 tickets.

This one could be difficult to get, but Mike Bueche’s name made me think of Buellton, and there’s Mendenhall’s Museum of Gasoline there, and it’s worth 7 tickets if you can get in to take a picture of the entrance.

For Jack “Action Jackson” Weiglein look to the town of Acton where there’s a place to eat called Crazy Otto’s Diner, worth 8 tickets if you get a picture of your bike in front of it. A bonus of 2 more tickets if you can also guess what Crazy Otto has to do with me.

For Maggy and Henry Mini, I took liberties with their name and decided on Mineral. Little did I know that they love to go up there to camp, so if you get a picture of your bike in front of the Volcano City RV park sign you’ll get 4 tickets.

In memory of Stan Paolini I found that there is a road in Valley Springs called Paolini Road, so if you can find any of the street signs that say Paolini get a picture of it for 2 tickets.

For Linda Stofer and in memory of Gary Stofer and their two black Labs, I found a Lab breeder called Stofer’s Labs in Prunedale. It’s a residence, so just get a picture of their driveway at 110 Crazy Horse Road for 3 tickets.

An obvious one for Mike Robles is the town of Paso Robles and the Vina Robles Winery. Park your bike at the main entrance for the picture and earn 5 tickets.

Bruce and Lisa Cornelius got a difficult one in Cornell at the Cornell Winery. Take a picture of your bike next to their old blue pickup truck in front for 8 tickets. The winery’s pickup, not Bruce and Lisa’s.

Another memorial one, this time for Jim Cyran. In the town of Orange there is a Café called Cyrano’s. A picture of your bike in front is worth 8 tickets.

I’m really reaching for this one, but Chuck Talley got me thinking of Talmage, where there is a place called “The City of 10,000 Buddhas”. Get a picture of your bike under one of the arches of the entrance to the city and earn 4 tickets.

Tom Moe reminded me of Mojave and their sign “Welcome to Mojave Gateway to Space” which is worth 6 tickets for a picture of it with your bike.

It seemed obvious to me that Dave Swift should be reminding me of the Swift Transportation Hub in Lathrop, where a picture of your bike at the main entrance is worth 2 tickets.

Another stretch of the imagination is for Ted Alvarez. In Monterey there is the Alvarado Street Brewery, where you should take a picture of your bike in front before you go in and have a cold one. It’s worth 4 tickets.

Continuing with stretching, Ernesto Rivera gets us to Riverside and Mount Rubidoux Park, where there is a castle turret you should get a picture of. I’m pretty sure you can’t get your bike there, but it’s worth 8 tickets.

I found the town of Julian which coincided nicely with Ken Julian’s name, and there is a museum there called the Julian Pioneer Museum. There is a plaque on a rock in front you should get a picture of in order to earn 10 tickets.

Robert Wallace suggested to me the town of Wallace, so I found a place called Decorative Rock Network. You can park your bike under the sign and take a picture to earn 1 ticket.

Chuck Downing reminds me of Downieville and its grocery store, where you can take a picture of your bike in front of it for 4 tickets.

Since Campbell was already taken, I felt Jim Campbell should remind me of Jamestown, and a picture of your bike in front of the National Hotel is worth 2 tickets.

And finally, the highest valued location has to be the “town” of Jewell, where, if you can find it, a picture of the sign for the town is worth 12 tickets. Realize that this may be very difficult, I’m not sure if it’s still there, it was 37 years ago when I was there last.

Here's a gpx file with most of the point locations.

President's Corner March 2023

Ken Caruthers — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 05:24:05 GMT

By Fred Jewell, RCB Prez

Here it is the end of February as I write this and it looks like March is coming in like a lion (as a lion?), so let’s hope it goes out like (as) a lamb and we can get back into riding! Our first semi-organized rides are coming up soon – the Whale of a Tour ride to Mendocino on March 10th and the Ladies’ March ride and luncheon on the 11th. You still have time to reserve a room in Morro Bay for the ride in April, a fun weekend and great ride, although I’m not sure if highway 1 will be open by then. There are many alternate routes available if it’s still closed, check with Terry Lee.

April 1 is also the start of the annual mileage, er, destination contest, this year called the Where’s My Name contest. Details and the complete list will be coming out at the end of March. You just need to participate, no need to sign up in order to have a chance in the raffle for a set of tires installed on your motorcycle. The drawing will be held at the October meeting at Manchester Beach, and you must be present to win, as if you needed another reason to attend our biggest and most enjoyable event of the year.

March’s Board of Directors meeting will be on Tuesday the 7th due to a scheduling conflict at Pete’s Brewhouse in Folsom, just this one time only. The rest of the year we should be there on our regular 2nd Thursday of the month. All members are welcome to attend and see how unorganized we are, but the food is good.

A new item we’ll be trying out at the monthly meeting in March in addition to the raffle – a 50/50 raffle done separately from the regular raffle, so bring an extra dollar or ten and try your luck. Who knows, you could win enough to buy breakfast for months.

Not too much else to talk about at this time of year, but there’s a lot coming at us soon, so get your bikes ready, we’ll be on the road in no time.

Fred J. President (again)

President's Corner February 2023

Ken Caruthers — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 04:41:20 GMT

by Fred Jewell, RCB Prez

February. Not the best month for motorcycle riding, even around here, but compared to the climates in many places I’ve lived around this country, it’s almost tropical. Just think about hopping on your bike in Denver, Omaha, Chicago or Stamford, CT right now and you’ll be thrilled with our climate, which, by the way, is looking really good for our club ride this Saturday.

Speaking of rides, it looks like Terry Lee is getting things together for our unofficial first group ride of the year, going to Morro Bay. If you haven’t gone on this ride before I strongly suggest you do, as it has many things we like to do as RCBers, which is to ride twisty roads, eat good food and drink adult beverages. Riding highway 1 is an incredible route to ride to get there. The Hearst Castle is well worth seeing while you’re down there, just make reservations well in advance. There is plenty of shopping and restaurants in the Embarcadero in Morro Bay, And Solvang is close enough for a day trip. Check out the motorcycle museum there. Paso Robles has a reputation as having wine as good or better than Napa, so wine tasting is available nearby.

I have just about finished the locations for our mileage - I mean destination - contest. Look for it showing up on the forum next month as the start date is April 1. Rules and the prize for the winner will be announced in March also. Needless to say this one will be easier to understand and to earn raffle tickets for the prize. I’m fairly certain that Chris won’t be able to go to every location this time, but you never know with him.

Greg Gibson is currently working on a 4 day ride in northern California that is motel oriented, and I think it is going to be really good, I can’t wait for the details to come out, stay tuned. And the best part is, no camping involved!

So it’s kind of a slow month for the club, but a lot of stuff is coming soon, so get your bikes ready, (maybe ask Gordy to tune your carburetors) and we’ll be on the road in no time.

President's Corner January 2023

Ken Caruthers — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 19:32:59 GMT

by Fred Jewell, RCBPREZ

Well, I think it's been around 11 years since I last wrote one of these columns, so bear with me as I get back into it. Let's just say it's an honor to be president of this club once again, and I hope to do it justice.

A lot of things have changed since I was president last:

- Money and budget issues are not at the forefront as they once were.
- Membership is up, and significantly so.
- More members are stepping up to volunteer or organize events.
- Covid. Enough said. I'm just glad to see our club survive (and thrive) after some tough times.
- Bikes have gotten even better. I love that R1250RT motor!

I am also in the midst of completing the latest rendition of the annual mileage contest, which does not actually involve racking up huge miles, but does involve going to places all over the state of California. It's similar to last year's, but this time raffle tickets will be earned instead of points, with no location being worth less than one raffle ticket, and some worth 10 or possibly more. The locations were picked by me being reminded of places that sounded like member's names. I will say that Caruthers, CA and Jewell, CA figure prominently. If you have an idea of one that fits your name, send it to me, and I'll add it in if I haven't already.

As for events this year, I see that there are some camping events, more camping events, and even more camping events, so if you like to camp, you're in the right place. I do know that there are some motel-oriented events that some members are currently working on, so stay tuned. One in particular that I discussed with a member sounded very interesting, I'm sure it will come to fruition, that particular member is an expert at organizing just such an event.

I'm really looking forward to continuing on with moving the club forwards as the previous presidents have before me, without them stepping up I don't know where the club would be today.

One last note: the Board of Directors meeting place has changed to Pete’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, 6608 Folsom-Auburn Rd. in Folsom. See you there January 12 at 6 p.m.

So if you're going somewhere, ride there. It's why you bought the motorcycle, isn't it?

President's Corner December 2022

Ken Caruthers — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 02:22:31 GMT

by Gordy Olson, RCBPREZ

This is both the last President’s Corner of the year and my last President’s Corner for my current term as RCBPREZ. It is hard to believe that 2022 is almost over, but I think it has been a great year for the club. We are almost fully recovered from the pandemic and our recent rides and meetings have been drawing record crowds. I have a feeling that 2023, under Fred Jewell’s experienced leadership, is going to be even better.

The annual Christmas/Hanukkah/Eid/Kwanzaa/Winter Solstice Party was a huge success. I was very sorry that I was unable to attend personally, but I was excited to hear that the actual elf from the movie (“Elf”) covered for me and handled the emcee role with dignity and aplomb. I couldn’t have done better myself! I hear that there was plenty of food and drink, but that the real joy was the affection we all have shown for each other. We even got to celebrate “Jack the Lawyer’s” 70^th birthday (with “Jack the Other Lawyer” in attendance!).

In keeping with the spirit of this “season of miracles,” Fred Jewell actually bought raffle tickets (Miracle #1) and then proceeded to win a personalized Bloody Mary apron (Miracle #2). WHAT ARE THE ODDS???? We all look forward to seeing him model his outfit proudly at Manchester Beach next October. Save the date!

The annual Toy Run is coming up December 10 at the Children’s Receiving Home. RCB and the Vagos will join in our traditional role of representing the best and worst, respectively, of motorcycle clubs that day with gifts and food for the children experiencing some really hard times. That annual event is probably the only time an outlaw motorcycle club and an ATGATT-believing BMW-centric bunch occupy the same space and time. Maybe there is hope for world peace after all.

I have truly enjoyed my most recent term as RCBPREZ and wish Fred all the best for the future. The club is in very good hands indeed.

Ride safe, often and as fast as practicable!!

Cheers, Gordy (your soon to be RCBPREZ Emeritus)

President's Corner November 2022

Ken Caruthers — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 17:14:29 GMT

by Gordy Olson

Attention, readers!!! This Saturday, November 5, is Election Day! I know some media sources are reporting that Election Day is November 8, but that is “Fake News”! Sure, folks around the country will be choosing senators, congressmen, and governors on November 8, but the really critical election is November 5 when RCB’ers around the globe will be selecting their new leadership. Please come to the monthly meeting and cast your ballot as you wait to hear your raffle number called. At least on November 5, YOUR VOTE COUNTS!! (BTW: Dominion Voting Systems has nothing to do with the RCB vote count, so you can stop worrying about any potential ballot shenanigans!)

This year is flying by and we are already getting prepared for bigger and better things in 2023. The annual RCB planning meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 6, from 5-7pm at the Roundtable Pizza at Greenback and Madison. In addition to lively debate about the future of the club, there will be free pizza and beer!! Be there if you want to have a say on what's gonna happen next year.

The annual Holiday Party is also coming up soon on December 3 at A&S from 6-9pm or thereabouts. In addition to food, beverages, and good fellow- and galship, there will be mega-raffle!! Rumor has it that elves may be there, but you never know.

As the weather cools and (hopefully) the rain arrives, don’t be like our brothers and sisters in the Far North and just park your bikes for the winter. Remember: There is no bad riding weather only bad preparation and bad equipment. With heated grips, seats and vests there is no reason not to get out there and ride. Just watch out for that little blinking snowflake on the instrument panel!

That’s it for now.

Cheers, Gordy (Your soon-to-be-ex-RCBPREZ)

President's Corner October 2022

Ken Caruthers — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 03:04:00 GMT

by Gordy Olson, RCBPREZ

Hard to believe, but it is already October and 2022 is about to be in our rearview mirrors. It has been quite a year and so far RCB has weathered it extremely well.

My original plan for this month’s Prez Corner was to do a thorough critique of all the problems at the Gary Stofer Memorial Manchester Beach event. I have always wanted to be an investigative journalist and blow the cover off some sordid scandal by exposing all its flaws and shortcomings. Unfortunately, after exhaustive research on every aspect of the event the only problems I could identify were: (1) attendees seemed to be having too much fun and; (2) the weather was too perfect and the riding was too superb! It was almost like I was living in Jimmy Buffet’s world where “The beer is too cold and the daiquiris too fruitful!”

The Manchester weekend was everything the club stands for. We had a fantastic turnout (87 members and guests), great food (some provided by club members and some catered), a roaring fire every waking hour, great scenery, a hot tub, plenty of beer and other libations, and continuous good humor. The event could not have happened without the hard work of many members: Karl and Heidi provided the home base for the event and hosted Friday night’s dinner and daily breakfasts. All the Board members assisted in one way or another. Scott handled the finances expertly (as usual). Fred managed the “Ride to Eat” contest all year and presented the winner with his new set of tires (partially replacing the two sets of tires our winner wore out visiting EVERY RESTAURANT on Fred’s list). Our hosts at the KOA were as accommodating as ever and both they and we are looking forward to next year’s event scheduled for October 6-8. It is never too early to make your reservations, especially if you are planning on renting a Kabin.

This November also marks a very important election. In addition to selecting members of the Senate and House of Representatives (who cares?!???!), we will also be electing new club officers and directors. While those on the left and those on the right will never agree on anything, all RCB’ers can certainly agree on the importance of keeping the club going by selecting folks with the time and commitment to make our great club even better in 2023 and beyond. If you are interested in running, please let me know. We will vote at the November meeting (November 5).

Finally, I want to wish the club a very happy 40^th birthday. I see no reason why folks won’t be enjoying the benefits of club membership for another forty years.

Ride safely, ride often, and ride just as fast as you are comfortable going (but no faster!)
Gordy, RCBPREZ

President's Corner September 2022

Ken Caruthers — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 23:01:10 GMT

by Gordy Olson, RCBPREZ

Greetings, all! Yes, I am late again with The Corner but this time only by a week. Last time I was a month late, so I am getting better. Who knows, the October Corner may actually come out on October 1 (October Fool’s!).

On to the news… I trust that most of you have been smart enough to limit your motorcycle time this past week to reading motorcycle magazines, polishing your bikes (assuming your garages are air conditioned), and planning for the upcoming Manchester Beach weekend. With that segue, Manchester Beach is coming up fast! In just three weeks we will be enjoying the coastal cool weather, the great roads, the giant raffle, and the camaraderie we have come to expect at Manchester. This year we will also find out the winner of Fred’s “Ride to Eat” contest and someone will win a set of new tires to replace the ones he or she wore out trying to win the contest. Please sign up on the RCB Forum so we have a good idea of how many attendees to expect. In past years we have had upwards of 100 riders and guests there. Let’s try to beat that this year in our first real post-COVID gathering.

We have had good turnouts at our meetings and monthly rides as we all get back into the swing of things. The Tahoe Chill was a bear-filled adventure with great food, perfect weather and plenty of storytelling around the faux fire. We will definitely continue that tradition, so keep the middle of August free next year. Many thanks to Jack and Lynell for the fantastic food. You guys continue to spoil us every year.

If you have ideas for rides or events please share them with the RCB Board. You can e-mail us at board@rcb.org with suggestions. Campers can come up with rustic trips and the non-campers can counter with rides to luxurious spas to pamper sore riding muscles. Ideally, we can have something for everybody but we need your input. Free beers can be available at either type of event.

PLEASE… GO ONLINE RIGHT NOW AND SIGN UP FOR MANCHESTER! YOU WON’T REGRET IT!!

Ride safely once it gets cool enough to ride at all, Gordy (Your once and future prez)

President's Corner July/August 2022

Ken Caruthers — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 22:47:18 GMT

By Gordy Olson

This is a special Summer Edition of the President’s Corner, including my thoughts and ramblings for both July and August. Some of you may be wondering why I decided to combine July and August into one edition this year. While I am not at liberty to disclose the actual reason for this change (it is HIGHLY classified) and can state, unequivocally, that the reason some members have suggested (that I simply forgot to do a Prez Corner in July) is categorically false!!!

On to the news… Club members are continuing to accelerate their post-COVID activity levels with noticeably higher participation in all our events – breakfasts, monthly rides, and special events. The return of the Ride ‘n’ Bowl was a big success, although Yerington remains a very sleepy town. The River City Beemer Bowlers were reminded of that fact when we finished bowling at about 7:45pm on Saturday evening and asked our waitress for some dinner recommendations. Her response -- “It’s almost 8:00pm on a Saturday, everything is closed!” -- tells you all you need to know about Yerington. We did eventually find a little kitchen/cantina tucked in the back of the Latino supermarket and had a quite spectacular Mexican dinner. Unlike the bowling itself, that portion of the trip was of the highest quality.

Fred’s “Ride to Eat” continues apace. We have already had two special bonus rides and Fred tells me that lots of members are racking up lots of miles (and calories!) in pursuit of those tires. A dozen of us rode up to Granzella’s on July 23 following a beautiful Ken Caruthers designed route through the farm country around Woodland and then up the Capay Valley. There is still time to try to figure out Fred’s arcane rules and visit some of his favorite dining spots. Someone is going to win those tires and it might as well be me – I mean you!

The Tahoe Chill is coming up soon (August 19-21) and the bears are expecting us. This is always a fun event with excellent food to complement the fantastic riding and relaxing options available up at Lake Tahoe. Sign up on the RCB website because space is limited.

Finally, I would like to offer my warmest Happy Birthday greetings to our ride guru Ken on his 80^th lap around the sun. If his riding has slowed down any I would have hated to see him in his earlier and faster days. He is a real asset to the club, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude for showing us the great roads hidden in plain sight around Sacramento. Happy Birthday, Ken, from all of us!!!

Ride safely, ride often, and ride with your buddies!

Gordy, Your Once and Future Prez

President's Corner June 2022

Ken Caruthers — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 18:37:53 GMT

by Gordy Olson

I am a few days late with the “Corner” since I wanted to wait until the 49er Rally was over to file my report. The 49er was the first real “post-COVID” rally and was ample evidence that our motorcycling friends are VERY ready to get back out on the roads with their buddies. There were nearly 600 people up in Quincy (which is about 500 more than were up there for the last Beemer Bash!). RCB was well represented with almost twenty folks that I counted. Ken and I (mostly Ken) set up the two poker runs to help out NorCal. NorCal was very appreciative of our efforts and both runs were big hits. Overall, the rally was very well organized and well received by all the attendees.

On the local front, our June meeting was well attended and the monthly ride to Priest Grade Station had plenty of riders. Next month we will resurrect the Yerington Ride ‘n’ Bowl in keeping with our “COVID’s OVER!” theme this year. To avoid a conflict with the July 4^th weekend, the monthly meeting, raffle, and ride to Genoa, NV and on to Yerington will be July 9-10. All the details will be posted on the Forum soon. Rummage through your closets, find those RCB Squared bowling shirts and get them to the dry cleaners. Wear them proudly to the meeting in July!!

The “Ride to Eat” contest is in full swing. There is a set of tires (as well as bragging rights) on the line. More than anything, it is a good excuse to get out and ride the great roads that surround us.

Ride safely, ride often and have fun! You all deserve it.

Cheers, Gordy (Your Once and Future Prez)

President's Corner May 2022

Ken Caruthers — Mon, 02 May 2022 16:20:14 GMT

by Gordy Olson

Spring has sprung and the roads are clear of snow in just about every direction! Dr. Fauci has proclaimed that the “pandemic phase ” of COVID-19 is over and that’s good enough for me. We have seen increased numbers of members at our monthly meetings and on our rides. Hopefully those trends will continue and maybe even accelerate.

On May 7 we will be resurrecting the annual poker ride and the sign up sheet is already on the website. Signing up in advance helps with meal planning and lets our host, Mike Ledbetter, know just how many towels he will need to have ready for all the rope swingers. This year’s event is free of charge with everyone getting a poker hand (assuming you complete the ride and correctly answer the questions) and lunch. A $100 A&S gift certificate will be awarded for the high and low hands. Runners up in each division will also get a prize (of significantly lesser value!). There will also be a 50/50 drawing where you can spend as much of your own money as you want to sweeten the pot. We will have our regular meeting and raffle over at Susie’s that morning before going over to A&S to start the poker run. Ken and I have ridden the route and it is a beauty!!

A number of our riding buddies are down in Morro Bay this weekend – more evidence that the club is definitely in the post-COVID afterglow! Other events that are making their triumphant return this year include June’s Trinity campout and July’s Ride ‘n’ Bowl at the newly renovated Pioneer Crossing bowling alley in Yerington. Details on those to follow on the website forum.

This Memorial Day I am hoping that a lot of RCB’ers will be joining our NorCal brothers and sisters at the 49’er Rally up in Quincy. RCB is handling the two poker runs that weekend and I would much prefer to give the prize money to one of our own, so sign up for the event itself and for the rides.

Remember to ride your own ride, wear All The Gear All The Time, and spread the good word that COVID is (sorta) GONE and RCB is (completely) BACK!!!

Cheers, Gordy (Your Once and Future President)

President's Corner April 2022

Ken Caruthers — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 18:41:58 GMT

By Gordy Olson

RCB’ers: I have had it with all of you and am resigning as RCB President effective immediately, purchasing a Harley, and moving to Elko, Nevada!

BELATEDLY… April Fool’s!!!!!!

But seriously, folks… Can it get any better than it was today on our glorious club ride throughout the foothills? Captain Ken outdid himself finding new roads tucked in among the well-known routes we have all ridden before. After a very nice turn out for the April meeting (we may need a bigger meeting room soon!), we had 19 bikes participate in the ride. Both events show that the Club members (and the larger society, I presume) are finally coming out of their COVID-induced hibernation. There is clearly a lot of pent-up demand with raffle ticket sales off the charts the past two months. It will make our esteemed Treasurer clutch his spreadsheets even more tightly, but I may have to start spending more on prizes to meet expectations.

Fred “Ride to Eat” Jewell’s brainchild is off and running. Check the Forum for the latest rules (since Fred seems to add one or two each week) and get out there and find some new places to visit and enjoy. We have been cooped up for too long. LET’S RIDE!!!!!

Make sure you sign up for the relocated 49’er Rally being held this year on the Memorial Day Weekend (as usual) but up in Quincy (rather than its tradition home in Mariposa). RCB will be handling the poker runs (yes, there will be two of them!) with cash prizes to the lucky gamblers.

The Yerington Ride ‘n’ Bowl is making its post-COVID return in July. The lanes have been completely renovated although I doubt the same can be said of the River City Beemer Bowlers’ kegler skills. No matter, as long as we all dig out those old “RCB Squared” bowling shirts and wear them with pride.

Our ex-ex-president, Mike Robles, had the valves on both his GS and the ones on his heart checked. The bike was fine, but Mike needs a valve adjustment and goes in for the procedure in a few weeks. Our thoughts are with him and we look forward to seeing him out on the road again soon.

I can’t believe how lucky I am to have such great friends, great roads, and great events each and every month. Appreciate our shared good fortunes and take care of yourselves and others. Ride safely (and often!).

Cheers, Gordy (Your Once and Future RCBPREZ)

Ride to Eat Contest

Ken Caruthers — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 18:44:31 GMT

Announcing the RCB Ride to Eat Contest.

This isn't an organized ride, but a collection of destinations to collect points for a drawing to be held at the Manchester Beach event. Download the Ride to Eat pdf to read about the contest and the rules.

President's Corner March 2022

Ken Caruthers — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 20:33:22 GMT

By Gordy Olson

RCB’ers: I don’t know exactly where to start… these have been very challenging times of late, but I think (hope?) that the Club is ready to turn the corner and get back to at least a semblance of normal.

A lot has happened since the last President’s Corner. Very sadly, Rich and Brenda Gay’s adult son was killed recently in a traffic accident back east. The Gays were planning to relocate to Sedona, AZ in a year or so but have now decided to make their move now. We all share their grief and we will miss them.

On another sad note… Jim Cyran, a true RCB stalwart before he moved back to Ohio last year, passed away recently after suffering a heart attack while duck hunting out here in Sacramento with some California buddies. Jim was a great rider and a great Club member. He will be missed.

With the Gays’ relocation to beautiful Sedona, I have reassumed the reins (at least for now) of the Club presidency. As COVID finally appears to be in our rear view mirrors I am hopeful that the Club will be able to get back to a full schedule of events. This month, some couples are off to Mendocino for the “Whale of a Tour” outing. Our monthly club rides have started again and the Wednesday Night Riders continue their longstanding tradition of Hump Day rides.

Check the RCB website regularly to see what else is new.

Here are some items to put on your calendar for the upcoming months… NORCAL BMW is moving their annual 49er Rally from Mariposa to Quincy (where Central Cal used to hold its Beemer Bash). NORCAL’s event has been relocated -- but not rescheduled -- it will still be over Memorial Day weekend as usual. RCB will organize and operate the Poker Run at the Event as we had done historically for Central Cal’s event. You can go to NORCAL’s website and register for the event. It should be fun and they are expecting 400-500 participants!!

In July, the Club is planning to resurrect the “Ride ‘n’ Bowl” trip to Yerington, NV after a hiatus of several years. I have been in touch with the casino and they are completely renovating the bowling alley and expect to have it ready on time for our arrival. It wasn’t entirely clear to me if the renovation is being done exclusively for the Club’s benefit or was previously planned, but either way it will be welcome. I will be providing more details as they become available. The July Club meeting and raffle will be held on July 9 to avoid a conflict with the July 4^th weekend. The monthly Club ride after the meeting will be to Genoa, NV with the River City Beemer Bowlers (AKA “RCB Squared”) continuing on to Yerington for the rest of the weekend. Bowlers: Root through your closets, find those old RCBB bowling shirts, get them dry-cleaned and prepare to revisit one of our treasured events. Remember: Those who forget the past are doomed to re-bowl it!!!

That’s enough for now. Stay safe and appreciate every day and every ride. Cheers, Gordy RCBPREZ (Again!)

November Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 19:04:31 GMT

I want to open this month’s Prez Corner by wishing all the veterans in RCB, and I know there are many, a happy Veteran’s Day. All Veterans deserve recognition and a big “Thank you for your service!” Really, thank you!

We enjoyed our first Manchester Beach event since the pandemic and, I think we all had a great time. I never was really sure it was gonna happen as this state is all busted up as far as pandemic protocol is concerned but, I finally got the ok from our favorite KOA contact Yolanda that the event was to go on as planned. It was so great to see all friends new and old at our biggest event of the year. Next year will be even bigger I’m sure.

During the November meeting we elected a new RCB President for the coming year and the vote was unanimous. Our new prez is Rich Gay! I and we are sure Rich will be an excellent Prez for our club. Thank you Rich for your willingness to serve. Gordy was re-elected as the VP and Maggie will continue on as our Secretary with Scott Moseman to continue as Treasurer. Thanks Scott, you do great work! All BOD members will remain in their positions with me getting the nod to take on the one open director position. Cpt. Ken will continue as our IT guy and Ride Capt. as well as a director. Thanks to all who serve the club! I know, the pay sucks but, someone has got to do it. Thanks again.

Sunday, bout a dozen of us got together to resurrect our events calendar for 2022. Those events will be put on the events calendar by Capt. Ken when he gets to it. I want to encourage anyone who would like to suggest a new event for the club to do that. Please do! But, if you do, you are responsible for the planning of the event. It will be your event, and as stated earlier, the pay sucks! We have quite a few new members in the club. Can’t wait to hear new ideas for new events. Bring ‘em on! May the pandemic be over.

There will be a club meeting Sat. Dec. 4^th at Susie’s but, there will be no raffle and, most likely no club ride as that evening we will celebrate our 2021 Christmas Party at A&S. Watch the forum for info in regard to time and your contribution to this grand event. Just know there will be a special guest direct from the North Pole in attendance. That is all I will say! See you there!

Everyone have a great Thanksgiving with your families and friends. Capt. Ken will be leading The day after Thanksgiving ride to Waterloo for lunch. You can swing by the Lockeford Sausage store on the way home and buy the best sausage made ANYWHERE. DO NOT ASK WHAT DAY THE RIDE IS!

Ride often, and ride safe!

Mike

October Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 20:49:28 GMT

Here we are in mid October with the end of the year staring us down. So where are we now in the maybe post pandemic era? Well, we managed to make a showing at the MOA Intl. in Great Falls Mt. There were somewhere around 25 members in attendance. Not the best rally we have seen but kudos to the MOA rally chairs for making it a nice event with all we have been through this last year. We had a good time. We attempted a campout at Lassen Nat’l Park in Sept. but that was thwarted due to the massive Dixie fire. It was getting tough to find areas to ride in this summer as we were pretty much surrounded by smoke and fire. We did get to Manchester Beach for the Stofer Memorial Classic. Didn’t know for quite a while if that was gonna be pulled off but it was. Worst thing that happened I think was the RCB coffee pot was BROKE! The KOA bailed us out with a coffee pot and saved the day. Fred was the Manchester Barkeeper and kept everyone happy with Bloody Marys. Bruce and Lisa auctioned a quilt off through auctioneer Jack K. to Gordy for 610.00 that went to The Childrens Receiving Home of Sac. Great cause. We had over 70 folks there I believe. Not bad. Weather was fantastic.

A handful of us loons gathered at a dusty campsite in the Nev. High desert on Oct 14^th, 15^th ,16^th and rode around stirring up dust and raising hell. We had a great time after we thawed out. Our mornings were touching freezing in the mornings. Scott M. was our host and fed us well. Hopefully the Nevada Outback ride will continue on. I know I will go back. That was FUN! This is not a pavement ride.

I talked with Randy at A&S and we are set for the annual RCB Christmas Party. Wasn’t sure at first but yes!, we will have a party complete with our resident Elf in attendance. Information will follow in a thread on the forum. One thing is for sure, there will be no raffle at the Dec. club meeting. All the goodies are raffled at the Gala, Sat. night. The Elf is in charge. Come and enjoy a great evening!

Nov. is election month. There will be NO mail in ballots. You must be present to vote. I want to urge all members to get involved in YOUR club. Whether it be an officer or a director or in another capacity please throw your hat in the ring. We need new ideas and new blood to keep things fresh! WARNING!!!! The pay sucks! LOL!

So, see everyone at the Nov. meeting. Hopefully the weather is good and we can ride!

Mike

Aug. Prez corner

Mike Robles — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:34:06 GMT

Yeah, I know, I’m running a bit late this month! Sorry. I am getting ready for and packing for the Tahoe Chill which is coming up this Friday. Should be fun as always and we are in the very capable hands of Lynell and Jenny in regard to their culinary skills and keeping us fed at this event. Thanks to the Klauschies and Harrises for hosting this event. It is a lot of work and I know the folks that attend it appreciate all the effort they expend in always making this an enjoyable event. Pretty sure the bears like it also.

As a club, we are working to try to make the remainder of 2021’s event calendar as busy as possible and I am wondering how it will play out when you consider how the Covid is gonna effect the remainder of the year. Will the Delta Variant send us back to 2020? I am hoping that doesn’t happen but, we should be prepared for the possibility. We are proceeding with Manchester Beach preparations for Oct. but at the same time a lot can happen between now and then. Being optimistic.

The Lost Creek campout in Lassen National Park is scheduled for Sept. 17^th and 18^th. The plan is I drag my travel trailer there and provide a couple of meals to attendees. The problem (another problem) is the surrounding area is involved in the Dixie fire and the park is presently closed. So here is another possible cancellation. We will keep a close eye on conditions at the park. Fires and Covid! Really?

On a sad note, We have lost a good friend and club member in Laura Musgrave. Unfortunately Laura was involved in an accident in southern Utah and did not survive it. WE will miss that big smile and big personality she brought to all of our events. Ukulele jam sessions will also be remembered when the campfire is lit! Took 12 years to get me to sing around a campfire. Laura actually pulled it off! She was recently recognized in the BMW ON magazine with her riding mileage last year. She had no fear of a long ride. We will miss her.

I want to encourage you all to fill out the emergency contact information on this site. It is a new feature in your club profile and you should complete it. It will help someone help you if the need be. Capt. Ken posted a tutorial and it is a quick and easy add on to all of our profiles and long overdue. DO IT! Please.

We will see some of you at the “Chill” this weekend. Bought a new bear horn. The thing is frickin’ LOUD! Should scare off bears in the next county. We shall see.

See you all soon. Take care and above all, never ride faster then your guardian angel.

Mike

July Prez corner

Mike Robles — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 22:47:05 GMT

Happy 4^th of July everyone. I hope everyone has a great holiday with family and friends. Grillin’, chillin’ and setting off safe and sane fireworks of which, I have a BIG box. I wish you all a great weekend!

About 25 of the RCB crew made it to the MOA Int’l in Great Falls, Montana and for being the first post pandemic get together I’d have to say it was pretty nice effort from all the volunteers that are the MOA. Thanks to them all as it was a good time. The musical entertainment at the event was the best of any of the Int’l’s I have attended. Very good! The number of vendors was a bit light but, that was due to the pandemic I’m guessing. They had one tire vendor that was selling and installing tires and, those poor guys were bustin’ butt from Thurs. to Sun. About 30 of us took the Rally Shuttle to downtown Great Falls for dinner. After we finished dinner we found out the shuttle broke down, which was no surprise as we were chuckling over how poorly the shuttle was running. The shuttle got the last laugh! Here’s a tip. Don’t wear flip flops when riding on a poorly maintained shuttle as they are not comfortable after a few miles of walking! We made it back with some RCBers actually climbing a cyclone fence to get back into the venue. My only regret there is, I got no pictures! I hear flip flops suck while climbing fences. I believe that and don’t need to try it! RCB shared the cost of a 20x40 popup with the Norcal club and that worked out well in the intense Montana afternoon sun. All in all I think those that attended the Rally had a good time.

On a bad note. One of our members had a bad experience with a Montana Mule deer. Mule deer are considerably larger then their west coast cousins. As I understand it our rider missed 2 before hitting number 3. The result was a minimum of a broken ankle and almost assuredly a totaled bike which was almost new. Thoughts go to our fellow club member for a quick recovery. Could have been a lot worse, injury wise. It could have been anyone of us and this is a good reminder to keep constant vigilance while riding through deer country.

Assuming that our recovery from the Corona remains on a positive plane we will continue to resurrect an events schedule for the remainder of the riding season. Watch the forum as we will be updating this next week.

See you all at the club meeting tomorrow and ride safe!

Mike

PS. The RCB store is now open. Check it out. Buy a hat or a shirt or whatever. Open till Aug 1st.

June Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 19:00:06 GMT

It’s Friday June 4^th 2021! It has been impossible to guess when our pandemic lock down would end and yet here we are. There is still a ways to go but I think we can agree that we are bathing in the light at the end of the tunnel! Finally! At least it feels that way to me and I hope you are feeling that way also.

Tomorrow will be our first club meeting in a loooooooong time. It will be fun seeing all of our members again, together! We will have a chance to meet new members that I know we have and reacquaint ourselves with our club friends. We as humans are social creatures and we need this interaction as it has been a long time coming. I know our esteemed rafflemeister Gordy has some great prizes for our first post pandemic meeting. Should be a good one so, bring cash and win something cool. You new club members take special note as, it seems like new members win quite a bit in their first raffles. Not sure why but, it is true. Following our meeting, Capt. Ken will lead us on club ride n romp to Calistoga and have lunch at Buster’s. Great roads and a fun ride. Fill your fuel tank and come ride with us!

Thanks to all who have responded to our request to know if you are attending the BMWMOA Intl. in Great Falls, Montana. We need it to compete for the most attending in a chartered club award. Once again, we will be sharing a large shelter tent with our friends at the Norcal club. Our camping site will be adjacent to that tent so we don’t have to worry about too much sun as Montana sun can burn you up. Bring sunblock folks and we hope to see you in Great Falls. The Int’l is a great time and if you have never been to one and can, you should go, you won’t regret it. The MOA does a great job with this event.

We will resume BOD meetings and do what we can to produce an events calendar as all our events have been cancelled and right now, the only thing in cement is Manchester Beach in October which, is our biggest event of the year. Camping is HUGE right now so, if you want a cabin or an RV site, I recommend you do it now. No one knew how long this thing (pandemic) would last and we should be optimistic that normalcy will continue to improve.

On a little different note, it has been brought to my attention that we have many folks that need to renew their membership and I would like to request that you do so please. Dues and raffle revenue is the life blood of the club and I understand that the last year has been trying for all but now that we are becoming active again as a club please make sure your membership is up to date! Thanks to all!

I could go on but, I won’t. I hope to see many of you tomorrow and together we can start to get the RCB train back on the track! See Ya!

Mike

May Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Mon, 10 May 2021 18:34:06 GMT

I know, May 10^th and here I am with May’s Prez Corner. I have waited a bit this month cause times are a changing for the first time in 14 months of pandemic lockdown. YAY, it’s about time! So let’s get right into some good news for a change!

We will see our first official club meeting this next month with an actual raffle! That’s right, a meeting and raffle followed by a club ride. Sounds weird I know but, you are reading this correctly. The light at the end of the end of the tunnel is becoming clearer and I am hoping it continues to do so. We all need it. I am looking forward to seeing you all, and getting this train back on the track. Or, at least closer.

We will also have a BOD meeting this week at the usual venue. We have many things to discuss to include our pretty much non-existent events calendar. At this time the only event on the calendar is Manchester Beach. So, we have some work to do. As always, the meeting is open to all members.

The MOA needs a guesstimate as to the number of RCB campers attending the International at Great Falls, Montana. They need this information so they can properly cordon off an area that will be the proper size for our tents. I will create a new post on the forum so we can get a tally on who is attending. Even if you are hoteling it please post that you will be at the event as we would like to compete for the “ Most members of a charter club in attendance”. So look for that post on the forum.

So, here we are. Easiest Prez Corner in over a year! Great news for a change! It will be nice seeing everyone and, getting the club rolling again!

Mike

April Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 21:58:00 GMT

I am sitting at home going through the latest BMW ON mag realizing that things are changing in this pandemic and a new riding season is upon us here in California and beyond, as I have read a couple of articles in regard to the upcoming MOA event in Great Falls, Mt. Everything I am reading points to all systems “GO”!, and I couldn’t be happier. Granted, we are still operating under covid restrictions but, things are improving. We need to be patient in regard to returning to being able to gather in large groups as we do with our club meetings but, I hope that will be soon. We did actually go on our first official club ride this last weekend to Gott’s Roadside burger joint in St. Helena. That is over a year with no club ride. See? We are making progress! Gott’s has extensive outdoor seating so sticking with protocols was very easy. The ride there and back was spirited and we all had fun far as I could tell. We were gonna stop and take pictures for the newsletter but sadly, as usual, we failed. My wife is always complaining we never stop for the flowers. When you're right, you're right! Good day, great ride, and it was nice to get out with 10 other club riders for our first ride in a year! Things are improving. If you know of a restaurant with extensive outdoor seat that would accommodate a group of riders, please bring it up so with can plan a ride around that restaurant.

Back to the BMWMOA in Great Falls. If you are going, “and I hope you are” start thinking about preparing now. June will be upon us before we know and this is not an event you don’t want to not be ready for. If you are camping, I recommend you are ready for dealing with rain. I worked in Montana for 14 years in all seasons and the weather can go off the rails in a heart beat. Usually it doesn’t, but it can snow anytime of the year. When it rains, it is in HUGE buckets as in, you can’t see worth a darn and you can be soaked quickly. Be prepared. If you are gonna camp, bring a good tent. I would bring a sleeping bag rated at 30 degrees at least. Will you need it? Hopefully not, but sleeping cold is not a great time to figure out you brought the wrong bag. If you are not camping and you plan on motel glamping I suggest you make your reservations sooner, rather than later.

As far as your bike is concerned, take a good look at tires. There are tire vendors at the event and there can be a looooong wait to buy and have tires installed, so I would leave home with pretty fresh tires. Why spend your time at the event dealing with tires. There probably will be a bunch of vendors there that will want your hard earned money as much as the tire guys. Also, check your tire repair kit. Worst time to figure out your tube of glue is dried out is on the side of the road. I ain’t waiting for a tow truck!

Enough for now! So hopefully next month all things will continue to improve and we can keep moving on. Until then, everyone take care, ride safe, and keep your bikes up to snuff!

See ya soon! Mike

March Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 20:42:42 GMT

Been about a year now since we started our journey down the pandemic path we have been on and I’m not sure whether I wanna cry or laugh about it. Some counties have moved to the red tier, whatever the hell that means, and others, like Placer County remain in the dreaded purple tier, whatever the hell that means! My travels recently have been that there is inside dining in many places, albeit at reduced capacities. Still, a huge improvement in retrospect of 6 or 7 months ago so, we will take it right? All the numbers are showing things are going in the right direction, so I am optimistic that we will begin resuming club activities very soon. Looking forward to a full blown club meeting, so keep your fingers crossed.

It is nice to see Terry Lee leading the resumption of the Coastal Classic in Fortuna on April 23^rd -25^th. Info for this trip is under Rides and Destinations. They still have reduced capacity for dining but as Terry said, that could change by late April and I hope it does. Everyone have fun!

Get your camping gear together or make motel reservations, cause things are ramping up for the MOA Int’l in Great Falls Montana. I received an e-mail, as a few other club members have from the Norcal BMW club in regard to sharing a 20x40 Pop up if you will. These are very nice shelters in my experience. My riding group last weekend which included 3 board members all agreed, ”That’s a no brainer!” So I contacted Norcal’s contact Michael and secured our half of this shelter. Montana is a beautiful state but the sun is very intense even when not hot and it can rain buckets in a flash. You want a shelter for these reasons, and we have that. One less thing to consider. This will be a great event. If you haven’t been to one you need to go to this one. No regrets! Thanks to Jack K. for being RCB’s point of contact with the MOA. In regard to this event! There are many great routes to Great Falls, so if you are interested in leading a group there, then post it and see who wants to ride along. Make sure you bring rain gear or wear Goretex in this country. Afternoon rain showers are totally possible.

……….This just in from Michael at Norcal! It is confirmed that our Chartered Club campsite will be right by the shelter per the Rally Chair! Nice!

With spring upon us the weather improves, and the days grow longer, keep an eye open on this forum for Wed. night dinner rides. Marv knows the good places to go so check this forum often.

As a club we are beginning to look at ways to get activities rolling again. The last year has in many ways just plain been a disappointment for everyone. So look at it this way. The Coastal Classic, the MOA Int’l and The Stofer Memorial at Manchester Beach are on the calendar, so compared to 2020 that is mucho better and 2021 is gonna be ok for RCB. Not perfect maybe, but heading in the right direction!

See ya soon!

Mike

Feb. Prez. Corner

Mike Robles — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 19:45:15 GMT

Here we are in early Feb. and the weather has been outstanding here and there. It will be darn near 70 degrees today. It has been a fairly mild winter and I hope and expect that many of you have been able to get in some good riding throughout this time.

It has been almost a year since this stinking Pandemic changed ALL of our lives possibly forever. The ups and downs have been aplenty this last year. We’re closed, we’re open, we’re closed, we’re open etc….. stay at home orders and curfews not to mention the mindless hoarding we tolerated. As stated in past columns riding has not been an issue during the pandemic. Oh, to be sure, protocols affected camping at most all campgrounds but, it could be done and we did and still enjoyed ourselves in spite. Even tho’ some restrictions are lightening up a bit, it may be some time before we get to normal if ever. I hope so as I’m weary of it as I am sure you all are. I understand the reasons for some of it but still yearn for returning to maskless times. Hopefully the vaccines will help brighten the bit of light we are seeing in this tunnel. I know some folks believe in vaccines and some don’t and that is a whole nuther Dr. Phil show which I will not address. We may have never thought this situation would last as long as it has but one thing is for sure, until we can gather as a club en masse for our regular meetings we will continue on until protocols relax to the point where we can meet without restrictions. Sad but the reality.

Now, on to what I think is great news! YAY!!!! The news from the BMWMOA is that the plans are on for the Great Falls BMWMOA International June 24-27^th in Great Falls, Montana. If you have never been to this event, it should be on your bucket list. These are a ton of fun and you need to attend at least one. I really enjoy the vendors at these events. About anything that relates to motorcycles is available for purchase. The MOA really does a fantastic job with the Internationals. I will contact the Club Camping Chairs to ensure RCB has a site to pitch our tents. According to Tom Moe, our RCB Montana Ambassador at large, motel rooms are filling fast, so if you prefer that route then you should reserve a room soon. This brings up another subject. If you taking your RV to Great Falls it would be fantastic if you could maybe carry a couple of pop ups and ice chest for the club campsite. You would forever be our hero if you would do this for the club! I am sure there will be many route discussions before June but I would recommend including LOLO pass in Idaho as part of your route. RCB won MOST MEMBERS ATTENDING FROM A CHARTER CLUB at the International in Salt Lake City during Pres. Klauschie’s tenure and I think we could do it again in Great Falls.

So, it seems as though things are improving and I hope they continue to do so for the common good, not only for the club. Everyone stay healthy and I hope we can have a good ol’ RCB monthly meeting complete with a raffle sooner, rather then later! Stay tuned as things WILL change!

See ya on the road!

Mike

January 2021 Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 19:17:01 GMT

Finally, The year 2020 is over. Who could have predicted the mess 2020 would become and how it would affect us all. Many of us continued to ride to places where we would find little to no services and began to develop our “bring your own food” rides and it worked well and actually gave us a bit of a different perspective to our rides and destination. So, that was a good thing. Then we saw the economy begin to open and we began to think things might be returning to normal only to be disappointed by surges in the Covid. It has been a bit of a yoyo thing, which is a bit frustrating. I hope you have all been healthy throughout this time and that no one has contracted the virus and if you have, that you had a speedy recovery and are well. Masks, sanitizer, and having to tolerate toilet paper shortages along with all the other mindless hoarding became the norm. Adios 2020! The bar is set low, so we can only go UP from here I hope.

In spite of the conditions we tolerated throughout, I hope you all continued to ride during the year. Motorcycles are a great way to social distance and I and my small riding circle have and continued to do just that to include multi-state rides and many weekend day rides. There is no reason to not ride in this time! I think I have ridden as many miles if not more this last year as I ever have. Not sure cause I really didn’t keep track but, based on tire wear I’d bet on it! So, ride on RCB!

So the good news! We now have numerous vaccines to hopefully end this mess once and for all. When it does, RCB will return strong as ever. I see Manchester Beach 2021 becoming a particularly HUGE event for the club. I feel the club is so ready to see some normal. As soon as things improve, rest assured our club meetings will return. We already have raffle prizes ready for meeting return. We also have an election we need to execute when we return so I encourage folks to think about running for a position in the club. I think it is a great idea to get new blood and ideas in these positions. So, think about it!

Even though we are locked down now I optimistically feel that our lives will begin to return slowly back to a normal so that we can get our freedom back to do what we do as a club and as humans.

Be patient my friends, 2021 will be so much better then 2020! How could it not?

Be well my friends. See you soon!

Mike

November Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 17:21:49 GMT

It is November and I wanna wish all of our veterans a Happy Veterans Day/Month! Thank you all for your service. One of a few things I’ve done in my life that I’m most proud of is my service to my country. It was a long time ago but it feels like it was yesterday. Once again, thanks to all that have served!

Along with Nov. comes quite a change in our weather. Couple of weeks ago it was still in the 90’s and now it is winter riding time. Actually used my heated vest last weekend. Looks like a good chance of rain tomorrow and hopefully it will finish the last of the wildfire season. We rode in more smoke than ever this year. It was a horrible year for smoke inhalation but it is better now. Speaking of fires, we did a ride around Berryessa last weekend and HOLY CROW that whole area is scarred from the fires. Made it to Calistoga and saw a lot of that area also burnt up pretty good. I don’t want to hear the word “lightning” ever again.

Normally we would be preparing for our annual Christmas party now and it is disappointing we will not be celebrating it together as a club. Who would have thought we would still be where we are in this pandemic thing. Seems like a one step forward and two steps back deal. Would like to see some light at the end of the tunnel. And, until we see that light, club activities will remain as they have been this year.

So, 2020 has been a disaster in mind. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a sky is falling guy but, we have been beat up pretty good this year and I am looking forward to 2020’s exit and maybe a little normalcy for us all. I will keep riding in my small group as riding gives me a feeling of relief and freedom from our current situation. I know many of our members pretty well and I am pretty sure you are doing this also. Riding is the best way I can think of to social distance.

Here’s a little good news in regard to club activity. Fred 2.0 has contacted The Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento and they are excited about some of the RCB crack culinary team to provide a bbq. lunch for the kids. Dec. 5^th is the day. Of course there are Covid restrictions for the facility and the number of members who will be allowed to be on the grounds for everyone’s safety. I assume there will be a toy run as there usually is for this event. Watch the forum as Fred will keep all informed. I know, it ain’t Manchester Beach but it is a beginning! Thanks for your effort Frederd!

As we enter the holiday season I hope you are all in good health and stay that way. Enjoy your family. Hug them all a lot! With a mask on of course! In spite of our journey through this year, there are still many things to be thankful for.

Now go for a ride! Have fun! Stay healthy, your family needs you! Hope we can all get together in the new year! Take care all.

Mike

October Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 21:32:47 GMT

My apologies folks. Oct. 12^th and I am struggling with this month’s Prez Corner. It is not that I don’t have anything so say, it is just that anything I say will not change our situation as a club and our ability to meet together in our usual large group. Someone asked me recently if we will be having our annual Xmas party and I said I don’t see how we can for many reasons of which I will not go through here. Most of us know why.

So..in spite of Covid we can still get away and enjoy life even if we have to adhere to safety measures. I don’t know how many were on site but I’d guess there were probably around 20 or so at Manchester. Most all did their own thing in regard to feeding themselves but it was nice to know there was a presence there. I talked with Yolanda on Sat. night by the big fire pit and brought up the fact that we would have been having our meeting and big raffle right about that time had it not been for the Covid. She was honestly sad we were not there. I could see and feel her sadness. She has been our go to contact at the KOA for a long time. I hope we return in 2021.

So let’s talk wild fires for a bit. A small group that was going to Lassen Nat’l Park last month were disappointed when ALL nat’l parks were closed in Ca. We shifted to the KOA in Trinity Center and rode the entire area looking for relief from all the smoke in the air. Didn’t matter what direction we rode, there was smoke, never light. We even hit a road closure going to Happy Camp because of fire. Problem was, we were getting very close to having fuel issues and if you have ridden that area you know there ain’t a bunch of fuel to be had up there! Ya gotta think up there and the fires made it more important to plan. The Caltrans crew at the road closure gave one of our riders some fuel to ensure he make it to the next available fuel stop. It all worked out and I think I can say we all had a good time that weekend. Thankfully the smoke has subsided and we can breath little easier now.

Even with the Covid and it affecting our club activites I can honestly say I have been ridin’ at least as much and probably more then a non Covid year. So yes, we can still get out and I hope you all have, too!

Winter will be upon us soon but we are lucky to be able to ride all year here in California. Get out and ride and we will all watch and wait for life to return to normal. Whatever that is. I hope it does soon. 2020 can’t go away soon enough in my book.

Everyone take care and ride safe.

Mike

September Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 18:00:09 GMT

Here we are in September and here we are in the same situation of social distancing and not being able to meet in large groups. Who knows when this will end. I’m ready.

As posted earlier, RCB at Manchester 2020 will not happen as a club event due to pandemic restrictions as they apply to large groups. The folks at the KOA were as disappointed as I when we spoke but, what can we do?

It’s not all doom and gloom tho’. Even with Manchester being cancelled this year there will still be a small contingent of motorcyclists at the KOA on that very weekend that just happen to belong to a motorcycle club. We will all be taking care of ourselves and observing pandemic protocol but, we will be enjoying Manchester Beach. If you had a reservation at the KOA for that weekend then you still do. It will be under your name. Whatever reservation you made for that weekend will be honored. So, drop by and say hello, just don’t get too close! LOL.

Once again, who knows when we will return to being able to gather in large groups. Not during the remainder of 2020 I guess. Until that time, there isn’t a reason in the world why we can’t ride. As motorcyclists we are lucky that riding our bikes is nothing like riding in a cage. NON riders do not understand this. Like a dog hangin’ his head out a car window. He knows!

So, get out while the weather holds and make some memories in spite of the current situation.

Do a ride review and send it to Jack Klauschie, our newsletter editor. We can all read about your ride.

Have fun, ride safe and stay healthy!

Mike

Manchester Beach 2020

Mike Robles — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:07:58 GMT

After speaking with Yolanda at the Manchester Beach KOA it is with sadness that our biggest event will not take place this year. Because of Pandemic protocols the KOA cannot allow groups larger then 6 nor can they provide our Sat. evening feast. Not sure exactly how many years this event has been celebrated but it will not be happening for us as RCB. Sad.

The good news is, if there is any, would be, if you have a reservation at the KOA, don't worry, your good. A number of us will still be there in spite of our club cancellation, so there will be a small RCB contingent. We will be taking care of ourselves and are responsible for ourselves.

I know, sucks! Is what it is tho'

Stay safe and healthy!

Mike

Aug. Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 18:02:39 GMT

Wow! Here it is August already and the pandemic just rolls on. I don’t think any of us saw this long running train wreck going on and on like it has. But, it has, and unfortunately we have to live with it as a hopefully temporary new normal. I am ready for the return of the old normal. Until then, we just have to do this and wait for the pandemic to settle down. Sooner than later WE hope.

The good news you ask? We own motorcycles! We can’t meet as a large group but we can still ride. I have managed to ride the better part of 5,000 miles in the last month and through all those miles things felt normal. Until we stopped. You know, masks, social distancing etc… We as riders enjoy that freedom and in this difficult time we should embrace it and wear out some tires and burn some fuel! Several riders can still enjoy great days of riding and it is possible to get a good lunch, as many establishments are serving outside these days. Coupla weeks ago we rode 162/Buck’s Lake road to Graeagle for an outstanding burger and on to 49/Downieville to home. 324 miles and home by 4:30. Currently, many camp sites are open. I personally have stayed at a number of KOAs throughout the western states. This can be done while observing pandemic protocol. Often you hear people refer to motorcycle riding as freedom. There you go, and it is true. The daily grind disappears when I am riding and if it doesn’t for you then, YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG!

I hope this column finds our members healthy and, I haven’t heard anyone is ill, so I’ll go with no news is good news. I posted months ago that ALL club activities were indefinitely suspended until further notice and nothing has changed in that regard. Until we are cleared to meet in large groups I am seeing the year 2020 as cancelled. Pretty sure none of us like it, but it is today’s reality and until the situation improves we will have to roll with it.

Major League Baseball just started their truncated season with no fans in the stands and now we hear, because of Covid positive tests of players that the season may end before it really gets going. Strange times folks, strange times! My advice would be, go ride your bike. Now. And a lot. Everything is better during a ride. Until we meet, take care and be safe!

Mike

July Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 05:43:14 GMT

So….here it is July 2^nd and we are still dealing with the pandemic. One step forward and one step back. Some days it seems as though the year 2020 has been or will be all together cancelled. Depending on where we reside there have been openings and then a coupla weeks later we see things closing again. Not sure when the craziness will end and as much as I understand the seriousness of the situation I and many of the folks I know are hoping to to see some normal soon! Who knows when that will be and what that normal will be when it arrives. Until that happens there are things we can do to keep us distracted until then. We all know that we can’t come together as a club in a close setting of 50 people or so, so in the mean time we must gather in small squads and STILL ride.

Scare up a coupla club members and ride to lunch but, take a mask. Some camping areas are open. Go camping. Several members and myself found a KOA open in Bandon, Or. on Memorial day weekend and enjoyed some fantastic roads both paved and unpaved. Great weekend!

Just got back from a ten day 7 state 4,200 mile trip through Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Oregon. Absolute fantastic trip but Covid was to be dealt with wherever we went. It didn’t matter, as we went on to ride some epic roads to include Pike’s Peak, Moab, Bryce Canyon, Million $ Highway Co. ,Beartooth Highway Montana, and Lolo Pass, Id. Throw in some dirt roads too! So you can ride pretty much where you’d like but just not in a mob. Go create a memory. You can.

Until then, ride, take pics and post on the forum. Share your stories with us all please.

One more thing. I know we are not functioning normally as a club but, please try and pay your club dues when you can. Our dues keep the club rollin’ and, I am sure we all want RCB to keep rollin’!

Be safe, burn up some tires and stay healthy. We need you in the RCB family! Really!

Be well my friends,

Mike

June Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 21:18:33 GMT

Here it is June 5^th already and we are still dealing with the pandemic. I am weary of it and I’d bet most folks are. Most of us see things are beginning to open up but I think we need to be cautious about how we approach daily life post the covid lock down. Many club members including myself are in the at risk demographic of this virus and until things are under control we should adhere to the advise given by our officials whether individually, we agree with it or not. Restrictions are still in place for large gatherings and until those restrictions are lifted, as a club, I believe it is the responsibility of the club to honor those restrictions for the well being of our members. I hope to see EVERYBODY at Manchester this year.

So, in the meantime, there is no reason we can’t socially separate via our motorcycles. I have done a lot of that in small groups. Packed a lunch and headed to the hills for quite a few spirited rides. Most camping areas have been CLOSED! Those are beginning to open now, so even if we can’t ride and congregate in masse we can do so in small squadrons! If you do, please take pics and write a story for publication in our newsletter. Take pics and put them in the gallery. Share your experience with us.

We will get through this. We are beginning to now. We will take what we get until we are free again to do what we do unencumbered by this virus. Hang in there RCB!

Ride safe, Ride often, and be well.

Mike

May Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Tue, 12 May 2020 18:08:20 GMT

I hope this column finds everyone well and maintaining their sanity during the pandemic. Speaking strictly for myself I am ready for things to open up but, I do understand the caution. SORTA, to a point. As I write this I am watching a Senate hearing in regard to the Pandemic and the possibility of the relaxation of sheltering on both the Federal and State levels and I am still as confused as politicians.

That being said, the song remains the same. Until some level of “normal” returns to us, our club activity will remain as it has been the last 2 months. All we can do is be patient and hope the opening of the economy comes soon. I know that even places one might camp such as KOA’s are closed to all but “essential workers” whoever that is out in the woods. ALL state campsites as well as picnic areas and rest rooms are all still closed. I’ve checked. To get out, I do venture out on the bike for social separation rides. Traffic for the most part is quite light and places like Downieville and Sierra City are close to ghost towns. Wild. The day rides are beautiful and helpful but I’m looking forward to pitching a tent somewhere. ANYWHERE!

Things are slowly beginning to open up in phases. Looking forward to phase 4.

So, while I wait for that to happen, I’m gonna change my oil today in the GS and get ready for the day, hopefully sooner rather then later, when I/we can enjoy each other’s company for a nice lunch together and a much needed camping trip as RCB! It WILL happen.

Take good care and I look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Mike

April Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 15:51:38 GMT

Here we are sheltering in place and working on maintaining our mental health along with our physical health. I am struggling to find a way to make weeding my front and back yards sound interesting and exciting. Our vehicles are all as clean as they were when they were delivered new. Nothing interesting there. I am positive you don’t need my tips on washing a vehicle. All my tires are maintaining their pressures as I am keeping a close eye on them hoping that some day we may be able use them once again. Been moving them around since I don’t wanna develop flat spots. I have developed quite an appreciation for the simple things in life like TOILET PAPER! I get so excited when I see shelves that actually have toilet paper on them not to mention paper towels. It’s the little things folks! What are the hoarders doing with all the toilet paper? They must be sick of eggs and chicken and the rest of the stuff they THINK they need. To get us through this time we need to maintain our sense of humor. As one of my friends in the club said when I asked how he was doing he replied that he had toilet paper and plenty of ammo! Now that is funny!

So, on to club business! Oh yeah, THERE ISN’T ANY! Looks as though this sheltering in place is helping in the fight against this virus. The numbers look pretty good for California so there is a tiny bit of light visible at the end of tunnel. All club activity has been suspended since 1 March. We just canceled the coast run for the end of this month and only time will tell if other events will also follow the same fate. All we can do is be patient and hope this ends when it is safe to do so.

So, everyone take care of yourselves and your loved ones. You have plenty of time to make sure your bike is ready for when we get the all clear to return to our normal lives, whatever that turns out to be. I look forward to seeing you all again in a club setting. Until then, everyone take care and be safe.

Mike

March Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:51:04 GMT

Well, all we got was a trace of rain in Feb. and that came on the 29^th. If it is not gonna rain (I know, we need it!) nice weather is fine with me. The weather has indeed been fine and the last month has been great for riding. I hope everyone has been able to take advantage of it and worked on wearing out a set of tires. I have hardly used heated gear this winter. Climate change I suppose! Next week may bring rain for most of the week and it is still technically winter. We shall see.

The RCB culinary staff fed the crowd on the 22^nd at the A&S Swap Meet. Weather was great, the crowd was large and the burgers and dogs went fast. There were quite a few interesting bikes for sale there including Ray T’s side hack. Hope you sold it Ray! Anyway, it was an enjoyable day even with the cooking thing.

So, after Sat’s meeting there will be a GPS seminar with Capt. Ken, Terry Lee, and Rich Gay teaching folks how to deal with their GPS’s and Garmin Basecamp. Ken with the Windows folks and Terry and Rich with the Apple users. Hopefully there is a good turn out for this. I have had my share of Basecamp headache so this seminar should really help members get the most from these expensive boxes hangin off our handle bars. They are complex electronics and are not all that intuitive in their operation so all who attend should have a much better grasp of all things GPS!

Something that completely snuck by us all in the event planning this year was the annual Memorial Poker Run in May after the club meeting. What? How could that happen? I immediately began to freak out cause Bob Highfill and the High Road Goddess Joanie had hosted this event for the last two years and I felt as though it would be too much to ask them to host a third year. What to do? Well, here comes Rich Gay at the BOD meeting who volunteered to host the event this year. FANTASTIC! Thanks Rich and Brenda. Great members and great people. That is makes the club what it is. I am sure The Capt. will have a great route for us.

Not to get ahead of myself here (I have!) The Coastal Classic which is in Fortuna this year is on April 24^th, 25^th and 26^th. Information as to lodging is here on the website and Terry will lead a group up Fri. and most likely post other routes up. Thanks Terry. I have booked my room and recommend, if you’re coming that, you do the same. The North coast is beautiful and the roads are fantastic. Bring Gore tex or rain gear tho’ as the North coast can get wet. Quick!

So, Spring is upon us and so is another great riding season. I am pretty sure we will have at least two new members at this month’s meeting. Welcome them to the fold and make them feel comfortable being new to the club. Sometimes I think we need to do more to make newer folks feel as tho’ the are part of RCB. They are. We all are. I like this family and I enjoy being part of it.

I want to thank all of our members who volunteer. From the club officers. and directors to those that show up to cook burgers and dogs at A&S, to those that put together group rides and post them on the forum. Those who volunteer their RV’s and time to cook for events and ask for nothing in return. Those that organize events and pull them off. Without these volunteers there would be no RCB. Thank you all! I was reading an RCB newsletter from 2007 where then Prez. Gary Stofer (RIP) was railing about lack of volunteers for RCB events. Even then Central Cal. was asking RCB if they were interested in co hosting the Beemer Bash in part because they were experiencing a lack of help. Wow, as Gary stated at the time, “I see a pattern here”. Thanks again to all who help and a shout out to folks who might wanna help and are not sure what to do. Your ideas and suggestions are welcomed.

Get up to speed on your bike maintenance and get ready for a great riding season! Good health to all and ride safe and often!

Mike

Feb. Prez's Corner

Mike Robles — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 18:59:45 GMT

Well, pitchers and catchers will be reporting soon. The 49ers couldn’t quite hold on last Sun. and after the Super Bowl, sports are done for me till baseball fires back up! So…..guess I’ll go for a ride till then.

The weather last Sat. was outstanding and it looked as tho’ the Capt. had a good squad for the club ride around Berryessa to St. Helena following the meeting. Tom Moe posted a couple of pics on the forum. Looks like Berryessa has quite a bit of water in it judging by the pic of the Glory Hole.

Took an informal poll of attending members at the meeting and was happy with the number of riders planning to attend the BMWMOA INT’l in Great Falls, Mt. on June 24^th, 25^th, 26^th. Terry Lee has a coupla routes to event that he will post. He also mentioned when coerced that he may be interested in leading a group northward towards the event. Thx. Terry. Jack K. has volunteered to be the the club point of contact for chartered club camping. Even if you are moteling it at the event we need to know you are there for our list of attending members as it would nice if we could win “Most Members in a Chartered Club attending” as we did in Salt Lake. Because not everyone attends the meetings we will post soon on the forum so we can keep a running count on attendees. Looking forward to this run! It will be fun!

April 24^th, 25^th, 26^th is the Coastal Classic which is shifting to the North coast town of Fortuna. Terry has or will post a number of routes to and around Fortuna. There is contact info under Rides and Events for the Redwood Riverwalk Motel. Reserve your room now. Should be a fun weekend of riding and camaraderie.

Feb. 22^nd there will be a swap meet at A&S. Randy and Co. have asked us to once again to perform our culinary magic on burgers and dogs. Calling all chefs to assist me in this event.

Following March’s club meeting we will be holding a Garmin Basecamp GPS class at Jack’s office. The class will begin at 10:30. We will go to A&S following the meeting, then head to the site at 10:00. The Capt. will handle us Droid users with Rich and Terry handling the Apple folks. Bring a laptop and charging cable.

Watch for your Air Med Care renewals and keep your coverage current. 65 bucks is a bargain for this insurance.

The RCB store is open. Buy a hat or a shirt. The prices are very reasonable and the club receives a portion of the sale.

I hope this new year is finding everyone healthy and ready for a busy riding season. We are all members of this club and we all have a voice. Use yours. Have suggestions or concerns or recommendations, talk to me or other club officers and express yourself. The Trinity Spring Classic started as a weekend ride and now it is an event.

Ride Safe, Ride far, and ride often! See ya on the road!

Jan. Prez's Corner

Mike Robles — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 21:19:48 GMT

Happy 2020 to all! Here’s to a happy and more importantly, a healthy New Year to all. Especially healthy! Healthy is important to us as motorcyclists, especially if we are eating the miles on our adventures. Big miles and long days require good health. May we all enjoy good health this year and put on big miles!

After our December club meeting a group of us ventured to the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento on our annual Toy Run and Burger/dog cooking fest for the kids. It’s nice to provide these children a BBQ lunch this time of year. They all are appreciative of the effort and make it known with their “Thank You’s !” Later in the day we all gathered at A&S for our annual Christmas Bash. A fine time was had by all. The food was excellent as always and no one went home hungry. Gordy the Elf made a special appearance from the North Pole and assisted in the Xmas raffle. A very enjoyable evening.

Capt. Ken lead a group of 8 riders on a New Year day ride through the delta country for lunch at Foster’s Big Horn in Rio Vista. This is a fun ride I normally attend but figured I’d give my new hip another week of recovery before I get too stupid. What a great way to start out a new year of riding!

We are working on a class next month some time to help us all with Garmin BaseCamp and our GPS’s . BaseCamp, if you don’t use it regularly, can be a challenge and a bit of an adventure to download routes if your not in the know. Capt. Ken will be there to help us reduce the mystery that can be Garmin BaseCamp. You will need your laptop, charging cord, Garmin USB to computer cord, and of course your GPS. Stay tuned for more info.

Based on our quick unofficial poll at the meeting, there is quite a bit of interest in rotating the annual Coastal Classic from Morro Bay to the Northern redwoods and coast. I think that is a great idea! Morro Bay one year, North coast the next. Keeps it interesting I think and who doesn’t love the redwoods and the north coast! More info as this develops.

I will be working with Randy Felice and A&S to organize a first aid class. I need to go through one again and am sure it would benefit all us as we ride far and wide. Once again, stay tuned!.

Mark it on your calendars, kids! June 25^th thru the 28^th is the BMWMOA International in Great Falls, Montana. This should be a good one and, I’d love to see RCB get the most attending from a charter club award as we did in Salt Lake. I will continue to bug you and encourage all to make this run!

With the new year upon us we need to make sure our medical medivac chopper service insurance is up to date and valid. Easy to let these things get by us and are not important until they are! Just sayin'.

I know it’s a pain in the butt, but, get your butt down on the ground and check your tire inflation. With all we have to deal with as motorcyclists in the winter time, traction is a huge deal. Wet roads, mud, tree branches, wet paint and all the other garbage we contend with on the road during the winter months your tire inflation doesn’t need to be and shouldn’t be part of the equation. Check your tires and their pressures often. Not a huge deal in a car but, we only have two wheels and two small contact patches to keep us upright so this is kinda of a big deal! Check ‘em folks.

Once again, Happy New Year to all and I look forward to seeing you all on the road. Be safe my friends!

Mike

December Prez's Corner

Mike Robles — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 18:39:07 GMT

What a difference a coupla weeks makes! November was very warm. We rode 162 and La Porte Rd. just two weeks ago knowing high elevation riding could end in a flash. Guess what? FLASH! We are done till spring. The heated gear was actually used this last weekend when about 10 of us danced around some nasty looking clouds on the Day After Thanksgiving Ride to the Waterloo Inn for a good lunch. Afterwards we made the obligatory stop at Lockeford Meat to purchase some world class sausage. Great ride, great route and a great day! Get your heated gear out!

Now that we are into our winter months Mother Nature will dictate when we can ride so there isn’t much on the schedule as far as the club is concerned. This weekend, December 7^th we have the club meeting as usual followed by the toy run to the Children’s Receiving Home. We will meet at A&S before departing for the home. There is info on the forum as to what gifts we can bring the kids. I understand there are more teenagers this year so check it out. Saturday evening is the annual RCB Christmas Bash at A&S. Check the forum for suggested dishes to bring. Gordy has ordered the Turkey and Ham and the Club will provide beer, water and soda. Bring your preferred flavor of wine if you’d like. A special guest from the North Pole will preside over the raffle. There will be no raffle at the club meeting. Come join in on the fun!

Speaking of weather, if it permits there may be a New Years Day ride. That’s the plan at this point. It will be an interesting route through the delta, ride a ferry or two and end up in Rio Vista for lunch at Foster’s Bighorn. It’s a great way to start out the new year. Keep an eye on Rides and Destinations.

I sometimes hear folks talk about what a pain in the butt Garmin Base Camp can be and even tho I manage to stumble around on it, it is a pain. After the Feb. club meeting, those who wish, can join in on a Base Camp class hosted by Jack Klaushie’s office and instructed by our own Captain Ken. You will need a laptop and charging cord and your USB cord for your GPS to import routes into it. Great opportunity to learn Base Camp navigation. Thanks to Jack and Ken.

Remember, there is no raffle Sat. at the club meeting. Hope to see you all at the Christmas Party Sat. evening! See you all Sat.!

Mike

Nov. Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 20:29:15 GMT

Nov. 4^th 11:00 a.m. 70 degrees with tons o sun! It’s why we live in California. Speaking of which, what a glorious club ride we had Sat. Our ride leader Capt. Ken took us on a circuitous route to the Priest Grade Café for an excellent lunch. Great crew, great ride and gorgeous weather! We took Wards Ferry Rd. for part of our return route. Wards Ferry has really crappy asphalt, pot holes out the butt and cliffs of death everywhere. WHAT A COOL ROAD! Ask Laura and LeAnne. Safe to say they had a ball on that road. We all did! Perfect day!

Speaking of Laura, Congrats Laura on your new position on the RCB board of directors. Also to Rich Gay for taking on the position of Membership Director. Thank you Rich! And, after many recounts and investigations into Russian collusion it has been determined that there really is no change in the RCB hierarchy. The club will put up with us for another year at which time I will be hitting term limits and vacating my position as your Prez.

There will be a Day after Thanksgiving ride this year. That will be on the day after Thanksgiving. Don’t ask. We will lunch at the Waterloo Inn which is a very interesting place. Many of us will visit Lockeford Meat on the return home. Easily the best sausage place on the planet. The Dakota Smoked sausage is the bomb! Join us on the Day after Thanksgiving. Watch the forum.

Nov. 17^th is our annual planning meeting for the coming year. So…..come to the Round Table at 9500 Greenback Ln. in Folsom at 6:00 and assist us in the crafting of next years club events.

Dec. 7^th will be the Toy Run following the club meeting. We will cook burgers at the Children’s Receiving Home. Fred is posting all the particulars for this event. The kids love the motorcycles and are very appreciative of the lunch and gifts. The day will wrap up at A&S for our annual Christmas Party at 6:00 pm. Gordy has posted on the forum. Rumor has it that we will have a special guest from the North Pole. Cool! Come one, come all. Always a fun evening!

Never to early to start with this. RCB won most attending from a Charter Club at the Salt Lake BMWMOA international. We should do it again at Great Falls Mt. in 2020! The date is June 25^th through 28^th. Mark it on your calendars and come help us take the title home again. The International is a great event. Tons of vendors and seminars and just plain fun. You should go! You know you want to. Right?

Everyone needs to bust out their winter gear now! Don’t get lulled into thinking this weather will last. Nothing is worse then not having the correct gear when you need. It’s one thing when it’s warm. It’s a whole different deal when you get cold and don’t have the proper gear. Be pre-emptive and get your gear together! Now! Today! Get it?

Everyone please ride safe. We’ll see you at the Christmas soiree! Frederd might bring some caviar!

SEE YA!

Mike

October Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 19:58:56 GMT

I waited till we did the Manchester Beach, Gary Stofer Memorial weekend before the Oct. Prez’s Corner was penned. Unfortunately, Linda Stofer could not make it this year as she is recovering from hip surgery. She assures me she will make it in ’20. We enjoyed the brownies Linda! I think I can safely say that weekend was a great time with outstanding weather. I’m not sure if an actual head count was performed but based on website sign ups there had to be 100 of us terrorizing the Manchester Beach KOA. That’s the biggest turn out I’ve seen in my 10 yrs. of being an RCB member. Not only members but many guests were present and I think we all had a great time at the Club meeting grouped around the large campfire. We had the largest raffle give away that I can remember along with a 25/25/50 raffle. The Highfills of High Road Motorcycle gave away a free one day rental that Laura Musgrave was the proud recipient of. Good idea or bad idea? If she rides the new R1250GS low model maybe she will end up with a new GS in her stable? Pre-meeting festivities started with Bartender Fred whipping up the best Bloody Mary’s on the planet! Or, at least at Manchester Beach. Thanks for all the hard work Frederd those drinks were outstanding. And, also a big thank you to Larry (Ya gotta buy Fn tickets) Campbell for bringing up not one, but two jugs of Shake N Bake. Those jugs of goodness were GONE in no time! Thanks again Larry! After the meeting and rafflefest we were treated with an outstanding dinner of Tri Tip, chicken and all the fixin’s dinner provided by the capable folks at the KOA. Great job and I believe dinner was enjoyed by all! It was so good I have already wrapped up the KOA chefs for next year. All of the work with and for our club is volunteer and the pay sucks! Thanks to all who do what they do to make this thing we call RCB work. You are all important! Here’s to next year hoping Manchester will be bigger and better than ever! There WILL be photos in the gallery. Oh, I learned a valuable lesson if you actually want to sleep at Manchester on Fri. night. DO NOT start a campfire at your campsite. If you build it they will come and, THEY WILL NOT LEAVE AND YOU WILL NOT SLEEP AND THE KOA NOISE POLICE WILL VISIT ! Lesson learned. GREAT weekend.

Speaking of volunteers, I need a few cooks to help me toss Brats for A&S and their Octoberfest going on, on the 26^th of Oct. The good news is we have brand spankin’ new grills to break in for this event. I will post on the forum.

I know it is short notice but, this weekend the 12^thCapt. Ken will be leading a Colors Ride. These are great rides and the weather will be perfect. Go ride with the Capt. and enjoy autumn in the Sierra! There is more info on the forum.

The riding season is winding down but weekend day rides are all year. We will be resurrecting the Day After Thanksgiving Ride this year which will take us to lunch at the Waterloo Inn. A number of us always drop by Lockeford Meat for the best sausages anywhere. So, keep this in mind and don’t EVEN ask what day the ride is. Yes, it has happened. You don’t wanna be that one. And, if the weather permits we will pull off a New Years Day ride through the Delta to Rio Vista and lunch at Foster’s Big Horn. Ridin’ the ferries is fun. That would be the first! LOL.

We will be holding an election at the Nov. club meeting as per our bylaws. Anyone who is interested in a position with the club is invited to participate. New blood is always a good thing. I will clarify how many positions will be available for director. Anyone can challenge the Prez., VP…….

Yep, sad time of the year. I’m putting all the camping gear down for a winter nap in anticipation of a new year. But, it’s not all bad. We are so blessed to live where we do. We live in an area where riding year round is the norm. Nice! Ride far, ride often, and ride safe! See ya on the road! Mike.

Sept. 2019 Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 17:36:48 GMT

Hard to believe it is September already. Seems like yesterday we were still talking about and dealing with snow. Last weekend it was hot for the Gypsy Tour. Typical Aug. temps and then there was 30 degrees at 6,000 ft. yesterday. Autumn is upon us, and soon we will be talking heated gear. Wild.

The Lady riders day at A&S on the 10^th went well. RCB provided the cooks and we did our best to keep up with the throngs of hungry folk. Maggie Mini joined with High Road Adventure’s booth to spread the word on RCB membership. We shall see how that works out. Thanks Maggie! Our lady riders are the best.

Had a great time at the Sacramento Mile. Not cheap but a great time. And, there’s still about five races left at Fast Friday in the Auburn Fairgrounds. Great family atmosphere and very reasonable. They have a website so check out the schedule. Extreme sidecars later this month. Those are fun races.

The Tahoe Chill was excellent as always. The Klauschies and Harrises did a great job. The food was outstanding and Hello Bear made a guest appearance in the campsite Sat. night to try Steve’s home made salsa. He liked it and left tooth marks in the ice chest. Thankfully he wasn’t interested in our adult beverages. Friday night was very active bear wise, and that seemed to thin the campsite quite a bit as it was much quieter Sat. Seems a lot of folks don’t care for bears in their camps. Thanks again to Jack, Lynell, Jenny and Steve! Great weekend!

Eight members ventured to Lassen Nat’l Park last weekend after a scheduling snafu (don’t ask) That park is drop dead beautiful. Thanks to Just Bob Rasters for cookin up Sat’s. dinner. Thanks to Rand Olson for donating the firewood. We were nice and toasty at elevation. Bob Highfill and I did a drive by of Rand’s as he is enjoying Alaska right now. Thanks Rand. Oh, don’t cross double yellows and don’t speed in Lassen. (don’t ask) lol.

ATTENTION!!!!!!

Just a few weeks before Manchester Beach and the Stofer Memorial. The club meeting is at the KOA on Sat. the 4^th. So don’t be surprised if no one is at Susie's on Sat. Fred has been toiling in his laboratory for his signature Bloody Marys. Please signup NOW if you plan on dinner on Sat. The club shares in the cost along with the co-pays of the members and it is important to know who is attending. If you're newer to the club and have not attended Manchester, you must. It is easily our nicest event. IMHO. Come to Manchester and see!

Ride safe, ride far, and ride often! See Ya.

Mike

PS. In order to have and use all functions of the website you MUST, sign in. You will not be able to register for events or rides if you do not sign in.

August Prez Corner

Mike Robles — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 19:11:34 GMT

Happy August folks! So far, this summer has been very mild for the Sacto. Area. Last weekend was an exception as a group I rode with experienced temps to 106. Hottest temps we’ve seen this year but all in all it has been mild. Get to 5k ft. of elevation or higher and you’ll enjoy reasonable temps and beautiful green vistas. It’s August but still springtime in the high country!

Speaking of which, this month’s Club ride will take us on a great route where we will dine at the Coyote Bar and Grill in Graeagle. Great grub in a nice little town. Hope you join the ride. Bout 140 miles but you can turn the day into a 300 miler if you go towards Quincy and catch LaPorte Rd. Great road!

Thanks for the pics and representing RCB at Paonia this year Scott. 8 members are in the pic with the RCB banner. Maybe more in attendance? Beautiful country. Think I’ll go next year.

Next weekend (Aug. 10) is Lady rider’s weekend at A&S where RCB will flip burgers and dogs for the event. This should be a great event for the lady riders. And, we have some great lady riders in RCB. We will cook from about 11 to 1. Come on down and give us a hand!

Following this event will be the Sacramento Mile at Cal Expo. The one that got rained out in May! This is flat tracking at it’s best. Lotta fun but bring cash cause it is an all cash event. Large grandstand area so I suspect tickets are still available.

Aug. 16^th is the annual Tahoe Chill hosted as usual by Jack and Lynell Klauschie with Jenny and Steve Harris. This is always fun and the food is always excellent. There are 27 registrants so far with room foe about 7 more. Maybe we’ll even see Hello Bear!

Friday Aug. 30^th is the beginning of the Range of Light Gypsy Tour, which begins in Grass Valley this year. The route is not known till the mornings of Sat. and Sun. Sounds like a lotta fun. Grassy camping, showers, dinner and entertainment. This will be my first time but I hear it is a great weekend. Norcal BMW site has all the info for this event.

The Lost Creek campout in Lassen Nat’l Park is Sep. 6th with 15 signed up so far. Please sign up soon so we know how many to feed Sat. night.

The Gary Stofer Memorial Weekend at Manchester Beach sign ups are open now with 25 signed up to date. We usually have 60 to 70 in attendance so sign up early as the KOA needs numbers for the Tri tip and chicken feed Sat. night. Time has a way of slipping by quickly.

Thanks to Jack Klauschie for the fine work on the newsletter. Well done Jack! Please submit your ride reports and any articles/pics to Jack for the newsletter.

And finally, I had an experience a couple of weeks ago I would not like to relive. A very dear friend of mine who has had health issues and owns an 06 RT rode the bike down from Oregon to commute to work locally here. Bike arrives Thurs. with no problems. Friend calls Sun. with a dead battery and almost NO tools! Come to find out he keeps his bike on a tender at home. Always! The battery was probably 6 years old or better. He couldn’t remember. The tender gave him a reason to believe his battery was healthy. In reality, the tender kept the battery charged enough to run the bike before being put back on the tender. After arriving in Roseville and sitting a coupla days the battery showed its age and gave up the ghost! GONE! We bought a battery at A&S then I got a roadside lesson in disassembling the Tupperware on an 06 RT in the blazing sun and laying on the pavement. Probably 20 plus screws to remove to remove the panels then lift the fuel tank for battery access. This would have been easier in my garage. Moral to the story? Watch your battery. Do a preemptive strike and change it at home. You’ll be glad you did! See you on the road. Not with a dead battery I hope.

Mike

July Prez's Corner

Mike Robles — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 23:00:36 GMT

July 1, 2019 and summer is finally upon us like it or not. Time to bust out the cooling vests and scarves and go do the warm weather thing. I would say winter is ancient history but it is still hanging around. The Kiltons encountered it the 23^rd of June on Mormon Emigrant. 3 miles from 88 and it was downed trees and covered with snow! That was a bit surprising. I know from experience (yesterday) that Wentworth Springs, Mosquito Ridge, and Eleven Pines Rd, are all open and still a great ride! Wentworth Springs Rd. is smooth with great paving but I wouldn’t recommend the other two roads for riders that are reasonably new to our sport. Eleven Pines is pot hole city but fun none the less.

The Lewiston Spring Classic was excellent..again, thanks to Rick and Cindy Kilton. The chili was great as well as the Campfire Cobbler. There wasn’t much of anything left. There were somewhere around 30 members in attendance. Couldn’t get them to sit long enough to get a good count. With all the great riding in that country, some folks took their rides and others went to The Somoan Cook House for lunch in Arcata followed by a romp across 36 back to Lewiston. Great ride! One good bit of news is there will be REAL cell service in Lewiston next year as they are building a cell tower right now! Nice to have with riders scattered around the countryside. Oh, and for those of you in the know, I just received my membership card for the Lewiston Moose Lodge. Now I am really old!

Kudos to Lynn, Laura and Brian for staying with Leanne after she kicked up something in the road and sprung an oil leak that ended her weekend. The bike was transported to Ozzie’s on a hook. Haven’t heard what the damage was but we’ll find out at the meeting. I hope. Thanks to Lynn for calling me with the fyi. Well done guys. The way it should be done. A number of our riders thought all was well when there was a problem. We will discuss how we will deal with a mechanical situation in the future.

Upcoming events Club, or otherwise.

BMW Club of Colorado. Top of the Rockies event in Paonia, Co. July 18^th through the 20^th.Believe I heard of some members planning to attend. Watch the forum.

The Tahoe Chill is August 16^th 17^th 18^th. Time to go visit Hello Bear. Attendence is limited due to the number of campsites we have. 36 is about the max that can attend. 21 are signed up now so I wouldn’t wait too long to pull the trigger. Always a great time!

Range of Light Gypsy Tour. NorCal BMW club. August 30^th 31^st and 1^st.I haven’t attended this one yet but I am this year. Have always heard great things about this event. Starts in Grass Valley this year and goes to…………you have to go to know. Plenty of info on their website.

Lost Creek Weekender at Lassen Nat’l Park 20^th 21^st and 22^nd of Sept. A weekend of somewhat primitive camping. IE: vaulted toilets. Not my wife! We will be feeding the group Sat. night thanks to Just Bob! Beautiful Volcanic Park too experience or take a ride outside the gates.

This month’s club ride will take us to Truckee where we will dine at Jax on the Trax. Capt. Ken has a nice scenic route planned, so join us. Jax was on Diners, Dives, and Drive-Inns. Yum!

As always, ride safe, ride often and maintain your ride! Most of all, HAVE FUN!

See ya on the road!

Mike

June Prez's Corner

Mike Robles — Thu, 30 May 2019 20:44:22 GMT

Well, well. No rain really in the forecast. Rain this year has seemed to be more the rule then the exception. Spring skiing into the summer this year. Our club ride is to One Eyed Jack’s in Clipper Mills on La Porte Rd. Having been in that neck of the woods this year I wonder if the road to Quincy is open should one want to ride on after lunch. The locals would know. That is a great ride!

Last month’s Memorial Poker Run came off without a hitch! Thanks to Capt. Ken for patiently downloading the route to quite a few gps’s and to Bob and Joanie Highfill for hosting lunch at their home. Thanks folks! Very nice afternoon. Also a thanks to A&S for supplying tables and chairs that Bob and I hauled to his house. Thanks to Rick and Rayjay for helping us load everything up after the carnage.

Was pre-registered for the 49er Rally along with a coupla other club members. We all decided to forgo the Rally because of the weather. Not sure exactly what to expect we rode a different direction. I know Rich and Brenda made it and it sounds as tho the weather wasn’t horrible but, I’m one who doesn’t care much for rain camping so there ya go!

June 7^th,8^th,9^th is the Lewiston/Trinity Spring Classic. Very nice that 30 have signed up for the event. If you want to go please sign up now so we have a grip on Sat. night’s Chili and cobbler feed. Once again, if you have not ridden this area you must. Just riding there via 36/Wildwood rd./3/and 299 to Lewiston is a treat. Great ride and there are MANY fantastic ride possibilities in the area, so come and join in!

The MOA International is in Tennessee this year. I only know of Bob Highfill who is going to promote his Highroad rental business on THIS side of the country. If anyone does make the trek please, do a ride report. Next year will be in Great Falls, Montana. Suspect RCB will make a strong showing in Big Sky country.

Scott Moseman will be hosting the Nevada Outback Ride on June 21/22/23 out of Gerlach, Nevada. Pleases sign up if you plan to attend so Scott knows what provisions to bring.

June 27^th, 28^th, 29^th, 30^this the Chief Joseph Rally in John Day Oregon sponsored by the BMW Riders of Oregon. All the info in regard to this event is on the interweb site. Pre-registration is recommended.

It appears as tho we all might be settling in with the new website so, I wanna encourage everyone to check the events calendar and sign up for the events you would like to attend. I know it is early but, the Stofer Classic at Manchester Beach is almost always our biggest club event of the year. I have already got the KOA to commit to Sat. night’s catering of our dinner. Please sign up early so we can nail down how much grub the KOA folks will need to cook for us.

So, everyone please ride safe. Prime riding season is upon us! Make sure your ride is ready, air in the tires and fuel in the tank! See ya down the road!

Mike

May Prez's Corner

Mike Robles — Wed, 01 May 2019 20:57:44 GMT

Spring 2019! May 1^st without a cloud in the sky! A glorious day to ride and here I am acting like I can actually type when I should be terrorizing the country side. I’ll make up for it starting tomorrow. We ride all year but, the REALLY good stuff starts now!

Last weekend was the Coastal Classic to Morro Bay. We had an excellent turnout and I believe I can speak for all who attended that it was a great weekend. Great food, fantastic roads, good friends and NO damn rain! Thanks to Terry for his job at cat herding a group ride down and providing a number of different ride options, and to Capt. Ken for posting those routes on the forum. The coastal area is absolutely stunning this time of year. If you haven’t participated in this ride, you should. It is a minimum 700 mile weekend if you just chill Sat. Check out new pics in the gallery.

April the 13^th was A&S’s Spring 0pen house and it sounded as tho’ it was a success as it usually is. Thanks to all RCB chefs who prepared flawless Burgers and Frankfurters Flambe’ (sic?) to feed the the starving masses attending this event.

Sat, following the meeting is our annual Memorial Poker run for all of our beloved members who have left us. This year, as their loss has been so recent, we will ride in memory of Tom Reid, Kim Rydalch, and Mike Paetzold. RIP and Ride on wherever you may be friends! We will register at A&S and get route sheets and official Poker Run instructions. I believe the Capt. may be downloading Garmin files for us but don’t hold me to that! We end up in Lincoln where Bob and Joanie Highfill will host the post ride lunch of Tacos with the fixin’s. 50/50 raffle and bonus raffle prizes in store after lunch. Come one, come all!

Tho’ not a club event, Sat. May 18^th is the Sacramento Mile Flat Track races at Cal. Expo. We try to go every year and we always have a ball there. Keep in mind, this event once through the gate is a cash only event and they are very proud of their beverages and charge accordingly. And….., if you didn’t know, there is Fast Fridays at the Auburn fairgrounds. Another cash deal but very reasonable and fun for Speedway racing.

Norcal will be hosting their 49er rally at the Mariposa Fairgrounds May 23^rd to the 27^th. There will be a number of us representing RCB down there. Great riding down there and a lot to do at the rally.

Trinity Classic signups are open for our Lewiston campout June 7^th, 8^th, 9^th and we’ve got a good crew signed up already. Please signup if you haven’t so our hosts, The Kiltons will know how much grub to procure for the Sat. night Chile feed. Another knock it outta the park riding area so come and join in.

And for GS riders, sign up for Scott’s Nevada Outback ride June 21^st, 22^nd, 23^rd . Details are on the forum so sign up early so Scott knows the amount of provisions he will need for that event.

So, there ya go! Should be a great start to a busy riding season. Do your Maintenance, check your tires, inventory your on the road repair essentials and get OUT AND RIDE!!

See ya on the road!

Mike

April President's Corner

Mike Robles — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 21:33:53 GMT

Here it is April 1, 2019 and this is no joke! It’s raining. Again. I know we need the rain and snow pack but dang, enough already. That being said I’m guessing we’re all ready for some nice riding weather. I’m ready to shelve my heated gear till next winter. Also, it’ll be nice riding cleaner roads. They’ve been nasty this winter with all the water and the potholes seem to be growing. Capt. Ken has posted the club ride for the month and it looks like there’s a possibility it’ll get rained out. Again! Got 4 more days so, maybe the weather folks will be wrong. Weather permitting and if we have enough riders interested we can form a relaxed riding group with Marv Lewis to lead the charge. We will form a relaxed group every month from now forward if needed. We want the club to be rider friendly to all.

April 13^thA&S is hosting Their “Season Opener”. Demo rides as usual with a number of vendors to include Klim with all of the latest gear. RCB will assist with their culinary expertise providing chefs to masterfully prepare BURGERS AND DOGS!. There will be a donation jar for Camp Okizu-Kids with Cancer. I am a cancer survivor so this is important to me. I have a few chefs lined up but we could use a few more. Come on down and eat a burger, flip a BUNCH of burgers and have a good day around motorcycles! Perfect.

April 26, 27 and 28 is the Coastal Classic to Morrow Bay. Looks like a good turn out already. This year should be great as the Coastal Highway is open for the first time in a coupla years. Information on lodging is on the forum as well as GPS' files for routes. If you want to go you best secure your lodging now. There may also be camping options if rooms are booked. Should be a great ride and a great weekend.

Next up on May 4^thfollowing our meeting we will have our Memorial Poker Run. Since this is a Memorial run I would like to dedicate this years run to both Kim Rydalch and Mike Paetzold who both recently passed. Both of these gentlemen contributed much to RCB through the years and they will be missed around our campfires but not forgotten. Ride on and RIP to our brother riders. All info for the run will be at the May club meeting. The run will end at Bob and Joanie Highfill's house in Lincoln where we will eat a bunch of tacos! After the feast we’ll start tossin cards around and see who wins what. Bob tells me there were 38 bikes at his house last year. I’d like to see us jam up his whole block. Let’s do it!

This meeting (Apr. 6) we will have Sonja Conklin with AirMed Services give us a presentation on their Air Evac services. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If you ride away from home, in the mountains, to other states, this is a no brainer. You pay more for a tire then you do for this insurance, which is reasonable. Everyone in your home is covered whether they be on a bike or in a car. Doesn’t matter. I would rather pay the yearly premium then have to finance a very expensive helicopter ride. Just my 2cents.

So, here’s to a great riding season in 2019. Everyone ride safe, often and keep your eyes on the event calendar. Come ride with us, camp with us, and get to know us. I’ve had more fun and good times, and made more friends with RCB then any other organization I’ve belonged to. We are not bike snobs. We don’t care what you ride. (As long as it isn’t loud. In which case you can ride in back) Come join in!

Gonna go out on a limb and use my friend and ex-Prez Jack’s tag line on his columns,

Thoughts/Suggestions/Insults Welcomed!

See ya Sat.

Mike

Presidents Corner March 2019

Mike Robles — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 02:02:44 GMT

Wow, Seems as though it was Jan 1 yesterday and I woke up this morning and it is almost March! Where the heck does the time go? Anyway, here we are anticipating an approaching NEW riding season. NICE! What’s not to love!

In spite of all the wetness we’ve experienced so far this year the nutjobs I ride with have managed to accrue some pretty major mileage this winter while dodging major snow fall, massive floods and pouring rain. We are so lucking to live here as we really don’t need battery tenders unless we have multiple bikes. I’m lucky to have two so I do own a tender. Poor folks back east and in colder parts actually put their bikes into hibernation mode. This is a great place to be a motorcyclist in. My GS is nasty dirty right now and would not be allowed in a Starbucks! That’s perfect cause the coffee costs too much and puts me in a foul mood!

Thanks to Greg and Cyndee Peart for hosting the annual Whale tour in Mendocino taking place this weekend.The first real RCB event of the year. This is their 15^th year hosting this event! Thanks again to the Pearts. Go too, and check out the Events calendar to keep up on future events.

We are currently working through the fine tuning of the new website and I feel as though the site is much more user friendly then when it was rolled out. If there is something you see within the site that could be improved,by all means please bring it up. Bring it up at the meeting or approach a club officer or director.Your opinion matters, it’s your club too. Really. This also applies to events. Got a good idea for a new event? Let’s hear it! Got an idea to improve an old event? Let’s hear it! We encourage member participation!

Things have changed a bit within the club officer and director positions. Thanks to all our returning directors. Nice to have and welcome new directors Bob Highfill and Rick Kilton to the fold. I’m honored to have Gordy as my right hand man and RCB VP. His past experience as Prez is invaluable. The website management will now be in Karl’s hands and Scott will manage the club’s fortunes as Treasurer. As always Capt. Ken will be our ride leader. Many thanks to all who volunteer for the clubs greater good. Thanks again to Jack K. for serving as our Prez. It took many MOA Internationals but remember, Jack was the Prez when RCB won the plaque for most represented in a charter club at the Salt Lake City MOA Int’l. That was cool. As always, the entire board of directors and officers will continue working to keep OUR club fun and fulfilling to all members.

Sonja Conklin from AirMedCare Network will make a presentation at next months club meeting that offers air evac services. As riders who are often in every imaginable or unimaginable situation this service is kinda a no brainer in my mind. The policy covers not just you as a rider but any relative under your roof. There is a club savings to join. Sonja will be there for any questions and any help we may need for program enrollment. I bring this up now because I think all members need the opportunity to procure this service before prime riding begins.

Yep, this being my first monthly column as your new Prez I am confident that along with our Board of Directors and Club Officers the future of River City Beemers is in capable hands. As always.

Every ride is an adventure. Ride often. Ride safe.

See Ya!

Mike

President's Corner - Post Script

Jack Klauschie Jr — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 18:26:44 GMT

After counting all ballots, resolving all hanging chads, and taking into account those whose votes may have been frustrated by the weather the results of the election are final and hereby certified. All hail the new Chief.

President: Mike Robles

Vice President: Gordy Olson

Treasurer: Scott Moseman

Secretary: Rand Olson

Newly Elected Board of Directors: Al Morrison; Karl Weiland; Bob Highfill; Bob Brown; Ray Nuguit; Rick Kilton; Marv Lewis; Ken Caruthers

Returning Directors: Mike Harvey; Ray Trujillo; Bob Rasters

This will be the last time you will have to indulge my musings in the President’s Corner. We now look forward to El Jefe Robles’ remarks.

You, however, can consider my current state of mind on motorbiking, riding and life in the RCB Newsletter. In that regard, I want to give a shout out to Larry Klein for taking over the Newsletter until health issues got in the way. Larry, we hope you are doing well.

A couple times while President prospective members approached me to ask whether the Club did anything other than the monthly meetings. Knowing all we do I was flummoxed. The lesson is we need to be better about letting others know we are an active riding Club. To that end I want to reiterate a pledge made at the member meeting Saturday morning. Please send me photos of your adventures, camp-outs, a great restaurant, a fabulous brew pub, etc. for the Newsletter. If you send me three or more photos for the Newsletter (hopefully with at least brief comments about where taken and circumstances) I will buy you breakfast. If you send me a ride report (however brief), a review of the latest farkle or equipment, tech tips, riding tips /lessons from the road, camping/camp site suggestions, recommended rides and restaurants, or anything else you may be pondering I will buy you breakfast. The Newsletter is a place where we can share what we are doing and thinking with one another and prospective riding buddies. My e-mail address is jacklau@comcast.net.

Also, keep an eye on the calendar and Forum for new events and details on currently scheduled events for 2019.

Many thanks for your support, and best to Mike and the other new Officers and Directors.

Jack

President’s Corner January 2019

Jack Klauschie Jr — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 05:12:38 GMT

I hope your holidays were exceptional.

When I agreed to run for President I warned everyone work would interfere with Presidential duties, but I would do my best to avoid conflicts. Unfortunately, work commitments conflicted with RCB obligations more than I’d hoped for. Work commitments in 2019 look worse so it’s time to hand the Presidency to someone who can attend Board and member meetings consistently.

We are going to hold an election at the member meeting on February 2. If you are willing to serve as an officer or Board member please send me an e-mail so I can add your name to those who have expressed a willingness to serve. We really are interested in people with new ideas and a willingness to commit a few hours a month to RCB affairs. Currently, the slate looks like this:

President: Mike Robles; You?

Vice President: Gordy Olson; You?

Treasurer: Scott Moseman; You?

Secretary: Rand Olson; You?

Board of Directors (7 positions open): Al Morrison; Karl Weiland; Bob Highfill; Bob Brown; Ray Nuguit; Rick Kilton; Marv Lewis; Ken Caruthers; You?

Returning Directors: Mike Harvey; Ray Trujillo; Bob Rasters

It has been my privilege to be your President. Thanks for all your support.

Jack

President’s Corner v 11.1

Jack Klauschie Jr — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 19:30:09 GMT

RCB 2019 Calendar of Events

January	5	Monthly Club Meeting/Ride
February	2	Monthly Club Meeting / Elections	8 AM Susie's Cafe
	2	Greg Peart Talk	A&S after member meeting
	14-17	Airheads Death Valley	Furnace Creek – Death Valley
March	2	Monthly Club Meeting/Ride
	1-3	Whale of a Tour / Mendocino	Sea Gull Inn - Mendocino
	30	Proposed Tech Day	Rancho Murieta
April	6	Monthly Club Meeting/Ride
April	26-28	Coast Ride / Hwy 1	Morro Bay
May	4	Monthly Club Meeting / Memorial Poker Run
	24-26	49’er Rally	Mariposa
June	1	Monthly Club Meeting/Ride
	7-9	Spring Fling	Lewiston
	13-16	MOA National Rally	Lebanon, Tennessee
	21-23	Nevada Outback GS Camping and Ride	TBD
	28-30	Chief Joseph Rally	John Day, Oregon
July	6	Monthly Club Meeting/Ride
	18-21	Top O’ The Rockies Rally	Paonia, Colorado
August	3	Monthly Club Meeting/Ride
	16-18	Tahoe Chill	Camp Richardson, South Lake Tahoe
	30 to Sept. 2	Range of Light Gypsy Tour	Must ride it to know.
September	7	Monthly Club Meeting/Ride
	6-8	Mt. Lassen Camping	Lost Creek Group Campground, Mt. Lassen National Park
October	4-6	Monthly Club Meeting Manchester Beach	Manchester Beach KOA
November	2	Monthly Club Meeting/Ride
	17	2020 Planning Meeting
December	7	Monthly Club Meeting/Ride
	TBD	Christmas Party	A & S

Proposed Rider Skills Improvement Day – Thunderhill Raceway Park

President’s Corner November 2018

Jack Klauschie Jr — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 19:28:51 GMT

It’s appropriate I finally am getting round to writing Thanksgiving morning. I take a minute to get on the soapbox. The Club only is as good as members are willing to volunteer to organize and run events. Similarly, if the Club is not doing an event you would like to have happen, speak up. We are open to almost anything.

Many thanks to those who have volunteered this year.

Greg Peart for the Mendocino B&B Ride.

Marv (for storing our trailer and stuff) and Ken for the Memorial Poker Run, and Bob Highfill for hosting the feast after the Poker Run.

Rick and Mike for the Spring Classic.

Scott for the Nevada Outback GS Ride.

Gordy, Lynell, Steve and Jenny for the Tahoe Chill.

Ralph for cooking at Mt. Lassen.

Just Bob for cooking Saturday dinner at Manchester Beach (for about 80 people). Ray Trujillo for coffee and b’fast fixins’ over the weekend.

Capt. Ken for monthly rides.

Bob Brown for membership and Karl for keeping Club finances straight.

Ray T. and Steve for the raffles.

Officers and Directors for their time and help behind the scenes.

Personal thanks to Mike for filling in for me when work interferes with Presidential duties.

President's Corner v. 10.1

Jack Klauschie Jr — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 01:12:17 GMT

We had a great turn out for Manchester Beach. The weather was perfect.

A special thanks to Just Bob and Terri for smoked brisket, chicken and fixins for dinner Saturday for about 75 people.

A special thanks to Ray Trujillo and Nancy for coffee, fruit, bagels, etc. in the morning (early morning).

A personal thanks to Larry Campbell for his Shake n' Bake.

Cheers!

Jack

President's Corner October 2018 - Fall Colors Ride

Jack Klauschie Jr — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 01:07:14 GMT

The Annual Fall Colors Ride for 2018 is this Sunday, October 21 and will include Ebbetts, Monitor, and Sonora passes, with a lunch stop at the great Mountain View BBQ.

We'll meet at the Ihop at 2525 Iron Point Rd. in Folsom. Arrive by 7 or earlier for breakfast before departing at 8 AM.

It'll be a 350 mile day and take about 8 hours, with stops for breaks and lunch.

Ride Often, Ride Safe

Jack

President's Corner v 9.1

Jack Klauschie Jr — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 00:57:57 GMT

We are closing in on the 2018 Fall Classic aka Manchester Beach - the club's biggest event of the year. Our member meeting for October will take place Saturday evening after Fred's Bloody Mary's and an awesome dinner planned by Just Bob, followed and upstaged by a raffle (over $700 spent on raffle prizes) and beers around the campfire.

Please sign up so we can have an accurate count for food and beverages.

Cheers,

Jack

President’s Corner September 2018

Jack Klauschie Jr — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 05:16:28 GMT

A few intrepid RCB’ers elected to camp at the Lost Creek campground in Mt. Lassen National Park. Many thanks to Ralph for treating us to tri tip, bakers, corn on the cob and salad for dinner Saturday. Thanks also to Bob Highfill and High Road Rentals for sponsoring (paying for) dinner Saturday.

Friday dinner however was an eat what ya brung affair. After a smorgasbord of freeze dried meals were consumed, critiques of the meals were exchanged. The rating system became: (1) Pretty good; (2) Decent; (3) Its fuel; and (4) It’ll make a turd. MRE’s also were debated. For the uninitiated, a MRE is a Meal Ready to Eat developed for the military. While select MRE’s are reported to taste pretty good, I’m advised and now warned they cause a concrete plug after a week, requiring a jackhammer to do your business.

We all know proper hydration is critical for good health. Water with malt and hops is a campfire staple to assure full hydration. What is one to do when at 2 am one’s liver and kidneys have put that water to good use. The unimaginative will do a Lomcovak to get out of their tent to make room for further processing. The seasoned camper however will make use of a modern indispensable tool – the zip lock bag. An added benefit is it makes a warm pillow. Forgot a zip lock bag? A Gatorade bottle will work in a pinch. Just don’t buy lemon lime or you might grab the urine bomb by accident.

Camp often, camp smart mi amigos.

Thoughts / Suggestions / Insults / Welcomed / Appreciated

Jack

Mileage contest

Gordon & Cynthia Olson — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 15:53:31 GMT

RCBers: The 2018 mileage contest will be ending soon. If you are NOT planning to be at Manchester, then I will need your final mileage by October 1. Send me an e-mail with your closing mileage so I can calculate your total. If you ARE coming to Manchester, you can give me your mileage when you arrive.

We will announce the winners at the club meeting on Saturday. You do NOT have to be present to win.

Remember: If you do not get me a final mileage I will not be able to calculate your total mileage.

Good luck to all!

Cheers, Gordy

President’s Corner August 2018

Jack Klauschie Jr — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 05:34:37 GMT

I was thinking about the “wave” motorcyclists have been exchanging for decades. Some can barely be perceived while others make Gomer Pyle seem restrained. I always have wondered why the wave started. Way back before paved highways and interstates and motorcycles were less dependable than today maybe it was a way of saying all is good, You? - as you passed going in opposite directions. In the Hells Angels bad boy era, perhaps it was a way to signal affiliation in the same way today’s gangs have colors.

Whether you ride alone or in a group, riding a motorcycle is a solitary act. As we ride, we are exposed to the vagaries of weather, road conditions and our own sense of awareness, strength and vulnerability. All of this is unique to each of us based on our own perceptions and psyche as the ride unfolds in front of us.

A motorcycle is just a static object until a motorcyclist puts it in motion. A motorcycle must be in a relationship with a rider to fulfill its design purpose. More than any other form of locomotion, a motorcycle, once in motion, becomes a part of who we are in that moment. So as we approach on the road as motorcyclists, I wave and have for five decades. For me, the wave is a sign you are not alone, we are part of like-minded individualists, and we have each other’s back as we engage in the triumphs and hardships of our ride.

Thoughts / Suggestions / Insults / Welcomed / Appreciated

Jack

President’s Corner July 2018, v 7.1

Jack Klauschie Jr — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 05:55:10 GMT

July has been a quiet month for RCB by design given the MOA National and other Rallies around the US. RCB events pick up at the end of the month.

First, A&S is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this weekend. Members are encouraged to participate, and thank the folks at A&S for their support of the club over the years.

Tahoe Chill is August 17-19 at Camp Richardson. We have the same campsites as last year, and dinner will be served Saturday night. Rumors have been spreading that dinner also may be served Friday. You will have to attend to find out. The event is free to members, but we may pass the hat round Saturday morning for libations Saturday night. Please sign up on the web site so we can get an estimated number of people who plan to attend.

Lost Creek camping is September 7-9 in Lassen National Park. RCB has reserved a group site, and this is free to members and guests. This is motorcycle camping, not glamping, so you are on your own for food and adult beverages. There is potable water at the campground and very nice, clean vault toilets. Grab your camp stove or Jet Boil and join us for a great ride and camping. A National Park entrance fee of $20.00 must be paid when entering the park and before one can camp. Senior passes and yearly passes can be used in lieu of the entrance fee. Go to the events page on the web site for more details.

Thoughts / Suggestions / Insults / Welcomed / Appreciated

Jack

President’s Corner July 2018

Jack Klauschie Jr — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 05:25:48 GMT

There have been a few good articles lately. The most recent I read was by Carl Parker, Publisher of ADV Moto magazine. Mr. Parker commented about what you and I already know; few things in life are more exciting than new experiences and tackling new challenges. He observed there is a fine line between well intended encouragement, and pushing others too far out of their comfort or safety zone. Riding motorcycles is exhilarating. However, people get hurt riding, and our sense of acceptable risk is different based on our individual skills, experience, and personal circumstances. Each of us bears the responsibility of our own actions and decisions, but the rest of us need to be aware when good intentioned encouragement pushes someone over that fine line. Often, it is difficult to determine our own limits, and that certainly may vary in the course of a ride, much less those we are riding with. As we get excited for our next ride, let’s be supportive while being respectful of the wide variation in the abilities and desires of those who ride with us. As I have preached many times, ride your own ride and do not worry about being too slow or too whatever. We all are heading to the same place. Being safe and having fun while getting there is paramount.

Thoughts / Suggestions / Insults / Welcomed / Appreciated

Jack

President’s Corner June 2018, v 6.1

Jack Klauschie Jr — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 19:44:25 GMT

June was a busy month for RCB.

I want to thank Rick for taking the lead on the Spring Fling again this year. I thought the campground was very nice. Better yet we had it to ourselves. There is a motel and good café close by if we go back for another event. Special thanks to Cindy for cooking. Nom nom. A few RCB’ers became members of the Lewiston Moose Lodge. Be sure to ask those who were there Friday night about the benefits of Moose membership even if only for a bit.

Fifteen riders signed up for a day of learning and practice at Thunderhill. I think all had a good time, and a few came away with gumballs on the sides of their tires. Good stuff. My daughter rode my GS most of the day. Given she had only about an hour of riding experience on the street after getting her MC license about a month earlier, I was thrilled to see her learning skills and getting comfortable on a bike with the safety provided on the track. As I only got to ride two sessions, I am itching for another track day in the fall. If anyone is interested, send me a note. Dudes, if you bought photos from the track photographer please post a few in the Gallery, or send them to a club officer to post. Ray T took a lot of photos which we will post shortly. Thanks Ray.

Scott Moseman organized another Nevada Outback camping weekend with a GS friendly ride in the high desert of northern Nevada. I understand the ride primarily was on dirt roads and well developed two-track with a sprint across the infamous “Playa.” Regrettably, I had to work so I ask those who attended to give us a ride report and photos. Many thanks, Scott.

Thoughts / Suggestions / Insults / Welcomed / Appreciated

Jack

President’s Corner June 2018

Jack Klauschie Jr — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 18:51:31 GMT

I read an article in Motorcyclist magazine by Ralph Hermens that resonated with me. On a RCB ride many years ago, I almost rear-ended a good friend in the middle of a corner at a crisp closing rate. WTF? After pulling my LD Comforts out of my arse, I thought about what he was doing wrong. That was my first mistake. Ralph Hermens was at a track day chasing his Buddies round the track. He was excited, greedy and concentrating on his experience. We all know as riders we must be vigilant, and our heads on a swivel. We must pay attention to everything around us all the time. So what happened? As Ralph was getting ready to pass a slower rider on the outside, the rider went wide unnecessarily and cut off his riding line, causing him to go off track to avoid a collision. Result? Many bruises and a broken collar bone. I was accelerating out of a corner after passing the apex. My Buddy was hard on his brakes unnecessarily. I stood my bike up and got hard on the brakes and barely avoided Ralph’s fate to avoid a rear-end collision. Predicting what other drivers and riders will do is important and can avoid an accident. Assuming someone will behave like you, competently, or by the rules of the road can be dangerous. The lesson is to leave enough space for those around you to be unpredictable, incompetent, and inattentive, and always try to give yourself an out.

Thoughts / Suggestions / Insults / Welcomed / Appreciated

Jack

President's Corner May 2018 Version 1.1

Jack Klauschie Jr — Wed, 30 May 2018 05:59:30 GMT

Whatever we may think about a President or decision to put Americans in harm’s way, we should honor and respect those who have answered the call. By all means, we should thank those who have served. Better yet, we should assure those who have served are able to rejoin civilian life.

I am getting on the soapbox for a minute to say we the people should assure our government provides all treatment, care and support required when one returns from duty. No one who served or a family member of one who served should have to fight their own government for necessary treatment, care and support to rejoin civilian life.

In memory of those who have served, let's do our part by communicating with elected officials to insist they make our government responsive to those who protect our freedom.

Many thanks veterans from one who is not worthy of your sacrifice.

President's Corner May 2018

Jack Klauschie Jr — Wed, 30 May 2018 05:28:58 GMT

We know what propels a motorcycle, but what drives a motorcyclist? Were we born into motorcycling because our parents were enthusiasts? Many were, but just as many did not pursue motorcycling when parents no longer foot the bill. Many riders, like me, did not have parents who rode although our parents were supportive of our riding. Many others started riding after becoming financially emancipated because parents forbid riding in any form. What is it about motorcycling that drives riders from such disparate backgrounds?

I have no clue, but know this. Despite Hollywood’s persistence in casting us as sociopathic outlaws, most of us are well educated, law abiding, professionally successful, respectful and open minded. For those of us who have the opportunity and courage to live the adventure full time, we read time and again these traits propel adventurers through countries where language and customs truly can be obstacles.

My request of those who read this is to remember we are the beneficiaries of those who have gone peaceably before us and ambassadors for those who follow. Let’s be the world adventurer even if only for a day, week or month by pledging to be courteous, respectful and open minded as we embark on our rides.

Thoughts / Suggestions / Insults / Welcomed / Appreciated

Jack

President's Corner April 2018

Ken Caruthers — Fri, 11 May 2018 17:31:34 GMT

At the rate days are flying by I’m going to be as old as Methuselah before I know it. I flubbed once again so we have the April President’s Corner in May.

As I was pondering what to write, I thought about the beginning of our riding season.

About three years ago Steve, Roger, Roy and I decided to ride our dual-sport 650’s in Baja. After a couple days, we arrived in Guerrero Negro well after dark, and decided to take a day off to go whale watching. This departure from our ride was an awesome experience, and I made a new friend, Baby, who was about the size of a stretched passenger van.

We had an uneventful couple days after meeting Baby until we headed to El Arco en route to San Francisquito on the Sea of Cortez. After El Arco and as we climbed into the mountains, the effects of the hurricane that blew across Baja from the Sea of Cortez the summer before made its presence known many months after it dissipated over the Pacific Ocean in the form of washed out roads, deep ruts and most riders nemesis, deep sand. What once was a valley suitable for grazing cattle was a sand wash from side to side with just enough big rocks and ruts to foreclose any hope of getting enough speed up to stay on top of the sand. By late afternoon we were exhausted, dehydrated and psychologically spent. More significantly, we only were about half way to San Francisquito. As we approached the spine of Baja in the mountains at dusk on what barely passed for a sandy Jeep trail, we were contemplating how we could spend the night in the middle of nowhere without camping gear. We decided to press on just a little bit more, and were saved by Rancho Piedra Blanca where we rented rooms for the night, took a shower, ate fresh fish and steak dinner, and drank about a case of cold beer. In every respect, the Rancho was paradise.

As we ramp up the riding season and embark on our travels, take a day off to pursue a different venture. It may lead to an unexpected new friend. When you are at your wits end, look around the next corner and you may find paradise. When you get home, share your photos and experiences by submitting a photo journal or article for the Newsletter.

Salud!

Thoughts / Suggestions / Insults / Welcomed / Appreciated

Jack

President's Corner March 2018

Ken Caruthers — Fri, 11 May 2018 17:28:46 GMT

Last fall, someone asked me if we, the club, do anything. I was flummoxed, knowing all we do as a club and the effort volunteers invest in their events. I went through a few past events, and a few scheduled. I dedicate the March PC to events past in anticipation of another great year.

The rest of the initial conversation was:

"I looked at your web site and the last post was like eight years ago. I had to ask if you (RCB) do anything other than breakfast and the monthly member ride."

The lesson learned is we are terrible, me included, about taking a minute to take a few photographs during our rides and events. Let’s make a pledge to grab our cell phones and take a few pictures. They can be shared on our new web site. We are getting closer to going full in, full time. Details to follow.Thoughts / Suggestions / Insults / Welcomed / Appreciated

Jack

President's Corner February 2018

Ken Caruthers — Wed, 09 May 2018 20:47:28 GMT

Many apologies for being late. We had two trials in mid-February and March 6. Getting ready for trial is a bit like getting ready to take your life on the road – you must be prepared, know your route, stops and destinations well, be prepared for everything, and be sufficiently flexible to change direction at any moment. Any ride is more fun.

My daughter finished and passed her Basic Rider Course. Now what? Here are a few notions I jotted down for her. As we start another riding season, perhaps we all should ponder these notions.

TURNS:

- Vision/Perception, Braking, Shifting and Decision-Making

- Get any of these wrong and you may experience some anxiety. Get it really wrong? Panic? NO!! Relax, Focus on the exit, and the bike will go there.

Tactics

- Reference Points – Vision – Look through the corner to the exit

- Actively Gage the Topography

- Ex.: If the road is cut out of a hillside and all you see ahead is sky, there is a near certainty the road turns toward the hillside, perhaps sharply.

- Reduce Tasks – “Ride The Motor” eliminating shifting and use engine braking

- Plan Ahead – Get Braking, Down Shifting Completed Quickly and Early

- Develop Skills/Confidence to Carry More Speed

Goals

ID What You Do Well – Practice / Reinforce Those Skills

ID Weaknesses – Build Skill

ID “Bad Habits” – Break Them

- When You Make a Mistake, Try To Do It Again. WHAT? Yep, then you have an opportunity to ID the mistake and Break the Habit

Thoughts / Suggestions / Insults / Welcomed / Appreciated

Jack