ON THE AVENUE
BMWRA#53 BMWMOA#216
Knob Mountain North Carolina Motorcycle Chapter
Newsletter #4 - November 2007
Website: http://knobbies.org
2007/8 Officers:
President-Gene Smith
V. President-Dave Kiziah
Secretary-Crystal Gibson
Treasurer- Sam
Aycock
Activities Directors-Daryl & Penny Carswell
Newsletter Co-Editors-Patsy Smith & Sharon Wilson
WEEKLY SUNDAY RIDES - Daylight savings time has started so our
Sunday morning meeting time is now 9:00 a.m. at Timberwood Restaurant,
I-40 Exit 106, Morganton, NC for breakfast and a day ride. Even
if you can't ride, join us for breakfast and fellowship! First Sunday
in every month is "picnic Sunday."
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS -- Keith & Jan Lackey, Statesville, NC,
sponsor Gary Lackey. Jimmie Dawkins, Fort Mill, SC, sponsor Gary
Clark. Other 2007 new members to date: Bettie Drum, Michael
Sloane, Paul & Sara Phillips, Jay & Milinda Middlebrooks,
Charlie Mosteller, Jay & Corinne Lindquist, and Mark & Margaret
Gengler.
NEWLETTER INFO - If you would like to submit an article, please give to
Patsy or Sharon. Or, you can email to psmith1951@charter.net or
sharondannywilson@charter.net.
2008 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL. It's that time of year again to turn in
a Knobbie Membership Renewal Form. A copy is enclosed for your
convenience. Remember, if you don't send in your renewal form, you will
not continue to receive the newsletter. There is no renewal fee. No
need to complete the entire form if there are no changes in your
information. You can just "check renewal, no changes from last year"
and write in your name. Please give to Patsy or Sharon or mail it in to
the address on the bottom of the form.
MESSAGE FROM GENE - Anyone who has written any type of newsletter or
letter to a club knows how hard it is to get started. On top of that,
this time I wasn't sure to start with all the good news or the bad news.
If you have email you've heard by now that Lamar Strickland passed away
last Tuesday October, 23. And what a sad day it was. Lamar was
just one great guy and I along with our Knobbies will sorely miss him.
Lamar and I shared the same birthday, same day, same year, so I was
always "politely" kidding him about how old he was getting. I sure wish
he could have made it to a ripe old age, but some things are just not
meant to be. I want to personally thank every Knobbie for their
consideration and help to the family. Lamar's two brothers and his
sister certainly appreciated everything from each person. They are like
Lamar, just great folks and are welcome back anytime.
Good news, however, is that Pam Chester went through her operation with
apparently NO glitches. Hoorah for that, so with that, let's continue
with good news, eh? Get well Pam! I know speaking to Sam you are ready
to ride mentally, just got to get that bod up and running!
What happened to summer? Here it is fall! The season for the time
change, cooler weather and falling leaves. For the next few weeks or
maybe months (if this global warming keeps up), we should have just
great riding. Don't forget the week after the time change our breakfast
meetings go to 9 am. Speaking about leaves, remember they are one more
slick customer on the roads, especially after a rain or early am.
Keeping up the four corners ride, Mike, Pan McSwain and I did the NE
corner while attending the North of the Border Rally, just south of
Virginia Beach. We met up with Ed Blackwelder so we take off and locate
the corner after riding back from the Kitty Hawk area. Trust me, if you
haven't been to the outer banks in a few years you are about to enter
culture shock. Looking at all the condos, houses, etc. that have been
built up there; you would understand why I say this may be worse than
Katrina WHEN we get hit. Astounding as to the development there. It
seems NC has been "discovered" from the mountains to the sea with no
regard to the weather.
Then last weekend, Patsy and I took off to locate the NW corner.
Now get this, I had a GPS and definitely located the "real" corner,
however, true to form for Gene Smith, I got lost! We ended up on a dead
end dirt road, with very little area to turn around. So I crossed a
small bridge and at the end was a farm house, four Rottweiler dogs, no
trespassing signs and thankfully, literally, a little old lady. So here
goes Geno, thinking to myself, well I've got my leathers on if these
dogs want to eat me!! I made it, so speaking to the little lady, she
said, "Well the actual corner is over that hill, except it takes a four
wheel drive to get to it. Oh, the Mennonite church is just over the
other hill over there! You can go through that gate then three more
gates and over the hill; it couldn't be over 200 yards!!!! Don't think
you can make it with that motorcycle". So, off we go, back down the
same long dirt road, and of course, we then ran into, another dirt
road. We turned around and located a nice Marathon gas/country store
with great sandwiches. While standing in line, a lady behind me says,
"What are you doing with a picture of my church?" I explained I was
looking for the church, what we were doing and how our club was giving
all the proceeds to the Ride for Kids. This really thrilled her because
everyone in the church was wondering why in the world all these
motorcycles kept showing up at her church. Her, her husband and two
kids then lead us up, guess what? The same dirt road we had
turned back on. Up and over the mountain which by the way, had
absolutely gorgeous scenery. Lo and behold who should we see
coming at us but Paul and Sara Phillips! They turned around, and then
we all chatted with this extremely nice couple. Knobbies strike again!
I am hopeful I can make the SE corner before the end of the year, so
wish me luck, good riding and the same to all of you. Keep on riding
and ride safe!
One last note. Believe this or not, we still do not have a final count
on our share of monies from the Biltmore RA Rally, so I am sure by our
Christmas Party, we can give out the good news. Unfortunately I won't
be able to make this year's party. Our son is getting married
that weekend and with all the in-laws, outlaws, friends, etc., we just
won't be able to get back in time.
CHRISTMAS PARTY - The Knobbie Christmas Party will be Sunday,
December 2, 2007 at Little Sienna Restaurant located at the
intersection of US 70 West and NC Highway 80 in Marion. The meal will
be served about 12:30. The cost is $11.50 per person which covers your
food, beverage, dessert, tax and tip. Please send or give your money
and reservation to Sharon Wilson by November 25 so we can get a head
count for the restaurant. Sharon's address is 3474 Icard Dairy Barn
Road, Connelly Springs, NC 28612. Her telephone # is 828-397-6419. The
gift exchange ($5.00) is always fun, so don't forget your gift. Try to
bring something that would be suitable for a male or female. Also,
please bring your total 2007 miles for the club mileage contest. In
addition, be thinking of your nominations for the Knobbiest Knobbie.
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING - Our annual business meeting is scheduled for
Sunday, Jan 20th in the back left dining room at Timberwood
Restaurant, I-40 Exit 106 at 9:00 a.m. There will be a breakfast buffet
set up for us and the meeting will follow. The long distance riders for
the year and the Knobbiest Knobbie will be announced. Plans will also
be made for the 2008 Knobbie Campouts.
KNOBBIE FALL CAMPOUT REPORT -- Everyone had a great time at the Knobbie
Fall Campout at Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground in Cruso, September
7-9, and the weather was beautiful! We had a great turnout of 40+
folks. Everyone took home a prize and one of our new members, Margaret
Gengler, won the 50/50 drawing. Great riding, great food and lots of
great fellowship! Another fun campout for all!
SPECIAL THANKS. Thanks to Sam and Laura Aycock for a delicious
BBQ dinner at their home on September 16th. Also, Bettie Drum and Earl
Jenkins hosted a pizza party at Bettie's home on September 31st. The
pizza was great and enjoyed by all!
NORTH CAROLINA FOUR CORNERS TOUR UPDATE. As of October 25th, 42 have
signed up and 12 completed - Haskell Shealy, Bradley & Candy
Richey, Hal & Bobbie Smith, P.O. Wilson, Dave & Cheryl Kiziah,
Daryl Carswell, Jerry Rector, Crystal Gibson and Truman Walton. There
are still stickers, t-shirts and sweatshirts for sale. Contact Candy or
Bradley Richey at 828-495-4456 or email blrcdr@hotmail.com for
information or to receive a tour packet. Cost of the tour is
$10.00 each per rider/co-rider. As of this date, the Tour has made $500
in proceeds which was donated to the Ride for Kids.
GRADUATION INVITATION. You are invited to the college graduation
of Rachel Greene, daughter of Carroll Greene of Lenoir, NC. Rachel will
be graduating from Western Carolina University on December 15 at 2 p.m.
Carroll has asked that anyone who would like to ride up together as a
group to meet at 10 a.m. at the Coffee House, I-40, Exit 100. Rachel
would like to see as many bikes as possible!
NEW TRAVEL AGENCY. Two of our members, Paul and Sara Phillips, have
asked that we let you know that they are now involved in the travel
agency business. The website is www.paulphillips.worldventures.biz.
They can book cruises, hotels and flights at a greatly reduced price.
Please check it out.
LANCASTER RIDE WEST 2007. Like the by-roads and crossroads were calling
Paula and me, we mounted the Valkyrie, and were ready again to ride,
explore and head West. In the early morning hours of August 1, we
were packed up and departed Morganton for Colorado, it being one of our
favorite states to visit. As you have to cross Kansas heading West, we
took advantage of the opportunity to see firsthand the damage to
Greensburg where the class four tornado touched down four months
ago. Having never witnessed the aftermath of such a tornado words
cannot describe what we viewed. Most of the town and homes were gone,
nothing left but some concrete sidewalks and streets. They had
stacked debris on corners and painted signs so people could identify
where things use to be located. The town probably will not
rebuild as most of the residents have decided to move elsewhere. We
continued on our journey. The weather across was hot, but we had
our water device aboard which kept us fully hydrated before arriving in
Colorado Springs.
We spent a couple of days in Colorado Springs enjoying the ride on the
Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak arriving at 14,110 feet above the
tree line. The view at the top was worth the four hour round trip
aboard the railway which has been in operation since 1891. If you
are in that area, we both recommend taking the time to enjoy this
experience. To arrive at the railway you must travel through a
small town named "Manitou Springs" which is also a great place to spend
some leisure time.
Upon departing Colorado Springs our route took us through Fairplay,
Colorado, where by chance I observed the name of a lawyer on his
building who used to practice in Lenoir. We stopped, but his partner
said he was out of the office or in court (likely story) so we did not
get to visit with him. Our route of travel took us on through
Breckenridge, Frisco, up to Granby to the entrance of Rocky Mountain
National Park.
Our ride across the Rocky Mountain National Park was an experience
within itself. We had not had rain since leaving home but upon
entering the park the rain started. With rain suits on, we started the
climb to the summit at 12, 454 feet taking you above the tree
line. During the course of the ride up we encountered road
work....I mean bad roadwork with the surface of the road gone exposing
only dirt, fine gravel and a strange mineral based soil. The soil would
stick to your tires, underside of your motorcycle, under the fenders
and anything else it touched. At times we were stopped waiting
for traffic to clear from the opposite direction. Of course there
are no guardrails on the mountains with a drop off straight down
thousands of feet, and you are only four feet from the edge. Riding the
park you arrive at a full understanding as to why they are named the
"Rocky Mountains" and can only appreciate all of the views offered in
the area.
Upon leaving the park we arrived in Estes Park...what a beautiful small
town. We had reservations for the night at the American Wilderness
Lodge, which turned out to be like camping in a room. However, it
was dry with a hot bath and within walking distance of town. The
rain stopped and we were off to explore Estes Park and really enjoyed
visiting the town.
Like all rides the time comes to head home. We rode state and
county back roads all the way across until we got to Pine Mountain
State Park in Kentucky where we spent our last night. We had stayed
there on a prior trip and would encourage you do to the same if you are
in the area. While crossing Kansas we came upon the Geographic Center
of the United States marker where we stopped for a picture.
The end comes to all good rides and fourteen days later it
happened. There is a Japanese Proverb which applies to many
different events in life and it goes...."We're fools whether we ride or
not, so we might as well ride." See you on the by-roads and crossroads
across our great Nation. Paula, Ron and
the Valkyrie
PASSAGE FROM ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8 NIV was sent via email by Paul Phillips
after the death of Lamar Strickland in hopes that it would help someone
in the death of a loved one. It helped him deal with the death of his
son, Mikhail.
There is a time for everything,
And a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to morn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time to for war and a time for peace.
Paul and Sara Phillips, Parents of Mikhail Phillips, 1986-2003
ON THE AVENUE
The death of their son has been extremely tough, because he was a
healthy, very active in school & church (music especially), scouts,
road his bicycle regularly (long distances) helped around home,
etc. He simply went to bed one night and never woke up the next
morning.
ELECTRIC CLOTHING - submitted by Carroll Greene. With cold weather
starting to arrive, one of the best ways to extend your riding season
is to have an electric jacket or vest to keep you warm and comfortable.
Electric vests and jackets are commercially available but can be
expensive. You can make your own electric jacket with great results.
Take a lined summer jacket and insert the wire between the lining and
tack it in place with thread and needle. Basically, it is fine Teflon
coated wire which warms up when 12 volts DC is applied. 60 feed draws
about 3 amps, giving you 36-40 watts of comfortable heat. The wattage
can also be modified by changing the length of wire. Changing the wire
length will also change the power consumption and the amount of heat
generated. Be careful about cutting the wire too short. A short wire
can generate a tremendous amount of heat, resulting in severe burns to
you and your jacket. Since some of the commercial jackets draw about
6-7 amps/80 watts, bikes with a limited amount of charging capability
will find this homemade jacket with reduced power consumption easier on
the electrical system. A switch and connector on a 10 amp fused line is
also needed.
YOU KNOW YOU'RE A BIKER WHEN ...Sunday is set aside for riding instead of watching sports on TV!
ON THE AVENUE
CHIT CHAT AND SUNDAY RIDES - by Sharon Wilson.
August 3- Patsy and Gene took off to Cruso, NC Blue Ridge Motorcycle
Campground with their camper. They had a great time with the
Motor Guzzi group who was having their annual campout.
August 5- Picnic Sunday and PO Wilson lead us to Hungry Mother State
Park, Va. for out hot dogs, PO's cole slaw, Cheryl's cake and all the
fixings. Riders were PO, Bobbi, Dave & Cheryl, Pam & Sam,
glad to have Jerry Rector with us, Hank, Bettie & Earl, and Danny
and I. We made out way from Hungry Mother State Park to Damascus
and then to Shady Valley. We found a lot of interesting roads on
our way to Damascus, but it was really fun. Road 300 miles.
August 26 -Several of us met at 7 am to ride over to Lake Lure to help
with the parking of motorcycles at the annual Ride for Kids.
There was over $95,000 collected for the Pediatric Brain Tumor
Research. There was one of the largest group of children there I
had seen. Several had completed college and smaller children who
were still in treatment. Thanks to the parents of these children
who had them there for us to enjoy.
September 7-9- Knobbies Campout at Blue Ridge Motorcycle campout.
September 16 - Hal, Joey, Danny & Sharon met at Timberwood at 7
a.m. for breakfast and then over to Lenoir to help in the 100 miles of
Pure Hill Bicycle event. They had 750 cyclists to enter the
event, which went from Lenoir to the top of Grandfather Mountain.
It was a little cool compared to the 100 degree weather we had been
having. After seeing that all had made it past the Unifour Trail
Bike Aide Station, which was over 50 miles into their ride, we left. We
then road over to Sam & Laura Aycock's home for a great BBQ feast
-- they out done themselves as usual. We always enjoy the
hospitality at the Aycock home. They have such a beautiful view
looking out over the horses and the pasture. After eating all
that BBQ, they topped it off with ice cream sundaes. We were then
ready to just take it home and call it another great day. Thanks
to Sam and Laura for opening their home to the Knobbies. PO, Bobbi,
Michael Sloane, Cheryl & Dave and John Inman took a ride around
Lake James to Marion, up NC 80 to Micaville and on North to NC 226A to
226. In Bakersville took 261 North across Roan Mountain, down
Tenn. 143 to Roan Mountain, South on 19E to 184. Picked up 181 in
Newland. South on 181 where we passed Danny, Sharon, Hal & Joey
working the Bridge to Bridge. They then took left toward Brown
Mountain and then right on to Piedmont Road then turned east onto
Bost Road to Sam & Laura's Home.
September 23- PO & Danny met at Jack B Quick in Icard at about 5:50
a.m. to fuel up. But they were checking out at shift change so
you would think we were trying to start World War III. We went on up to
Granny's Kitchen for breakfast with Hal and Bobbi. Gary Clark and
Sam Aycock joined us there. We got on I40 East with PO in the
lead at about 6:55 a.m. Dave and Cheryl was waiting for us at exit 133.
We took I77 north to Wytheville, Va. and on to Princeton, W VA. When we
stopped for fuel, Sam noticed a strange noise coming from his
wing. Danny and Gary determined it was the alternator
bearing. Thankfully Sam was able to proceed and we followed I77
to Beckley and Hwy US 19 North to the New River Bridge at Fayetteville,
W Va. What a sight! Gary had made the trip before and he
mentioned that we could ride Route 82 down into the gorge and up the
other side out. We passed under the bridge 5 times. We decided to
take a different route home. At Bluefield we picked up US 460 to
Abington. From there to Damascus, Mountain City to Boone and back
to Myra's at about 6:40 pm. PO had a total of 507 miles.
Dave and PO made some really good pictures. PO, Hal &
Bobbi, Sam Aycock, Dave & Cheryl, Gary and Danny. Written by
PO. From breakfast Sam Chester & Pam lead a group up around Watauga
Lake. Those following Sam were Pam, Bettie & Earl, Paul &
Sara, Vern and a friend Paul, Gene & Patsy.
September 26- Pam had her heart surgery which lasted a few hours longer
then expected but she did great and went home on the 3rd day after
surgery. She is already back to work.
September 31- PO lead us on a ride around Lake James to see how bad the
water was down, then up 221 to 226A to Little Switzerland and Spruce
Pine, 19 E to 194. From Banner Elk to Boone on to 105.
Stopped to say hello to Daryl and Penny's daughter Chelsea in Boone at
her apartment, where she is attending college. Then down 421 to
Wilkesboro and Hwy 16 into Conover and old 321 to Maiden and we ended
up at Bettie Drum's Home where she had Pizza, cake and ice cream
waiting on us. Thanks to Bettie and Earl for having the
Knobbies. Bettie's son Rodney and his wife were there and also
Bettie's sister. There were probably 50 Knobbies that showed up,
it's always good to see some of the wives that don't ride. What a
great ride and a great day. Hope everyone that likes popcorn was able
to buy some from Haskel's great grandson. They are trying to sale
enough for his Cub Scout troop to go on a trip to Charleston. I
think he did pretty well with sales from the Knobbies. His little
sister sure was helping him out. Thanks again to Bettie for
having the Knobbies at her home.
SWAP SHOP/WANT ADS - If you have items for sale or trade or looking for
something in particular, please give information to Patsy or Sharon for
the next newsletter.
2003 Suzuki 400 Burgman Scooter for sale. Like new - only 2,700 miles.
Includes hand guards and detachable heated handgrips. $3,000. Contact
Gene or Patsy Smith at 828-439-9754. Or email gsmith1949@charter.net.
2006 Yahama 250 Morphous Scooter for sale with about 2000 miles. Contact Sharon Wilson at 828-397-6419 for details.
Moto Guzi with side car for sale. Contact David Powell at 828-327-4868 for details.
Dowco XXL. Guardian Cycle Weather Cover for sale with heat shield,
vents and lock loop. Designed for tour and large cycles. Gray and
silver colors; storage bag; new condition. $35. Contact Ron Lancaster,
828-438-3979.
Rally Pak two piece luggage, extra large for sale. Lots of storage;
black; fits on sissy bar or back seat; new condition. $45. Contact Ron
Lancaster, 828-438-3979.
Goldwing and Trailer for sale with many extra parts. Also, a Honda
Rebel which is loaded. Contact Bill or Sherry at billsgw@bellsouth.net.
2000 BMW R1100RT for sale. $6,000. Very good condition with touring
extras. 40,000 miles. Contact Hank Rowland at 828-201-7322 for more
information.
2000 Softail Custom Bike for sale. 108 cci S&S motor, crane hi 4
cam, kury-akyn hyper charger, custom chrome weld alum mags, open
primary belt drive, custom paint and many more extras. $14,800. Call
Greg 828-754-3046 for more information.
BMW K100RS for sale. Has been covered for about 10 years. Probably a
good runner with $1,000 and a little work. Perfect for parts. Contact
Bill Cruse at 704-258-7156 or email billc@sdvneuralnetwork.com.
Link to see is http://www.sdvneuralnetwork.com/deadmansale/BMWK100RS.htm