First of all, for those that didn’t hear James Anderson’s F650GS was stolen last month, but luckily it was recovered in Sioux Falls. His experience is definitely a good reason to invest in a motorcycle security chain to prevent theft if you are going to park your bike outside on a regular basis.
Secondly, I have received about 80 coupons for the International Motorcycle Show in Minneapolis in February. Each coupon is good for $3 off the admission price for the show whether you buy your tickets online (cheaper) or at the door. I will be handing these out at Saturday Breakfasts, Wednesday Meet and Eats, and the Annual Meeting. Or you can contact me personally for a voucher number to use online, or I can mail them to you.
Lastly, mark your calendars for the Annual Meeting for Saturday January 23rd, 2010 at Tailgators in Brandon. Menu and format will be the same as last year, and you can thank Deb for setting it up. More on the menu, awards, and such for the next newsletter. Also Club Officer elections will be held at the annual meeting. According to our bylaws, our two elected positions are President and Secretary/Treasurer, and the appointed position of Newsletter editor. I cannot answer for Tom Melick, but I will not be seeking reelection for President next year, and Deb wishes to give up being Newsletter Editor with January’s newsletter being her last one. I know I can say for everyone that Deb has done an outstanding job for the club, and leaves very large boots to fill. Make sure you commend her on her great work the next time you see her. I would like to fill her position before the meeting, so they can be brought up to speed for the February newsletter that would go out right after the Annual meeting. If you are interested, please contact me.
Winter mileage contest starts December 21st and runs until March 21st. Get your mileage to me with the make and model of the bike by midnight of the 21st.
I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving, I wish you a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. Drive safe and enjoy your adult beverages in moderation.
Chad “Skid” Gillen, Prez
www.autobahnsociety.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Stolen motorcycle recovered!
Jim's bike was recovered last week in Sioux Falls near Best Buy. Luckily, very minor damage was done to the rear mudflap and nothing else. This experience goes to show that if you are going to park your bike outside on a regular basis it might be a good idea to invest in a high strength motorcycle security chain.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR A STOLEN MOTORCYCLE!
James Anderson's white 2001 BMW F650GS Dakar was stolen this week from outside his residence. License is SD/MJ1650, and VIN:WB10183A51ZF70332. The spare key is missing, so it might have been in it. Most of us know what his bike looks like, or at least we know the model type. If you see it or one you suspect might be it call 911 and report it right away. Most police officers do not know this type of bike and might overlook it. Be suspicious of substituted plates or bad paint jobs on a F650GS. Also check your local motorcross tracks, and ebay and craigslist for some one trying to part it out. We are the ones who are going to help recover this bike or find the persons responsible. Be alert, Jim would appreciate it I'm sure.
Chad "Skid" Gillen
James Anderson's white 2001 BMW F650GS Dakar was stolen this week from outside his residence. License is SD/MJ1650, and VIN:WB10183A51ZF70332. The spare key is missing, so it might have been in it. Most of us know what his bike looks like, or at least we know the model type. If you see it or one you suspect might be it call 911 and report it right away. Most police officers do not know this type of bike and might overlook it. Be suspicious of substituted plates or bad paint jobs on a F650GS. Also check your local motorcross tracks, and ebay and craigslist for some one trying to part it out. We are the ones who are going to help recover this bike or find the persons responsible. Be alert, Jim would appreciate it I'm sure.
Chad "Skid" Gillen
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
November 2009 President's Message
Our quarterly meeting last month went very well, and Deb did a fine job of typing up the minutes for this month’s newsletter. Thanks again, Deb.
And I want to admit that I “wussed out” and didn’t go to Potosi for the Falling Leaf Rally as I had planned due to the weather. I’ve got to make it a priority next year to get some better (warmer) riding gear. I was just looking at their website (www.gatewayriders.com) at some of this years pictures, and is it Gerald’s trailer that I’m looking at?
If you ever want to hear a good story the next time you see me, ask me about the former Basic Rider Course student, whom I failed, that accosted me at a Harrisburg bar one night. She kept referring to me and the other Rider Coach, who is also a police officer, as “Poncho and Lefty” from ChiPs, even though I corrected her several times that she thought we were “Ponch and Baker.” Ever notice that arguments with intoxicated people always go in circles and never end? Then she had the balls to offer to buy me a beer when I got up to leave. Wow.
I know quite a few of us enjoy taking in the International Motorcycle Show in Minneapolis every February (02/5, 6, & 7/2010), so I took advantage of their club discount program for ticket pricing and signed the club up. We can save money for at the door sales, and online sales. I will update you when I receive the vouchers and online discount code.
Lastly, I’m starting a winter mileage contest starting December 21st and ending March 21st. Participants must be headquartering out of the Sioux Falls area for fairness to all. Sorry snowbirds. I will donate a prize for the winner out of my own pocket. If you wish to participate send me your information: name, bike, mileage, with verification by another member via postal mail, or send me your information with a dated odometer picture via email or cell phone text by midnight December 21st. And send me the same for ending mileage by midnight March 21st.
Safe and happy riding to all.
Chad “Skid” Gillen, Prez
www.autobahnsociety.blogspot.com
P.S. Send me some pictures from some of your rides and rallies this year, so I can put some on the website.
And I want to admit that I “wussed out” and didn’t go to Potosi for the Falling Leaf Rally as I had planned due to the weather. I’ve got to make it a priority next year to get some better (warmer) riding gear. I was just looking at their website (www.gatewayriders.com) at some of this years pictures, and is it Gerald’s trailer that I’m looking at?
If you ever want to hear a good story the next time you see me, ask me about the former Basic Rider Course student, whom I failed, that accosted me at a Harrisburg bar one night. She kept referring to me and the other Rider Coach, who is also a police officer, as “Poncho and Lefty” from ChiPs, even though I corrected her several times that she thought we were “Ponch and Baker.” Ever notice that arguments with intoxicated people always go in circles and never end? Then she had the balls to offer to buy me a beer when I got up to leave. Wow.
I know quite a few of us enjoy taking in the International Motorcycle Show in Minneapolis every February (02/5, 6, & 7/2010), so I took advantage of their club discount program for ticket pricing and signed the club up. We can save money for at the door sales, and online sales. I will update you when I receive the vouchers and online discount code.
Lastly, I’m starting a winter mileage contest starting December 21st and ending March 21st. Participants must be headquartering out of the Sioux Falls area for fairness to all. Sorry snowbirds. I will donate a prize for the winner out of my own pocket. If you wish to participate send me your information: name, bike, mileage, with verification by another member via postal mail, or send me your information with a dated odometer picture via email or cell phone text by midnight December 21st. And send me the same for ending mileage by midnight March 21st.
Safe and happy riding to all.
Chad “Skid” Gillen, Prez
www.autobahnsociety.blogspot.com
P.S. Send me some pictures from some of your rides and rallies this year, so I can put some on the website.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
October 2009 President's Message
Summer is fading fast, and temperatures are falling. So are your motorcycle tires up to the task of cold, wet roads? Have you ever tried to "google" winter motorcycle tires? Find any?
While researching tires for my Subaru Outback, I learned a lot about winter automotive tires. And since we BMW riders like to ride regardless of the time of year, I thought I'd share some of what I learned. Winter tires have rubber compounds that are very pliable especially in cold temperatures. They have highly porous or hydrophilic rubber that adheres to the wet film on the ice surface. And they have thousands of sipes cut into the tread to increase traction.
What does this mean to us? Well, your normal performance motorcycle tire that grips the track with tread temperatures of 200° is incompetent as its tread compound becomes like "hard plastic" at below 32°. So if you ride your bike in the winter, don’t ride it like you ride in the summer. For example, if you ride it to work and take this one curve at a particular speed in the summer, slow down in the winter even if the curve is clean and dry. Because the road surface is cold, and your tire may be cold as well. Remember, your tire contact patches with the road surface are about the same size or smaller than the palm of your hand! We want that cage driver to think, “That guy has balls to be riding.” not “Serves you right you stupid @##, of course you’re going to fall, it’s winter.” Keep the shiny parts up.
Chad “Skid” Gillen, Prez
While researching tires for my Subaru Outback, I learned a lot about winter automotive tires. And since we BMW riders like to ride regardless of the time of year, I thought I'd share some of what I learned. Winter tires have rubber compounds that are very pliable especially in cold temperatures. They have highly porous or hydrophilic rubber that adheres to the wet film on the ice surface. And they have thousands of sipes cut into the tread to increase traction.
What does this mean to us? Well, your normal performance motorcycle tire that grips the track with tread temperatures of 200° is incompetent as its tread compound becomes like "hard plastic" at below 32°. So if you ride your bike in the winter, don’t ride it like you ride in the summer. For example, if you ride it to work and take this one curve at a particular speed in the summer, slow down in the winter even if the curve is clean and dry. Because the road surface is cold, and your tire may be cold as well. Remember, your tire contact patches with the road surface are about the same size or smaller than the palm of your hand! We want that cage driver to think, “That guy has balls to be riding.” not “Serves you right you stupid @##, of course you’re going to fall, it’s winter.” Keep the shiny parts up.
Chad “Skid” Gillen, Prez
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
September 2009 President's Message
It's September, so that means Hawes Biker Days on the 12th and 13th! If you've never been, it is a must, just make sure and follow the directions given in the flyer. Mapquest and Google maps will send you north and west of Beaver Creek when it is actually south and west of Beaver Creek. Sadly, due to working special events such as Germanfest and the 1/2 marathon I will not be able to make it this year. The girls really wanted to go and camp too.
Saturday Sept. 19th is the day set aside for the trek to Bob's Bar in Martinsburg NE. This also happens to be the BMW MOA open house. I actually have that weekend off due to training and would like to ride to the open house if anyone is interested in going along. Anyone mind if the Bob's Bar date gets changed?
A great suggestion was brought up by Mary Hawes to have regular club meetings again, as this hasn't been done in years. I believe quarterly meetings should suffice, and would like to invite all club members to my house on Monday, Sept. 28th at 6:45 PM. Topics to bring up could be: Annual meeting, "who stole my chair?" and "Boy, it's nice out, let's Ride!"
Lastly a friend of mine and former BMW rider has an R1150RT windshield (stock) that he would like to part with. Beemerboneyard wants $85.00 for them. He would probably part with it for a pack of smokes. If you are interested contact me and I'll put you in touch with him.
Ride safe.
Chad Gillen, Prez
bmwr1150r@sio.midco.net
Saturday Sept. 19th is the day set aside for the trek to Bob's Bar in Martinsburg NE. This also happens to be the BMW MOA open house. I actually have that weekend off due to training and would like to ride to the open house if anyone is interested in going along. Anyone mind if the Bob's Bar date gets changed?
A great suggestion was brought up by Mary Hawes to have regular club meetings again, as this hasn't been done in years. I believe quarterly meetings should suffice, and would like to invite all club members to my house on Monday, Sept. 28th at 6:45 PM. Topics to bring up could be: Annual meeting, "who stole my chair?" and "Boy, it's nice out, let's Ride!"
Lastly a friend of mine and former BMW rider has an R1150RT windshield (stock) that he would like to part with. Beemerboneyard wants $85.00 for them. He would probably part with it for a pack of smokes. If you are interested contact me and I'll put you in touch with him.
Ride safe.
Chad Gillen, Prez
bmwr1150r@sio.midco.net
Friday, July 31, 2009
August 2009 President's Message
July has been a busy month for me at work with all the special events I have to work so I really haven't got a lot of riding in lately. Basically I've ridden back and forth to work, and Heidi and I went to Larchwood IA for a Wednesday night Ride & Eat. I had to work Hot Harley Nights for the first time, and it was the first time I have ever seen it. It took over an hour for all the motorcycles to empty out of J&L's lot for the parade to downtown! I saw a couple of trikes in the parade that have full bodywork and you steer it with a steering wheel! In my opinion, I call that a three wheel car not a motorcycle. I did see a few Beemers parked downtown which made me feel not such an alien amongst all the chrome and loud pipes. Maybe next year we should meet downtown before the parade, and try to take up a block with our Bavarian pride?
2008 was a banner year for people taking the MSF Basic Rider Course, and 2009 is looking like it is going to be the opposite from what I've been told by my fellow ridercoaches. So if you know of someone that wants to learn how to ride, and is interested in the course, tell them to sign up now. Course dates are starting to get cancelled for lack of interest. They can either call the South Dakota Safety Council at 605-361-7785 or go to the website at www.southdakotasafetycouncil.org.
Ride safe.
Chad Gillen
www.autobahnsociety.blogspot.com
2008 was a banner year for people taking the MSF Basic Rider Course, and 2009 is looking like it is going to be the opposite from what I've been told by my fellow ridercoaches. So if you know of someone that wants to learn how to ride, and is interested in the course, tell them to sign up now. Course dates are starting to get cancelled for lack of interest. They can either call the South Dakota Safety Council at 605-361-7785 or go to the website at www.southdakotasafetycouncil.org.
Ride safe.
Chad Gillen
www.autobahnsociety.blogspot.com
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Big Sioux Riders Events Calendar
Here is a list of some of the events for the Big Sioux Riders. I don't know about you, but my eye, or should I say my stomach is drawn to the 28th of July for a trip to Bob's Bar!
July 9 BSR Bikers at Biker Night in Bronson, IA. Lets see how many BMWs and sport/touring bikes we can get there folks!!
July 11-12 - Adventure Riding GS201 from Bak BMW, Sioux City. Class, Campout, and Adventure Riding Challenge. $50 fee includes class, camping, dinner, beverages and door prizes. All makes/models welcome. Call for registration.
July 12 Heart of Iowa BMW Club's Annual Ride-In, Isaac Walton League at Ahquabi, Second Sunday of July
July 16-19 37th BMW MOA International Rally, Johnson City, TN
July 23-26 BMWRA Rally, Canaan Valley State Park, West Virginia
July 28 - BSR Summer RTE - Bob's Bar, Martinsburg, NE. Leaving Casey's Parking near Southern Hills Mall at 6:05 PM, or meet us in Martinsburg at 6:45 PM for giant cheeseburgers, and fryes.
August 7-9, 27th Huskerally, Franklin, NE
August 21-23 28th Annual Baxter Cycle Motorcycle Rally, Marne, IA
August 29th - Victory Open House, Bak BMW Victory, Sioux City - Demo rides, food and door prizes.
September 1 - 4 - Curve Cowboy Reunion, Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center, Rapid City, SD
September 6 GLMC's Buffalo Run Road Rally, Milbank, SD
September 12-13 Hawes Biker Days Campout, Beaver Creek, MN
September 18-20, 10th Annual IBMWR Eureka Springs Rally. Contact Harv Read 262-878-3557 hread2@wi.rr.com
October 10 - BAKTOBERFEST, Bak BMW, Sioux City - Demo rides, food and door
October 9 - 11 - Falling Leaf Rally, Potosi, MO
July 9 BSR Bikers at Biker Night in Bronson, IA. Lets see how many BMWs and sport/touring bikes we can get there folks!!
July 11-12 - Adventure Riding GS201 from Bak BMW, Sioux City. Class, Campout, and Adventure Riding Challenge. $50 fee includes class, camping, dinner, beverages and door prizes. All makes/models welcome. Call for registration.
July 12 Heart of Iowa BMW Club's Annual Ride-In, Isaac Walton League at Ahquabi, Second Sunday of July
July 16-19 37th BMW MOA International Rally, Johnson City, TN
July 23-26 BMWRA Rally, Canaan Valley State Park, West Virginia
July 28 - BSR Summer RTE - Bob's Bar, Martinsburg, NE. Leaving Casey's Parking near Southern Hills Mall at 6:05 PM, or meet us in Martinsburg at 6:45 PM for giant cheeseburgers, and fryes.
August 7-9, 27th Huskerally, Franklin, NE
August 21-23 28th Annual Baxter Cycle Motorcycle Rally, Marne, IA
August 29th - Victory Open House, Bak BMW Victory, Sioux City - Demo rides, food and door prizes.
September 1 - 4 - Curve Cowboy Reunion, Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center, Rapid City, SD
September 6 GLMC's Buffalo Run Road Rally, Milbank, SD
September 12-13 Hawes Biker Days Campout, Beaver Creek, MN
September 18-20, 10th Annual IBMWR Eureka Springs Rally. Contact Harv Read 262-878-3557 hread2@wi.rr.com
October 10 - BAKTOBERFEST, Bak BMW, Sioux City - Demo rides, food and door
October 9 - 11 - Falling Leaf Rally, Potosi, MO
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
July 2009 President's Message
First of the all, the issue of Bylaws brought up at the annual meeting has caused a lot of angst amongst the club. Of course the biggest issue is changing the BMW ownership clause. However, other good ideas were brought up such as free club membership after turning a certain age. I have heard an equal share of members for changing them and for not changing them. I would like a consensus from the club before moving on. I kindly ask that all members drop me a line (email, mail, or phone) just simply saying "yah" or "nay."
Secondly, and sadly due to the issues of the bylaws, Larry Flower has resigned from his office as Treasurer and has left the club on his own will. To me he will still be considered a member of the club, and should be welcome to our functions. Gratefully Tom Melick has accepted my offer to take over Treasurer duties for the rest of the year. Please thank Tom the next time you see him.
A new German bakery opened three weeks ago on Main St. in Canton. It is called "Railhaus Bakery & Delicatessen" and a friend of mine and I rode down to check it out the other day. Due to waiting out the rain, we got there later than expected. Luckily they had two leftover bratwurst from the lunch hour. We had to have them on Kaiser rolls due to the buns being sold out, but they were still very good. We each had a strudel as well, with me having apple and my friend having cherry. Everything was very delicious and fresh and I suggest you check it out. Horst was not there at the time, but his wife Teresa said they would be interested in staying open late on a Saturday if our club wanted to come down for lunch of brats and pork steak sandwiches. Too bad they are not open late enough for a Wednesday Ride And Eat.
New club recruitment business cards were ordered and have come in. They are the same as before except for addition of the blog website, and a shiny gloss covering to protect them from moisture. See Deb to get some to pass around. I have already dropped some off at PowerBrokers, but would appreciate it if members could make sure that other dealers such as BAK, Judson Cycle, Sturgis BMW, and BMW Motorcycles of Omaha, have some to pass out to BMW buyers from our area.
Ride Safe,
Chad Gillen
Secondly, and sadly due to the issues of the bylaws, Larry Flower has resigned from his office as Treasurer and has left the club on his own will. To me he will still be considered a member of the club, and should be welcome to our functions. Gratefully Tom Melick has accepted my offer to take over Treasurer duties for the rest of the year. Please thank Tom the next time you see him.
A new German bakery opened three weeks ago on Main St. in Canton. It is called "Railhaus Bakery & Delicatessen" and a friend of mine and I rode down to check it out the other day. Due to waiting out the rain, we got there later than expected. Luckily they had two leftover bratwurst from the lunch hour. We had to have them on Kaiser rolls due to the buns being sold out, but they were still very good. We each had a strudel as well, with me having apple and my friend having cherry. Everything was very delicious and fresh and I suggest you check it out. Horst was not there at the time, but his wife Teresa said they would be interested in staying open late on a Saturday if our club wanted to come down for lunch of brats and pork steak sandwiches. Too bad they are not open late enough for a Wednesday Ride And Eat.
New club recruitment business cards were ordered and have come in. They are the same as before except for addition of the blog website, and a shiny gloss covering to protect them from moisture. See Deb to get some to pass around. I have already dropped some off at PowerBrokers, but would appreciate it if members could make sure that other dealers such as BAK, Judson Cycle, Sturgis BMW, and BMW Motorcycles of Omaha, have some to pass out to BMW buyers from our area.
Ride Safe,
Chad Gillen
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