Hello riding enthusiasts! I think the season is here, after a
trying winter, the roads are ice free and the grass is greening.I
know most of you have had a ride or two by now. A few things
to consider; tires (pressure and condition, road surfaces
(gravel, sand, potholes, flooded, etc.), & maybe a tune-up
(machine and mental). I would also like to ask you to make
suggestions as to rides or activities that the club members
might be interested in. I don’t have anything specific planned,
but a joint breakfast with the Big Sioux Riders would be fun
again (like in Alcester). Maybe a Wed. night supper further
east, so some of our members don’t have so far to go, or
north, or whatever direction, and try out some place new to
most of us. A ride to Judson and New Ulm is always fun. This
is still a motorcycle club so let’s get some riding in, enjoy
our times together, and be safe.
Gary "das prez" Johnson
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Let me introduce you to...
Ed Hill
I’m Ed Hill (BMW MOA # 756), a new member of
Autobahn Society. I live a couple miles west of Yankton, SD.
My wife Sue and I moved here from Alabama when I finally
retired 3 years ago. We have four children, nine grandchildren
(plus one on the way), and two great grandchildren.
I had 30 years active (enlisted) duty in the Air Force
working in electronics maintenance, followed by 24 years as a
contractor to the AF before retiring to South Dakota.
My current riding BMW is a late 1992 K1100LT, my first
was a 1958 R60/2 in 1960. I’ve been fortunate to ride
extensively in the US and Europe over the years thanks to my
military assignments. I also moon-lighted as a BMW mechanic
in several dealerships around the states and was able to
attend several BMW factory training classes. The training was
on the /2 series, and early /5 BMW’s...and those bikes are still
my favorites.
I hope to get to meet you all this riding season.
Ed Hill
I’m Ed Hill (BMW MOA # 756), a new member of
Autobahn Society. I live a couple miles west of Yankton, SD.
My wife Sue and I moved here from Alabama when I finally
retired 3 years ago. We have four children, nine grandchildren
(plus one on the way), and two great grandchildren.
I had 30 years active (enlisted) duty in the Air Force
working in electronics maintenance, followed by 24 years as a
contractor to the AF before retiring to South Dakota.
My current riding BMW is a late 1992 K1100LT, my first
was a 1958 R60/2 in 1960. I’ve been fortunate to ride
extensively in the US and Europe over the years thanks to my
military assignments. I also moon-lighted as a BMW mechanic
in several dealerships around the states and was able to
attend several BMW factory training classes. The training was
on the /2 series, and early /5 BMW’s...and those bikes are still
my favorites.
I hope to get to meet you all this riding season.
Ed Hill
Let me introduce you to...
Perry and Kim Bly
I work for Wollman Insurance Agency in Sioux Falls. I
write health, life, and dental, but specialize in health insurance
– group, individual, and over 65 with Medicare. Kim works for
the Brandon School district in Child Nutrition. We have four
children. Becky is finishing her sophomore year at Northwest
Missouri State. Megan is about to graduate Brandon High,
and plans to attend SDSU this fall. Chris and Molly will both
be in middle school next year.
My first motorcycle was a Honda XL250 with a broken
kick start. The farmer pulled me with his tractor to get it
started. I bought it for $75 dollars. It ran like a champ and was
a ton of fun. With extremely limited mechanical skills - I
eventually sold it off for 50 bucks. I couldn’t get the kick start
fixed. It was too hard to start. We didn’t have a tractor. I
sold my second bike, a Kawasaki Ninja ZX6 right before
Christopher was born. We had it for a couple of years. With
busy lives, a baby on the way, and a career change that
moved us to Indiana, I just couldn’t justify having the bike any
longer, and knew it had to go. I don’t think I put 2,000 miles on
it, and it wasn’t really meant to ride with a passenger. It wasn’t
much fun for Kim anyway. It was really fun for me!!!!
I started searching for a bike again, nearly two years ago.
Months of time spent shopping, researching and looking,
mostly by way of the Internet. In April 2009, I found a 2002 LT
for sale by owner in Rapid City. It looked like a good deal, but
I didn’t know a thing about an “LT” I had lots of questions and
even more apprehension. The patient owner finally said “The
best way to describe it is - it’s a crotch rocket with heated
seats.” We didn’t set out to be BMW owners, but a crotch
rocket with heated seats. I had to have it!
The previous owner suggested I join the LT owners online
community. He told me how great the information was. I
don’t know if I would have kept the bike if not for LT on-line
community and the wealth of knowledge they share. They
have saved our relationship. We love the bike more every day.
Not long after getting the “LT”, I met James (Anderson).
He walked into my office to compliment my bike and tell me
about the BMW club, and where they meet. Soon after that, I
pulled up to a gas pump on a Sat. morning to meet Larry and
Mary Hawes on their way back from breakfast with the club.
We got introduced and they told me about the club, the big
event they host each year, and invited us to come out to meet
everyone. I went home and told Kim that we should check this
group out. It might be kinda fun to join. We just thought we
were buying a used motorcycle last April. We didn’t have any
idea all the extra’s that would come with it. We are looking
forward to meeting more people, and getting out to ride with
everybody. We have been slow to get to dinners, but we are
making a better effort now that we know how much fun they
are. We are planning to attend at least one rally this year. We
hope to make it over to Rushford, MN, the first weekend in
June. My dad lives close by so we can see him too.
We hope to see you all soon.
Perry and Kim Bly
I work for Wollman Insurance Agency in Sioux Falls. I
write health, life, and dental, but specialize in health insurance
– group, individual, and over 65 with Medicare. Kim works for
the Brandon School district in Child Nutrition. We have four
children. Becky is finishing her sophomore year at Northwest
Missouri State. Megan is about to graduate Brandon High,
and plans to attend SDSU this fall. Chris and Molly will both
be in middle school next year.
My first motorcycle was a Honda XL250 with a broken
kick start. The farmer pulled me with his tractor to get it
started. I bought it for $75 dollars. It ran like a champ and was
a ton of fun. With extremely limited mechanical skills - I
eventually sold it off for 50 bucks. I couldn’t get the kick start
fixed. It was too hard to start. We didn’t have a tractor. I
sold my second bike, a Kawasaki Ninja ZX6 right before
Christopher was born. We had it for a couple of years. With
busy lives, a baby on the way, and a career change that
moved us to Indiana, I just couldn’t justify having the bike any
longer, and knew it had to go. I don’t think I put 2,000 miles on
it, and it wasn’t really meant to ride with a passenger. It wasn’t
much fun for Kim anyway. It was really fun for me!!!!
I started searching for a bike again, nearly two years ago.
Months of time spent shopping, researching and looking,
mostly by way of the Internet. In April 2009, I found a 2002 LT
for sale by owner in Rapid City. It looked like a good deal, but
I didn’t know a thing about an “LT” I had lots of questions and
even more apprehension. The patient owner finally said “The
best way to describe it is - it’s a crotch rocket with heated
seats.” We didn’t set out to be BMW owners, but a crotch
rocket with heated seats. I had to have it!
The previous owner suggested I join the LT owners online
community. He told me how great the information was. I
don’t know if I would have kept the bike if not for LT on-line
community and the wealth of knowledge they share. They
have saved our relationship. We love the bike more every day.
Not long after getting the “LT”, I met James (Anderson).
He walked into my office to compliment my bike and tell me
about the BMW club, and where they meet. Soon after that, I
pulled up to a gas pump on a Sat. morning to meet Larry and
Mary Hawes on their way back from breakfast with the club.
We got introduced and they told me about the club, the big
event they host each year, and invited us to come out to meet
everyone. I went home and told Kim that we should check this
group out. It might be kinda fun to join. We just thought we
were buying a used motorcycle last April. We didn’t have any
idea all the extra’s that would come with it. We are looking
forward to meeting more people, and getting out to ride with
everybody. We have been slow to get to dinners, but we are
making a better effort now that we know how much fun they
are. We are planning to attend at least one rally this year. We
hope to make it over to Rushford, MN, the first weekend in
June. My dad lives close by so we can see him too.
We hope to see you all soon.
Perry and Kim Bly
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
FROM THE PREZ!!
I have been in this club for close to 20 years now, so
I've seen a lot of people come and go. That's always
going to happen. I miss the ones that are gone, for
whatever reason, and enjoy the ones that have
stayed, and welcome the ones that have joined since
I have been in the club. I enjoy the Sat. breakfasts
and the Wed. night suppers, but my two favorite
Autobahn events are the Annual Meeting and Hawes
Biker Days. I guess this is because I get to see so
many members at one time and members that I don't
see very often. I hope this is true for all of you.
Please have a safe riding season and don't forget to
invite people you see on BMW's to our meetings.
We have a lot of great people in our club and let's
get to know some more.
Gary "das prez" Johnson.
I've seen a lot of people come and go. That's always
going to happen. I miss the ones that are gone, for
whatever reason, and enjoy the ones that have
stayed, and welcome the ones that have joined since
I have been in the club. I enjoy the Sat. breakfasts
and the Wed. night suppers, but my two favorite
Autobahn events are the Annual Meeting and Hawes
Biker Days. I guess this is because I get to see so
many members at one time and members that I don't
see very often. I hope this is true for all of you.
Please have a safe riding season and don't forget to
invite people you see on BMW's to our meetings.
We have a lot of great people in our club and let's
get to know some more.
Gary "das prez" Johnson.
40+ Autobahners Attend Annual Meeting / 2010 Kickoff
Stormy weather forced postponement of Autobahn's Annual Meeting originally scheduled for January 23, 2010. Nicer weather was enjoyed by those who attended the rescheduled meeting at Tailgator's, Brandon, SD, on February 27,2010.
Those attending dined at a "pasta buffet" - chicken alfredo & lasagna - along with tossed salad and garlic bread. A chocolate/carmel ice cream sundae topped off the meal.
Tom Melick passed out ballots to Autobahners to register their guesses for the total miles on the tire he had on display that he had taken off his R1200CL. Ballots would be checked at the end of the evening.
President Chad Gillen called the meeting to order. The first item of business was the presentation of the Lifetime MOA Membership to Wes Audus.
Chad showed and discussed a safety motorcycle riding film to remind riders to SEE while riding - search for road & traffic conditions, evaluate what may happen, & execute your speed, lane position, and communicate your intentions.
Chad mentioned that the original By-Laws would remain in effect. Members were reminded to check the roster being passed around and make any corrections in spelling, e-mail & snail-mail addresses, and phone numbers.
A suggestion had been made at a recent Saturday morning breakfast to look around for a new spot for breakfast. Some felt the prices were too expensive. Chad and several others had gone to KC's Family Restaurant on N. Minnesota Ave. to "check it out" that Saturday morning. Good comments were: They weren't busy. The food was good. Negative comments were: Parking could be a problem. Their prices were about the same as Grandma Max's. Grandma Max's has the room to seat 15-20 people easily and they don't mind if we "take up space" for 11/2 - 2 hrs drinking coffee and visiting. A vote was taken and Autobahners voted to continue to meet on Saturday morning at Grandma Max's / Pilot Station on N.Cliff.
Treasurer Tom Melick reported that the treasurery had a balance of $1318.72 as of January 31,2010.
Election of officers was held. 2009 President Chad Gillen and Newsletter Editor Deb Szkok did not seek reelection. Gary Johnson was nominated for president and voted in. No additional nominations were made for secretary-treasurer and Tom holds this office for another year. The group was silent when Chad asked for volunteers for the Newsletter Editor position. After a little prodding JoAnn Zeeb and Mary Hawes
volunteered to take on the challenge.
Many nice gifts were donated for the door prize drawing. Thanks to Judson Cycle, Bak BMW, Gary & Kay Pedersen, Jim Roman, Perry &Kimberly Bly, & Deb and Izzy Szkok for their donations.
The winner of Tom's 12,000+ mile tire contest was Bob Jensen. First prize was a gas card. Second prize was tire conditioner. Bob thought it would be fitting to donate his gas card to Dave McBride who had made the long trek from Des Moines to take in the meeting.
Mary Hawes/JoAnn Zeeb
Those attending dined at a "pasta buffet" - chicken alfredo & lasagna - along with tossed salad and garlic bread. A chocolate/carmel ice cream sundae topped off the meal.
Tom Melick passed out ballots to Autobahners to register their guesses for the total miles on the tire he had on display that he had taken off his R1200CL. Ballots would be checked at the end of the evening.
President Chad Gillen called the meeting to order. The first item of business was the presentation of the Lifetime MOA Membership to Wes Audus.
Chad showed and discussed a safety motorcycle riding film to remind riders to SEE while riding - search for road & traffic conditions, evaluate what may happen, & execute your speed, lane position, and communicate your intentions.
Chad mentioned that the original By-Laws would remain in effect. Members were reminded to check the roster being passed around and make any corrections in spelling, e-mail & snail-mail addresses, and phone numbers.
A suggestion had been made at a recent Saturday morning breakfast to look around for a new spot for breakfast. Some felt the prices were too expensive. Chad and several others had gone to KC's Family Restaurant on N. Minnesota Ave. to "check it out" that Saturday morning. Good comments were: They weren't busy. The food was good. Negative comments were: Parking could be a problem. Their prices were about the same as Grandma Max's. Grandma Max's has the room to seat 15-20 people easily and they don't mind if we "take up space" for 11/2 - 2 hrs drinking coffee and visiting. A vote was taken and Autobahners voted to continue to meet on Saturday morning at Grandma Max's / Pilot Station on N.Cliff.
Treasurer Tom Melick reported that the treasurery had a balance of $1318.72 as of January 31,2010.
Election of officers was held. 2009 President Chad Gillen and Newsletter Editor Deb Szkok did not seek reelection. Gary Johnson was nominated for president and voted in. No additional nominations were made for secretary-treasurer and Tom holds this office for another year. The group was silent when Chad asked for volunteers for the Newsletter Editor position. After a little prodding JoAnn Zeeb and Mary Hawes
volunteered to take on the challenge.
Many nice gifts were donated for the door prize drawing. Thanks to Judson Cycle, Bak BMW, Gary & Kay Pedersen, Jim Roman, Perry &Kimberly Bly, & Deb and Izzy Szkok for their donations.
The winner of Tom's 12,000+ mile tire contest was Bob Jensen. First prize was a gas card. Second prize was tire conditioner. Bob thought it would be fitting to donate his gas card to Dave McBride who had made the long trek from Des Moines to take in the meeting.
Mary Hawes/JoAnn Zeeb
Monday, March 1, 2010
Gary Johnson elected as President
At the annual meeting Gary Johnson gracefully accepted nomination as President, and running unopposed was unanimously elected President. Tom Melick remains Secretary/Treasurer as he was unopposed as well. Mary Hawes and Joann Zeeb volunteered to take over duties as Newsletter Editors. Turnout was good at 43 people attending. Food was good, and I did a safety presentation on the SEE strategy from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum. Topics of the meeting included keeping the original bylaws of the club when it was founded as is. Keeping Grandma Max's (Pilot Truck Stop) as the Saturday Breakfast meeting place. And many door prizes were given out that were donated by members and local dealers.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Annual Meeting postponed until February 27th.
Due to the weather forecast, the Annual Meeting at Tailgators has been postponed until Saturday February 27th. Same time and place. Hope all can make it.
Chad Gillen, Prez
Chad Gillen, Prez
Monday, January 4, 2010
January 2010 President's Message
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year despite the weather. I know my plans changed, and we were not able to go out of town as planned, but we still had a good holidays.
Remember, Jan. 23rd is the Annual Meeting at Tailgators in Brandon. Menu is similar to last year with tossed salad, garlic bread, Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna, and Ice Cream Sunday bar. Price is $20 (cash or check) per person, and the cash bar opens at 6 PM. Diner is at 7 PM and the meeting to start around 8 PM. Yearly dues of $10.00 for a single membership or $15.00 for a family membership will also be taken at the door. We already have a great assortment of door prizes that you sure don’t want to miss out on! RSVP to me or Tom Melick by Friday January 15th so I can get a head count to Tailgators.
I have not heard any interest in the position of Newsletter editor. Deb is willing to help out the new person with the computer templates and such forth, so if you are worried about it computer wise, don’t be. I would like to get someone in this position before the meeting so they can publish the newsletter shortly after the annual meeting. Also, I will not be running for re-election for president. I just simply don’t have the time, even though it isn’t that much of a task.
No one entered the winter mileage contest, which is just as well if we continue to have a winter like this.
Lastly, a member wanted me to clarify that as long as a member remains in good standing, (dues paid), they can still remain in the club if they no longer own a BMW motorcycle.
Chad Gillen, Prez
www.autobahnsociety.blogspot.com
Remember, Jan. 23rd is the Annual Meeting at Tailgators in Brandon. Menu is similar to last year with tossed salad, garlic bread, Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna, and Ice Cream Sunday bar. Price is $20 (cash or check) per person, and the cash bar opens at 6 PM. Diner is at 7 PM and the meeting to start around 8 PM. Yearly dues of $10.00 for a single membership or $15.00 for a family membership will also be taken at the door. We already have a great assortment of door prizes that you sure don’t want to miss out on! RSVP to me or Tom Melick by Friday January 15th so I can get a head count to Tailgators.
I have not heard any interest in the position of Newsletter editor. Deb is willing to help out the new person with the computer templates and such forth, so if you are worried about it computer wise, don’t be. I would like to get someone in this position before the meeting so they can publish the newsletter shortly after the annual meeting. Also, I will not be running for re-election for president. I just simply don’t have the time, even though it isn’t that much of a task.
No one entered the winter mileage contest, which is just as well if we continue to have a winter like this.
Lastly, a member wanted me to clarify that as long as a member remains in good standing, (dues paid), they can still remain in the club if they no longer own a BMW motorcycle.
Chad Gillen, Prez
www.autobahnsociety.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 29, 2009
December 2009 President's Message
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)