April has arrived!

Often over the winter the question is pondered, “When does riding season officially begin?”  To some, it never stops.  Others, it’s the time change when we go to daylight savings time and others still, the first day of April.   Whatever your take on the change of riding seasons it seems by everyone’s calculations the official riding season is upon us!  The weather patterns have shifted and there is confidence in dry weather ahead.  How do I know?  Look at all the road construction already underway! 

There are eight weekend ride offerings on the EXR calendar between now and the end of October.  Plus, you can look forward to Sunday dinner rides and perhaps another jaunt out to Kit Carson Lodge for dinner one Saturday as well.   The Tahoe Spring ride is in just two weeks!  The roads are dry and parking lot clear.  Check out Mourelatos webcam for peak at how it looks right now!  A special Sunday brunch has been added to the Tahoe Spring ride by the Blacks at their Northstar condo.  Are you going to miss that??   Watch your email and EXR calendar for postings on the dinner rides to come.

I am is currently assembling the 2009 cell phone list.  Even if you haven’t changed your number, if you’d like to be on the EXR cell phone distribution list, please send your number or numbers via email to me. I will put them together on a laminated card for only those that participate to keep in their tankbag.  You’ll get your card when I see you next.  Cut off is April 10th to get on the cell phone list.

A few reminders as we gear up for our group rides:

We use ICOM channel 3, digital sub-channel 754 for our club bike to bike frequency.  The coordinated channel on the Kenwood TK3131 is channel 12, sub-channel 83.  I am not aware of any other handheld GMRS radio that will send and receive on these channels.

BMW recommends Chevron Supreme in our BMW motorcycles.  I suggest you get a Chevron “fuel only” charge card to simplify and save time at our fuel stops as we’re often trying to get 10-16 bikes fueled up at the same time.  This card is also good at Texaco stations.

Chevron is promoting a Visa card which is OK but not what you really want.  You need to go on their website and look for a specific button to get the fuel only charge card.  Some of you may have discovered fuel companies will only allow you to use the same regular credit cards at their station three times in a 24 hour period.  This is to cut down on fraud and stolen fuel.  As you know with our small fuel tanks and long range goals it’s completely plausible to fuel up more than three times in 10-12 hours, let alone 24 especially if you want to park your bike each night with a full tank for the next day.

With the Chevron card there is no limit on the number of times you can use the card in a 24 hour period and the authorization time at the pump is usually instantaneous.(no zip to enter but they might ask you if you’d like a carwash!)  I will always stop at a Chevron if one is handy.  If not, I try to find other “major” brands available.  Now, you don’t “have” to get the Chevron card.  It’s just highly recommended.  Ask me if you need more info or help with getting it started.

One more thing on fuel stops, please pay attention to our club radio announcements as to whether a fuel stop is also a rest stop.  They are not always simultaneous for any number of reasons.  However, fuel stops are always opportunities for bio-breaks.

At rally points, rest stops, and lunch breaks I will always give you a five minute call and hold up my hand with my five fingers extended when we approach departure time.  Please be suited up and ready to ride within five minutes.  If you have questions please ask them when we first arrive.  If you’re having bike or gear problems of any kind let us know.  We can often do repairs on the road with the tools and mechanical/electrical brain-trust between us.  Safety is job one, riding comfort, job two.  Your thoughts need to be on the road.

There are new couples to the club this year of varying degrees of experience.  We’ll certainly make everyone feel welcome but I’d also like to reiterate line position.  The number two bike behind me should be rotated between riders at each break interval.  However, newbies should be placed towards the front of the line on their first couple of rides especially if they don’t have two-way radios.  Place strong emphasis on verbal communication at stops so they know what’s going on.

Don’t assume I have had the time to fill everyone in on all the details.

Make friends, that’s what it’s all about!  So, newbies should be in position two, three, and/or four until they’re comfortable.  Cricket will continue as designated caboose/sweeper(and what a fine caboose too) unless she’s not on the ride.  I will work out the sweeper with another radio-equipped rider otherwise.  Staggered separation on freeways, single line on two-way roads with a minimum 100 foot separation.  If you need to go faster, advise me of your plans and we’ll meet you there.

Never “push” a rider by following too closely.

We had a great little tech session and ride through the local foothills last Saturday.  You can sense the riding excitement in the air.  I received a lot of positive feedback on the repairs, the ride, and the restaurant.  It was a good day and good way to start the 2009 EXR Riding Season.

Bob Morrow

Polymer Pest Exterminator