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Vol. 2 - Issue 11
| November 2011
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I. The Chilly Turkey IX
Saturday, November 19th brings Chilly Turkey IX - a charity ride many of us have worked on and/or participated in for 9 years now on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It is the 2nd of two "book end" charity rides that surround the traditional riding season - the other being the R-Ides of March held the Saturday before March 15th each year. 100% of the proceeds are sent to Riders for Health.
For information on why donating to Riders for Health is a good idea, please visit www.riders.org. Riders For Health is supported by motorcyclists all over the world, and, due to the backgrounds and friendships of its founders, also by most Moto GP, SBK, and Formula 1 teams.
The traditional entry fee is a recommended donation of $10 to Riders for Health, (more is welcome) and your donation is tax deductible. If your company has a corporate matching program for charities, that would be terrific!
Following registration, you'll be given a set of route directions that are more specific than what I usually provide, and be off on an adventure of a few hours that will send you down a great riding road or two you never knew existed.
Along the way you'll be asked to pause here and there to answer some intriguing questions. At the finish you'll hand in your answer sheet, order some fine food, and await the prize giving - assuming you have enough correct answers to qualify. It's simple to understand and fun, except for the laying out of the route and the creation of the instructions, and for that I am grateful for assistance from Lee Stewart and Paul Bullard.
Concepts this ride features that are different:
- A separate class (Class 2) for people who want to have fun and donate to a good cause but not ride in inclement weather - cars are permissible in Class 2. Motorcyclists are Class A (of course) and thus get first pick of the prizes!
- Some of the best door prizes have been those donated by individuals or companies. We have a $25 gift certificate and a t-shirt from Café Veloce (where we have our monthly dinners), as well as some of the fabulous Rok Straps from the equally fabulous Team Ride West member (and Rok Strap distributor) Rolf Immo-Gabbe. If you wish to add a prize to the stash of goodies at the end, please let me know!
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II. A Picture is Worth...
Given my near-misadventures with a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure a couple of weeks ago, this picture is meant to amuse!
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III. Close Out and Clearance Center!
Next time you're in the store, meander over to the "customer lounge" area and check out the new "Closeout and Clearance Center." Just as the name implies - lots of cool stuff and VERY attractive prices!
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IV. You, Me, You-Tube, We..Etc.
We have our own Team Ride West web site page on the Ride West site. Go to www.ridewest.com and locate the Team Ride West page. There you'll find lots of information, links to ride videos and slide shows from past adventures.
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V. Events Calendar
Click to Register
Riding Baja
Thursday, 11/3/2011 - 7 p.m. in the Show Room
Max Meyers You, Your Bike, and the Law
Thursday, 11/10/2011 - 7 p.m. in the Show Room
Team Ride West Dinner
Tuesday, 11/15/2011 - 6:30 p.m. @ Cafe Veloce
Safety, Motorcycles & Psychology
Thursday, 11/17/2011 - 7 p.m. in the Show Room
Saturday, 11/19/2011 - 9 a.m. Meet @ Ride West
Thursday, 11/19/2011 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Club Room
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VI. Pithy Words to Ride By...
"Losing gracefully is fairly easy. Winning with grace requires real character."
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VII. Team Ride West Rides
For our only Team Ride West ride of October we used a route made up of roads familiar to many of you and enjoyed as "classics:" Jordan Road, the random byways around Lake Roesiger, and so on. At the Harvey Field Buzz Inn we sat outside, a bonus of the unexpectedly terrific weather, and discussed options for the rest of the ride. More curves on a post-meal route put together by Doug Vavrick, follow Dave Preston back to Ride West, or perhaps ride to South Sound motorcycles for the Octoberfest Event? Decisions, decisions, decisions!
As it turned out a group of 5 followed Shane on his own route back to Ride West - which was terrific and will probably be used on future rides.
Team Ride West to Snohomish 10/08/11
1. Dave Preston - BMW K 1300 S 2. Jeff Aurand - BMW K 75S 3. Doug Vavrick - BMW R 1150 RT P 4. Craig Carney - BMW K 1200 LT 5. Claude Williams - BMW R 1150 GS tie die 6. Bill MacDonald - BMW R 1200 LT 7. Dan Niven - BMW R 1200 C 8. Chris Hill - Yamaha V-Star 1100 9. Dan Carr - Honda ST 1300 10. Mike Judkins - BMW R1200 RT 11. David Taylor - BMW R 1200 GS 12. Paul Bullard - BMW R 1200 GS 13. Shane Balkovetz - BMW F 650 GSP 14. Erik Pollard - BMW G 650 GS 15. Jim Spratt - BMW K 1600 GTL 16. Jay Henderson - BMW K 1200 GT 17. John Willox - BMW K 1300 GT
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VIII. Products Review
1. The Arai RX-Q. Quality helmets are an extremely personal product choice. Most people who invest in a high-end helmet are experienced riders who know what their personal needs, likes, and dislikes are in helmet design. The Shuberth flip-up helmets are now very strong sellers, but I personally do not like flip-up helmets - for no particular reason. I have been wearing Shoein and Arai helmets now for over 20 years, and I just took the plunge again. On our Team Ride West rides for the past year I have been wearing a Shoei RX-11 in screaming yellow, and it is a very fine helmet. It fit well, looked great (if you are a fan of lurid helmets colors like I am) and was reasonably quiet. In fact, I had no complaints at all with it except one.
I did not like it all that much. No reason - it just failed to light my helmet fire.
So, at the recent Gear and Apparel Swap, I sold the Shoei as well as the Arai Corsair that preceded it. Why so many helmets? I had a fun discussion about this with my wife. Some women like to purchase hats, while my wife's personal fondness is for shoes. I like helmets, and although I can make a good case for "needing" two of them - one for everyday and a spare to keep at Ride West if there is a day where I drove my car and then need to ride a motorcycle (I also have spare gloves, pants, etc. here) that is really just self-justifying expensive items I like to own. My current "spare" is an Arai Corsair in (again) screaming yellow, while the newest helmet for me to enjoy is an Arai RX- Q.
The RX-Q is not the most expensive Arai (akin to the expression "not the most expensive Ferrari"), but it's still a lot of money. Quality, technology, and research and development do cost a lot, perhaps exceeded by the high-profile racer contracts and advertising campaigns to persuade you of the value of the quality, technology, and research and development! At some point, a point right about where I can afford it, I don't worry too much about the why. I really like Arai helmets!
The new RX-Q seems (after a week) to have a much more tightly sealed area around the neck, so it is both quieter and warmer than I would have expected. The eye portal has been enlarged over other Arai designs for better peripheral vision. Overall the eye port seems a little lower than on the Shoei just sold, but both of them are comfortable and offer good vision. Now that I have read up on the RX-Q, it seems to have been designed to elicit exactly the comments I have just typed - a Corsair remodeled for more likely use on the street rather than 175mph or so on a racetrack.
The color is a neon pea soup green (actually not the terms Arai uses) and I really like it. Not sure if it is actually safer due to higher conspicuity, but it cannot hurt.
If you are in the market for a high-end helmet, you most likely know what you want, and it is probably an Arai, Shoei, or Shuberth - listed in alphabetical order. It is not a coincidence that Ride West sells all three. As for my new Arai - I love it!
2. 2012 BMW R 1200 GS (demo). This is our demo for 2012, and one of the few motorcycles (excuse my personal opinion) that looks wonderful in white. Described by many as "the Swiss Army knife of motorcycles," the big GS has so much to recommend it. As stock, it is just that little bit too tall for my comfort, but that would be easily handled with the lower seat cushion option. To get it ready for customer use as a demo, I merely rode it back and forth to work a couple of times, and it makes an absolutely wonderful commuter bike. You can see everything, the windshield is ideally placed and is quiet, and the heated grips and ABS and all the other standard and optional features mean that you are never working hard, and neither is the bike.
As pointed out in many magazine tests, the R 1200 GS is a better sport touring bike than most bikes labeled as such, and the fact that is also offers pretty much unstoppable off-road capability is truly astonishing. If you wanted to sport tour, commute, do long tours, AND dual sport, all while being comfortable and quiet, I do not think there is anything else that is a serious competitor.
3. 2011 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure. This is the bike I wrote about a couple
of weeks ago, the one I rode for 200 miles in fear because I had not taken a minute to think through the day and put the low seat on it. With the low seat I would have been able to better appreciate the qualities of this bike. Basically the R 1200 GS but more so - with low set driving lights that I think are a real safety asset during the day, as they make a light triangle that looks different to car drivers and therefore gets more attention. (I did not ride if after dark or off-road). The huge 8.7 gallon fuel tank (8.7 gallons!) would be a boon for those who like to ride - and ride - and ride - and not stop. If you have a bladder good for 400 miles - go for it! And of course, you get all those complimentary "Is that Ewan McGregor?" looks as well. If you are tall enough and strong enough, this is a bike of astonishing capability. It has capabilities far beyond mine, and that is a nice thing to see in a motorcycle.
4. 2012 BMW 800 GS demo. Ah - this is more my size. The dark titanium matte grey/black color really works well on this bike, as it looks moodily threatening and very pretty, at the same time. Again, I did not ride it off road or at night, which is just as well for all of, but I can tell you it is great fun as a commuter. The 800 GS is what I call a "squirt" bike - you see an opening in traffic and twist the wrist and immediately the bike leaps ahead and through the gap. It is great fun to ride, and much faster on winding back roads than its looks would indicate. You do have to be careful with these to specify the tires you want for the intended use. With the knobbies it is awesome off-road, but a bit tall for many. With the street tires that this one has you can still attack most dirt roads and also absolutely strafe your morning commute. For some - two sets of wheels and tires would make this essentially two wonderful motorcycles for little more than the cost of one. A fine machine.
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IX. Dinner at Cafe Veloce
We enjoy a fine time and great food at Café Veloce for our club monthly dinners. "Our" night is the 3rd Tuesday of each month. We're in the "club" room in inclement weather and out on the deck when the sun shines.
This month's TEAM RIDE WEST CLUB DINNER will be Tuesday, November 15th.
Cafe Veloce is located in the Totem Lake mall area north of Kirkland and south of the Bothell/Woodinville I-405 exits.
Directions to Cafe Veloce:
Heading north on I-405 take exit 20B (NE 124th St) and then the ramp to Totem Lake Blvd. You will go through the traffic light to 120th Ave and Café Veloce is to the right just past the auto parts store.
Heading south on I-405 take exit 20 (NE 124th St) and turn left on NE 124th Street. You will go through two traffic lights and then take a left on Totem Lake Blvd. Into the right lane, and right at 120th Ave to the restaurant. |
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X. The Ride West Difference
Say you're chatting with friends about the varied events and rides you're enjoying with Team Ride West. Say further that these friends ask you, "What makes Ride West different?" Here are concepts we would thank you for putting across - the "Magnificent Seven."
1. With Team Ride West, more rides, dinners, and events than anyone else. 2. More in-store sales, swap meets, seminars, classes, etc. than anyone else. 3. Ability to purchase insurance for your bike, home, and auto - all in-house. 4. More demo bikes than anyone else. 5. Encouragement to take longer demo rides than any one else. 6. Service Department capable and happy to work on any brand. 7. Wide assortment of used bikes of all brands.
Remember, when you send in a new customer who purchases a new BMW and mentions your name BEFORE the deal is done YOU get a $200 gift card!
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XI. Team Ride West Concept Ride Procedures
Team Ride West rides are referred to as "concept rides" because route and destination changes may evolve during the day depending on the wishes of those on the ride, the weather, and events of interest we may find along the way. The initial route directions will be sent out by e-mail a few days prior to the ride, but it is not required that everyone on the ride follow the same route or reach the same destination!
Here are the guidelines that we follow:
1. Arrive at the start of the ride (usually Ride West BMW) with a full tank of fuel and funds for fuel, food, and other expenses during the day.
2. Sign in and receive the printed instructions if needed. (Pause - if you do not have both a motorcycle endorsement on your license and insurance on your motorcycle, we ask that you wait until you do to ride with us.)
3. Be VERY careful as we turn out of the Ride West parking lot onto 16th. Cars can and sometimes do turn left from Lake City Way onto 16th - potentially at a lethal speed.
4. Once on the ride, find a group to ride with of 3 to 5 bikes - based on friends, model, experience, style of riding, and/or desired pace.
5. Allow LOTS of space around you - front, side, and rear. Do not "tailgate."
6. At major intersections that involve a turn, make sure the person behind you(in your group) has seen the turn before you accelerate away.
7. RIDE AT YOUR OWN PACE - always.
8. Pass on the left - well over the centerline. Do not pass on the right - EVER, under any circumstances barring dire emergency.
9. Use hand/foot signals as needed. There's no required guide to these.
10. On the way home, once past the final group fuel stop, it's every person for him/her self. You may drop off at your exit or street without the need to let the entire group know - but mentioning your intent at the final stop is a nice gesture.
11. Other groups of motorcycles? - pass them very carefully with lots of room.
12. For groups larger than 15 bikes or so, we will expect people to take some responsibility for following the route directions and/or others in the group, or for finding their own route. This rule is called "YOYOMF" for "You're On Your Own My Friend." Kudos to Bill Hucks for coming up with the phrase, although his version is just a bit more colorful. |
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XII. Anorak's Corner
An "anorak" is a British slang term referring to someone who gets far too hung up on minor details and will walk up to you at a show and tell you that the pinstriping on your freshly restored classic bike is not quite the right shade of green, etc. People who spend all their mental effort on the details and lose track of the meaning, in other words. So in that spirit...
Did you know that Team Ride West even has Operating Procedures? You might wonder why a club with no dues and no officers and no budget needs them, but I find them handy as a foundation for our actions, and I do consult them once in awhile. We're going to print sections of the Operating Procedures in our newsletter on a continually rotating basis so that I'm not the only one who knows what our actions are based on. If you see anything here that you want to question or perhaps modify or suggest an alternative for - please do so!
Team Ride West Motorcycle Club Procedures
Preamble:
The Team Ride West Motorcycle Club is sponsored by Ride West BMW. It welcomes all riders of all brands of street motorcycles, and exists to promote the enjoyment and use of motorcycles, and the sport of motorcycling. Team Ride West events may include group rides, dinners, event attendance, seminars, show displays, charity work, and other activities. Team Ride West promotes safe riding practices, and strives at all times to provide family-oriented activities in non-political atmosphere.
Article I: SPONSORSHIP
Team Ride West is sponsored and owned by Ride West BMW, which reserves the right to cancel at any time Team Ride West activities or Team Ride West membership of individuals or groups is the activities are found to conflict with the standards for personal and group behavior held by Ride West BMW are not upheld. Ride West BMW management may at any time alter, negate, or ask to be reconsidered any Team Ride West program, action, or event.
Article II: ____________________________MEMBERSHIP
Ride West BMW reserves the right to deny or cancel membership to individuals. Team Ride West members are expected to portray motorcycling and Ride West BMW in a positive and respectful manner at all times.
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