BMWDFW BEEMER ZEITUNG

BMWDFW
B EEMER Z EITUNG
J ANUARY 2008
S PECIAL
POINTS OF
INTERES T :
•
President's Report
•
Upcoming Events
•
Tourmeister’s Report
•
Awards Banquet
•
And More Photos!
Membership
Meeting
BMWDFW club officers for 2008. Left to Right, Randy Simoneau, Vice-President;
Ralph Schwartz, President; Ted Shannon, Newsletter Editor; Don Mills, Tourmeister; Paul Lange, Safety Director; and Dennis Bufton, Secretary-Treasurer.
President’s Report
WELCOME
TO 2008! It’s
going to be a
great twowheeled year!
We closed out
2007 with a
flourish at the
December Annual Awards Banquet to cap off a great year
of BMWDFW club activities. Those activities ranged from one hour breakfasts to
month long adventure rides. Thanks to
Mike Moon and all 2007 officers for leading
us through a genuinely enjoyable club year.
What does 2008 hold in store? We can’t be
certain but we can plan. With a little leadership and a lot of member participation I foresee another great year on two wheels, or
Ralph Schwartz
three wheels for some, with friends and family. Your 2008 officers have been hard at
work since their November election planning
and preparing for 2008. We have held two
general officers meetings, numerous officer
transition meetings and specific event and
function planning meetings. I am delighted
to be working with this group of “can do”
folks with great ideas and roll-up-yoursleeves approach to 2008.
First let me assure you we have taken heed of
the first law of medicine: “Do no harm.”
BMWDFW is a living and functioning organization of people who are here because of the
current club operating methods. We will do
no harm to that status. We will maintain the
standing traditions of LePeep and Tin Top
breakfasts, 4th Saturday and Tin Top Rides,
President’s (Continued on page 2)
Tuesday
January 8th
8:00 PM
Spring Creek BBQ
1509 Airport Freeway
Bedford, TX
817-545-0184
At Forest Ridge & Airport Freeway (Hwy 121)
BMWDFW OFFICERS
President
Ralph Schwartz
Plano, TX
(972) 821-6484
[email protected]
Vice President
Randy Simoneau
Arlington, TX
Secretary/Treasurer
Dennis Bufton
Bedford, TX
817-475-2413
[email protected]
Tourmeister
Don Mills
Dallas, TX
214-366-9988
[email protected]
Webmeister
Geoff Adams
Arlington, TX
817-657-7908
[email protected]
BMW MOA Rep/Records
Safety Director
Paul Lange
Arlington, TX
214-729-4969
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Ted Shannon
Euless, TX
214-850-1049
[email protected]
President’s (Continued from page 1)
and monthly club meetings. What the other officers and I plan to do is enhance and add to the club
experience.
My three objectives for the club in 2008 are 1)
Increase the social interaction among our members, 2) Increase knowledge about our sport and
3) Increase enjoyment of owning and riding our
BMW motorcycles.
My three goals to effect those club objectives are
1) Make valued additions and enhancements to the
club (Add a program director, Add friendly competitive events, Establish an Events Planning and
Coordination Team) 2) Increase our recruiting
activities (Practice an “Engage any Rider” policy,
Provide BMWDFW “business cards”) and 3) Update our club operationally (Establish a categorized
annual budget, Update obsolete Bylaws, Update
our Club website with features and functions valuable to members and potential members).
I have defined actionable items to achieve these
three goals for the club. Many are complete; others are in work. Briefly, here is what’s happening.
I added the Program Director (PD) function as an
assistant VP and Andy Jones has accepted that role
for 2008. He will coordinate all programs for the
monthly club meetings. We will enjoy a wide
range of useful and informative programs ranging
from Touring and Technical Tips to Product
Evaluations to Major Ride Slide Shows to Guest
Speakers of note. If you would like to present a
program or would like to see a particular program
topic please notify Andy and the sooner the better.
I know the best program ideas are out there in the
minds of the members. I am introducing a couple
of Friendly Competitions for 2008 in hopes of
bringing out some previously undiscovered talent.
These involve such things as a Monthly Photo
Contest, a Monthly Restaurant Report and annual
Photo and Newsletter Article competitions.
These Friendly Competitions will be administered
by the Newsletter Editor Ted Shannon in 2008
and he will announce those. I added the Event
Planning and Coordination Team (EPaCT) that is
responsible for coordinating all the riding and social events in 2008. This is closely aligned with
the Tourmeister function and Don Mills has accepted this role in 2008. Don and the EPaC team
will lead as we revisit some of those stellar “Little
Hill Country” roads we all enjoy south of Ft
Worth but will also show us some new rides in
2008 that take us in different directions on the
compass. We are introducing an “Individual Challenge Ride” in 2008 and we believe it is one that
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anyone can participate in. Don will announce his
team and provide insight into these and other
EPaCT events in the works for 2008. In 2008 I
want to foster a broad based interest in recruiting
new members. Quantity is not the objective,
finding quality new BMW riders with whom we
can share our past and future motorcycling experiences is the objective. “Engage any rider” is my
recommendation. He/She may be considering
moving to a BMW and you might be the one that
adds to the positive side of the decision. A rider
may have a new touring tip or technical tidbit to
share or that rider may become a friend. He/She
may be waiting to be approached by a friendly
BMWDFW member. I know, I found all three,
touring tip, technical tidbit and a friend, and I
joined. I would ask every member to be as much
of a recruiter as fits your comfort zone. We will
provide BMWDFW Club Business Cards containing key club information to any member who
wants them.
I proposed our 2008 operating budget to the officers. It was revised and approved. We have a
reserve and a plan to exit the year with an increase
over last year. We have a set of bylaws that define
the organization and operation. These have not
been updated since 1987 and there are some
changes that need to be made to bring us up to
date. I will propose those changes to the membership in 2008 for your vote. We will be updating
our website as George Tuttle takes over from retiring Webmeister Geoff Adams who brought us
into the Web Age. We accomplished much in our
first Webmeister transition meeting and will continue to work this over the first quarter. We are
adding features to the general public area and are
adding a members only secured area. We will
have Photo Albums, Trip Reports, GPS Routes,
classified ads and Archives of newsletters, links to
sites of common interest and the very important
Mike Moon Future Events Calendar will be posted
each time Mike issues an update. Other features
are in the planning stages.
What I have described above may seem like way to
many new things and changes. Keep in mind I
didn’t describe in detail all of our traditions and
regular events because we already know about
them. I did address what I hope you will agree are
positive enhancements and additions to the club. I
am here to serve the club. Please give me feedback on any topic. I will listen. And, most importantly, we should all focus on having fun with
people that share and enjoy our common indulgence of BMW motorcycles.
T OURMEISTER R EPORT
By Don Mills
A
New Year plus a new President yields a new and
event-filled club year ahead, for the enjoyment of
our members and the fulfillment of our mutual passion for all things motorcycle. We will keep the activities
that worked well last year and add a few new ones, like a
late-spring social event that our spouses and friends can easily
attend. Our monthly meetings will offer more opportunities
for riders’ enlightenment, thanks to Andy Jones’ willingness
to produce worthwhile programming as well as a stand-alone
CPR training session for those who are interested (to be announced.) Apart from that we intend to offer two to three
Tech Days spaced throughout the year. In addition to our
organized ride events, such as TGIS and Fall Colors, we plan
to add or embellish a couple more this year. Perhaps Golden
Maples will reappear and Big Bend is on the table. I’ll offer a
few “scouting trips” for possible future rides….not organized
and comprising 4 to 6 riders. All this, in conjunction with
our 2nd Sunday gatherings at Mary’s and 4th Saturday rides as
well as the huge slate of other rallies, rides and events that
are available, should keep everyone adequately entertained,
enlightened and thankful.
Speaking of “thankful”, at the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega, the conjunction of 2007 and 2008…it
seems appropriate to reflect on and anticipate with a grateful
spirit all the many benefits and blessings that have gone before and are yet to come in spite of who and how we are.
Things like safe rides, or survived ones, the community of
this club comes to mind. Everyone has a history that’s worth
pulling up and examining from time to time. But I warn you,
once you start, even with just a few highlights, it can grow
and expand into a story that never ends. When you’re in the
act of living and riding out 2008, send some of your stories
to our Newsletter editor. We’d all love to read them.
From me to you, thanks for playing such vital roles in my
story and in the life of this club.
Steve Holtsclaw receiving the 2007 BMWDFW Club outstanding service award.
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Charlie (deer in the headlights) and Andy loading their plates at the 2007 Awards Banquet.
Be sure to thank the vendors who contributed the door prizes to the Awards Banquet! See pages 8 and 9.
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Bill and Laura Keating's Ninth Annual Mardi Gras Party
All BMWDFW Members are invited to the Keating's Annual
Mardi Gras Party.
This is Bill and Laura's ninth Mardi Gras Party. The Keating's
hope their fellow BMWDFW Club members will make a good
showing. The more the merrier. Laura will be serving many of
her famous treats but it is BYOB. The concrete is reserved for
motorcycles. They can also park in the garage, back patio, or
shop area. Cars can park anywhere in the front or back yard or
along the street.
Saturday, February 2nd @ 7 PM
BYOB but there will be plenty of food.
Laura is asking for an RSVP if you think you might make it so she won't
over-do on the food. RSVP at (940) 969-9976 or email Laura at
[email protected]
Signs will be out to help direct everyone from State Hwy. 114
Directions:
257 Spring Creek Ct., Paradise, TX 76073
It is approximately 8 miles west of Boyd towards Bridgeport. Take Hwy TX 114 west past
Boyd, TX, past the flashing lights at the FM 51 south (to Springtown) intersect, past the
FM 51 north (to Decatur) split to Decatur continuing west on TX 114 for 1.4 miles. Make a
left on Paradise Country Trail, then make the first left onto Spring Creek Court. Go to address 257, a brick house with ivory trim. It is the sixth house on the left, there will be a
bike in the front yard.
A more scenic route from the Metroplex is to take Fm 407 from I-35W through Justin continue west to Fm 2264 and then north to TX 287. Go northwest on TX 287 for a couple
of miles to Fm 51. Take Fm 51 (just south of Decatur) south to Hwy 114 and then west as
described above.
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2008 M OTORCYCLE E VENTS
By MIKE MOON
to 8 PM, 3100 Airport Freeway, northeast of downtown Fort
Worth. Food and cold drinks, movies, and social gathering with
Jan 08, Tuesday; BMWDFW CLUB MEETING, 8 PM, Spring
other riders.
Creek BBQ, 1509 Airport Freeway, Bedford, TX. On the westbound access road of Airport Freeway at the corner of Forest
Feb 15/18, Fri/Mon; AIRHEADS DEATH VALLEY RENRidge Drive in Bedford. Dinner and social begins 7 PM.
DEZVOUS XVI, Death Valley, California. $20/person ABC
members, $30 non-ABC members. Contact Andrew Hartman
Jan 10, Thursday; BIKE NITE AT EUROSPORT CYCLES, 6
for registration at [email protected] or call
to 8 PM, 3100 Airport Freeway, northeast of downtown Fort
650.654.8996
Worth. Food and cold drinks, movies, and social gathering with
Feb 17, Sunday; SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST RIDE
other riders.
TO WHITEWRIGHT, 3rd Sunday Monthly. ETA of 10 AM at
Jan 13, Sunday; BMWDFW 2nd SUNDAY BREAKFAST, 9
CJ’s Restaurant in Whitewright, TX. Address is 124 Grand St,
AM, Mary’s Brazos Café, Tin Top, TX, 15 miles south of
75491, near the intersection of FM898 and FM151 in the center
Weatherford, TX. A ride is planned after breakfast, weather
of town. Ride coordinator is Bo Griffin,
permitting.
[email protected]. The ride starting point, time, and route
Jan 20, Sunday; SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST RIDE
varies monthly but details are posted at
TO WHITEWRIGHT, 3rd Sunday Monthly. ETA of 10 AM at
www.bogriffinrides.com.
CJ’s Restaurant in Whitewright, TX. Address is 124 Grand St,
Feb 23, Saturday; 4th SATURDAY RIDE, BMWDFW Club,
75491, near the intersection of FM898 and FM151 in the center
following breakfast at Le Peep. Ride information published prior
of town. Ride coordinator is Bo Griffin,
to the ride or announced as impromptu. Weather permitting!
[email protected]. The ride starting point, time, and route
varies monthly but details are posted at
Feb 29/Mar 09, Fri/Sun; DAYTONA BIKE WEEK, Daytona
www.bogriffinrides.com.
Beach, Florida. BMW Daytona Bike Week Campout, hosted by
B-Cubed #288, Holiday Travel Park, 2261 S. Old Dixie HighJan 26, Saturday; 4th SATURDAY RIDE, BMWDFW Club,
way, Bunnell, FL; I-95 and Old Dixie Hwy, exit 278. Info at
following breakfast at Le Peep. Ride information published prior
www.bcubed.org.
to the ride or announced as impromptu. Weather permitting!
Mar 14/16, Fri/Sun; FOOLS ON A HILL IX WINTER
Feb 02, Saturday; MARDI GRAS PARTY, 7 PM at Bill and
RALLY, Mt. Nebo State Park, Arkansas.
Laura Keating’s home in Paradise, TX. (approximately 8 miles
west of Boyd towards Bridgeport). BYOB ! Plenty of eats but
Mar 23; EASTER SUNDAY
please RSVP to Laura so she knows how much to prepare! Take
Apr 04/06, Fri/Sun; 16TH DOGWOOD TRAIL RALLY,
Hwy TX114 west past Boyd, TX, past the flashing lights at the
BMW Riders of Mississippi. Askews Landing Campground, near
FM 51 south (to Springtown) intersect, past the FM 51 north (to
Vicksburg, MS. www.bmwridersofmississippi.org.
Decatur) split to Decatur continuing west on TX114 for 1.4
miles. Make a left on Paradise Country Trail, then make the first Apr 24/27, Thu/Sun; IBMWR 13th BLITZ TO BRANSON,
left onto Spring Creek Court. Go to address 257, a brick house Branson, Missouri. Headquarters at the Branson Towers
(1.800.683.1122). Reserve your room early, they go fast!
with ivory trim. GPS coordinates are N 33 07.245 / W 97
Mention the Internet BMW Riders when reserving or they will
40.347. For directions, email or call Laura or Bill at
reply that they’re full! www.ibmwr.org.
[email protected] / 940.969.9976.
Apr 24/27, Thu/Sun; TEXAS ADVENTURE RIDE, Junction,
Texas. www.texasadventure.net/TAR
Feb 10, Sunday; BMWDFW 2nd SUNDAY BREAKFAST, 8:30
AM, Mary’s Brazos Café, Tin Top, TX, 15 miles south of
Weatherford, TX. A ride is planned after breakfast, weather
permitting.
Apr 25/27, Fri/Sun; GERMANFEST, Muenster, TX. Admission is $6. Food and entertainment. Downloadable brochure at
Feb 12, Tuesday; BMWDFW CLUB MEETING, 8 PM, Spring www.germanfest.net.
Creek BBQ, 1509 Airport Freeway, Bedford, TX. On the west- May 02/04, Fri/Sun; GEORGIA MOUNTAIN RALLY 18TH
bound access road of Airport Freeway at the corner of Forest
ANNUAL, Bald Mountain Park, Hiawassee, GA bmwmoga.info
Ridge Drive in Bedford. Dinner and social begins 7 PM.
Feb 14, Thursday; BIKE NITE AT EUROSPORT CYCLES, 6
Upcoming Events (Continued on page 7)
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Jun 19/21, Thu/Sun; RED ROCK RENDEZVOUS, Beehive
Beemers, Panguitch, Utah. www.beehive-beemers.org
Upcoming Events (Continued from page 6)
May 16/18, Fri/Sun; ROADRUNNER RALLY 27TH ANJul 17/20, Thu/Sun; BMW MOA 2008 INTERNATIONAL
NUAL, Camp Shadow Pines, Heber, AZ. www.azbeemers.org
RALLY, Gillette, Wyoming www.bmwmoa.org
May 22/25, Thu/Sun; 20TH ROCKET CITY RALLY, Ditto
Jul 24/27, Thu/Sun; TOP O THE ROCKIES RALLY, 36th
Landing, Huntsville, AL www.bmwmoal.org.
annual, Paonia, Colorado. www.coloradobeemers.com.
Jun 19/22, Thu/Sun; BMWRA RALLY, Houghton, MichiAug 14/17, Thu/Sun; DANIEL BOONE RALLY, 31st angan. www.bmwra.org
nual, Boone, NC. www.carolinasbmwmoa.org
A DVERTISE IN B EEMER Z EITUNG
R EACH A DEDICATED GROUP OF OVER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY
BMW M OTORCYCLE E NTHUSIASTS EACH MONTH BY ADVERTISING IN
OUR NEWSLET TER .
B USINESS CARD : $10/ ISSUE $80/ YEAR
1/4 PAGE : $20/ ISSUE $160/ YEAR
1/2 PAGE : $30/ ISSUE $240/ YEAR
F ULL PAGE : $40/ ISSUE $320/ YEAR
Contact Dennis Bufton for more information
[email protected]
817-475-2413
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BMW DFW wants to thank the following persons and businesses who generously donated prizes
to the BMW DFW Awards Banquet. Please take a moment to thank them when you patronize
their businesses.
Moto Liberty
11441 N Stemmons Freeway, Suite 201
Dallas, TX 75229
1-800-214-RACE
972-243-5995
Niver Western Wear
1221 Hemphill St
Fort Worth, TX 76104
(817) 336-2389
900 Avenue K Ste. 100 Plano TX 75074
Phone: 972-881-0774 Fax: 972-881-1326
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Fort Worth's BMW Motorcycle dealer..
1503 W. Hurst Boulevard
Fort Worth, Texas 76053
817.595.0000 — www.bmwfortworth.com
Part of the APS Group
9
New Ride!
Paul Lange and his new R100 sidecar rig (at right.)
We’re on the Web!
www.BMWDFW.org
RECURRING BMWDFW CLUB EVENTS
CLUB MEETING - 8 PM, 2nd Tuesday, MONTHLY, except December.
Spring Creek Barbeque, 1509 Airport Freeway (Hwy 121 at Forest Ridge),
Bedford, TX (817) 545-0184. Come early for dinner.
CLUB BREAKFAST/RIDE - 2nd Sunday, 8:30 AM/9 AM (winter months),
MONTHLY. Mary’s Brazos Café, Tin Top, 15 mi south of Weatherford,
Texas on Tin Top Rd. A ride follows, weather permitting.
CLUB BREAKFAST - Saturday, 7:45 AM, WEEKLY. Le Peep Restaurant,
2113 Harwood Rd, Bedford, TX, 817.858.5532. At the northwest corner
of Harwood and Central Drive in Bedford.
4th SATURDAY RIDE - follows breakfast at Le Peep, MONTHLY. Ride
information published prior to the ride or announced as impromptu.
Weather permitting!
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