2014 OMC Summer Run Report

Back row:  Duke, Gadget Man, Smooth, Rip City, and Krome
Front row: Guest, Grim, Big Easy and Bomber

The 2014 Summer Run began innocently enough.  Most of us met at the Eagle rendezvous and then we picked up Duke, Smooth and Rip City (and guest) at 44/30.  We then got on the the freeway, otherwise known as the Highway to Hell, and began a ride to LaGrande with a group of ten riders.  Yes, there are only nine intrepid bikers in the above photo but that is a story told later.

Grim After the Ride on the Interstate

I quickly found I do not possess the personality to ride in the back of the pack and I moved ahead of Big Easy and his guest (not shown above).  We rode up to Elgin where we stopped for lunch.  I decided to get hotel reservations at this time.  (It's a good thing as there was a Pacific Northwest HOG Rally in the Spokane Valley along with an Amway Convention).  We continued up through Walla Walla and Colfax "enjoying" strong crosswinds most of the way.  We finally arrived in Spokane and then rode in circles for a while, enjoying the scenery, until we found our hotel.  I got to go to Walmart as I had forgotten all my toiletries.  There was a coin challenge at the restaurant and Big Easy did not have his coin.  But he did point out that at least he remembered his toilet kit.

We got up the next morning and headed north towards Newport, Priest Lake and Sandpoint.  It was decided to forgo the extra up and back excursion to the actual Priest Lake and we headed on through Sandpoint.  We lost Big Easy's guest somewhere in here as he had other plans.  Someone commented that Big Easy had many friends to invite and Big Easy lamented that he did until they met the OGRES.  We continued down to Sandpoint and across the lake.  We arrived in Coeur d' Alene (CDA) after making it through a corridor where huge trees had been sheared off at the base.  The great force of nature was evident through this section.

We stopped in CDA and had lunch at JBs, the former home of the Big Boy.  The salad bar was great and the waitress was quite funny.  I had my usual fun making art of salad ingredients.

If you don't send me pictures then you get what you get.

We then continued through CDA and traveled along the east side of CDA Lake.  This was a great ride and we encountered almost a steady stream of Harleys going the other direction.  The rally must have made the CDA Lake loop part of the HOG Rally.  It was pretty cool.

We stopped in Harrison and laid on the grass for a bit while filling up on ice cream and sorbet.  We then headed out across some great rolling hills, twisty roads and multiple grades until we finally rolled into Orofino.  The view of Orofino was quite a shock for me having not been there before.  Since the town hosts a mental facility, a criminal detention facility and the high school mascot name if "the Maniacs, I expected a less than hospitable town.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  The hotel we stayed in was great and Duke even landed the Honeymoon Suite.

After we rolled in and parked, we unloaded our bikes and checked in.  There were many other bikes of varying origins including five Harleys that were parked on the sidewalk right next to where we landed.  At one point, Rip City and I were out front by the bikes.  There were two stocky fellows also out by the bikes next to ours.  We struck up a conversations and, at one point, I asked Rip City where we had stayed the night before as my brain had ground to a stop.  Before Rip City could answer, the stocky fellow advised me that we had sojourned in Spokane.  I looked at him with my mouth agape wondering how he knew.  This fellow advised me he had perused the OGRES website and knew our itinerary.  Yeah, it was kinda weird.

We had dinner in a great restaurant that was right next door to the hotel.  I got the best filet mignon for 22 bucks that I can remember.

We discussed that some of the members liked picking up the tab and some could not afford to.  It was decided that those who wanted to pick up tabs on rides should do so and enjoy it.  Those who don't are not to feel beholden or bad if they do not.  Pick up the tab it you want to and have some fun with it and don't feel bad if you don't pick up a tab.  Capiche?

So we settled in with Rip City, Big Easy, Bomber, Gadget Man and myself hitting the pool and the Jacuzzi.  Boy, did that water feel great.  We never did find out who shared the big hot tub in the Honeymoon Suite.

We headed out in the morning and rode through some really nice country down to Grangeville where we stopped for a snack.  Then we rode on down to New Meadows where we stopped for lunch and the A & W.  That was an interesting lunch.  Fast food in a Mini Mart in a gas station.  Now I can say I've done it.

From this point on, I was leading and Rip City was in second slot.  I have reviewed many theories in my brain and have come up with some conjectures.  1)  Rip City thought I said keep a 32 second gap between bikes instead of a 2 second gap.  2)  Rip City was intimidated by riding behind such a super bitchin' rider and machine (me) that he did not want to get too close.  3)  Rip City was going through withdrawal from not riding his Yam a hah.  4)  They had installed a governor on Rip City's Indian so it would not go faster than 50 mph.  5)  Rip City did not take enough No Doz.

Anyway, no matter how fast or slow I went, Rip City stayed about a million miles behind me and the rest of the group behind him.  Finally, Bomber felt bad for me having to ride by myself and he passed Rip City and took second slot.  It was nice to ride with the group again.  (You know I love you, Rip City !)  Also, I didn't know Rip City was famous but decide he must be.  I saw sign after sign that said. "Watch for Rock".  I gotta get his autograph.

McCall and Cascade were very busy and took a bit to get through the traffic.  Horseshoe Bend was not too bad.  All the traffic was going north and not much south which was to our advantage.

We stopped in Banks for a short rest and then headed on down to Boise where we said our goodbyes at the Beacon Light Chevron.

Overall, it was a great ride and the association with the OGRES was, as usual, a superlative experience.  After missing card play and more socializing in the evenings, the President realized he was stupid to have started the days at 9 p.m. instead of earlier.  I should have started the rides earlier, as I was encouraged by smarter members, to allow more time in the evening.  In the future the distances per day will be shortened also.

Challenge to G-Man or any member:  Design a perfect three day ride with a cumulative distance of 800 miles for the three days.

It was our first all American ride and it was a blast.  Many thanks to all members for your contributions to memorable scootering.

(Did I tease Rip City too much in this one?  He is kinda thin skinned.  I apologize if I did.)

OMC Meeting / Barbecue Change - Now September 20 at 5:30 P.M.

B and B

The OMC September Meeting / Barbecue will be held at Bomber's home on Saturday September 20th at 5:30 P.M.

This meeting is for OMC members and their spouses.

Prospects and guests are not invited.

Let Bomber know as soon as possible if you will be attending OR not so he can plan for the correct number of guests.  I will send his phone number and e-mail address in a private e-mail.

OMC July 10 Meeting Report by G-Man

Last week's OGRES meeting was fun.  We were disappointed a bit that Rip had his new ride in for some new stuff.  We had a short meeting, talked about all of you who did not show...  And then headed over to Star for supper.  We got there in time to see them put the "closed" sign in the window (we must have looked old, gritty, mean and ornery...).   We then headed to the Sage Truck Stop diner in Caldwell.  They welcomed us and we ate a full meal.  Rip and Krome even had pie and ice cream afterward.  Then a quick ride home for Rip and the rest of us jumped on the Freeway and headed home.  Great evening.

Duke's New Ride

Duke and his Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic

Rip City's Independence Day

Rip City and his new Indian Chieftain Faired Bagger

Rip City took delivery of the first Indian sold from the new Sawtooth Motorcycle Dealership (a subsidiary of High Desert Harley).  He has been liberated from the world of M&M (metric motorcycles) and a new age begins fittingly on Independence Day.  If you have not ridden on of these babies, you would not believe how smooth the 111 motor is.

Congratulations Rip City!

The Test Ride

Rip City and I went to Sawtooth Cycles and checked out the Indian Chieftain Faired Hard Bagger.  We both took the bike on extended test rides.  I gotta say two things:  powerful and smooth.  The counter balanced solid mounted 111 cubic inch motor was extremely impressive along with the smooth but predictable tranny.  The magazine articles I had read led me to believe the bike would feel small for someone of my stature.  Not true.  It fit me better than a stock Street Glide.

I believe I would take off the passenger pegs and pillion, put on a drive's backrest, plug in the stage one baffles and ride it for a while before changing anything else.  It really doesn't need anything else until someone makes a tour pak.

I think maybe I could be a two bike guy and park one of these next to my Street Glide.  Great job applying the old Indian panache to new technology.  Hmmmmm.

Guests: Part Two

Reminder:

Guests are to ride at the back of the pack with their host OMC member.  On the Spring Run, "well meaning" OMC members were waving host OMC members and their guests forward in the pack.

Don't do that.

I know everyone likes the back but don't do that.  At one point, a guest was right behind the lead rider causing a "yo-yo effect" as they weren't comfortable in the curves.  And this lead rider takes the curves slow to try to alleviate too much "yo-yo effect".

I chewed out the offending OMC member who advised me other OMC members waved them forward.

If you are host OMC member, don't let "well meaning" OMC members wave you forward.  The host OMC member has ultimate responsibility for their guest.  OMC hosts are responsible for telling the guest the ride order, and why, as to not make it a OMC member elitist thing.

Look at it this way, would you rather the guest crash behind you...or in front of you possibly "taking you out" also.  Our two guests on the last run had 1 year and 3 months riding experience respectively.  We don't know most guest's respective skill levels.

Addition:

Just so you know, no more than one guest per Run per OMC member.  No surprises.

Grim...

2014 OMC Spring Run Report

Bomber, Big Easy, Guest, Duke, Grim, G-Man, RIP-Fluffy-Rock-Crispy-#5-Spandex-Rice Burner-Sleep Early-Sheepdog-5 Card Draw-Chamberless .45-Waistband ..38-Thin Skin-CITY, Zeus and Guest

The 2014 OMC Summer Run began at 0930 hrs. due to Grim and Duke attending a Boy Scout event honoring Grim's father.  We left the Chevron and headed east.  It was actually a nice time to start for this Run and will probably be the departure time for the future.  G-Man was 3 minutes early for the beginning of the Run but 13 minutes late for the safety briefing.

Present:  Duke, G-Man, Grim, Bomber, Zeus, Rip City (I'm not repeating the entire nickname shown above) and guest, Big Easy and guest.  Absent: Smooth and Krome.

Big Easy and his guest had decided they were stopping for photos ops at every historical marker along the route.  Interesting activity for a group ride.

It was a nice ride up through the Camas Prairie to the Timmerman Hill rest stop where we rested our butts and such before continuing on.  Bomber shared one of the snacks he always seems to have on board.

G-Man aka Scarecrow zoomed ahead of us and fueled at Picabo while the rest of us stopped for fuel at Carey.  Rip City had told him it was 42 miles to Carey...and Scarecrow believed him...!

We all stopped at Pickles Place in Arco for lunch and we all had manly meals, like bison burgers and such, except Rip City.  Rip City had a delicious meal of grilled tuna, fried pickles and a strawberry shake.  Delightful.

We then headed on to Mackay and on through to the Challis Hot Springs.  Gretchen was there to greet us, although Rip City didn't recognize Gretchen...strange as they are pretty close.  We got checked in and jumped in the pool for a long soak before dinner.  I don't know who won the lie telling contest in the pool...it was that close.

Gretchen served up a wonderful meal along with homemade ice cream and fudge syrup.  It would be nice to have that setup on all the Runs.

A card game broke out after dinner while others hit the pool or generally layed about.  All I know is that 7 Card Stud became a favorite with the low spade in the hole splitting the pot.  One memorable hand was when one player had a pair of sixes and a 2 of spades in the hole while another player had a 3 of spades in the hole while betting heavily.  It was very funny...I don't care who you are...unless you were the one with the 3 of spades in the hole who lost everything except his form fitting clothing.

Everyone had a great nights sleep and we were treated to the usual wonderful Gretchen breakfast in the morning.  Bomber made sure to get some muffins for the trip home to tide us over.  We left and went to Challis for gas, checking out the car show on our way out.  Except for Grim who had to go back to the Hot Springs to fetch a forgotten lid.

Stanley, Idaho and the Sawtooth Mountains

We stopped in Stanley for a break and checked out the snow covered Sawtooth Mountain Range.  In my opinion,iIt is the most beautiful, majestic mountain range in the world.  We continued over Banner Summit and into Lowman.

Just as we reached the turnoff to Garden Valley, in Lowman, Big Easy and his guest were waiting for us there.  As we rolled up preparing to make the right turn, a very large deer was running pell mell for myself and Rip City.  Miraculously the deer skidded to a stop upon hearing Rip City's obnoxious motorcycle exhaust pipes and reversed direction scampering back the opposite way.  Phew...!

We then continued on to Garden Valley gassing up at the Chevron.  Then we moseyed into the quaint town of Crouch and decided to try a different restaurant from the Longhorn.  I think it was called The Dirty Shame Saloon - Cafe.   And it was a dirty shame.  After waiting 1 1/2 hours for our food, my surmise that we should have left came true.  I manage to choke my cold rack of ribs down but will never eat there again.  However, Rip City had a "wonderful" pair of burgers.

We then went our merry way to Highway 55 and made our final stop at the Chevron at Highway 55 and Beacon Light.  I told Big Easy and guest how much I had enjoyed riding with.....er.....not riding with them on the Run.  Just kidding, I think they rode about 50 miles with us out of the 493 miles travelled.

All in all, a great Run with great people.  Gretchen is retiring in September so this was our last year with her.  I hope her replacements will be up to filling her shoes.

I am proud to be an part of the OGRES MC.  It appeared as though all enjoyed the Run.  Especially those with a few more bucks in their pockets.

Iron Butt Ride June 27 and 28 RSVP Needed

Please let me know by 1200 hrs. on July 21st if you plan on doing this ride.  If we don't get at least 6 riders, the ride will be cancelled.  Please reply with a "yes" or a "hell no".

Grim...

Alternate Hostels for Summer Run

Family Condo

Family Motor Home

Brenda Bomber did offer to let us stay at the above accommodations if we so desired.  It was a very generous offer but I think we will stick with the Best Westerns.

Motels for the 2014 OMC Summer Run

Here are the motels for the 2014 Summer Run:

July 24th   Thursday night      Spokane, Washington
     
       Best Western Plus Peppertree
       3711 S. Geiger Blvd.
       509-624-4655

July 25th    Friday night          Orofino, Idaho

      Best Western Rivers Edge
      615 Main Street
      208-476-9999

Each OMC member is responsible for making their own reservations.  All guests shall be cleared with timely notice by the OMC President.

   

CHANGE in OMC Fall Run Dates to September 5th and 6th

Joseph, Oregon

Due to the previously published dates conflicting with the traditional family weekend surrounding Labor Day, the OMC Fall Run will be a week later.  The OMC Fall Run will be September 5th and 6th.  Please make or change your reservations right away to make sure you get a good room at the Indian Lodge Motel.

More information can be found at the website:

http://www.ogresmotorcycleclub.com

OMC North Idaho Summer Run 2014

Priest Lake, Idaho

Thursday July 24th through Saturday July 26th

988 Miles

July 24th     Thursday      397 Riding miles  (160 fast miles to LaGrande on I-84)

                     8 a.m.          Leave from Chevron Station, Eagle at State Street, Eagle, Id.  State Street

                                         to Shell Station at N. Caldwell to pick up Smooth and Rip City.  Then I-84

                                         to Baker City (118 miles - Gas up).  Then north to LaGrande, and north to

                                         Elgin, then west to Downing, then north to Walla Walla (121 miles - Gas

                                         up) and north to Colfax (99 miles - Gas up), then north to Spokane for the

                                         first night.

Lake Pend Orielle and Sandpoint

July 25th      Friday          342 Riding miles

                                         

                                         Leave Spokane, north to Newport, east to Priest River, then north to Coolin

                                         and Outlet Bay at Priest Lake.  Back south to Priest River (120 miles - Gas

                                         up) and then east to Sandpoint.  Then south to Coeur d' Alene for lunch.

                                         Then south to St. Maries (122 miles - Gas up) via either along the Lake and

                                          past Harrison or quick route around the Lake.  South over the high rolling

                                          hills and then along the river to Orofino for the second night.

Lake Coeur d' Alene

July 26th     Saturday        249 Riding miles

                    

                                          Leave Orofino and head south to Grangeville, and then to Riggins (100

                                          miles - Gas up), then McCall, then Cascade (76 miles - Gas up), and south

                                          to Boise.

Many thanks for G-Man for designing this OMC Summer Run.  This route is for the summer of 2014 only.

The Run will revert to the Hagerman Run unless supplanted by a new proposed and authorized

 route.

Prospects and Guests Clarified

The agreed upon mindset by those that attended the meeting is that OMC members do not even talk about Prospects or Prospecting with any guests prematurely.  The Club President shall explicitly open this discussion after consulting with OMC members in good standing.

The main mission is the protection of the current membership and status quo that exists amongst the "First Nine".

Prospects

1.        A guest who has been given a verbal face-to-face invitation to “prospect” by the Club President and who has accepted the invitation. 

2.       E-mail notification, via the President's blog, shall be sent to all members.

3.       Must be 45 years of age or older.

4.       Must own a Harley-Davidson, Victory or Indian motorcycle.

5.       Must be of the male gender.

6.       Probationary period will vary depending on the prospect’s background, exposure to the Club members and how well the prospect was previously known by Club members.

7.       Prospects ride at the back of the pack.

8.       Males who meet the above conditions may attend OGRES meetings and functions in a solo manner.

Guests

1.       Anyone who does not meet the above conditions of a prospect.

2.       May attend OMC Sanctioned rides only if:

a.       Approved explicitly beforehand in a timely manner by the Club President.

b.      Shall be accompanied by the hosting/inviting Club Member.

c.       Guests will always ride at the back of the pack accompanied by the inviting member.

3.       Guests shall not be invited nor shall they ever attend OMC mandatory meetings.

4.       Club members should use strong discretion and careful screening as to who they invite to OMC sanctioned rides and events.  OMC members should use the following criteria (not exhaustive):

a.       How well will the guest fit in with the rest of the Club members?

b.      What brand and model motorcycle does the guest ride?

c.       What is the guests riding style and how long have they been riding?

d.      What percentage of teeth does the guest possess?

Contact Grim is you have any questions, concerns or complaints.

OMC Meeting Report May 1, 2014

The OMC Meeting started promptly (sort of) at 7 p.m. at the Clubhouse on Fairview.  Present:  Duke, G-Man, Big Easy, Smooth, Bomber and Grim.  Absent: Zeus, Krome and Rip City.

I either buy too much pizza or not enough.  It is better to buy too much, I decided.

The first item of business was discussing the differences and similarities of OMC guests and OMC Prospects.  A separate e-mail with a bullet list pertaining to both will be sent tomorrow.  It was a great discussion.  The mindset appropriately and correctly proposed was that folks outside the OMC membership should always be treated as guests.  The P word (prospect) is not spoken outside the Club membership prematurely.  More to come.

G-Man came up with a three day ride to supplant the OMC Summer Run in July.  Details will be e-mailed and ride specifics will be posted on the OMC website in the next few days.  The OMC Summer Run will be on the same days as before but it will be a three day ride by adding the Thursday preceding the current dates.  More to come.

A portion of the meeting was properly spent bad mouthing and telling lies about the members not in attendance.  All content will be denied if brought up by any of the members not in attendance.

Remember that when confronted with an accusation, one should:

1.      Act surprised.
2.      Deny involvement.
3.      Make counter accusations
4.      Demand an apology.

The upcoming OMC events are greatly anticipated.  It promises to be a great riding summer.

OMC Mandatory Meeting Tonight, May 1 2014, at 7 p.m.

Meeting tonight.  Important topics to discuss.  Pizza and drinks provided.

Upcoming OMC Meeting May 1st at 7 p.m.

The next OMC meeting will be on May, 1 2014 at 7 p.m.  We will meet at the Clubhouse on Fairview.

This is a very important meeting that all members should attend.  The discussion will be clarifying the prospecting procedures, the difference between guests and prospects, and the procedure to invite guests and prospects on OMC sanctioned rides.

Please do not invite any guests to any OMC meetings or OMC sanctioned rides until after this meeting.

Grim...

OMC March 6, 2014 Meeting Report

The meeting started promptly at 7 p.m. with the destruction of Taco Bell tacos and burritos generously furnished by Duke.  Present: G-Man, Duke, Grim, Rip City, Big Easy, Bomber, Krome and Smooth.  Not present: Zeus.

A short discussion was held reference the OMC Spring Run to Challis.  Members were encouraged to make their reservations now as I advised Gretchen to treat us as any other repeat customers.  Rooms will not be held without personally made reservations and other customers may beat us to the rooms.  If you camp out, be prepared to pay for dinner and breakfast.  The owners are my friends and I admittedly am very protective of them.

A challenge coin "challenge" was made and all had their coins except Krome.  He will be bringing food and refreshments to the May OMC Meeting unless we dine out.  Krome almost made up for being coin-less by being the only member to ride a Harley to the meeting instead of a cage.  I am sure glad he bought that gorgeous Deuce for his wife for Christmas.

A discussion was renewed about a ride to supplant the current route for the OMC Summer run.  After discussion and epitaphs it was decided G-Man would go back to the drawing board with a 3 day, 1000 mile limit.  Many thanks to G-Man for his hard work and long suffering, by tolerating Grim's bad humor, in attacking this daunting project.  If only I could read a map.  Should get a GPS on my Street Glide I suppose.  I'm just not ready to turn in my MAN card, I guess.

Grim announced he would not be able to do Route 66 this coming summer due to another shoulder surgery.  There are plans afloat to do a 1 week California Redwoods ride in August instead.  Route 66 will happen in summer of 2015 without fail.  Grim will be retired with too much time on his hands.

There was some talk of Sturgis but only innuendo.

A guest was present at the meeting.  Reference this guest, a prospect invitation will NOT be forthcoming by unanimous vote of the primary officers.  Please contact Grim for further information as I was unable to advise at the meeting.

OMC members were encouraged to send out group texts or e-mails for impromptu rides during the upcoming season.  Get a hold of me and I will send them for you if you wish.

We have a great OMC and I appreciate everyone's participation and passion.

OMC Meeting March 6 at Clubhouse - 7 PM

The March OMC Meeting will be held on Thursday the 6th at 7 PM.  It will be held at the clubhouse on Fairview.  Thee will be food and drink so come hungry.

Bring the yearly dues if you haven't paid.

OGRES Night at the Stampede or How the OMC Supported Breast Cancer Awareness Report

Breast Cancer Awareness Night at the Idaho Stampede

The OMC event, hosted by Duke, went off almost without a hitch on January 31st at the Idaho Stampede game.  Present:  G-Man (Scarecrow), Duke, Big Easy, Bomber, Smooth, Grim and Rip City (Kid Rock).  All spouses were also present except for Grim's spouse who was home ill.

It was Breast Cancer Awareness Night and the Stampede players wore pink.  The game worn jerseys were auctioned for the cause.

Grim only had to spend 45 minutes in the lobby waiting for OMC members, per his e-mail instructions, to get tickets and directions to the suite.  No one came through the lobby but I was working anyway so cooling my heels in the lobby was not big deal.  Right.  I won't fall for that again.

The food and company was delightful and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  We also finally did figure out why Rip City's hair was so fluffy.  TMI.

G-Man has managed to expand his plan for a 3 day ride, to supplant the Summer Run, into a 4 day ride.  I will be asking him to come up with a true 3 day ride, in addition to the aforementioned 4 day ride, for the OMC's consideration at our regular meeting in March.

Yeah, I know.

OGRES Night at the Idaho Stampede this Friday January 31st.

All members in good standing, and their spouses, are invited to to a soiree hosted by Duke in Suite 210 at CenturyLink Arena in downtown Boise.  Doors open at 6 p.m.  Duke will be in the main lobby with your tickets and directions on how to get to the luxury suite.

Thank you for RSVPing so promptly.  It looks like all will be in attendance except for Zeus and Krome.

No guests or prospects are invited.  Don't wear your cuts.  See you there !

OGRES Night at the Idaho Stampede January 31st

Duke is hosting OGRES Night at the Idaho Stampede on Friday January 31st at the CenturyLink Arena in downtown Boise.  The game starts at 7 p.m. in one of the best luxury suites in the Arena.

Members in good standing are invited to attend along with their spouses.  Besides spouses, no other guests are invited or allowed.

Please RSVP with me, Grim, as soon as possible so Duke and I can make plans for the logistics including leaving tickets at "Will Call" and such.  Do not RSVP with anyone else, besides me, so we can keep the number of attendees straight for planning.

Please do not wear your "cuts" to this event.  Other OGRES outer wear, or underwear,  is acceptable.

It should be a great OGRES outing.

New Years Day "Ride" and OMC January 2nd Meeting Report

Really, Really, Really, Really Crispy

Okay...the original plan for a New Years Day ride, put forth by Rip City, was to meet in Nampa at an eating establishment, have breakfast, go to Givens for a swim, return to Nampa for a snack and to warm up before departing for home.  Rip City wanted to get to Givens at noon when the resort opened to have clean water unsullied by local unwashed youths.  (I may be making up part of this.)

This plan transmogrified into meeting for breakfast arriving by four or two wheelers then going to Givens.  Then further activities would be decided after a swim.

We finally did meet at the Egg Factory by the Idaho Center.  It was packed with people.  Present: Rip City, Scarecrow....er....G-Man, Bomber, Grim and Smooth.  We had a great breakfast with lively conversation and a minimum of lies....er....stories.

Extra kudos to G-Man and Bomber for riding their bikes.  Kudos to Bomber for having new Vance and Hines header, CRF mufflers and high performance intake on his new Street Glide.  Way cool.  Kudos to Smooth for driving his new '64 El Camino to the breakfast. 

I have to admit I did miss the smell of burning rice.

The official OMC January meeting was held on the 2nd at 7 pm. at the Clubhouse.  Present: Duke, G-Man, Smooth, Grim, Rip City, Big Easy and Bomber.  Not present:  Krome and Zeus.

The meeting was called to order and discussion was held about possible rides to supplant the fallback Summer Run at the end of July.  It was decided a north Idaho route would be instituted for the Summer Run.  This will be a 3.3 day ride during the same dates as the Summer Run listed on the website under "Events".  More information as soon as G-Man gets the diagnostics....er....logistics to me.

Another discussion was held about the philosophy of the OMC and it was noted the members have an unusual positive and enjoyable chemistry not usually found in a small group of less than ten.  I am proud and happy to be part of the OMC.  All members fill memorable pieces of the overall OMC puzzle.  "Quality over quantity" has always been the rule for OMC membership.

It was also announced there will be another "OGRES at the Stampede Night" on January 31st, 2014.  More details will follow.  This event is only for OMC members in good standing and their spouses.  No other guests are allowed.

Thanks for the cake and the singing of Happy Birthday.  That has not happened in a long time.  Big surprise.

G-Man and Rip City (second time) won the door prizes.  Nice job.

Be safe and well. 

OMC Membership Dues Needed on January 2nd, 2014

Please bring your $25 OMC membership dues to the mandatory meeting on January 2nd.  If you cannot attend, get your dues to Grim as soon as possible.  Address is available if needed.

This money is used to pay for the website, food at the meetings and other expenses.  Just a reminder as everyone is great about paying promptly and Grim appreciates it.

Mandatory OMC Meeting January 2, 2014 @ 7 p.m.

1948 Panhead

The mandatory OMC meeting will be held on Thursday January 2nd, 2014 at 7 p.m.  The meeting will be held at the Clubhouse on Fairview west of Cloverdale.

http://www.ogresmotorcycleclub.com

Pizza and beverages will be served so come hungry.  Topics include ride plans, new patch designs and all pins and patches will be available.

There will be also be news on the upcoming OGRES night at the Stampede NBA game in the luxury suite.

See all y'all there.

Grim...

OGRES New Years Day Ride January 1, 2014

Knucklehead

The OMC New Years Day Ride will start at the Egg Factory (16011 N. Idaho Center Blvd.*) at 11 a.m.  The usage of two or four wheelers are acceptable for this ride.  After breakfast, around 11:45 a.m., we will ride/drive to Given's Hot Springs for a soak.

After a nice swim, the remainder of the ride/drive will be decided by the participants.

Please let me know if you are able to attend OR if you are not able to attend.

If we do not get enough interest, the ride may be cancelled.

The forecast is 36 degrees with no chance of precipitation and no wind chill.

(*The Egg Factory is right off I-84 right next to the Idaho Center at the Garrity Exit.)

New OGRES Pin Warnings and Kudos

The pins on the back of the new OGRES pins are NOT very robust.  I would definitely recommend making a "starter" hole with a stick pin before installing your pin.  I tried to push one through a Lil' Joes vest without a starter hole and bent the pin clear sideways and had to throw the pin away. 

Many thanks to Krome for fronting the cash for these pins.  He wanted everyone to have three pins up front as a freebie.  (Zeus......Duke has your pins.)  The remainder of the pins are $5 each and Krome wanted the proceeds to go into the OMC coffers to pay for meeting goodies, website rental and such.  Very generous of Krome.

Remember.....stick it before you stick it.

Veteran's Day Ride November 11, 2013

Guest, Duke, Rip City, and Grim

Rip City at Childhood (and more) Home

A call went out from the Sergeant-At-Arms for a Veteran's Day ride.  OMC members and guests met at the Shell station at Highway 44 and Sand Hollow Road.  OMC members present: Duke, Rip City and Grim.  Duke brought two guests along on the ride.

We rode through Notus towards Parma and then turned towards Wilder.  I always really enjoy riding by the beautiful horse ranch at this junction.  We rode through Wilder which happens to be the town that Rip City grew up in.  We stopped at his family home and the current owner was nice enough to smoke her cigarette in the driveway so we could get a cameo photo op of Rip City on the porch.

We then headed towards the drug store that was run by Rip City's father.  It had turned into a "classy" bar since those days.  The Wilder Lounge was closed so we moved out.

We passed by Homedale where I pointed out the Tango Saloon located behind the Moxie Java.  A great place to eat if you are in the area or on a ride.

We rolled through Marsing and proceeded along the river past Given's Hot Springs until we made a stop at Walter's Ferry.  Snacks and stories were exchanged before we headed through Melba and Kuna.

We headed for Meridian to have an afternoon repast at Ed's 50s Cafe.  Unfortunately, the cafe closes at 2:30 p.m. and we arrived at 3.  We went next door at Shari's Cafe.  Rip City had a BLT without L and the T.  And the bacon was very, very, very crispy.

We talked trash and said many disparaging things about all the OMC members who were not present. If an OMC member wants to avoid being trash-talked on rides, the best bet is to be on the ride.

It was a great time and probably the last decent day of the year.  I am glad to be part of making the best of it.  I was so happy I stopped at the Harley dealer and rewarded my Street Glide with a new color matched part.  I'll show it to you later.

OMC November 2013 Meeting Report

Smooth and Big Easy

Rip (Rock) and Bomber (Opie)

The OMC November meeting was held as scheduled.  Present:  G-Man (Scarecrow), Duke, Bomber (Opie), Grim, Smooth, Big Easy and Rip City (Rock).  Absent: Zeus and Krome.

Bomber (I added Opie because Bomber looks just like Opie from the "Sons of Anarchy" television show in the above picture) arrived on his newly pinstriped Street Glide.  Super bitchin' bike.  Can't wait to see it on the road.

Members first enjoyed a splendid repast of pizza, soda and cinnamon sticks while exchanging stories, verbal jabs and general exaggerations.  There was also show and tell concerning very important motorcycle accessories.  Rip City and I need to hit the range until he is comfortable with "cocked and locked".

Members discussed the procedure to displace the Summer Run.  Anyone can present a written plan to the primary officers for approval.  The one main condition is that the ride or ride schedule cannot exclude any OMC member by design.  See the Events Section on the OMC website for what is required for this ride design.

Members also discussed a Route 66 two week ride for this coming summer.  Possible time frames are the first part of July or August.

A plan was also set for a Veteran's Day ride on Monday.  A separate email was sent to all OMC members with the details.  See you there.

Scarecrow.....er....G-Man came up with several ideas about Summer Run replacement rides.  Can't wait to see them on paper.