OMC 2017 Summer Run Report

Joy, Lee, Bomber, Krome, Gundy, Grim and G-Man

The intrepid OMC members and guests met at the appointed time and place to begin a great adventure.  Present: Krome, Grim, Gundy and two guests.  Bomber and G-Man had a late start and did not catch up until after the other's arrival in Orofino.  Absent: Duke, Smooth and Rip City.

It was a very pleasant ride up Highway 55.  We made a quick stop at Cascade before continuing up the road northbound.  The ride up Whitebird Hill was exhilarating and almost completely clear of 
cages.  We rolled into Grangeville and stopped for lunch at Oscar's.

Krome, Gundy, Joy and Lee

The meal at Oscar's was very good and the accompanying banter was light and pleasant.  The beverages were also very refreshing.  We barely made it out the door as the dessert tray was right by the exit and everything looked delicious.

We continued on over hill and dale through Kooskia and Kamiah until we arrived in Orofino at the Best Western on the river.  The initial Five lounged in the lobby and enjoyed beverages until Bomber and G-Man arrived, which signaled the time to hit the indoor pool.

The pool was as refreshing and clean as usual.  Gundy and Lee won the "standing on your hands underwater" contest and Lee won the "who can hold your breath under water" contest.  Krome and G-Man wind the "talking about work as much as possible" contest poolside until the Krome was coaxed to insert more of his body into the pool besides his lower legs.  Joy almost went in the water, full clothed, a couple of times but did not quite make it in.

We changed from our swimsuits and eventually made it over to the usually excellent restaurant.  As we approached our table, a large bug could be seen under the table.  It was on it's back and looking horrible.  Thankfully, brave Joy picked it up and put it outside.  

The hostess brought us menus but it became clear the menus were purely ornamental as we could not get a waitress to come by our table for what seemed like hours.  In the meantime, there was much banter, and such, as we whiled away the hour.  I would repeat the conversation here but would have to censor way too much text.

The waitress finally showed up and eventually we were served.  The meal was pretty good although G-Man clearly over ate with his shrimp and salad.  Phew!  I wasn't sure if he was going to be able to finish it.  We all shared desserts as the restaurant was out of most of the dessert menu.  

We returned to the hotel and retreated to our rooms after some conversation.

Joy, Lee, Bomber, Krome, Gundy, Grim and G-Man

We paused for a quick photo opportunity, by the great mural in the lobby, before mounting out bikes and heading for LuLu Pass.

That's right, LuLu Pass is the new name for the segment of road on the way to LoLo, Montana.

Lee, Krome, Gundy, Grim, Bomber and G-man

We stopped in Lowell at the Cougar Canyon Station where we have stopped for ice cream many times in the pass.  Unfortunately, the store has closed although the owner was doing some cleaning.  Not surprisingly, the lady was the daughter of one of G-Man's friends.  He knows people all over the country.  Grim settled for a gatorade from the restaurant/convenience store next door.

Joy and Lee

We headed on and had a very smooth and fun ride up to the top of LoLo, er, LuLu pass.  We stopped at the viewpoint at the top of LuLu pass and took a break.

G-Man, Bomber, Krome and Gundy

We conversed with two young men who were riding there bicycles from Boston to Seattle.  There bikes and equipment were unusually packed and looked like they had MacGyvered their way cross country. Grim was a little jealous.

We head down off the pass and into the heat of LoLo and stopped for gasoline just before arriving in LoLo.  The station had high octane gasoline, without ethanol, and our bikes drank it up.  There was a sighting of possible deep fried gizzards but they turned out to be deep fried mushrooms.  We ate them anyway.  

The group continued down the highway until we arrived in Darby.  The town was packed as there was a big festival and concert going on in town.  We managed to find parking places to make out way to the Blue Joint for lunch.  G-Man suggested trying a new restaurant just up the street from the Candy Shoppe.  We met to ladies just leaving and received mixed reviews but braved on into the restaurant.  

Unfortunately, not only did we receive lackluster nourishment we also made ourselves late to attend the cool shops in town.  We only had 15 minutes to shop and the staff kindly kept the Candy Shoppe open so we could partake.  Grim may have been grumpy without his milk chocolate haystack.

Next year, back to the Blue Joint for lunch.

We started to fire up out bikes when a mass search had to be undertaken to find Scarecrow's eyeglasses.  After a massive search, his glasses were found on a full sized brass stage coach where he had paused for a photo opportunity.  Disaster averted.

We rode on down to Salmon through light traffic and fun, curvy roads.  Just outside of Salmon, a large 3/4 ton Dodge truck pulled out in front of the pack and four of us passed the truck.  The truck accelerated and blocked the remainder of the group.  We all managed to get past the caged idiot and arrived safely in Salmon where we gassed up.  We checked in to our hotel and chilled for a bit until we went up to the Shady Nook for dinner.

Rack of Lamb

Our dinner at the Shady Nook was the antithesis of the dinner the night before.  The food was scrumptious and the service was great. It was a very nice evening.

Road Glide Row in Salmon

As we returned to the hotel, G-Man and Bomber ran into some of their cousins who were in town for a reunion.  Shocker, huh?  It seems they had a nice visit into the night.  No one else could be coaxed into the pool so we all said good night and went to our rooms for a long summer's sleep.  

In the morning, we all assembled and enjoyed a timely exit from the small town of Salmon.  The temperature was just right as we rode down to Challis where we stopped at the park at the Stanley Junction.  Upon arrival, we were ambushed by State Park employees who advised us we had incurred a $5 charge just for pulling into the parking lot.  Some members paid the ransom to be able to use the bathroom while some others refused to be victim's of the State sponsored extortion.  Word to the wise: don't stop there ever again.

We headed on down the road past the famous site of the "Flying Beaver" incident that happened in a previous year.  There may have been some joking about that subject during the course of the Summer Run.

We chose not to stop in Stanley and, upon arrival, found that it was a good decision.  Stanley was packed with people attending an Art Festival and there was no place to park anyway.  We headed on down the mountain and over Banner Summit.  As usual, the temperature increased.  The traffic was light and there were no problems.  We cruised into Lowman and made a quick stop to shed some clothing and gear.  Shortly, we stopped in Garden Valley for fuel.

We parted ways, at this point, with Bomber and G-Man as G-Man had business that needed attention back in town.  The rest of us headed for Crouch for some refreshment.

At the Two River's Grill, we enjoyed great beverages and food attended by a wonderful wait staff.  We had a very nice time there and bantered with a delightful waitress to the point of naming Krome's created dessert after her.  

After lunch, we headed into down towards Banks.  We happened to follow a trailer that sported a huge rear window that acted as a mirror.  We were able to see ourselves in the mirror and witness the high level of bad and bitchin' riders who were reflected.

The trailer pulled over to let us pass in Banks and we headed down towards Horseshoe Bend unimpeded.  The ride was highly enjoyable and smooth down until almost to Boise.  Just before Beacon Light Road, a SUV pulled out of Deep Creek Road causing itself to almost be t-boned by northbound traffic.  Our group had to slow quickly to avoid running up the back of the wayward SUV.  Grim did get close enough to see the personalize plate of "B NICER" on the back of the cage idiot's vehicle.  

We cruised on down to the Stinker Station where we said our goodbyes.  No one really wanted to go home yet and Grim wished it was a longer ride.  

Perhaps it would be fun to have a 6 day OGRES run at some point.

OGRES Motorcycle Club Summer Run 2017 This Coming Thursday

The OGRES Motorcycle Summer Run for 2017 begins this coming Thursday July 20.   Safety briefing will be held at 8:45 a.m.  We will meet at the Stinker Station at State Street (Highway 44) and Old Horseshoe Bend Road.  

More information can be found at:

http://www.ogresmotorcycleclub.com

Smooth and Duke have indicated their unavailability for this run.  So far, I am only aware of two guests.  Please advise if you have information otherwise.

OMC July 2017 Meeting Report

The OMC July 2017 Meeting was held today as scheduled at the Clubhouse on Fairview.  Present: Duke, Bomber, Grim and G-Man.  Excused absence: Rip City.  Unexcused absence: Gundy, Smooth and Krome.

The meeting was opened and Grim brought up the subject of the beginning time of all the OGRES monthly mandatory meetings.  No one seems to remember the meeting, except for Grim, where everyone wanted to change the time to 6 p.m.  A unanimous vote was taken and, again,  the meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month.  Please adjust your calendars.

OMC Meetings are now back at 6:30 p.m. but still on the first Thursday of every month.

Grim also announced we will be meeting at the Stinker Station at State (Highway 44) and Old Horseshoe Bend for the OMC Summer Run.  There is more room at the back and much safer for pulling out as a large pack.  We will also end the ride at the same location.

The members in attendance had a nice meal at the restaurant next door.  We badmouthed the absent members even more than usual due to the circumstances.  Topics of discussion included the upcoming solar eclipse, the OMC Summer and Fall Runs and the doubtful ancestry of missing OMC members.

'Nuff said.

OGRES Motorcycle Club 2017 Spring Run Report

Grim, Krome, Gundy, Smooth, Bomber, Rip City and G-Man

It was a cool, wet morning for a ride over to Notus for all to meet up at the Garage Cafe.  Present: G-Man, Rip City, Bomber, Smooth, Gundy, Krome and Grim.  Two guests were also present.  Absent: Duke.

We enjoyed a nice meal and also checked out a nice ride belonging to the owner of the Garage Cafe.  

Rip City had the guy start it up and the rumble of the 426 Hemi was a fitting sendoff for our Run.

After a short safety briefing, we headed off for a nice Run segment to Baker City.  It remained cool and overcast with just a few drops of rain.  Quite pleasant actually.  It was good to be back in the saddle with the OGRES brothers.

Our first stop was in the center of Baker City at one of our favorite fueling stations.  Gundy was smart and chose to hit the head before fueling his bike.  This turned out to be fortuitous as the line for the facility became long and sketchy.  

We took off and headed through Haines.  Grim was reminded a a great meal in Haines and maybe next year we stop there instead of Notus.  We headed into the foothills only to have the heavens dump rain upon us.  We stopped in Cove and donned our rain gear which proved to be a good move as we were rained on the rest of the way to Joseph.  

When the weather is better, we will take a nice route through Summerville but the wet weather was a deterrent on this trip.  We arrived in Elgin to find out usual lunch spot, The White Horse Cafe, to be closed and was being renovated by the new owners.  The mother (?), father (?) and son (?) looking alarming alike and banjo music wafted down from the foothills.  They did direct us to a cafe in town which turned out to be pretty good.

The Cowboy and Angel's Place quickly threw a motley collection of tables, chairs and a divan into an eating space for our gang.  The food wasn't half bad and we will probably make the cafe our lunch spot for the future.

Gundy's Surprised Look

It was a nice ride over to Enterprise with only light rain and little traffic.  It is always nice to ride through the rural towns and along the river.  We stopped in Enterprise for fuel as the little one pump Chevron station in Joseph can be a bottleneck the following morning.  While we were fueling, G-Man could be seen sniffing the air like a bloodhound.  It was clear he had detected "rust" in the air and would soon start howling.  Part of the group accompanied him to seek out the source and the rest of us rode the last 6 miles into Joseph.

After all had arrived  and moved into our rooms at Walter Brennan's Indian Lodge Motel, we headed downtown to check out our usual haunts.  Chocolate haystacks and strong coffee were first on Gundy and Grim's list.  We then headed to the t-shirt shop where Grim bought his wife a new t-shirt with Chief Joseph on the front.

Okay, okay....it was a purchase for Grim but he failed to notice it was 100% cotton.  After washing, it fits his wife unless he can get another OGRES member to buy it at a reduced price.

We then found the sign shop, the lumber yard and the sporting goods store among other things.

Some had a short nap after shopping and others rode out to the Lake to check out the wildlife.  We then went to the Stubborn Mule for dinner.  No photographs are available for this activity as we were there so long, Grim's phone died.  We had to sit at two different tables, hostile locals looked at us like we had killed their children and all the children who survived were loudly in the restaurant.  The woman who won the local "Shrill Laughing Voice" contest at the local county fair was at the table right next to us along with the other millennials who were trying their best to show how loud and clever they could be.  It should be called the "Airport" cafe due to the long "lines" at each stage of our meal: ordering the food, receiving the food, getting the checks and paying for the checks.  

We walked up the street to the Outlaw Cafe for ice cream to find they were closed.  The owner, however, was nice enough to let us in for ice cream.  Much to our surprise, we found the owners of the Outlaw Cafe and the Indian Lodge Motel to be one and the same.  And there were coupons in our rooms for food at the Outlaw.  Dang it.  Well, we know where we are eating next year.  That will be much better than Grim ending up in jail for discharging a firearm inside the Stubborn Mule.

Rumor is there was a poker game in one of the OMC members room that night.  A new banker will be appointed next year (Grim) as self service turned out with more chips on the table than money in the bank at games end.  Rumor has it all players had a great time as four members left their $5 at the table for the other three players.  

The next morning we adjourned at the Cheyenne Cafe which was much less crowded than usual.  No complaints from Grim as his ears were still ringing from dinner the night before. 

We finished loading up our bikes and headed for Hell's Canyon.  It was a nice ride up the first side.  Grim was in the process of thinking it was strange to see no deer on the road as we were getting close to the overlook turnout.  Just then, around the bend, were two deer on the left side.  A quick engine rev, and they were in the woods.  Not fifty yards further, a large bird arose from the right side of the road.  A golden eagle !!  Grim and Rip City had not seen a golden eagle for quite some time. 

OGRES Members with Guests

We arrived at the Hell's Canyon overlook.  The scenery was especially breathtaking with the clouds and coolness in the air.  Not near as hot as it is when we are normally there in August.

The crew then rode down past Scotty's and then on down to Brownlee Dam.  (Several made an emergency stop at Scotty's and then caught up).  We then swooped on down into Cambridge only to find The Ranch House had closed. 

So we ate at the only cafe in town.  It was deja vu, however, as our waitress from the closed cafe was in attendance and served out table.  It was okay but as we left Cambridge, I spotted a couple of great replacement restaurants around Midvale where we will probably stop next year.

We continued on down through Weiser and Payette and headed down Highway 52 through Sand Hollow ending up west of Middleton at the Highway 44 junction.  We said out goodbyes and headed for our respective barns.

There is no doubt this was a great trip and strong group riding skills and etiquette were in evidence.  The chemistry of the group both on and off the road was greatly enjoyed by all.

Can't wait for the Summer Run.  

2017 OMC Spring Run.....FInally

Joseph, Oregon

The OGRES Motorcycle Club Spring Run to Joseph, Oregon is this coming Friday, June 16th.  We will meet at the Garage Cafe in Notus at 8 a.m. or earlier.  Kickstands up at 9 a.m. after a short safety briefing.  

More information can be found at this link:

http://www.ogresmotorcycleclub.com

June 2017 OMC Meeting Report

We met at the appointed time and place for the meeting.  One of the members did not ride his motorcycle so we walked next door to Sockeye to grab some dinner.  Grim's rule is everybody rides or no one rides.  Present:  Smooth, Bomber, Gundy, Grim and G-Man.  Absent:  Krome, Duke and Rip City.

We made a special effort to talk trash about the members who were not present as that is the custom and most fun.  

A vote was called to abolish "Socials" and to make monthly "Meetings" instead.  The vote was unanimous to have monthly mandatory meetings and to take "Socials" out of the OMC lexicon.

A great time was had by all and I am sure there were many cool things that were said and done.  The only problem is Grim took too long to write this report and forgot everything.  Oh well.  

See you on the 16th for the Spring Run.  More info can be found at this link:

http://www.ogresmotorcycleclub.com

OGRES Motorcycle Club Social Tonight at 6 p.m.

The OMC June Social will be held tonight at the Clubhouse on Fairview at 6 p.m.  All member in good standing are expected except for Duke and Rip City, who have conflicted schedules.  See you there.

OGRES MC May 2017 Meeting Report

OMC members met at the appointed time at the Clubhouse on Fairview.  Present:  Krome, Grim, G-Man, Rip City, Gundy and Duke.  Absent:  Smooth and Bomber.

Krome had his new Road Glide Special ready to run and we checked out the rad and gnarly things he had done to make the Glide his own.  The ride was very nice and up to OGRES standards.  Rip City and Duke were giving their bikes a good cleaning so as to best represent the OMC.

We met briefly and officially welcomed Gundy as an OMC member in good standing.  Darn glad to have him as part of the motley crew.  Grim hardly recognized the newly shorn Gundy and hoped he hadn't lost his super powers with this locks of hair.

We decided to head to Rudy's for dinner and took off en masse to that location.  We put together our table and found we had a waitress who was experiencing her first night on the job.  Even though some members found her appearance easy on the eyes, in Grim's estimation it did not make up for the fact she managed to get every order screwed up either in content or in lack of proper timing.  One member was very forgiving, due to her appearance, and another enjoyed having his arm brushed by her luxuriously long hair and being called the "Grand Poobah".  She must have missed seeing the President patch on Grim's cut.   

At first, there was no requisite vanilla ice cream, according to the dishing damsel, but miraculously ice cream did appear at the end of the meal.  Hmmm.  It was still a great meal and the food was good and the company entertaining.  

There was a lively discussion concerning the efficacy of making plans the evening of the last day of an OMC ride.  Some make it a practice of relaxing/recovering after the OMC ride and others go to movies, and such, with the significant others in their lives.  You can read between the lines. so to speak.  Grim applauds those intrepid planners.

Grim also announced the Summer Ride in 2018 will remain the same but the Spring and Fall rides will be swapped back to where they have always been.  The reasons for changing them for 2017 have disappeared as if by conspiracy.  It was probably the Russians or Trump, according to the Press.

See you in June for the Social on Thursday the 1st.

By the way, the above picture depicts the new sticker available for use on vehicles and the like.  I will have them for OMC members at the June Social.

OGRES MC May 2017 Mandatory Meeting at 6 PM

The next OGRES Motorcycle Club mandatory meeting will be held this coming Thursday, May 4th, at 6 PM.  We will meet at the Fairview Clubhouse.

Gundy will be officially inducted into the MC and we will either ride somewhere for dinner or food/drink will be provided at the Clubhouse.

See you there.  (Smart ass comments as needed in this space.)

OMC April 2017 Social Report

Rip City, Grim and Gundy

The intrepid OMC members met at the appointed place and time for the Social.  Present: Rip City, Gundy and Grim.  Absent: Duke, G-Man, Bomber, Krome and Smooth.  

We climbed aboard our two wheeled steeds and took the Massacre Park loop along Joplin and Lincoln roads, taking the long way to Middleton.  We stopped at the Sunrise Cafe in Middleton for some food.  

The waitress took our order and Gundy managed to fend her off about her willingness to go for a ride on his Harley.  Our salads came and Rip City ate Gundy's salad to show him how OGRES treat new members.  The meal was the usual small town cafe fare and Rip City finished his meal with his usual ice cream.  I enjoyed the cornbread with honey and butter.

A couple of gentleman sat next to us and gave us the eyeball.  Rip City adroitly hopped up and introduced himself.  Turns out one of them was an Iron Warrior and the other was a Sober Rider.  We told told them they weren't badass enough to be in the OMC and a fight almost broke out.  Okay, not really.  We actually had a nice conversation with them and cracked some jokes and told some lies.

Darkness fell like a thick curtain and the loyal and bold headed home into the night.

OGRES April 2017 Social Thursday April 6 at 6 PM

The OMC April 2017 Social is this coming Thursday at 6 PM.  We will meet at the Clubhouse on Fairview and decide where to ride from there.

Let me know if you can't make it so we aren't waiting around for nuthin'.

OMC 2017 "Challis" Fall Run Update

I talked to Marine Mike at Challis Hot Springs today.  They are all set for us concerning the OMC Fall Run, specifically the evening of August 25th, when we will be spending the night there.

He confirmed the following reservations:  Bomber, G-Man, Grim, Rip City, Krome and a Guest.  That means there are three rooms left.  Currently, they are reserved in Grim's name.  Room number 3, 4 and 5 are still available.  When you call for your reservation, make sure they know it is for the OGRES and that your name needs to replace mine on one of those three rooms.

On May 1st, I will be calling Mike to have my name removed from those three rooms and they will be open season for any caller.  I don't want them to lose money because we didn't fill the house.

Mike also confirmed that there will be dinner for us, just as in the past three years, at the bed and breakfast.

I know they were closed for a few months but now they are open and ready for reservations.  There is a rumor that the 4th generation owners may be getting regulated out of business so this may be our last year here, as we have known it in the past.  

Please call me if you have any questions about the above.

Exercising Leadership

Leading the pack or a look inside Grim's brain:

Have a basic pre-ride briefing outlining rest stops, lunch stop and such.

Designate lead and sweep.

Don’t pull out from a stop until everyone can do so safely.  Avoid “speed racer’ and unnecessary passing movements.

Accelerate and decelerate slowly and gradually to avoid yo-yo and accordion effects.  This includes initial movements and speed limit signs.

Allow the group to “bunch up” at controlled intersections, when possible, before proceeding.

Don’t pull over until it can be done predictably and with enough room for all.  

Don't pull out until it can be done predictably and with enough room for all.

Do the speed limit or, at most, 5 above depending on road and traffic conditions unless group is previously advised.

Don’t leave anyone behind due to speed or ability.  No reason for anyone to have to catch up.

If all riders don’t make it through a controlled intersection, the group will slow down in the right hand lane or pull over if roadway does not allow.

Any Leader commands override everyone else unless there is danger involved.

A few notes on sweeping.  You could become the sweeper at any time.  Unexpected turns, the bike at the back waits, etc.

March 2017 OMC Meeting Report

G-Man, Krome, Bomber, Prospect, Duke and  (Grim, photographer)

The OMC members gathered at the appointed time and place.  Present: Bomber, G-Man, Krome, Grim, Duke, Rip City (momentarily) and Prospect.  Absent:  Smooth.

Rip City was under the weather and departed after fulfilling a commitment with the Prez.  He is a man of honor.

We immediately heartily engaged ourselves in powering through as much Taco Bell cuisine as safely possible.  What a treat!  Big thanks to Duke for providing the TB and to G-Man for the liquid refreshment.

We introduced the Prospect to all attendees although he is well known to all of us from many rides and contacts.  Grim will be conducting an email ballot very soon to confirm his membership.  Please answer my email in a timely manner.  If the Prospect is ratified, his membership will be formalized at the May meeting.  I am only using Prospect to describe the new prospective member as his nickname is yet to be decided by the Prez.  

We discussed possible excursions to Front Sight training in Pahrump, Nevada for pistol and/or rifle training.   Grim is looking at dates at the end of April or the beginning of May.  The four day rifle class is beckoning Grim.  Here is the link to the training site:

https://www.frontsight.com

Grim then presented a short primer on "Grim's mindset and focus" when leading an OMC run.  All present became quite engaged in the discussion and important questions were raised and answered along with the outline handed out by Grim.  This outline will be the focus of the next President's Blog post.  It was a great discussion and great knowledge and illumination was gathered by all.  A future discussion will probably be repeated when the two absent OMC members are present.

We badmouthed and talked trash about the missing members for the proper commensurate amount of time per tradition.

Grim remembers laughing pretty hard, at times, but doesn't remember exactly why.  Guess that's okay.

Krome displayed pictures of his new Road Glide Special and it should be present at the April Social. Information about the April Social will be forthcoming.  Hopefully, the weather will be nice enough for a ride to dinner somewhere since daylight savings time will be in effect.

The door prizes, in Grim's opinion, were some of the best ever and the only loser turned out to be Krome.  He did get a new copy of the OMC Constitution and By-Laws so he didn't leave completely empty handed.  

See you at the April Social.  Please let the Prez know if you are not able to attend (Grim already knows Bomber and G-Man will be absent smelling out rust somewhere.)

OMC Mandatory March Meeting Thursday March 2, 2017 at 6 p.m.

The OMC March Meeting will be on Thursday March 2nd, 2017 at 6 p.m.  We will meet at the Clubhouse on Fairview.  This meeting is mandatory for all OMC members in good standing.

Food and drink will be provided.  A short primer on "leading" an OMC run will be covered along with other topics of importance.

Let the Prez know if you are not able to attend this mandatory meeting...otherwise...see you there.

OMC February "Valentines Day" Social with Spouses Report (Uncensored)

It was a glorious winter's evening that the most intrepid OGREs and their spouses met for the OMC "Valentines Day" February Social.  Members present: Grim, G-Man, Smooth and Bomber (with their lovely spouses).  Members absent:  Duke, Rip City and Krome (and their spouses).

Bomber and his bride showed up at Sockeye Grill initially and tried to find our reservation with the hostess.  None of the obvious choices were working.  Finally, it was discovered the reservation was under "Mr. Sherman".  Yeah, I know.  The Vice President made the reservation so anything can happen.  And, even though he was two doors away, he showed up last.  I know.  We derived a lot of pleasure by telling stories and making fun of G-Man before he finally arrived.

We did have a really nice table right next to the fireplace and we eventually got down to business ordering food.  Bomber and Mrs. Grim basically dominated the conversation at the east end of the table with Grim and Mrs. Bomber barely able to get a word in edgewise.  I hope someday Mrs. Bomber will be able to get over her wallflower shyness.

We spent the prerequisite and mandated appropriate amount of time trash talking and deriding the OMC members who were absent.  New secondary nicknames were chosen for all three absentees.

At one point, Mrs. Bomber alerted Grim that it appeared that Mrs. G-Man was trying to lick him.  As Grim turned to return the favor, he adroitly knocked over her glass of soda.  With catlike reflexes, Mrs. G-Man. averted the waterfall with only a small "hit" on her left leg.  This incident turned out to be fortuitous.  More on that in a bit.

A lively discussion was held about the pros and cons of G-Man finally getting a new motorcycle or Mrs. G-Man getting a kitchen remodel.  I believe G-Man will continue to ride his "blurple" Road King as Mr.s G-Man seemed pretty immovable on the subject.

Next time Grim thinks we should play musical chairs halfway through dinner so that the conversation does not naturally stay divided into two and all can visit with more members and their spouses.  However, it was extremely fun and the laughter was only surpassed by the small child who shrieked right behind us at one point.  

Everyone passed on dessert which was not a surprise as Rip City is the one who usually starts the dessert run and he was in Phoenix sunbathing.

We finally decided we better depart before the restaurant threw us out for being so boisterous and for homesteading our table.  As we got up to leave, Mrs. G-Man and Grim mutually chided each other about the mess the other had made on the floor with the soda pop.  Mrs. G-Man looked down and saw a credit card that had unknowingly escaped from Grim's wallet.  Had the "soda glass" incident not occurred, Grim's credit card would have been lost.  God watches over fools and orphans (Grim).  And it gave Grim a story to tell.

As we stood by the table before leaving, Grim had a great conversation with the ladies about hair color preferences and styles. Grim doesn't know what the guys talked about.

It was a very nice time and made Grim wonder about more spouses socials.  Maybe a discussion at the next meeting is in the offing.

OMC "Valentine's" Social with Spouses on February 2nd at 6 PM

Our February "Valentine's Day" Social with Spouses will be on February 2nd at 6 PM.  We will gather at the Sockeye Grill at Fairview and Cloverdale.  

OMC members should be in attendance even if their spouses are unable to attend.  Each OMC couple will cover their respective dinner expenses.

No cuts/colors should be worn in public with our spouses.

I will reserve space for us with the restaurant.  Please let me know if you cannot attend, otherwise I will expect to see all y'all there.

For future reference, the Socials with Spouses will be in February and August.  The August Social will be held at Smooth's home this year.

January 2017 OMC Meeting Report

G-Man, Bomber, Duke and Rip City

The meeting convened at the appointed time and place.  Present:  Bomber, G-Man, Grim, Rip City and Duke.  Absent:  Krome and Smooth.

The meeting started with the distribution of the "in the door" prizes.  Each attendee received special beginning of the year prizes which included automobiles and jewelry.

We then dove into the delicious Taco Bell extravaganza that was so generously provided by the Sergeant at Arms.  I believe the President won the taco eating competition.

We then reviewed the upcoming three OMC sanctioned Runs, this season, and passed on more information concerning those rides.  See the Ride Calendar on the OMC official website for details.  I would not procrastinate making reservations, especially for Joseph and Challis.

A discussion and vote was held about the OMC Run guest policy.  The members present unanimously voted to leave the policy "as is" and not limit the amount of rides per year a guest can attend.  Members eloquently voiced the pros and cons culminating in the voted outcome.  Any guest still must be approved, well in advance, by the President.  Please consult the Appendix in the OMC Constitution for continued guidance.

A discussion was then held about the Winter Spouses Social since the Stampede Social literally left town.  It was discussed and voted that the Winter Spouses Social will be the February Social.  More about this to follow but plan on bringing your spouses to the February Social upcoming in three weeks or so.

It was also discussed about extending an invitation for membership to "Dan".  It was expressed he has been on enough rides and we have had enough exposure to him to offer membership as he has already virtually "prospected".  The final decision has been tabled until Smooth and Krome can give their input as I will not extend an invitation without the aforementioned input.

Duke introduced a ride he will be making to New Mexico in September and invited the membership to join him.  He can and will provide more information in upcoming meetings and such.

There was a short musical number by the OMC members concerning the President's birthday and a yummy cake was cut and eaten.  Thanks to Duke for remembering this occasion with this delicious cake.  The President is always pleasantly surprised.  

See you at the February 2nd OMC Social with Spouses.  Details about when and where will be promulgated through this Blog very soon.  We will probably get a private room at a local restaurant and all get together for dinner.  More info soon.

It is great to be part of the OGRES Motorcycle Club.

OMC Meeting Thursday January 5, 2017 at 6 PM

Our next OGRES Motorcycle Club Meeting will be this coming Thursday, January 5th, at 6 PM.  This is a mandatory meeting unless you have been excused by the President.  

Important topics will be discussed and voted upon.  2017 OMC Runs will be reviewed and discussed.  

2017 New Year's Day OMC Breakfast Report

It was a cold, snowy wintery day when intrepid OMC members braved the arctic elements to meet for a delightful breakfast repast.  Present:  Bomber, Grim, Smooth and G-Man.  Absent: Krome, Duke and Rip City.

I couldn't resist the Marion berry pancakes but neither could Bomber and G-Man.  The food was excellent and so was the conversation.

It was decided we should produce a new hit television show called "Motorcycle Pickers" and model it much like "American Pickers" but with only motorcycle related items.  And then we would sell them on eBay along with Air Jordans and old telephone mouthpiece items. We are all gonna be rich except for those members who were absent.

A heated discussion almost started up about ride guests but it was put to rest until Thursday.  We talked trash about all the members who weren't there, as per past tradition.  We did miss greatly everyone who could not be there.

Happy 2017 and we all look forward to a great OGRES riding season.  

'Nuff said.

Change: OMC New Year's Day (Observed) Annual Breakfast January 2nd at 9 a.m.

Change in plans.  We will not meet on Saturday, however,  the annual OGRES New Years Day breakfast social has been moved to New Years Day (Observed) on Monday, January 2nd at 9 a.m.  

We will meet at Steve's Cafe at 2483 East Fairview Avenue in Meridian.  

OMC New Year's Eve Day Breakfast Social December 31st.at 9 a.m.

Due to New Year's Day being on Sunday, the Annual OMC New Year's breakfast will be on Saturday December 31st at 9 a.m.  We will meet at the Express Cafe in Meridian.  

Sorry for the short notice.  The new year kinda snuck up on me.  Thanks to Bomber for the reminder.

OMC December 2016 Social Report

Wow!  Probably one of the most fun meetings or socials I have attended.  Present: G-Man, Smooth, Bomber, Duke, Rip City and Grim.  Absent:  Big Easy, Zeus and Krome.

Special thanks to Duke for bringing the Taco Bell extravaganza for us to feast upon.  I think I ate more than my allotment but I am not apologizing.  You just can't beat those Doritos Tacos, as far as I am concerned.

We then had the White Elephant Christmas gift exchange and that was also a lot of fun.  Members ended up with a belt buckle, rabbit and lizard seat cover, collectible Hillary Clinton nutcracker, a novelty skull, Harley clip or a can of Harley Davidson oil.  Many steals and trades occurred adding to the suspense.

Along with politics, many other discussions were held.  Several discussions will be revisited during the January meeting including the guest policy, Ride Calendar, meetings and socials and spouse-included Socials.

New 2017 ride calendars and the updated OMC Constitution and By-Laws were handed out.  These need to be reviewed, by members,  and most discussions will be taken back up at the very important January meeting.

Meetings and socials will be at 6 p.m. for 2017.  All dates on the OMC event calendar are written in stone so people can plan their schedules.  No dates will be changed no matter the level of attendance.

The soiree was concluded with the inspection of Rip City's new ride.  A complete inventory and inspection was completed and ended with Rip City leaving most of the rubber on the rear tires on G-Man's concrete driveway.  You just can't beat the smell and testosterone building process of a good burnout.

See you January 5th, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Clubhouse on Fairview.