OGRES MC 2020 "John Day" Spring Run

OGRES MC members and guests gathered at the appointed location and time. A short safety briefing was held and the particulars of the day were discussed.  OGRES MC members present: Duke, Grim, Rip City, G-Man, Bomber, Gundy and Krome.  OGRES MC member absent: Slick. OGRES MC Emeritus member absent: Smooth. Four guests were also present: Stephen, Joy, Leann and Rowdy.

G-Man, Krome and Rowdy did not start the ride with the OGRES MC main group as they were going to meet us in John Day that evening.

The day began with almost perfect weather albeit to the cool end of the thermometer. We rode pleasantly through Parma, Nyssa, Vale and took our first break in Unity. We made use of the one bathroom and grabbed some snacks.

We proceeded through the mountains and enjoyed some great twisted roads both forested and flatland. It was one of the best rides of the decade through the area to bring us in to lunch at Sumpter.

We ate at the only place open in town after gassing up at the only gas station in town. There was only one pump so Grim, Leann and Rip City shared a tab. The fuel was no ethanol premium at a premium price of $34.00 for the three bikes. Wow.

The lunch was pretty good and we lucked out just as a large table was opening up. We made fun of each other but we were all especially jealous of Rip City's choker necklace. Rip City was as fashionable as always.

Rip City, Bomber, Duke and Grim (camera)

We climbed back aboard our iron horses and headed on up the road through some more great curves, turns and landscapes until we reached the infamous town of Ukiah. For history on Ukiah, read back in this blog about the 2016 OGRES MC Fall Run. We stopped to take a break but the store was closed, no surprise, and we took a memorial picture just as we did in 2016.

Grim, Bomber, Duke, Rip City, Leann, Joy, Gundyand Stephen (camera) (2020)

G-Man, Duke, Stephen, Grim, Bomber, Rip City, Joy, Gundy and Krome (2016)

It was smooth sailing down to Long Creek, the site of the infamous Sonny Barger incident years ago, and on to the mountains. The weather had cooperated, up to this point, and we stopped for a break at a roadside campground.

G-Man, Duke, Stephen, Krome, Rip City, Joy, Bomber, Gundy, Leann, Mike and Grim (camera)

We hit a spot of wind and rain between the campground and John Day but we quickly rode through it. We arrived in John Day and found the Best Western and our rooms. Some members took a nap while other members shopped and refueled.

Grim was looking forward to eating at the Grubsteak Mining Company Restaurant having great memories of eating there 10 or so years ago. The Fergus Burger was awaiting. In the vein of being kind rather than right, let's just say the meal was not as good as remembered but did fill the belly. As we ate, the trio of G-Man, Krome and Rowdy could be seen pulling into town through the front window of the restaurant.

We met up with the aforementioned late trio as we were heading back to the motel and compared experiences and notes. We recommended they go to The Outpost for dinner. It was reported it was much better than what the larger group experienced.

The next morning came with a pretty steady downpour of rain. We headed to breakfast at the Outpost. We had to sit at two tables to meet the Covid-19 friendly guidelines. The service and food were great. By the time we finished our morning repast, the rain had subsided and we vamoosed before it could start up again. 

Due to the forecast of high winds and heavy rain in the Jordan Valley area, it was decided to go to Burns and then take Highway 26 to Vale. We experienced a little rain on the road the Burns but it wasn't as bad as expected.

A short, turned long, stop for gasoline occurred in Burns before we headed on down Highway 26. It was a windy but pleasant ride. Traffic was light and mostly well behaved. Next year we will take the southern route as many of the group have not experienced that journey.

We stopped for gasoline in Vale and found the Starlite Cafe right next door. We took the opportunity to have lunch there.

Duke, Gundy, Joy, Rip City, Rowdy, Krome, Leann, Grim, Bomber, Stephen and G-Man (camera)

We had a great lunch with crispy, crispy, crispy, very crispy chicken nuggets and tater tots. At one point, Joy instigated a cracker food fight by saying, "You can't do that". After the crushed crackers were cleaned off of Joy, Rip City and the surrounding area we had a great meal with exquisite conversation. Homemade pie was the fitting cap of this experience.

We said our goodbyes, at this point, after taking the obligatory photos. We had back towards the Treasure Valley with members and guest peeling off and heading home.

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

Guests: Stephen, Leann, Joy and Rowdy

OGRES MC 2020 Spring Run Update

Fergus Burger

The OGRES MC 2020 Spring Run will be held as scheduled on June 12th and 13th.. The safety briefing will be held at 7:45 a.m. at the Sinclair Station at Old Highway 30 and Highway 44 just west of Middleton, Idaho.

Details at this link:

http://www.ogresmotorcycleclub.com/events.html


Be there or be square.

Grubstake Mining Company Restaurant

Grim's 2020 Memorial Day Ride

Mountain Home, Idaho

Grim rode 300 miles today along with stopping at Mountain Home to make sure his father's gravesite was all fancy for Memorial Day.

My father, Hal Wilson Walker, was as patriotic as they come and he loved holidays. He was also one tough hombre. I miss him greatly.

Hal Wilson Walker

OGRES MC May 2020 Meeting Report

OGRES MC Members met at the appointed time at Bomber's crib for the May 2020 meeting. Members present: Duke, G-Man, Gundy, Bomber, Grim, Krome and Rip City.  Members absent: Slick and Smooth.

We began the meeting with 4 gourmet pizzas from Flying Pie Pizzeria generously provided by Krome. They were delicious and hot as they were delivered to the door. At one point, shots were almost fired when Grim went to open a bottle of soda that had been previously shaken by G-Man. The bottle fizzed over spilling onto Grim's fresh Air Jordan 13s. The violence was averted by Rip City's quick intervention by getting the sticky mess off of the aforementioned "joints".

The first order of business was a motion put forth by Grim reference granting our Emeritus member, Smooth, the assignment of "chase car" for the sanctioned and sponsored OGRES MC Spring, Summer and Fall Runs. There was a discussion followed by a vote. The vote was unanimous to assign Smooth to "chase car" status for the aforementioned OMC Runs with the following guidelines:

     Smooth must utilize his most cool cages for the assignment.

     No member is allowed to have any of his gear to be transported in Smooth's cage. Smooth is only allowed to carry member's booze, broads or AR-15s.

     Smooth still must follow all Club rules when it comes to rides, including getting permission for any and all guests. Smooth will follow the sweep motorcycle at a distant agreed upon by the sweep rider and Smooth.

The next discussion centered around the Spring Run and what contingency plans were needed in case the John Day ride fell through. The general consensus was that we would do an alternative ride on the same dates rather than postpone the Run until later in the summer. Stay tuned.

Grim started a discussion about a 10 year Anniversary patch but little interest was shown and the discussion died.

We made sure to have the customary trash talk about the missing members: their collective and personal appearance, parentage and such.

G-Man then championed a race between Bomber and Rip City since they both had their Coleman mini-bikes on site. We moved to the drag strip (street in front of the house) for the race. Wagers were placed and cash was collected.

Bomber won handily as Rip City's bike was hampered by the cute basket on front and the mighty luggage rack on the back, big enough to haul out an elk.

Other members decided to try their prowess on the mini-bikes. Grim won the prize for coming the closest to "pegging" G-Man as he intrepidly manned the video camera.

                                                   

                                                  

After everyone got their turn on the bikes, we all said our goodbyes. Grim, G-Man and Bomber had an after meeting meeting for about another hour or so before we also headed home.

Stay tuned for updates on the Spring Run. At this point, the Run is on as planned.

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

OGRES MC Mandatory Meeting May 7 at 6:30 p.m.

The OGRES MC mandatory May 2020 meeting will be this coming Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

It will be held at Bomber's house.

Food and beverages will be furnished.

There is plenty of old business and new business to discuss.

Let Grim know if you are NOT attending.

Be there or be square.

OGRES MC Updates for the May Meeting and the Spring Run

Pre OGRES MC. - Summer 2006

As of right now, we will still have an OGRES MC mandatory meeting on May 7th, 2020. (I'm not scared...you're scared!)  A final decision on whether to hold the meeting will be made by May 1st. Stay tuned.

The OGRES MC 2020 John Day Spring Run will be held as currently scheduled. The details are on the website or in your handbooks.

That is all...

Latest Elvis Sighting

The upgrades to Elvis are almost complete. The following have been installed by Carl and Sue at Boise Cycle:

HD Screaming Eagle Smart Tune Pro Automatic Tuning Module coupled with HD Screaming Eagle Pro Street Tuner

HD Screaming Eagle Ventilator Extreme Air Cleaner

Vance & Hines Power Duals Header

Vance & Hines Raider 450 Mufflers

Grim ran out of money for the Progressive 944 rear shocks and LED headlight but everyone needs something to look forward to.

Grim can't wait for the riding season and the OMC Runs.

Peace out.....

OMC Member Motorcycle Showcase - Grim's Harley-Davidson XL1200N

OGRES MC March 2020 Mandatory Meeting Report

G-Man, Gundy, Rip City, Smooth, Grim and Duke

OGRES MC members met at the appointed place and time. Present: Duke, Smooth, Grim, Rip City, Gundy, G-Man and Krome. Absent: Slick and Bomber.

After greetings and pleasantries, Grim handed out the individualized, customized, stream-lined, super bitchin' OMC member handbooks. The new handbook is filled with upgrades galore including the new Spring Run for 2020. 

Electronic copies of the OMC members handbook will be emailed very shortly including the Events calendar.

The new Spring Run was discussed in detail and it was finally made clear that the ride will be ridden in a counter clockwise fashion beginning at the Sinclair just west of Middleton. Until we actually arrive in John Day, it will remain a mystery if G-Man will order a Tuna Melt or a Fergus Burger for dinner.

The new updated Meetings and Events calendar is on the website along with the contact information of the hotel in John Day. Their rates go up as their occupancy goes up so make reservations right away.

http://www.ogresmotorcycleclub.com

Grim ashamedly admitted he had "spaced" the firearms training and will get it set up immediately.

There will be an auxiliary 4 day ride the first week of August. The exact dates are yet to be determined but it looks to be an excellent ride. More info along with hotel contact information will be sent in the next week.

The OGRES MC members then voted to go next door to the Sockeye for dinner. We woke up Rip City so he could accompany us. Krome had to leave, at this time, to go to some baloney meeting in Meridian. 

We had a great time at the Sockeye talking about many subjects along with talking trash about the absent members. There were stories, lies and some time was spent looking at our respective thumbs.

The next meeting will be in May and more discussion will be had concerning the riding season's activities.

Grim has a lot more time this summer and will organizing many voluntary but very fun Saturday rides.

Stay tuned...

2020 OMC Spring Run

OMC Member Motorcycle Showcase - Rip City's Ride

Rip City and his 2014 Indian Chieftain

Rip City bought the first Indian Motorcycle from the Indian dealer here in Boise when they opened back in 2014. I remember test riding motorcycles with him and this one definitely was the winner.


More member's rides will be showcased in the President's Blog when nicely posed photographs are received by OMC members.

Mandatory Meeting This Coming Thursday, March 5, at 6:30 p.m.

There is a mandatory OGRES Motorcycle Club meeting this coming Thursday, March 5, at 6:30 p.m.  It will be held at the Clubhouse on Fairview Avenue. 

This is an important meeting as the updated OMC by-laws will be covered along with a refresher on "Leading a Run".

We will also be discussing possible replacements for the Spring Run as our main reason for that Run, the Challis Hot Springs Bed and Breakfast, is no longer on the table. The Summer and Fall Runs are set in stone for 2020 and won't be changed.

This is a possible run, of many to consider, to replace Challis:

Be sure to let Grim know if you cannot attend. Food and drink will be provided or we will go next door for dinner.

'Nuff said.

OMC Very Special Valentines Day Meeting with Spouses Report

Mrs. B's New Ride

The annual OMC Valentines Day Blowout began at the appointed hour and place. 

Members present: Duke, G-Man, Grim, Rip City, Gundy and Bomber.  Emeritus member present: Smooth.  Spouses present: Pam, Sherry, Jeannelle, Stephanie, Joy and Brenda. 

Special guest:  Stella

Members absent: Krome and Slick.  

Grim had such a great time that he only took one photograph. Grim feels bad about this omission as Bomber and Mrs. B. created such a beautiful and enjoyable dining experience for the attending OMC Members and Spouses. 

The table was done in a wonderful Valentines Day motif including balloons hanging from the ceiling, chocolate candy strewn on the table and a great dessert.  Caesar salad, barbecue ribs, baked potatoes, fruit and veggie trays and a lovely artichoke dip were laid out ready for OMC enjoyment.

I knew Mrs. B had great courage but it was confirmed when she allowed Rip City to drive her '57.  Wow.

It was a much nicer evening than we have had previously at a restaurant. It was a lot more open and fun for socializing, checking out gas pumps in dining rooms and generally being celebratory.

Many, many thanks for Mr's B. and Bomber for stepping up to the plate after Grim struck out when trying to find a restaurant for this event.  They definitely turned an ugly ducking into a beautiful swan.

Bomber's New Indian

OMC Valentines Day Bash with Spouses this Friday

The annual OGRES MC Valentines Day Bash with Spouses is this coming Friday, February 14th, at 6:30 p.m. 

The bash will be at Bomber's home and will be semi-catered.

It is important that all members let Grim know immediately if they are attending with their spouses or not attending.  Grim needs a head count to make sure the appropriate amount of food and drink are procured.

Thanks for your quick and timely responses.

Rebirth and Re-Energized

Grim V

Saturday night I took Elvis, the "King", out for what I had planned to be a short "shake down" spin. It turned out to be a three hour return to my roots.

As I rode, I felt like I had gone back 10 years in time. I had to look around my immediate area to make sure I was not on my black FatBoy. This Road King Special is so much more agile, quick handling and light compared to my Road Glide and Street Glide. Someone at Harley-Davidson was thinking straight when they released this in 2018.

The new frame and fork design and geometry are really an improvement along with the 114 cubic inch engine. Wow! My motorcycle self is re-energized and I can't wait for warmer weather.

I came home two times and just rode on by past my house for a longer ride. I finally made myself stop on the third pass with much regret.

Now to change out the very ugly air cleaner and exhaust system along with a new tuner. Vance and Hines Raider 450s, Vance and Hines Power Dual header, HD extreme flow air intake and HD street tuner with the Pro auto tuner.

Can't wait...

Elvis Sighting (The King)

Grim and his 2019 Harley-Davidson FLHRXS

New Additions:

HD 16 inch windshield
HD turn signal relocation kit
Wild One 14 inch Classic Ape handlebars and risers
HD Extended Floorboards
SoftBrake foot control levers
Joker Machine foot pegs and pad
HD Chopped engine guard
HD Crankcase breather
Joker Machine bag handle inserts
HD rear license plate frame and hanger
Custom Dynamics LED turn and brake lighting
Performance Machine Contour grips
HD Black shift linkage

Superb customer service and workmanship by Sue and Carl at Boise Cycle LLC.  Unmatched attention to detail.

http://boisecycle.com

The installation of a Stage One system is next when Grim's wallet recovers.

OGRES MC January 2020 Meeting Report

G-Man, Gundy, Krome, Bomber, Duke and Grim (photo taker)

OGRES MC members met at the Clubhouse at the appointed date and time. 

Members present: Duke, Grim, Gundy, G-Man, Bomber and Krome.  

Member absent: Rip City and Slick.

We started the meeting by breaking bread with pizza and soda. Conversation swirled around motorcycles, missing members and excitement for the OMC Runs coming up for the year.

There was a short discussion about the recruitment of new members. While the OMC is not actively recruiting, new members would be welcome as long as they fit in as well as the current members. Recruiting, however, is not at the top of the priority list for the OMC. Members were directed to review the guidelines for prospects and guests in the OMC Constitution and By-Laws.

Guests for OMC Runs should be carefully chosen and shall be approved by the President in a timely manner.

Grim passed on the intel that was previously shared with him by Rip City. Rip City had scouted out the overnight venues for the upcoming OMC sanctioned runs and no conflicts or problems exist at this time. Members should still make their reservation for the three OMC sanctioned runs as soon as possible before conflicts arise. Grim will procure the largest cabin in Challis so we have a place to hang out depending on the weather.

The Vice President led a discussion about several possible rides outside the sanctioned OMC Runs. The consensus of the members was that a Pacific coast ride was a the top of everyone's list. 

Grim reminded all members that the three OMC sanctioned Runs were default Runs and could be supplanted with a replacement. A member would need to submit a replacement run to the President,  in a formal written manner, similar to the format used in the OMC schedule at this time. 

We then had the gift exchange. It was kind of a wild and woolly exchange with many twists, turns, surprise and steals. It was a lot of fun and all were good sports with great gifts.

Bomber

Duke

G-Man

Krome

Gundy

Grim

Grim is hoping to send out many emails for semi-impromptu rides beginning as soon as the weather is warm. Hopefully, it will be a more active riding year for the OMC as many members may be more available.

The next OGRES MC activity is the "Night Out with Spouses" on February 14th. More details to come.

Grim appreciates all the members and their hard work and loyalty to the OMC.

Mandatory OGRES MC January 2020 Meeting on January 9th at 6:30 p.m,.

The OGRES MC January 2020 meeting is this coming Thursday, January 9th,  at 6:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse. 

Grim is excited as it is his favorite OGRES MC meeting of the year.

Please bring your $50 dues to the meeting if you have not already paid. Grim may not have change so try to have the exact amount.

We will also have our annual gift exchange. Bring a gift to exchange. There is a $100 limit on the value of each gift.

There will also be some very cool door prizes. 

So sad for you OGRES MC members that have already declared an absence. We will take plenty of pictures to make you feel even worse that you are missing this meeting.

OGRES MC 2020 New Years Day Breakfast Report

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

Brave and intrepid members of the OGRES Motorcycle Club met at the appointed place and time for the 6th Annual New Years Day breakfast. Members present: Gundy, G-Man, Rip City, Slick, Grim and Bomber. Emeritus member present: Smooth. Members absent: Duke and Krome.

Rip City and Grim were first on scene and procured the banquet table for the club. Gundy showed up on Old Grey and was the only member brave enough to ride his Harley-Davidson. The last member to show up was...you guessed it...G-Man but he was only 7 minutes late...a new record.

There was one member who it took a bit to recognize but memory returned and it was Slick!?!? We had almost forgotten what he looked like. Welcome back!

We all ordered our meals and the real conversations got underway. Of course, the talk centered around motorcycles, women and we also caught up with each other on life's events that had transpired.

One discussion centered around the controversy of which member had missed the most OGRES activities and...shocker!...the two main contenders were not present at the breakfast!?!? So we talked trash about the two missing members as is OGRES MC tradition. 

While we were dining, a very impressive sleet storm passed by outdoors and we worried a little about Gundy and his machine out in the parking lot. Fortunately, Gundy's back was to the window and he did not have to witness much of the mayhem. 

We also discussed situational awareness and the importance of being alert to the world in many ways. 

We also talked about the wonderful freedom and escape the OMC brings us as a group.

Everyone was grateful for the fellowship and camaraderie the OMC brings us all along with the opportunity to get away from the world that the OMC provides.

Happy New Year to all OGRES and their loved ones!

OGRES MC Annual New Years Day Breakfast

The annual OGRES MC New Years Day Breakfast will be held at The Sunrise Cafe, 6767 West Fairview Avenue in Boise. The cross street is Allumbaugh.  

We will convene at 9 a.m. on...you guessed it...New Year's Day.

This event is open to OGRES MC members and and Emeritus members only.

Be there or be square.

OGRES MC November 2019 Meeting Report

2020 Indian Challenger

Members of the OGRES Motorcycle Club met at the Clubhouse at the appointed time. Members present and accounted for: Duke, Rip City, Grim, G-Man, Gundy and Bomber. Emeritus member present: Smooth. Members absent: Slick and Krome.

The new limited edition coins were revealed. All the members seemed to approve of the special anniversary coin. Coins and money quickly changed hands and the Sergeant of Arms collected the cash. Rip City was nice enough to procure two coins for Slick as he was out of state. Nice man.

A short discussion followed concerning the frequency of the official OMC mandatory meetings. It was voted to keep them the same...every other odd month of the year on the first Thursday.
Although two of the meetings will be on the second Thursday of the the month due to holidays and the annual barbecue will be on the first Friday of September. 

The official 2020 OMC Events Calendar will be released shortly as soon as a couple of details are nailed down. 

SPECIAL NOTE: The Valentines Day dinner with spouses will be Friday, February 14th. All will meet at the Clubhouse at 6:30 p.m. G-Man will be making the reservations at the Sockeye Grill.

Grim committed to finding a date near the end of January for firearms training on the condition that members will do their best to be available. This training also will include certification for the Enhance Concealed Carry permit. 

Nominations for new Primary Officers was opened.  No nominations for new Primary Officer were offered. Nominations were closed. Grim remains the President, G-Man the Vice President and Duke remains the Sergeant at Arms.

A draft copy of the OMC 2020 Events calendar was passed out to the members for review. All the dates seem to work for everyone except there was discussion about moving the OMC Spring Run to the second week of June instead of the first week to try for better weather. Further discussion to come. All members present appeared to be able to make the change. 
Absent members need to let Grim know of their availability on June 12th and 13th instead of June 5th and 6th for the Spring Run.

Bomber made a motion that OMC members move the meeting to the Sockeye Grill. It was seconded by Grim and vote was unanimous for relocation of the meeting.

Even with a goofy waiter, and his accomplice, we ordered quickly and received some great food. As usual, everyone's food looked better to Grim than what he ordered. 

It was a fun and pleasant time with the conversation mostly being table wide instead of having two or three conversations. Politics, music and comedy were discussed and public figures ridiculed. 

Absent members were denigrated for their priority decisions and...well, Grim will not go into details to avoid hurt feelings.

Our next event will be the annual New Years breakfast on, you guessed it, New Years Day. The location will be disclosed in a followup correspondence. 

The next mandatory OGRES MC meeting will be held on Thursday, January 9th at the Clubhouse. 

Since we don't meet in December, our annual gift exchange will be held at that meeting. The dollar limit of gifts is $100. This limit is necessary because of G-Man's predilection of throwing money around willy-nilly.

Peace...Out.

Mandatory OGRES MC Meeting This Coming Thursday, November 7th, 2019

The November 2019 mandatory OGRES MC Club meeting will be on this coming Thursday, November 7th, at 6:30 p.m. Attendance by all OGRES MC members, in good standing, is mandatory unless expressly excused by the President.

The new Limited Edition OMC challenge coins will be available, at the meeting, for purchase by OMC members. They turned out even better than expected. The members only price is $10 each.

We have many important topics to discuss:


OMC sanctioned Spring, Summer and Falls runs

Nominations for Primary Officers

Member votes on several issues

Review of leader and rider etiquette 

Discussion of training opportunities


Dinner will be part of the activity whether it be "take out" or at a restaurant.

Be there or be square...