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.

2017 OMC Calendar Now On OMC Website

The 2017 Calendar of Events has been posted to the official OGRES Motorcycle Club website.  You can check it out at the link below:


http://www.ogresmotorcycleclub.com


There are some changes definitely worth checking out and making note of.  There will be more discussion at the OMC Social tomorrow night and at the January meeting.

OGRES Social On December 1st at 6:30 p.m. WHITE ELEPHANT EXCHANGE

Our next OMC get together is Thursday December 1st at 6:30 p.m.  Yes, Smooth, the meeting is at 6:30 p.m., not 6 p.m.   (6 p.m. meeting/social starting times will begin in 2017).

Everyone please bring a wrapped white elephant gift to exchange at the social.  We will begin the evening festivities at the Clubhouse on Fairview.

Please contact me if there are any questions or absences so I can plan the party accordingly.  It should be maximum fun.

OMC Meeting This Coming Thursday Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

The next mandatory OMC Meeting is this coming Thursday, November 3, at 6:30 p.m.  We will meet at the Clubhouse on Fairview.  Grim is in Portland, Maine putting on a training class so contact G-Man if you are unable to attend.

Tentative - 2017 Dates for OMC Sponsored Events - Tentative

The reason the post title shows "tentative" twice means that much discussion is still needed.  

The January 5 meeting will be very important for everyone to attend as the $50 yearly dues need to be turned in at that meeting and there are many items of business to discuss.  

These items include the changes in meetings and socials, the guest policy for OMC Runs, OMC Run changes and many more.  

Please make every effort to be there at 6 p.m. (new time).

2017 O.M.C. Events

2017 OMC Meeting & Social Dates

January 5 – Meeting

February 2 – Social

March 2 – Meeting

April 6 – Social

May 4 – Meeting

June 1 – Social

July 6 – Meeting

August 3 – Barbecue

September 7 – Meeting

October 5 – Social

November 2 – Meeting

December 7 – Social

All Meetings are mandatory, and at the Fairview Clubhouse at 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise notified.

All Socials are non-mandatory, and at the Fairview Clubhouse at 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise notified.

OMC Members and ratified Prospects only.

Spouses are invited to the Barbeque.

 OMC Joseph Spring Run 2017

• Friday   June 16       235 Miles

The ride will begin with breakfast at the Garage Café in Notus, Idaho at 8 a.m.

Notus - Parma - Nyssa - Baker City - Haines - Elgin.

Lunch will be at the White Horse Cafe in Elgin.

Elgin - Wallowa - Enterprise - Joseph.

Dinner will be at the Stubborn Mule in Joseph.

Overnight lodging will be at the Indian Lodge Motel (541-432-2651) in Joseph, Oregon. Each rider must make their own reservations.

• Saturday   June 17      220 Miles

Breakfast will be at the Cheyenne Cafe.

Joseph - Pine Creek - Hells Canyon - Cambridge.

Lunch will be at The Ranch House in Cambridge.

Cambridge - Weiser - Payette - Sand Hollow - Middleton.

This ride is open only to OMC members and who they invite.  Guests must be approved by the President.

OMC Salmon Summer Run 2017

• Thursday   July 20    244 Miles 

 The run will begin at the Chevron Station at Highway 55 and Beacon Light at 9 a.m. sharp.

Horseshoe Bend – Banks – Cascade – McCall – New Meadows – Grangeville – Orofino

Overnight lodging will be in Orofino at Best Western Rivers Edge, 615 Main Street, (208) 476-9999.  Each rider is responsible for making their own reservation.

• Friday   July 21        292 Miles

The run will continue with departure at 8 a.m. sharp.

Orofino - Kamiah – Kooskia – Lochsa Lodge – Lolo – Florence – Victor – Hamilton – Darby – Sula – Salmon

Overnight lodging will be in Salmon at The Stagecoach Inn, 201 Riverfront Drive, (208) 756-2919.  Each rider is responsible for making their own reservation.

• Saturday   July 22      251 Miles

The run will continue with departure at 8 a.m. sharp.

Salmon – Challis – Stanley – Lowman – Crouch – Banks – Horseshoe Bend – Boise

This run is open to OMC members and who they invite.  Guests must be approved by the President.

 OMC Challis Spring Run 2017

• Friday   August 25    271 Miles

The run will begin promptly at the Chevron at 9:00 a.m. at Gowen Rd. and I-84.

Boise - Mountain Home - Carey - Arco.

Lunch will be at Pickles in Arco.

Arco - Mackay - Challis.

Overnight lodging will be at Challis Hot Springs for the first 8 guests who make reservations. Call the Challis Hot Springs at (208) 879-4442. Get your own reservations.  The remaining riders will make arrangements to stay in town.

Bring money to pay for dinner which will be prepared and served at Challis Hot Springs.

• Saturday   August 26     220 Miles

  

Breakfast will be at Challis Hot Springs. All but those 8 lucky folks who made reservations will have to pay for breakfast at the Hot Springs or eat in town.

We will depart at a time set by the Ride Captain. Time is needed for soaking in the pool. Bring swim suit.

Challis - Stanley - Lowman - Crouch.

Lunch will be in Crouch.

Banks - Horseshoe Bend - Boise.

This run is open only to OMC members and who they invite. Guests must be approved by the President.