OGRES MC 2017 Fall Run Report (Challis)

Gundy, Joy, G-Man, Rip City, Lee, Bomber, Grim, Fresh, Duke

OMC Members present:  Gundy, Duke, Rip City, Grim, Bomber and G-Man (caught the pack at Challis after a late start).  Guests: Joy, Fresh and Lee.  Absent:  Krome and Smooth.

Members and guests met at the appointed start and had a nice breakfast/safety meeting.  The Sgt. at Arms made sure the ride began on time and we headed down towards Mountain Home.  Traffic was fairly light on the freeway and even less traffic was experienced on the road through Fairfield.  The weather was perfect and the ride was smooth and pleasingly uneventful.

Gundy, Stephen, Joy and Duke

Lee, Rip City, Bomber and Duke

We made a stop at Timmerman Hill to stretch our legs and have some snacks.  The temperature had increased but was still comfortable.  

We started up again and headed out through Picabo and Carey.  Between Carey and the Craters of the Moon a domesticated pig "road kill" was spotted on the side of the road.  Poor piggy.  Riders had never seen that sight before.  Perhaps the pig jumped from the back of a cage.

Gundy, Joy, Fresh, Grim, Duke, Bomber, Lee and Rip City

We rolled into Arco and stopped at our usual lunch spot.  The place was pretty packed but we found a table for eight.  Everyone settled in except for Grim who continued to look for a better table.  One happened to open up with more room right next to a window.  With much moaning and complaining the crew moved to the lovely table claimed by Grim.  During our visit, we were regaled with stories, jokes and bugling by a military veteran "subtly" identified by his apparel.  It was fun to experience his repartee with Duke.  No one got a picture of him, much to Grim's chagrin.

Joy made a comment about the nice weather and Lee advised her the weather can change at any time along the route between Arco and Challis with showers at any time.  Lee jinxed us.

We grabbed some fuel at the local Chevron, er....., Mobil station and headed towards Mackey.  It was a nice ride through Mackey.  Past Mackey, it was evident we had just missed a good storm as the road was wet and the passing cars were throwing up spray.  We had a tailwind, however, instead of the usual strong crosswind.  We did experience a couple of light showers, albeit a little lighter than a shower.  A sprinkling?

We rolled into the Challis Hot Springs and checked into our rooms. It didn't take long for everyone to hit the water.  The water felt great and we stayed in quite a while.  Grim had foresworn any alleged rock throwing so the atmosphere was pretty relaxed.  G-Man showed up mid-dip and caught some trash talk as he made it into the water.

Duke, Fresh and G-Man made sure to have a wet business meeting so as to be able to write off the trip on their taxes.  Grim was glad to be retired.

We took off at 6:30ish to make our way to dinner.  We were going to the Challis Lodge to check out the new ownership but G-Man insisted we go to the Teacup Cafe, Bakery, Expresso Shop and Foot Massage Parlor.  The place closed at 8 pm. and it was clear we caught them off guard with such a large party as we experienced a slow start with the service.  Most of us had Prime Rib but Fresh was smart and had the special: New York steak.  Most had a nice meal and others......not so much.  

We grabbed some fuel and some snacks at the local gas stations and headed back to the Challis Hot Springs.  We decided to forgo a card game and had a nice bullshi....., er, visit in the house.  Rip (60 Minutes) City interviewed Bomber about the intimate details of his life.  Others avoided the spotlight.  Rip City smelled like high octane for some reason and we all got a little high from the gas fumes emanating from his person.  Participants ensured the commensurate amount of trash talk was given about the OMC members who did not make the Run.  

Gundy, Joy, G-Man, Rip City, Lee, Bomber, Grim, Fresh and Duke.

Duke announced it was past everyone's bedtime so we called it a night and hit the sack.

The breakfast the next morning was the usual excellent fare that the Challis Hot Springs crew, Cathy and Mike, always serve and we filled up.  Shortly thereafter, we were off and down the road towards Stanley.  The 62 miles to Stanley were the usual tremendous curves and roads we always enjoy.  Even the construction zone was opened for the weekend so there were no delays.  We rolled into Stanley and took a little break for Advil and other more savory snacks.  

We rolled out of Stanley and soon crested Banner Summit and headed down the mountain to Lowman.

Our intention was to merely stop and check out the newly opened Lodge in Lowman but after venturing inside, the cool dining room and the overall welcoming ambience lured us in for lunch.  The planned lunch in Crouch was forgotten.  It turned out to be the best meal of the Run and the respite was very pleasant and filling.

Eventually, we headed down to Garden Valley where fuel and the promise of ice cream awaited.  We fulfilled both promises and then headed down the rest of the way to our finishing point at Highway 44 and Old Horseshoe Bend Road.

What a great Run.  The company, weather, roads and food was outstanding and made us wish there was another Run before cooler weather prevails.  

Hmmm...

OGRES MC 2017 Fall Run This Coming Friday

The OGRES MC 2017 Fall Run is happening this coming Friday.

We will meet at the Chevron Station at Gowen and I 84.  The safety briefing will begin at 8:45 a.m. and we will be rolling promptly at 9 a.m. sharp.

If you are late and have to catch up, the itinerary is on the website at this link:

http://www.ogresmotorcycleclub.com

I talked to Mike at the Hot Springs today and they will not be serving us dinner due to manpower and other restraints.  I assume they will still be serving us breakfast.

So we will eat in town at the Challis Lodge and Lounge.

So far, by my count, all members are going.  Let me know if you are not going.  Also remind me if you are bringing a guest other than:

Grim:      1 guest
Gundy:   1 guest
Duke:     1 guest

See you Friday morning.

OMC August 2017 Meeting Report - Spouse's Barbecue at Bomber's Crib

Gundy, Duke, Rip City, Grim and Guests (Photographer: Bomber)

OMC members present: Grim, Rip City, Duke, Gundy and Bomber.  OMC members absent: G-Man, Smooth and Krome.

OMC members met at the appointed place and time for our annual Barbecue with our spouses.  Many, many thanks to Bomber and his lovely bride for the great hospitality.  

Members and guests first met in the formal garage for hors d'oeuvres.  We all had a nice chat while Bomber finished up the steaks on the new grill.

No one was trampled during the transition into the dining room although Grim had a free hand in moving around the place markers for the diners.  The boy/girl/boy/girl tradition, however, was upheld.  We were served the largest and most tasty steaks Grim has witnessed along with delicious green, fruit and quinoa salads.  It was a gastronomical delight and the best meal Grim has enjoyed for a long time.  

The conversation was witty, intelligent and mostly funny.  We spoke of homilies, politics, race and religion but no fist fights broke out and things remained calm.  

We sat around for quite some time, after the food was consumed, trading stories, lies and pointed insults/trash talk/disdain for the OMC members not in attendance.  At least 2/3s of the missing members had good excuses for not attending.  

After dinner, the guests checked out Mr. Bs collection of homemade pendants and marbles.  Each guest even left with a very nice bouquet of flowers in used moonshine jars.

The men adjourned to the driveway to talk cars, motorcycles and to further talk trash about the OMC members who were not in attendance.  I should not have been surprised, when the conversation turned to classic cars, to see the picture Rip City conjured up on his phone.  Bomber and I talked of the classic Bel Airs, DeSotos and Pontiac Chieftains that are the mainstays of American culture.  Rip City interjected with his phone picture of a Datsun B2000.  Holy cow.

I checked out the very cool Mustang in Bomber's garage but the car paled in comparison to the DeSoto parked next to it.  

As the evening waned, Bomber turned to Mrs. B and stated that they better go to bed so Grim could go home.  Grim got the hint and the screech of tires could be heard through the neighborhood as he departed.

Next year, the barbecue will be held in September again.  Perhaps then Krome will show up instead of celebrating his wedding anniversary and G-Man will hang with his OGRES brothers instead of doing a motorcycle trip with the Crash Riders.

Huge OGRES thanks again for Bomber and Mrs. B for hosting such a marvelous and fitting evening.  Wow.

Peace...Out.

How...Big Chief...Vertigo City

An OGRE is An OGRE - No Matter Where They Are

How Big Chief

Rip City Found A 2cc Rehab Indian

Rip City

Is in OGRE mourning, wearing OGRE black veil

Sack cloth and ashes.

Sitting in lazy boy with neck brace at 45 degrees looking straight forward into oblivion.  So sad all dressed up in brown leather in my mind and making motor sounds.

I am really bummed.

Ride free and talk trash freely of me and my bike.

Rip

OGRES Motorcycle Club Summer Barbecue with Spouses at Bomber's Home August 3rd at 6:30 p.m.

The Annual OGRES Summer Barbecue will be held this coming Thursday, August 3rd, at Bomber's home.  Be there at 6:30 p.m. to experience a memorable evening with our spouses.

It is my understanding that Krome and Smooth are unable to attend.  

I need a head count to give to Bomber so let me know if you are attending or not.

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.