CLUB NEWS - Viking Chapter

AMCA VIKING CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
December 2015
vikingamca@yahoo.com
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY
Viking Chapter AMCA Inc.
P.O. Box 18304,
Minneapolis, MN 55418
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Upcoming Club Events ………... 2
President’s Message
& Editor’s Note .……………...... 3
2014 Davenport Run …..…...….. 4
Wings & Wheels …….……..….. 8
Meeting at Fury Motors ..…….... 9
Fall Swap Meet ……..……........ 10
Fall Mystery Ride ……………... 11
Meeting at GoMoto ..………...... 12
Bikes 4 Kids ..………...….…...... 12
A Tour Round Lake Superior .. 13
Trip to a Euro BSA Rally.…..... 15
Moot’s Corner ..……...….…...... 17
AMCA 2016 Runs & Meets ….. 19
FunTime ……...……………...... 20
Want Ads …………….......…..... 22
Classified …….…………...…… 23
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
AMCA Viking Chapter welcomes
the following new members:
http://www.vikingmc.org
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT:
Gary Kloss
763-757-1712
g_kloss@comcast.net
VICE-PRESIDENT:
Kerry Rasmussen
651-430-1332
timetraderindian@gmail.com
DIRECTORS:
Mark Jilk
651-207-2190
mjilk3431@yahoo.com
David Glennen
612-616-5025
dglennen@hotmail.com
Timothy O’Keeffe
651-675-6560
okeeffetim@hotmail.com
Laurie Zick
651-332-3913
laurie.zick@co.dakota.mn.us
TREASURER:
Dena Natins
612-770-4146
idn@comcast.net
MEMBERSHIP:
David Glennen
612-616-5025
dglennen@hotmail.com
SECRETARY:
Diane Nelson
612-965-1415
dianem.nelson@gmail.com
WEB/EMAIL:
Doug Nelson
612-559-9595
doug.nelson@gmail.com
DEPUTY JUDGE:
Roger Rimnac
612-825-2550
motorog1@yahoo.com
NEWSLETTER:
Tim Gadban
651-235-5898
tvgadban@gmail.com
CLUB HISTORIAN:
Tom Jones
763-533-9163
Congrats to all new and reelected Board Members!!
Zsolt Feher
Kevin Johansen
Bruce Mills
Raymond McMonigal
1
UPCOMING EVENTS
Note:
Board of Directors (B.O.D) meetings are open to all members. When held at a chapter member’s home, please notify the
host ahead of time.
Wednesday December 9, 7pm
B. O. D. Meeting
Tim & Robin Gadban’s Home
1375 Almond Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
651-235-5898
Tuesday Jan 12, 7:30pm
National Meet Planning Committee Mtg.
Dulono’s Pizza
607 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-827-1726
Wednesday Jan 6, 7pm
B. O. D. Meeting, Doug Nelson’s Home
9715 Mill Creek Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
612-559-9595
Friday Feb 5 thru Sunday Feb 7
International Motorcycle Show (IMS)
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN
612-335-6000
Saturday Jan 9, 4:30 – 9pm
Viking Chapter Holiday Party!!
Wednesday Feb 10, 7pm
B. O. D. Meeting
Gary Kloss’s Home
11932 Jefferson St NE, Blaine MN 55434
763-757-1712
Roseville Ice Arena
2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville, MN 55113
651-792-7000
!! IT’S A POTLUCK !!
$$ SILENT AUCTION $$
## GENERAL MEETING ##
** ANNUAL AWARDS **
++ MEET THE 2016 BOARD ++
- - 50/50 RAFFLE - -
Wednesday Feb 17, 7pm
February General Meeting
St Paul Indian
2967 Hudson Road, St Paul, MN 55128
651-765-9988
Tuesday Feb 23, 7:30pm
National Meet Planning Committee Mtg.
Dulono’s Pizza
607 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-827-1726
Wednesday Mar 9, 7pm
B. O. D. Meeting
Davanni’s, 663 Winnetka Ave North,
Golden Valley, MN 55427
763-398-0303
Wednesday Mar 16, 7pm
March General Meeting
Jack Crane Museum
1301 East Cliif Road, Burnsville, MN 55337
952-927-8126
Bring some grub to share based on suggestions below. The
club will provide snacks, appetizers and beverages.
Tuesday Mar 22, 7:30pm
National Meet Planning Committee Mtg.
Dulono’s Pizza
607 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-827-1726
A-G ……………………………...… entrees & main dishes
Berquist ……………………………………… deviled eggs
H-L …………………...… side dishes, salads, beans & fruit
M-P…………………………. rolls, bread, butter & relishes
Q-Z ……………………………….…... desserts & cookies
Saturday April 2 thru Sunday April 3
DennisKirk/Donnie Smith Bike & Car Show
River Center
Kellogg Blvd & 7th Street, St Paul, MN 55102
651-265-4800
For the Silent Auction bring a desirable item in good condition— artwork, books, posters, etc. (no swapmeet stuff - it
doesn’t have to be a motorcycle related item). This auction
benefits our club and also supplements our Charity Fund.
So get off your kiester and donate that old knick-knack to a
good cause! Bring your stuff to be bagged and tagged.
2
SPARKY’S PLUG
By Ron Spargo
It’s Thanksgiving morning as I write this. The pies are baked, the turkey is in the oven and the house smells like Thanksgiving.
Some of the family has arrived and the others are expected to arrive soon. We have pie at noon (old family tradition), snack through
the afternoon with dinner early evening followed by more pie. I had an early breakfast so I would be in shape for all the eating. Until
everyone arrives I have some time to sit and reflect. I’m very late in getting this, my last edition of Sparky’s Plug, to Tim Gadban
(sorry Tim), our outstanding and very patient newsletter editor. I’m not sure why I’m so late. It’s not that I haven’t had time. All of
my bikes are put away for the season and my winter projects are in the workshop waiting to be the next in line and I can’t go for a
ride because it is (finally) snowing. Perhaps it’s just knowing this is the last one makes me somewhat nostalgic, or not. I know I’ll
have plenty of opportunities to spout off in future newsletters but it makes me think back on the last four years. Looking back is easy
and everyone will have an opinion on how they think we should have done it. Looking forward and trying to figure out what direction the club should go and the best way to get there is entirely another matter. Again, everyone will, or should, have an opinion.
One of the issues we continue to deal with is that so few of our 200 plus members will stand up and express their opinion or even
come to a meeting. Our new President-elect, Gary Kloss, has already put some good ideas before the Board of Directors but he and
the BOD need your input. The start of the new year and the Holiday Party gathering at the Roseville Ice Center in January is the
perfect place and time for everyone to come together, renew old acquaintances, make new friends, eat too much, and really get involved in your club. Some will tell you it is too much work. As one who has been active in the club for almost 30 years I can honestly say “bull”! You will get way more out of your effort than you put in and all it costs is a little of your time. There, I think I’m done
ranting for now but it’s up to you.
The Holiday Party is where our newly elected officers and board members will officially take office. Come meet the new officers
and board members and check out the silent auction table. Bring your Christmas money and bid on those presents you wish you
would have received but didn’t. All proceeds from the auction will go to the club. We may even have a 50/50 drawing so you have
an opportunity to win more cash to spend. And, don’t forget this is a great time and place to renew your Viking Chapter and National dues.
There are many events that carry over from year to year but new events are added to the calendar quite often. Be sure to check the
newsletter and club web page often for the latest additions, updates, and corrections and read the club E-talker notices.
Kath and I wish everyone a happy and joyful holiday season. And it’s ok to hug your motorcycle as long as you hug your wife/
girlfriend first!
BTW - Newsletter ads work! For some time I have had a wanted
ad in the newsletter for a B.S.A Bantam. The right person saw my
ad, contacted me and a deal was struck. Give it a try. It doesn’t
cost anything and it works.
When I acquired my B.S.A Gold Star in June I told Kath that my
quest for the ultimate B.S.A had been fulfilled and I didn’t “need”
any more bikes. She now has the feeling that was not necessarily
the case as two additional bikes have been added to my collection
since my “fulfillment”. “Honest, dear – I really thought I was
cured. “ I guess there is no cure for us old bike nuts – only lots
and lots of treatment!
EDITOR’S NOTE
Well I’m staring out the window as our first snow of the year starts to lay a white blanket over everything. Our fall season was nothing short of spectacular and after I pulled the batteries and covered my bikes I remained optimistic enough to leave my T100 uncovered and ready to ride for a week or two… just in case we get another 40 degree day. Or as my friend Cal says “Never surrender!”
This issue has three great contributions from members: Chip Miller with his story about riding around Lake Superior (see page 13);
Tim O’Keeffe with his experience at a BSA rally in Denmark (see page 15) and finally Dave Moot with a slice of British Rocker
history (see page 17). Stories about trips and experiences, tales and pictures from the history of motorcycling … these are very
welcome things I would encourage any member to send in. You get me a story, preferably with some pictures, and I will try to mash
it together for the newsletter.
I would like to thank our outgoing officers: Ron Spargo (President); Roy Williams (Treasurer); Kathi Rimnac (Membership); Bob
Hopf (Director) and Craig Kotval (Director) for their service, contributions, generosity, patience and good humor.
3
CLUB NEWS
DAVENPORT RUN – 3rd September 2015
0600 group reconnoiter at the Freedom Station in Prescott
and off we go, south on WI 35 with Tom Jones in the lead.
As the dawn breaks we are riding through patches of thick
wet fog … more like ground clouds. Intermittent moisture
but not enough for rain gear.
We stop for breakfast at Beth’s Twin Bluff Café in Nelson
and are joined by Keith Braun.
The route this year took a few more twists and turns than
usual, so we wound up putting in over 400 miles before we
reached Davenport.
The most interesting stop was at the Iron Horse Social Club in Savanna Illinois, a biker bar with a museum in the back and upstairs.
Below are a few of the machines there.
4
CLUB NEWS
DAVENPORT RUN (cont.)
We were spared the precip this year but the heat was definitely jacked up. Lots of sweating in the campground and visits
to the air conditioned Rusty Nail. Because we left on Thursday we got a full dose of the swap meet on Friday.
5
CLUB NEWS
DAVENPORT RUN (cont.)
There were lots of intriguing machines this year for show and judging:
6
CLUB NEWS
DAVENPORT RUN (cont.)
Also because we left on Thursday we got to attend the Friday night boardtrack races, with a couple of eventful moments
for club members:
Kurt Merten took first place in the hand-shift division.
And Cal Spooner won the Milwaukee tools dash. In his own words “Out of entire race crowd, somehow I got picked
with 7 others to do this. We each picked a driver we thought would win from a lineup. Guy I picked won, I got Milwaukee tools .... Clint Erickson took the flag & I took the tools!”
Davenport Rides & Riders:
Cal Spooner, 1973 BMW R60/5; Harvey Berquist, 1975 Triumph T160 Trident; Mark Jilk, 1981 Honda CB750; Tim Colestock ,
1983 Harley Shovel Head; Ken Keslenger, 1995 Harley Road King; Jim Petsch, 2002 Suzuki SV650; Tom Jones, 2003 HD
Sportster; Keith Braun, 2003 HD Ultra Classic; Bob Zick, 2004 Triumph Thruxton; Stan Mewhorter, 2004 HD Sportster; Sean
O'Neil, 2006 Buell XB12; Tim Gadban, 2007 Yamaha FJR1300; Paul St.John, 2014 Can-Am Spyder
7
CLUB NEWS
Ride to Wings and Wheels, Sept 12, 2015
We met up and hobnobbed at Kerry & Sue Rasmussen’s place …. quite a large contingent this year. The weather was gorgeous and
for the most part the ride was leisurely. Then, after some beautiful Wisconsin countryside we pulled into the Osceola airport.
C’mon Ivar … Bob’s head is shiny enough!!
For some reason this year they were hitting up bikers for a $10 “fee” and that didn’t go over too well …. some paid, some didn’t.
After our pancakes and ham breakfast in the hangar we dispersed to take in the sights. The air show was great with stunt planes and
parachute jumps while the display of cars was one of the most eclectic I have seen. We also watched their “Radar Run” quarter-mile
speed trials …. fastest time posted was 140.29 mph by a BMW S1000 RR, while perhaps the most interesting machine was an Arctic
Cat snowmobile rigged with in-line roller blades for skis and nitrous engine boost which reached 112.88 mph.
8
CLUB NEWS
Ride to Wings and Wheels (cont.)
Two club members entered the vintage motorcycle judging and won:
Stan Mewhorter - 2nd place trophy in the Western European class with his 1966 Triumph TR6C.
Kerry Rasmussen - 2nd place trophy in the American class with his 1946 Indian Chief .
And here you can see what a rough time they were having while receiving their awards from a bevy of vintage beauties!
Kerry
Stan
Rides & Riders:
Paul St. John, 1942 Harley 45; Kerry Rasmussen, 1946 Indian Chief; Ivar Natins, 1946 Indian Chief; Dan Conlau, 1946 Indian
Chief; Gavin Thorsrud, 1947 Indian Chief; Mike Crane, 1947 Indian Chief; Eirest Oweas, 1948 Indian Roadmaster; Dave Benassi, 1948 Harley Panhead; Paul Benassi, 1949 Harley Panhead; Stan Mewhorter, 1966 Triumph TR6C; Dena Natins, 1975 Honda
CB400F; Gary Kloss, 1976 BMW R75/6; Mark Jilk, 1981 Honda CB750; Mike Wence, 1991 Honda Pacific Coast; Bob Hopf,
1998 Harley Softail; John & Louise Ulrich, 2003 Honda Goldwing; Carl Cane, 2007 Victory; Tim Gadban, 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100; Michael Warner, 2009 Buell XB12XT
Meeting at Fury Motors, Sept 16, 2015
Once again our gracious host Chris Hayne provided pizza and refreshments. Votes were cast for our new chapter officers who are
Gary Kloss (President); Dena Natins (Treasurer); David Glennen (Director & Membership) and Laurie Zick (Director). Also at this
meeting the proposed amendment to our bylaws (for sexual harassment and bullying) was voted down.
Rides & Riders:
Ivar Natins, 1946 Indian Chief;
Kerry Rasmussen, 1946 Indian
Chief; Dave Rademacher, 1947
Indian Chief; Keith Peters, 1951
Indian Chief; Stan Mewhorter,
1971 Triumph TR6R; Dena Natins,
1975 Honda CB400F; Bob Hopf ,
1976 Honda 750SS; Tim O'Keeffe,
1977 BMWR100S; Mark Jilk,
1981 Honda CB750; Tim Gadban,
2008 Triumph Bonneville T100
9
CLUB NEWS
Fall Swap Meet, Sept 20, 2015
Beautiful day …. great turnout. This event just seems to keep on picking up steam and popularity. We stuck with the $5 entry fee
and that served us well (record turnout) and the weather worked in our favor.
Following its pattern the meet opened at 6 am and wrapped up around 2 pm. Thanks to Tom Whittles and all the volunteers, who
really are the ones that make this event so successful!
10
CLUB NEWS
Fall Mystery Ride, Oct 3, 2015
This year’s Fall Mystery Ride, was organized by Rick Wyatt and generously hosted by Brad Diller at his home on Centerville Road
in White Bear Township. Brad provided us with a bang-up breakfast before we left and a fantastic lunch when we got back. Brad’s
place was also the gathering spot for a combined car and bike show … it was a fun event with some cross-pollination for motorheads
and a chance to meet some new friends.
Mike Crane had a cracked connecting rod in
his ‘47 Indian which got replaced in the nick
of time to make the ride.
The ride itself was interesting with Dave
Rademacher taking the lead and Rick bringing up the rear in his pickup and being the defacto navigator. (He couldn’t ride cos of his
back) We took a couple of errant turns that
Rick corrected … I thought maybe we might
wind up in a quaint out of the way bar, but
no such luck!
It was a great route … twisty country roads
on a lovely fall day. The only tense moment
was a cluster f*%# in a very crowded Taylor’s Falls gas station.
We logged over 100 miles and made it back
to Brad’s for a tasty lunch.
Thanks Brad & Rick!
Mike’s cracked rod
Rides & Riders: Kerry Rasmussen, 1946 Indian Chief; Gavin Thorsrud, 1947 Indian Chief; Mike Crane, 1947
Indian Chief; Dave Radamacher, 1948 Indian Chief; Keith Peters, 1951 Vincent Rapide; Stan Mewhorter, 1966
Triumph TR6C; Chip Miller, 1971 Honda CB750; Dena Natins, 1975 Honda CB400F; Tim Gadban, 1978 Honda
GL1000; Paul Chamberlain, 1981 BMW R100; Mike Warner, 2007 Moto Guzzi
11
CLUB NEWS
Meeting at GoMoto, Oct 21, 2015
Another very generous host for our general meetings is Marty at the GoMoto shop on Washington Ave South in Minneapolis. He
fed us pizza and cookies which always makes for a more productive meeting! BTW - Marty has done excellent work for club members in the past.
Rides & Riders: Paul St.John, 1942 Harley 45; Stan Mewhorter,1970 Triumph T100C; Dave Radamacher, 1974 BMW
R90/6; Craig Kotval, 1974 BMW R90/6; Dena Natins, 1975 Honda CB400F; Roy Williams, 1976 Honda CB550F; Gary
Kloss, 1976 BMW R90/6; Bob Hopf, 1976 Honda 750SS;Ray McMonigal, 1979 Harley FLH; Doug Nelson, 2000 Ducati
Monstra 750; Ivar Natins, 2005 Ural Troyka; Tim Gadban, 2008 Triumph Bonnie T100; Tom Jones, 2014 Royal Enfield GT
Bikes 4 Kids, Nov 5, 2015
Several volunteers from the Viking Chapter went out to the Mall of America to help repair bicycles that are due to be holiday gifts
for needy children. Way to go gang!!
12
CLUB NEWS
A Tour Around Lake Superior on Vintage Japanese Motorcycles by Chip Miller
I was introduced to the idea of the Lake Superior Circle Tour by the Ontario Department of Tourism two years ago at the Progressive
Insurance motorcycle show at the MPLS Convention Center. Superior is the worlds largest freshwater lake by surface area and contains 10% of all of the earth’s fresh surface water. Looked like a fun ride to take and they provided free maps and much valuable
information. I wanted to make the trip after Labor Day and not be harried by a “must be home by date.” The bugs would be mostly
gone by then as well as the constant parade of motor homes that tend to clog things up.
I had originally planned to take this tour last year but my friend who was going to do it with me tore his quadriceps muscle in his
right leg and couldn’t make it. Fellow AMCA and VJMC member John Pedrow agreed to accompany me this year, he on his ’73
Suzuki T500 Titan, and me on my ’71 Honda CB750 K1. At the last moment John’s friend in Duluth, John Karich, agreed to come
along and drive my van with bike trailer for back-up. Both Johns took turns riding and driving every day. John Karich brought his
’72 Honda CB350. I rode the CB750 every day.
I typically don’t like camping so we planned to
stay in the cheapest places we could find every
night. We only had one reservation for the trip
and that was at the Comfort Inn in Thunder
Bay. While there I met up with some well
known nature photographers from the TB area.
We had been friends on Flickr, the photo sharing website, but never met face to face. I have
had three of these Flickr meet-ups over the
years and all turned out to be the really nice
folks I thought they would be. Sandy Ross and
Karen Ramsdale were kind enough to show the
three of us some of the more photogenic areas
in Thunder Bay and we ended the evening with
an excellent dinner. Heck, they even called me
a “gentleman” on their Flickr sites.
John Karich (L) & Chip Miller
The next morning we got an early start and visited Ouimet
canyon Provincial Park. A few miles off the main road
and a short 1/2 mile hike takes you to the edge of this
amazing canyon. Well worth seeing. While there I noticed many birds on their migration route along the canyon's edge. My wife and I are avid birders. I snapped off
a shot or two and determined that this was a flock of golden crowned kinglets. The bug supply up north was getting
thin so they were headed south where the food is.
We continued our ride
along the northern shore
stopping from time to time
to enjoy the amazing scenery. We were lucky
enough to spot a couple of
moose crossing the road in
Ouimet Canyon
front of us as well as a few
turkeys and bald eagles. We stopped in Marathon and traveled south on a dirt road for about ten
miles in the hopes of finding the ghost town of Jackfish. Unfortunately the road ended and a hike to
see the town was required. We decided not to abandon our vehicles so far out in the wilderness. It
didn't seem like a good idea at the time. We mounted back up and headed for White River where we
found a good place to eat and a room with internet.
One thing to remember is that at the time we left a Canadian Dollar was worth about $.75 USD. Some establishments charged you
the same dollar for dollar when paying with cash, even though the Canadian government frowns on this practice. The solution is
simple. Use your credit card.
13
CLUB NEWS
A Tour Around Lake Superior (cont.)
We got an early start out of White River and on into Wawa. It was a cool (39 degrees) that morning and there was a bit of rain to
contend with as well. We had been warned that the next stretch contained no gas stations for at least 80 miles so we fueled up. John
K. ran out of fuel twice on this trip on his little CB350. It only holds about 2.5 US gallons and we were fighting some strong head
winds and long steep climbs. The CB750 never hit reserve the entire trip.
We continued south along the eastern shore and passed back into the US at Sault Ste. Marie. From there we went along the south
shore and up into Paradise on the Upper Peninsula. We were able to get a room at the Paradise Hotel and a good meal in town as
well. After checking in we took a ride about ten miles north of Paradise to Whitefish Point. There is an amazing Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum there that is well worth taking the time to see. We ran into quite a few other motorcyclists at Whitefish Point and, of
course, there was much talk about the old bikes we were riding. Whitefish Point is a must see.
In the morning we headed along the south shore and got all the way to the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. We landed a lakeside room in Copper Harbor at the "Copper King" Motel. A bargain at $100 for the three of us.
We came down the peninsula on the western side and the winding route made
for some great riding as well as some terrific lake views. Along the way John's
T500 decided to crack one of its oil injection lines. He could have run pre-mix
but decided to take the wheel of the van instead.
Both Johns I traveled with are avid collectors of any and everything so we had to
stop at every little bargain shop and garage sale along the way. There was barely any room left in the support van when we got back. We took a leisurely route
through Bayfield in search of lodging. There was no place to stay. We continued south and ended up staying in Herbster, WI. This place was the bargain of
the trip at $65 a night for the three of us and a short walk to breakfast in the
morning. We got going late and took Route 2 through Superior and then back
into Duluth. The CB350 ran out of fuel again on this stretch but we just put her
back on the trailer and continued.
All in all it was a great experience.
(Chip Miller is President of the local VJMC Chapter and an active member of the AMCA Viking Chapter.)
14
CLUB NEWS
My Little Trip to the BSA Rally (or why I missed the 2015 BBQ meeting) by Tim O’Keeffe
Ray tickled the Amal concentric carbs on his BSA Rocket Flash and with one stroke of the kick start lever the bike was purring, it
sounded wonderfully tight, light and ready to roll. I climbed on back and off to the Vejen station we rode, rolling along between 4550 mph through a round about, down a straight and rolled right into the small town train station. The fantastic but too short ride left
me wanting more. Waiting on the platform for my train I marveled at the circumstances that had brought this all to happen.
My wife was given the opportunity to attend a work conference in
the city of Odense, on the island of Funen in Denmark, and I accompanied her. In the week or so before we left I looked on the
world wide inter-nets to see if there were any activities to see & do
while keeping me out of trouble when my better half was conferencing and such. Two events were noted, however it appeared the
first one (a veteran motorcycle gathering at a real castle) would be
happening just before our arrival, the second, the 2015 International BSA rally taking place just 45 minutes away (by train) would be
happening the week of our visit. I checked the usual sources to get
more info and landed at the britbike.com forum There I connected
with a fellow from England named Ray, who informed me a drop
by visit was fine, but on the day I was to drop by the main body of
attendees would be out on a ride to the island Funen, go figure. I
took the 11:30 train, and arrived without incident (by incident I
mean me getting lost) in Vejen, had a lovely sandwich and local
beer for lunch then made the 1.5 - 2 mile walk to the event site. It
was fairly quiet, as most folks were out on the ride, I asked several
of the few that were there if they knew Ray, most answers were the
same (“No”) but ask over there, pointing in a direction I had not gotten to yet.
I met several nice folks, the first of whom was Jens Peter, a local Dane who had ridden his A65 which was on it's third motor, yes the
third one because he wears them out. We had several conversations though out the day and he became my scout for Ray. Next I
spoke with Bjorn, who had ridden his original paint 1971 BSA Rocket, with a fresh engine rebuild. He traveled about 2,500 km to
get to the rally, traveling for hours at the rate of 120-160 kph, you can do the math but he was haul'n. Parked near him was a beautifully restored 1961 Clubman Goldstar ridden from Slovenia. the owner told me the engine was from the USA (scrambler engine
originally) and he was running about 180 kph at 6000 rpm where the engine likes to be. That bike looked fast just parked. Others
rode from Italy, Germany and Czechoslovakia and more.
This type rally was refreshing because it was so focused on the people, their bikes, camping/travel on vintage bikes and just visiting
with one another. It reminded me of our rides to Sturgis, in that way. Although this was a one brand event there were several other
marquee’s present and the nice thing was that the bikes ranged from the 1900's to the early 1970's, plus a half dozen or so side car
outfits too boot.
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CLUB NEWS
My Little Trip to the BSA Rally (cont.)
Other observations: many people said they don't ride old bikes as much in Europe because in Germany in particular on the autobahn
the older machines are too slow and it's hazardous. Many riders wear high viz yellow vests (although not required) and such to be
seen, as distracted driving is an issue there too. Riding in the country looked great, farms, small medieval towns, pubs, etc. I loved
the inventiveness on some of the older bikes, there were not many show bikes and no show display other than a walk about the camp
area. All the folks I spoke with had rebuilt and restored the bikes they were on to be ridden to rally's like this, far off from home.
So remember Ray, I finally met up with Ray, we
had a great chat, I met some of his mates. They
had ridden over, from England, by way of ferry
to Holland and stopped in Germany on route to
Denmark. We talked about his trip and the days
ride on the island. Ray also told me that he'll be
traveling to Boulder, CO and Hawaii in October
visiting and riding BSA's with friends he's made
in the BSA and vintage bike community. Then it
was off to the railway station.
And... FYI, Ron Spargo, I did invite him to travel
with us to Sturgis in 2016. I hope we can find a
BSA for him to ride.
16
CLUB NEWS
Moot’s Corner - Bring on the Brits from Dave Moot
If you pull up YouTube and enter “The Glory Days of British Motorbikes” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGeXjHU0ZHE
you will stumble across a very interesting series of shows produced by the BBC. This time period (1950s & 60s) featured the famous brands of the day … BSA, Triumph, Vincent, Ariel, Matchless, Royal Enfield, Norton, Velocette, etc.
It was a unique era of the “Ton-Up” club (100+mph) and daredevil amateur racing, such as the race from London’s Ace Café which
started when the needle hit a record in the jukebox, with the winner being determined by being the first to return before the record
finished. This gave rise to the term “Rockers” and created a whole genre of bikers who converted their stock machines into “café
racers.” In 1960 alone 14,000 people under the age of 24 were killed or seriously injured in motorcycle accidents!
17
CLUB NEWS
Moot’s Corner - Bring on the Brits (cont.)
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CLUB NEWS
AMCA 2016 Meets & Runs
February 26-27
Omaha Chapter National Meet
Fremont, NE (402) 660-5151
www.omahachapteramca.org
July 15-17
Wauseon National Meet
Wauseon, OH (419) 929-0291
www.wauseonnationalmeet.org
March 4-5
Sunshine Chapter National Meet
New Smyrna Beach, FL
www.sunshineamca.org
August 5-7
Yankee Chapter National Meet
Hebron, CT (603) 401-8851
www.yankeechapter.org
April 22-23
Perkiomen Chapter National Meet
Oley, PA
(610) 948-4553
Perkiomen Facebook Page
September 6-8
Roosevelt Chapter National Road Run
Detroit Lakes, MN (701) 840-2468
Roosevelt Chapter Facebook Page
May 20-22
Southern National Meet
Denton, NC (417) 838-4777
www.amcasouthernnationalmeet.com
September 25-28
Blue Ridge Chapter National Road Run
Ashville, NC (828) 234-3936
www.blueridgeamca.org
May 27-29
AMCA Lucas Oil Vintage Motorcycle Classic
Birmingham, AL
(256) 509-9095
www.antiquemotorcycle.org
September 30 - October 1
Chesapeake Chapter National Meet
Jefferson, PA
(410) 360-4211
www.ccamca.org
May 27-29
European Chapter Meet
Raalte, Netherlands +44.1303.256266
www.amca-europe.eu
October 3-5
Sunflower Chapter National Road Run
Junction City, KS
(316) 461-1778
www.sunfloweramca.org
June 1-3
Phoenix Road Runner Chapter National Road Run
Kanab, UT (including Bryce Canyon) (206) 465-6453
Phoenix Road Runner Facebook Page
June 10-12
Viking Chapter National Meet
St. Paul, MN (952) 443-2020
www.vikingmc.org
June 17-18
Fort Sutter Chapter National Meet
Dixon, CA (916) 485-1721
www.amcafortsutter.org
July 1-2 (Tentative)
Rhinebeck National Meet
Rhinebeck, NY
www.rhinebecknationalmeet.com
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FUNTIME
Harvey … is that you?!?
How the Queen stays young at 89 …. she rides every day!!
Indian Rail Car
Pair of Hogs
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And a Suzuki Gator!
FUNTIME
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WANT ADS
NOTICE To the shop that bought my hydraulic lift over a year ago:
I was cleaning my garage and found two side ramps that should have been included
in the sale. Please contact me to pick them up.
Contact: Paul Meisel
(952) 836-5899
paul@meiselwoodhobby.com
FOR SALE A 100 Year Old Motorcycle Made in Minnesota
I have a 1914 THIEM with a 66 cubic inch motor that
was built in St. Paul. The engine does not run, but if it
did, you would start it with a crank on the rear axle. The motor appears to run backwards, and has a 2
speed rear hub. This was a barn find 35 years ago and
has spent its entire life in Minnesota. I would love to
see the Thiem stay in MN, but if it had to go elsewhere,
that would be great, also. It probably ran when parked
in the 1920's, and would need a lot of work to make it
operational. The Thiem would look fabulous mounted
on the wall of your "man cave". It would be a great
example of "garage art". A V-Twin Thiem may not be the Holy Grail of old motorcycles. That honor goes to Cyclone. However,
since the Cyclone and Thiem were made by the same company, it would seem to me that finding a Thiem might not be like finding
the Holy Grail, but would probably be a little like finding a Dixie Cup from the Last Supper. I have never seen another V- Twin
Thiem. Here's your chance to be the only kid on the block with a V-Twin Thiem!
Reason for the sale: I want to take my wife to Paris for lunch. (She turned down a trip to Milwaukee in the van for beer and brats).
Reduced Price: I had no takers at $200,000, so I've dropped the price to $104,311.88
Contact: Tom Jones 763-533-9163
FOR SALE - 2007 Yamaha FJR1300
Liquid cooled 16 valve DOHC in-line 4-cylinder
145 HP @ 8000RPM - 99 ft lbs torque @ 7000 RPM
Fuel Injected
Shaft Drive
Seat Height: 31.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gallons
Weight: 602lb (wet)
Push-button adjustable windscreen
Hard luggage (quick release) with liner bags
Passenger backrest
Mileage: 5433 miles
Price: $5725
This is a wonderful (and powerful) sport/touring motorcycle … it will hold steady on the freeway at 70 mph all
day long. Handles great even in wind and rain. It has
been well taken care of.
Contact: Tim 651-235-5898
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CLASSIFIED
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