Schedule of Club Events - BMW Motorcycles of Asheville

July - 2015
BMWMOA Club #353 & BMWRA Club #339
Schedule of Club Events
7/4
Saturday
The 4th of July,
Club Holiday, No Social gathering
Enjoy the holiday with family and friends.
8/1
Saturday
9am Social Gathering
Asheville - Eurosport Asheville
30 Bryson Street, Asheville, NC 28803
7/19
Sunday
9am Social Gathering
Asheville – Atlanta Bread
484 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC
8/16
Sunday
9am Social Gathering
Asheville – Atlanta Bread
484 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC
7/21 Tuesday 7:00pm Club Meeting –
BBQ and Bike Night
Asheville - Eurosport Asheville
30 Bryson Street, Asheville, NC 28803
8/18 Tuesday 6:00pm Club Meeting –
Annual Club Picnic
270 Beaverdam Rd., Asheville, NC 28804
Please RSVP to Events Coordinator
through link at www.abmwr.org by 8/14/15
The Blue Ridge Breeze
Mark Your Calendars
July 19-26, 2015
THE GS GIANTS
Oh man, this is going to be big! In fact, it's gonna
be a Giant Stampede! This event coordinates with
the BMW MOA National Rally. Here's what we
do: Meet-up on Sunday ahead of the rally in the
BIGhorn Mountains - Ride and party together for
two days on the Gypsy Tour - Ride the
adventurous way to the rally on Wednesday - At
the rally: riding practice, training, seminars, day
rides, a women-only ride and a fun competition
track Everyone makes a ton of new friends and
has a big time. Come join us. For more info and
registration, visit gsgiants.com
July 2015 Page | 2
June Social Gatherings
By Gary Cox
Great roads, good friends, motorcycles, and vintage
airplanes pretty much sum up the social gatherings for
June. After the first Saturday Social Gathering several
people rode down to the Western North Carolina Air
Museum for the “Just Plane Fun” Air Fair and Fly-In.
There were several well restored planes and
automobiles. You can see the pictures from our club
photographer Perry Hebard at, http://perryhebard.smugmug.com/ABMWR/June-2015-ride-to-AirShow/ . You can check out other club photos here as
well. Thanks Perry!
July 23-26, 2015
BMW MOA International Rally
43rd Annual Billings, Montana
Billings, Montana will play host to BMW MOA
members July 23 - 25, 2015 at the MetraPark
Fairgrounds. Contact Sue Rihn, Events
Committee Chairperson for the BMW Motorcycle
Owners of America.
August 7th-9th 2015
38th Annual Boone Rally
The Carolinas BMW Motorcycle Owners
Association invites you to join us again for the
38th Annual Boone Rally. The Rally is held each
year in the cool air at 4,000 ft. elevation in Boone,
NC. Motorcycle riders from every state and
Canada have enjoyed the best riding anywhere.
We welcome all Riders and All Brands and have
plenty of room for everyone! The Rally is also
known for People’s Choice awards for
classic/vintage motorcycles that are ridden in..
For more info see:
www.carolinasbmwmoa.org/annual-boone-rally/
The Sunday Social Gathering was small but the
conversation was good and showing the “new guy”
October 1-4, 2015
some of our world class roads was great. With a run
BMW Riders Association 2015 Rally
down to Hot Springs via Marshall for a stop at our
Harrison, AR
favorite riverside market and then looping back
The rally site is Boone County Fairgrounds. There through the TN side of the mountains made a day of
are hotels nearby and the park has excellent
great riding. Come out and enjoy the fun.
space for tent camping and RVs.
Ride the Serpent--in Arkansas. Save the Dates!
The Blue Ridge Breeze J u l y
President’s Message
By Jim McMains
July 2015
We had a nice turnout for
the June Non-Meeting Wild
Wings night. Thank you to
the Stewart family for
providing and serving
those wings, salads and
cookies that everyone
enjoyed, to John for
providing a nice assortment
of beverages, and to Steve for bringing in those
awesome pretzels and root beer from his Asheville
Hard Pretzel Company. As always...Thanks to
Thomas and the gang at Eurosport for providing us
the place to keep on enjoying these great evenings
together.
2015 P a g e | 3
July will see your club hosting a BBQ and Bike Night
instead of the regular meeting. We will be presenting a
check to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation that
night too from our fund raising ride. Volunteer
members will be giving of their time to make this a
great night for all, so if you would care to help out as
well, please contact our Special Events coordinator,
Linda Cox, through our website www.abmwr.org and
let her know you can help. There are many jobs to
make an event like this work and more hands will
make it that much easier - please don’t be shy, jump
in and lend a hand. We have other things on the
horizon and there is always room for you to be part of
making it happen so get your name on Linda’s list for
helpers.
The grill will be fired up for burgers and hotdogs and
we are hoping for a big bike turnout from members so
Perry can get some great photos for our social media.
There should be a nice club picture to post on our
great website from this event at www.abmwr.org.
I truly hope you are enjoying our great summer riding Please come on out in force and join in the evening’s
season and that you are getting in some quality riding. fun!
Weather has been pretty warm with periods of rain,
but it still isn’t too bad for riding. I know sometimes we Our Club Gatherings are still on schedule and going
may take for granted the fact that we live in an area
strong, so try and come out for one of those too!
with some of the best roads in the country. I get a
constant reminder of this by the fact that I see people See you down the road,
come here on vacation with their bikes to ride our
Ride Safe, Jim
roads. I have noticed it becoming more crowded each
year with tourists of all kinds. Please be mindful of the
uptick in population during this summer season and
stay safe while enjoying the roads. My goal is to not
take for granted this beautiful area I call home, and to
enjoy it to the fullest. I cannot think of a better way of
doing it than by riding and sharing that riding with my
Members of our club share many things in
fellow club members whenever possible, along with
common, including a love of riding, being
other non-riding activities. You are a big family to me
outdoors, a fondness for BMW motorcycles
and I appreciate having you.
regardless of type or age, and the
camaraderie of our sport. We are a social
I am pretty sure you all feel the same. I have seen
club, focused on riding, and take full
many friendships which have grown out of this club:
advantage of our area’s beautiful roads
riding partners and groups plus socializing without the
and scenery. Although our club is based in
riding. These are all positive signs that without this
North Carolina, membership and
club many of you probably wouldn’t have even met
participation from all surrounding areas are
and made these friends. A common interest breeds
encouraged. For membership information,
bonds and that is happening with the Asheville BMW
view our website at www.abmwr.org or
Riders. All good!
drop us a line at.
The ABMWR
Remember, there are a lot of folks out there that
would love to change places with us. They truly are
envious of us, the area we live in, and the lifestyles we
have. That makes me feel good for choosing this area
as home and belonging to this great club.
ABMWR
PO Box 5103
Asheville, NC 28813
The Blue Ridge Breeze
Summer has officially started now and the temperatures
are up. It’s definitely been riding weather and the traffic
here at the shop has picked up. This month we wanted to
give you some updates on some of the newest riding
apparel that could help make your rides much more
enjoyable, and as always, safer. I also wanted to highlight a
few demos that are available for everyone to test out that
are brand new models for 2015/16.
The first new Apparel item is an updated version of the
incredibly popular Badlands Jacket from Klim ($949.99$999.99). Any of you that are familiar with the previous
version know that it has a list of features almost as long as
this article. They have upgraded both smaller and larger
features of the jacket. The new version continues with the
3-Layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell material on the main body of
the jacket that reduces weight and provides optimal
weather protection & durability. This version also has
improved comfort and fit via many great changes. Some of
which are an improved collar for great flexibility, newer
zippers and pocket pulls, an improved design around the
wrist of the jacket, and most importantly multiple
improvements in the venting of jacket through updated side
chest ports and lower body vents. A significant update is in
the protection. The new Badlands includes the addition of
Ceramic coated SuperFabric in the impact areas. This
feature is also found on the top of the line Adventure Rally.
July 2015 Page | 4
The new Klim Apex jacket is also in stock and ready to go
($799.99-$849.99). This jacket was designed by Klim to be
the ultimate sport-touring jacket and with perforated Italian
leather overlays on the shoulders and elbows, well placed
3M reflective material, and a tailored sport fit, this jacket fits
the bill. It has the functionality to back up the claim as well.
This jacket also features a Gore-Tex 3-Layer Pro Shell for
fantastic weather proofing and durability. It comes with D3O
armor in the shoulders, elbows, and the back. Through its
four well placed vents, this jacket was designed to provide
exceptional venting on sport-touring motorcycles that
already provide some protection from the elements. Just
because you’ve got a big windshield, there’s no reason you
can’t stay cool and protected!
Another brand-new jacket from Klim that we have in a full
size run is the new Blade jacket ($499.99-$549.99). This is
the do-it-all jacket for riders with a tighter budget. Klim didn’t
skimp on the features in the jacket and it’s a great one to
keep around for everything from touring to commuting. It
features a highly breathable Gore-Tex 2 layer exterior so
the jacket can put up with any weather conditions. With
D3O armor over the shoulders, elbows, and back, and
some fantastic, well placed 3M reflective material this jacket
will keep you safe on your commute.
Continued on next page>>
The Blue Ridge Breeze J u l y
2015 P a g e | 5
Eurosport Continued…..
The Blade also features 5 different vents to keep you cool
on your Sunday 400-miler. With a great tailored fit it’s
comfortable and looks great too.
Now that Summer has officially started, the fully ventilated
jackets are coming out of the closet and seeing some use.
In the latter half of last year Klim introduced the new
Induction Jacket ($399.99-$439.99). The idea for this jacket
was ultimate comfort and airflow without sacrificing and
safety features. While fully ventilated and very comfortable
in warmer weather, the jacket features a Mil-Spec Klim
Karbonite mesh exterior and that is extremely abrasion and
tear-resistant. Along with Klim’s Rhino-Stitch construction
technology this jacket has a very safe and well-built
exterior. The jacket does feature a breathable moisturewicking liner to ensure you stay as comfortable as possible
on the hottest of days. This jacket, like most of Klim’s
offerings, includes D3O shoulder, elbow, and back
protection along with well-placed reflective material to keep
you safe. This particular jacket has a very articulated fit with
customizable arm and waist adjustment straps and a
“hip-length” cut.
Also in the realm of hot-weather riding, we are carrying a
full size of BMW’s Venting Jacket ($399.00-439.00). This is
a full textile jacket constructed from Titanium Mesh to
provide fantastic airflow and great abrasion resistance. The
Venting Jacket also includes removable elbow, shoulder,
and back protectors. The jacket has a large amount of
surface area dedicated to the high-flow mesh material to
keep you cool in high-temps. This jacket is also available in
different sizes and cuts specifically for men and women.
The women’s jacket has a noticeably more fitted cut while
the men’s jackets are more of a straight cut.
In the world of motorcycles, we’ve got some and exciting
things to share. We currently have an exciting fleet of
Demos for everyone to come ride and experience. Our fleet
currently features 3 of BMW’s newest models. We have the
New for 2015 S1000RR, the All-New and Upgraded 2015
R1200R featuring the fantastic “Water-Boxer,” and the
highly anticipated 2016 S1000XR. We can’t forget the rest
of the BMW Demo Lineup: 2015 BMW R1200GS, 2015
BMW R1200RT, & 2014 F700GS. We’ve also got some
great KTMs in the Demo Fleet experience: 2015 KTM 1290
SuperDuke, 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure, 2014 KTM 690
Duke, 2014 KTM 450 XC-W, & a 2015 KTM 350 XC-F.
There are also some rumors in the air that a demo KTM
390 and 1290 Super Adventure might be on the horizon.
Continued on next page>>
The Blue Ridge Breeze
July 2015 Page | 6
Eurosport Continued…..
If you’ve been wanting to experience any of these bikes,
now is the time to come check out all of the new offerings
and get a real feel for what you’ve been dreaming about.
We’ve also recently been lent some fantastic windscreens
from Aeroflow to demo for the newest R1200GS/GSA. If
you’ve been looking around for some better wind protection,
these windscreens have been proving to be a hit for the
customers that have tried them out.
Lastly but most definitely not least, we would like to formally
introduce our newest team member, Sherri. She officially
joined the ESA a couple of months ago, but we wanted to
make sure everybody knew who the new face around the
shop was. Sherri has spent some time in the motorcycle
community and industry as both a rider and a passionate
employee at other shops. Not to brag, but she moved all the
way from Charlotte to come work with our team here at
ESA to assist all of you! Sherri will be spending a lot of
time with Blair and Denise assisting with Parts and Apparel.
Don’t be alarmed when a new voice answers the phone,
Blair’s voice hasn’t changed, it’s just Sherri. :)
All of us here at ESA hope you have a wonderful July and
we hope that you’re able to get in some exciting trips while
the weather is nice. Just as a reminder, ESA will not be
th
open on July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Perry’s Photo Corner
Some Photo’s from our club photographer Perry Hebard.
The Blue Ridge Breeze J u l y
VP Report
By John Koenig
Hi Folks,
It’s really feeling like
Summer! Our club’s
activities have really
shifted into warm
weather mode
lately. Our monthly meetings have become
informal get-togethers, more laid back events
involving food, drink, and just hanging out
together. Very relaxing. In addition, our weekend
“Gatherings” are again having more attendees,
and often result in two or more choices of rides
afterward. That usually makes for a whole day of
socializing and riding.
Speaking of fun, laid back summer events, be
sure to join us this month on July 21st for an
evening of BBQ and Bikes. As part of the event,
Carolyn Ward of the BRP Foundation will be there
to receive the proceeds check from our
successful High Pass Boogie. Come to
Eurosport’s parking lot, where Stew will be firing
up the grill, and enjoy some food, drink,
camaraderie, and motorcycles. While you’re
at it, ride your most interesting steed to the event,
and give us a chance to check out some different
machines that evening. And as usual, it’s all free.
Just show up.
Summer also seems to be a time for swapping
bikes. So many of you club members that I talk
with are looking, considering, and then trading
theirs. Some I hear about are expected… logical
progressions. Others are a real surprise. Surely, it
keeps life interesting. I’m one of those riders that
has just traded one of my bikes this month (at
Eurosport, of course). As I was ordering my new
one, I recognized some names on the BMW
“build list.” My immediate thought was
“Everybody’s doing it!”
2015 P a g e | 7
In addition to a member roster, maybe what our
club should have next is a “bike registry” a list of
the models each member has at the present time.
It would help us keep tabs on what all of our
comrades are riding around on this year! That
being said, enjoy your summer riding whatever
scoots you may own, be they new or old.
Just ride ‘em.
As always, be safe, and enjoy…
John
Enjoy Summer Riding
July 2015 Page | 8
The Blue Ridge Breeze
By Linda Cox
Because my life is
usually planned out
with appointments,
schedules and
commitments, it was a
really nice change of
pace to attend a casual
Club meeting that displayed our members’
volunteerism and generosity! Many thanks to our
VP John Koenig and members Stew, Chris and
Adam Stewart for putting together an evening of
conversation and delicious supper in June.
Our website’s July calendar also has a few area
events listed. If you see more old Norton’s than
usual, you’re not dreaming! The International
Norton Owners Association is hosting their 2015
Rally in Swannanoa July 13-17.
August brings our annual Summer Picnic at
Elwood and Meg Miles’ home in north Asheville in
place of the 3rd Tuesday meeting. They have
been so kind to host the Club at their lovely,
park-like setting for 4 years running! This is
always a special treat and lots of fun, but does
require an RSVP no later than August 14th.
Please email abmwrevents@gmail.com with the
number attending (use “August Picnic” for the
message subject).
Also on the horizon this fall are a couples (and
riders) overnight get away and of course, the
holiday party! There are also suggestions for a
Twilight Escape to Pisgah Inn …
Any excuse to ride!
Linda
Thanks go out to our club photographer Perry
Hebard for the heads up about the 10th Annual
Antique Bikes on Main in Chesnee, SC on
Sunday July 26th. That’s a quick ride to enjoy
vintage bikes and racers, music, food and
vendors with no admission or parking charge.
Although I have to work that day, I’d rather be
gathering at Atlanta Bread with my friends for
coffee, then putting on my helmet if you know
what I mean…
Don’t forget the BBQ and Bikes night at Eurosport
on Tuesday July 21. There will be designated
bike parking and burgers and dogs, sides and
beverages for everyone. There’ll be a short break
from swapping stories to award our High Pass
Boogie donation to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Foundation and lots of random moto photo
opportunities.
Random Moto Photo
.
The Blue Ridge Breeze J u l y
Editor’s Ramblings
2015 P a g e | 9
Thinking Safe
By Gary Cox
Sights and Sounds
Scientists tell us that the
sense of smell is very
powerful in bring back
memories, and I believe this
is true. However the sight
and sound definitely are
very powerful when it comes
to gearheads, enough to
make us working folk pop our heads out of the cubical
when we hear that strange sound. Yes I have to admit
that I am a full on gearhead and everything from cars,
planes, trains, and motorcycles catch my attention.
That strange sound happened at work last week, and
made a couple of us pop up like the preverbal “prairie
dogs.” There it was distant but unmistakable, the sound
of a steam whistle. At first we thought it might have
been one of the local industrial plants but the whistle
sounded again and closer. This time without a doubt it
was the sound of a locomotive steam engine. With luck
my current office is directly across the street from the
train tracks. With coffee in hand all 4 of us in the office
moved outside to see what was coming down the tracks
and were not disappointed to see an old steam engine
pulling restored vintage passenger cars down the tracks
and at a pretty decent clip. The sight and sound of the
train brought back memories of walking the tracks near
my grandparents’ house and listening to them tell me
stories of the old steam trains pulling coal and lumber
past their house.
I am also lucky to have an office with a window, so that
anytime I hear a motorcycle, I briefly stop what I am
doing an see what type of bike is whizzing by the office. I
am also to be able to ride to work at least 3 out of 5 days
and have common to enjoy the sound of that boxer
engine firing up first thing in the morning and at the end
of the long day for the ride home. Plus the sight of my
R1200R sitting just outside my office window always
reminds me that I am going to enjoy my ride home
especially after a stressful day.
Have a safe summer and have fun riding,
Gary
This is a new section in which each month we hope to
publish one or two short ideas to make your
motorcycle riding safer and more enjoyable.
While riding and twisting through the turns is the
ultimate goal of riding, unfortunately we do have to
come to a stop from time to time. The times when we
are stopped on a motorcycle may actually be one of
the most vulnerable times when riding. So here is a
short list of things to remember to maximize safety.
Most of these are ideas that are common sense and
are taught in all the motorcycle skill and safety
programs.




Before coming to a complete stop remember
to gear down to 1st gear. This helps get you
ready to pull out and if something happens
behind you, a means of getting out of the way
quicker.
When stopped practice putting your right foot
down, allowing you to make sure the bike
really is in first gear.
Keep a watch in you mirrors for potential
dangers.
Stay far enough back form the vehicle in front
of you to keep a way out.
Last keep in mind that building skill throughout your
riding experience is the best way to remain safe, and
that we have access to one of the best training
program around in MotoMark 1. Contact Eurosport for
special discount code if planning on taking a class
from MotorMark 1.
Welcome New Members
Jerry Hornowski – Asheville, NC
Thom Murchie – Waynesville, NC
Karen
Turner – Waynesville, NC
Rob Rutledge - Biltmore Lake, NC
The Blue Ridge Breeze
J u l y 2 0 1 5 P a g e | 10
Club Merchandise
It’s Summer Sales Time! Come to a meeting
and find bargain club merchandise. There is a
rumor (?) that shirts and hats will be deeply
discounted while they last. Show your club spirit
and get a great bargain at the same time.
Discounts applied at purchases made on meeting
nights.
We have decals, hats and short and long sleeved
T-shirts. Ursula Skoug has club items at
meetings.
Shirts
Short Sleeve: $Bargain
Long Sleeve: $Bargain
Decals $1.00
Hats $15.00
Don’t forget to check out the club web site
http://www.abmwr.org/
There are many new photos and updates, including the calendar of events.
You can also join a Conversation Forum
The Blue Ridge Breeze J u l y
2015 P a g e | 11
The Blue Ridge Breeze
J u l y 2 0 1 5 P a g e | 12