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Boxer Shorts, January, 2005 - 1 of 3

The Prez Sez

by Craig Cleasby

The Prez For every season, turn, turn, turn. There is a reason, turn, turn, turn.

One of the great things about living in New England is the change of seasons. The changing seasons allow for reflections in time. Even without a calendar to tell us it is a New Year, we are reminded by the change of seasons. The cool brisk autumn mornings alert us to the snow that is sure to arrive around the time of the Winter Solstice.

That first snowstorm allows us to reflect on the events of the past year and to dream about the opportunities of the New Year.

I would like to thank the officers who served the club this year. Outgoing officers are Kit Wise who served as President this past year and Treasurer last year, Dave Harmacek VP and Webmaster, and Bruce Ferguson as Secretary.

Kit guided the club through a difficult year. We had to find a new place for breakfast since the Colonial House changed hands. The level of participation in the Larz Anderson event was hotly debated amongst members and the motorcycle climate in Jamaica, VT turned cold way ahead of the calendar, leading to the relocation of the Wacky Hat campout.

By now you should have received the Yankee Beemer Blue Book.... and a mighty fine blue book it is. All the members, by last name, state, first name, and just about all the information anyone would want about all the individuals that make up this great club. Dave Harmacek and his wife Kathy did all the hard prep work, and Dana Lewis turned the information into the book you recently received. Dave also went out and secured the unobtrusive advertising in the Blue Book that greatly subsidized the cost of printing and mailing them. In addition to holding the VP position, Dave is also our Webmaster. His superb efforts as Webmaster make the YB web page a destination site, keep us informed of upcoming events, and provide a daily update of YB's in action.

Bruce Ferguson has graced the pages of The Boxer Shorts for the last three years with his humorous wit, filling our minds of minutes past and present. When I read his descriptions of the breakfast served at our monthly meetings, my mouth waters and my stomach growls! His most recent write up of Lorin's Fall Remembrance event was an excellent read, and given the time and space, would make a short story of which Louis L'Amore would be proud.

Maurice has agreed to remain as the Clubs treasurer for next year. Thanks to his efforts this year and next.

Rob Nye added two events this year, the Minuteman 1000 and the Green Mountain 400. Both events had sponsorship from Max BMW. If you didn't get a chance to try it in 2004, it is a lot of fun. Give it a shot in 2005.

Dana Lewis organized the best Damn Yankee rally yet! Fireworks, washtub band and members in stylish 60's vintage house coats and nice crisp autumn air (not too bad for August!).

We also saw the passing of Lorin Gowdy, a good friend and member. May he be riding the heavens on his new scoot.

The riding is going to be somewhat limited for the next few months. We will be using this time to plan and fine tune many of the events for 2005. If you haven't added Sta-Bil to your gas, now is the time. Add the required amount and ride the bike to mix it all together. Change the oil and filter, wash and wax it and put the Battery Tender on it (if you have a new BMW with the Exide Gel batteries, consult your local dealer for the correct tender).

All of the core events that have made this club so great will be returning this year, except for the Wild and Wooly Swap Meet. In addition, we will be adding some informal campouts, Track Days, at least one Maintenance Day, and more frequent rides or get-togethers. Rob is working on some dual sport rides and possibly classes as well. Stay tuned for more details.

In May, we will have our first core event, the Frosty Nuts campout. In June, we will save a campsite for you at our Pemi River Rally. This is held during Laconia Bike Week. Tell your family that this Father's Day, you are doing what the Father wants- Going to Laconia. Jeff Leavitt has been working out the details and it will be a great event. The location of the event is about 20 miles north of Laconia, close enough so you can take in the Weirs Beach craziness but removed enough so you are riding some nice roads in 5 minutes. If you haven't been in a few years you will be pleased to know that an in-ground pool is waiting to cool you down after a long hot ride. In addition, the restrooms and showers have recently been renovated. There is always a community fire and a band on Saturday night. Did you know that Laconia is the third largest attended motorcycle event in the US? Only Daytona and Sturgis are better attended. Mark it on the calendar now! June 16-18th, we will keep the bonfire burning, the coffee warm and the beer cold for you!

Two key items I would like you all to think about are:
1) Nominating a Road Captain from each of our members States. You know, the guy or gal you ride with that finds all the back roads that seem to weave and curve bypassing the traffic and the direct routes! I would like to appoint Road Captains at our February meeting.
2) Some nice camping locations and riding areas for our YB Lite events. Some place where the riding is great and camping less crowded. Contact me via the information in the Blue Book.

This is your club. I hope to guide it and make it even better, but I look forward to any input from any club member. Let's make 2005 the best year ever! See you all at the Holiday Party and before you know it the snows will melt, the rivers will rise and the spring rains will wash the salt and sand from the roads, letting us know that the season has turned to Riding Season!

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