The "New" Greater Hartford Chapter Newsletter

March 21, 2002

Hi Gang,

I'm sure you're thinking IT'S ABOUT TIME! Well, I've gotten the Sport bike out for a couple of short
rides during the teasing weather days so now I'm ready for it full tilt! It's been quite some time since you've heard from me and everyone's been busting me to get things rolling, so here it goes.
First things first! I'd like to welcome our newest members, Ken Trice from Tolland and Kyle Shaw from Vernon. Ken and his lovely family were DRAGGED into the club kicking and grinning during our trip to the motorcycle show in NY earlier this year. Ken hasn't purchased his new bike yet but he can't wait. Kyle contacted me via the internet link from the VOC with some maintenance questions about his new (to him) Virago. We got to meet him at Wendy's last night and didn't scare him off. It seems he's also an ice cream junky and should fit right in with our group. Welcome to both of you. 

The annual VOC membership renewals will be arriving soon. I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know of your renewal plans so I can update our records. Just drop me an e-mail or leave me a voice message when you renew.
As always we look forward to seeing ALL OUR MEMBERS and Friends at Wendy's Hamburgers
on Main St. in East Hartford any Wednesday night from about 6:30 to about 8:30. We are there year round for a discount dinner and just plain FUN and camaraderie. Remember...Your Chapter membership gets you a 10% discount at Wendy's. We've decided that our theme for rides this year will be "Ride for Ice Cream Anytime - Any Day". Pam has suggested that we go for a desert ride (ice cream) on some nice evenings after we eat. We all thought that was a good idea so be there early for dinner and come with us.

April 21st is the date for the MS Walk. Volunteers are needed for the West Hartford site. Please contact Pete & Eileen Ferrante or myself if you'd like to participate. MS is always very appreciative of our efforts and look forward to having us there every year.

I'm sure we'll be hearing from Enfield Motorsports any day now about the date of their annual
Spring Swap Meet (slash) Open House (slash) VOC gathering day. As soon as I hear I'll be sure to pass it on. They have a late model ('96 I think) Virago 750 for sale. Under 10,000 miles in good looking condition with some extras on it for around $3500. If anyone's interested contact Dan Ash at the shop. Update - The date is April 20th

May 4th - Annual Motorcycle Maintenance day at my house. This years group thing will be
changing fork oil. If you haven't done it in the past two years (or never) then plan to come over and get some help or learn how as well as have a good time. As always we'll help with any other maintenance you might require also.

Larry Dunn has volunteered to lead us on a tour to the Bridge of Flowers up in MA again. Since
he was so gracious to plan the ride last year for the women folk and then they ALL bowed out, we figured we'd do it again this year. The girls weren't satisfied with our description of the flowers we saw. I don't know why they couldn't envision them... Pink ones, Blue ones, Purple ones, Yellow ones, White ones...  Larry promised if he hurts his back again before leading another ride that we won't be able to tell and he'll have a grin from ear to ear. (Pam says he always looks like that when he's gritting his teeth). Larry will provide us with the schedule date. Update - The date is June 16 (Rain date June 23

June 2nd - Annual MS Bike Tour Escort- All over northern CT. This event doesn't fall on
Americade weekend this year so we're looking forward to having a good turnout of volunteers to help.  We need as many people as we can to help cover this run. It's a full day in the saddle and a great workout before taking off on a long trip. Contact me for details and to sign up.

June 4th - 9th - Americade - Lake George, NY. Our friendly motel owner has a friend with a
cottage for rent during Americade week. It sleeps 4 people and has a full kitchen and everything on Glen Lake. She wants a 4 night minimum at a price of $200 per night. If you haven't found a place to stay yet and would like to reserve it please call Joanna Monroe at 518-747-6936. Tell her you're friends of Bobbie
& Moe.

July 14th - Gillette Castle Picnic Run. That's right! The Castle will be open this year after a
two year renovation project. It'll be interesting to see the changes. Pack a picnic lunch and join us for a scenic ride and a good time.

August 7th - 11th - International VOC "Family Reunion" - Marion, ILL.
So far we've got quite a crowd planning on attending this years event. If you haven't made your
reservations or registration yet, please do it ASAP! The host hotel will fill up VERY quickly (if any rooms are still available) now that spring has arrived. Please send in your registrations as well because the reunion committee could use the operating capital to pay for items they have to order in advance. We know very well what's needed after hosting two of these ourselves. We look forward to this event every year and can't wait to see all our extended VOC "Family".

Well, that's all for now. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you ALL very soon.
Moe & Bobbie

Web page contact: Rich Yirga at ryirga@valinet.com