Meeting Recap--January 31, 2015

The thermometer indicated 26 degrees the morning of our scheduled 2015 kick off meeting (our sixth) but that didn't keep eleven of us from attending. One, our stouthearted Larry came on his KLR, the rest of us by four wheel heated conveyance (rumor has it that Larry's hi-viz jacket generates its own heat).

Dan, our webmaster and interpreter of all things British, had promised to bring a surprise. Surprise it was. but not as planned. His recently restored vintage Royal Enfield that he hoped to surprise us with, started making gearbox noises part way to the meeting. With understandable caution Dan scrubbed the R/E ride and completed the trip to the meeting on four wheels. At least we got a photo:

Taking note of possible schedule conflicts with Straight Shooters and Valentine's Day the group pushed the February ride date to February 21st. They decided on a more local ride that takes in Red Top Mountain State Park, Etowah Mounds State Historic Site, Cooper's Furnace, Allatoona Pass Battlefield and a few unnamed places in east Bartow and west Cherokee. Details will be posted as the ride date approaches.

Steve Dotseth, a recent move-in to this area, joined us at the meeting. Steve is a long time rider with considerable experience on two wheels, including some time ice racing up north. He currently rides a BMW 650 single. Welcome Steve, we hope to see more of you.

We briefly discussed the pros and cons of winter riding. Dennis circulated a pair of battery powered heated gloves that might be just the thing for those not requiring the more elaborate jacket-glove heated clothing.

We viewed video clips of moto accidents collected from the Internet and attempted to analyze their causes. Most seemed avoidable. Hopefully we learn from other's mistakes.

The next meeting will be on February 28th, when we will set a ride (and camping) schedule for the Spring.